Making a List

I think one of the best things a couple can do when beginning to plan a wedding is sit down and come up with a list of the most important things for that day. This list can be 3 or 5 things that are important but should be done apart from each other. Having the bride and groom create list separately allows for the couple to then come together and compare list. Many times the lists are very similar. For us this was also the case:

Phil:

1. Open Bar
2. Reception at a Hotel (we have a lot of out-of-town guests)
3. Throw a huge Party

Molly:

1. Make sure the Day is completely about us
2. Get married at the Red Church
3. Have the wedding at a Hotel
4. If I could sneak in a 4th it would be Open Bar

My feeling on these lists is that they are able to already give you a view to how the wedding is going to be set up. It can give you venue options, bar options and atmosphere options, as you can see above.

These list can also grow and evolve. Once Phil and I revealed our list we were able to start a conversation and then the lists began to grow and really form our wedding. We started a list of "Must Haves"

**Because of this list we were able to adapt a theme to the wedding--Vintage Academy Awards

1. Open Bar with Signature Drinks
2. Lobsters represented somehow (we have matching Lobster tattoos and this theme has bee constant throughout our relationship 
3. Popcorn Bar (Phil loves popcorn and movies)
4. Lemons (another symbol in our relationship)
5. Jasmine in Bride's bouquet

These list sparked more and more lists.

Now I will say that I am a list person to begin with but by creating these must have lists we are able to manage how much we need to get done and how long it will take us. With having a little over a year to plan the wedding from the time we got engaged, we are able to keep our eyes out for new ideas and watch for sales on things we want to buy (this is so important if you are paying for the wedding yourself).

I do know I can get little list crazy but I do think this is the best way to stay organized and make sure you get everything you want (and need) for your special day!