I started getting really stressed out about our wedding a few weeks beforehand. Most of my worries were related to the unknown. With no wedding planner, it was all on my own plate. And I have to admit I kinda started half-assing it toward the end. School, work, wedding, toddler—it was a lot going on and I felt like I would never get everything done. My biggest worries were my makeup and decorating.
My sister had promised her friend would do my makeup. I had never met this friend before, and I trusted her skills because I had seen them in action, but I didn’t know what to expect. And it turned out I had a right to be concerned, because I found out just two weeks before my wedding that she would be unable to do my makeup due to her work schedule. I freaked out. I am NOT awesome at doing makeup. I don’t even own much makeup because I don’t wear it very often. So I complained to anyone who would listen and started Googling around to see if I could possibly find someone to do my makeup at the last minute. I also called my sister to freak out.
She called me back a little later and said she had made an appointment at Sephora. We were going to go get me a makeover, get the makeup artist to teach my sister what to do, and buy some makeup so my sister could do it all for me. Phew! It was so nice to have a plan. I was finally able to chill out about the makeup.
This is what my makeup looked like after my trial. (Well, after I licked off my lipstick. And my eyebrows needed some TLC. But the rest of it looks OK.) I took this picture for my sister’s sake so she could remember what it looked like since we still had a few days left until the wedding. The makeup artist gave us tons of tips and had my sister do half my face for practice. I liked the look and spent a small fortune on makeup. Hopefully the artist got some kind of commission.
My other freak-out, about the decorating, was due to me not being sure when we would have access to our reception hall. I knew it was one day only, but I really needed to get in there as early as possible (6 AM) to get everything set up and still have time to get dressed, get my hair done, take pictures, etc. But I wasn’t sure we would be able to get in there that early. Our contract said that we would get in at 9 AM, but that we could request an earlier entry. I knew we would need an earlier entry because we had to decorate everything that morning and I had my hair appointment at 10:30 AM, and then we had the first look and bridal-party pictures prior to the wedding. One hour was NOT enough time to decorate.
So, I had Mr. Cannon calling the park office trying to get a verification of our early arrival. He played phone tag for a long time, and we finally got confirmation that we would be let into the hall early just a few days beforehand. Phew! Disaster diverted and wedding on! I managed to chill out and stop driving everyone crazy with my worrying.
Did you have any last-minute concerns before your wedding that had you freaking out?
O yeah….my hair was #1. I got married in a different state than where I live. My 1st stylist flaked. So, I called around and found someone who said she could do what I wanted. Got there and last minute she said she couldn’t do what I wanted. I couldn’t go back as it was 2 days before my wedding. I ended up with microbraids which is not what I wanted at all. Grrr! My sis/MOH made it work in the end. #2. Oops, I forgot to get the picture and frame for our guestbook/picture. Photographer made it work though…thank goodness.
I’m worrying about decorations.. we might be able to get in there the night before if they don’t have it booked, so I’m praying no one books it.
I’m worrying about my hair, because it’s do or die on the wedding day, no trial — and I’m concerned about where the boys are getting ready/staying the night before.
@catrina13: Yes! And it was awesome. I learned a lot about make up that day. It was free as long as you bought something worth a certain amount of money- somewhere between 20 and 50 dollars. I don’t remember which.
How stressful! Your makeup looks great and I’m sure your sister was able to do a great job the day of! I definitely freaked out about how we would move all the things to the venue and back for the wedding…my coordinator may have received a frantic call from me to that effect.
Since we’re having our reception at a pretty popular hotel, our room is usually booked up all day Saturdays, and they only allow two hours before the start of your event to set up. Our ceremony starts at 4, and our cocktail hour starts at 6. Yep, I will not be able to see the reception area at all prior to arriving for dinner after cocktail hour. (And I didn’t know this until we had signed on the dotted line and met with the site coordinator several times–cue freak-out mode.)
I talked them into not allowing anyone to book the room past 3 so I could send someone over to check on the beginning of decorating, but for the most part, I have to hand my decor over to hotel staff and hope they get it right. I try not to think about it too much because I’m a bit of a control freak, and it feels like a coronary waiting to happen. But I suppose I can look at it as an excuse to not stress about anything on the day of my wedding, right?
Your makeup is gorgeous. My best friend and I are planning to do the same thing next weekend. I have done about as much DIY with our wedding, which is one month away, as I possibly can. Part of me is regretting taking on so much but at the same time, I know that I can take pride in knowing that I wrapped 100 plus jars with twine, made the table runner for the cake table, sewed all of the burlap bags for our favors, made the cufflinks for the guys and the charms for the bridesmaid’s bouquets as well as their gift bags, the unity candle, designed our programs as well as the box they will be in. Not to mention all of the invitations by scratch.
I understand fully well about being busy with a toddler. Our daughter is 3 1/2 and has been getting excited because not only is the wedding coming up but we are also moving this weekend. I am insane and I think I am ready to admit it.
I’m mainly only freaked out about appearance (sounds shallow, but break outs) and just hoping everyone has a good time!
I love your makeup!! That’s a great idea. I have had my makeup done a few times and hated it every time, I’m worried about the same thing happening again. I might do the Sephora idea.
So glad you found solutions to all of the problems leading up to your wedding day (even if it was last minute!). I stressed out SO much during that last week and had a few breakdowns, but everything ended up working out perfectly! 
Your sister did a beautiful job! Way to find solutions without losing your head!
Mrs. Cannon, Toledo, OH Age and Occupation: 27, Financial Analyst Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Assembler Engagement Date: February 28, 2011 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Epworth UMC & Ward Pavilion About Me: I'm the curious combination of being a go-with-the-flow, laid back, obsessive planner. I try desperately to stay as busy as possible at all times (and am succeeding big time right now!) My biggest loves in life are Law & Order: SVU, Community (the show, not the concept, although I like that, too), ice cream, white cheddar popcorn, beer, hiking, knitting, decorating, writing, being outside, spending time with friends and family and musical theater. Mr. Cannon is pretty sweet, too. We've had a lot of fun traveling and having adventures all over the country, but have finally moved back near our hometown to settle down. We're planning a low-key, colorful, fun wedding and an awesome-to-the-max reception.
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