10 Months to go!

Wow! 10 more months!! I'm crossing my fingers that it will be smooth sailing from here on out. I expect some "crazy waves" but I know it will be OK. If you're a bride-to-be and you register with any wedding website, like The Knot, they send you monthly checklists. Jon and I are doing so far so good!

This month, here is our checklist:

• Find your Dress. Oh lordy. I'm a little scared about this task. I'm scared that I'm being too picky! Two weeks ago, I attended the Brides Against Breast Cancer Wedding Gown Tour. (this is a great fundraiser for an even greater cause. Please read about it!) I was really optimistic about finding a dress here! I've read all the testimonials from other brides AND my bridesmaid (and fellow bride-to-be, Janelle) found her dress there! She's getting married in November 2011 and she checked that off her list already. And did I mention that the designer and couture dresses are up to 25% to 75% off? Super Savings! Well, after trying on 5 dresses, I didn't find the ONE. I was a little sad. My Mom and Dad went with me, and they helped me stay focused. They noticed I was too caught up with finding a dress that was 'cheaper' rather than finding a dress that I LOVED. I went to David's Bridal the week after, tried on 7 dresses and I didn't find the ONE. I'm definitely looking for that "WOW" factor...like every other bride out there. I believe it's still possible to find a dress with the "WOW" factor...and not spend the equivalent to a down payment for a car. I have set a budget of $800-1,000 for my dress (including alterations!). We shall see if I can make it happen.
  

• Choose your color combo: DONE!

• Get Centerpiece Ideas: DONE! Here are the 'tag' words to describe what we have in mind: White Phalaenopsis Orchids, candles, rattan wood, capiz shells and bamboo. Can ya dig it? Mmhmm...

• Begin interviewing Wedding Coordinators: We met with Brenda Swann of Swann Soirees last night. Jon and I had a great time! And we clicked so well with her!

OK, so we have a few PAST DUE items:

• Appraise and insure your engagement ring: I have the appraisal but insurance?? Oy, I gotta research that. Do any of you out there have any suggestions?
  
• If you're having an Engagement Party, set a date, draft guest list and order invitations: AAAHH!! Jon and I STILL want an engagement party! But we got engaged in May. Is it too late?? I hope not! Because we're still working on the final edit of the proposal video (which is taking waaaay longer than expected)...and the only way we thought of sharing it was at an engagement party (since none of our family or friends have seen the footage from that day!).
  

It did say to FINALIZE your guest list. But oh mylanta! I'm not about to touch that right now. That's opening a can of worms. Both parents and Jon and I have our drafts. But finalizing it? Oh my my... Sooooo not ready for that yet.