Some Good News

[Goosed]

Congratulations Skippy and what a fantastic six months for you...IVA completed and now your engagement.
A great future to look forward to.

[Skippy]

Thanks Helen. It's not going to be Vegas now as I want my mum and family there. Mind you, I'm beginning to wish it was Vegas to avoid the family politics!

[Lisa2009]

Have you got any closer to setting a date yet?

[Skippy]

We're thinking it'll probably be a couple of years yet - that'll give us a chance to save towards it.

I can't believe the amount some people spend on a wedding - apparently the average cost for a dress is nearly £1000! I certainly won't be spending that much on something I'll only wear once!

I did convince Dave to increase the budget for my engagement ring though! [;)]

[Lisa2009]

Awww im really pleased for you both x

[leaKybrain]

Aw hun only just seen this, Congratulations, its wonderful news.

I sorted my own wedding x number of years ago and hired my wedding dress, yes I sort of wish I had it now, but thers no way it would have fit my DD. if she stays slim like she is I was about 4 sizes bigger than what I would hope she ends up being.

Are there any family members who can do bits, like a big car that can be poshed and ribboned up. Someone to take photos, another to make a cake. try the college for cake makers that are looking to earn a bit of cash without the shop costs.

[Skippy]

That's a good idea about the college Karin, I hadn't thought of that. I'm planning on a dress from somewhere like Debenhams or Monsoon, a friend to do the photography and we'll use our own cars.

The reception is going to be the expensive bit as I want it somewhere decent - there are a couple of halls around here, but to be honest I'd be embarrassed inviting anyone there as if they are still the same as when I went to fat club, they are dirty.

[leaKybrain]

Mine was debenhams ( 21 yrs ago I admit) but they did a hire service. Look online. Failing that how about an ebay one, I know its not new but having been through the materialistic credit cycle you know that its not important where it came from so long as the day is perfect.

Try somewhere like the Range to buy bits to make your own invitations, or do it in word on the computer and buy some nice card from staples or stationers.

being a card maker I look about on teh net for loads and there on occasion templates for invites/order of service/place cards etc.

As for the place, is there maybe a club or something that has a room to hire out, what about any community centres, some of the new ones are lovely. we hired one for my 40th party a few years ago and they only charged about £15 an hour although they did charge for food at a price per head, still came in cheaper though

[Skippy]

The one thing I really want is a new dress, and I'm going to keep an eye out in the Monsoon and Debenhams sales as hopefully I'll be able to get one quite a bit cheaper.

My friend bought her invitations from Tesco and they were really nice - I have no artistic talents whatsoever so I won't embarrass myself by trying to make them!

Unfortunately there aren't any decent clubs here, although I'm keeping an eye out for anywhere that says they rent out a room! We might look at the rowing club my friend used for her wedding reception as it was really nice and fairly cheap. The only problem is it's not as local as I'd like, and they had to do their own clearing up!

[MrsKnight]

Yeah!!!!! Congratulations to you both hun! 13 years is not bad! At least you both know what your getting yourselves into!
Hubby n I left till 7 years till we got married after our engagement. Id got so fed of wondering when we were going to do it, I set a date at the reg office n phoned him up at work n told him ha!ha!
We made all our own arrangements, we had 10 months to save n plan. The reg office was in the country so it had lovely gardens. I was not really bothered about a church - plus its expensive & alot of faffing about! The reception venue was my hubbys family old pub they used to run, so that made it special for him n them. We booked n paid for a DJ & MIL paid for the food, no charge for venue as favour to the family.
The Dress came from debenhams in the 25% sale - though now I when I look back I dont like it now Every item of hubbys suit was in the debenhams 70% sale! I bought my own bouquet & pin flowers from ebay. Linen for the tables was borrowed from the hotel MIL worked in, I bought n made all my own table decorations/name tags/balloons/disposable cameras/guest gifts. My BFriend n I had to do all the tables on the morning of the wedding, hubby n boys stayed at MIL - keeping in the tradition of not seeing him on the day. Had my hair cut/dyed n Friend styled my hair n I did my own make up.
The only thing I didnt have was a car so my friend was going to drive me. When I was ready to go, there was a knock at the door at my other Friends brother was stood there suited n booted with a beautiful wedding car to take me in, lovely surprise!
Blooming hard work! But very worth it!

Good luck with it hun n have fun with it! N dont let family politics or anyone take over!

[Skippy]

He didn't go down on one knee - I asked him if he actually wanted to get married as I was thinking he didn't. His answer was yes, so I decided we should get engaged and set a provisional date there and then. We've only managed to decide the year, but it's progress!

I know how to make button holes as I did a floristry course years ago - I didn't get past making button holes and I wasn't very good (hence giving up!) but at least they'd be individual!

[kallis3]

Twenty four years married for us next month. It was a register office and we hosted a party at our house the night after and it didn't cost much at all.

However, we had both been married before so weren't bothered about anything too extravagant. We had both done the big one beforehand.

If it's your first wedding then you will want a bit more than that.

[Skippy]

That's what we're finding - while I don't want a big wedding, it's my first (and only!) wedding so I want it to be special, but Dave's done it before.

Dave has said he'll make the wedding cake (before he met me he did quite a lot of cake decorating and I know he's good at it) as I was horrified at the price of wedding cakes! I don't even want anything elaborate!

[kallis3]

I know they are really expensive, so at least there's one thing you've saved on and I bet it will taste lovely!

[Skippy]

I offered to help, but I get the impression I won't be needed!!!

The cheapest basic one I can find is nearly £300 and I really begrudge that!