Suggestions anyone?

One of my biggest hurdles is to politely deal with all of the suggestions and requests that will come with increasing rapidity over the next weeks and months. There's no question that I just won't like a lot of the ideas that come along, won't be able or want to accommodate some requests, and will not always be in the right 'mindspace' to respond with a sugar coating.

I would love to head them off at the pass by being clear up front with those important to me about what kind of experience I want to have with them. Really, weddings are all about feeling close to the bride and groom. Maybe if I do that early by assuring key people they hold an important place in our life and will be 'involved' in some way, I'll save myself the trouble? Maybe I'm being idealistic, but I hope not.

Mom - I love you. I want you to be involved in my wedding, I want you to be 'around' and will make sure you have the latest news. I want to you be in my room to help me get ready. Don't worry, we'll make it work.

Dad - I love you. You have some great ideas, and I promise to listen to them and consider them, but I can't promise to take them all. I want you to walk me down the aisle and give a GREAT toast, and dance with me at my wedding. I want you to have fun too!

Mo - I love you, my sista friend! Your warmth and humor will keep me sane, and you'll make me a beautiful bride. I look forward to the preparation, and the parties, and the carrying out of The Day!

Kam - I love you missy! You are always there with a more tactful way of saying something (I say it more directly and 'rationally' but not nearly as nicely!). I am so thankful to have you around to keep me on track, and to help with some of the heavy lifting with planning.

Geo - I love you, my dear friend. As you said, friends are those wonderful people who validate you and tell you you're sane. I KNOW I'll need that in the coming year, and I'm so glad I have you with me for this journey! I also can't wait to play the ultimate Dress Up :o)

So, how'd I do?

Genesis of the Not So Fussy Wedding Blog

One part frustration: In reading endless articles and books on wedding etiquette, I'm struck by the overly stuffy and fussy nature of many so-called experts. I believe it's possible to plan a lovely and elegant affair without making my wedding invitation impossible to read in order to allow for the 'proper' listing of dates and people.

One part inspiration: I want to have a place my wedding attendants, family, and friends can follow the progress of planning, and collaborate as needed and appropriate.

One part challenge: To allow myself a fun but motivating tool for planning that doesn't involve endless notes on random scraps of paper which will inevitably become lost.

Add a dash of irreverence, and we've got the beginnings of a wedding diary free from fussiness.