The one thing my fiancé says he absolutely doesn't want for our wedding is a registry. He thinks that we've already accumulated alot of stuff and we don't need more stuff that we will probably never use.

"But what about an espresso maker or a bread maker or nice flatware?" I say. "Haven't you always wanted those?" He then usually replies, "You can buy those things with cash can't you?"

 I've always wanted to go around a nice store with a magic laser wand and point at everything I want, but I guess I can see his reasoning. We'd be better off with cash to spend on things we need rather than registering for things we want.

In many cultures, handing over envelopes of money instead of gifts is a wedding tradition. But some people view asking for money as tacky and in poor taste. In last week's episode of The Office, Pam struggles with asking people for cash for the wedding even though they have a registry.

In one funny scene, Phyllis asks about the registry and Pam hints, "We're also asking for other gifts that aren't on the registry...however much..." and Phyllis replies, "Perfect, I hate registries. My cousin makes the most amazing romantic birdhouse mailboxes. "

It seems like it's expected to sign up for a registry. But we don't want to be stuck with a bird house mailbox either, so we've hatched an alternative plan. We figure we need the money, but maybe not as much as some people, so we're going to have the option to donate the money to a charity of our choice. People can give the money to charity, to us, or both. Any thoughts?

(P.S, if you're a fan of The Office, Jim and Pam's wedding is this week's episode!) Photo Credit: Google images

I went to my first Bridal show last weekend and I thought I would share my experience and some things I learned.

My best friend couldn't make it, so I dragged my fiancé. I think the event would have been more fun going with girls, but it was good to have my fiancé there to share his thoughts and opinions. As he's said before, his role in the wedding planning is just to say "no" and "stick to the budget."  We didn't really know what we were doing or what questions to ask the vendors, so we learned alot about the wedding planning experience.

The show was quite small with about 5 rows of vendors and for the admission price, I got two free Bridal magazines. I thought bridal shows would be full of free samples and food, but I was a little disappointed, as all I got was one cupcake and a stack of flyers. But overall, it was a great success, as we found our photographer and a possible venue!

Here's what I learned at my first bridal show:

•1.       Go to a show in the city you're planning to get married in:

All of the vendors will be based out of the city or area the show is in, so take the opportunity to see what the area has to offer. It's a great way to meet potential photographers or caterers face to face and network. It's also a good way to see their work and samples.

•2.       Don't go to the show to book things:

Our wedding is not until 2012, so we just went to the show to browse and look for ideas. Alot of the vendors told us there were people desperately trying to book last minute services and venues. With a few months or weeks left before your wedding, you don't want to be running through a bridal show trying to book things. Take in the bridal show at a relaxed pace.

•3.       Don't sign up for too many things:

There will be alot of vendors asking for your email or contact information for promotional purposes. It's ok to give it to them to keep in contact or for deals, but be aware that your email inbox might fill up quickly with mailing lists and advertisements. And if you're not ready to book anything, don't feel pressured to give a deposit or sign up.

•4.       And most importantly, have fun! It's a wedding planning dream to have everything laid out in front of you and available, so cherish the moment!  It will also save you alot of time looking through vendor websites. And even if you can't afford a specific vendor or designer, you can always take a peek at their work and look for ideas.

Welcome to my wedding blog!

My fiance and I just got engaged a few months ago, so we're in the beginning stages of planning. He proposed in Paris, France this summer in front of the Eifel tower and it was the most romantic moment of my life!

We're still young and he's still in school, so we're waiting until 2012 to get married. That means I have plenty of time to collect inspiration and ideas!

For our wedding, we're looking to have about 70 people at a rustic, country setting in Southwestern Ontario. And that's about all that we've decided, so follow me along as I plan the wedding and all of the adventures in between!

Photo Credit: Personal photo