Y’all. I got engaged last week! 
It’s all so exciting! We are extremely happy and can’t wait to plan our day. Mark is my best friend and we’re about to take BFF to a whole ‘nother level.
Some things I’ve noticed since getting engaged:
- After telling the engagement story, the follow up question is always, “So, have you set a date?” And then I stress out. It’s been less than two weeks? Should I have done that already?
- My mother is crazier than I previously thought. She just got a texting plan three weeks ago. That first week before we got engaged: bible verses. Now: deep wedding thoughts by Leisa Huntley. “Blaire, we need a photo for the Charlotte Observer, STAT.” …”Blaire, thought of a good idea for your colors. Call me (insert emoticon I’ve never seen before)” … “Blaire Louise, I will not be ignored!”
- Weddings are more expensive than I previously thought. Holy cow.
- There’s lots to do, but all I keep coming back to is the food and booze. Is that weird?
- I want the venue that matches us. Like, I want folks to say, “Wow, this place is so Mark and Blaire!” And only buy things on our registry.
- I have no idea what sort of bride I am.
All the magazines say, are you a city bride? A downhome bride? A traditional bride? Are you into rustic looks or classic looks? Do you envision a table full of glitter and Gatsby influences? Or do you see Mason jars and burlap? Tell us what your soul looks like!
Dude. I have no idea. And with Pinterest and Martha and Style Me Pretty and Green Wedding Shoes and the Knot and so many DIY bloggers telling you how you can save cash by being crafty, my brain hurts. The interwebs are oversaturated with ideas and tips and lists for your perfect vision and…I can’t.
I have a “vision,” if you will, but includes a whole bunch of crap now. Do I want that? Or am I “seeing” that because it’s in my face? I feel like 2,343 pinners have hijacked my brain with gold table runners and peonies and open dancing playlists. Can you play 2Live Crew in front of your aunt? I mean, I’m thinking not, but it is our day!
Of course, these are first-world problems and I am obviously so fortunate to have so many friends to advise me and so many resources to choose from. It’s just knowing where to start I think. I’m drawing inspiration from lots of places and I need to calm the heck down.
What are you tips for getting started? Any words of wisdom or regrets? Did you use a planner? How did you stay under budget (still figuring out what the budget is)? Should we just go down to Indianapolis City Hall? Help.
For now, I’m going to straight chill and look at this sparkly thing for a little while longer. That’s the type of bride I am. One that is easily distracted.
Oh and if you have any tips for music, put ‘em here. I do know that our DJ will take requests!
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Blaire Huntley is a writer, a runner and a hopeful cook. She works for ExactTarget, and can’t imagine herself anywhere else. Blaire graduated from the University of North Carolina, having studied communication, and currently studies human behavior through Instagram. She’s obsessed with eating and all things downtown Indy, where she lives with her boyfriend Mark. She is also the community organizer for Trade School Indianapolis. Check it out and teach, learn and barter. Contact her at blaire.huntley@gmail.com and on Twitter @rareblaire.
