We got married on October 5th at the River Forest Country Club.
One of the most important things for us was finding the right venue. We went to a few venues before the RFCC but none of them had the right vibe. I typed in 'Medieval venue' on Google Images & saw a photo of the Great Hall at RFCC. I clicked the link & went to their website. Even though we're not members at RFCC, the coordinators worked with us to pull off our dream wedding. They catered the food too so that was 2 birds with 1 stone. #1 Lesson Learned: Don't let 'Members only' signs stop you from asking questions!
Another important part that made the day go smoothly was getting as much of the wedding 'stuff' to the venue in the days leading up to 'the day.' #2 Lesson Learned: If you don't need it on hand in the days leading up to 'the day,' figure out where you'll need 'it' the day of, & put it there. No point worrying about where things are if you can get them where they're supposed to be ahead of time!
We found Excel sheets to be REALLY helpful so far as who's doing what, where people are sitting & what they're eating, people's sizes for clothes, who's standing where during the ceremony, ...... the list goes on! #3 Lesson Learned: Excel is the best at keeping things straight!
I found letting the florist/day-of coordinator do her thing without asking too many questions was better than micromanaging (like I wanted to). #4 Lesson Learned: Let your vendors do their thing. They've been in the business far longer than you & know what they're doing. If they have questions, they'll ask you!
Not seeing each other was harder than I expected. We did stay together the night before but I didn't see him from when he dropped me off at the venue at 9am until our 1st look at 2;30. #5 Lesson Learned: Have people act as go between for you & your soon to be spouse. Other people can deal with most of the hassle without your guidance if you've planned well enough.
We were caught off guard by how many people we needed to provide lunch for on the big day. We got lunch for the bridal party but forgot the others who were there helping out early on. #6 Lesson Learned; Make sure you feed everyone who's there. Full tummies make happy helpers!
If you have something you want to include in your dress or bouquet from deceased family members, DO IT! I had a New Testament Bible both my Mom & her Mom walked down the aisle with tucked in my bouquet & a handkerchief Great-Great Grandma Hayes wrapped around the steams of the flowers. I wore a ring that had been my Grandma Hill's & her mother before her. I had a heart shaped pin that belonged to my Great Grandma Hayes, who I was very close to, pinned over my heart. #7 Lesson Learned: You can walk down the aisle with multiple generations backing you up (or include them some other way)!
We had a medieval/fantasy theme that we were able to hold on to from when he asked me to marry him, through the bridal showers, through the wedding, all the way to the Thank You cards. Our guests really got into the theme! 2/3 of the guests came in costumes & I heard those who didn't come in costumes saying they wished they had. #8 Lesson Learned: If you focus on your theme & put forth the effort, everyone will enjoy it!
I asked all sorts of people for their opinions & it paid off. Asking unmarried people what they think is okay. You don't have to only ask married people how to do things. Some of the best ideas came from people who'd never been in a wedding. #9 Lesson Learned: Don't limit yourself to asking only those who are married.
Remember, this is your day! Have fun & make memories. #10 Lesson Learned: Don't sweat the small stuff. Focus on the event & how it makes you feel. That's what will be important 20 or 50 years later!
If you need more help, write on my wall. All qustions welcome, most answered!
