Question:

Our date is Sunday, 9-17-00.  So far we have booked and/or deposits on:         Venue (Riverwood Mansion for ceremoney and reception)         Venue already has flowers and candles, etc.         Celebrants         Photographer (as of this coming Saturday)         Cake         Honeymoon (cruise and Poconos reservations and deposits)         Bridesmaids’ dresses (3, two outfits completed, trying to find                     last skirt in a 22w)         My dress (bought and paid for)         DJ’s (friends)         Favors decided on (splits of champagne)         Bubbles bought Still need:         Catering (waiting to hear back from our first pick with sample                     menus, but probably going to use no matter what)         Limos and horse-drawn carriage                 (already talking to companies, will decide soon)         Invitations (have all the catalogs, just have to decide and                     order)         decide of Tux styles         any dress alterations needed         Hotels for guests, wedding night         airlines and car rental for honeymoon         Registering         burning CD’s for music         Write ceremony         make centerpieces and bouquets, other personal flowers         buy beer, wine, and champagne for reception We had over a year to plan, so I have no stressed too much.  I seem to go in spurts of wedding activity.  We didn’t do anything hardly during the holidays, as we were waiting for my matron of honor to have her baby (Ian, born 1-10-00).  This month I have done lots of calling and little things, and we decided on the honeymoon.  I’m the one who started the post about decided how to wear my hair with my dress (thanks to all who have replied!), and I am on a flower kick right now; buying silks at Garden Ridge and Michael’s to decide what I want.   That’s the report for now! Trisha in Nashville — Trisha Pena – Webmistress to Barry ** 9/17/00 ** Shredded Heart Productions http://www.shreddedheart.com/ can barter web services for wedding services

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We’ve been engaged for over one year and I was taking my time with the planning, but now it’s CRUNCH TIME !!!! Our date is 5-28-00 and I’m starting to get a little frantic. I think in mind it always seemed so far away that the date just kinda snuck up on me! Things we’ve done: -booked the church and had preliminary meeting with priest -reserved reception site (1 year in advance – Historical Museum) -chose members of wedding party -reserved transportation (trolley) -picked out dinner menu (sit-down dual entree of filet mignon and stuffed chicken breast) -reserved bakery and designed cake (chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting, red royal icing roses, top tier supported by champagne flutes) -bought wedding gown (off the rack, so far one of the least expensive expenditures in the budget!) -had veil designed and made (satin,sequin, and dangly pearl headpiece w/double layer fingertip and separate chapel lengthveils, all with pearl beading….. totally my mom’s idea but I’ll humor her with this) -bought patterns and fabric for bridesmaid’s gowns (antique gold satin fabric, a-line skirts and long sleeve jackets with Russian-looking embroidered trim, peasant blouse w/embroidery for flower girl) -bought supplies for centerpieces (topiaries) -bought favors (little matryoshka dolls on keychains – can be used as napkin rings, ornaments, purse tags or even…keychains!leftovers will be donated to my church to sell at fundraisers so they won’t be a total wasted expense) -reserved tuxes -reserved florist (red rose bouquets and red or ivory corsages and bouts. floral headdress with ribbons for flower girl, also rose petals to toss) -made invitation list -reserved photographer -asked brother-in-law and friend to videotape ceremony -took off time from work for 3 days prior to wedding, week after for honeymoon and 2 more days to recoup) -reserved honeymoon (1 week in Paris) -started a registry (very few items – I’ve owned my house for 7 years and I have more than I could ever need) -bought toasting flutes Things to do: -pick out hors d’ouerves for cocktail hour (too many choices) -meet again with priest, work out ceremony details with choir, etc… -find gel-filled champagne flutes to support cake tier (without 2000 carved out in stem!!!) -alter the wedding gown (want to try and make sleeves removeable for the reception) -sew bridesmaid’s dresses (hey, Mom, are you listening? This was your idea!) -make bridesmaid’s headpieces -make centerpieces (paint flowerpots,assemble topiaries, attach mini-roses and gold ribbon) -remind guys on weekly basis to get fitted for tuxes -convince Grandpa to wear a tux -pick out DJ (fiance thinks friend can do this but I’m a little wary) -take dance lessons -make final music selections (may have to provide CD’s) -order wedding bands and engraving -order invitations (tonite or tomorrow) -address and assemble invites -organize rehearsal and dinner -make out photo list for photographer -seating chart -write out placecards -write programs -make decorations for groom’s cake -make final color and style selections for flowers -schedule spa day for bride and moms and attendents -write out schedules and instructions for all in wedding party -try to work and make enough money to pay for all of this! -sleep -oh, and about 50 other things I’ll think of as soon as I log off!!! -sasha

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Hmm… The hall has been booked. The DJ has been hired. The photographer has been hired. The classical guitarist for our ceremony has been hired. We had pictures taken last Saturday for our wedding invitations. We asked Cam’s brother-in-law to officiate at our wedding.  He agreed and is currently trying to get the necessary permits to do so. I’ve booked all the wedding day hair appointments for my girls and massage appointment for Cameron at the salon. My bridesmaids, MOH and I have all been measured.  I’ve purchased all of the fabric, and our seamstress is in the process of making our dresses. I’ve met with our florist and have agreed on the floral designs. She’s actually my sister’s godmother.  Her labour will be her gift to us. Our rings have been handed down from Cam’s mom.  She gave them to us last week, and we’ll be taking them in to the jewelers to be resized (only slightly…Cam’s got larger knuckles than his dad). We hired our cake baker and will meet in one week to decide on cake flavours and design. Cam and I agreed to make seed packet favours and candle centrepieces ourselves. So we still need to… – confirm ceremony location plans. – hire a limo van to drive the wedding party to the photographers, then to the ceremony, then to the reception. – buy flowers for our florist. – decide on cake flavour, menu selections. – make favours and centrepieces. – shop around for Barongs, tradition Filipino formal wear, for Cam and the guys.  Cam decided on this instead of tuxes…my mom was thrilled! – get our Flower Girl, MOB and MOG measured for their dresses. Big day’s coming up fast! Nenette to Cameron (27 May 2000)

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(Snipped incredibly organized "list of stuff to do" by sasha.) I’d say you’re on track!  You’re wedding is two weeks after ours, and we have less done than you, and we’re not worried. Tracy (to Dan May 13th, 2000) * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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Things to do: -find gel-filled champagne flutes to support cake tier (without 2000 carved out in stem!!!)

        If you mean like those gel candle things- I’ve seen the gel for sale in some craft shops (or possibly somewhere on the web) to put into your own glasses/jars. So maybe you could get some of that and some cheap champagne flutes and make your own? Alternatively, what about jello? I remember seeing a recipe for fizzy white grape jello that might look kind of like champagne… Not sure how well it’d hold up, though. -Kris

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Things to do: -find gel-filled champagne flutes to support cake tier (without 2000 carved out in stem!!!)    If you mean like those gel candle things- I’ve seen the gel for sale in some craft shops (or possibly somewhere on the web) to put into your own glasses/jars. So maybe you could get some of that and some cheap champagne flutes and make your own? Alternatively, what about jello? I remember seeing a recipe for fizzy white grape jello that might look kind of like champagne… Not sure how well it’d hold up, though. -Kris

Talk to your cake decorator, there is a gel we use called piping gel, which is champagne-y colored, and can be tinted for decorating.  If they are setting up the cake, they can fill the glasses with this gel, and using a cocktail straw, they can even blow little bubbles into it…LOL, DON’T ASK!! I do like the idea of the jell-o white sparkling grape gelatin, too.  If I remember correctly, you mix it with ginger ale instead of cold water to get the bubbles.  By making it double strength like finger jello, you wouldn’t have to worry about it melting… Try a store like Ross or Marshals for excellent stemware, at less than retail prices.  You can even find silverplated cake server/knife sets there from time to time…I even lucked out and found those heart-shaped from the top, nesting silver goblets there for $19 when my cousin got married…they had wanted one, but the catalogs had them for $50. HTH, Priscilla

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candle things- I’ve seen the gel for – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sale in some craft shops (or possibly somewhere on the web) to put into your own glasses/jars. So maybe you could get some of that and some cheap champagne flutes and make your own? Alternatively, what about jello? I remember seeing a recipe for fizzy white grape jello that might look kind of like champagne… Not sure how well it’d hold up, though. -Kris Talk to your cake decorator, there is a gel we use called piping gel, which is champagne-y colored, and can be tinted for decorating.  If they are setting up the cake, they can fill the glasses with this gel, and using a cocktail straw, they can even blow little bubbles into it…LOL, DON’T ASK!! I do like the idea of the jell-o white sparkling grape gelatin, too.  If I remember correctly, you mix it with ginger ale instead of cold water to get the bubbles.  By making it double strength like finger jello, you wouldn’t have to worry about it melting…

I have looked in local craft stores and cannot find the gel stuff… only beeswax candle supplies. I did find 2 examples of gel-filled flutes on Yahoo-shopping but they cost $14 apiece. YIKES – they’ll probably get thrown out afterward (or broken). I never thought of using piping gel, I didn’t realize you could blow bubbles into it! And the sparkling jello is a good idea too, and cheap! (I’ve been avoiding using piping gel since my sister’s wedding. I made 5 cakes with different stained glass designs on the tops using colored piping gel. Boy, was that a pain in the a** especially the Notre-Dame Rose Window design) Speaking of melting…. I am going against my baker’s advice and ordering chocolate-ganache as the icing. My reception is in an un-airconditioned museum hall in upstate New York on Memorial Day Weekend. The weather will be unpredictable (as usual) could be sunny and 80 or rainy and 50. I’m hoping that with the cold nights and low humidity at that time of year that my cake should be OK. If it’s a nice day or even light rain, the wide doors can be opened to the patio and a cool breeze can come accross the nearby lake. the baker is worried that if it is extremely hot that weekend that my cake might be in trouble. I figure that it will be out of refrigeration for about 2 hours. Even so, we may set up a light fan near the cake to cool the air. For this reason I want to use cheap champagne flutes with gel (or jello) as the columns in case the baker has to glue them to the separator plates or tier supports. (they won’t have fittings like regular cake column supports) I just can’t imagine myself not having anything but a chocolate wedding cake and I love the dark smooth shiny look of ganache as a very simple elegant design. Any input (priscilla especially)? Just don’t bother to tell me to skip the ganache cuz I’ll just cover my ears and sing "LALALALALALA I’M NOT LISTENING LALALALA" -sasha

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Our planning schedule is fairly bizarre. I’m starting a very time intensive job in June; the wedding in about 700 miles away from us; we are currently about 300 miles away from each other. So we are trying to get 75% of things finished by June, as otherwise things will  fall upon my mom (who lives where the wedding is). The biggest thing we have to do is set the date. Can’t do that until I know where I’m working next year, and I won’t find out that until March 16! So far we have: Notified the rabbi when are general dates are (and discovered which dates were out) Arranged for my family to meet my fiance’s Decided on the general level of formality Found a florist Compiled a premilinary guest list and numbers Compiled lists of venues and caterers that fit our numbers and tastes Compiled a list of photographers and DJ’s to interview Registered Begun consulting with possible seamstresses for the dress Begun researching Jewish wedding traditions We have yet to do anythng else! It sure feels like it has been a lot of work for not much tangable result, but I have a feeling that everything will come together fairly quickly when I go home in the spring to visit because of all our preliminary work! Rachel

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How are the rest of you doing?

I asked my two best friends this week to be co-MOH’s…they were both thrilled, kinda emotional, which is nice.  Gave me a good feeling inside, they were both surpised and didn’t really expect it I think We booked our reception/ceremony site 2 weeks ago!  We plan on an outside ceremony, with a cocktail hour outside nearby after, then lunch inside this wonderful room that has a wall of windows…  Its bright and will be beautiful in the day! We are meeting with some photographers the next few weeks, that is the next big item on our list. Then moving on to video, dj’s, florists, dresses….(the list goes on) Carol and Matt 2/17/01

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Our wedding is 7 months from today!! _We have_: church and priest reception site (catering and cake included) photographer dj centerpieces (wreaths of silk flowers) all silk flowers for bouquets all favor supplies invites are chosen but not ordered Len’s ring I made flower girl baskets guest list is complete wedding party is chosen already had engagement encounter classes _Still Need_: something to wear!! (i’m having a tough time choosing a dress that I like!  Even my mother already has her dress!!) bridesmaids & flower girl dresses tux rentals order of service my w-ring (will need to be custom made due to my e-ring shape-marquise with trillion cut diamonds on either side) rehearsal dinner site-though rehearsal date is set with church and priest engagement pics and announcement for paper have tentative h’moon plans but we change our minds every other week! We think we are doing pretty well so far, time wise and $$ wise…Anything we’re missing??? Jane and Len 9/23/00

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 How are the rest of you doing? It’s so interesting to hear what some people consider "doing well" with the planning.  Many people would look at our list of what we have accomplished and think we have done too little.  Others, might be amazed with our progress.  It’s all about your mindset I guess.

Well, it really depends on when your wedding is & where you live.  At some times of the year, vendors & other wedding details are very easy to secure, so you don’t need to do a lot of things in advance.  Some cities have a very limited selection for vendors, so you need to book really early.  Then again, not everyone has an elaborate wedding that requires tons of advance planning! My own status — pretty dang good, w/32 days to go! My dress & my finace’s frockcoat are both 80% finished being sewn by his stepmom. Should be totally done by 3/1.  We made 100 favours last weekend (little boxes made of burgundy marble cardstock w/silver ribbon handles, filled w/hershey’s kisses & random romantic/quirky quotes on slips of pretty paper).  My finace is putting the final touches on our first dance song (which he wrote & recorded). We’re meeting w/the site coordinator tomorrow nite to confirm everything. I printed out half the programs tonight & will finish tomorrow or the next day. We’ve bought gifts for our attendants & just need to wrap them — even have some nice wrapping paper ready (altho’ we still haven’t gotten a gift for our officiant; he’s a friend who got a ULC ministership just for our wedding & we want to get him s’thing special). I have the materials for my veil, & I’ll prob. make it this wknd.  Plans for the rehearsal dinner are still sketchy, but his mom is working on it. We need to work out a more detailed schedule of the day itself & give that to the wedding party, parents, & photographer. Need to meet w/the florist & give her swatches of the fabric for our outfits, & confirm the ceremony & centerpiece setups. Our rsvp situation is bothersome, & we’re starting to call ppl who couldn’t be bothered to mail in the pre-stamped card. But nothing major is undone or not close to being done at this point.  I’m really looking forward to the event itself & esp. to the much-needed relaxation of the honeymoon after! –T. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a.g.f.faq.chick                   gothic martha stewart

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Just thought I’d add our "accomplishments" into this thread! We were engaged in June 1997 but we didn’t start planning for our July 1, 2000 wedding until Christmas 1998 (since we are gettig married in a small town, our options on venues and vendors were limited, so we had to book early!). So far we have: Church and minister Reception Hall Flowers picked out and ordered DJ and photographer Invitations are in, and I’m starting to address them Block of hotel rooms booked Bridemaid dresses, My dress (which comes in in 3 weeks!) and Tuxes Favours decided upon but not made (maple leaf shaped chocolates) Music picked out (mostly), Ceremony mostly finished We still need to: Pick our menu and decorations with the reception site Decide upon and book our honeymoon Pick out a song for the soloist to sing Get centrepieces Arrange transportation (we already have one 1965 Mustang arranged but need more cars) Hmm…I think that’s it… Only 4 months and a bit to go! Shelby (to Chris) July 1, 2000 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  How are the rest of you doing? It’s so interesting to hear what some people consider "doing well" with the planning.  Many people would look at our list of what we have accomplished and think we have done too little.  Others, might be amazed with our progress.  It’s all about your mindset I guess.

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Seems to me that we used to do one of these threads every month or so, but it’s been a while. For us, so much has been going on since Christmas or so. My bridesmaids found their dresses. I went with four of them to a nice dress shop and we found a dress within 30 minutes. Yay! The best part is that they were only $100 each and there were enough in stock that we walked out with them! We found our DJ on a recommendation from our photographer. That was the last vendor that we really needed to book and it was getting kind of stressful. We found some silk columbine for our centerpieces. It’s Brian’s favorite flower and it was very important to us to include it. Unfortunately, it’s been nigh upon impossible to get a hold of it since last April’s incident at the high school. But, we found it at a very nice shop here in Denver and were able to buy it before it even hit the sales floor. It’s *very* nice looking, too. Yay! Now I’m just waiting for the next 40% off sale at Michael’s to finish up buying flowers. We ordered tickets to the Rockies baseball game that is happening 2 days before the wedding. It’s one of the fireworks shows and since we bought more than 25 tickets we get our names on the message board. So far, it looks like we’ll have no trouble getting enough people together to actually use all those tickets (my immediate family alone is taking 8 of them!) We also ordered our rings this past weekend! They’re Celtic knotwork gold bands. We’d thought the rings would take much longer to get in, but since it’s their "slow" time, we’ll have them in just a couple of weeks. We’re looking into ways to get my e-ring to fit more flush with the w-ring, so it’s nice that we’ll have some time to talk to the jeweler and consider options. We’ve got our ceremony pretty much finished. Yay! Right now we’re working on our invitations. We’ve all but given up on having a Celtic knotwork border on them. We found a nice embossed one, but the price for 100 invitations and all the accessories we need/want is $300 more than our current runner-up. It’s a heck of a lot of extra money to spend and we’re not sure yet if it’s worth it. We’re still debating about the wording (see my other thread on invite wording). We’ll like one wording slightly more one day and the other wording will be favored the next. Aaargh!!! That’s what’s going on for us. I think things are pretty well under control, at least for the moment. How are the rest of you doing? Jennifer (and Brian) July 15, 2000

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How are the rest of you doing?

Good timing! I was just doing a "wedding reality check" for myself during lunch. Let’s see: -We got our engagement pictures taken, and published announcements in the local papers last week. -We went looking at rings – we were also thinking about Celtic rings, but have changed our minds due to importing costs at a local Irish shop – the only place we’ve found that carries them, aside from online vendors. FH and I are hesitant to order these over the internet, so we’ve started looking at simple gold bands with a bit of detail instead. -I’m in the process of contacting florists now to see their work. -Greg’s picking out his tux style this week. -We’ve decided on an invitation style and wording, so all that’s left there is to choose accessories and order. -Hopefully (fingers crossed) we’ll have decided on bridesmaids dresses before mid-March. (This is the one thing I’m worried about right now… I want to have this done soon since one of my BMs lives in Vermont and we’ll have to send her dress to her for alterations.) I’m lucky in that a good friend is making our cake, and my cousin will be providing DJ service/equipment as a gift, so these are things I don’t have to worry too much about right now.  I’ve started making my veil, and have my dress ordered.  Reception details have been semi-set for some time, although we need to finalize the menu, but not until sometime in May, I believe. FH’s parents are really gung-ho about planning the rehearsal dinner, and FFIL also used to work for a limo company, so he’s planning to call them to get details soon. The one thing I *thought* I’d be doing earlier is meeting with our officiant, but my church’s policy is two-three months before the wedding.  Fortunately, our officiant is the pastor that I know the best, out of the three that serve our church. I feel good about what we’ve gotten done already.  I know there’s a good bit still to do, but I have eight months… some people plan their weddings in half the time! — Lisa (and Greg) November 4, 2000 * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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-We got our engagement pictures taken, and published announcements in the local papers last week. -We went looking at rings – we were also thinking about Celtic rings, but have changed our minds due to importing costs at a local Irish shop – the only place we’ve found that carries them, aside from online vendors. FH and I are hesitant to order these over the internet, so we’ve started looking at simple gold bands with a bit of detail instead.

We really lucked out with the rings, I guess. We saw a vendor at a Scottish/Irish festival who happened to be local. The prices were quite reasonable, and the rings are made locally (in their basement!) -I’m in the process of contacting florists now to see their work. -Greg’s picking out his tux style this week. -We’ve decided on an invitation style and wording, so all that’s left there is to choose accessories and order.

Cool! That’s what’s hanging over our heads right now. Like I said, we’ve found the perfect invitation, but it’s more than twice the cost of the runner up. -Hopefully (fingers crossed) we’ll have decided on bridesmaids dresses before mid-March. (This is the one thing I’m worried about right now… I want to have this done soon since one of my BMs lives in Vermont and we’ll have to send her dress to her for alterations.)

That reminds me that I have 2 dresses hanging in my closet that I really ought to get into the mail… I’m lucky in that a good friend is making our cake, and my cousin will be providing DJ service/equipment as a gift, so these are things I don’t have to worry too much about right now.  I’ve started making my veil, and have my dress ordered.  

I made my veil, too. It wasn’t terribly hard until my mom and I started putting ribbon around the edge. I found my headpiece on ebay, and I’m waiting for it to be shipped. Reception details have been semi-set for some time, although we need to finalize the menu, but not until sometime in May, I believe. FH’s parents are really gung-ho about planning the rehearsal dinner, and FFIL also used to work for a limo company, so he’s planning to call them to get details soon.

My FMIL is gung ho about the rehearsal dinner, too. They’re inviting *everyone* who is invited to the wedding. I think she secretly wishes she was throwing the wedding. Her only daughter will not have a traditional wedding (if she ever even marries) and she’s been obsessing over ours for the last year. The one thing I *thought* I’d be doing earlier is meeting with our officiant, but my church’s policy is two-three months before the wedding.  Fortunately, our officiant is the pastor that I know the best, out of the three that serve our church.

That would worry me. But, I’m one of those people that likes to have things settled and decided *NOW* if not sooner. =) I feel good about what we’ve gotten done already.  I know there’s a good bit still to do, but I have eight months… some people plan their weddings in half the time!

It amazes me! But I’ll get on a kick and do a bunch of wedding planning in a short amount of time and then forget about the whole thing for weeks on end. Jennifer (and Brian) July 15, 2000

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How are the rest of you doing?

Hm. Let’s see… I’m still looking for a dress. Somehow, nothing seems ‘right’. This coming weekend, my mom and I are going to talk to some dressmakers Just In Case. Have a reception site. Have a ceremony site. Still i’viewing caterers. Meeting w. photographer this week. Have florist. Guess I’m not doing too well. Fortunately, I’ve got some time. Oh! and most important!!! I’ve got the groom!!!! Liz (whose groom returns from Brussels tomorrow night!! Yay!) Liz and Jim Nov. 11, 2000

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Guess I’m not doing too well. Fortunately, I’ve got some time. Oh! and most important!!! I’ve got the groom!!!!

I’m puzzled at the snippiness… Jennifer (and Brian) July 15, 2000

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Guess I’m not doing too well. Fortunately, I’ve got some time. Oh! and most important!!! I’ve got the groom!!!! I’m puzzled at the snippiness…

Hi Jennifer – Wasn’t intended to be snippy at all, honest! I’m *extremely* frustrated by my gown search, and have lost a lot of enthusiasm as a result….was simply reminding myself, really, that I’ve got Jimmy and all else will fall into place. Eventually. Liz

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Well, I’m new here, but I love this thread…  It’s fun to read where everyone is in relation to their date, it makes me much less panicky. We made our engagement official around Christmas, and I spent a month putting off making any wedding plans.  We’ve lived together for seven years and I had *no* idea what kind of wedding I wanted, a big wedding was completely inappropriate.  Then my family announced on February 1 that they’re coming out here for a reunion, so we decided that would be a great time. So…  In three weeks I’ve gotten the following done and am pretty happy with my progress: Bridesmaid dresses picked out, tried on and paid for.  They’re simple red dresses with a small band of red lace at the waist in a rose pattern that the girls can wear again to a party or something. Tuxes reserved, all groommen instructed to go in for fittings.  The men will be in black jeans, groom will have a red bow tie, and groomsmen will have regular red ties.  Plain black tux jackets for short wedding and photos, then they’ll shed the jackets for the reception.  Also bought a red bow tie for my puppy.  The rings will be attached to the bow tie, and the ring bearer will walk her down the aisle.  (Yes, we’ll make sure she hasn’t had anything to drink in the hour or so before the ceremony to ensure no ‘accidents’.) Reception hall booked.  The wedding will be outdoors, unless the weather is bad, then it will be in the hall. Officiant found (and she is making a carrot wedding cake for us!) A hostel and cabins reserved for guests to stay in.  (We’re getting married about an hour’s drive away from ‘civilization’.) Pre-invitation letter sent out to guests, informing them that there is a place to stay and that the wedding will be Friday afternoon, in case they need to make arrangements for time off work to come. Headpiece (handmade ivory silk flowers and pearls attached to a comb), veil and shoes found.  Dress being made by a dressmaker. Photographer booked.  I gave her a list of the photos I want taken.  She’s also videotaping the wedding with two camcorders, one from the front and one from the back. D.J. booked for reception.  He has a list of songs, including ‘our song’ for the first dance, and I’m working on the order of things for the reception for him to announce. Caterer booked (It will be a pig roast with salads – and venison meat and cheese trays from my own hunting expedition last fall, with smoked fish caught by my beloved groom.) Flowers for ceremony and centerpieces will be from my dad’s garden (Flowers are his hobby.)  Most will be in "wedding pots" we’re picking out in a month so they’ll be live flowers. I’m making my own bouquets with silk red and ivory flowers. Whew!  I’ve been busy.  But my hope is to keep it very laid back so I can completely enjoy the day.  We’re making our wedding very "us".  I’ve *never* had so much fun as planning this! Jodie (to Marty) July 21, 2000 Polebridge, Montana

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Wasn’t intended to be snippy at all, honest! I’m *extremely* frustrated by my gown search, and have lost a lot of enthusiasm as a result….was simply reminding myself, really, that I’ve got Jimmy and all else will fall into place. Eventually.

I’m sure it will. Remember, you *do* have several more months before your wedding than I do. Half the stuff I mentioned was just done in the last month or so (we’re at the 5 months to go mark), so if you’re not where we are that’s just fine. I’d suggest taking a break from your dress search if you’re that frustrated. I know all the magazines say you’re supposed to get your dress right away, but half their advice is ridiculous anyway. My dress was ready about 8 weeks after I ordered it. Most places say to allow something like 4 months. I’d think you could take a few weeks off and not even *think* about your dress and still be okay to order it in time. It might clear your mind of your frustrations so that when you go back to your search you’re more relaxed. Jennifer Jennifer (and Brian) July 15, 2000

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I feel good about what we’ve gotten done already.  I know there’s a good bit still to do, but I have eight months… some people plan their weddings in half the time! — Lisa (and Greg) November 4, 2000

Hi!  I’m a newbie, as I’m sure you can guess.  Our date is November 4, as well, and you’re way ahead of me!  We’ve got the church and the priest, I think we’re putting the deposit down on the hall this week, we’ve found a photographer that we like, I’ve got patterns for the bridesmaids, and my dress is on order. Plus, we’re doing the planning from another state.  Argggg!  Now I’ve got to start doing detail stuff, and I’m horrible at it! Beth (the laggard) November 4, 2000

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Piggybacking from Donna: How are the rest of you doing? Reception site, check.

Check. Food and beverages: check

Sort of check.  We have to buy our alcohol, so we will be waiting until about a month before.  Meeting with caterer next week to finalize menu, and give them downpayment. Flowers: Check

No using a real florist.  But, have bought silks for bouquets and centerpieces. Chapel, limos: check

Yes Chapel.  No limos.  Chapel and Reception within walking distance. Bridesmaids dresses: chosen, not purchased

Purchased.  They’ll arrange for their alterations at their convenience. Guest list: sort of

Sort of done.  Until his parents decide they just "have" to invite someone else. Dress: found fabric and seamstress, will start construction

next month. Bought last summer.  Haven’t made alteration plans yet.  Got shoes last week, so will make appt. soon.  This "shoe" thing is such a pain, since I never wear white dress shoes…I wanted to find a pair I may wear again after the wedding. Officiant,

Check.  Have met all Catholic requirements for marriage.  chapel musicians, Check.  Will meet with her in a few weeks to talk about musical selections.  Have DJ for reception as well. invitations,

Odered last Tuesday…expecting them any day now.  men’s apparel, DF was fitted about 10 days ago.  Other men were instructed to be fitted by the end of March.  gifts for the attendants, Haven’t a clue here, fortunately, still have 2 1/2 months. Let’s see what else.  Have photographer, just have to pay him. Cake.  This is a sticky issue.  I don’t give a rat’s ass about having a tiered cake.  DF wants one.  I’d prefer to have a regular white sheet cake with nice ornamentation, and different desserts like cheesecake, pie, etc.  I know everybody expects to "see" a cake at the reception, but we arne’t having a cookie- cutter wedding.  This issue needs to be discussed further…but since you don’t have to order it until about 3 weeks before, not a pressing issue. We’re moving right along.  I feel like we’re on top of everything, and we haven’t had any major problems or roadblocks, but we sort of take everything with a grain of salt.  We’re not worried about everything being perfect.  We just want to be married, and have a nice time with family and friends. Tracy * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

 How are the rest of you doing? It’s so interesting to hear what some people consider "doing well" with the planning.  Many people would look at our list of what we have accomplished and think we have done too little.  Others, might be amazed with our progress.  It’s all about your mindset I guess. We have: Booked these vendors: photography, videography, DJ and florist. I have purchased my dress We have booked our honeymoon We have looked at invitations, and gone to one cake tasting. 2 of 4 the bridesmaids have their dresses. Next month we will be blocking the hotel rooms, finding a Rabbi and starting to register. — Melissa to Paul 09/24/00 Los Angeles, CA Before you buy.

Response:

How are the rest of you doing? It’s so interesting to hear what some people consider "doing well" with the planning.  Many people would look at our list of what we have accomplished and think we have done too little.  Others, might be amazed with our progress.  It’s all about your mindset I guess.

It really does, doesn’t it? Even at this point we seem to be ahead, I know that over the next few months we/I will have very little time to devote to planning the wedding. So, we took care of whole bunch of stuff while we had the time. We have: Booked these vendors: photography, videography, DJ and florist.

Those are the biggies! After the venue, of course, which I’m assuming you already have? Jennifer (and Brian) July 15, 2000

Response:

Those are the biggies! After the venue, of course, which I’m assuming you already have?

Oops, yeah we’ve got that already, that was the first thing we did. I made my own time-line, because so many of the things that the other suggested timelines/checklists suggested weren’t applicable to us (not to mention how much those lists by the wedding magazines and web sites push the most stupid ideas). Our engagement is exactly a year, so we have had generous amounts of time, which I am grateful for especially since I work a normal M-F work week and Paul works freelance, which can be anytime, but often weekends. By giving ourselves a few tasks a month, we’ve been able to keep it managable, and have yet to freak out (I suspose there is plenty of time for that).  Thus far we are ahead of schedule so much so that there was nothing on the list for Feb. and half of the things for March are already done. Melissa to Paul 09/24/00 Los Angeles, CA Before you buy.

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