Viva Las Vegas!

Ok, today is a day where heading to Vegas and having Elvis just get everything over with sounds good. The mister would like that, it is to be sure. I spent my lunch hour calling beach people, and it's even more expensive than I thought. The place I loved the most is redonkulous. Trying to find a plan B down there now, but that is redonkulous, jr. I am still about 65-70% leaning toward the beach, but trying to find a cheaper, non Jimmy Buffet way to do it (sorry, mom).


What I want to know now is--since you'll all been full of such great advice--what were the things that were worth the money to you and what was totally not worth the money/stress? If you're unhitched (which is a great thing to be when you put it like that), what was it about the weddings you've been to that made them great?

Where, oh where...?

Thanks for the positive feedback, lovely ladies. Now I need your help with the first big decision: Where does all of this go down? This is our big goal this weekend: to decide between the beach, the "mountains," or here in the 'ham. In my head, I imagine everything else will start coming together as soon as we make this decision, but so far both Russell and I cannot make up our minds. I know some of you already heard me go on about this last Wednesday, but I'm opening it up to a bigger discussion in hopes that someone helps me unbalance my pro/con list. Yes, there's a pro/con list. And it's literally on a pad of paper that comes preprinted with "pro" and "con" that my boss regifted to me. This notepad is a physical manifestation of what is constantly going on in my head.

A little background before we get to the pros and cons: I know some of you think I am crazy, but we would like for the wedding to happen in the spring. Next spring. Like six months from now. It can't happen in the fall (my favorite time of year) because I'm not going to compete with screams of "touchdown!" in the middle of the ceremony. And it can't happen in winter because that's too soon. And it can't happen in the summer because we would all melt. So that's why I am thinking early/mid-March to mid-April (or maybe June), a tiny window of time where I shouldn't have to be travelling across the country for work. Let's hope not.


"Mountains"
There are quotes around that because it's not really hardcore mountain-y. It's a place my sweet mom found in Southern Living last week, Gorham's Bluff.

Pros
- It's really pretty, or at least looks that way from the Web site.
- It's something different that none of my friends have done before.
- Should be nice up there in the spring (though that's 'nado season in 'Bama).

Cons
- I don't know how much it costs because they won't answer their phone (first major pet peeve of the planning process: places that don't list prices on the Internet so that I cannot keep with my plan of minimizing interaction with strangers).
- It's a two hour drive to the middle of nowhere for everyone.
- It somehow feels a little 80s to me (not like Madonna, more like fluffy-sleeved bride's dress), but I have no idea why.


Birmingham
I am currently considering B&A or Gabrella Manor...any other suggestions (have already looked into Vulcan and The Club)?

Pros
- I love Birmingham.
- More peeps could come. (see cons)
- Easier to get to.
- More day-to-day control over planning.

Cons
- Probably a little more expensive.
- Everyone's already gotten married in these places, and while I loved these weddings, I worry it will be just another wedding or won't be "us" enough.
- More peeps would come. (see pros)

Beach
I am thinking near the 30-A/Seaside area. This is slightly ahead of the other options right now.

Pros
- Low(er)-key?
- Should be very pretty, natural setting
- Not hurricane season then
- A destination peeps (hopefully) don't mind driving to (tell me if I am wrong!)
- Would be more guests who actually want to be there vs bored/obligated in town
- A little less expensive?
- Could do a package deal from one of many places that decides everything for you
- Not many people I know have done this, surprisingly.


Cons
- Less control over day-to-day stuff
- Would have to go down there a few times to taste stuff (though, really? hasn't all cake everywhere tasted the same since the beginning of time?) and make decisions
- At the mercy of the weather
- Guests have a five hour drive and have to pay for place to stay
- Don't want to get trapped into overly beachy/slightly cheesy theme


I am at home waiting for the alarm guy to come and switch something out. Maybe he will have an opinion...

Welcome!

Ok, first of all, the "indecision" part has nothing to do with getting married...it's all about how I feel about making wedding decisions. Since things were made official a few weeks ago, I have been asked about everything from when to where to what my signature colors will be (blush and bashful, of course! Shelby, drink your juice.). That's where--hopefully--you come in. If you're ever been shopping with me, you know I am the most simultaneously indecisive and opinionated person on the planet. I don't know what I want, but I know what I don't want, if that makes sense.

That said, if you can read this, I would love to have your help making decisions. You all have such great taste (and such strong opinions). My wedding philosophy so far (it's still in its infancy) is that I do not really enjoy being the center of attention, I am not a fairy princess, and this is not *my* special day--it's *our* special day. I hope you'll join me and help me stay sane and as unBridezilla as possible.


I am opening this up to lots of peeps...coworkers, mothers, and other PG-rated people, so please keep that in mind in your comments




Ok, who gets to be whom? (I am Dolly, naturally.)