Help Plan My Wedding!

We're thinking of getting married in June 2010. Thats about all I have set really!

I am going to list some of my ideas for what I'll be doing but I want you guys to help me. What am I missing? Where can I find what I need? What worked for you and what did not?

The Venue

We have not quite decided. We would love outdoors so we are looking locally at some parks.

The Reception

Possibly at the same place. We're planning to do a catered pig roast! Of course with vegetarian options for my friends who are vegetarians.

I hate dancing when people are watching... really really really. I dislike DJs even more... its just not my style and I dred receptions. I usually leave early. So what the heck do I do?! I am thinking a live band but that might cost too much. Maybe just a meal and no dance. If its outside I might be able to get away with that. I am also not a night owl so early afternoon done by dark would be great. But I wonder how that would work in the end.

The Cake

Well I want a cake I want to eat so its gonna be a layer of chocolate and a layer of white at least... nothing funny! I want it to be white frosting with purple flowers and green vines all over it. I'm not sure I want a cake topper but I have these cuties by RedLightStudio favorited just in case I change my mind.

The Colors/Flowers

Lots of white with some purple and green accents. I love lillies and hydrangeas and I love purple. I'm pretty sure these flowers could work well together. I'm looking for good florists in the Wausau area currently. If you know of any arrangement ideas or have seen anything involving these colors/flowers online, post a comment!

The Wedding Dress

I am going to search for a wedding dress in October with my Cousin so this I have decided not to think too much about until then. I'm no rich so of course, it can't be expensive! Also, it needs straps. Why are those so many strapless dresses?! I dislike those tremendously, I could never feel comfortable in those. I've done some internet searches and I think I like this one the best so far but its strapless. Also I'd love hemp silk but I so can't afford any of the dresses I like made with that! I wish they made eco-friendly dresses for a smaller budget.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49998999&currentIdx=63&subCategory=-49999486%7c-49998999&catentryId=1000074 (Wine color trim)

http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49998999&currentIdx=58&subCategory=-49999486%7c-49998999&catentryId=1000093 (Wine or Dark green color trim)

Wedding Party

Bridesmaids will wear dresses that are casual and summery; maybe in the color that accents my dress. Groom and Groomsmen will wear vests in the same color. Not sure about black or white tuxes. I think maybe going with the traditional black. As for a gift for bridal party I'm not sure. I want it to be something they'd want to keep. Not the typical stuff.

Accessories

If I can swing it, I'd love to get accessories from Etsians! I have 2 in mind so far.

Clark and Diversey - A fascinator made with feathers from our farm birds! She makes beautiful pieces with our feathers and her popularity has grown tremendously!

LiciaBeads - She made me the most beautiful purple lilly earrings. I am thinking that if I get the right dress a matching necklace would be in order. Or something similar.

Photographer
Pretty much decided, it will be a person I worked with a few years ago. He has a photography business with his twin brother. Also, they're pretty darn good. I'm not going to skimp or settle on this. This is one of the most important parts to me obviously!

Capitol Photography

Favors

I have tons of favor boxes so I may utilize those. I'm not quite sure though! Also I saw these on Etsy and they all look sooo great.

Neat Soaps from EnchantingSoapFavors

Handpainted wedding cake sugar cookies from a local Etsian, Kar3762.

Invitations/Thank Yous
I was able to pick up a ton of invitations at GoodWill for less than $10! I just have to print. So I have that covered. My thank you cards will be with a photo of us on it holding a thank you sign.

What to do with the dress
I'm not going to clean it and keep it. What would be the point? I'm not going to wear it again. If I have a daughter ever I want her to have her own dress and who knows if mine would even fit her. Plus styles change. SO, I'm going to trash it. I'm a soil scientist so I'm thinking this will involve digging a hole and mud. Oh yes, I will get muddy! This will be done in conjunction with my photographer of course, because this could be some great photos!

Honeymoon

No clue. He doesn't like tropical places and I do. But possibly we could do something within Wisconsin that would make us both happy. Not in

What have I missed?

You tell me! I want suggestions!