Quick question for you ladies as we were going over the registry she remembered the quintessential wedding gift was missing, fine China. Now she is the only child, meaning eventually her mother will be giving her the set of china and silver flatware.

Do we register for a set of new China and Silver, or ask her mom to just gift hers early?

It would mean more to us to have hers than a new set, but then again the question remains, traditional wedding gifting, or turn hers into ours as a wedding gift?

*hisblueyedoll's Mr* ~Jimmy

Today I helped run a very nice bridal shower for one of the ladies in our church. There were about 60 guests (which makes for A LOT of presents) and it was approximately 3 hours long. I DO NOT want to put my family and close friends through that long of a bridal shower, so I would like to forgo the typical bridal shower. Instead I think it would be fun to join with 20-30 nearest and dearests and go to a nice restaurant. All of the guests that would want to share marital advice or advice for our future would be able to in a more intimate setting so we could all talk and celebrate together. I also would like to incorporate a silent auction to benefit the Haitian child that our church supports. We would supply movie tickets, concert tickets, spa certificates, some nice wine and other cool prices for people to try to win. 

Another alternative that I love is the "Book and Bar" shower where each guest brings a favorite book (and explains why) along with something for the bar, such as wine openers, wine bottles, wine glasses, or martini shakers. I found many nifty ideas on BridesmaidAid.com. Anyone want to share some unconventional ideas for a bridal shower that you want or have been to lately?

@Mr HisBlueEyeDoll... I actually have three china sets. How many sets the two of you actually want in your home is really up to you. My mom has my great grandmothers set, which will get past down to me. I acquired a complete set from cleaning out an old home. Then we have our wedding set. I wanted a wedding set, just b/c I love china. When I when out to pick the pattern I took a plate from each collection with me to the stores. The goal was to find a pattern that would work with each set so I could mix and match collections for larger parties. Does that make sense? If you look at a bloomingdales ad for fine china registry, you'll see how they mix and match different sets for a fun look. 

@Ms HisBlueEyeDoll... I really like the "book & bar" idea, very fun! I am not sure how you would incorporate a silent auction at a bridal shower; only b/c when I go to a bridal/baby shower I am not used to bringing my checkbook, kwim? 

Very helpful advice! Thanks!

I think I have found my dream dress, Badgely Mischka "Lauren" for sale on preownedweddingdresses.com and I have been in contact with the seller! AAGHHH I am so anxious to buy it! I love it and have loved it for almost a year and I can't believe I am this close to being able to OWN it... WOW... Definitely need to keep my fingers crossed! :]

How did you make out with your dress?

The other buyer completed her purchase of my perfect dream dress! But if I continue slimming down and losing weight I might be able to buy her actual wedding dress in November! Vey exciting! I like the idea of sharing, it has a sort of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" vibe to me! We'll see how it all pans out! Obviously I have PLENTY of time to find my dress! :) Also my mom and I obsess over TLC's Say Yes to the Dress and she gets all misty thinking of us going together to find my dress! So while I am trying to be thrifty and committed to my dream dress, I have never actually tried her on . . . Also I am an adopted only child so really I should help make this "rite of passage" special for my mom too!

This is my 200th post! YAY!!! I had to do it in my own "house".

Since the last update we have changed our date to 8-6-11 because of my school schedule. Unfortunately I will have to be in school still in fall '11 so it would not make sense to have the wedding in September because we would have to push back the HM. So now instead of being 25, I will still be 24 which kind of freaks me out!

We have contacted many of our vendors and we will start putting deposits in May! I have kicked my butt into gear and have started regularly exercising because I really want to lose 35 lbs!

I am so excited and I can't wait to marry my best friend! <3

Congrats on the 200th post! Moving up the wedding by a month is not soo bad.... and trust me your get over the age thing. When you get to be close to your 30ies you start believing that age is really just a number. 

UPDATE: we found a beautiful church for our ceremony & put the deposit for 8-6-11!

We also put the deposit on the reception site!

In August we are meeting with the caterer & reception coordinator to discuss rentals and decorating!

WOOHOO!