ONE Month away from "IT" :)

Holy. Cow. We're now ONE month away from "it", from The Big Day - and for some reason, it still doesn't feel real, but not being able to sleep last night because of the butterflies - I guess that makes it somewhat real. :)

I woke up, thinking this was going to be the last "Checklist" post - then I realized, if I updated you on everything we have left to do - we'd be here all day. For the last month of our wedding planning, we've got over 50 items that need cute, little checkmarks - therefore, to keep myself half-way sane, I'm breaking it into WEEKS. Can you believe I'm saying "WEEKS"?!

3-4 Weeks To Do:

1. Arrange parking for the reception. - Our invitation responses are due today, but we've given ourselves until the weekend. We're still looking for a handful of responses, and after that we'll determine if we need parking arrangements. Right now - I think we're good, especially knowing there are several groups that are driving together.

2. Order liquor, wine and/or champagne if they're not included in the catering contract. - Last week Mom and I picked and purchased the wine. We've chosen a red wine, white wine and (my favorite!) Black Cherry. Dad is trying to convince Mom that we might need one more case, but we're waiting to count the number of guests (over 21, of course). We have yet to purchase the beer - for one reason, and one reason only...the expiration date. We've finally hit the September dates, but we're hoping to find Octobers before we make the final purchase.

3. Grooms: Attend your bachelor party (and be sure to thank the best man afterwards). - I'll let Eric answer this one. If something is planned, they sure aren't telling me about it - and, really, I'm okay with that.

4. Finish and print ceremony programs. - I finally feel comfortable about printing these. However, with Eric starting classes (at Franklin College! Yay!) very soon, I shouldn't use all of our printer ink, or I'll be hearing about it.

5. Confirm wedding-night and honeymoon reservations. - Confirmed and ready to go! We haven't decided exactly how we'll get from the Omni back to Mom and Dad's house the day after, but we'll figure something out. As for the honeymoon, we're booked and ready to go! :)

6. Get marriage license. - Three little words that mean so much! I guess after we have this, it should feel real, right?!

7. Work on a list of "must-play" songs for the DJ. - As I mentioned last night, we put together a pretty good list, but still have room for more. As for the "must-play" songs, and I'm assuming we're talking about the First Dance, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son...done!

8. Wrap all gifts for the wedding party and write each attendant a nice note. - I'm not sure we have anything nice to say! Just kidding...but when it comes to the gifts, they're purchased. We're trying to think of creative wrapping for the groomsmen gifts, but it won't take us long.

9. Brides: Shop for all additional accessories like stockings, earrings, evening bag, etc. - Stockings?! I don't think so. My dress has enough detail that I'm pushing away from over-the-top accessories. Besides, the best accessory is my groom! I know, cheesy - right?! :) I've got my shoes and jewelry covered - and when it comes to an evening bag, not sure I'll need one - being at Laurel Hall for the entire night.

10. Have a follow-up meeting or phone call with the officiant to go over ceremony timing and details. - I've sent Judge Barton the ceremony structure for him to practice. But as far as talking about ceremony timing and details, we'll walk through it all at the rehearsal.

11. Discuss music with ceremony musicians and agree on final choices. - Our final choices have been determined, now I just need to follow-up with the flute musicians to confirm the rehearsal and ceremony times.

12. Pick up wedding rings and check the inscriptions before you leave the store. - Done.

13. Sit for your bridal portrait, if you decide to get one. - No thanks, we'll let Nicole do her thing on the actual wedding day.

14. Do paperwork for official documents if you are changing your name. - I don't even know where to begin with this! I do know that I'm waiting until we get back from our honeymoon to officially change it all. There really isn't a way to get my passport and driver's license changed in the few short days we have, to be ready to cruise. I've created a list of everything I use "Carrico" on, and it keeps growing.

15. Work out wedding day timing and details (who will get the bride there, where the wedding party will dress, etc.) and draw up a schedule. - I'm way ahead of you, Knot! I've drafted (on paper) a timeline and just need to make the final decisions. Scheduling around college football games is starting to get out of control.

16. Brides: Get final pre-wedding haircut, if necessary. - Done, that was two weeks ago. I've scheduled for a color the week of the wedding, but I'm considering this done.

17. Brides: Make sure you have your garter and "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue". - I've got my garter, something old (my mom's veil - not her bonnet, just her veil), something new (my dress, shoes, etc.), something borrowed (Mamaw's pearls) and something blue (UK bobby-pins, which will be hidden in my hair). Done! :)

18. Call or email the wedding party to relay critical info related to rehearsal and wedding (dates, times, directions, duties). - Anything and everything will be included on the "Wedding Weekend Timeline and Details" (yes, I've given it a name!). I will then email it to our entire wedding party, as well as have extra copies on hand the entire weekend. Detailed enough?

19. Brides: Pick up your gown. - It's been picked up for months. I'm waiting until almost the day before to have it steamed for the final touches. My dress is perfect!

20. Get a head start on those thank-you notes (it will feel great to get a batch out before the wedding). - Feel great or not, we aren't there yet. In fact, we haven't even purchased the thank-you cards!

21. Finalize any special preferences, readings, or other ceremony details (in writing) with your officiant. - Please refer to #10.

And, finally...

22. Prepare a must-have shot list for your photographer and videographer. - I've created a small list of group shots for Nicole to have, but I trust she'll know what to do. Our videographer - well, Nick is experienced enough, he'll know what to do! :)

I think we've got enough to keep ourselves busy for the next several days...what do you think?!

30 days, 13 hours, 6 minutes and 57 seconds