First Things First: The List

One thing we've found really helpful as we've been beginning to plan our wedding is The List.  A few days after The Proposal (so so nervous), we sat down together and compiled a list of the things we really, really needed in order to have a wedding.

We came up with four things.

1. Us.  (It seems pretty obvious, but we totally forgot this one for awhile...)
2. Other people, for two reasons: (a) to solemnize the occasion, and (b) to help celebrate our marriage.
3. Music, for one reason: DANCING!!!  (See also 2(b))
4. Alcohol, which (for some people) is a prerequisite for #3 (and therefore, #2(b)).*

That being said, we haven't exactly been consulting The List before making every decision -- but its real value, I think, is in helping us keep our priorities straight.  We didn't actually make a List of Things We Don't Need to Have a Wedding, but it would've included:

1. Stress.
2. Blotter paper included in our invitations (because what the (expletive) is blotter paper?!).

The List has helped us remember what we really need -- and avoid spending too much time on things that will cause something we really don't need: unnecessary stress.  Because who wants to kick off a marriage by living through months of stress, arguments, etc.?  

Your List

So think about making a Wedding List of your own, and try to limit it to the things you really, really need.  You might be surprised by what doesn't make The List -- things like a wedding planner, personalized party favors, a two-hour slide show at the reception, the most expensive venue in town, and that (expletive) blotter paper in the invitations.  And you might find that, really, planning a wedding can be a simple, beautiful process that actually brings you closer together.

And you might find yourself planning your own amazing(ly inexpensive) wedding.

* Side note: we definitely broke it down in the condiments aisle of our local grocery store yesterday while listening to The Fugees playing over the in-store PA system.  Sober.  So, alcohol may be sort of negotiable.  But somehow it seems very appropriate to have at least wine at a wedding -- even Jesus thinks so.