wedding advise novel post beware

alright so my man proposed to me over a year ago but he still hasn't talked to me dad. he knows that's important to be and necessary before we ever get married but k said yes. it's never been biblically announced that were engaged but everyone assumes. I haven't made an announcement cause well he hasn't talked to my dad. we are getting married Jan 2 at the court house (this way taxes don't get screwed with filing married lol) and then this summer having our reception and renewing our vows (this way I still get to be walked down the aisle and shit). I'm trying to decide if I wanna ask my bridesmaids now or wait, also when to go look for a dress. I feel like it's stupid to spend so much on a dress just to have it be ruined with a back yard reception and a waste to wear it for the judges chambers. this is NEVER how I imagined my wedding but financially it's the best decision. I'm also now trying to figure out how to do this tactfully because my cousin just got engaged and is getting married in next winter ideally. I don't wanna seem like I'm stealing her thunder, nor do i wanna ask her to be my moh when she's dealing with her own....