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Ms. Potato Chips, Boston/Narragansett RI Age and Occupation: 29, PhD Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Personal Trainer/Business Owner/Physical Therapy Assistant Engagement Date: January 1, 2009 Wedding Date: June 2010 Venue: The Narragansett Towers About Me: A semi-professional bookworm, if I could be a literary character I’d be a cross between Jo March and Jane Eyre, only better accessorized and much lazier. My hobbies include sleeping in, seasonal brews, running, Trader Joe’s, and watching Unwrapped and Good Eats with Mr. Potato Chips. I harbor an irrational fear of tulle, crafts, things that are fussy, and overuse of the phrase "Your Special Day". After a year or seven together, down the aisle we go, slouching toward adulthood and planning a Rhodie party with equal parts whimsy, cheer, and pizza.
About Ms Potato Chips

Ms. P.Chips Vs. Sand Worm

October 1st, 2009 @ 4:38 pm by Ms Potato Chips

You know in Beetle Juice, when the couple can’t leave their house or they’ll be engulfed by a sand monster, freak windstorm, and rapidly disappearing landscape? That’s how I felt about planning weddings. It’s like, holy crap—I am not leaving my front doorstep. I’m going to stay in here and bury my nose in a book and forage for cookie crumbs and watch Daisy of Love Tour Bus IV, and maybe our wedding will somehow come together on its own. Maybe all I can hope for is the wedding not to eat me alive. (What is wrong with me?? I have no idea.)

sandworm

Source

But no one can stay trapped in their house forever, right? So, soon after our engagement, Mr. Potato Head & I spent a Sunday afternoon (oh, fine, it was a Saturday night!) at our local mega-bookstore, where we stood stupefied in front of the wedding section (it has its own section?!), selected an armful of planners, guides, and magazines that we had no intention of buying, and plopped ourselves down at a table, ready to throw down some serious wedding knowledge.

Two cups of coffee and a snickerdoodle later, I was starting to hyperventilate.

Information overload! So many books! So much advice, given from so many people! Bargains and templates and vendors and place cards, oh my! Recognizing my growing anxiety, Mr. PH whisked away the books and assured me we didn’t have to make all the wedding decisions right at that moment.

I spent the rest of the evening happily reading cookbooks.

I guess it’s evident that I was never the girl who dreamed about her wedding. I didn’t think of weddings at all until I met Mr. Potato Head, and even then it was always a “someday” event, like, “Someday I’ll write a novel. Someday I’ll buy a house. Someday we’ll get married”.

When “someday” turned into “next June”, I did not fall prettily into the role of planner and bride-to-be. Instead, I panicked, did a bit of hiding, confirmed that Mr. PH would be equally involved (he is), and sought out my married friends for a whole bunch of help. Sure, we could’ve eloped, but after seven years together we actually wanted the whole shebang, the day and the lead-up to it, the celebration with family and friends, all together in one place. We just didn’t know where to start.

Surely I’m not alone here. Were you also overwhelmed at the idea of wedding planning? How did you sort through the profusion of information out there? Would you put your money on the Chipz or that nasty Sand Worm? It’s okay, I won’t be offended if you choose the worm. He’s pretty feisty.

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43 Responses to “Ms. P.Chips Vs. Sand Worm”

1.
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Bee
Mrs. Bruschetta (message)  5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

Oh, Chipster, I put my money on you! I’m sure we all felt totally overwhelmed at some point during the planning journey. (I know I did, and my BIL must have, because he accidentally referred to his engagement as “this whole ordeal” during a toast to his wedding guests at his RD!)

 
2.
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Member
CHK (message)  399 posts, Helper bee

I am Right. There. With. You. to the point that it suprises the hell out of me that I’m getting married before 35 years old (I’ll be 27, he’ll be 32).

I did the exact same thing at a Barnes and Noble, and after a half an hour I was so overwhelmed she pulled me over to a bar across the street before I freaked out.

I can tell you the details I want in our house; I’ve been dreaming of building a hosue since I was 10. But a wedding? I kinda started thinking about that about 8 months ago, and now I have 10 months to plan one and it freaks me out too.

I’m here with you. Freaking out, and procrastinating on it!

 
3.
Champagne Wishes
Member
Champagne Wishes (message)  486 posts, Helper bee

YES. YES. YES! I had had the same reaction and told the Mister that we are a team for life and that includes our wedding!
I can’t wait to read more about your planning Miss PC!!

 
4.
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Bee
Miss Dachshund (message)  487 posts, Helper bee

I still am, to be completely honest. There’s so much to do and time is going by at lightning speed. It’s scary!

 
5.
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Member
missvintage (message)  157 posts, Blushing bee

I could not agree more. I also have that overwhelmed feeling when I look at too many wedding blogs! However, Weddingbee never makes me panic, which is why I keep coming back.

 
6.
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Member
CHK (message)  399 posts, Helper bee

@CHK: I need to edit that I was at Barnes and Noble with a friend. SHE pulled me across the street to the bar. My FI wasn’t with us… (but had to come get us. Seriously, that’s how freaked out I was).

 
7.
Miss_Carmel
Member
Miss_Carmel (message)  317 posts, Helper bee

The further I get into planning the more overwhelmed I start to feel. Honestly, I had been dreaming of our wedding since we’d been together for 6 months (we’ve been together for 6 years now.) And even though I thought I had everything planned out in my mind, it turns out that are a ton of details I never even knew about. Wedding blogs really help with finding inspiration and realizing that I’m not the only one who feels overwhelmed.

 
8.
Ms. Mojito
Member
Ms. Mojito (message)  230 posts, Helper bee

I definitely can relate- what helped me was following one of the wedding checklists found on the knot. That will get you started in the right direction as far as a planning timeline. That said, blogs like the wedding bee have literally saved me…so many great ideas here!

 
9.
ChiDIY
Member
ChiDIY (message)  92 posts, Worker bee

I still feel that way!! And I have been planning since March! Good thing I have til June… … … gulp.

 
10.
ms.pascua
Member
ms.pascua (message)  197 posts, Blushing bee

Ms. PC, it’s like you’re telling my story! (BTW, we’re month twins; yay for June brides!) Was in the same situation - never envisioned a wedding, went to B&N, picked up books, borrowed others from former brides & spiraled directly into panic mode. But after feeling “wedding-sick,” FH & I sat down to brainstorm ideas & came up with something we both love.

I’m betting on you Chipz…can’t wait to see what you & Mr. PH came up with!

 
11.
alishaneva
Member
alishaneva (message)  1,526 posts, Bumble bee

Great comparison! Sometimes I feel overwhelmed - but in general - I’m really excited! I’ve always loved planning events and even considered being an event planner so my wedding is so exciting to me!

 
12.
lcneiny
Member
lcneiny (message)  170 posts, Blushing bee

I feel you Ms PC!! I never thought I would get married until I met FI, so all this stuff is so new to me. I’ve always been the type to research something I’m doing ad nauseum (house buying comes to mind - yikes) so I’ve just poured myself into all those blogs, books, etc. But really what I’ve found is the best thing to do is always go back to my FI and run things by him - he’ll help figure out if we should drop it or keep it in the “interest” pile. Sounds like Mr. Potato Head is also good at keeping you sane, so just remember to keep him involved! And we’re here for you too!

 
13.
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Member
tallulah (message)  30 posts, Newbee

I too was not that girl that dreamt, or planned for, or kept a wedding bible, but luckily I do love pretty things and a good old fashioned party! And that’s what a wedding is- a great, fun, party where you get to have everyone who is important to you surrounding you with love! At least that is what I am reminding myself as our “more than a year until the wedding” turns into “less than a year until the wedding” and will surely turn into “2 days until the wedding” all at lightening speed! Let’s enjoy the ride!

 
14.
tea
Member
tea (message)  2,650 posts, Sugar bee

i think because it’s so new and there are so many “ways” of pulling off this event, people get freaked out. i mean, there are no real rules for planning birthday parties you know? but a wedding? there’s two rules for every thing and then another one that contradicts them! it’s confusing!

alas, i am a natural planner so all that doesn’t bother me. lol. i tend to ignore them anyway and do as i do. but you’ve got yourself some great support so i know you’ll be fine. good luck!

 
15.
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Guest
M

Omg Mrs. Potato Chips, I think I love you. The way you write makes me smile! Have you ever heard of the Pioneer Woman blog? You remind me of her :)

 
16.
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Guest
M

Oops, got a little ahead of myself…Miss* Potato Chips ;)

 
17.
LittleOctopus
Member
LittleOctopus (message)  192 posts, Blushing bee

You have my bet, Chips :) I got so overwhelmed with the whole planning process, that my FH and I have a rule. If one of us starts to get overwhelmed or frustrated, or we just don’t want to do it anymore, we shut the laptop and don’t talk about it anymore. It’s been working great! We also started by making a list with three columns: Must-Have, Maybe, and Heck No. It helps us keep things in check. You can do it Chippy, just hang in there!!

 
18.
LittleOctopus
Member
LittleOctopus (message)  192 posts, Blushing bee

P.S. VH1 reality shows are totally my guilty pleasure.

 
19.
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Member
Kay7 (message)  33 posts, Newbee

Oh Ms. P. Chips I know how you feel…

You know, there is another wedding blog I read called A Practical Wedding (http://www.apracticalwedding.com/)
that really helped me gain some perspective on the whole wedding planning process… It often features posts from just married brides (called wedding graduates) who give great advice on on they planned their weddings and remained sane throughout…

 
20.
Bee Icon
Bee
Miss Frozen Yogurt (message)  885 posts, Busy bee

Oh yeah, i’m constantly overwhelmed! I love that reference to beatlejuice too! I am embarassed to say i’ve watched that movie probably about 20 times!

 
21.
Mrs. French Bulldog
Bee
Mrs. French Bulldog (message)  6,069 posts, Bee Keeper

LOL @ okay fine, it was a Saturday night! I was constantly overwhelmed. The most helpful thing I did was compile all my inspiration and weed out all the stuff that didn’t go :)
P.S. I love the movie Beetlejuice

 
22.
Mrs. French Bulldog
Bee
Mrs. French Bulldog (message)  6,069 posts, Bee Keeper

P.P.S. I am embarrassed to admit I watched the last couple episodes of Daisy of Love :-/

 
23.
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Bee
Mrs. Mouse (message)  3,337 posts, Sugar bee

Yes, yes, I felt the exact same way at first! I honestly didn’t really start planning (aside from booking the venue) until we’d been engaged for 6 months. It took me that long to conquer my fears!

 
24.
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Member
KtobeC (message)  65 posts, Worker bee

I FEEL YA GIRL! so overwhelmed, I was actually kicking myself for not being the girl that dreamed of her wedding and then tried to get my single friends to tell me their dream so I could steal it…sigh, I was a mess. Well still kind of am, but getting better. thank goodness mr. c is such a calming influence, he’s gotten me back on track and finding this site has been a godsend.

 
25.
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Guest
ashlee0814

I’m glad I’m not alone. I had gone to a bridal show at the urging of my mom shortly after our engagement and that along with one log into the knot had me completely freaked. i then proceeded to procrastinate for 5 months prior to planning anything (mrs. mouse i am so with you!). oh well. i don’t know how anyone can find comfort in 2000 blue flower inspiration pics and a to-do list of 385 items, but if it works for some people, go for it. but me - freaked completely. i actually went with a to-do list of like 25 items at first consisting of the “really big items” - i know deep down that there are little decisions involved with each, but having all of those small things to focus on when trying to plan the big picture was just too much for me.

@Kay7 - A Practical Wedding helped me a lot too, gain perspective and remind me that no one cares about 378 items that are on the knot’s to do list - they want a wedding and a good party

 
26.
Miss Poodle
Bee
Miss Poodle (message)  3,020 posts, Sugar bee

I am so scared!! I have no idea about so many things about our wedding I can’t wait to be at the same physical space with Mr. Poodle ( trying to plan a wedding over phone is NOT easy!!)

 
27.
SweetheartDealer
Member
SweetheartDealer (message)  438 posts, Helper bee

Haha, I feel like I wrote this post! I’ve also been with my fiance seven years, and while I always knew we’d get married, I’ve been shocked how many people instantly assumed I had had everything planned out in my head since I was a wee little girl!! I don’t like being the center of attention so I think it’s all a little overwhelming!

 
28.
fiftyfootbride
Member
fiftyfootbride (message)  3,780 posts, Honey bee

I’m so terrified of the whole planning thing, honestly. I am so afraid I’ll screw it up. I’ve been putting so much off.

 
29.
ggsb
Member
ggsb (message)  842 posts, Busy bee

Oh yes, I relate to that 100%. Never dreamed of weddings or marriage and stressed out over trying to figure out where to start, to the point that I (the girl who never, ever cries) ended up in a teary mess at Ikea on Valentines Day…over napkins. I had no idea where to start but for some reason napkins were really, really important? I still wonder how we made it through our engagement. The sad part of all of this…I can plan conferences for several thousand people with my eyes closed but a 75 person wedding almost pushed me over the edge! Hang in there….it somehow all comes together. How? It’s a mystery :)

 
30.
D.Marie
Member
D.Marie (message)  1,374 posts, Bumble bee

I tell ya Im acting the same way right now! We were engaged last July of 2008 and now that I have 7 months Im starting to realize I need to get things like the invitations and Save the dates together! Its great that we have all our vendors like photographer, possible dj, videographer…which I never thought we would have one…but how awesome that we do! 7 months left…WOW!! Im liking your posts…cant wait to read more Miss Chip! I know this is off topic…but Chip reminds me of the cute little tea cup on Beauty and the Beast that had a chip in his cup! :)

 
31.
Bee Icon
Bee
Mrs. Taffy (message)  2,603 posts, Sugar bee

We went straight to the bookstore too! I thought it was so cute that we looked at the wedding magazines together. :) We hadn’t thought of any kind of wedding planning before!

 
32.
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Member
jhguba (message)  239 posts, Helper bee

To be honest, I’m that girl who has been planning her wedding since I was old enough to talk! : )

 
33.
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Bee
Ms Potato Chips (message)  322 posts, Helper bee

@missvintage: I agree! It’s a breath of fresh air around here!

 
34.
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Bee
Ms Potato Chips (message)  322 posts, Helper bee

@D.Marie: Haha, that Chip was a cutie patootie!

 
35.
Bee Icon
Bee
Ms Potato Chips (message)  322 posts, Helper bee

@SweetheartDealer: I’m the same way! I try to deflect the attention off myself as much as possible (err, besides publicly blogging about it all). We’ve also been together for almost 7 years, which leads to us feeling vastly under-prepared!

 
36.
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Bee
Ms Potato Chips (message)  322 posts, Helper bee

Isn’t it nice knowing that we’re all equally clueless and overwhelmed? Ahh! Good stuff.

 
37.
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Bee
Ms Potato Chips (message)  322 posts, Helper bee

@M: Thank you so much! I will have to go check out the Pioneer Woman!

 
38.
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Bee
Ms Potato Chips (message)  322 posts, Helper bee

@tea: Yes! There are just so many options out there!

 
39.
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Guest
Jen

Don’t worry, Miss Chips, I get overwhelmed thinking about planning a wedding and I’m not even engaged! My man and I have been together for 5+ years and we get the constant “when will you” questions, (you can probably relate, having been with Mr. Tater for 7 years), and while the idea of marriage is exciting, thinking about planning a wedding for our gigantic families makes me sweat. I know you’ll do great though. And I’m especially rooting for you because I’m so excited that you’re the first bee in my neck of the woods (Southeast Ma) since I’ve started reading weddingbee.
Good luck!!

 
40.
pvaulter718
Member
pvaulter718 (message)  1,604 posts, Bumble bee

Chipz - I think that every bride regardless of age, time to prepare, or fiance - will at some point in the wedding process feel as though they are going to collapse, cry, freak out. I know I did, but you’ll get through it. Lean on us, those closest to you, and Mr. Chipz!

 
41.
LatteLove
Hostess
LatteLove (message)  4,104 posts, Honey bee

I was totally overwhelmed my first two weeks. I made some of the worst decisions then, bc I was feeling the pressure of an 8 month engagement and felt like I was already so behind the game . I SO wish someone would have just said to me: ” no matter what–don’t make any rash decisions!”

 
42.
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Bee
Miss Moonbeam (message)  1,328 posts, Bumble bee

It can be so overwhelming, but I think you’ll figure it out.

 
43.
ColorCoated
Member
ColorCoated (message)  951 posts, Busy bee

It is soooo overwhelming. Sometimes I love thinking about it, and other times I can’t stand it!

 


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Ms Potato Chips
Ms Potato Chips Ms. Potato Chips, Boston/Narragansett RI Age and Occupation: 29, PhD Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Personal Trainer/Business Owner/Physical Therapy Assistant Engagement Date: January 1, 2009 Wedding Date: June 2010 Venue: The Narragansett Towers About Me: A semi-professional bookworm, if I could be a literary character I’d be a cross between Jo March and Jane Eyre, only better accessorized and much lazier. My hobbies include sleeping in, seasonal brews, running, Trader Joe’s, and watching Unwrapped and Good Eats with Mr. Potato Chips. I harbor an irrational fear of tulle, crafts, things that are fussy, and overuse of the phrase "Your Special Day". After a year or seven together, down the aisle we go, slouching toward adulthood and planning a Rhodie party with equal parts whimsy, cheer, and pizza.
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