Updates on the planning process

Okay, I officially feel like progress has been made this past week, so I can actually blog about it!

1) Save-the-dates have almost entirely been mailed. (If you EVER need photo cards in the future, I HIGHLY recommend costco. Wow, what a deal!)

2) Because save-the-dates are mailed, this means that I have a complete (i think) guest list with ALL addresses on a spreadsheet that I can update as necessary. And therefore a list of current addresses to use for all other mail-related correspondence in the future (even not wedding-related!)

3) We registered. With the exception of a few items that don't "come out" until spring (like 3 weeks or so) and a china setting. Apparently what we originally both liked isn't "fancy" enough for formal china. I disagree and believe in simple elegance, but am being open to thinking about it. For about another 2 weeks and then we HAVE to make a decision.)

4) Met with and priced and then chose a florist. (Phew.) Will have to decide on things like altar flowers and pew decorations (if using and then what they should be), but the contract is signed and the deposit is down.)

5) Selected tuxes. This was a HUGE endeavor. And if any bridal store tells you that their colors complement at a tuxedo place, THEY LIE. Anyway, Tom is good with colors and therefore we spent about 3 hours picking out stuff we think will match effectively and actually look good on a multitude of shapes/sizes. And then Tom got measured, too, so I think we're on our way with that.

6) A shower is being planned by the moms and local female relatives on Tom's side. This is good, because bridesmaids are spread out around the country and there are a lot of local women who will want a shower so it needs to happen. I am told I am not supposed to help, but I did provide my part of the guest list. (and we registered, which apparently everyone has been asking about. except not asking us, so we didn't know.)

7) Selected a photo to frame instead of a guestbook (in place of- you sign the mat board). Went to get it custom framed at Michael's this weekend for 55% discount. Nice.

8) Okay, hard to count this one among "my" accomplishments, but it is important: we installed a new pastor at church on Sunday so now we have an officiant! Hooray! (meaning we can get to work on the church portion of this whole thing.)

9) We're going to Maui in February because Tom's parents rock. And we are SOOOOO excited about this! (Okay, i really am, and i think Tom would be if he didn't have so much prep for school to do in order to be gone for a week. he'll be excited on the plane and when we get there!!)

So we're moving along. Need to do rings soon, and start dress fittings. (Like chop 2 inches off the bottom is in the first installment for sure!)

Time for Wedding Posts

Okay, we are less than t-minus 6 months from the big day. Stuff is beginning to heat up in life as a whole, and we're really attempting to stay on track with some of the planning- now that the details are in.

SO: we have to register. Some of you know that much of household is kind of "set"- we live at home (with my mom- if you know her, you totally understand why that rocks)- and therefore a lot of things we have- or, at least, have access to now and will have forever more (or until they break/die). We have some "basics" we're planning on getting- like sheets, towels (that actually match!!), and some kitchen ware that has been in existence since my parents were married and before, so well past its prime (or dead).

But, marrieds and unmarrieds with good ideas, I ask an important question:
What did you register for that turned out to be a great thing to have? What did you NOT register for that you wish you had? OR- what do you think would be really useful or fun to stick on a registry that you might use in the future, in any house/living situation?

Thanks... I think we're supposed to start this weekend. (eek!)

next up... flowers.