As Mike Sees it (1)

I've begged asked Mike to guest blog (its about time) and help me out while I'm doing the family thing with my sister.  I have to say, when I read the title I worried.  But he's a part of this whole wedding thing too - so I might as well let him have a say on the blog!  (See if you can find my favorite part!) Stay tuned for possibly more in a new series I call "As Mike Sees It."
*note: Mike originally titled this post: "To get involved, or not......"

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While Vicki is out doing the aunt thing in Austin, I've been holding down the fort at home in DC. So I guess it makes sense that an extension of that would be to make sure all is well here at Crowning Victoria and that there are fresh posts for you all to read. So now it's time for what you've all been waiting for: wedding planning from the groom's perspective.

From the beginning of this process I've said to Vicki (and anyone else who asked) that there are three aspects about the reception that I wanted to be involved in; choosing the venue, the music, and the food/drink.
My logic on this is twofold: I feel like those are the key ingredients to the party so I want to get my two sense in on them, and also that means I can stay out of Vicki's way for the rest of the stuff. It's not like I don't care about things like photographers, decorations, invitations, etc., it's just that I care a whole lot less than Vicki does. I have known from the beginning that this day is about her and really my job is to sign on the line, look good in a tux (mission accomplished), and say "I do" when the Rabbi pauses and looks at me. But it's been tricky trying to balance demonstrating that I am involved and willing to help if she wants/needs me to while at the same time making sure that she knows this is her show and she can have what she wants (within reason, I hope).

So now we've got a venue, we've got a band, and we're setting up tastings with caterers (most of them allow you to supply your own alcohol, so I've got that covered). I guess that means my role is now to negotiate the prices down as much as possible once Vicki settles on a vendor, help organize things like the guest list, and just try to be supportive whenever possible. And of course, get as many free tastings from catering companies as possible. For what these people charge I'm milking them for all I can get. But from here on out, I'm mostly along for the ride. Should be interesting......