Things are starting to come together

This past Saturday I went dress shopping (for about the eighth time, it's so much fun!) and found a dress that fits me perfectly, looks great, and has an incredible price.

The only "problem" with it is it is all-white. I have two other most-favourite dresses, and both of them have some colour in them. One has navy accents, and the other has pastel embroidery.

So now I'm in a bit of a quandary, because I love different things about all three dresses. If the price was the same on all three, I don't know how I would decide, but there's a $500 difference between the white one and the other two.

I'm going for one final look at the other two on Friday and will make up my mind then. It just occurred to me that maybe I'm doing it to say goodbye to the others! :)

So that's the dress. Next thing: the reception location.

We've found a nice location (a golf course) with decent prices. I've tentatively booked it for Saturday, May 13, 2006. Every other Saturday in May is already booked! I really wanted the 20th as I like the sound of "May 20th" and it's the long weekend, but the 13th will probably be better in the long run because Brooke will be able to remember it as his birthday is on a 13th as well.

This Saturday, we're going to meet with the Food and Beverage Manager at the golf course and talk about food and such. I have to make a decision by the end of the month at the latest, but it's only the 7th today so I have a fair amount of time. I imagine I'll probably make a decision right away after Saturday, assuming we're able to sample the food at that time.

The following checklist is from WeddingsWest.ca and lists things I should have done or be doing now.

To do 12-18 Months Before (Apparently I should already be finished this whole list. Oops)

• Announce the engagement. Done. We told everyone by phone. We haven't done any kind of formal announcement.
• Buy the engagement ring. Done, and it is gorgeous! What a talented man I'm marrying.
• Decide on a wedding date. Done, unless we change locations.
• Determine your budget. I've picked a number out of the air that sounds affordable. I haven't finalized it yet, though, by checking to see if it is actually possible.
• Make an appointment with your Officiant. Need to pick one. Will wait until we decide on our ceremony location.
• Decide on a ceremony location and reserve. Not started.
• Assemble your guest list, remembering to consult both families. In progress.
• Decide on formality and style of wedding. Semi-formal, feeling like spring.
• Decide on a reception location and reserve. In progress
• Choose attendants. Maid of honour and one bridesmaid picked, asked, and accepted. One or two more bridesmaids to go, but first, I must decide on whether it will be one or two! Groom's attendants not decided.
• Select Bridal Consultant. I don't plan to use one.

To do 8-10 Months Before (What I should be doing now)

• Shop for your wedding dress and accessories. Dress shopping nearly complete. Accessories to come after dress decision.
• Shop for bridesmaids' dresses. I saw one I liked, but too expensive. So not really begun yet.
• Select photographer and videographer. Not started.
• Select florist. Not started.
• Select musicians or DJ for ceremony & reception. Brent has offered his services.
• Enroll with gift registry. Underway/ongoing. And fun!
• Choose a caterer. In-house caterer at reception location.
• Choose decorator. A decorator? Are they kidding?
• Pick a Honeymoon destination. Check if both of you have a current passport and if any inoculations are required. Not really started.

So, that's where I'm at right now!