kokukitty

We leave for Ireland tonight! I can't believe the time is finally here.

I paid for their dresses, and they are paying for alterations - plus, I'm paying for hair and makeup. I'm in a position where I can afford to do it, and they are doing me a great honor by coming all the way to Ireland for my wedding. On the other hand, it's totally acceptable and rather common not to do it, too. Considering the expense of weddings and how tight finances can be, I'm sure good friends would understand about having to buy their own dresses. I know I've bought quite a few of my own bridesmaid dresses in the past!

How awful! I didn't trust them and had my invitation weighed at 2 different post offices. Then when I brought the invitations in to be mailed, I had then weighed again. I'm a control freak - but I'd heard horror stories like this before.

We reluctantly did a registry - if we didn't, I know that FI's family would have given us gifts that would most likely have not been anything we could/would use - even after telling them not to give us anything. I haven't 'advertised' the registry - when people ask, I tell them... along with "You really don't need to get us anything. Really."

We had a get together today with everyone who's going with us to go over the itinerary. It's starting to feel very real! We leave for Ireland in 4 weeks. All I can say is, Thank God for our planner. She is worth her weight in gold.

KGirl, I love, love, love your cake!

I can't even believe we leave for Ireland in less than 2 months. I think I'm in good shape, but I have a panicky feeling. Once we get the final counts in next week, we'll be able to finalize the rest of our plans. It amazes me that there are still people who aren't sure whether they're going or not. :-)

I am so, so sorry, Andrea. I can't even imagine how devastated you must be. Take a deep breath and keep doing what you're doing. Your wedding might be just the thing your family needs. In the worst case scenario and your family can't come, know that they still will be there with you in spirit. Stay strong - we're all thinking of you.

We decided to forego gifts and treat ourselves to spending the night at a nearby Irish castle after our civil ceremony.

The metric conversion chart is a great idea!

Our matron of honor and best man (who happen to be married) gave us a wonderful engagement party last year. We had a blast!

i found these that I'm liking a lot: from www.tejanibridaljewelry.com

I agree with Carly - the lime and aqua play off of each other really well!

Jannae, I love the Tejani bridal jewelry! I'm so excited. I had tried searching Etsy but was overwhelmed by it and didn't see anything I liked, except in one storefront.

Oh, Karen, I love, love, love your jewelry! I just sent a request to BGB Jewelry to make earrings for me. Thank you for sharing!

Our photographer created a photo album of our engagement pictures with a lot of space around the pictures for people to write. We're asking them to not just sign their names, but to write a little something, like they would in a yearbook.

My brother emailed me on Sunday to tell me that he and his family weren't coming to the wedding. They were the only family I had coming - my parents are both deceased - and he was going to 'give me away'. My sister-in-law was going to be a bridesmaid, and my niece was going to be flower girl. Apparently, his back is bothering him, and he doesn't want to fly 7 hours. My sister-in-law is pregnant and due on April 1st - and just decided that she doesn't want to bring a baby overseas. Even though she knew she was pregnant when I bought the dress for her - and she assured me there was no way she wouldn't be there. So, I asked a good friend who's going to take her place (an awkward conversation), and FI's dad (along with many of my friends' dads) offered to give me away. Everyone has been gracious and understanding. It helped me to put it in perspective. It does seem that I will have family there... my friends and my new family.

What a blessing you don't have more serious injuries! Focus on the positive and do what the doctors tell you to do. Make sure you tell them what pain meds are making you nauseous. They can adjust your prescription or provide something else that won't make you feel worse than you already do. Take care.

I don't have pierced ears - nor can I pierce them. Long story. So, I'm looking for some clip earrings to wear on my wedding day. My dress is strapless, with a sweetheart neckline. It's made of lace with crystals throughout. I am wearing my mom's pearls (the ones my dad gave her on their wedding day), and I'd like to wear pearl earrings as well, since my hair will be in an updo. I have been looking all over, but haven't found any I like. Any ideas?

Congratulations! I LOVE Grand Cayman - you're going to have a beautiful wedding.

Congratulations, Marissa! You'll find a lot of helpful info on this site. Best of luck!

Wecome to the forum and congratulations! You'll find a lot of useful information here. Happy planning!

I feel like we're making major progress, but there always seems like I have more things to do! Things done: STD's written out and mailed wedding and reception venue booked Florist, photographer, musicians, and videographer booked Hair and makeup booked Flights and hotel rooms booked Priest booked and ceremony outline complete (along with readings) Bought my dress, bridesmaid dresses, and guy's ties AHR venue booked Have the invitations for AHR Bought cord for Celtic handfasting ceremony. Website Registry Left to do: PreWedding packet Programs Menu for reception Fittings for dress Accessories - Veil, wrap, jewelry, and shoes OOT bags Decide on flowers and cake for AHR Menu for AHR Wedding bands Attendant gifts

I second your opinion. I just received my Stephita invitations for my AHR, and they were better than I even imagined! Rita was wonderful to work - answered emails quickly and was extremely patient with ALL of my questions.

Try Cheap Flights, Hotels, Airline Tickets, Cheap Tickets, Travel Deals - KAYAK - Compare Hundreds of Travel Sites At Once for airfares. They use all the low price search engines and seem to come up with the best prices - at least for our wedding.