so many questions...

I feel like everyone else is doing all these things that I didn't even consider doing for my wedding and now I'm all stressed out! Do I have to have programs and menus for the tables? Should I have my family picked up in a limo? Should I be thinking about chair covers? Do the invites need to be hand cancelled? Does little thing have to be SUCH a big deal?

I'm not even going to get to have a bridal shower. Maybe that's part of why I feel like it isn't a big deal, and now I'm thinking about all of this. Is anyone even going to notice if I don't bother? I just don't have enough time in the day as it is now, I can't imagine trying to do any more.

Did anyone else choose to NOT do certain things? And if so, what did you leave out?

it is very overwhelming, especially when you first begin planning. I left out some details, but spent time focusing on other things another bride wouldn't have bothered with....it's all about what you and your FH want!

I'd start with the big vendors first, and then worry about the small details, like menu cards, later if you have enough time and energy. If, at the end of the day, those small things don't happen, it won't be the end of the world!

Don't feel that you have to do everything that everyone else is doing. I am not doing chair covers or programs. I might think about table menus only if I can do them myself - plus I'll have to see what the reception place does - not really worrying about it. As for the hand cancelling of the envelopes, if you go to the Hicksville PO and ask to have them hand cancelled they will do it for you (you don't have to do it, so it is not such a big deal. I just didn't want the barcodes and such on the envelopes).

Do what is good for you and don't sweat the small stuff.

You don't need to do everything if time doesn't allow. Do the things you feel most strongly about.

As for me I did not hand cancel my invitations and they went through the mail just fine. I am also not doing menus because the hall provides some and even though its not totally my 'theme' they are good enough!! : ).

Good luck and try not to get stressed!!!

Im not doing programs, menus, frames or holders for place cards

Im keeping it simple, Im too lazy

We're leaving out a lot of details and frankly it has made my planning easier to some degree. No engagement party, no bridal shower/bachelorette party, no limos, no formal attire for groomsmen (just suits), no bm brunch, no rehearsal dinner... I am sure I am forgetting what else got excluded, but a lot did, and we're still having a nice wedding.

Oh, and no programs/menu cards.

alina & wacky - mine's going in the same direction as yours. Thanks - I don't feel so bad now!!!

Don't feel bad at all.... I didn't do table menus.. (that's because my family is SO picky we didn't want to give them advance notice of the food- even if only an hour- because they would complain and try to get different choices).. AND of course- we were moving, I was taking finals- so I was WAY to busy to be dealing...

people don't miss anything.. they only notice what is in front of their faces....

You only need
1) Bride & Groom
2) Good Food
3) Great Music

To have a good wedding

it does seem like its so overwhelming but do what you can.

For us, we're moving to FL before the wedding so no bridal party luncheon, no menu's (like mentioned above my family is the same way very picky and to give them advance notice, not good), no picture frame place cards, using the halls table number things, no bathroom basket, no chair covers, and I cant remember what else.

We are however going programs because my mom's family is catholic and my dad's is jewish. We are getting married in a church and I just feel it would be good to have the programs for my jewish relatives.

sassy...don't forget the marriage license!!!

I went through the same thing! There are so many ideas and now I'm trying to do them all..but you can't. Do what you can and want. If it doesn't seem necessary-it probably isn't.

We are dong a lot, but a lot of what we are doing could easily be left out. For example, these are things we're doing but could have left out:

favors (make a donation and just put a sign on each table regarding your choice).
we're not doing a unity candle
guest book (we're doing it, but you don't have to, you'll have a card from everyone who was there (hopefully ).
hotel baskets
bathroom basket
extra decoration for the bride/groom table

and tons more!

As long as you have the things mentioned above:

good food, good music, each other and your loved ones (and an officiant), and a marriage license....you're good to go.