Why Planning a Wedding is Harder Than Doing an Ironman
Friday, November 02, 2007
- One word: schedule. Unfortunately, there are no Training Peaks for weddings. There are just lots and lots and lots of materials that tell you what you already know and completely leave out what you need to know...or else don't tell you anything and just show you pictures of dresses that cost more than your entire wedding should.
- Triathlon magazines tell you how to get stronger and faster. Wedding magazines -- from the articles to the emaciated models -- only focus on how to get thinner.
- No one has an opinion on how you must do Ironman, unless they've done one (a very, very small segment of the population) and (usually) you ask. This does not hold true for weddings.
- There is little choice involved in where and when you do your Ironman, it doesn't matter if anyone else can be there except you, and you're the only one who will care what location you pick.
- You can work off the stress of doing an Ironman in training for an Ironman. Weddings? Not so much.
- Your mother does not try to plan your Ironman.
- Think a swim coach, YMCA membership, wetsuit, bike shoes, road bike, helmet, running shoes, Ipod, Garmin, race fees, Ironman entry fee, endless supplies of GU, Gatorade, and Endurolytes is a lot to spend in a year? Start adding up a dress, shoes, ceremony, reception site rental, chair covers, centerpieces, band, catering, security, insurance, limo, flowers, save-the-date cards, invitations, website construction, welcome bags, favors, photographer, videographer, table set-up fees, linens, tips, etc, etc, etc – for ONE DAY.
- No one ever demands to bring a guest or their child to your Ironman.
- When you see your team for the 15th time during Ironman, you want to cry out of gratitude. When see your guest list for the 15,000th time, you just want to cry.
- Your best friends don't complain about what they have to wear to your Ironman.
- You could care less if one of your team gets falling-down-drunk at your Ironman. In fact, it would be a welcome diversion.
- Registering for an Ironman is over and done with in a matter of minutes. Registering for a wedding can test the patience and endurance of a seasoned diplomat.
- Very few people have had to go into therapy as a result of doing an Ironman.
- You take special pride in people asking if you're insane or what you're thinking by doing an Ironman. It never gets old. By comparison, being asked, "Have you set a date?"for the 100th time is old the day after you get engaged.
- Race directors are not out to get you. Not true of reception halls, caterers, or florists.
Posted by Erin 7:57 AM
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But you commented that it is only ONE DAY, so if you can keep that in perspective, it can help. And keep venting on the blog - if nothing else, it can distract you from the ever-growing guest list!
But if one more person asks me when we're getting married? My ears are going to bleed.
I planned my wedding in less than 4 weeks, bought whatever dress was on sale, bought my bridesmaid dresses from the $10 prom dress rack at Bostwicks, and my reception was cake and punch at the church and a half barrel with my friends in my backyard.
In the long run, no one will remember that the day was perfect, just that you love each other. So don't get yourself all knotted up about the small stuff, just enjoy the experience.
Really I guess it's not THAT different from IM...
P.S. I ran away to an island & got married.. We did have reception here after though. GOOD LUCK.
You know.. you could always just throw in another IM to make the planning more interesting.
P.P.S. do the dogs get to be in the wedding?