Well, I didn’t get the CDs done today. I was out running around all day and would you believe I forgot to buy CDs? (Or maybe it was subconscious procrastination.) BUT, I did do one thing I think is important! I started thinking through packing for Aruba. I laid out some of the goodies I intend to bring with me. Talk about a wake-up call!

My initial plan: 2 checked bags (large duffels), one for welcome bag items and one for my clothes etc – enough for a week! Then there is the carry-on bag and the personal item. The personal item is (hopefully) going to be my dress and then in the carry-on will be my purse, computer, bridal accessories, shoes, make-up and the most important clothing like my welcome party outfit. We also have 25 small lanterns for the tables that will take up much of my fiancé’s checked bag space, so I’m not really going to be able to count on him for my overflow. So, now I’m trying to take inventory and figure out how practical this plan is and see if I need to do any ‘editing’. (At the moment, the charge for a third bag is $200!)

The Welcome Bags – all along I’ve been planning that I’ll bring some of the items for the welcome bags with me and purchase other items in Aruba. We make it to Aruba only 24 hours before our guests so I figure the more I can bring with me the better. Also, there’s that neurotic part of me that want to know exactly what I’m getting — I want to see it, touch it… Well, it looks like I may just have to let go of some more control. While its amazing how much you can stuff into those big duffels, you have to be mindful of weight (go over 50 by even 1lb and pay and additional $150!).

Here’s what I have so far:

• The bags themselves - 30 totes; they are pretty small but 30 does add up
• 27 packable straw visors for the ladies
• 40 CD cases (though they don’t have CDs in them yet and could take up more space if I decide to embellish them)

As you can see in the picture I’m sure my duffel is at least half full by now. And there are still a few of things I want to add:

• Paper Items - luckily this stuff shouldn’t take up too much space: favor labels, welcome bag hang tags, welcome letters, itinerary
• Can koozies – In total I’ll have around 50 koozies. I just recieved an email today that the custom koozies are on their way. Also, I expect to receive the plain ones early this week. Thing is, I wanted the foam koozies that aren’t going to fold up. I just don’t like those folding ones. They seem cheap to me and don’t insulate as well. In the picture is one – multiply that by 50!
• Fudge – one thing I want to bring is a treat from Michigan since there will be people coming from all over and what’s more perfect than Mackinac Island Fudge?! Also, this is a favorite treat of one of my finacé’s sons, so its kind of like adding something that’s ‘from him’. And I just found out that fudge doesn’t melt! I didn’t know that! The plan was around 1/2 lb per bag, (1/4 lb each of two different flavors), but that means 15 lbs. So, its really important that I get to packing to find out if I need to scale back the quantity. I plan to purchase fresh fudge the day before we leave but am going out their next weekend to see the packaging and figure out how much space I’ll really need.

At the moment, it looks like I should be able to pack what I have so far but I have to be really careful with any add-ons. Like I’m thinking bridesmaid gifts may have to be gift certificates or spa treatments! I don’t have much time to make my Aruba purchases, but that’s another advantage to having the help of a wedding planner! They can help collect items for you and have them ready and waiting.