Planning Basics: Oops! The Bride Did It Again

I read this article from The Knot Magazine Fall/Winter 2005, and I was meaning to post this here but was too lazy to do so. Good thing that today, this was posted by a fellow w@wie. Thank goodness I don't need to type it from scratch! My notes are down below.

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Brides are only human -- and they're bound to make mistakes. No biggie. But since we hear about some common blunders all the time, we figured why not give you the heads-up?

1. Doing Anything...Before the Guest List
The problem: You're engaged! You're excited! You're ready to send out save-the-dates, book that reception hall, choose those flowers -- now! Well hang on a second, because we're afraid you're forgetting something. Who's coming to this affair, exactly?

The solution: It's not the most fun part of planning (and we'll be honest, it's one of the most likely to lead to a fight or two or twelve), but you shouldn't make any wed-day decisions before you have your guest list somewhat firmly in place. Why, you ask? Well, do you want to have a nonrefundable deposit down on that cozy restaurant room that fits 75 when your mother-in-law's additions bump your list up over 200? Exactly. Once everyone's in agreement, then you can move forward. That said, this means that one of the parts of your wedding you can plan immediately (or at least talk over with your fiance) is what kind of atmosphere you'd like for your wedding. Do you want an intimate, close friends and family-only affair, or do you want to
throw the event of the season for 300-plus people? Later, when you're in the guest-list trenches, this bit of planning will help back up your gut instinct about whether to say yes (or no) to guest-list additions.

2. Reading Aloud to Your Fiance ... From Bridal Magazines
The problem: Look, we know it's not the Stone Age, and there are plenty of guys out there who want to see their wedding as an event that reflects their style too (or at least one that isn't dripping with pink froufrou). But there's likely to be a limit to your fiance's ability to cope with an infinite array of invitation choices.

The solution: Here's how to defuse a potentially sticky situation (and a minefield of fights you don't want to have). Take a night off to go out to dinner and talk with him about all the different parts of the wedding, and try to get a concrete idea of his interest in the various details. Does it sound like flowers are flowers in his book? Okay, then you can more or less leave him out of that decision. And if he's cramming lettuce leaves in his ears to block sound, you definitely don't want to drag him into it.

Moving forward, save his sanity (and yours) by designating one night a week as wedding-free. Talk about the weather, your friends, the dog -- whatever you want. He'll be psyched to see that the girl he fell in love with still lives there, and you'll appreciate the breather yourself. And who knows? Left to his own devices, your fiance just might surprise you with a great idea for your cocktail hour or the perfect solution to a guest-list dilemma.

3. Freaking Out Because Someone Else Has Your Gown
The problem: These days, to-be-weds spend so much time personalizing their weddings and trying to find really unique big-day details that it does seem reasonable to freak if another couple chooses the same favors or flowers or food. Before you decide to arm-wrestle for it, let us suggest a different way of dealing.

The solution: If someone else "steals" one of your ideas, you'll probably hear a lot of "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and "It will be at your wedding, not theirs, so it'll be totally different." Whether these statements are true or not (they are), they're probably not going to make you feel better -- but neither will stewing over it. Instead of worrying about someone else's wedding looking the same as yours, think about how you can make the copied detail different. If a friend chooses the same gown as you, add details to make yours unique: Accessorize with a brooch, add a sash, accent the train with some embroidery (you get the idea). Has someone else swiped your fun favor idea? Find a way you can package yours to set them apart. And if you're really that worried about copycats, here's a thought -- just keep mum. If you don't divulge every last big-day detail, you won't have to worry about your bride friends snatching them.

4. Realizing That Grape isn't Your Color ... With Two Months to Go
The problem: When you started planning your wedding, you knew just what you wanted: pink bridesmaid dresses, peonies, and classic, engraved invites. Now that you've been hard at work for a few months, you know just what you want: jewel tones, orchids, and funky, bold invites. Too bad -- you're stuck with the wedding style you first chose ... or are you?

The solution: You should feel free to rethink, redo, and revamp any element of your wedding that you want -- unless you've accepted a ring from it (just kidding). This doesn't have to mean yet another huge investment or reneging on a bunch of contracts -- you'll be surprised how easy it is to make simple additions or subtractions and change your whole style. Already ordered those pastel bridesmaid dresses? Think about adding a bold sash or accessorizing with chandelier earrings to liven them up a bit. Unsure about the color scheme you chose? Pay an extra visit to your florist and work out changes to your bouquets and centerpieces -- adding new blooms in all of your arrangements will introduce a new color throughout the room.
Same thing if you've already ordered the linens -- spice them up with bright table runners or overlays. If you decide you really can't live with it, chances are you can go back on your first choice -- just remember that it will have a cost. A good rule of thumb is that if you've already signed a contract or seen a proof, you will have to pay extra for any changes or additions you make. But if it's still relatively early in your planning process, don't be afraid to make the change. Remember, you're getting married to your husband, not your centerpieces.

5. Trying to Drop Two Sizes Before Your Final Fitting
The problem: You've found the gown of your dreams -- though it's not exactly a perfect fit on the real-life you. Your plan: Order the dress two sizes too small, and then do whatever it takes to make it fit. Or so you think.

The solution: Making a commitment to eat right and exercise is great whether you're planning your wedding or trying to stave off the newlywed nine. On the other hand, crash-dieting and chaining yourself to the StairMaster is a course likely to end in disaster -- and a gown that doesn't fit.

Instead of losing more sleep than weight, find a gown you love and order it in your current size. If you want to work on your body during your engagement, that's great -- go ahead, but be sure to make your goals are manageable (toning up but not dropping 20 pounds, for instance). You're more likely to stick with a routine that doesn't require superhuman willpower. And if you still find that you are freaking about your figure, just remember that you're about to get hitched to someone who can't get enough of the way you look (really, truly) right now.

If you do drop some weight, this slow-and-steady approach will help you big time (and help you keep it off long-term). You'll want to lose those extra pounds before your second fitting -- any big changes after that, and though you might be lighter, your alterations bill will be pretty hefty. Your final fitting should be for last-minute tweaks, not a total overhaul.

6. Doing it All Yourself
The problem: We love nothing better than seeing the clever projects that couples come up with to make their weddings unique. But even we have to draw the line somewhere. There's doing it yourself, and then there's overdoing it yourself. After all, there are plenty of benefits to DIY. You can be sure no one else has the exact same thing, you might keep your budget in check, and (before you actually sit down to hand-tie 200 tiny ribbons) you probably think that it will make a fun story.

The solution: Rather than taking on too many projects, pick the one (or two) that you're really in love with and put your resources (both mental and monetary) into working on those. For the others, do a little research and try to find a ready-made version that makes you happy. With so many great prefab goodies out there, chances are you'll find one that fits your style -- and saves you a whole lot of time!

7. Overloading Your Mom's Big Day To-do List
The problem: So you can't do it all yourself -- fine -- but you've got to have someone you trust double-checking with the caterer and the florist, steaming your veil, or making sure the limo company's got directions. Most brides turn to good ol' Mom (or their sister or their maid of honor) to make sure things go as planned on the big day. These folks are usually happy to help in any way they can -- but hey, didn't they come here to party too?

The solution: No matter how worried you are, most wedding-day (and day-before) chores can be trusted to any competent adult, and aren't there a slew of them coming into town just for your wedding? Before you hand your mom or MOH a mega-task list, consider splitting jobs among a larger group of people -- friends, cousins, aunts. They'll be glad to lend a hand (and likely flattered that you asked), and it's a great way to include more people in your celebration. If you're worried about losing track, simply take the to-do list you already have and note who's who next to each task. Check in with each person at some point, then check off the chore from the list.

Another option: Hire a professional wedding coordinator for the final weeks before the wedding. They're experts at making sure those last-minute details get done, and having the extra hands around will help you (and mom) decide what you really want to be in charge of and what you can happily hand off. It's more affordable than you might think --and really, can you put a price tag on alleviating that kind of stress?

8. Crying Over Mismatched Linens
The problem: The place cards just came back from the printer, and the color of the ink is a little off from the print on your invites. Or the best man's boutonniere has a hint of baby's breath where you'd specified berries. Let's face it, even the most perfectly planned wedding is sure to hit a few bumps along the way.

The solution: When you've worked so hard for so many months on your wedding-day details, it can be hard to deal when you find a flaw among them. The key is that when you spot one, you'll need to take a deep breath and think: "How important is this going to be to me in a year?" Not in 10 years, not even in five, but in one. Chances are, most mishaps that are causing you so much agita won't really matter to you once you're at your wedding (let alone after it). If it's a serious snarl, go ahead and deal with it. But if it's a minor mess-up, just move on. You can't give up all of your resources to every little crisis. Pick your battles wisely and they will be better fought.

9. Blowing Your Budget
The problem: You came up with a number. You did some research. You revised the number. You started planning ... and now that number's not going to cut it. Budgeting for a wedding can be the stuff of nuptial nightmares -- but that doesn't mean you should elope.

The solution: If you find you've underestimated some expenses, don't panic. Instead, sit down with your fiance and try to reach a constructive solution. Maybe you can give up an item or trade one for another (for example, dahlias over Black Magic roses saves about $4 per stem). If you're coming up short overall, you may have to take on some debt. To make it as minimal as possible, consider obtaining a low-interest loan or using a low-interest credit card. And to keep it from becoming a source of tension between the two of you, make a plan to deal with the debt and a deadline for paying it off so it won't hang over your heads.

10. Saving Your Place Cards for the Morning Of
The problem: Right now, it might seem weird to have a basic sketch of your seating plan or all of your favors tagged and ready to go. But other than taking up a little extra space in your closet, they're not causing any harm -- and they will actually save you a ton of stress a month or two down the line. The closer the wedding gets, the busier you'll be, so making (and sticking to) your timeline is essential.

The solution: Worried you're jumping ahead on the wedding planning timeline? Don't be. You're in the best possible situation. If you're set on saving tasks until the appointed time (rather than going ahead and doing a little of this or that when you've got the time), you may wind up with way too much to accomplish in the last month (or week) before the wedding. That's exactly the time when anything (and everything) can happen, when everyone will have demands on your time, and you'll -- well, you'll just want to take a hot bath and dream about your honeymoon. With check marks beside all your biggest to-dos, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your wedding -- and the days leading up to it. Make no mistake about it.


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There are so many things to learn from this article. That's why whenever I start doing or thinking about my preps, I read this article first before moving on. You know, reminders and all. Those in italics are the things that struck me so far (and what I'm "guilty" of). My mental notes on the items:

1. Yes! I did something right! After we decided to get married, this was the first thing I thought of doing. Actually... even during my spinsterhood days, I have set up a guest list while daydreaming about me and Orlando Bloom getting married. Haha!

2. I'm so happy my Enrik is into wedding preps! So he did enjoy looking at bridal magazines, checking out the ideas I gathered, and computing budget stuff. Sweet!

3. Ahem. Hahaha. Shall I say no comment? Ok ok. Very true. No use stewing over it. And nothing is original anyway. Hey, we've all had inspiration weddings right?

4. Hmm... shall I just quote from this entry... "Remember, you're getting married to your husband, not your centerpieces."

5. I'm actually planning to gain a little. Currently I'm an unhealthy bride, thanks to these grrr braces.

6. My projects when it comes to DIY: STDs (done, see below); Favors (Enrik in charge); Missalettes. Oh, the couple's table centerpieces? Hmm... still thinking about it. What else? can;t think of anything else.

7. Geesh. My family and entourage need only do one thing... Be there (well, and do what they need to do during the ceremony).

8. Hmm... good reminder on the day of the wedding.

9. Yes! We are within budget! I have probably mastered the art of separating the needs and the nice to haves! :-D

10. Thank goodness I set up an excel file for the whole wedding preps, plans, and budget.

To STD or Not To STD?

I'm still thinking whether I should send Save The Date Cards or not. But if ever I do, I have made a rough draft on how our STD will look like.




Yup. No tweetum-y pictures of us. Just a really simple one, to be sent out via email...

Date with Marj

Last Saturday, I had lunch with former w@wie Marj (of Carlos) so that I could give to her the swatch of the fabric for my gown. She signed off from the w@w community to pursue a business in selling scrapbook and hand-made paper, as well as different fabrics (ergo she is calssified as a "supplier").

Anyway, it was fun seeing her again. We talked about my wedding preps and how near our big day is. We also talked about how well her business is doing. And of course, other chikas, hehehe. You know, about suppliers and all.

Recently there has been some disappointments I felt towards the whole wedding preps thing, and I'm so grateful that former brides shared my sentiments and understood my concerns. Maybe I should learn to be detached and just be civil/cordial to suppliers so that I would not be too disappointed with them. It's quite hard when you get to trust suppliers who in the end might not live up to your expectations, or somewhere along the process disappoint you. But I guess it really is part of the whole experience of being a bride.

But in the meantime, it's safe to say that I am still quite happy with the list of suppliers that we got. Maybe the pressure will set in when the "2-months to go" will be breached. But by that time, Enrique will be here to share with me the last few wedding preparations, up until our big day.

Wedding Nightmare?

Last night I had a dream about our wedding... and it was a disaster! Weird one, but still a disaster.

First, my gown wasn't delivered on time, so there was an odd feeling between me and the designer. Then, for some reason, it was Tet Hagape who amde up our parents and my sister, and it was nasty! Good thing Angie Cruz was there and made them up. Then, the Chapel wasn't St. Francis in Fernwood, but another one. There was also a concern on my bridal march, that it didn't go well as well...

But there was one thing in my dream that was something... In the dream, even though the day was a complete horrific disaster, Enrique and I were still happy and overwhelmed with our feelings of love and joy. *Sigh*


Anyway, just an update on our wedding preps... We already have reservations for hotel accommodations in Discovery Suites. :D

The Proposal

My friend Liv and I were chatting about engagement rings, and while doing so, she asked me how Enrique proposed. So I went to my archives, and GASP! Other than my sole post last December, there was no detailed account of one of our most memorable moments!

So here I am recalling what happened...

The day before the proposal
He asked about engagement rings and what I liked. I told him, "it doesn't really matter what, and I prefer being surprised." But all the same we talked about diamonds and the 4 C's: cut, clarity, carat, color. In the end, I told him that if there's one cut that I'm not really fond of, it's the emerald cut. Not because it was ugly (in fact emerald cuts are really elegant), but simply because a round shape is the usual diamond for the engagement ring (ala Tiffany's).

The day of the proposal
He was such in an irritable mood (it started the day before) we spent the whole day arguing. I felt bad because not only was it the day of my trial with Angie Cruz, but it was also the day of the w@w christmas party. I was looking forward to that night because it's the first time I'm going to an event with him by my side.

Then came trial time. WE picked up Angie in Megamall. I told Enrique to just stay in my house as we were running late. He said he wanted to go home because he'll freshen up and that he didn't want to see me being made-up.

So when he came back to my house, I had makeup on, and couldn't stop raving about Angie's make-up on me. Enrique was like, "Beautiful, but there's something missing." I didn't understand what he meant, so I frowned and said, "What else is missing? Doesn't my makeup and outfit look nice???"

He said... "You're beautiful, but you're going to a w@w couple's party and there's something missing..." Then he suddenly embraced me and whispered... "Sorry, you will not like it..."

That's when i knew...

We were locked in an embrace as he took out the box that was in his pocket. I tried to open the box, but he was resisiting a bit, and kept on saying "sorry, i know you won't like it." But when I did see it...

It was the most beautiful engagement ring I ever saw.

Angie, our helpers, and my bro were all clapping.

Then I told him... "TEKA, why are you not asking me anything???" He was like ... "Ay oo nga sorry!!!! Will you marry me?"

Hahahaha!

Anyway, that's when it all made sense. No wonder he was in a very hot-tempered mood. The ring he gave me was an emerald cut diamond ring. And he bought it before he boarded the plane going to Manila. He initially wanted the round one (yup, he knew it was the usual diamond shape for the e-ring), but there wasn't any available (according to him, the ones available were small). Then the attendant showed him my e-ring, and when he was told it was an emerald cut, he suddenly remembered that emerald was my birth stone. He thought he'd hit two birds with one stone.

Anyway, that's it... A romantic comedy proposal. Perfect...

Of Engagement Rings: Histroy and Tradition

This morning I read a post on engagement rings and I just had to smile and laugh a bit because the engagement ring has always been a hot issue when it comes to the whole engagament and proposal shebang.

Are engagement rings really a necessity? Or are they just nice to haves? Engagement rings, for me (or so I was led to believe), are given by men to the women they wish to marry as a symbol of their undying love and commitment. Note the word SYMBOL, and this symbol takes on many forms, depending on the culture and traditions of the couple.

So anyway, I have researched a bit on this, and here are the things I have read:


History of Engagement Rings (excerpts)


Many couples are interested in the tradition of the engagement ring. In many cultures, it has become the ultimate symbol of love, devotion and commitment. It's extremely common to have a diamond engagement ring, and for some this stone is the only one that they will accept. Yet, the tradition of a diamond engagement ring isn't very old and throughout much of history, diamonds didn't even enter the picture.

Though the exact start of the engagement ring is in question, it is known that later cultures adopted the ring and/or circle symbolism. The ancient Greeks probably started the tradition as we know it today. Their engagement ring was called a betrothal ring. In many cases it was given before the marriage itself and was considered a token of affection. In some circumstances though, the betrothal ring might have been like the "promise ring" of today. Marriage wasn't always the end-result, and I've seen a few sources that mention it as a token of deep affection rather than a definite engagement ring. Betrothed is a word said to be derived from the word (Anglo-Saxon) "troweth", which means truth. Many sources further interpret this word as pledge or a pledge of truth. I suppose it's all in the interpretation as truth might also be interpreted simply as the word "true". All kinds of things can be associated with the word true, including both true love and true friendship.

Read more

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The inception of the engagement ring itself can be tied to the Fourth Lateran Council presided over by Pope Innocent III in 1215. Innocent declared a longer waiting period between betrothal and marriage; plain rings of gold, silver or iron were used earliest. Gems were more than baubles; they were important and reassuring status symbols to the aristocracy. Laws were passed to preserve a visible division of social rank, ensuring only the privileged wore florid jewels. As time passed and laws relaxed, diamonds and other gems became obtainable to the middle class.

At one time, engagement rings mounted sets of stones. One traditional sentimental pattern mounted six to celebrate the joining of two families: The birthstones of the bride's parents and the bride (on the left), and the birth stones of the groom and his parents (on the right). The parents' stones were mounted with the mother to the left of the father. The bride and groom's birthstones would be adjacent in the center. Another similar pattern, for four stones, mounted the birthstone of the parents' marriages, and the birthstones of the bride and groom. These token rings often disassembled, to expose a channel in which a lock of the suitor's hair could be treasured.

Read more


Filipino Traditions (excerpts)


Filipino Engagement

Engagement traditions and marriage rituals are very important to Filipino culture. At one time, as a way of proposing matrimony, a man would throw a spear at the front of the house of the girl he wished to marry. This act would symbolize her unavailability, and begin the Filipino engagement process. The groom and his family would then go together to the bride's family to ask for her hand in marriage.

Read more


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Sing Sing (the Engagement Ring)

Normally, an average Filipino man is wary on giving a ring as gift on ordinary occasions for he's concerned that his girlfriend might get the wrong impression because a ring (especially those of the gemstone-laden species) tend to speak of a deeper commitment. Really says a lot even without saying a word. The engagement ring is not a requisite to marriage but more of an option (that most brides surely wouldn't mind). It is both an adaptation of the western culture and a modern incarnation of an pre-colonial practice by giving dowry to his future wife (and her family) to signify his intentions. The ring is usually given simultaneously with the proposal (note: guys, don't give it until she says 'Yes'!) in a romantic ambiance. Popular choice for the 'rock' is diamond for it is the hardest wearing gemstone but a ring with her birthstone will do (read more about diamonds and other birthstones). Some traditional and sentimental Filipino families even insist and have their son offer a treasured family heirloom as an engagement ring to symbolize her acceptance and approval of his family. In cases such as the latter, it would be better to hand in the ring on the pamanhikan.

Read more

That's about it. But there's also a funny read about finding an engagement ring by an American for a Filipina gf... Click here!

2nd Anniversary: An Update...

Wow!

I was kinda expecting it, but when it did happen, I was still surprised and very happy!

Oh yeah... Enrique sent me a dozen red long-stemmed roses. *Sigh*

Now my day is right.... sorta.... :-D

2nd Year Anniversary

Enrique woke me up this morning to greet me "happy 2nd year anniversary." I couldn't help but be sad.

I wish he's here with me so we could celebrate our special day. Mass and breakfast in Tagaytay, picnic at the park, dream about our life together as husband and wife, romantic dinner... But of course, this is just wishful thinking... *Sigh*

Books To Read

Last night I was looking for books to read, and I remembered all the "bride to be" books I browsed through during my last Powerbooks trip (a month ago, or two?). Just for fun, I plan to drop by again over the weekend and buy one.

I checked out the reviews in Amazon of these books, and all had good reviews... Now I don't know which to purchase... Hmm...

What No One Tells The Bride

"It's normal for brides to feel wildly disoriented. it's normal for your priorities to shift. But don't try to align your star in a fixed point in the sky. Let the things you cherish be a constellation, one more prominent in the sky one night, another brighter the next..."

Amazon Editorial Review: Stark has written a readable self-help guide for brides-to-be and newlyweds who are trying to adjust to this often anxiety-ridden passage in life and to solve the consequent identity crisis. Chapters touch on wedding postpartum, handling money squabbles, falling prey to stereotypes, timing pregnancies, and communication and criticism in a marriage. The text is interspersed with comments from the 50 (mostly white, middle-class) women whom Stark surveyed and interviewed. The result is a "feel good" book whose aim is to reassure newlyweds that their fears and anxieties are normal. Much of it reads like a woman's magazine article, offering somewhat simplistic advice: "breath deeply, and believe that your venture into love will succeed." But Stark does have a clear, readable style and a reassuring sincerity in drawing from her own life as well as others.


The Thoroughly Modern Married Girl

You were a fabulous single girl--you were swell, you were a bombshell, you were a bad girl on the open road. Now you're getting hitched--are your glam days gone for good? Is "matronly" the hidden meaning of matrimony? No way. The Thoroughly Modern Married Girl shows how to retire that little black book without tossing the little black dress.

Full of wisdom gleaned from dozens of savvy Married Girls, The Thoroughly Modern Married Girl serves up the pros and cons of changing your name, the trick to hanging out with singletons without feeling wistful, the art of the grown-up (but not geriatric) cocktail party, and the key to staying wildly in love. Plus you'll get answers to all those sticky questions you might be pondering as you're about to take the plunge.

- Do I have to say good-bye to my exes?? (Yes. It?s impossible to make two men who have both seen you naked into good friends.)
- Can I just marry my guy and divorce his family?? (Sorry, honey, it?s a package deal.)
-How do I deal with the frightening furniture my sans-style guy delivers to our love nest?? (Slip the movers a c-note to ?lose? it.)

From the moment you return from the honeymoon and find that the spotlight, tragically, has moved on from you and your guy, The Thoroughly Modern Married Girl helps you navigate the new terrain of marriage with flair.


The "I Have A Life Bride's Guide"

So you want to plan an unforgettable wedding, but you don't want to get swallowed up in a whole lot of craziness? True enough, some women have the time and inclination to eat, sleep, and breathe every last detail of planning their weddings-but that's not you.

You need a practical, true-to-life guide that boils down your wedding planning details to the nitty-gritty basics. If you're pressed for time-and patience-and want to avoid all the excess fluff and fuss, The "I Have a Life" Bride's Guide is the book for you. This no-nonsense guide shows you how to:

- De-stress and stay cool at all times
- Balance your wedding plans with your hectic schedule
- Steer clear of unnecessary expenses
- Cut to the chase when deciding on where to have your ceremony and reception
- Avoid time drains and pitfalls when choosing a caterer, a band, or a florist

Famous Kiss test

As usual, I went to my favorite site to kill time, and took this test....

Your Famous Movie Kiss is from Romeo + Juliet

"Has my heart loved 'till now? Forswear it, sight! For I never saw a true beauty 'till this night."

What Famous Movie Kiss Are You?

5 more months!

In the past, when July sets in, I normally think how time flies fast and that Christmas is coming around. This year however, it is different. As July set in, aside from thinking that I am now a regular employee of our company, I am thinking... wow, 5 more months and it's December.... We're getting married!

The past months of preparing, my feelings were a bit of a roller coaster. On certain days I am so full of ideas and very into our wedding preps, while on other days, I completely forget about it. So when Enrique reminded me that only 5 months to go and it's our big day, I couldn't help but feel the excitement again... what needs to be done? Any other ideas for our reception and theme? Shall I touch base with the suppliers?

The past month all I did was the following:

1. Register in Rustan's Bridal Registry
2. Pay for our honeymoon tickets.
3. Talked to Josiah's regarding some details for the reception.

As of the last time I have saved my excel file for our preps, our To Do's for July are:

1. Discovery Suites - finalize booking. Contact Tita Cathy.
2. Marj Orpilla - meet her to order the dupioni for my gown, as well as paper for the cover of the missalettes.
3. JJS Entertainment - meet regarding the list of songs to play (so that they can study the songs that are not really part of their song list).
4. Mallory Cosio - initial meeting, get to know and all.
5. Finalize Entourage List - Already did. But more on informing a few left.

What else do I need to do? My next to-do's are for September already. Hmm...