Checking off the to-do list

Since the 2-month mark has come and gone, I have been on a mad dash to check some things off of our To-Do list. Here's a quick rundown of what I've accomplished!

• We're going to St. Louis next weekend to meet with our venue and rehearsal dinner venue, deliver more supplies to my gracious in-laws' basement, and get a few other plans in place. I can't wait to visit the 9th Street Abbey in the summer since we have only seen it with dead-ivy and empty flower garden!
• Remember the green split-pea vase filler I decided on for our centerpieces? I found almost the exact amount I was looking for on Craigslist from a seller in Rockford, Illinois - which happens to be on our route to St Louis. We'll pick them up on our way next weekend, and I'm thrilled with the deal! 
• Speaking of Craigslist, I also found two 49" tall vases being sold for $50, which was half of what I had already paid when I bought the identical vases at Pier One just a few weeks prior! I returned the originals and saved $50. 
• I also purchased a cake knife and server from Pier One for $13, which is just $3 more than renting them from our venue. I thought about borrowing these from a friend, but figured that since they are generic-looking we'll have use for them in the future.

• I found the final touches for my Bridesmaids' gifts. My goal was to find something practical, non-cheesy, and still reminiscent of our wedding theme or St. Louis itself (without being overtly '10-5-14 bridesmaid #benandnicoleforlife'). I should have known that Target would have the answer. Let's just say that my solution is both seasonally-appropriate for autumn and adorable.
• I laid-out for the first time in Wisconsin. Oh-my-gosh I needed a tan. It's still a work in progress.
• I found turks-head cuff-links for Ben for $10 at Stein Mart. He likes the style because of his experience with knot-tying as a Boy Scout.
• We got a lot of RSVPs, and I began the seating chart using The Knot's guest list manager! At this point, I can estimate the remaining responses and guess that we will have around 150 guests, which is what we budgeted for (phew!). But hey, if you're one of the ones who hasn't responded, we'd still love to hear from you! You've got 3 more weeks!
• Aside: I am so sorry to every friend who has ever suffered from my RSVP procrastination. When I knew my response had to be disappointing, I waited as long as possible to reply. I think that's human nature to not want to "let down" your friend or loved one. What I know now is that declining two months before means the bride and groom can re-designate funds to a toasted ravioli bar; declining two days before the RSVP deadline doesn't help them much at all. Sometimes guests really do need as much time as possible to decide if they can make it, and sometimes it's better to just rip off that band-aid. I get it now.
• I started collecting music for the playlist. It's been so fun to see people's RSVP responses to "what song will get you on the dance floor?"
• I sent some feedback to our officiant regarding the first draft of our ceremony script and started working on my vows. After all, that 'getting married' part? THAT'S the important stuff.