The countdown is on. By the end of this month, Chad and I will be married. That's not to say it's all smooth sailing between now and then, though. The real grunt work still lies ahead.

*The Guest List* 

The RSVP deadline date has now come and gone. Next week, we'll begin making harassing calls to those guests who have yet to respond. I guess Respond So Very Promptly (or, more accurately, Respondez S'il Vous Plait) means nothing to some people. Well, to those people, I say "Get ready to feel the fury. We've got a wedding to put on here and I need a headcount. If you think you can just decide to attend day of and waltz into the reception expecting to be fed, you've got another thing coming. Instead, you can expect to be seated at the table of shame where you may OR may not receive food. And cake? Hah! You better be toting a pretty nice gift if you think you're getting cake with no RSVP - I'm talking one of those beautiful Lenox China place settings. That might get you a slice of cake."

*The Play List*

On a happier note, we're also shoring up our play list for the DJ this week. We've spent many a night, going over the songs and assessing their danceability. As a former club rat, few things disappoint me more than an empty dance floor and I'm determined not to let that happen at our wedding. And while I may not be willing to pander to those who will only dance to the likes of "YMCA" and the "Macerena," I can assure attendees that there are a million songs that are just as groove-inducing, yet far less obnoxious.

*The Bye-Bye Healthy Bank Account Balance List*

The time is fast approaching when people want to be paid. This is not going to be the happiest part of wedding planning process. The balance due for the caterer alone is faint-worthy. We've got the money on hand, but it's still sad to see all of those greenbacks slipping away from what once looked like a very impressive bank account balance. To compound matters, there are plenty of other expenses that aren't invoiced coming up. There are hair appointments, manicures, attendant gifts, hotel rooms, marriage licenses, etc. I don't even want to see the final tally for everything. I already understand why so many people suggest eloping.

Well, we're too far along to elope now so I think we'll just go ahead with the wedding as planned. If nothing else, the pile of presents amassing in our dining room is reason enough to forge ahead.