As of tomorrow we are 11 days away!! Some thoughts throughout the months of planning for new and current brides

We've been engaged since January 2018, literally have been planning since then because although we already knew we wanted to get married nothing was set in stone until that surreal moment. Within 3 months I found my dress and within 5 months, found and booked a venue. Within 6 months my dress had it's bustle, thankfully no alterations and my change-to dress was taken in half an inch and ready to go, also found an amazing baker, HMUA and florist. The girls dresses were changed two or three times within that time span, but the good thing is...we had time.

Within the first 7-8 months of planning there was definitely drama, chaos, negativity and everything in between. There were significant financial changes and so much stress, I honestly didn't know how far into planning we'd make it. But through all of that there is a small genuine crowd cheering us on who have helped us immensely along the way to stay strong.

Within 10 months, save the dates and invitations were chosen. I had already been accumulating many decorations and materials needed by budgeting and literally buying everything on clearance, 50-60% off sales and coupons. We've saved a good $3,000 doing things this way and do everything with time. Time waits for no one and this is something that can definitely teach you time management. It's something I've always been good at but it shows you different aspects and how important it is.

12-15 months into planning, we at some point made time for engagement pictures, while coping with my grandmothers passing and more financial hardships. Cutting extra costs and leaving out extra decorations that weren't necessary which I know can be very difficult to decide but in the long run it saves you so much. Having an outline of what you need and how you will use it can help you on impulsively spending. For example, I was going to do personalized M&Ms because Groupon had a $45 dollar voucher for a $100 value on personalized items. That's not including the favor boxes which I bought at half price (for $2.99 vs $5) and 18 came per pack, I believe I bought 5. Those personalized candies added to $114 and some change, that $45 voucher only covered $100 not including the remaining balance and shipping which would've been $25 or so in total. Right there that's over $80. Instead I bought 8 packs of butter mints at hobby lobby, $3.99 per pack of about 55, each box for the most part except for like 7-8 have 5 candies which I believe is a good amount, that came out to about $32 instead of $80+. I was going to buy 1000 roll of thank you stickers on Amazon for $6.99 to put on the boxes. For what?! It's going to the garbage! And when am I going to use thank you stickers again lol you can on cards or something but personally I had no use after.

Here we are just two weeks away and finally the venue, Florist and baker are paid. All that's left is the final balance for the photographer, FHs suit and the remaining balance to the HMUA. I made my 5 DIY centerpieces about three months ago, I finished our mini tissue boxes and favor boxes two weeks ago. And I know how hard it is to stop yourself and not get caught up, sometimes you'll have help and sometimes you won't. We had our final meeting with the venue yesterday, Saturday, we sorted out any issues like the table arrangements and payments because they did over charge me. It's important to keep track of ALL payments by date and keep an eye on your accounts and keep receipts in one place related to the wedding! Use folders, etc. Things happen, sketchy or not... But just cover yourselves lol

After all this planning, I'm ready to get it over with because I'm tired of planning😂😂😂 I just want to have a good time and move on with marriage.

Stay strong, spend smart, give yourselves time because it's the least of what we have, stay positive and remember, if it's not as planned it's not the end of the world lol. I've learned that heavily these last couple of months! The goal is to get married!