My First Wedding Freak-Out!

My First Wedding Freak-Out!

March 18th, 2009 @ 3:22 pm by Mrs. Joey

I had my first wedding-related freak out. There was minor swearing, massive amounts to emails to members of my committee, and lots asking myself, “Why, oh why?!”

I found out today that the annual Seafair weekend is the same weekend as our wedding. What is Seafair, you ask? Well, for those of you not familiar with this ancient Seattle tradition, Seafair weekend is when the annual hydroplane Chevrolet Cup race and Blue Angels air show occur on and over Lake Washington in the heart of the greater Seattle area.

This wouldn’t be such a huge deal except for the fact that our wedding is at 10 AM across the lake from Seattle in Sammamish, and the reception is in Seattle at noon. Traffic across the bridge during Seafair weekend is always horrible. Actually, traffic all over Seattle is usually so bad, so we try to leave town for Seafair. I would try to change the time of the ceremony or even the site of it, but of course, our invitations have already been printed. I can’t believe I didn’t even think about Seafair!

This also means hotels and flights into Seattle will cost a lot more. I can’t change the date or the time of the reception, but now what am I going to do about the ceremony? Mr. Joey thinks even with traffic we’ll be OK, but I’m not so sure.

Here are the precautionary changes I’m thinking about making:

Originally we were going to do our couple and wedding party pictures before the ceremony, and family pictures after, but now we’re thinking of asking everyone to show up 30 to 45 prior to the ceremony to do pictures.
Move the ceremony up 30 to 45 minutes. Even thought the invitations are printed, we could include a printed card noting the revised time and reason.
Rent a bus to ensure everyone gets to Seattle together. My only worry is that if the bus leaves late, then everyone is late to the reception.

I’m considering all three options, though option number 2 is a last resort. I’ve emailed the Seafair organizers to ask about the bridge situation and traffic.

What do you think I should do? What would you do?

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33 Responses to “My First Wedding Freak-Out!”

Member

FutureMrsMorgan (message) 417 posts, Helper bee

I like the bus idea. Maybe mention it on your website so people know to allow plenty of time for traffic.

3/18/09 @ 3:28 pm (reply)

Member

ES123 (message) 1,024 posts, Bumble bee

I like the pictures idea. Only the closest people to you have to change their plans.

3/18/09 @ 3:32 pm (reply)

Hostess

suzanno (message) 2,694 posts, Sugar bee

I feel your pain. We have our own hydroplane races in the Tri-Cities (The Columbia Cup) and it is impossible to get a hotel room that weekend, and trying to get from town to town is just a zoo. Because we had a lot of guest from out of town, we blocked that weekend off our schedule right away - wouldn’t even consider it. I don’t have any suggestions about the drive. It will be awful, but I can’t imagine it would be much longer than an hour. And I would hesitate to go with the bus - if I’m going to be trapped in traffic for an hour, I’d rather it be in my own car. I would just warn guests, so they don’t think they have all the time in the world, and decide to stop for coffee or something. I would definately do your photos before the ceremony, so that you don’t end up being horrendously late to your own reception. On the hotel front, make sure that you do warn them that they will really need to make reservations early because of the event. I think people think of Seattle as having an unlimited supply of hotel rooms, but that’s realy not the case for popular areas of town on even weekends. You don’t want all your guests ending up out by the airport because they can’t find anything better.

3/18/09 @ 3:35 pm (reply)

Member

Amber1279 (message) 316 posts, Helper bee

I think #1 & 3 are options you should do. If everyone is on the bus and everyone shows up late at least you will all be together LOL.

3/18/09 @ 3:36 pm (reply)

Member

jessieann84@gmail.com (message) 13 posts, Newbee

i would rent a bus like you said. I think that alteast if it was late everyone would be late, not just some of the guest… and give people the option of taking the bus or going in their own car but letting them know it will be busy!

3/18/09 @ 3:38 pm (reply)

Guest

jinx2

the bus option is what i would do. at least if people are late, they’ll all be late together so it wouldn’t be too big a deal.

also, is your wedding the same day the blue angels come? don’t forget that I-90 is closed off when they do their practices and during their actual performance. not sure if they close 520. =\

3/18/09 @ 3:40 pm (reply)

Member

Emilydll (message) 428 posts, Helper bee

I’m so sorry Miss Joey! I’m sure everything will work out just fine!
If it’s in your budget I’d probably rent the bus.
We recently had to change our venue because our first one is closing, the new venue is 30 minutes from all hotels so we’re providing transportation.

3/18/09 @ 3:43 pm (reply)

Member

MerryC (message) 99 posts, Worker bee

I like option number 1, just moving your pictures up. Most people in the pictures shouldn’t mind a relatively small time change.

I would worry about the bus option, because then you either leave people stranded downtown, or you have to run the bus back to the east side multiple times to get guests back to their cars after the reception. Seems like a lot of work.

Having lived in Redmond for 2 years, I know how crazy traffic can be getting downtown, even on a normal day. I’d just make a small card to add to your invites, mentioning Seafair and it’s complications, and directions over both bridges.

I know this sounds dorky, but you could even have someone set up a laptop at the ceremony with a WSDOT flowmap so you can direct guests to the most efficient route based on traffic after the ceremony. (Since there can often be a time huge difference between the 90 and 520)

3/18/09 @ 3:47 pm (reply)

Guest

Rachel

I have no good advice about the traffic - sorry!

But I will say that my parents happened to get married in Seattle on a day when the Blue Angels were flying and it ended up being a fun memory for everyone - I don’t think any of the guests ever forgot it!

3/18/09 @ 4:03 pm (reply)

10.

Bee

Miss Peep Toe (message) 1,610 posts, Bumble bee

Oh, no. Seafair weekend is a mad house. But I agree with what Merry C said- include a card in your invite about Seafair. Also, ask your family to be an hour early!! And I really like the idea of setting up a WSDOT map!!

3/18/09 @ 4:04 pm (reply)

11.

Member

lwillia58 (message) 130 posts, Blushing bee

I vote for option #1

3/18/09 @ 4:14 pm (reply)

12.

Member

Clover (message) 65 posts, Worker bee

I think the ideas of #1 and #3 will really help to ease the stress that you or your guests may feel. If you can get as many photos done before the ceremony as possible you’ll have more leeway afterwards.

Also, the bus idea is great, your guests won’t have to deal with the traffic, confusion or being late on their own.

3/18/09 @ 4:25 pm (reply)

13.

Member

rachspiegel (message) 15 posts, Newbee

Oh, do I ever feel your pain. Every year Baltimore’s race for the cure is held downtown. 2007 was the first year it was held in the northwestern suburbs. Directly across the street from our wedding. 20,000 people running a 10k around our wedding site! It was announced after all our details were finalized.

Much like your situation, there was absolutely nothing we could do. We worked around it. We had our vendors leave earlier to account for traffic, emailed everyone maps with road closures, which I would recommend.

One word of warning, the officials you speak to might tell you things won’t be that bad, they will let your cars through, etc., etc…. don’t listen to them! Chances are that as they get closer to the event they won’t be so accommodating.

Prepare for the worst. I think the idea of providing a bus for everyone is fantastic. It will guarantee that everyone gets there at the same time and will prevent all of your guests from stressing about traffic. Good luck and try not to stress!

3/18/09 @ 4:26 pm (reply)

14.

Bee

Mrs. Cherry Pie (message) 687 posts, Busy bee

Don’t they sometimes close one of the bridges during the hydroplane races? Just make sure you check this out beforehand.

I’d rent buses… that way people won’t have to deal with traffic frustrations and can relax.

3/18/09 @ 4:27 pm (reply)

15.

Guest

peachypear

We ran into a similar situation. I altered all our guests, but forgot to plan for myself. I didn’t realize that the event was in between the salon where my MOH and I had our makeup/hair done and the hotel where we were going to get dressed… We were caught in traffic for 45 minutes. Yes, 45 minutes. If I had thought ahead, I could have diverted our route around the event instead of driving straight through.

None of our family or guests had any problems. It was really embarrassing to be so late to my own wedding. Thankfully, we made up time with the photos and started the ceremony on time - but we were so rushed and frazzled that the photos really weren’t as good as they should have been.

3/18/09 @ 4:36 pm (reply)

16.

Member

doublemint921 (message) 489 posts, Helper bee

If it were me I would try and do #1 and #3. That way you have more cushion time and everyone will be together. You won’t have to worry about lost and frustrated guests. If they are a little late no big deal because once people show up instant party… none of that first few guest awkwardly waiting for more to show up! Good Luck!

3/18/09 @ 4:41 pm (reply)

17.

Bee

frenchbulldog (message) 5,956 posts, Bee Keeper

Oh No, I’m sorry :-/ But also agree w/ Merry C, those sounds like good solutions

3/18/09 @ 4:43 pm (reply)

18.

Bee

Miss Bruschetta (message) 5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

Are you locked into a hotel room block so your guests can easily get a cheaper rate? I’m sorry you have to deal with this!

3/18/09 @ 4:53 pm (reply)

19.

Guest

#1 & #3 sound good. But ask your family to come 1 hour before the ceremony. Then you can make sure all photos are taken and ensure that the ceremony starts right on time. Then stick to a certain length for your ceremony, allowing the largest time window you can to get people to the reception. Just have the buses pick people up and drop them off at the hotel. No one has to worry about driving and they won’t be frustrated by the traffic. They can relax and enjoy the day.

3/18/09 @ 4:57 pm (reply)

20.

Guest

sleepyapollo

i totally feel your pain… i’m getting married that weekend as well!

here’s info about bridge closures that weekend:

http://www.seafair.com/events/airshow/bridgeclosure.asp

3/18/09 @ 5:21 pm (reply)

21.

Member

caeebe (message) 37 posts, Newbee

I’m so sorry, I noticed when I was planning my Seattle wedding this winter that Seafair weekend was still available at several venues. I ended up choosing to have my wedding at the Center for Urban Horticulture (nearly next door to Husky Stadium) the same day as a Husky football game. I don’t know what time the game will be. Apparently they don’t announce this until a few weeks before the game since it is early in the season. I will probably have to deal with most of the roads that lead toward my venue being closed and/or cheering during my outdoor ceremony. I hope I can find out the time of the game before I print my invitations but it is unlikely. I prefer option 1 or 2 of your fixes.

3/18/09 @ 5:26 pm (reply)

22.

Hostess

Mrs. DG (message) 3,986 posts, Honey bee

I think they do close the bridges during the Blue Angels exhibition. Hopefully the timing of your events do not coincide with that, and you can work around it.

3/18/09 @ 5:29 pm (reply)

23.

Hostess

Mrs. DG (message) 3,986 posts, Honey bee

Oops, I hadn’t noticed sleepy apollos post. Sorry that I can’t delete the above… but hopefully you’ll be using 520 and not 90

3/18/09 @ 5:31 pm (reply)

24.

Bee

Miss Joey (message) 822 posts, Busy bee

@doctorgirl: We can use 520. 90 is closer to school but 520 is closer to the reception site

3/18/09 @ 5:45 pm (reply)

25.

Guest

LPC

I think as long as you put a plan in place so that you can reduce uncertainty you will be OK. You just don’t want to be worrying about what’s going to happen. Any plan will probably be fine.

3/18/09 @ 6:23 pm (reply)

26.

Bee

Miss Gloss (message) 1,019 posts, Bumble bee

Sorry! At least your freak-out is justified!!

3/18/09 @ 7:09 pm (reply)

27.

Guest

marina

Have you looked into hiring a police escort? I am not sure what the rules are in different cities/states, but people in New Orleans do this all the time. Helps zip right through traffic

3/18/09 @ 8:39 pm (reply)

28.

Member

MarryingtheNavy (message) 228 posts, Helper bee

Oh I’m sorry you’re having this headache! I can’t offer any solutions, but the tiny (teeny tiny) bright side is that at least you found out with enough time to come up with some plans! If I were a guest, I think I’d appreciate the option of the bus best, especially if I was not familiar with the area.

3/18/09 @ 8:44 pm (reply)

29.

Bee

Miss Glitter (message) 874 posts, Busy bee

That’s not good! I agree with Peep, Merry C, and others. Sorry you have to deal with this!!!

3/18/09 @ 8:44 pm (reply)

30.

Member

missbean (message) 528 posts, Busy bee

It’s always frustrating when things like that happen… but at least there is a solution! I think the bus idea is best as well as trying to do pictures beforehand if you’re really concerned.

Good luck!

3/18/09 @ 9:29 pm (reply)

31.

Bee

Miss Joey (message) 822 posts, Busy bee

We heard from the Seafair organizers that they are closing the bridge @ 12:45pm. Our ceremony starts at 10am. I think that if everyone leaves right after the ceremony, we should be OK. I think we’re going to do all pictures before the wedding though.

@MerryC: I think we’re going to do the WSDOT map. Thanks for the suggestion!

At least we figured it out 5 months before the wedding instead of 5 days before!

3/18/09 @ 11:25 pm (reply)

32.

Member

Crash (message) 378 posts, Helper bee

Oh, I’m so sorry about that hangup! We tried to book our wedding that weekend but since we ended up choosing a boat there was no way and I think its for the best. Even if 90 isn’t closed yet 520 will be bad, so I’d get a bus and utilize that 3+ person carpool lane. I think including an extra little card in your invites to warn people would be a great idea too.

3/19/09 @ 2:56 pm (reply)

33.

Guest

Wiggs (The Beholder)

Gah! I’m getting married the weekend before Seafair in downtown - you know, during the TORCHLIGHT PARADE where they CLOSE FOURTH AVENUE?! Yeah.

But here’s what I’m telling myself: the locals will know ways around it. They’ll be able to make it from Point A to Point B. And the out-of-towners? Well…it’s not like they’re going to get frustrated and head to the airport and fly home instead of coming to my wedding.

If you’ve got a bus in your budget, then by all means - that could be a fun little trip for your guests. If not, though, no worries.

We also decided to have our wedding a bit earlier than we anticipated - at 3:30 instead of 4:30. If you feel comfortable changing your time, then do it! But if not…never fear; they’ll figure it out. Nobody’s going to have a bad time at your wedding just because traffic was stinky.

(Another thought - could you look into hotels that are on the same side of the water as your venue, so guests could avoid the congested freeways?)

3/19/09 @ 6:46 pm (reply)