8 Weeks and Counting: The Wedding Countdown

Today I have the first of my ‘hen nights’ – I think it’s known as the bachelorette party elsewhere? My friend Kayla has organised it and so today will be a no-work day as I need to prepare for it.

The past week has been full of wedding related activity, as I work through the extensive list for DIYing my own wedding.

If you’re new around here, the wedding is on 28th August in the UK, which means when this post goes live we are just eight 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 and my nine weeks and counting posts here!

The Completed Bits

• Invitations were DIYed and sent in April. RSVPs all in, and now the evening guests have received theirs.
• Cakes are made and maturing at my Dad’s.
• Groom suit sorted.
• Ushers suits are sorted.
• Father of the Bride suit sorted.

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:

• Got distracted and printed an entirely new corset pattern.
• Modified it with design details before realising I was procrastinating and set it aside.
• Sewed another toile of the original corset, in calico and not the planned white version.
• Fitted the toile and adjusted the pattern.
• Finalised my corset design sketch.
• Modified the corset pattern to have a hip extension.

Still To Do:

• Cut the absolute last toile with the hip extension bit in the dusky blue satin.
• Do fit check with the hip extension.
• Cut the coutil layer for real corset.
• Order new spiral steel boning.
• Sew the coutil layer.
• Order some suitable eyelets for the corset back.
• 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:

• Modified the sleeve pattern for Sophie’s dress.
• Traced off the longer sleeve option for Sarah’s dress.
• Traced off the full pattern for Clio.
• Worked out how much fabric is needed.
• Located elastic for sleeves.

Still To Do:

• Order the final fabric.
• Order 3 invisible zippers.
• Order bias tape.
• Prewash the fabric when it arrives.
• Sew Sophie’s dress.
• Sew Sarah’s dress.
• Sew Clio’s dress.

Groom & Best Man Waistcoats

Overview: Making single breasted waistcoats for the groom (David) and best man (James).

Where I’m At:

• Digitised and graded the drafted pattern to fit James.
• Decided on the construction plan for each (they’ll differ).
• Cut David waistcoat front out.

Still To Do:

• Cut lining for David’s waistcoat.
• Cut James’ waistcoat.
• Source buttons and back sliders for the waistcoats.
• Sew David waistcoat.
• Sew James waistcoat.

The Ties

Overview: 5 ties and 2 cravats for the men.

Where I’m At:

• Interfacing is in hand.

Still To Do:

• Source the fabric – I’ll likely be using the same as the bridesmaids dresses unless I go with linen.
• Sew five ties.
• Sew two cravats.
• Potentially buy all ties if time runs short.

Usher Outfits

Overview: Outfits for three ushers.

Where I’m At:

• Three of the three ushers now have suits in hand. And they look very smart!

Still To Do:

• Get shoes organised for Alfie.

The People Styling

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

Where I’m At:

• The second colour happened – not sure I like it.
• Scheduled the final appointment with stylist for cut and colour.
• Researched possible options for hair on the day.

Still To Do (No change from last week):

• Order a pair of shoes for me.
• Do a practice of I want my hair to be styled on the day.
• 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 Sophie.
• 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.

Still To Do:

• Design an order of service.
• Decide flowers for the church.
• Confirm date and time for the rehearsal.
• 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:

• Finalise the evening menu with venue.
• Email contact with the evening music.

Still To Do:

• Design & print the wedding menu cards (will use the invitation as a guide).
• 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.

Still To Do:

• Send off application to renew my drivers license.
• Buy rings.
• Look at accommodation options for night/s before wedding for Clio and Me.
• 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!