As you can tell from my previous blog posts, I have been rather stressed out about wedding planning thus far. I wasn’t making decisions fast enough for my liking, and I was easily distracted by everyday life and work. I can’t tell you how many times I said to myself “OK, tonight is the night. I am going to create the Save the Date cards.” But then I would see something shiny and I would be off doing something else instead. However, sometimes, procrastination really pays off. Let me explain…

About three weeks ago, the contact at the venue notified Dirk and I of some rules and restrictions that were not previously discussed. These new rules and restrictions would have altered major pieces of the wedding in a very big way. Dirk and I went round and round and ultimately decided that we had to forgo our original plans and would have to find a new venue. Naturally, I went into full panic-mode, thinking the absolute worst:  I’m never going to find a replacement venue. I’m going to have to get married in my house. I’m going to lose all my deposits. Forget it, let’s just elope!

Why not?

Yes, I said it. I was so frustrated and freaked out that I actually resorted to that cliché response to wedding planning turmoil. I was ready to throw it all out of the window, hop on a 747, and get married by Elvis in the Nevada desert. My stress level was so high that I actually broke into hives at work one day. I moped and I cried. I have troubles planning a wedding, but I can put on a pity party in a snap.

But Dirk and I rallied with the help of some friends and family. We put on our Project Manager hats. (side note: Dirk is certified in project management, so he gets to put PMP after his signature. Dirk P., PMP.  It makes me giggle.) I used Partyspace’s very handy calendar feature to find all venues that were available on our date, created a spreadsheet, and researched each venue.  One venue immediately jumped out as the frontrunner:  The German Society of Pennsylvania. I mean, honestly, how perfect is that? We scrambled to visit the site and discuss details. So, long story short, Dirk and I are now getting married one week earlier, on September 22, at the German Society of Pennsylvania.

I honestly thought my head was going to pop off before we settled on the new venue, but it really worked out for the better. This new venue still has a personal connection to Dirk and I, and I really like the idea of being in the city. There are vendors galore from which to choose! In the end, I know we made the right decision to switch gears.

So, one lesson that we can learn from this debacle: sometimes procrastination is good! Thank goodness we had not sent out more deposits or booked our honeymoon. Another lesson: Get it in writing. Quick.

And now that we’re back on the right track, tonight is the night. I’m going to create the Save the Date cards.