Crazy Brides

I read a forum with brides to are going to Dreams Punta Cana and brides who have been.  It's typically very helpful as they post pictures and describe different 'issues' that arise.

Some of these brides are asking how to get the chair covers and the center pieces - the favors and welcome bags - the menu cards, place setting cards, programs - and STUFF to the resort.  They are talking number of bags and boxes; having bridesmaids all carry an extra bag; shipping things to the resort.

Seriously?!  The reason I'm doing it this way is to not stress about the stuff that hardly anyone notices except the bride.  I do not think I will have the perfectly matched bow around the chairs.  I'm not packing up glass vases for center pieces just to stress about them all making the journey in one piece.  I'd like to keep it simple.

I want to show up, pick my flowers, show them a picture from a magazine of my hair and a cake and then be done.  I want my guests to show up and lounge by the pool/ocean until the stress melts away.  I want there to be a ceremony that represents Dan and I.  And then I want us all to have a fabulous dinner together, some dancing, some drinking and lots of fun...

Our wedding will be more about being there, together and not whether or not everything is PERFECT.  (Of course, I do kinda want my hair to be perfect...hmmm....must set up those appointments at the resort spa)

Dan asked me if I would be upset (OK, he asked if I would freak out) if it rained and we couldn't have it on the beach.  I said, "well, one of two things will happen - we'll have it inside or we'll have it in the rain."  I'm doing everything I can to keep calm, sane and excited.  Packing a ton of STUFF, dictating who is taking what, and stressing about it all getting there isn't on my list.

That being said; party goers expect relaxing, fun and simple.

"How's the Planning Going?"

We hear this question a lot.

The first to ask it with a bit of sarcasm was my Uncle Dave.

We saw him this weekend after several months.  Far too long, cause my Aunt and Uncle are really fun to hang out with...

They got married in St. Lucia.  They did the all inclusive.  They invited whoever and if you showed up, cool, if not, no hard feelings.  They did it a bit differently because they actually got married in the Catholic Cathedral on the island.  But they did ask, with a laugh, "how the planning is going?"

With just less than 90 days, there are still some things to plan.  Uh, we have to... Let's see... We need to... Heck, who am I kidding?  We have the welcome bags and Dan's attire.  We know what Dan will be wearing, we are waiting for another sale.  We have an idea about the welcome bags but we will need the final headcount before we order anything.

My dentist and very good family friend asked if I was getting nervous.  Kind of a trick question... I'm very excited about marrying Dan.  I'm very excited to take this next, very large, step.  I have no reservations about that.  I am nervous about silly things.  Will my dress be too hot? (yes, I'm preparing to be really HOT)  Will mother nature be kind that day? (really, out of my hands and I shouldn't worry) Will my guests be happy? (if you are on a tropical island where all you have to worry about is makings sure to apply sunscreen - I hope you would be happy)

So in all honesty - everything is perfect.

• We've got a few things to do and plenty of time to do them.
• We are both very exited to actually get married and BE married.
• And I, Carly, the worrier of the two, am making things up to worry about.

Dave and Mary - thanks for showing us the way.