The E-Ring Blues & Registry News!

Today was a very sad day. I had to part ways with my engagement ring so it could be sized. It will take a couple of weeks for us to be reacquainted. Ladies and gentlemen considering engagement: if you have the chance to size the ring BEFORE the proposal, DO IT. It has been TORTURE not having my ring to stare at like usual, and it's only been about 8 hours without it. :(

The good news of the day was having my mom visit. We went out to eat for lunch and then did our usual shopping trips around town. We decided to get a jump start on my registries while we were out and about. I know it's early, but I'm afraid that when the time comes to do this (according to a suggested wedding time line) I'll be too busy with finals or an internship. Gift registries sort of intimidate me because I don't really know what I'll need or will really use. It feels so "adult" to upgrade from our cheap silverware (and sometimes plastic-ware) to formal flatware or from busted pots to amazing professional cookware. Then there's the fact that Chris and I have been living together for over a year, so we already have a lot of things that are typical on registry lists. So it was great having my mom there to help guide me around what I'll really need and what I won't.

We made our first stop at Macy's and I almost felt shunned by the 20-something-"I don't really want to be working today"-girl who was supposed to give the "personal bridal registry consulting" as describe online. We stayed for about 15 minutes and only registered for the Vera Wang Love Knots toasting flutes, a towel set, and an ice cream maker before we decided to give up and leave. But I did get a nice tote with a whole bunch of freebies like a wedding planner geared for Georgia brides! Not a total loss.

Next, we went to Bed Bath & Beyond and were blown away by their registry consultant. We ended up staying for almost 4 hours getting the VIP treatment. Our consultant, Michael, explained all the perks and rewards of their registry (like getting to shop before and after the store closes and getting free stuff just for signing up for certain items!) and gave us a tour of the store and recommended items. Their consultants don't work on any kind of commission and they have to take classes to learn about all the different brands of items they sell, so I felt confident that he knew his stuff and was really trying to help me get the things I need. What's more is that he's currently engaged and is going through all the same processes I am! He's working at BB&B until his fiance finishes grad school at UGA. I made sure to get his card so we could have him help every time I come in (since I only finished going through about 1/4 of the store in those 4 hours!). I was so impressed by their assistance that I'm canceling my Macy's registry. Besides, they had all the same items at BB&B for better prices. I was worried about the lack of BB&B around south Georgia, but if people want to buy from there, they can order everything online and have it shipped to their house or to mine.

Mom's coming back up in a couple weeks so I'll finish registering at BB&B and probably hit Target and one other store that weekend. I'm just getting the basics down now so I can add other items later on without feeling rushed to pick out things as our shower dates approach. I'm the type of girl who likes to get things out of the way sooner than later.

I better get to bed. Before Mom leaves tomorrow we're going to drive around Athens and take pictures of landmarks so I can finally fill my frames on my "Athens Wall" in the living room! :)

Next post: Help me pick out my wedding colors!