6 Months

Amazingly, a lot has been accomplished in just one month!

Vendors

We researched a lot online for recommendations and reviews of several vendors. Luckily, even with a wedding date only 6 months away, the vendors we found and really seemed to clique with, were all open for our date. We booked the location (caterer included), DJ, photographer, florist and wedding coordinator.

Yes, we decided on a wedding planner. Not only would an extra person help ease the stress. We felt it wouldn't be appropriate to put our families and friends to work on the day. We rather would let someone else take charge so our guests can all enjoy themselves. 

Our venue location is ideal in that it is central to downtown, the harbor, the airport, and numerous hotels. We reviewed hotel ratings and prices. Finally, we settled on one to block rooms at a discounted rate for our wedding guests.

The guest list has been finalized! We are at exactly 155 guests, to be invited. We found some nice postcards online and ordered them as our Save the Date cards. Most have been mailed out already. 

I've printed samples of stationery and received Gabe's approval. We will be making our own invitations, enclosures, programs, place cards, and table numbers. I placed the order for the cardstock, paper, envelopes, etc. and it only took one week to arrive.

We also found our wedding favors online. They turned out to be a little less expensive as we are able to order them all at once. We also ordered table decor that will fit in perfectly with our color scheme. The ring pillow I found also matches! I ordered it immediately, via eBay. The seller is customizing it to the exact ribbon color I want, as they had two options. There's another item checked off the list.

No need to purchase toasting glasses. The flutes were a gift from one department store, as a thank you for registering. We need to find an affordable engraver. 

We have yet to receive a couple quotes for chair covers. Gabe and I will give it a little longer until we follow up with phone calls, and maybe even looking for other locations.

My ring has been appraised and added on to our renter's insurance. Yay! Next up, we will be locking in Wedding Insurance. Even though we have we've already paid several deposits, as long as we keep records, they will be covered.

Registries

We have lived together for over two and a half years. Over that time we have accumulated many basic necessities. We decided to register at a department store to upgrade some items we currently have, and a few that have been on our wish list. 

We both enjoyed registering. We were offered a listed guide, appetizers and beverages, while we scanned. Gabe went to town with the store scanner. He scanned a ton of things just because it was fun. We did review the list in the end and removed items we knew we would not use or have room to store.

We also opted for a second, non-traditional online registry. We would be able to assign dollar values to activities and tours we would like to incorporate into our honeymoon, where ever that may be. Our guests will then have more choices and flexibility if they decide to give gifts.

Wedding Website
I created a wedding website to inform our guests about our big day. We provided a brief narrative about how Gabe and I met, the proposal, the wedding party, venue information and map, and hotel information.  Check it out: www.mywedding.com/gabeandlili

The Gown

I scheduled a dress fitting in December. I especially wanted my mom, sister, and maid of honor to give their input on dress style. The nearest opportunity I had was around Christmas when I'm visiting back home. I also plan to schedule a second dress fitting in San Diego, so that my other bridesmaids and friends can throw their two-cents in and help me narrow down my choices.