I can't wait to attend my first anime convention this year too, although it's hardly in my state! Anyone going to FAnime this year?
Sure, there may be weird/creepy ppl at any anime conventions (haha) but if you have your friends with you, what's there to be afraid of? XD Anyway, I can't really help you, CRonin, coz I've never done this before and am interested in the responses here myself.
I'm also currently considering whether I should even attempt to cosplay. I don't even know how to sew, what more make a hakama? (T__T)