Planning from Afar

Here's my dilemma. I'm getting married in less than six months. I've never met our caterer, photographer, florist, baker, string trio, or band. I haven't tasted the food or heard the music (in person). I've never even spoken to our officiant. (I hope my mom has taken care of that!) I've visited our venue, but barely remember what it looks like. I've seen a picture of the tent and chairs I've put a downpayment on, but am really not even sure if they're what I want. I'm just hoping that the picnic tables available at our site are going to cut it for our outdoors reception...

It's a matter of logistics. I live precisely 2,573 miles away from my wedding site. I'm living in Oakland, California, but planning a magical wedding in the town where I grew up in Tennessee. I only have two weeks of vacation a year, and I intend to take one of those for my honeymoon (yay!). So basically, as they say in my hometown, "I'm up a creek without a paddle."


Don't get me wrong, there are MANY advantages to getting married in Tennessee instead of California. My family is there. My friends are there. The most gorgeous mountains in the world are there (I'm only a little biased). It will cost us probably a quarter of what a Bay Area wedding would cost. I'm not worried about vendors being booked or anything like that.

But every time I try to wrap my mind around how this is all going to work I go into panic mode! I'm still not even sure how I'm going to get my dress there, much less all of the decorating stuff I've gotten from former brides on Craigslist.org.

I'm making my one trip back home at the end of May, and I've already made a couple of appointments. I think now is the time to prioritize so I will leave with peace of mind that it's all going to work out.

1. Venue. Look at and picnic tables. Figure out where tent will go. Become best friends with venue management.
2. Meet Officiant. (Make sure we actually have one!)
3. Caterer. Decide on a menu. Pick out linens. Become best friends with owner of catering company.
4. Baker. Taste cakes. Decide on a design. Ask for sample to take home to share with fiance. :)
5. Photographer. Meet photographer. Make sure she's nice, responsible, and clean.
6. Rentals. Look at showroom and make any necessary changes to my order.
7. Attire. Find a professional to press my dress the week before the wedding! Double-check at the tux rental store to make sure the groom will be properly outfitted.
8. Bridesmaids Dresses. Help mom pick out the fabric so she can start making them (Eek!).
9. Bridal Shower. Attend it. Try to fit all the stuff into a suitcase, have it shipped, (or take back to the store and buy again in California?)
10. Hair and make up... Do a run-through with my hair stylist.

Is this too much for a week?