timeframes

Congratulations. It's never to early to start on anything (except a registry). Start getting recommendations for vendors and checking them out. Even when it seems overwhelming and you feel like you don't know anything about this stuff, after you see 1 or 2 vendors, you will better know what you want. You'll know the buzzwords and questions just from meeting with them. Do you have any idea what type of dress you want? Even if you don't go right away, try to decide what types you like. This site is so helpful, also check out websites like www.theknot.com They have a planning section which helps with questions you should be asking your florist, photographer etc. You have plenty of time to do it at a relaxing pace. The earlier you do stuff (like book your vendors), the more time you have towards the end when there are things that you can only do in those last few weeks (invitations, table seating, and all those other 'smaller' things) :o)
It goes so quick, try to enjoy this planning stage too.

Helen,

Definitely start thinking about booking your vendors. The last thing I wanted to hear from anyone that I was considering was that they were booked for our date, as I'm sure is the case with anyone.

Yes, March 17th. Seems like we just got engaged and that was 9 months ago. I am also a Milleridge bride :o)

I had many many pictures of dresses I liked and I didn't go to the bridal shop specifically to try any of those dresses on. If you want to do that, make sure you check it out beforehand. I did stay true to the basic style I wanted, sleeveless with a ballgown skirt. The dress I chose is a semiballgown/semi A-line. There are some brides that have a picture and they want that exact dress. Allow youself to try on a few different styles, you never know. My MOH had me try on a true Aline with long sleeves which looked so nice. I didn't ultimately decide on it but it was nice to see that the style was an option. It's a lot of fun picking out the dress!! It's so nice that your Mom is buying you the dress, my mother did the same thing. We are paying for our own wedding but she wanted to do that. I think it means more to her (and me) to have her purchase a specific item than if she just gave us the money towards the wedding. Either way, it was such a nice surprise. I went to a place in Garden City called Bonaventure. A friend at work recommended them. I haven't heard it mentioned on this board before but they have all been so nice and helpful to me so far so I recommend them also. Plus the BM dresses were less than I saw them for elsewhere and I got 10% off my dress by buying their dresses there and I only have 1 BM & a MOH. Definitely let me know when you start looking for the dress, I'd love to hear how it's going. Happy Planning.