shananigans -- lovely website! I like the color scheme a lot and the dark wood! :) I'm super happy that I found someone to trade the invitations with because I would be in big trouble otherwise! I am certainly feeling blessed about that for sure!

Shan- so glad you found a dress! Pictures?

Rakel- My fiance thought my plan to coordinate others to drive groomsmen and bridesmaids to the Church and reception (we'd get some time to ourselves in a car or limo between the two events that way) was great until he attended a friend's wedding a few weekends ago and they had a bus for the entire wedding party. He just wants to be sure we've covered all the bases. I'm torn because the idea of a few minutes alone has definite appeal!

Cindy- Good luck!

The store I'm getting my dress from has a "no pictures till you buy" policy, which is weird, no? Thankfully I brought a bridesmaid with me and she assures me that it looks hot from all angles :lol: I'm going to try and get some pictures when I go in for measuring this Thursday.

At my sister's wedding had a "party bus" to get the wedding party and bride and groom from the ceremony to reception. We stopped at a few scenic places along the way to hop off and take pictures too. It was so fun to get the party started with champagne and dancing (there was a pole on the bus, it was put to use :p) before we even got to the reception. We liked it so much we got the wedding party to pitch in on a limo bus as a gift to the bride and groom at our friends' wedding a few weeks ago. If you can get a large number of people to chip in it becomes pretty affordable, and very worth it in my opinion.

OK, if my fiance can find a bus with a pole, we're getting a bus!!! Wait 'til he hears this!

I've heard of several stores that forbid pictures and even forbid writing down designers and style numbers. Whatev... then again, I've watched women tie up dressing rooms for their fashion shoots.

I broke down and started the ball rolling on my own bridal shower since everyone was "too busy." I had almost convinced myself it wasn't that big of a deal not to have a shower and then I thought, "HEY! I bought this stuff for everyone else!" Amazingly enough, if you plan your own shower, people come out of the woodwork to "host" it. Hmm... since I also get to foot the bill, we're just throwing a party here at the house with food and drinks.

Oooh, and I have to share- we're "registering" for gift cards from Home Depot. I wandered into the kitchen for registry inspiration and found I really wanted new flooring, light fixtures, cabinetry hardware and paint. I knew I could find SOMETHING we needed for the kitchen if I looked hard enough!

Hi gals - yes, definitely down to the wire! I picked up my last set of DIY stuff from Staples today, and we're heading out to pick up the engraved cuff links shortly.

We leave for MI in the morning - car will be packed tonight and then once there, we'll be crazy busy again.

I'll send a photo or two when I get a chance!
Cindy

Originally Posted by Lafayette:
Oooh, and I have to share- we're "registering" for gift cards from Home Depot. I wandered into the kitchen for registry inspiration and found I really wanted new flooring, light fixtures, cabinetry hardware and paint. I knew I could find SOMETHING we needed for the kitchen if I looked hard enough!

What a novel idea!

Shananigans- Party buses are definitely the way to go if you can afford it. I've been on a few and always have a blast. However, I've known more than one bridesmaid that has gotten a little too drunk (one got off the bus and in front of the entire wedding proceeded to throw her dress up and adjust her panty hose:o )

So what is it with people coming up with "demands" when it comes to your wedding? Anyone else have a few people they would like to strangle? I've got a couple... let's see, there's DF's aunt who doesn't want the hassle of traveling to denver the week before the Democratic national COnvention (it's the week after the wedding).. I mean, after all, it is her family reunion they are using my wedding for... Not to mention the joys that come with having divorced parents; step parents, ex step-parents, half siblings, siblings related to me and not each other. And of course there those can't be trusted to sit next to others and have told me as much... I have decided to nip this in the bud and have sternly reminded people that I'm not participating and that can we all- GASP! -grow up and have a happy day? It's 11 months away. I think there's time to prepare. Once you start giving into every little demand, you might as well throw it all to the birds, no?

end//rant

Originally Posted by junebug41:
So what is it with people coming up with "demands" when it comes to your wedding? Anyone else have a few people they would like to strangle? I've got a couple... let's see, there's DF's aunt who doesn't want the hassle of traveling to denver the week before the Democratic national COnvention (it's the week after the wedding).. I mean, after all, it is her family reunion they are using my wedding for... Not to mention the joys that come with having divorced parents; step parents, ex step-parents, half siblings, siblings related to me and not each other. And of course there those can't be trusted to sit next to others and have told me as much... I have decided to nip this in the bud and have sternly reminded people that I'm not participating and that can we all- GASP! -grow up and have a happy day? It's 11 months away. I think there's time to prepare. Once you start giving into every little demand, you might as well throw it all to the birds, no?

end//rant

*sigh* you're not the only one with a *colorful* family to make things interesting. I just hope I don't get depressed!

Oh, man. I'm a big fan of the iron fist rule when dealing with the petty crap.

I am usually very respectful and deferential but, when family members started telling me what they would and would not tolerate, I nipped it in the bud immediately. In my sternest kindergarten teacher voice, I informed them that I would not, without exception and in no uncertain terms, be making accomodations for anyone not in a wheelchair. I expect civility at the very least and, if this adult behavior is not something they can handle, I expect them to politely decline the invitation. ALL of them were so shocked to be getting a behind-the-woodshed speech from me that they agreed. I also made it clear that I had no qualms with sending them home if I did not feel their behavior was appropriate. I am the bride, not the babysitter!!!

I had an amazing sense of calm once I addressed this- they are responsible for their own behavior. It is not my problem and I refuse to deal with it. Yay!

Be tough!!! You'll be surprised at the result!

Originally Posted by Lafayette:
Oh, man. I'm a big fan of the iron fist rule when dealing with the petty crap.

I am usually very respectful and deferential but, when family members started telling me what they would and would not tolerate, I nipped it in the bud immediately. In my sternest kindergarten teacher voice, I informed them that I would not, without exception and in no uncertain terms, be making accomodations for anyone not in a wheelchair. I expect civility at the very least and, if this adult behavior is not something they can handle, I expect them to politely decline the invitation. ALL of them were so shocked to be getting a behind-the-woodshed speech from me that they agreed. I also made it clear that I had no qualms with sending them home if I did not feel their behavior was appropriate. I am the bride, not the babysitter!!!

I had an amazing sense of calm once I addressed this- they are responsible for their own behavior. It is not my problem and I refuse to deal with it. Yay!

Be tough!!! You'll be surprised at the result!

Thank you, Lafayette and Rakel, I knew I couldn't possibly be alone on this. And you're right. As I told Ross when his aunt chimed in, once we give in to every aunt, cousin, groomsman, mother, etc... we might as well elope. So when my mother attempted to lay down some conditions regarding people she was once married to, I had this moment of clarity. Next August, I am marrying the love of my life. That day will be about him and me. Not my mother and her ex-husbands;) and not if my half sister is satisfied with where her and her boyfriend are sitting and not a family reunion. I would love for them to be a part of it, but I will not them run away with this day.

The end :)

Way to go, Jen! Doesn't it feel good?!? I keep saying, "I need a groom, a priest and two witnesses." My mom laughs because she had headache upon headache to "deal with" at her wedding and was disgusted by the time it was over. How sad!

I just ran over to the dress shop to see if they can order a sample dress for me to try on before I order the real thing. They don't have what I think is my dream dress in stock so I'm crossing my fingers... my tummy is getting smaller! I plan to increase my fruits, veggies and water and just keep reaching for my goal! I've now officially sworn off fast food until our wedding.

How's everyone else doing with their weight loss for the big day?

Originally Posted by Lafayette:
How's everyone else doing with their weight loss for the big day?

:rofl:

Oh wait, that was a serious question, wasn't it...

Yeah, I keep fluxing up and down the same 7 pounds. Can you tell consistency is an issue for me? I've been eating decent Monday through Friday and getting my running and some yoga in every other day, but it's not nearly enough. I need to get back to some weight training and pilates, cut way back on the beer (it's hard during football season!) and the splurge meals. *sigh* Why does weight loss have to require so much discipline? It is not my forte.

You gals are doing the right thing by putting your foot down and not allowing your families to ruin what should be one of the happiest days of your life. They should be able to grow up and let you enjoy!

I met with my florist last night, she is fabulous! Very nice and knowledgeable, plus the portfolio looked great.

Getting measured for my dress order tonight, I'll post pix tomorrow if I can get the sales staff to take some for me.

I did the "good" diet thing and skipped breakfast... then I raided the vending machines for a "sensible" lunch... train wreck! As long as dinner isn't an entire cake, I should be OK. Right?!?

Lafayette - Don't sweat it, we all have those days!

Here's a couple pictures of the dress. The sample is 2 sizes too small, but you get the idea. Mine should arrive within 6 months.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...nigans/web.jpg

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g1...igans/web2.jpg

I rather like it :)

It's beautiful! And I really like the back!

AWWW, the dress is so cute! :D

I had a 2wk stump, but I'm back on track... lost another .5lb today. Yesterday John commented that my tummy is no longer out past my boobs. lol. Always a good thing.

Now, as it turns out, my wedding is going to be on easter weekend. Is it normal for people to have weddings on Holidays? I didn't really plan it, but I figured it could either go really well or really poorly. For travelers, it may work out well because they can get the time off from work/school, but alternatively, some local people may be going out of town that weekend... all the better to get those save the dates out there ASAP! They should be done printing next week -- I got an update from my printer yesterday saying they were about 1/2way done. I should start working on labels for them so they are ready to go when they get here!

Originally Posted by rakel:
AWWW, the dress is so cute! :D

I had a 2wk stump, but I'm back on track... lost another .5lb today. Yesterday John commented that my tummy is no longer out past my boobs. lol. Always a good thing.

Now, as it turns out, my wedding is going to be on easter weekend. Is it normal for people to have weddings on Holidays? I didn't really plan it, but I figured it could either go really well or really poorly. For travelers, it may work out well because they can get the time off from work/school, but alternatively, some local people may be going out of town that weekend... all the better to get those save the dates out there ASAP! They should be done printing next week -- I got an update from my printer yesterday saying they were about 1/2way done. I should start working on labels for them so they are ready to go when they get here!

We had the choice to do ours over Labor Day. I would advise against it.
For starters, Easter is a sacred holiday in many families, and while they can go to your wedding any other weekend, they can't always have Easter with their families. Also, while people may have the time off, they may not feel like traveling when everyone else is traveling. This was a big one for us: The wedding is in my hometown, which is also a resort community and the headache that we would put people through wasn't worth it. Also, prices tend to jump over holiday travel days as well.

If people are going to come to your wedding, it won't matter what weekend it's over. If you wanted to do it over a holiday for a religious reason or because it is special for you, that's one thing, but it wouldn't be any more convenient (and would actually be less convenient) to do it over a holiday, especially one of the "big ones". Just my 2 cents, always subject to change ;)

Rakel, be aware that flowers will cost more over a holiday like Easter. Also, being Catholic, I know Easter Saturday is the one day the Catholic Church won't allow weddings (although you can get married at the Easter Vigil- the longest Mass of the year held in the middle of the night). Depending on your religion and whether you chose to have a religious ceremony, you may struggle to find someone to officiate.

I'm getting married the weekend after Easter. The Church will already have flowers, spring flowers are in bloom and I still benefit from a few off-season discounts because I was able to get married before the end of March. Our date is Saturday, March 29, 2008. Obviously, I'll share!!!

Shan, whoa! That is one sexy dress! Way to go! Hopefully, your husband will get his tongue back in his mouth before the pictures!

I just have to share! Good dress karma!

I keep coming back to the Ann Taylor Elizabeth bridal gown. I called their Michigan Ave store (the closest to me) and it only takes 5-7 business days to arrive!!! I can diet right down to the wire!

I have been looking at bridal shops and I am getting dangerously close to the date when I HAVE to order my dress to allow for alterations. I've been worrying about what the alterations may add to the price of the dress if I keep losing weight and, as a result, generally throwing myself into a panic. Panic over! I can lose my 17 remaining pounds and still keep my dress up (ahem) on my wedding day!!! Yippee!!!

Thanks for all your nice compliments on the dress, I love it! :)

Lafayette - That is great news about your dress. I had to go ahead and order mine in my current size with the 6 month ordering time. I hope I'll be altering it to make it smaller, but I couldn’t take the risk or ordering it in a smaller size. It will add to the cost, but luckily I found a dress that didn't break the bank to begin with.

My wedding is during Memorial Day weekend. Since many of the guests are Jewish we couldn't do a Saturday, and almost all of the guests will be traveling from many states away, so we wanted to pick a Sunday where most people wouldn't have to work the following Monday. On the plus side, since Sundays are less popular than Saturdays for weddings we're finding things a little more available on our date even though it's a holiday weekend. Like everyone says, you've got to take the type of service (civil or religious) and the religious concerns of your particular crowd of guests into consideration for you date.

Hi gals - I'm temporarily back in town, exhausted and relieved to have survived it all. There were a few glitches, but stuff most people probably did not notice.

A few words of advice:
1) Practice signing your new last name if you are changing it - you have to sign it on the marriage license - mine looks like a first-grader wrote it!
2) Insist on your music person being at rehearsal - the glitches in my ceremony were caused by my inability to remember all of the music cues we'd discussed back in July!
3) Do take time to enjoy the day while it is happening. We had a small wedding, only 60, and luckily that made it easy to take a few moments here and there to soak it all in.
4) Plan for your wedding night hotel stay better than I did - I was so focused on the wedding and reception, that although I packed a suitcase with clothes, all my makeup, toiletries, contact stuff and hair stuff (including even a brush or comb), got swept up when the "getting ready" room was cleared and taken back to my Mom's house. I couldn't even comb out my hair or take an advil when I got up the next morning! Ironically, I could have used my own bathroom basket!

That's all I can think of for now - I've really got to start getting packed for tomorrow - we leave for Barcelona and our Med cruise! Talk to you gals after the 14th!
Cindy

Congratulations Cindy! You look so beautiful!

Thanks for the words of wisdom, some great stuff I wouldn't have thought of.

Hope you have a blast on your cruise. :)

Miss - It's soooo pretty, you look great! I love corset backs :)

Well, it's too late to change the date, I already told my family and they are buying their airplane tickets and making reservations already. BUT, I am not too concerned about it. My original idea was actually March 29th, but then I decided on March 25th (with the idea of saving money by having it during the week), and my dad suggested the 22nd because it was a Saturday, and I liked the idea of having it sooner than later, and thought it would be easier to do it on the weekend. I didn't even realize it was Easter Sunday until my sister mentioned something about it and by then I already locked in on the date. Ah well.

I will be inviting quite a few people, but I really don't expect a huge turn out, mostly just family and a few close friends. I already discussed the date with my pastor (who is going to be our officiant) and he said it was fine. We're having the ceremony and reception there as well, so that won't be a problem. We don't really have any Catholics in the family, except for John's mom's cousin, but I don't think she would mind. If she was coming and wanted to go to an Easter Vigil she should still be able to do it.

To be honest, I am a Christian but I don't really "celebrate" Easter (and neither does my church, save for maybe an increased attendance and a resurrection based sermon -- no special program though), so it wasn't really on the forefront of my mind.

How silly is this? I read Cindy's post and immediately drew in my breath at the suggestion to practice writing your new last name. I'm such a dork- I feel like that might "jinx" something! I'm sure I'll get over it but I just had to share!

Missmess- love the dress! (um, that was an unintentional rhyme!)

Rakel- For Catholics, Sunday is the main event anyway so never fear! If your location and pastor are OK with the date, you're good to go!

I'm still working on the diet thing. I had to get out of my office today at lunch so I skipped my 70-calorie soup in favor of a nice walk interrupted by a good, cheesy sandwich. I hope it evens out! Guess I'll have salad for dinner...

Cindy- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Missmess- I love dresses like that. What a fabulous cut- and you look absolutely gorgeous. And you are already sporting the Just married "glow" ;)

Hey, I just miss you guys...

Does anyone have anything new and exciting to report? I'm in the wedding doldrums! I have everything done that I can do at this point... I just have invitations, RSVP's, table charts and the programs left and I can't jump on any of it ahead of time. Aaah!

Not too much going on here. We went back east for the engagement party which was on Saturday. Very lovely, our families seem to like each other so that's a good thing. Finally got to meet my 5-month-old nephew, so adorable!

We were thinking we'd use the same DJ my sister had at her wedding since we thought he did a good job for them and we'll probably get a pretty good deal, but he's been pretty bad at returning calls and messages. Don't know what to make of that, I know he's not a typical wedding DJ professional, he's more into the club and house party scene around here. I kind of like that about him (most of the DJs we met at wedding expo were some of the biggest dorks I've ever met, sorry but it's true!) but I think that also might mean dealing with a somewhat lesser level of professionalism. Don't know, we might decide to go with someone else yet.

We're scheduling our complementary engagement photo session soon, it'll be pretty with the fall colors coming out now. :)

We're planning to do our engagement photos soon, too. I've been putting it off in the hope that I will get a few more pounds off first. Ah, vanity!

I wish you luck with the DJ- maybe communicating your expectations (assuming you can get a returned call) when you negotiate the contract would be helpful? I did this with our non-traditional photographer and we agreed on all of the preparation as part of the contract. If she doesn't do it, I don't pay (of course, then I'll be looking for a photographer but I'm pretty confident that won't happen). In the end, it worked out for your sister so you should be good ;)

Hi gals - we're back from our honeymoon - jet-lagged and dreading the reality of going back to work! The house is a mess - presents all over the place (yes, that's a good problem to have!), and we still have wedding stuff to unpack from nearly 2 weeks ago.

Our Med cruise was great - saw SO much in such a short time that we are exhausted. The good news is that this should make it easier for me to get back on track with my workouts - the diet is another story - cruise food is a hard habit to break! I don't even want to see what the scale has to say.

I actually did take my thank you notes with me, and actually DID write them all on the plane yesterday. I am so pleased with myself when I actually do things like that! I had pre-addressed them all, and brought the gift list, which made it pretty easy. Now that's one less thing I have to worry about doing in the coming weeks.

Heading for the grocery store today - time to get back in that kitchen and plan some healthy, nutritious meals for us.

Hope you gals are all doing well.
Cindy

Welcome back, Cindy! I can't believe I finally know someone who really is that organized! Where did you visit in the Med?

We went to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence, Rome, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily. What would you like to see photos of - I took nearly 1500 in those 11 days!

Welcome back Cindy and congrats! Can't wait to see pics from the wedding and your honeymoon. Sounds fabulous, I love the mediterranean. I went to Monte Carlo once, one of the best beaches I've ever been to.

Hey girls - I thought about another tip for you all - try to have some water and/or snacks available for you and the group for during the photos after your ceremony. We had literally not eaten since breakfast, and after a 2pm ceremony my photos went until 5:30! Pete and I actually went through the Wendy's drive-thru for a soda and a small fry between locations because we were dying of thirst. Poor planning on my part, really, but I just didn't think about that part of the day!

Ok, I'll come up with some photos to share.

In Monte Carlo we only really saw the casino since we spent some time up around the palace as well. Too bad we missed the beach!

We were only in each of these places from 6-8 hours, so it was really a quick visit to each of them.
Cindy

Your honeymoon sounds like it was awesome! Thanks for the tip... we're trying to figure out how to limit the picture insanity.

I was so excited- 148 on the scale all week (I haven't been below 150 in years) and then 151 this morning!!! Ever heard of a Greek appetizer called, "Saganaki?" Basically, it's salty cheese soaked in booze and then lit on fire so it gets all good and melty. Last night, I called it dinner. Oops! I'll be drinking water today!

Quite in here these days. We had our engagement photo session on Tuesday this week, we oedered an 8 x 10 for the house and a print for each or our parents. They turned out really nice, but damn prints are expensive. I suppoese that's why they give you the free session. :rolleyes:

I finally wrote the DJ and politely informed him that if we don't here from him within a week we'll be looking in to other options. If we have to pay more for someone reliable so be it. We're looking into getting these folks to play at the ceremony, DF made a contact with one of the members through work.

We picked out our invites, just have to figure out the wording.

You'll have to share your photo with us when you get it. I got my professional pix this week, and I've been spending hours going through them. As photos aren't such a big deal to us, I went the thrifty route which got me a not-so-experienced photog, the whole day of his time, a book of proofs and all the digital files. Now I get to play with them to make something fabulous out of it all. I'm a bit disappointed because I thought everything would be in color, but instead there is a fair amount in B&W, which then aren't available in color! Why wouldn't he just shoot everything in color - you can always Photoshop them into b&w! Anyways, it will be fine, I'm just venting a bit. Good thing I'm handy with the computer. I'm planning on doing one of those photo books on Shutterfly, and then will have prints made for us, family and the bridal party.

Hey, that's a good question - do you think we should give the bridal party a photo of the bridal party? I've been in 5 weddings and have never gotten a photo. Personally, I would have liked to have gotten them!

Shan - about your DJ - mine turned out to be a Merchant marine, which is why I didn't hear back from him in a month! Good luck with all of that, I know it can be frustrating when you're unsure of the status of something. It definitely seemed to me that the vendors sure didn't worry about getting back to me promptly about stuff.

Hope things are going well for you gals. I'll share more photos when I get the chance
Cindy

I'm hip-deep in wedding stuff... I think I found a band for our wedding. Prepare to chuckle... a trio of musicians who play the cello, clarinet, and- tada!- accordian. The sounds and styles actually combine to sound like New Orleans jazz. We heard them at Macy's when we were registering for gifts. I called and asked for a price quote. Since they usually do department stores and parties, they offered us a DISCOUNT as a wedding gift. $500 for the whole shebang: from 5:30 to 10:30! And they do requests- they can play just about anything!

Originally Posted by Lafayette:
I'm hip-deep in wedding stuff... I think I found a band for our wedding. Prepare to chuckle... a trio of musicians who play the cello, clarinet, and- tada!- accordian. The sounds and styles actually combine to sound like New Orleans jazz. We heard them at Macy's when we were registering for gifts. I called and asked for a price quote. Since they usually do department stores and parties, they offered us a DISCOUNT as a wedding gift. $500 for the whole shebang: from 5:30 to 10:30! And they do requests- they can play just about anything!

:yay:

Finally heard back from the DJ, his excuse was medical finals. Didn't know he was in med school, guess I don't mind dealing with a busy student but I'll feel a lot better after we get a meeting in just to make sure we're on the same page and still feel comfortable with him. Said he's call me this Thursday.

Lafayette - That is an amazing deal for the band! We figure we might spend that much on musicians for the ceremony.

jillybean720 - I wouldn't sweat it, there's nothing wrong with long engagements. It's better to have the time to gather resources and think about what you really want.