By Angie Sarhan
Anyone who knows me well will tell you I’m a list maker. I think it drives some people crazy the extent to which I take list making, but luckily David understands that this is just how I operate.
At any given time I have at least three lists going: food shopping list, to-do list, work list. Sometimes other lists need to be created—especially during the holidays or when I’m preparing to travel. These lists are stored on my phone, in my planner and pretty much wherever I can write them. (It’s always important to have back-up lists, just in case.)
That’s why I was so excited to join theknot.com. As most brides-to-be know, The Knot is the place to go for ideas, pictures, vendors, reviews—anything and everything wedding related.
And then there’s why I joined: the checklist.
This is not your average checklist. This is the mother-of-all-brides-checklist. It includes everything you could possibly need to do before a wedding from picking a bridal party, to getting wedding bands, to sending save-the-date cards, to booking your honeymoon. It even has items for after you are married like sending thank you cards and changing your name.
Warning: With 173 items just waiting for you to-do and to-check, you already feel behind, even if you join the second you’re engaged. This is normal. Do not panic.
Though the list overwhelms me at times (I have to research wedding paper?), I highly recommend it. As far as lists go, it’s top knotch. (Sorry, couldn’t help myself!)
The list becomes your best friend, gently reminding you what you need to do each month. It even highlights the essentials so you know what to focus on, or in some cases, freak out about most.
And if something on the list doesn’t suit you (I don’t think we need a wedding website as that seems like it would give me another list of things to work on), you can simply delete it.
Don’t worry! If you ever change your mind, it’s stored in the deleted section.
See? I told you this list was amazing.
Here are a few suggestions if you choose to use this list (which I hope you do!):
- Don’t look at it every day: The chances are you might not have done anything or are waiting for something to be finalized and you don’t want to get discouraged. Since I get a special thrill from checking things off when they’re done, I usually wait until I know I’ve accomplished a few things to visit our list.
- Be open-minded: Sometimes the list may offer a suggestion you have no interest in. But one thing I’ve realized is that, us brides? We can sometimes change our minds! If something seems a little appealing, do some research, talk to your partner and then make a decision. Take everything into consideration.
- Be prepared: Every time you log onto your page, a countdown to your wedding will pop up. This will either excite or overwhelm you—or both. Stay focused on why you are there: to check off items on the list!
(David, if you are reading this, skip ahead to number five. Thanks!)
- Don’t Forget: Overall, I find the list is a lifesaver and reminds me of the many things we need to do. But, you may think of things that are not on this master list. Just the other day, I remembered I wanted to order a sign to surprise David with on our wedding day. Naturally, this is not on The Knot’s list. I’m afraid I’ll forget this. Which is why I’ve made another list in my wedding scrapbook, and why I am telling all of you. Please feel free to remind me in a few weeks!
- Have fun: Don’t take the list so seriously. Remember what’s really important, which is marrying the love of your life. And tasting cake. That’s important too and an essential item a few months before the big day.
I just checked and after crossing off a few more things, I have 100 things left to do. And 159 days to do them in.
I better get back to it!