Rainy Days

Usually by the time June rolls around in Texas, we are out of the rain and into the hot. We have been lulled into a sense of “It won’t rain” by two years of drought. There is an old saying in Texas. “If you don’t like the weather wait a few minutes. It will change.”
There are many brides this weekend that are scrambling to find an inside venue for their ceremony or wedding. Six months ago, while we were still in the midst of the drought and young brides were dreaming of outdoor weddings. Six months ago, rain was the farthest thing from their minds. Now there is flooding in much of North Texas. Now, to walk in the park is to slosh in the mud. Pretty white dresses won’t be white for long.
I received a frantic call from a mother earlier this week. They had not seen the chapel that I manage, but knew that we were a local place and hoped that we were free. Unfortunately, we were not free, but this brings up a good point for all weddings. HAVE A BACK UP PLAN. Even if you think there is no way something could go wrong, know what can be done if something does go wrong.
Interview several providers; even if you find the one you love on the first try. Let them know up front that you are not only looking for a first choice, but also back up choices. They will appreciate the chance to serve you and if they needed and free, will appreciate that you remembered them. My job is to try to foresee issues that may arise and head them off before they ruin a wedding. A bride can do this for herself, but must use patience to avoid becoming a bridezilla.

Blank Pages

A blank page.

I can talk all day long, but put a blank piece of paper in front of me and I tend to freeze up. I think it all comes back to honors classes in school and hearing, “This could have been a little tighter on the wording.” Or “Could you expand on that thought?” I understand that the teachers were pushing me so that I could become more. I became worried about putting thoughts on paper and someone judging my thoughts. So, I began to speak. Often times I will carry a voice recorder with me in the car and just talk to myself. I have an entire novel saved in recorded voice format. Someday, when I don’t have three kids to assign and check their schoolwork (they are home schooled), when I have a little more time, (yeah right) I will publish.
How does all of this relate to wedding planning?
Many times I will get a call. “I put off finding a caterer (florist, dress-yikes!!) How do I find someone now, a month before the wedding?”
While this may be a difficult situation, it can be done. The very first thing is to STOP procrastinating!! Sit down RIGHT NOW with that blank piece of paper. What do you have? What do you need? If you need a list to check off, find one on-line. There are many wedding websites that have free planning information. If you need help get it. Mom, sister, and best friend can be enlisted to help. Wedding coordinators are also a source to call upon. While a coordinator is not free, you do not need to be rich and famous to utilize a professional. The money that you save may well pay for her services. She is being paid for her time, which means that she is making the time for your wedding that you may not have.
At any rate, get a plan in place, seek help when needed, and most of all, enjoy your wedding.