Small but possibly still traditional wedding? What lovely weddings have you been to?

pinkie_pie

My oh proposed whilst away for a romantic weekend, I'm utterly delighted I've known since meeting he was the one and I'm just so happy

I'd like to get some plans in motion but the biggest hurdle is 'type' of wedding really!

A few pointers are -
1. I've been married before. It was a biggish white wedding type, in registry office, although none of this was my choice.
2. My oh doesn't want a massive event, he doesn't like the 'attention' of it.
3. I'm prepared to work to get it all cost effective, we haven't discussed a budget but it won't be big.
4. I don't know the size of our guest list, it will be a few friends on my side, and considerably more family on his. I think the list would be the list for everything, eg if our list was 60 people, there wouldn't be an additional 140 for a reception, it'd just be the 60 if that makes sense.
5. I'd like a pretty dress and gorgeous photos! Lol


A thought I had would be to have a service (possibly church if allowed?) and then the 'breakfast' part to be the main event, so no reception as that isn't really our thing. But that is as far as I have got with ideas. I grew up in another country where you needed the marriage celebrant person and you could have the actual ceremony anywhere but as far as I'm aware here it has to be in designated places?

All advice very gratefully received!

Oh forgot to add, also plan for it to be sooner rather than later - ideally first half of 2014!

duchy

The laws here have changed a lot and almost anywhere that is a structure (eg not the open moors or top of a mountain) *can* be licenced for a wedding so the designated places are very diverse .

An idea of where in the country you are thinking might help with ideas but in general terms if it's the same sixty people do you want just a meal ...or a meal and then dancing or other entertainment? Would you consider a morning wedding with lunch after....or an afternoon ceremony and maybe an afternoon tea type meal with fancy cakes rather than meat and veg ? Once you start to work out a few ideas it becomes simpler to plan and your choices narrow a bit.

pinkie_pie

We are in Hampshire/Berkshire. Thinking -off the top of my head and without consulting my oh- something like a late ceremony followed by a hearty meal, possibly with a band/dance? I don't think either of us care for posh meals, and I'm not keen on buffets!

pinkie_pie

I should also add a large portion of guests will be children - at least a third of the list!

Dekazer

Hi pinkie-pie. Congratulations on your engagement.

The situation about where you can marry differs across the UK - in Scotland it's the celebrant who matters so you can marry anywhere. In England and Wales (and I think NI) it's the venue as well. You need to find a licensed venue. New licences can be awarded - the venue owner would need to apply for it.

You can look at Local Authority websites for all licensed venues in their area, so that might be a good starter for inspiration. All churches are, by default, licensed. If you are able to marry in a church they will help you take care of all the legal bits.

Other than that, the world's your oyster as far as venues go. Most hotels and restaurants should be able to accommodate you for your breakfast. Whether you want anything else after the meal would be up to the venue I suppose.

Some of my favourite weddings (as a guest) have been the smaller ones, quick registry office ceremony followed by a lovely afternoon of a good meal and a couple of drinks. You'll know best what suits you and your fianc!. It's a good excuse to visit lots of local restaurants!

abby1234519

pinkie_pie wrote: »

I should also add a large portion of guests will be children - at least a third of the list!

I'm not serious.....

but you could hire out a softplay venue for your reception and then the kids can have great fun...and so can the adults. Every time we go, my other half and my friend run around and up and down the slides!!

But like I said, not serious...