while visions of rehearsal dinner ideas danced in my head

You know how those last things on your conscious mind have a way of plaguing your sleep? Among the emails in my inbox just before going to bed last night was one from Trisha with the guest list for the rehearsal dinner. Funny how that suddenly made this feel like a real event, in spite of the fact that I've been to the site twice, met the caterer, and have a menu ready to go. Now there are names and faces filling the room and sitting around tables with periwinkle cloths.

As I've been scouring the internet looking for decorating ideas several have taken hold. How to execute them (as in, where do I find the supplies) has now become the puzzle to solve, and those questions dance in my head seeking answers. Since the guest list was the last thing on my conscious mind last night, my sleep was full of problem-solving schemes throughout a restless night. Sigh.

Invitations. After looking at options to buy I have decided to make my own. I have all the supplies I need already on hand, except maybe envelopes, so the cost will be practically nil. I like that. And isn't "nil" a cool word? Yes, it will take time, but making cards is something I enjoy, so this is a no-brainer.

Centerpieces. I'm halfway there. Trisha loves quotations, so I have figured out a way to incorporate quotes. Now I need to figure out a way to represent Junior. I'm leaning toward something John Deere, but I'm not sure I can pull that off inexpensively.

Decor, part 1: There isn't a singular theme that represents them as a couple, so I am planning to use pictures to decorate. Still trying to figure out the best way to do that.

Decor, part 2: There is a deck that wraps around two sides of the building, and our room is at the corner of the building with access to that deck. I'm going to put luminaries outside on the deck (pray for no rain, and if there's going to be a breeze it needs to be gentle). I've even figure out a way to dress them up a bit. Heh heh.

Activity: I've been to some fun rehearsal dinners and some deadly ones. I want this to be an experience of the former. A consultant with whom I spoke suggested something along the lines of a newlywed game. So far that's the best idea to come along the pike. I am open to other ideas, and I also encourage readers of this blog to suggest questions for this game! Remember this is a family event.

Favors: I know that favors aren't typical or expected at a rehearsal dinner, but it's just one of those things that give me an opportunity to be creative. My initial idea may have eliminated itself due to cost, so right now I'm exploring variations on that theme. What is it? Hey, I need to keep some things I surprise!

So that's the latest. Is this boring subject matter? If so I'll keep RD posts to a minimum. It's just that it's on my mind this morning, so here ya go.

And unrelated to any of this: Congratulations Team Canada! Both hockey teams played incredibly well and it was an exciting game. I'm especially glad that Canada received the highest number of gold medals throughout these Olympics after the previous shutout on home turf. I love singing the Canadian national anthem.