So yesterday was an exciting day for our wedding planning! We had an appointment to see a venue but the cancelled at the last minute (she had forgotten to put the appointment in the managers diary and the manager had then booked holiday!!! Safe to say we will not be going back there!) So we used the evening to go to the church. This was planned for next week but I am working away and no idea what time I’ll be home so not a definite we would have gone. Anywayyyyy... We booked a date! 7th October 2017 only 974 days from today (feeling jealous of you who are getting married this year) :)
The hymns I’ve chosen are known by the choir so all good. She is going to check that I can bring my own organist but doesn’t think it’ll be a problem. Only thing is that we want 3 hymns one at beginning after the welcome, one after vows before sermon, and one after blessing and I have picked the hymns to suit the part of the service. But the church are saying that they only normally do 2 hymns. Don’t know what id knock off now. Have my heart set on all three lol! Will speak to the vicar closer to the time and beg him to let us have the 3.
Other than that we have to go back in Sept 2017 to confirm payment and readings (I worship through music and not reading so have been struggling on this one).
We were cheeky and asked that if we pay in full now can we save the yearly increases but unfortunately can’t avoid them L worth a shot though. At the moment is just over £1000 and last 2 years have increased the price by £250 so were looking close to £1500 for 45 minutes in a church. But it’s my family church and I wouldn’t feel married If it wasn’t in a church so can’t have it any other way. The payment period is excellent! £50 now and then the full value a month before or you can spread the cost if you want to. I was quite impressed!
So, after booking that, we went to pick up some fur wraps (not sure what the proper name for these is) got 3 for £45! And they were C0a5t ones too. Are second hand from another bride but barely worn. One is missing a hook (from hook and eye) but I can fix that and for nothing. All I need for my outfit now is a headpiece (know what I want for this), underwear (will wait until closer to the time for size changes) and shoes (am keeping a keen eye out for a bargain!!)
So back to the venue. We have a number 1 favourite. My sister went to a wedding there and thought it was lovely and my cousins ex’s brother go married there and the pics of FB look lovely. We’re going to see it on Sat but price is well within budget BONUS and location is perfect.
We went to another hotel last month. It was nice. OH loved it, I wasn’t as sold as him but thought the grounds were beautiful. Plus it was almost £3000 over budget at almost £9000… this one was sort of a benchmark for style that we like but need something more affordable.
We have another hotel lined up for a couple of weeks’ time again, within budget. Not as nice looking as the number 1 and a little more expensive but it’s good to keep options open. Location is good but not as perfect and they are very very busy. We’re struggling to find a day to view the room we would need but have an apt to view the rest of the hotel and discuss options.
Hoping to have the venue booked by the end of March this year.
So, this is the start of my wedding planning diary, will be keeping this up-to-date with the bookings and purchases
Emily :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorMrs D2B
Hi!! Your so organized already! I'm also getting married in 2017 (hoping for a new years eve wedding!) and have just started looking at venues, which is proving more difficult than I imagined it would, but I hoping to have something booked by the end of this month. I hope you don't mind but I will be following you on your wedding planning journey, as you are planning on getting married just before me, it would be great to see how your getting on (and reminding myself to get a wriggle on!!). Good luck with your reception venue hunt x
31/12/2017 A New Year, A New Life, A New Husband and Wife
CommentAuthorEmily17
Thank you. I don't deal well with stress so thought early planning would help that. You haven't seen my list yet so I'd hold back on the really organised lol!
Ok new yrs eve is a bit cold for me! Will venues charge more for then?
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorEmily17
This is my list so far and I amsure it will triple over the next 2 yrs!!
Church. booked deposit paid. Rest Sept 2017 Reception venue Cars Caterer? Hopefully in venue DJ Flowers Cake. Mog Rings wedding dress. done and paid Alterations. Closer to date Veil. Done and paid Jacket. Done and paid Shoes Hairpiece bridesmaid dress(s) makeup Table decorations Invites Suits Decorations for venue Favours Honeymoon Photographer Gifts Seating plan Table numbers Place cards Order of service Menu Guest book Post box. Fob although he doesn't know this yet Children's activity pack
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorMrs M Wade
Brill news on booking the church. Good luck finding a venue too :-) x
The whole of winter is too cold for me, but NYE is all about new beginnings, just like a marriage, plus I would love to have everyone I love and care for with me to see in a new year! Most charge summer rates for NYE but I was prepared for that, I have found one venue which is within budget but it's an "it'll do" place, I don't love it. However I am currently trying to negotiate with another venue which I love, the venue itself is a bit over budget but affordable however there one and only recommended caterer is charging over double what I have been quoted else where meaning that the venue and catering would swallow the budget so a definite no no. I'm with you on the planning early to reduce the stress thing, I'd rather give myself more time and enjoy planning and shopping around etc. Do you have a theme for your day?
31/12/2017 A New Year, A New Life, A New Husband and Wife
CommentAuthorEmily17
I like the thought of that. New start as a new family
Ours isn't our dream venue but is wonderful for the budget. My OH wants a bit white wedding so we're going for elegant and modern. I'd happily go more relaxed but I'll give him the day of his dreams. We're going for a dark red colour scheme to go with it :)
And thank you Mrs Wade :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorAprilS61
Congratulations on setting your date! X
Mr & Mrs Swan 04/04/15
CommentAuthorFlossie
Congrats on setting your date! You're extremely organised already! x
Happily married
18th June 2016
xx
CommentAuthorMrsEmmaP
Wow you are very organised already! Congratulations on setting your date! x
Got together on 14th March 2010
Got engaged on 25th December 2013
Became Mrs P on 14th May 2016 - best day ever!
CommentAuthorEmily17
Thanks everyone. It's starting to feel real now. A lot to do and thankfully a lot of time to do it!!
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorZotastic
We are getting married october 2017. We have paid deposits for the photographer, venue and spoken to our vicar about securing the day. I have bought my dress ( i know its really early but its amazing). We have worked out a guest list for now which has time to change. The menu for the venue has been chosen which is really yummy!! Hair and make up is sorted one of my lovely bridesmaids will be doing my make up and my mums arranged with her hairdresser to do my hair! My nan bless her has offered to make our wedding cake and my mum has given me her veil from their wedding how sweet. We want to go to florida for our honeymoon but will have a weekend away straight after the wedding and go in feb or march. So now we just have to decide on decorations which we have a good idea on what we would like. My dress needs alterations but that has plenty of time. We want to give gifts to the wedding party so his side will getting button holes with the date on and bridesmaids will get a necklace with the date on to wear. Others will get flowers and choccies! His best man is going to rent him his suit and his dad and hopefully mine! So the weight of worrying is off for a while but its so exciting!!
CommentAuthorEmily17
Wow. That's organised!
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorMrs D2B
Wow you are so organised!!! It's all so exciting tho, 2017 seems like a world away atm but it won't be long until it's here and were all stressing about the million things we may have forgotten lol. Congratulations!
31/12/2017 A New Year, A New Life, A New Husband and Wife
CommentAuthorEmily17
Just got back from seeing our favourite wedding reception venue. We both love it! Only negatives was the pics wouldn't be great there. But our pics are going to be at the church anyway. And £1500under budget... :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorEmily17
Just had a lovely idea fir music during the welcome drinks and reception. I can ask the local music school for someone to play. Would be cheaper!
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorMrs D2B
That's a really good idea, do they do school concerts that you could go watch to get an idea of what they're like?
31/12/2017 A New Year, A New Life, A New Husband and Wife
CommentAuthorEmily17
No they have the I'd own building where they rehearse and have concerts at big concert hall (symphony hall etc)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorWifetobe2017
Hi I'm getting married on 15th April 2017 @4pm venue has been booked and deposit paid. Seems so much more real now. Was hoping to make some bride buddies on here :-)
CommentAuthorEmily17
Have you spoken to insurance companies? I'm putting off booking venue because you can only book insurance 2 yrs before and although this includes deposits I wasn't sure if it was only deposits within the 2 yr period?
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorFlossie
Most will only cover deposits paid within 2 years of your wedding date Emily x
Happily married
18th June 2016
xx
CommentAuthorEmily17
Hi All,
had a bit of a break for OH to finish his uni work. He has about 1 month left so back onto the wedding planning now.
Just called D3b3nhams wedding insurance and although you cannot book insurance until 24 months before wedding, any deposits paid before 2 years will be covered!! :)
Great news. am now happy to book everything!
So, sorted so far: Dress - bought Hoop - tried on with dress now, will be my something borrowed from my mom Bridal underwear - tried dress on with loads of different styles of underwear (wrong colours as is just from my stash) and now know what style I can have (not happy about the outcome though lol!) fur boleros bought for me and BMs Church booked - 2pm 07/10/2017 - want to change to 1pm but will do this after discussed with reception venue
To book: Reception venue found - happy with quote. just want to take off red carpet and DJ then happy to book. Photographer found - excellent pics (has done wedding at my church and hotel too - excellent price. need to book
Currently looking into: Videographers - found a really good one. get a 10-15 min highlights to music plus the full day on 5 DVDs and a USB stick - £750. I have a highlights video from one of moms friends which I love. only got half way through with OH before he got fed up and went to football! That's one thing I will never win against!
Want to get booking now that I know its all covered :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorMrs D2B
Your doing well got a couple of big bits ticked off now!! I bet your feeling really good about things! Do you have a photo of your dress? If you don't mind me asking where did you get your bolero's from?
31/12/2017 A New Year, A New Life, A New Husband and Wife
CommentAuthorEmily17
dress should be in my pics. sure I uploaded some a while ago if not I will :)
I got them second hand from a bride website. Cant remember what it was called but ill try and dig it out later. its good for a mooch but often not a lot on there. were 3 for £45 and were originally C0a5t ones so I was really chuffed :) not sure if we will use them but mom has said shell buy one off me if we don't anyway
oo have my veil too. I love my veil. its the perfect shape of the dress :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorMrsEmmaP
Your dress is gorgeous :)
You have so much sorted out already! Make sure you don't do too much too soon or you will be like me and feel like you have nothing to do with a year left haha x
Got together on 14th March 2010
Got engaged on 25th December 2013
Became Mrs P on 14th May 2016 - best day ever!
CommentAuthorEmily17
Thats what I want lol! I really don't deal with stress so want to plan slowly and steadily up until the wedding so that I don't have a breakdown. (i am prone to very deep depressive states when i'm stressed as I just cant cope with it)
the dress, church, venue and photographer took 3-4 months and I was really happy with that pace. if I can keep that up then ill be ok and don't mind having nothing to do but sit and stare at my beautiful dress :) teehee
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorMrs D2B
Ah yes found the photo's, it is gorgeous and you look beautiful. I'm with you on wanting to get it all done early, I'm hoping to go back to Uni in Sept 2016 to do my PGCE so won't have any time for wedding planning in the run up to our day lol
31/12/2017 A New Year, A New Life, A New Husband and Wife
CommentAuthorMrsEmmaP
I am glad I have got a lot of it done early as I would worry that it would get booked up, but I wish I had more of the big things left lol. I still have lots of little things to buy still so that is keeping me busy lol x
Got together on 14th March 2010
Got engaged on 25th December 2013
Became Mrs P on 14th May 2016 - best day ever!
CommentAuthorEmily17
Thank you. I love it!
oo little things ive sorted: favour boxes - given to me from a lovely lady at work = BONUS :) cake to be made my MIL. she makes amazing cakes Post box - Daddyo to make a wooden one but he doesn't know this yet stationary to make myself. have got a provisional design for Save The Dates
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorEmily17
Ok so visited reception venue. And following actions
Told her didn't want DJ and said she had anothe she could recommend to us. Is going to call him then either give him OH details or pass his details to OH
They showed us another room. Gas more if a pub feel that I like for the reception. Really relaxed.OH not convinced as there's some big pillars that would be in the way. It's really nice though. She's going to see if manager will let us book.
Asked her about changing the date to 1pm and she agrees. Have failed the church and they have confirmed
New wedding coordinator is great and has so much experience.
Have provisionally booked the date and happy to confirm after we've sorted the du out :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorEmily17
Me and OH had a good talking night last night and among other things we have decided on a few wedding details.
We bought the bird punch to use on all invites and stationary. spent ages trawling the internet to find one we liked and ended up getting a cheapo one from the bay. hope the quality is good.
Finalised the plan for STDs. I have made a computer mock up of them with the text and everything. they are based on a style that OH saw at a wedding fair and loved with the calendar date circled. he didn't like my original version so changed the font and then he loved it.
Settled on our invite size. A4 sheet scored at 8.7/10.7/10.3 this way it fits perfectly into a DL envelope. Made a mock up version out of some old card from when I was little. found enveloped for approx. £10 on the bay not sure what card to use. I would like pearlescent but not sure if this would look weird with a plain printed cream card. will need to play with this one.
talking about how to decorate our favour boxes we were given and had the idea to put little bird charms on them. I found some lovely ones on the bay 10 for £1.22. It is a branch with 2 birds 'kissing' with a loop on either end. plan is to secure them with ribbon to the top of the box. I have ordered one set so that we can have a play and see what it looks like
Also saw some bird place names that you balance on the glass. Thinking they may be a possibility instead of the traditional fold on the table.
Cant wait to buy some card and start playing now!!
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorEmily17
The charms for the favour boxes came so I made a mock-up and we love it! have ordered 90 more which came last week
IMG_1794.JPG
IMG_1795.JPG
The punch stamp also arrived but was far too small. Have got one from h0bbycr@ft which was half price £2 so tested it out then went back to buy 2 more! It will be used on all our stationary so don't want it to blunt out and then look a mess. will update pics of it after we have mocked up the full invite.
Still waiting for info on the DJ - they contacted us but included their costs. we thought that they would be included in the package price so are checking with the venue.
Photographer is booked :D deposit paid and contract signed. So exciting, He is fab. at the meeting he was showing us all the photography he does for fun and it is really great. So easy going so know the photos will be relaxed and fun :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorEmily17
We booked the venue :D so excited. 7th Oct 2017 is now ours! Phil decided to go with their DJ so that's another thing ticked off the list :)
now to play!! :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorFlossie
Fab Emily!!! Will all start to feel very real from here! xx
Happily married
18th June 2016
xx
CommentAuthorEmily17
I Met the DJ yesterday at the hotels wedding fair and they look great!
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017
CommentAuthorMaxineP89
You are all making me a little worried now. We are due to marry November 17 and haven't booked anything yet. We are not even visiting our top choice venue till the end of the this month.
Should I be panicking?
Looking forward to becoming the 3rd and last Mrs McLauchlan
CommentAuthorEmily17
No, I just got started early to make it less stressful. We are buying a house this year so wanted as much of the big things done as possible. You still have the best part of 2 years so definitely don't panic!!
I had forgotten about this thread! I don't update it anymore as it cant be bumped to the top of the forum. Come and join us on the 2017 thread :)
Met in 2009
He proposed Jan 2014
Will become Mrs P 7th October 2017