9 Weeks and Counting: The Wedding Countdown

What a week of minimal activity last week was! Yikes. We can thank the heatwave for that which royally messed up my week – but it’s ok, we had time built in for sudden issues!

If you’re new around here, the wedding is on 28th August in the UK, which means when this post goes live we are nine weeks from the big day. I currently live in the Netherlands, and am doing all of the planning and creating from here. Wish me luck!

If you missed the first post in this series – which listed out all the things I still needed to do – you can read my ten weeks and counting post here!

The Outfits

I listed them all out in week 10, so here’s an update on the progress since then!

The Bride’s Outfits

Overview: Making everything for myself.

Where I’m At:

• In the last week I cut out the final toile in a white woven fabric.
• I stroked my final fabric options lovingly.

Still To Do:

• Interface the third corset toile pieces.
• Sew the third corset toile.
• Fit the toile and adjust the pattern.
• Finalise my corset design once the toile is sewn and fitted.
• Decide the design of the ceremony skirt using the silk.
• Finalise the design of the evening skirt using the second fabric option.

If you want, read this to see what the original corset toile was like.

Bridesmaid & Maid of Honour Dresses

Overview: Bridesmaids are Sarah and Sophie and my maid of honour is US based Clio. Pattern used is the Magnolia pattern from Deer & Doe.

Where I’m At:

• Adjusted front and back of Sophie’s dress pattern.
• Transferred the changes from Sarah’s toile to the pattern pieces.
• Translated Clio’s measurements from Spanish to English.
• Selected the appropriate pattern size for Clio’s dress.
• Researched a variety of fabric options and narrowed it down to three possibilities.

Still To Do:

• Need to modify the sleeve pattern for Sophie’s dress.
• Trace off the longer sleeve option for Sarah’s dress (she didn’t like the shorter sleeve version).
• Trace off the pattern Clio.
• Work out how much fabric is needed.
• Order fabric.
• Order additional items: 3x zippers, elastic, bias tape?
• Prewash the fabric
• Sew Sophie’s dress
• Sew Sarah’s dress
• Sew Clio’s dress

Groom & Best Man Waistcoats

Overview: Making single breasted waistcoats for the groom and best man.

Where I’m At:

• Toile has been sewn and fitted for David’s waistcoat.
• Fit changes made to the pattern.
• Lining fabric has been pre-washed and ironed.
• Final fabric in hand and is gorgeous.

Still To Do:

• Grade the drafted pattern up or down for best man.
• Source buttons and back sliders for the waistcoats.
• Cut and sew David waistcoat.
• Cut and sew James waistcoat.

The Ties

Overview: 5 ties and 2 cravats for the men.

Where I’m At:

• No change from last week: Tie pattern is created and cravat pattern is located.

Still To Do:

• Source the fabric – I’ll likely be using the same as the bridesmaids dresses unless I go with linen.
• Stock up on interfacing for five ties.
• Sew five ties.
• Sew two cravats.

Usher Outfits

Overview: Purchasing outfits for three ushers.

Where I’m At:

• No change: Two of the three ushers have suits in hand.
• Organised my nephew to do a size check using my dad’s suit this coming week.

Still To Do:

• Purchase a suitable suit once the size check has happened.

The People Styling

Overview: Everyone should feel comfortable and at ease on the day.

Where I’m At:

• Having the second colour this weekend.
• Researched flower options for bouquets
• Booked a florist.
• Research shoes for me and have two possible options.

Still To Do (No change from last week):

• Schedule remaining appointments with stylist for cut and colour.
• Order the preferred shoes to do a size check.
• Decide how I want my hair to be styled on the day and whether it’s DIY-able: up, down or half and half?
• Chat with Clio, Sarah and Sophie on how they want their hair styled.
• Decide on my final ‘make up’ look – and whether I can do it myself.
• And again, the same for the girls’ makeup.
• Research shoes for me for Sophie, who hasn’t worn anything other than trainers and school shoes.
• Find cravat rings for the groom and best man.
• Finalise flowers needs with florist: 7 buttonholes, 1 bride bouquet, 3x bouquet or wrists for Clio, Sarah and Sophie.

The Wedding Ceremony

Overview: Church ceremony.

Where I’m At:

• Awaiting confirmation on special license.
• Updated wedding website with current parking information.

Still To Do:

• Decide flowers for the church.
• Confirm date and time for the rehearsal.
• Create an order of service?
• Get the order of service printed?

The Reception & Decor

Overview: 800 year old barn, sit down meal close family followed by an evening party for friends and family.

Where I’m At:

• Dad fed cakes today – yay!
• Final RSVPs for daytime confirmed.
• Printed some decor ideas for the tables.
• Researched how to make the cakes into a three tier situation.
• Listed the items I need to buy to make that happen.
• Finalised the table options with venue.
• Requested login info for the menu options .
• Paid second of three instalments to venue.
• Pressed the paper for the wedding moments book.
• Emailed the music company.

Still To Do:

• Design & print the wedding menu cards (will use the invitation as a guide).
• Finalise the evening menu with venue.
• Create the seating plan.
• Create the place names.
• Create table numbers.
• Decide table decorations.
• Create the welcome sign.
• Finalise the table decorations set up: photo to the venue and drop off the decor.
• Cover ideas and concertina bit for the wedding memory book.
• Marzipan and ice the cakes.

The Other Bits

Overview: There’s a few miscellaneous items that need organising that don’t fit into the above sections.

Where I’m At:

• Emailed some photographers about availability.
• Encouraged David to book his UK flight.
• Researched rings.
• Looked at accommodation options for night before wedding for Clio and Me.
• Sent off application to renew my drivers license.

Still To Do:

• Buy rings.
• A locket: a gift from my MIL to be, and intended so I can have a photo of my Ma with me on my special day.
• Book accommodation for night before wedding.
• Finalise church costs and pay.
• Transport to the church.
• Transport to the reception venue.

It’s slow progress – but hoping to scratch a lot off the list this coming week, as my other half will be away and the heatwave should have lessened.

The list will become more reduced and more granular as the big day gets closer – but I’d love to know your thoughts and suggestions!

Have a wonderful weekend!