@Neil: Vegas is so not an option. And by the time we got the family out there, it wouldn't be cheaper either. @Vivdora: Kevin never really had much to do with the costume department as far as I know. @Joe: Sorry about the keyboard. And yes, it's ok to laugh. I do. Frequently, with a slight manic edge. I just make sure no one is listening. @Cat: Yeah, hire is looking good. Although hadn't thought about the point regarding passing dresses on. Mum's still got hers but I would never get into it, and it's also a bit... well, 60s. Not much there to work with. @Chris: Monsoon I have not yet gone to, but will do. @Redhead: Actually, the back-up plan is to buy it in Chicago when we go over to visit the in-laws. The dollar should still be on my side by then. And I'm willing to try anything on... they just wouldn't let me. @Betsy: Funny you should say that. One of my friends' wives bought her dress in Paris so he is going to try to get me some more details. @Jenny: Standard anything sucks, frankly. @Mother of the Bride: Sewing machine dusting off may lead to a whole nother set of horrors, frankly. @Heather: Ooh congratulations! Your 'venue' sounds great - we thought of a boat, but there's really only the Sandbanks Ferry... and that's not really all that romantic being, as it is, predominantly a small car ferry. Aaaah, well, it's all still up in the air, so we'll see. I promise I'll let everyone know as and when.