For tomorrow we die - t...

As I've said before, I'm going to lose weight and look good for this wedding. I'm doing the Weight Watchers points counting thing and I'm losing a little weight doing that. Actually, I'd lose more if I followed it more closely on weekends, but life is hectic on weekends. So, for the time being, I'm losing about a pound a week on average. That isn't enough. Especially since for every 2 pounds I seem to lose, I gain one. I realize that the net is still negative, but I want the tummy GONE!

Last Friday I made an appointment with a trainer at my gym. I know there are probably lots of you out there have a membership like mine. Basically, I pay a monthly fee to say I belong to a gym but never use it. Hey, I have the cute little keychain thing and everything. Well, Friday I couldn't go becuase I left town to go see my neice and nephew and grandparents. Dodged that bullet and stepped in front of a firing squad, I'm afraid because hunky, young trainer, said that we could reschedule and that since I gave him 36 hour's notice of cancellation, he wouldn't go too hard on me. I'm afraid. Very afraid.

On a happier note, I got cute new shoes to go to the gym in and I'll get more workout gear as I actually start to work out. Hey, you never know. There might be someone at the gym that is cute and single and I want to look my best.

That leads me to my current epiphany. It is a long, long, very boring drive home to see the kids and grandparents with nothing to do but think because there is little on the radio and no cell service -- about 5 hours either direction. I have decided to not always be the bridesmaid. I want to actually get to be the bride. That involves a little effort on my part. I seriously doubt I'm going to meet Mr. Right at the portrait studio on the weekend, I work mainly alone during the week and the only guys at my school are gay or married. (No kidding...) This only leaves the gym and when I'm out grocery shopping or other stuff like that. Well, since the sum total amount of time I spend at those places is not much, I'm also a member of eHarmony. I'm always hearing about folks who met there and so I'm giving it a serious try. I tried some of the other dating sites, but I didn't like them. Besides, it is where P & M met so maybe it'll work for me too!

Boys need dresses, too?

Okay, okay. I know some of you won't find this nearly as funny as I did, but check out this photo I found of a wedding dress. I swear, I think the model is a man. Check out the Adam's apple on the dude! The picture below I found on The Knot website and the picture on the right was on her website!

To be fair, and so people don't come after me for using copyrighted stuff without putting a link or giving them their proper credit, this is a gown by Atelier Elén Paumere Couture. Check it out. She actually has some really pretty stuff. I question her choice of model, but some of the gowns aren't half bad.

Then again, this dress falls under the WTF category!

Again, to give the designer credit (or blame), it is part of the Kleinfeld Collection.

Both dresses, and many, many more, can be found at The Knot website (see links) if you're curious.

We have a bride, a groom and a date...

Yep, you heard right. P has finally found her dream location and didn't have to "settle" for somewhere else. The Date has been set! Now the fun begins in earnest.

Colors have to be selected...

Dresses have to be picked...

Menus have to be set...

This is going to be so much fun!

Now I just need a date...

Well, that has a double meaning, but in this case, it actually means that P & M have the place. They are just waiting to see when the place is available. We've talked on the phone several times making plans and I offer advice. I've been to so many weddings that I can answer just about every question she has. My biggest word of advice to any bride... get the best photographer you can. At the end of the wedding, you'll have two things -- your groom/bride and your pictures. Very few of the brides or grooms have many memories of the day because there so many things going on and they are nervous and anxious and there is so much adrenaline that the day rushes by and there are very few very clear memories. A good photographer will capture the day and fill in the gaps in their memories.

::::Photography plug over::::

Also, a word to all those grooms out there who have no idea what it costs to put on a wedding, please listen when the bride says that you are nuts when you think that "that much" should be plenty. Before you say anything, multiply your estimate by 4 and then you'll be closer to the rough estimate.

But, now that they have the place and the groom has a better idea as to what the whole thing will cost, headway has been made. Yeah!!

It is good to be needed...

It is good to know that the bride wishes I were there as much as I wish I were there.

P called today and is getting a little frustrated already with the whole planning process. This place comes with tables, chairs, linens, and catering but no cake. Another place might come with tables and no chairs, catering and a cake. While yet another place has everything and valet parking but costs $10,000 to rent. I'm telling you, barefoot on a beach somewhere is looking better and better to her! If we could only convince the groom...

I've really started this time...

I've actually started the weight loss thing this time. I'm using the Weight Watchers points system this time. Last time I lost weight I tried South Beach and I didn't really like it much because I always felt "deprived" of things. So, I've started. I will start the exercise part (the hard part for me to start) soon.

P and M are now thinking of a Friday evening wedding. I think that would be absolutely cool. Friday evening at the vineyard. A dessert reception with the centerpiece dessert being, of course, the wedding and groom's cake. (For those not familiar with the groom's cake. It is, I've discovered, a southern tradition of having a second cake, generally chocolate, at the reception.) M, the groom, had never heard of a groom's cake and said he'd never seen one at a wedding before. P told him that he'd get to see his first one at a wedding and that would be his own wedding. (Way to go P, set down the ground rules early.) :)

I have actually found a style of dress I like -- obviously I'm not buying it yet. P liked it too. We did the over the phone look what I found, go to this website, shopping and planning thing for a bit yesterday. She is a busy bride! I think companies should allow brides to be to have time off to plan the wedding. Make it something like the maternity/paternity leave thing. It seems only fair since they have so much to do and a limited amount of time to get things done! If there are any legislators reading this, keep that in mind in your next election year. I'm sure you would get the bridal block of votes!

Me? An engagement ring...

Your Engagement Ring

18k White Gold Engraved Cathedral Solitaire Setting

What's Your Engagement Ring?

So, if I were to get a ring, this would be it? Actually, it is pretty similar to something I'd like.

Then again, this one wouldn't be bad...

Your Engagement Ring

Platinum Setting with Round and Baguette Diamond Accents (3/8 ct. tw.)

What's Your Engagement Ring?

Okay, so obviously there isn't much going on the world of P & M's wedding. I did find out that the date is tenative... Time frame is pretty firm, but it is all about "location, location, location."

Confidential to P: Welcome to the blog. Feel free to make any comments you'd like.

Advertisement for Panty Palooza 2006

It isn't what it sounds like, I promise...

In a break from the bride's maid stuff, please take a look at Mindy's Blog for information on PantyPalooza2006 for her great ideas for Valentine's Day. I'm not big on the day myself, but I know some people are and here ideas make sense AND as a bonus, make it not so Hallmark- y and phony.

{I won't go off on my tangent about the commercialism and fakeness of the day... and it has nothing to do with being single.}

Anyway, check it out and let her know if you participate.

A MoH's work is never done...

Talk about busy. This is what it is "traditional" for the MoH to do at least according to Bridesmaid 101. (See Link to the right.) If I had the time (and was closer and able to do everything listed here) it would be a full-time job! Although, the majority of it is shopping and talking. Hum, shopping and visiting with my best friend... I could go for that!

Maid of Honor Duties: As the Maid of Honor, you have one of the most important roles in making sure the bride's and groom's wedding is a success. Many times the groom will not help out as much as the bride would like which is why your role is so important! Below we have listed some of the top maid of honor duties to make the process more manageable and creative:

Pre Wedding
1. Help in going with the bride to look at different locations for the wedding.
2. Help the bride choose her wedding invitations as well as possibly address the invitations if she needs your support.
3. If the bride needs help in ordering and choosing decorations and favors, your opinions may be helpful in making decisions for narrowing down choices and making sure the
decorations are in on time for the wedding, shower and bachelorette parties.
4. Go with the bride when she is shopping for her wedding dress as well as the Bridesmaid Dresses. It is helpful for you to attend the multiple fittings in giving your friend some
feedback in how the dress looks and fits.
5. Many times the groom does not want to go to register with his bride-to-be. You can be very supportive by going with your friend to register for her wedding gifts as well as letting other guests know where the bride and groom are registered.
6. Help the bride in the seating arrangement. Note: It is very helpful to bring this drawing to the wedding just in case there are any mix-ups, you will save the day!
7. Host and Plan the Bridal Shower as well as the Bachelorette Party!
8. Help keep order and organization with the other bridesmaids.
9. Attend and help out during the rehearsal dinner.
10. Field messages for the bride and her family to make sure you are up on any changes (especially if they are last minute changes that affect the other guests).

Wedding Day
1. Make sure the bride arrives to the ceremony and that she has everything on the Maid of Honor Checklist.
2. Assist the bride in getting into her dress and makeup.
3. Be the messenger if the bride wants to communicate messages to the family or groom so you are always up on what is going on.
4. Visit the reception room and party room (if possible) to make sure there are no problems or issues.
5. Help make sure the bride has privacy if she needs some quiet time before the ceremony.
6. Be the witness in the signing of the marriage license which is an honor!
7. Help the bride with her veil and train (if she has one).
8. Be your friend's "right-hand-woman" at the altar. She may be very nervous and you can be the calming source with your presence.
9. Keeper of the brides bouquet during the ceremony.
10. Keeper of the groom's ring.
11. Make a toast and/or speech during the wedding party since it is tradition and most people love hearing these friendship stories!
12. Make sure you lock up the bridal/groom money bag after the bride and groom dance with all of their family and friends so someone does not steal or pick it up by accident.
Last, but not least,
13. Provide moral support and be a great listener throughout the process since it is a very wonderful and "positively" stressful time for your friend. You can really make the difference!

Now the majority of this is just common sense and stuff I'd do anyway. I mean, seriously, "provide moral support" is something I hope I do even when she's not planning a wedding! Isn't that just part of being a good friend?

Now I've seen it all...

Okay, I understand that some people's pets are like children. Don't get me wrong, I love my cats, but I don't particularly want them at my wedding -- much less participating!

I actually found this while searching for bridesmaid dresses. This is just a little overboard, don't you think. I really feel for this poor animal. I mean, being made to wear a frilly, frou-frou pink dress? I think maybe a simple matte satin number would have been a little more dignified. Poor puppy. I have blacked her eyes to protect what little dignity the poor animal has left. I guess she can be thinkful they didn't put the '80s giant pink hair bow on her head.