So this is an incomplete list of some of the things it takes to to put on a wedding…
* decide to propose
* subtly learn ring and diamond preferences
* educate yourself on diamonds (its a major purchase, you know!)
* shop around for diamonds
* buy diamond
* shop for setting
* buy setting, have jeweler put the two together
* brainstorm creative ways to propose
* have none of those ways turn out right, so propose spur-of-the moment and try your best to make it romantic
* tell friends and family you are engaged
* celebrate
* dream about different wedding ideas
* decide how many people (and who) to stand for us
* ask people to stand for us
* explain to best friends that you wish fiance wanted more people to stand for her so you can include them to stand for you.
* select a wedding date
* pick a flower girl
* omit a ring bearer
* visit several potential wedding and reception venues
* talk to people at each one, inquiring prices, services, etc.
* pick a reception venue to rent, contact organizer, get all that in order
* talk to church about conducting ceremony
* shop for wedding dress (actually I had nothing to do with this)
* pray it doesn’t rain on wedding day
* meet with priest several times, discussing various issues of compatibility (including finances, family background, faith, sexuality, fidelity, forgiveness, children, etc.)
* discuss guest list
* decide we don’t need a videographer
* predict how many tables and chairs are needed
* research rental options (most decent options are 150 miles away)
* reserve tables and chairs (hoping it is enough)
* pray for no rain on wedding day
* ask local photo enthusiast to be official wedding photographer
* ask close friends who are photojournalists to be unofficial wedding photographers
* research table linen options
* bid on table linens on ebay
* lose auction
* purchase plates, glasses and flatware for 100-150 people
* research hotel options, including visiting every significant hotel in town, touring rooms, asking about discount pricing for group rates.
* decide on two hotel options (not happy about prices for either)
* nod head to fiancee’s flower selection
* research honeymoon options
* talk to travel agent
* research honeymoon options some more
* talk to travel agent
* research honeymoon options one last time
* book with travel agent
* research catering options
* hire caterer
* make bachelor party plans
* reserve vacation time with work
* research band/dj options
* hire dj after calling several people
* ask parents for money
* pray it doesn’t rain on wedding day
* research invitation wording
* research invitation costs
* decide invitations cost too much
* decide to make own invitations that include a photo
* shoot more than 200 frames of fruit for invitations in various lighting and compositional situations (I’m not kidding)
* research different types of paper
* order $120 worth of paper and envelopes (this is a lot cheaper than buying invitations)
* nod head to fiancee’s cake selection
* finalize guest list
* organize guest list in groups of who you think will come and who will not, worrying you have enough space.
* realize you don’t have addresses for 40% of the people on your guest list
* get addresses.
* create invites
* pray it doesn’t rain
* nod head to fiancee’s vail selection
* talk to reception alcohol manager
* visit reception venue
* lay out a table floor plan
* decide on menu with caterer
* pray it doesn’t rain on wedding day
* nod head to fiancee’s table decorating plan
* research venues for rehearsal dinner (actually it is going to be a barbeque)
* find that in February, both park shelters you want to reserve are already reserved
* compromise on rehearsal barbeque site
* nod head on fiancee’s cake topper selection
* get malt beverage license for rehearsal barbeque (oh yeah!)
* consider guest book options
* consider unity candle options
* forget to care
* nod head to fiancee’s shoe selection
* make own engagement photo for newspaper announcements
* type up newspaper announcements
* send announcement info to parents
* decide on readings for ceremony
* decide on music for ceremony
* decide on musicians for ceremony
* ask friends and family to perform music/sing at ceremony
* drink a beer
* shop for wedding bands
* pray it doesn’t rain on wedding day
* nod head to fiancee’s new drinking habits
* decide on tuxedo
* drink a beer
* create web site
* pray it doesn’t rain
* nod at fiancee.
And there is still so much more to do.
