Tis' the season...

Throughout the year you are always aware just how quickly time seems to fly by. But like taking a snowball shot to the face, there is a shock realisation that Christmas is upon us and the year is almost up. What that means to me is that I've almost been engaged 1 year and that next year I will be getting married.

 I've not written a blog since September. Every weekend the intention is there but whether it's work or a busy social life, I've simply not found the time. So looking forward to Christmas this may be my last post this year, meaning my next blog may be in 2014 and looking forward to the wedding.

So we know about my lack of time to write and I'm afraid that's on par with the lack of wedding planning. Luke has been working abroad a few times the past few months so pinning him down to discuss a honeymoon destination or what flowers we should have hasn't been the easiest task.

I could go on all day about the cost of flowers however a dear bridesmaid of mine suggested I blog about bridesmaid dresses as they are currently the bain of my life. This term is often used to describe a constant irritant or cause of misery. Whilst 'cause of misery' is certainly a bit strong, I believe 'constant irritant' is spot on.

Finding my dress, not a problem I tried some on and came to a decision quite easily. The dresses for my bridesmaids, bloody nightmare. We have a colour, I even have a style in my mind but finding the exact dress that is pictured in your mind is not always easy. At this rate I will need to design the damn things myself. We've already tried about 10 different designs with not much luck.

An honest assumption would be that there is nothing I hate more than the prom style bridesmaid dress. The nasty looking shiny fabric, dressing women up to look 16. No, I will not do it to my ladies.

Every time I think about bridesmaid dresses I immediately think of the opening scenes to the movie 27 dresses. That poor girl in those vulgar clothes looking like a frilly idiot, but why, so the bride can look better ? To make a statement ? To compliment the flowers? How ridiculous. They come shiny, puffy, silky - not on my watch. I am not spending money so my dear friends can wear a cheap prom dress once for it to be
placed so deep in their wardrobes it's better off in Narnia.

I like to think I have some style (keep your opinions to yourselves please HAHA) and therefore my ladies will be dressed immaculately and in a dress that can be worn again. When it comes to bridesmaids mine are all unique and I love each of them for that so the dresses will act as a canvas for them to do what they wish.

Saying all of that is no doubt why I'm having such an issue finding the right dresses.

As I'm heading towards the end of the year and we are left with 297 days to go I'm finding myself slightly more stressed that time is flying fast and though A LOT of things have been sorted, we are a long way off.

There are still big issues such as bands, honeymoon, flowers etc... but I've also used the New Year as a safety blanket knowing I don't need to worry about decoration, hen do's (oh yes it's plural) and stationary. Once we pass that New Year threshold those worries are welcomed in too.

Now as a fundraiser who's hosted quite a few large scale events I would like to think I'm professional, and work methodically through this process, but alas this is not the case. Some of you are reading this probably laughing right now as I was always the little girl who wanted to be a wedding planner. I will leave that to JLo, because I couldn't give a damn whether I will have peonies at my wedding.

With Christmas approaching I'm afraid the wedding will have to wait, I barely have enough time for Christmas at the moment. The diet was doing so well but I'm afraid I've witnessed the odd mince pie already sneak in. This blog does sound like a lot of fretting but I can't deny the excitement I feel that this time next year I will be a wife.

I hope you all enjoy a season of merriment and fun. It's a personal favourite of mine as romantic and wonderful things can happen.

Well Tis' the season ... so what will your Christmas wish be ?

Is it quite bad that mine is bridesmaid dresses ?!

Almost a year to go …

As the title says we’ve almost reached that year mark.  I’m not too sure whether it’s the change of the season now to autumn or that it’s my busiest month at work but things have changed and now time seems to be of the essence.

I’m fortunate that this change of weather is my favourite time of the year. I can literally hear you cursing at the computer now. But, maybe sadistically it brings a sense of back to school, the morning  freshness and new starts.  I hated school, always did, but I really think somewhere deep inside a small fragment of a fresh morning beginning a new school term is etched into my memory and you know that things are about to change again. I like to turn those negative words into positives, for instance – Cold days, dark nights / I see this as trendy autumn coats, big jumpers, cosy nights in with good food and vino, the highway to Halloween and Xmas (lots of parties) and freshness that clears up the 'greyidon’tknowwhattodowithmyselfdays'. All of this has brought to my attention that I’m so excited to get married in autumn.

I begin with an update; let’s bring you up to speed where I am in my quest to marry Prince Charming. My surgery was a success, I can now walk, dance and jog at a certain pace without the sheer blinding pain – a huge thank you to those who took time off work to nurse me (Luke included) but also to those at the end of the phone on my blue days (you know who you are).

Now to the next point – I have THE dress. Yes I capitalised but wouldn’t you? Girls, apart from getting down the aisle without tripping you worry that you need the right dress. From previous blogs you will see the dress was never the be all and end all of my wedding but I will acknowledge that it is damn important. Well, I have it. I can share with you it was my 5^th dress I tried on and I went on to try about 16 dresses.

I’m not going to ruin any moments for those looking forward to going dress shopping sometime soon but I will share with you snippets of my experience as I’m sure your thinking ‘What was it about the 5^th dress?’ and ‘Why did she try on so many after?’

When I tried on the first few dresses I found myself surfing a wave of euphoric state and I think I was going through the OMG I’m trying on dresses stage. They were beautiful and all completely different. But then I started to panic, I was trying on beautiful dresses but none of them were ‘THE ONE’, you start to think, what if I’m over thinking? What if don’t find the one ? What if I’m looking too hard to find it and that I’m too picky?

Then I found it, the one I didn’t want to take off.

No, sorry everyone I’m not giving details that’s for my special day but the sense of emotion hits you like bus. I didn’t cry.

So we continued trying on and gave other styles a chance; the style I was looking for went out the window. Believe me it’s true what they say – you have to try on everything. The second place was in the afternoon and without the WoW factor of the first store I realised the fake smile played an excellent role when the pushy assistant wouldn’t quit. In fact it played such a good role Mum and Granny believed it. Not that sister of mine though the second we left her words went along the lines of “Not the one?” my response “not even close Lis”.

For me making the decision I’d found the dress and I was no longer going to continue my search followed not long after that discussion. We sat in the car on route home and looked over the photo images, we got to my dress and I burst into tears (see the crying did happen). I really had found my dress. This was followed by the rest of the car including Mum driving getting rather emotional – yes we looked a sight.

To many, buying the dress is the biggest part of the wedding planning and the dress was tried on a second time and purchased on my 24^th birthday. The dress measurement will be taking place in January and this is where are start to question things. How will I be the right size straight after Christmas? It’s going to be a lean holiday in my household.

 A girl wants to look her best on her wedding day, but has the 21^st Century added a newfound pressure to this? I googled wedding diets and up comes 128,000,000 results – THAT’S INSANE! I’ve heard in the run up to her wedding a bride can lose up to half a stone from stress, imagine that AND dieting together. There would be nothing left. I’m not ashamed to say my lack of mobility these past several months means a few extra pounds have found their way too my body and I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’m going to begin running as it’s the easiest way to lose it. I’ve always said to myself I will be my most beautiful on my wedding day – but with a choice 128,000,000 which is the right way to do it? I have sheer determination now with a year to go to make myself exactly how I want to be but it saddens me that brides with a hundred things to juggle in planning a wedding now have to trawl through a forest of sites looking for a diet that will say “Don’t worry love you can eat chocolate and still have lost weight for you wedding” – Bull shit – Embrace the exercise girls, and cut out the crap – I will see you on the other side !

These elements of wedding planning seem to be adding up, and with more in the pipeline almost finalised you better keep an eye out because more blogs will be coming out hopefully sooner than you think.

And we are back in the game…

From my previous blogs you will have read that I had a bit of a situation in the last few months. Unfortunately I was suffering with a certain back problem, this has resulted in me being extra quiet these last few weeks as I finally had the surgery done.

That was three weeks ago, so I have finally started to think about the wedding again and though I won’t have fully recovered until September I can now look forward.

There has been progress in my wedding plans and I'm sure by the amount of blogs I have already done you do realise just how many elements a wedding takes. So I pursued the cake and looked at where I would like to go dress shopping.

The cakes I have discussed previously and whilst chasing price quotes at the moment, I’m keeping options open. Flavours, tiers, design … it’s a lot to think about but I will be trying to squeeze a tier of chocolate in there somehow.

The dress … where do you start? The first words out of mum’s mouth were lets go to London and try dresses on there. My response … No. I don’t intend to try on £15,000 dresses to find the perfect one and then break my heart that I am not spending anywhere near that type of price. Now ladies I don’t want you to curse me here but for me it’s NOT all about the dress. (Well to an extent)

 

Do you need a designer frock ?

 

I feel like there are so many options out there for girls these days on how and where to find their designer wedding dresses. At the National Wedding Show thousands of brides-to-be flocked to try and find their gown amongst the railings for much more afforadable prices. These days charity wedding dress stores are also becoming increasingly popular as the trend of second hand gowns are on the rise to save some pennies. And finally with this new media age upon us it's only right that the wedding industry has joined in with more and more women relying on a screen to choose their dream gown and with a few clicks have purchased the dress probably quicker than I can choose a pair of shoes from online Debenhams.

 

So do I follow any of these new methods to beg, borrow or steal the ultimate designer dress... (whether it's second hand or not)?

In my personal opinion I’m going to wear the dress once (unless I have a rough day and decide to have a 'Rachael, Moncia and Pheobe' moment and wear it around the house). I would much rather have a beautiful venue or spend  that little bit extra on a honeymoon. I'm pretty laid back about the dress experience, as we have gathered by now from previous blogs I'm a bit of a traditionalist so I will be going to try on my own dress though. I want to be the only person that wears my dress, I don't want to try it on in front of thousands of people and knowing my luck if I purchased it online it would probably turn up in a different colour. So I think I sit very firmly in the middle between 'not caring would wear a bin liner' and 'would swap my husband for the perfect dress' scale.

 

Don’t get me wrong, what do I want out of a dress ? Well that’s simple, I want to feel like the most beautiful girl in the world that would put any Disney princess to shame. Ha! So not too much! But isn’t that what all wedding dresses are supposed to do anyway ?

 

I'm happy to adapt into my almost certain Bridezilla mode to make sure the venue, church, cake and food is perfect because that's what my guests are experiencing, however as long as the dress fits and looks fabulous enough for some photo's then we are good to go.

Style – Most people have an idea of a style they like and are drawn to, I must say I’m not like this at all. I have so many magazines now and apart from the most hideous couture gowns I seem to love them all. Did you know Disney have the own brand of wedding dress? How tempting to become a real life Disney princess !

For me I am going to create my own princess wedding though, I like to think of it as Princess Kate meets Disney with my own style. I love buttons along the back and you can’t go wrong with some lace but I’ve heard so many people tell me it’s not worth having a style because you usually find something completely different. Well I can’t wait and when I find it and I will make sure it becomes a best-kept secret.

Weddings make people smile.

My last post was about the upcoming excitement of Luke's sisters wedding and how dramatic life has seemed during the month of April.

May is different - things have calmed down, in fact i'm stuck in limbo; unable to drive,  waiting for this damn surgery date to come through, and it has remained the same all month. You might think it's a great time to get some wedding things done, but we still have a long way to go and i don't want it all done at once.

I will return to Carli's wedding. Going to a wedding before your own is great, you get good ideas, and it also helps confirm ideas you may have had floating in your head prior. Were you thinking of doing things the same way? I have to admit that's what terrified me before going to Carli's - she is Luke's sister so there was an element of whatever they do i personally wouldn't want it to look the same etc.. It's petty but when half the guests are going to be the same you don't want the touch of nostalgia - seen it all before thoughts going through their head. I'm so happy to say that Carli & Lewis's wedding was wonderful and that ours will be completely different. Both sides win !

Attending the wedding did put some things into perspective for me - Things unexpectedly will go wrong - so be prepared (as the old Scout saying goes). Such as bell ringers not turning up. Every wedding magazine i have read tries to prepare the bride for this type of thing. At the end of the day your marrying the person you love and it doesn't matter, (Luke i love you) but Yeah Right - i would be fuming. Staying calm on your wedding day is a nice thought but it's inevitable i would go bonkers. I was discussing this with a friend that got married last year, her cake was delivered over 2hours late - she had every damn right to get pissed!

As this was my future sister-in-laws wedding i was fortunate enough to be there during the getting ready period. Carli was shaking like a leaf until the second she put on her dress - she changed and i can see that she  was ready. To me that was incredible - will i be like that ? I fail to stop thinking that i might be a little bit more of a wreck.

The wedding was beautiful and Carly looked stunning. The weather stayed right just long enough and the food was great. I can't forget one of my favourite parts of their wedding ... in front of the head table their was a ginormous Mr & Mrs sign - LOVED IT ! But, your all hearing me list off another wedding so back to my own prep.

We have a photographer !!! I have now confirmed with my photographer Kirith that she will be taking the photographs. She has her work cut out for her, i can't stand the posed gazing into each others eyes photos. To be honest i'd rather take the photos myself but you can't really do that on your own wedding day. Kirith's fab and i'm sure after some discussions we can understand the exact look we are going for.

I am aware this blog is already running away with me so i will make sure i write my next one very soon to discuss my photography and the exciting new progress of bridal hair haha.

Few missed weeks - The up's and down's

Hello to my readers, you must have wondered where i had gone. Three missed weeks; has it really been that easy for me to cave and get bored. No! Don't be silly.

The last few weeks have been rather hectic and as with the prep for any wedding we have our up's and down's. All i can say is thank goodness they have happened now and not this time next year.

So we will start with an up - i have had some progress with a hair stylist. Actually this was something i believed i would have to research A LOT but it happened to fall right in front of me on my screen. You see in it's own little way Facebook can be useful. So i have made no decisions but i can say i like what i see. After receiving a their wedding package i believe it's one more thing on a list, as long as me, that has stepped in the right direction. So Katie if your reading at some point i will be phoning you for a chat. :)

Then we move to negative - my 'are you fricking kidding me' moment. As a lot of you close to me know, i have suffered from a bad back for quite some time. After intensive physio for over 6 months it hasn't got better and unfortunately in the last 2 it's got quite crippling and is making me quite immobile. The reason for a scan has shown is a herniated disc(heart falling to the floor moment - i'm only 23 !) After a quick consultation it looks like i am going down the surgery path. SURGERY !!! I'm not going to dwell on this in my wedding blog as i have tried not to dwell on it in real life. There is a problem - i'm fixing it. Thank goodness this hasn't happened next year. At least with recovery time comes more time to plan.

My final positive for the wedding came the Saturday before i headed to Gran Canaria for my sisters 21st birthday. Me and Luke went to visit our church. I think that last part sums it up - it was our church! On a beautiful spring day the sun was shining on the quaint country-like church.On arrival we met Eileen who told us the whats what of church weddings. We walked it through, finding out some special moments of the ceremony itself and we got a chance to picture what it's going to be like standing there in just over a years time.

There are lots of rules to getting married in a church one of which i have already mentioned in a previous blog, that we will be attending church once a month for a year. There are also things like the Banns forms that have to be filled in completely right. It should be about now that i tell that this went completely to plan until we got home spoke to my Dad and realised i got his middle name wrong. I am now sat here waiting to pluck up the courage and phone Eileen to tell her the form that can't be wrong - is in fact wrong.

Well only me hey!!!

The important thing is that we left feeling excited. That we are not copying anyone, that this is our wedding unique to us, in the place we want to be.

So from future surgery, a holiday, wedding hair research and the church visit it's been so busy. The theme of weddings will continue this week as Luke's older sister will be getting married on Saturday. The excitement she must be feeling right now must be huge!! I'm sure i will have lots of ideas and things to comment on next week. Of course along with photos. So don't worry the blog won't fizzle out there's is much to discuss.

Wedding Stationary - The Do's & Don'ts

The Do's                                                   The Don'ts


This week i got a sample through of a wedding invitation design. When me and Mum went to the National
Wedding show i realised there is a specific part of the wedding planning that i seem to be quite fussy about, and that is wedding invitations. I go along the lines of elegant yes, frilly no. These days it wouldn't surprise me  to see the box invite like in the movie Bridesmaids where a butterfly flies out - no don't get any ideas.

Wedding invites cost money. When you think of stationary you want it all to match - who knew there would be so much. The standard stationary list consists of
* Save the date
* The Invitation
* The reply card
* Order of Service
* Name cards

I know not all of these are required but it's things you don't even know exist!!! What am i made of money?

Save the date - Are these a new invention? Basically an invite for the invite ... What's the deal with that!!!! Would i do it, probably yes haha. Only due to the sheer fear that i would hate to lose precious guests because they were unsure. As a counter argument i must admit i cannot remember some friends dates of their weddings this year and they did send me 'save the dates.' DON'T WORRY GIRLS - they will be in the diary somewhere. So actually i'm on the fence about them, if i decide to make them how do i make them creative? Do i send them at the end of this year when everyone is filling in the new year calendars. Or do i take the route of harassing people so they know damn well not to book anything on the date of my wedding.

Anyway back to the sample invitation. I found myself saying - no and that's hideous, that's to frilly to almost everything i saw at the show. However, one caught my eye - now i'm not going into detail as i need to leave some things as a surprise but there were things i would change and things that were perfect.

So now i have a decent copy of an invitation  the question is - Do i save the cash and DIY or pay to get them done professional. People i have spoke to seem to be 50/50. Firstly how much will DIY actually cost me? I need to purchase the card, decorative bits, need to print them. I'm not actually the most creative person in the world so being dainty and delicate might not work hmmm... or do i fork out big money for a professional to take it - figuring that i still will need to pay for postage as well.

Thank goodness i don't need to decide yet.


We are at the stage of collecting ideas and next week i will mention my new world of Pinterest but the pressure is soon going to loom again. Next stop photographer and band.

Week 12 - Hear the church bells ring

My last blog was securing the wedding venue. But as a new bride to be i was faced with the mind boggling thought how do you arrange it all for the same day without the worry that one of the other elements is going to be booked.

Luckily for us girls, venues, churches etc have already thought of this and they offer a simple solution. Before a deposit is required most places will hold the date for you for two weeks. Phew.

This makes life so much easier and we were lucky enough to put both the venue and the church on hold. It's quite amusing just how much stuff you can get done in a mere two weeks.

When we first got engaged Luke mentioned that he would like to get married in a church, ok sounds good with me. I think church wedding and i hear an organist, i imagine walking down the aisle and it all being perfect.

So we set our mind to the church wedding, how hard can it be organising a church wedding - UM..... Did anyone know there are rules! I respect the church and their religious ideals of marriage but i wasn't prepared for the RULES!

If you want to get married in a church here are the rules - You/Your partner
* Must have at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months
* Was baptised in the parish concerned
* Was prepared for confirmation in the parish
* has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months

Or, that one of your parents
* has lived in the parish for a period of at least 6 months
* has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least 6 months
* was married in the parish

After finding the venue, there was a clear and obvious church that we wanted to get married in...the church next door. It was quaint, idyllic bowers and a short walk away. Our problem was that we didn't comply with any of the rules.

After contacting the church to discuss the possibility we discovered there was one option. An option that we are now going to look into at our first church meeting on Saturday 13th April. For us to get married in the church we have agreed to attend one church service every month for a year. Make way mother Theresa, Luke and I are coming to pray!

When faced with the option it was quite an easy decision for us. Why not, we are using their venue, we get to learn the sanctity of marriage through religion. It does make me wonder what i'm supposed to wear though? Am i allowed to wear heels? Does Luke have to dress in a suit like they do in the Simpsons? Are we expected to sing the hymns, because i don't think they're in my range (they go very high). We will be heading into uncharted territory and to be honest i'm quite frightened. I guess it's all for the greater good.

Week 11 - It's booked!

This blog is slightly delayed from when I usually post. It’s been a frantic couple of weeks and not for the better.

But we don’t dwell on the bad and so I focus on the good and with the wedding it’s been very good.

After a second look at the venue – the feeling came flooding back. Smiling from ear to ear I can feel this is it, this is where I can feel like a princess and I can marry my prince J

 We got to look around the rooms and visualise everything. It’s perfect for us. So mid discussion of size (which was a concern) it gets flagged up that the capacity is 120 and not 150. SHIT!

 Once we’ve left here’s how it plays out, Luke sits there a lot calmer that there isn’t going to be such a squeeze, and I start to cry !

 After deliberation in Frankie and Benny’s over a burger and a plate of pasta as to whether we can cut 30 places the verdict is YES we can (memo to self Luke can be ruthless.)

 
The very next day I called and booked. So this will remain short and sweet but we are getting married on Saturday 20^th September 2014 at Orton Hall. So excited !!!!

Week 10 - Last weeks trip to the wedding fair

Last week was a wedding themed weekend, therefore this weeks post will focus on last Sunday. After an action packed Saturday venue hunting Mum came to stay Saturday night ready for our Sunday adventure to the National Wedding Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

I guess this was our type of mothering Sunday a week early. Getting to the MK train station was a mission in itself. Armed with a broken sat nav we realised common sense was going to play a rather large part in getting there. The one problem with Milton Keynes is all the bloody roundabouts! After driving past the train station a couple of times we finally managed to park up and set on to the NEC.

It was busy. I'm sure a lot of you have been to some sort of shows in the past (food shows, outdoors exhibits etc...) and this was just like all of those - the difference is everyone in the room was with a highly charged  bride-to-be who knew exactly what she wanted.

Unfortunately i wasn't as clear in my mind. Frantically me and mum got stuck in. Something i wasn't prepared for was the wedding dress saga. Thousands upon thousands of dresses. Picture the scene from Friends, there is Monica, Rachael and Pheobe with whistles battling it out for the best offers. That was the wedding show. Don't get me wrong these dresses were incredibly discounted and quite decent and i can imagine if you don't mind the scrambled experience then it's a great way to do it. Lets strip down in the middle of a ginormous room to try on these dresses while others are oggling and critiquing (lets face it - i did make comments along the lines of urgh i don't like that). I've noticed that i am quite a traditionalist in this wedding planning drama and the experience of trying on a dress in a store with just nearest and dearest and no one else around me is more my thing. I would get quite bashful with thousands of people looking at me.

Saying all this there was a brief period where we did succumb and a quite enjoyed the pushing and shoving to grab a dress and judge it. It was nice, gave me some ideas, we moved on.

We were able to watch the fashion show, i like to think me and mum got more out of it than others watching. Whilst most would judge the dresses we decided it was more fun to judge and take the mickey out of the models.

One model we did encounter was in a slightly more unusual circumstance. Strolling through the endless maze of stands we happened to pass ANOTHER dress stall and the initial thought was a girl was trying on a dress. No it turns out this girls was a life model, paid to stand in heels, in a wedding dress all day. After a quick comment from me and mum we were pounced on by ladies from the stall opposite.

Their response was "Oh my god, she has been there for three days and just stares." I believe these ladies just needed sympathetic ears to rant to, we were happy to oblige. Hearing us talking about her, on cue she turned and stared. Her doll like features reminded me of something at a standard American thriller - we decided to quickly move on.

The entire day was fantastic and as everyone warned "careful you will come back with too much stuff" PLEASE SEE PIC BELOW ... WE DID

For all of those new brides wondering if it's worth going to the National Wedding Show my answer would be absolutely. Enjoy a day out with your mum and the fun-filled opportunity of having a completely wedding themed day. Enjoy some drinks, mock models in dresses and get some great ideas for your day. We even bought comedic cake toppers, but they're a surprise for another day.

Week 9 - Getting somewhere

This weekend has been fun-filled with wedding ideas and plans. Whilst i know i'm going to hit a period where everything calms down this is certainly not it and it's not stopped. Therefore i'm going to spread this last weekend over two blogs one about Saturday and then next week shall cover Sunday.

Saturday me and Luke took mother and mother-in-law-to-be venue shopping. I have been getting a little edgy recently, i'm well aware that i'm not only contending with this years brides but all those who didn't want to get married in the 2013 year.

We crammed in three venue viewings and the result: We provisionally booked one! I have decided to go through the three although i don't think it takes a genius to understand who we went with.

Venue Number 1: Orton Hall
We pulled up to a beautiful 17th century looking house and was shown around by the charming duty manager. We were escorted through to the orangery, where welcome drinks would be held and then viewed the outdoor terrace and grounds. This was followed by the main room, where the feeling was maybe snug but stunning. I'm a person that grew up visiting stately homes on family days out, i loved it. I still do! It's a little part of me (be it slightly nerdy) that appreciates the history. When i see the striking fireplaces, pieces of art and thick draped curtains i try to see past the smaller room an the character it brings. It could mean a compromise.

Venue Number 2: Haycock Hotel
Situated in the prettiest village i have ever been to. Beautiful church travelling over quaint bridge - the drive to the Haycock was certainly exciting and the images in my mind for photo's on the day were on creative overdrive. The Haycock had a class, and we were fortunate that a wedding was happening a few hours later so we could see it all set up. Walking into the main function room you could certainly appreciate the effort. Much larger than the last place the room had fairy lights and drapes. However, the set up was for 120
seated and there was still a lot of room - too much ? The gardens were lovely and quaint with bowers draped although it's difficult to imagine how it may look when it's bloody cold outside. It was a fairly dark room but do we choose space over the za za zhu?

Venue Number 3: Barnsdale Hall
Wow what a drive! Situated on Rutland water there was a concern about distance, but pulling up we were welcomed by lake views and a beautiful country house. Breath taking. Unfortunately that's about as far as it went. Firstly, we didn't get the most welcoming greeting however, to make sure i don't speak to out of term and don't judge on someones character i will focus purely on the venue. It turns out that it's was a holiday campsite and you don't get married in the beautiful building nope, round the back in a Butlins style camp. Oh and the second room that was an option - noooope can't show us as there was a conference (we bloody booked to look round) this was attached to a spa and as Luke put it "we love our wedding with a side of chlorine"

So out of the three - drum roll please. We have decided to provisionally book venue number 1. This gives us two weeks to make a decision so stay tuned.

Week 8 - The meeting of the two families.

What a weekend! So this weekend was our family engagement party for parents, grandparents and siblings.

This is the first irrational panic i have felt as a bride-to-be, please let everyone like each other. I'm not sure where this panic stemmed from but i have decided to blame Mr Shakespeare and his damned Montagues and Capulets.

I must stress the word 'irrational', as there were no problems and were never going to be. Both families got on like a house on fire and there was never a moments silence. A stupid fear for absolutely no reason.

We decided to go out for a meal to mark this occasion and though not all the food was good the ambiance of the meal was lovely. The room was decorated beautifully and i was one of the fortunate ones to enjoy scallops wrapped in bacon, and the delicious fish and chips.

There was an extra highlight of the evening though and this came after the toast. Luke did a speech! I knew nothing about this and he was amazing. The beautiful things he said left me trying to not look at anyone in the room and to restrain any blinking, as it may have lead to tears. I can't say the same for many of the other ladies in the room as i have heard since there was not a dry eye. Well done Luke, if you handle that then i have no fears about your speech at our wedding.

There was also another part to make the evening even more special. A phone call before my starter from my beautiful friend Laura came as a warning that a baby we believed to be 6 weeks away might be on her way, by the end of dessert i welcomed a call from her telling me my God daughter baby Isla Collins was born. I couldn't be happier from the Collins family a huge congratulations to you all.

So baby Isla's sudden arrival in the world meant a cancelled wedding fair at Barnsdale Hall today. So this trip to the Barnsdale Hall may have to be squeezed in to our viewings next Saturday.

So next week x3 viewings and a national wedding show - what damage can i do in a week?

http://www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk/

Week 7 - The devils in the details

I think the enjoyment with planning a wedding is the talking about the planning a wedding. This weekend was the perfect opportunity to do so. This weekend is the first weekend i have been home since the engagement was announced. Despite going home for a family engagement party next week this weekend we decided to venture home for Luke's birthday.

We spent afternoon and evening with his (and soon to be mine) family. The excitement surrounding weddings is going to last for the Ablard's as before ours there is going to be Luke's sisters in April this year.

All this means is that there are two engaged ladies and mother in law (to be) in one room where we can discuss everything!

It's the details that matter though and where do you start. This weekend i have discovered that you have to work out how certain family members get to the church. That the mother of the bride needs to make sure her outfit compliments the bridesmaids and that there really is a certain way to get out of the car.

I have also listened to what others have said though. Despite us planning every detail we will find ourselves compromising and there will be things that go wrong.

It's been a busy weekend and this one shall remain short and sweet - over and out !

Week 6 - The dreaded guest list

When you book a venue to view for your wedding the first question you get asked on the phone before you have even given your name is how many guests are you looking to have in the day and in the evening? You don't then want to be left blank with that awkward 's**t, i really don't know what i'm doing' silence.

This type of decision effects a lot of things. Is the venue big enough to fit everyone in? Do they have a minimum number of guests for booking? Can they cater for all of the evening guests? Would there be enough rooms for the guests to stay in?

Therefore, figuring out numbers is one of the first big decisions a bride and groom have to make. I assure you it's not an easy one. There's always the questions, do you have to invite every living blood relation? Every person has an Aunt Maud that they haven't seen since they were 7 years old and all that can be remembered about them was their funky perfume, do you invite them ? (Please note: that neither of us actually has an Aunt Maud) How far back do you go inviting friends? Then there is the day ceremony night ceremony debate. Does how far people are travelling influence this decision? Because we live so remote that hardly anyone is local. Both bride and groom have people they know from their lives before each other. Though i must say not many for us we did meet when i had just turned 16!

So as you can see a lot goes in to the planning, but i think we have nearly done it.

It must be acknowledged that there are disagreements and that's before you've even shown the family, oh Jesus we are going to have to show the list to the parents ! Fear not it's our day - that's all that matters. Or does it ?

Should you worry what the outcome will be if someone is not getting an invite, or would someone else secretly expect a day invitation rather than an evening invitation ? It's exhausting.

Alas, these are numbers you need to know and quite early on. So how is it looking for us - well ideally we are thinking somewhere around 70 day guests and 150 evening guests. (Not an extra 150 may i add , 150 total). At this moment in time it's around 84 day and  74 evening (totaling 158). People may drop out and your left pondering the question - Have i left someone really obvious out,better check i definitely put my sister on it!

Only joking Lis!!!!

The sheer drama of cutting the list down and being ruthless is quite odd. For those that know me i can be quite blunt when i need to be, but this is excruciating.

Despite all of this planning, we also have to consider that we are not likely to get 100% of our guests attending. So to all our future wedding guests that do attend - please note that we love you dearly and we really can't thank you enough for coming along to our special day.

Week 5 - Ummmm…. Cake!

I have been engaged a month ! Wow how time flies and we are already in February. That means only one more January to go, hahaha see how I like to look at things.

Before I continue with my usual wordy thoughts I thought I would give a quick update of the weddings progress. We have our second official booking at the Haycock Hotel in Peterborough (see link at the bottom for venue). It’s beautiful and we have heard great reviews, we are visiting it the same day as Orton Hall so it’s very exciting.

We have also been having a bit of a discussion on honeymoons but I think I will leave that till next week.

Yesterday we started our scrapbook. First page wedding cakes! This is a really interesting part of a wedding, though crucial (there always has to be a cake) I’m certainly not going to throw the type of money at it like the wedding magazines suggest. I could make one myself!
A wedding cake is somewhere I hope to save a few pennies. We have taken lots of pics and started having a look at size, style, decoration, colour and flavour. This leads me to ask what is the importance of a cake? It’s traditional, it looks good in the photographs and it’s that part where husband and wife come together to cut the cake. When I asked my fiancé his response was why do people have birthday cakes ? Touché !

After speaking to some of those around me I have discovered some things about the sweet treat commonly expected at a wedding. The wedding cake became tradition back in the medieval times, the décor used is supposed to represent good luck and fortune on the happy couple. This is also why you often see a husband and wife feeding cake to each other – to bring good luck to their future family, personally I much prefer to watch this on you’ve been framed when the man misjudges and ends up face planting his new wife into the cake. Luke – don’t you dare !

So the question moves to what makes our wedding cake, well it has to be at least three tiers. It has to have a topper. It has to taste good, – SOD the fruit cake, ok that’s harsh - maybe it can have one tier but my favourite is chocolate and I’m a sucker for lemon too, maybe a plain sponge if we have four layers. I like to have variety !

When it comes to décor I think we may stick to a chosen colour and use it as a theme. This might be through ribbon, flowers, the patterned icing – all those things that add to this grand tower that almost seems to be a pinnacle of that the wedding moves around.

My maid of honour once told me a story of how she had to transport a wedding cake to a wedding. The sheer trauma of getting the cake in the car transporting it to the venue and then it ending up looking like the leaning tower of Pisa is enough to put anyone off having a cake full stop. Would you want the stress of worrying about a cake ?! Well it’s certainly something I don’t want anyone worrying about getting one to my wedding so any ideas will be welcomed. Now for a cup of tea … and maybe a slice of cake!

  (http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/the-haycock-hotel/)

Week 4 - Does a wedding create an industry or an industry create a wedding?

I look through the multiple magazines that I can't stop myself from buying and the list of things that goes into a wedding continues to grow. Unlike my budget. From those glossy magazines, down to the last wedding favour the industry surrounding your special day can't stop growing.

I'm booked in to visit 'The National Wedding Show' next month and I already know exactly what it's going to be like. A large room crammed with stalls and samples showing their finery and wears. Does this type of pressure stress a bride to be out or does it just add to the experience ?

For me, it adds to the experience! Sure when your reading magazines and on every page there are pairs of shoes for £2,000 and wedding cakes for £1,500 it gets insane. Who can afford these things, unless you're successful middle aged business woman or getting someone else to pay for it. I guess everyone has those core parts that they are happy to splurge on. For me it's a reception venue and a band.

The industry itself though is intriguing and only explored deeply by those who are probably far too excited to assess things logically. Yes, I know i'm one of those women. Are couples being ripped off though for the perfect wedding? I love reading the wedding blogs and the case studies in the mags, and it's fantastic that people have themes and go against the ideal to cut costs, but for me I kind of want the common idea. Maybe not the meringue dress but definitely a beautiful venue, church wedding, nice dress, good photography so I guess I am the reason there is an industry.

A lot of the weddings you read about are unique and my wedding will also be unique but this is where I get my ideas from. I could have a country fete themed wedding cut costs and get married in a field, but I don't want too!

So prices soar and by the end of it you could have put a deposit on a house for the amount that's spent. However, this is one of the biggest days of a person's life. Choosing to spend the rest of your life with the person you love and being able to remember that day in it's glory when you're both elderly and looking back at some exquisite photographs (because you had a damn good photographer). That's the reason you do it and that's the reason I will enjoy every second.

So I welcome the dresses, suits, flowers, cakes, wedding bands, venues, transport, honeymoons, entertainment, catering, hair styling, makeup, decorations and everything else and without this vast industry I would never be able to find the perfect things for us for our price.

Week 3 - The choice of venue.

Today has been a really great day for me. The snow is falling, and has been
for the last few days, meaning the engagement party has been cancelled. Though
i have been devastated by this i am more daunted at the fact i'm going to have
to try and organise everyone all over again. It has come with it's perks though,
me and Luke have been able to spend some quality time together which has been
quite rare to come by and after playing host most of the week to a friend. It's
so nice to feel snowed in (hardly but we can pretend) and away from the world.

I have been entertaining myself today with the Wedding Magazine and scissors.
I am now the proud owner of two editions of this magazine and despite reading cover
to cover about wedding dresses, other peoples weddings and design ideas i can't
have a pile the size of me by the date of the wedding. Therefore i had to take the sharp
bladed demons, which cut my finger along the way and take to torturing those glossy pages
that put so much joy onto new brides faces.

The good that came from this was a bunch of pictures which are ideas worthy
of our wedding. From the significant pile on the left marked 'dresses' i believe
that shall be a small distress when it comes to finding it.

As mentioned this week we played host to my friend Laura, who had come to
stay as she was taking exams nearby. I now have my second reader ! I must say
the relief to have my bridal party sorted is nothing short of a miracle. However,
with a guest here things got put on a back burner in terms of ideas and progress.

I know, Rome wasn't built in a day and this wedding certainly won't be for some
time.

Some small progress was made though and rather significant, we have the first venue
viewing booked. February is always a ridiculously busy month for us as Luke's
birthday falls on valentines day, so most weekends were out for us, and those
we could do my mother couldn't. The idea of inviting the mothers to come along with us
to view the venues is more so we don't forget anything. I can be the type of
person who's imagination and excitement runs away with them.

The date we have arranged is the beginning, the day before me and Mum go to the National
Wedding show. We are visiting Orton Hall in the morning and hope to view another venue
in the afternoon.

To take a look at Orton Hall please visit - http://www.abacushotels.co.uk/orton-hall-hotel-and-spa/weddings-and-functions/wedding-packages.shtml

So with the help of the mothers and a clear idea in mind, who knows, at this rate
we might have a date and it booked by April. :)

Week 2 - The Bridesmaids are here.

The second week is over and with that a load off my mind.

This week i have noticed the distinct difference between a girl getting married and a boy getting married. The theme that seems to have run through this week has been not to rush things. With the rush of the engagement slightly calming down i found myself wanting to frantically cling on to it. If i had been allowed i would have probably attempted to plan my entire wedding this week. Instead i decided to tell my bridesmaids.

Last week choosing my bridesmaids was preventing me from sleeping, who to choose when there are so many best friends from different parts of my life but logically one can only have so many bridesmaids - more importantly who can afford too many. Different groups of friends, different personalities. For a new bride this is a nightmare.

Bridesmaid number 1. A done deal, my sister the best friend. She is always the one i can turn to, the one i trust and the one i want to be standing next to me on the day.

Maid of Honour - Miss Lucy - Out of all the bridesmaids she is the most similar to myself. Even the thoughts i have had myself she has said out loud. I can rely on her and she is a true gem.

Bridesmaid number 2. Miss Kirsty - My oldest friend, unlike Lucy, Kirsty is my opposite. With every dress I like - she doesn't, but it makes us unique and I love her to piece, there was never a doubt in mind.

Bridesmaid number 3. Miss Paz - A university friend and someone who i can honestly rely on. The reason i love Paz is simple, it's her laugh. When she does i do and she really cares.

Bridesmaid number 4. Miss Kay - My little shocker. My first university friend, my old housemate and someone who has the most remarkable stories you simply have to keep around for fun. I am thrilled she said yes. Always a shoulder there.

I am thrilled with my ladies. However, as mentioned so many to choose. I want them all involved i have asked Miss Kerry and Mrs Laura to do me the honour of reading in the ceremony. With Miss Nia singing at the reception.

Today we all went for lunch and it was lovely to simple relax, have fun and enjoy it. It's a huge relief and weight off my mind.

Also as an update this week i have tickets to attend the National Wedding show !!! Me and Mum are going at the beginning of March to get ideas, try some bits out and hopefully start to get pictures forming in my mind.

On the venue hunt i have a total of 7 possibilities so dates to visit them will need to be booked in soon.
What i have noticed is that i almost have too many facts for this blog to be creative with. Maybe after the rush of things this can start to get more imaginative. You wait until you hear about the advice cards idea.

It's begun!

We have just entered 2013, the world didn't end and my world feels like its just beginning.

 Almost a week ago it was New Years Eve and my gorgeous boyfriend of 7 years proposed to me.

 Now as any girl can imagine it's at that moment when your heart feels like it immediately stops beating for a few seconds (like your frozen). Only for it to start up again and to catch up it starts to flutter really fast. This is how I felt when I got engaged.

 So now I have a wedding to plan, and like others I am girl with not much money but I want to have the wedding of my dreams. Most of all I want to remember the wedding of my dreams so I will document a weekly blog of what’s going on, how it's happening, up until I have been married.

 Better start with the proposal.

 Me and Luke hate New Years Eve (or we did) so instead of the usual fretting of what to do, we decided to get away, Barcelona was our perfect idea. Unfortunately not all events work out that way and after my old car needed replacing and a new car needed to be purchased we decided to go with the cheaper option and head to Lincoln for our New Year.

 We both studied at Lincoln and there has always been that special something when you walk along the cobbled streets at the top of 'steep hill'. The castle one side and the cathedral on the other. Why not have a night there, nice meal and drinks in the local pubs. We checked in to the White Hart hotel 2mins away from the Cathedral, it was lovely to step away from the chaos of Christmas and get some quiet time.

 After a lovely walk and the a hot bubble bath we were relaxed enough to head towards the Thai No1 and enjoy a beautiful meal together. The meal was fantastic and after we decided to headed towards the pubs. Luke however fancied a walk (He had over eaten). Cobbled streets and high heels didn't really go down too well but it had stopped raining. We passed a street musician playing the Beatles 'Let it be' and headed towards the cathedral, this is our favourite spot (we graduated there). People were sitting on a bench and there was a gorgeous Christmas tree twinkling away - with our Cathedral lit up behind it.

 Then it happened... He began saying words to me that I can no longer remember, as I’m sure you will all know you're to busy thinking Oh my God this is it!!!

When he got on one knee a sense of terror and joy complimented with shock are incredible. Of course I said YES ! The music was playing and the people applauded, it was perfect.

We saw the New Year in as a newly engaged couple. In the past week family have been seen, friends have been spoken to and of course it's been updated on Facebook. With over 150 'likes' and many comments we are thrilled that so many people wish us well.

 I have bought my first wedding magazine, met and told my Maid of Honour and have purchased a wedding planner for all my cut outs and ideas. This is it, I’m getting married and I’m going to make it the best experience. I love my fiancé and he is the world to me. He is my life.

 This is going to be fun!