What to do in these early stages???? Try EVERYTHING!

So, this week…I enjoyed a great dinner with friends who were so excited to hear the news of my recent engagement. Lesson for all new brides: it’s great to tell people in small groups…you’ll never grow tired of telling the proposal story and the smaller groups provide a more intimate setting where you can really savor the well-wishes of your friends. 

 After a great dinner, I made a couple more appointments with bridal ateliers to try and find a gown. I’m even more confused than last week. I’m a very fashion-forward gal, some would say the “African American Carrie“ (from SITC, you know!)…but, I really want to feel like a bride on my wedding. Although I’m not a ball gown sort-of-girl, I’ve realized that I don’t want just any dress to where. So, in preparation for the October visit – where my mom, future MIL, MOH and future SIL will join me in NYC to make the final selection – I tried on a couple more selections. The October visit should be eventful, since it will be the first time the mothers meet. Frankie’s SOOOO excited that he doesn’t have to spend the day with us! Lol!!!

Again, the best tip I heard along the way…the initial fittings should be done alone. Really, you know what you like – and if you confuse yourself, you only have you to reason with! : )



Invitations
How lucky are we to have found an amazing designer who has an aesthetic similar to our own. Mimi Woo, the owner of mika78 (mika78.com), has such great collections to select from – we were overwhelmed. We’ve settled on the bespoke process – where she’ll design our stationary/invitations based on our personality, our destination and the theme of our wedding…how amazing!!

 Engagement Photos
So, I’ve found – I think, meeting with him tomorrow – the photographer to do all of our photos! From sopp to nuts: Engagement photo session, wedding weekend and newlywed photos. His online portfolio is perfection. A little caveat about our photos: Frankie and I have NEVER had professional photos completed as a couple. So, we both decided that we want our engagement photos to be well produced – a stylist, make-up artist, hairstylist, professional photographer. It’s a huge production – not recommended for the light at heart!!! We want a combination of in-studio and environmental shots. Hopefully this photographer is up to the challenge…lol!!!!


Now, my words of wisdom (even though I’m only a month into this planning process)…there is a disappointing side of wedding planning that NOONE tells you. Two things you should do immediately! 1. Create a budget. 2. Set expectations early of those you choose to help you in this process. Your wedding is MOST important to you, not to anyone else…not even your BFF! So, just because you’ve discovered the loveliest shade of purple that you think you want to weave throughout all your stationary – tell the designer designing your invitation. She cares…your BFF is just trying to get through the day with all her own activities that she cannot feign excitement once again about the "lovely shade of the day”…especially if she’s married with a teething infant and cranky 2-year old OR if she a high-powered executive on the edge of reason and working to secure her job in this ‘tanking economy’.


Thank goodness I learned these lessons sooner rather than later…whew!

(photo credit: my favorite photo of me and Frank on our recent trip to Paris)