A10CalGal

Quote: Originally Posted by RAENJAY Excellent idea. Since she lives 500 miles from me, it's not like we can really just go shopping one day. Ohhh, yes I thought of that after I posted. But, you can always surf the web & send her ideas via email (if she does that). And these days it wouldn't be unreasonable to send her something from a website to try.

I think Sara (AQHARIDER) hit the nail on the head. It's your day, and you ultimately get to decide how it goes down. You can extend yourself to a certain point to give your FMIL an opportunity to feel involved, but don't feel like you have to make a big old deal out of it. One thing I did with my own mother was say "I want you to be part of this day on your terms, so let me know what you would like to be involved in, I could really use your help." From that discussion, my mom told me she just doesn't have time to physically do much stuff pre-wedding, but she would be more than happy to host our rehearsal dinner. WOOO!

Stephanie, I am in a similar situation. My mom is SOOO not girlie, and soooo not into shopping. The only dress I've seen her in in the last 15 years is either made out of denim or some khaki material. She is a jeans & boots woman. She asked me to pick for her too. I told her I would prefer if she picked & then asked my opinion. I also told her it was fine to go for a nice pant suit if she doesn't feel comfy in a dress. I certainly don't want to force anyone to be uncomfortable! What I may end up doing, only because she will procrastinate on this, is purchasing a few outfits & take them to her to try on, and then return what doesn't work. Perhaps you can try the same?

Thanks Janet. I was hesitatant to post those cuz I look silly in them, but I thought it would help Kash. Especially since I have "athletic arms" as well.

Kashmira! You are not Full Figured! Although this horribly thin-obsessed society of ours would say all of us full figured, with a few exceptions. Personally, when you first joined, I thought "she looks like an adventurous athletic gal, I bet she hikes & bikes a lot." I think Tasha had some fab suggestions. My 2 cents: one of the things I really liked about my gown was the way it elongated my waist because the bodice portion of it actually extends down to my hips, so I think it creates a leaner look. I'm not sure of the technical term, but you can see what I mean below.

Super cute!! Love it!

Oh Stephanie, I can totally relate! I haven't had one in a while, but when I first started my planning in June I had a few doozies. My fav was when I went to put my dress on, it was sort of my dress, only it was made out of denim! It was like it was really happening.

Thank you so much for sharing your pics MM!! Very touching, gorgeous, amazing! I love all of your little details - the sparkly starfish in the bouquet, the corset tie on the bouquet, the darling flower girl dress. Great photog work. I'm positively giddy!!

Raina - YAY!!! Thanks for posting a pic link so quickly. I really love your pics - I like that photojournalistic style. And, Bradley is my photog! Congrats!

Hehehe! Cool. Do you have a budget in mind for your dresses?

I love this dress on bluefly.com, it's more expensive though at $169.99

And this for $57.99

OK, OK! I know, I'm a bad bad bride... TammyM - oh my gosh, I found this on overstock.com for $12.99!!

I have a confession to make Sarah...I've had the dress for like a month! I tried it on, loved it & stashed it behind my wedding dress in the closet & totally forgot about it. So, I'll have to go home and put it on & have my honey take a pic. I'll do it this weekend!

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Great finds you guys, I'm looking for a cute dress for my AHR, and I'm having a really hard time finding one. I'm also looking for a couple a summer dresses that I can wear if we go to a nice resturant. I usually don't like strapless on a normal dress because stapless bra's don't work for me. Can you of you guys recommend a good website that the dress isn't over priced? Thanks Tammy! I really like Bluefly.com because you can get designer dresses (or whatever) at a discount. Also, they have an easy return policy. The dress I got was expensive, I won't lie, but it was 50% of retail, so in my mind it made it ok! I've been trying to step outside of my usual fashion comfort zone lately - and this dress has opened my eyes big time! I'm not normally a dress girl. Anyway, also try ebay for great deals on attire. What kind of dress are you looking for for the AHR? I'm an expert internet shopper, so if you tell me what you like, I'll keep my ninja shopping eyes open for you!!

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Ummm April, we just so happen to have a martha stewart want be folder,, I think that would be a great way to post your decorating and let us still stay in contact with you.. :-) maybe some picturs as well? Just thought I would mention it.. :-) You took the thought right outta my head Tammy! April - what a total bummer about your dress! I can't believe the nonchalant attitude the shop owner took with you. Hello??!! It's your wedding dress - kinda important! I think you did the right thing by going to the BBB. Good job. And, yeah, you should follow TammyM's suggestion & keep in touch with us thru the Martha Stewart thread! We miss you!

Congrats Stephanie!!

Quote: Originally Posted by TOESNTHESND The house is very pretty. I think I might have to sell my first born just to get a house that doesnt cost a million dollars in santa cruz! I KNOW! You & I are in the same boat - we live in Salinas right now. Renting. Lame! There is a house up the street from us on the market for only $785,000. So reasonable......yeah right.

Quote: Originally Posted by NABUMBAH very pretty! I am about 9645678534 tasks from picking up something un like a RD dress. Well, so am I Tasha! Like I said, I wasn't really PLANNING to by a RD dress, it just kinda happened. And, I get to say I accomplished something on my task list. See how it works?? I'm a wedding planning ninja Hahaha!

Thanks Nicole! Honestly, I was checking out bluefly.com, as I like to do from time to time, and I saw the dress & thought "hmmm, what could I use that for?" Yeah, I fabricated a need to purchase it...but I promised myself to save it for the welcome dinner in March. What a dork I am!

Hey girls, So here's the dress I purchased for our welcome dinner. I ordered it because it's a Vera Wang, made of silk & something totally different that I would normally wear - and it was on sale! I thought I would get it, try it on & probably send it back. Well, it's fantastic! It feels so awesome against my skin & it's flowy & sexy & gorgeous! Anybody else want to share?

OK you guys, now I'm venturing into the "I wish I had another dress" realm. STOP IT!! I spent $2400 on a beautiful silk dress, and now I'm thinking I don't like it! I should probably run home today & put it on. I haven't even looked at it since August. Speaking of dresses, did I share with you guys that I bought a dress for my welcome dinner? I got it on bluefly.com on a total whim...it's a gorgeous Vera Wang silk dress. I can't wait to wear it! I'll see if I can find a pic.

Jenesis, I've heard really positive things about the PB hotels. I think the Pacifica property may be more honeymoon-ish. Definitely do a search on the forum, I remember somebody posting info on both properties.

Great post Lisa! We were thinking of incorporating a jaunt to Todos into our honeymoon. It's officially on the itinerary now!

My guesses: 1.Hawaii 2.Mexico 3.Jamaica 4.Bahamas 5.Vegas