Lingering, Pestering, In Need of Solving

So, wow. Two months and a tiny bit of change to go. We've done SO much, but as we sit on the nerve-wracking and exciting end of July, there's still a lot more to accomplish before we say "I do." Here's what's left.

Rehearsal Dinner
We are in serious need of a walk through of the space. I need to spec out the colors of the walls and furnishings so I can confirm that our place cards will work. I also need to figure out where/how to set up the flat screen and computer/DVD for our slide show, whether we'll need a chalkboard easel with tables assignments + table card numbers or it the tables are close enough and visible to determine who sits where just by glancing across the room. I'm thinking the weekend of August 7th/8th is a good time for us to go--it would make me feel better!! I have the rehearsal dinner invites + postage. Just need to write them, stamp them, & send them out the door!!! Finally, need to confirm toasts during event.

Slide Show
Patrick and Stephanie have kindly agreed to create this, but Chris and I need to finalize our music and burn a CD, as well as send them all of our photographs electronically. I have many I'm picking through, but really need to get this done and also burn it to a CD!! Many of the photos need to be scanned, so I plan on camping out at Kinkos for a spell to accomplish this, unless Patrick and Steph will let me borrow their scanner!

Programs
So, we have our program covers, and they are LOVELY! I also have a draft of all the verbage minus all the Thank You blurbs we are writing for each guest. We are meeting with Nicholas on September 8th to review the program, and then we will need to finalize font color and paper and run 80 copies at Kinkos. We will also need to fold all the inserts, and attached via ribbon to the programs. I think we've decided that an expresso ribbon will work best with the lovely program covers, but I'm open to a lovely violet color, too.

Table Cards
So, I am fickle and I am bad, but I've had a change of heart about the table card frames I made a few weekends ago. My concern is that they're just too BIG. So, I have a new idea (!), and hope to post a blog entry about them soon, once I finish making them.

Lace Votives
These are nearly finished, but I ran out of the lovely lace with the girup I adore, so I had to adore more. I have votives for 5 tables finished, and 3 more to go. I also need to create 9 more for the cocktail bistro tables and several back ups.

Jam Jar Votives
DONE!!!!

Pie Favors
So, yeah. I think Mom's Apple Pie tartlets are just too BIG. The boxes are clunky, they drive me crazy, and the display issues are driving me crazy. I'm currently considering ordering SMALLER tarts from Heidleburg bakery, and getting SMALLER boxes to contain them so that we can present the favors AT the reception tables rather than cramming them into the front foyer of the dance hall. Ideally, I'd love the little tarts to be like 3 inches wide, and no bigger. I'll keep you posted. However, I have all the lace needed for decor, and still have our berry order with Judy.

Groomsmen, Man of Honor, Father of the Bride Neckties
So, we've made headway on this, but still need to finalize all the details. Chris found a lovely black Ralph Lauren suit at Men's Wearhouse that he really likes, and plans to schedule a fitting this afternoon and reserve suits for Matt McClinch, Bert, Bill, Matt Witting, Patrick, and my dad. The guys will be wearing ivory shirts (to complement my dress), and I will be finding matching lilac/violet patterned neckties for everyone. I think the black + violet patterned neckties + the black/brown fabric boutonnierres with lilac, berry, lavender sprigs will look adorable. It will pull in the colors of my and Jen's bouquets, the color of Jen's dress, and the ivory sheen of my dress.

Gifts for Wedding Party
Currently, I have Pat's gift and Jen's gift, but still need Somer's gift (so many to choose from!). Chris will be purchasing scotch and flasks for all members of the groom's party, and perhaps monogramed cigars as well. Finally, also need to find cards for parents, grandmothers, all helpful souls!!!

Hair & Makeup & Earrings & Nails
Have lots of ideas, but need to make up my mind, settle on the details. My dress fitting is August 6th, so after that, I will schedule a trial hair appointment at my salon in Leesburg, as well as a makeup consultation at MAC. Also need to finalize earrings accessory to go with wedding gown. Finally, need to stop chewing nails, find nail salon!!!

Guest Book Table
The details are pretty much finalized here, but we have a few lingering details: (1) whether or not the Well Wishes Jar needs labeling, or if we can just have an envelope marked "Words of Advice to Chris & Ally" in the jar, to help indicate what guests are supposed to do with their well wish cards once they've completed them! I'll have to play around this; (2) need to confirm placement of all object; (3) need to purchase pens.

Escort Cards + Tree Display + Sign
Need to make ALL of these leaves. I have the paper for leaves and blossoms, we just need to sit down and MAKE THEM. Ideally, we need to make them soon, as I need to get them to the calligrapher ASAP. The tree display should be fairly easy to make. I have ALL the branches, glassware, plus suspension supplies. Also plan to attach little decorative leaves to this. Finally, I need to purchase ribbon for the "Find Your Seat" sign. I've printed out all the little letters, just need to string them together!!!

Glassware for Judy
All of this is clean and ready to go. I just need to label everything for her. We have 8 quart mason jars for the reception tables, 3 pint mason jars for bistro tables in the gardens, & 1 quart mason jar + 1 pint mason jar + 1 milk jar for guest book table. Total = 14 pieces. Judy's supplies will also include twine ribbon, boutonnierre leaves, & boutonnierre ribbons. Also will include sample napkin concept + pie box to visualize berries.

Bathroom Decor
Have all supplies for the bathroom kits for men and ladies' restroom. Need to purchase fabric for sink skirts and chair cushions--but first need to measure the dimensions!!! Also need to determine if flowers will fit/are needed. Also need to purchase hand soap, perhaps towels.

Personalized Schedules
Need to create schedules/confirm with wedding party times for arrival and location on rehearsal and wedding day.

Finish ATrendy Logistics Document

Wine, Beer, Champagne
We have our beer selection. Still need to finalize wine and champagne. Need to purchase and deliver to Oatlands on rehearsal day.

Lighted Tree Branches
We're all set, just need to confirm, set up delivery, set-up date.