ok, so we want formal.....

Yes a gift is a nice gesture for your bridesmaids, it is a nice thing to either by them all a peice of jewelry for them to wear on the day, or else a nice gift to sit on the bridal table for afterwards- some traditions say it should come from the groom, some say from the bride, some say from both- if you do the gift on the table from the groom- then a gift also for his groomsmen from you is a nice gesture too, cuff links, or a flask or something like that....

As a Bridesmaid i have always paid for my own dress and hair and make up costs, and i made mine do the same, and the groomsmen paid for their own hire costs of suits etc too- it wasnt too bad, i think about $200 all up (each) they all looked the same and matched etc, you may decide to contribute or whatever, but thats up to you. We had one mate who cuoldnt afford to pay it all, but DH really wanted him as groomsmen so we shared the cost with him

For the bar tab- we supplied bottles of wine on tables etc and Champagnes for toasts, and you can make the bar tab just for beer and wines and let them buy their own spirits etc to keep costs down a bit- that is entirely up to you.

Are you going church??? I would arrange that first- which i am guessing you have done coz you have your date, decide on your reception place and make sure you can have them both on the same day!! Then go from there!!

Once you have the where and when sorted, get right onto the guest list and invites, work out how much it will cost per head BEFORE you send out your invites, coz other wise you might end up with a few ppl on there too many IYKWIM Get a list together and sort it out into a few catagories, the DEFINATE invites, the Should invite, and the WANT to invite and the back up list!!! Then as you figure out costs, this list will gradually mesh its self together to a final list!!

Most importantly, decide on stuff that you and DF want to happen, what sort of food you want etc and things you want to happen, the preist or celebrant will help you with the ceremony, and should incorporate anything you want, maybe some readings done by family members, or special songs etc.

Ummm, what else? Keep hasseling the ppl you have rung about packages and stuff, that is your first step, getting the where for ceremony and reception and what time etc. Will you be doing it all yourselfs finacially or are parents helping?? Def work out your spending budget, and then see what you can afford.

That should keep you going for now!!! LOL
Have fun!!!!