Wedding Tips start here...

jiblets1

scotgirl wrote:

I posted a message on our work noticeboard and asked for seamstress recommendations and got loads at a much better price and also with the added comfort of being recommended by someone I know. Could you do this or ask everyone you know for a recommendation?

Yeah I'll give it a go - thankyou.

It's kinda scary handing your dress over, so work could be a good place for recommendations.

beccatt

I went to a wonderful wedding on Saturday - it was a big irish catholic family affair and, not being catholic or at all religious myself, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the ceremony. But it was really meaningful for everybody involved, whether they had a religion or not.
A couple of things I thought were really lovely and could be transferred to any marriage ceremony were that at the beginning of the ceremony the bride and groom each lit a candle to signify their individual lives. Then after their vows (I think) they used those candles to light a larger marriage candle which signifies their new life together.

What I also liked was that when they took their vows the priest lined the bride, groom, best man and chief bridesmaid up facing the congregation, then retreated out of the way (with a microphone) so that everybody could see the important people

Hope this might be an inspiration to someone somewhere!

Winky,_The_House_Elf

My first post!

Virgin Bride's in Manchester have got their sale on! Lots of bargains to be had! Also fantastic bargains in Cheshire Bridal Wear, I went in today and they had over 20 dresses at less than £300, some reduced from over £1000http://www.cheshirebridalwear.co.uk


OK so a little about my plans...We were going to slip away in January to get married abroad, being that for half the cost we could have a luxuary holiday thrown in too. However, after subtle pressure from my Father ( "I have always wanted to walk my eldest daughter down the aisle since she was born, but its your day you must do whatever makes you happy ...")we have decided to get married in the UK, with family and friends and were staggered by the cost. We have ended up bringing the wedding forward to November 25th this year, as we could get the venue we wanted at half price! And on a Saturday! We only booked it last week! So we have suddenly gone from just the 2 of us to 70 guests! (And that is strictly close family and friends) Whilst my parents want to pay for everythink I still want VFM.

The venue is in the lake district, which means that as it is out of season we can negotiate cheap rates with B&B's! Important as Mr Winky-to-be is Dutch, so everyone on his side will need a couple of nights accomodation.

Its also easy to negotiate certain things for example, I Love Cheese, so really wanted a cheese course. but at an extra £4.50/head there was no way I could justify £315! So my sister asked if we could have a cheese platter on each table, say for £10, and the venue had no problem with that. So I still get my cheese but save £245!

Whilst I do actually want the "Big" day I am prepared to muck in on the morning , so we are decking the place out with lots of church candles on the actual morning (See http://www.candlesupply.co.uk
which we are grouping together differrent sizes with a ribbon to match our coulour scheme. This sticky has fantastic suggestions on how to cut the cost. (By the way if anyone knows where there is a flower market in Cumbria I would appreciate it! I live in Cheshire so I haven't got a clue)

Having it all in one venue is really saving on transport costs.

The best advice I have gotten is to get people involved if you can, E.g. my sisters FIL is making my cake, and is honoured to be part of it.My sister works in Marketing and is using her suppliers to get the invites etc done! (£40 for invites, menus and place setting! What a bargain!)

I can't afford a rowdy Hen party abroad, in fact I can't afford a decent night in England full stop! What we are doing is a "Bridal Shower Pot Luck Supper" all the ladies are bringing a dish and a bottle (or 2!) and the married ones can bring their wedding photos for the rest of us to "Coo" over, and basically it will be a big party! The people I have mentioned it to since having that idea (yesterday) were truely grateful that it wouldn't be an additional £60/70 for a meal and some drinks and were really up for it! (plus it will be interesting to see what everyone brings ) it's easy and quick to arrange!

I think its just a case of prioritising everything, being organised, and deciding whats important to you!

All the best to everyone in the same boat, all suggestions gratefully recieved!

Winky

tifnstav

I love the idea of a Bridal Shower!
I'd been thinking of it for a while but trying to figure out how to make it different and get different age groups involved but make sure its still a bit boozy!
I'm only getting married in 2008 but can't believe the hen do is already on my mind!
This is perfect and very money saving - now you can splash out on a Chippendale or 2 for entertainment - or maybe not!

jiblets1

Winky it sounds like you've got it all planned! Some lovely ideas there.

Hope you have a wonderful day!!

tifnstav

Winky,_The_House_Elf wrote:

I can't afford a rowdy Hen party abroad, in fact I can't afford a decent night in England full stop! What we are doing is a "Bridal Shower Pot Luck Supper" all the ladies are bringing a dish and a bottle (or 2!) and the married ones can bring their wedding photos for the rest of us to "Coo" over, and basically it will be a big party! The people I have mentioned it to since having that idea (yesterday) were truely grateful that it wouldn't be an additional £60/70 for a meal and some drinks and were really up for it! (plus it will be interesting to see what everyone brings ) it's easy and quick to arrange!

Just been mulling it over and for those unmarried ones they can bring baby pictures of themselves!

Rachie_B

awww winky your hen night plans sound fab

good luck with the planning and congrats

Winky,_The_House_Elf

That's a great idea Tifnstav. Has anyone else got any suggestions to make the Hen night go with a swing? I'm already thinking of a bowl of very alcholic fruit punch! Hmm...may be I should concentrating on the wedding first....Nah this is more fun!

Winky x

alison6692

Hiya

I am now a smug married! Yay!

If you wanna see pics then you can check them out here

http://daveandalison.weddingpath.com/20170

If you want to read the weddign report then you can pm me for a link!!

Love alison x

jiblets1

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!