Merry Christmas one and all!
Ive had a good ol' year don't you know. 2009 has been one of those years I shall have to make a mental note of. Ive moved into my first home with Tom, gotten myself engaged and got a family together (namely, two cats). So, it won't go down the same route as 2008, which has since been lost in my memory file. Nor will it be sentenced to a lifetime of forgottenness, like 2007. Or was it 2006 I tried to forget about? Oh I don't know, I've forgotten.
Anyway, all there is to say is 2009 has been a good year. And there is still 4 days left, who knows what could happen!? OK, in all probability, nothing. But, there is one other thing that happened this year that I won't forget in a hurry. And that is my sister Victoria doing, possibly, the nicest thing she has ever done for me... and that includes being a generally fab big sis at the best of times. Shes only gone and restored my faith in human nature. Not only that, Ive had my faith restored that, yes, my wedding day might not be all doves and 4 tier cakes, but it will be done MY way.
But, dear blog-reader, you may be thinking "hang on, just last week in the last blog article you were complaining that your day was being ruined by interfering people? What about the Agadoo DJ you hate the idea of, and the hordes of VIPs you've never met being guests of honour?!"
Well, all I can say to that is "not anymore". You see, getting married is like starting a business. You need financial backing, and that backer will have a say in what happens. These backers are commonly known as "Dragons". I for one was not happy that my particular financial backer... or "dragon"... was dictating every last detail of my wedding. So what did my sister do?
In the words of Rage Against The Machine, as this is a festive time of year, she decided to "Take The Power Back". For Christmas, as a present to Tom and I, she has given us £1000 to spend on the wedding, so that we can do it "our way". Thats right, One Thousand English Pounds Sterling! Ive never even dreamt that I could have that kind of money for one day! But shes gone and done it! I knew I made her my Maid of Honour for a reason!
So, the wedding will go ahead. Not only have I got the funds to do things beyond my wildest dreams, but ive also got someone to talk wedding planning with! Now that she is my Dragon, she can help me! We can dress shop, look for cake toppers and search out DJs together! I am SO excited about what 2010 will bring now. Ive got 5 months EXACTLY (because the wedding is 5 months tomorrow!) to get some serious wedding planning done!
Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Woody!
Oh, and Merry Christmas Blog-Fans... and a happy new year! See you in May!
Sunday, 27 December 2009
Saturday, 12 December 2009
I has another problemette...
20 seats. 29 relatives. Do the maths.
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that its Tom's day off (therefore = lie in day) and the nosy woman across the road has sent her son to cut down my hedge at 8am, but im feeling a little bit stressed. I wouldn't mind, but I was purposefully growing that hedge to be bigger and bushier, so that it covered my entire window and therefore I could open my blinds once every now and again without fear of her climbing down her path and staring at me!
But stress brings it out of you. I was up until the very early hours thinking about my little problemette. And no, not the one in yesterdays blog article. I have a new one now. Ive just found out that certain family members are not aware that their children are not invited. I was told "oh its fine, send your invite for them - and their partners that you have never met - to my house, and I'll pass them on".
Wait, what?!
So Ive done the maths. Ive juggled and re-juggled the seating plan and its no use. You cannot get 29 people into just 20 seats. And thats not including the fact that I did kinda want some friends there too, not just a big Walton clan reunion.
Oh lordy lordy! We're forgetting, are we not, about my "VIP" guests! Where ever shall they sit?! Im sure nobody (least of all me) would mind if they just sat next to me and Tom at the front, I mean, they ARE very, very special guests. Well, Ive never met them, nor has Tom, but they come highly recommended as THE wedding guest to have on your special day. A wedding without Woody & friends.... well, it just aint a wedding, is it?
Its 9am. I should not be up this early. But I am through no fault of my own, which is why I will rant, rant and rant again about this. Until Thomas puts his foot down with a firm hand, I doubt there will even be a wedding, blog-fans. I don't see why I should suffer this nonsense. Up with this I will not put. We are having the cheapest, easiest wedding because we want to do it OUR way. Yet, I have been told "this, this and this person" are not allowed to come, however "this, this and especially this person" are first in the line for a slice of cake and a volauvent! And "this bloke" is doing your Djing.... hes a big fan of Agadoo no doubt..... and what?! Cars? Who ever heard of using a car on your wedding day?! Get the bus you work-shy fop! And you want a wedding reception in a nice place?! No, darling, just no. My bestest friend in the whole world - who IS coming to your wedding, by the way - had her reception in a cheap little sports hall. You should do that. In fact, why not copy HER day completly?! Well, you wouldn't know what happened at her wedding, seeing as though you wasn't invited.... that said, she thinks the world of you two - ok, not enough to invite you to hers - but never-the-less.....
One of these days I'll be sent mad. Maybe by the interfering, maybe by the 8am alarm call of somone cutting my hedge down. But one thing is for sure.... when I do go mad, I'll do it MY way and thats my final word!
Maybe it has something to do with the fact that its Tom's day off (therefore = lie in day) and the nosy woman across the road has sent her son to cut down my hedge at 8am, but im feeling a little bit stressed. I wouldn't mind, but I was purposefully growing that hedge to be bigger and bushier, so that it covered my entire window and therefore I could open my blinds once every now and again without fear of her climbing down her path and staring at me!
But stress brings it out of you. I was up until the very early hours thinking about my little problemette. And no, not the one in yesterdays blog article. I have a new one now. Ive just found out that certain family members are not aware that their children are not invited. I was told "oh its fine, send your invite for them - and their partners that you have never met - to my house, and I'll pass them on".
Wait, what?!
So Ive done the maths. Ive juggled and re-juggled the seating plan and its no use. You cannot get 29 people into just 20 seats. And thats not including the fact that I did kinda want some friends there too, not just a big Walton clan reunion.
Oh lordy lordy! We're forgetting, are we not, about my "VIP" guests! Where ever shall they sit?! Im sure nobody (least of all me) would mind if they just sat next to me and Tom at the front, I mean, they ARE very, very special guests. Well, Ive never met them, nor has Tom, but they come highly recommended as THE wedding guest to have on your special day. A wedding without Woody & friends.... well, it just aint a wedding, is it?
Its 9am. I should not be up this early. But I am through no fault of my own, which is why I will rant, rant and rant again about this. Until Thomas puts his foot down with a firm hand, I doubt there will even be a wedding, blog-fans. I don't see why I should suffer this nonsense. Up with this I will not put. We are having the cheapest, easiest wedding because we want to do it OUR way. Yet, I have been told "this, this and this person" are not allowed to come, however "this, this and especially this person" are first in the line for a slice of cake and a volauvent! And "this bloke" is doing your Djing.... hes a big fan of Agadoo no doubt..... and what?! Cars? Who ever heard of using a car on your wedding day?! Get the bus you work-shy fop! And you want a wedding reception in a nice place?! No, darling, just no. My bestest friend in the whole world - who IS coming to your wedding, by the way - had her reception in a cheap little sports hall. You should do that. In fact, why not copy HER day completly?! Well, you wouldn't know what happened at her wedding, seeing as though you wasn't invited.... that said, she thinks the world of you two - ok, not enough to invite you to hers - but never-the-less.....
One of these days I'll be sent mad. Maybe by the interfering, maybe by the 8am alarm call of somone cutting my hedge down. But one thing is for sure.... when I do go mad, I'll do it MY way and thats my final word!
Friday, 11 December 2009
Giftage problemette....
As its almost Christmas, I am in the mood for talking about gifts. Its the same every year isn't it? You don't want to ask outright for stuff, but if you don't somehow mention it in a hint of some sort, you get another knitted jumper straight from a Wham video. And lets be honest, its more of a hinderence, especially when its 2 bus rides to the nearest charity shop. Anyway, I digress...
Its another touchy subject in the world of weddings. How do you ask for gifts? Ive researched it, of course I have. And as far as I can work out here are the dos and don'ts...
DO sit down with your partner and discuss what you actually want. Its no good him thinking they "need" an Xbox, when she wants dinnerware.
DONT mention it on the invite. Its rude. Apparently.
And thats all I can work out to be honest. So how DO you ask? Obviously, Ive said to my very nearest and dearest what Tom and I have in mind. But what about family you don't actually see all that often? And what about family you've never met, but you're inviting out of politeness? And what about people who you can't even be certain actually exist, because neither you nor your partner have ever heard of them, but they have been invited behind your back by future in-laws because "they work with them"? A silly notion I agree, but trust me, it can happen...
Anyway, its another one of those issues that make weddings stressful. Its the touchy subjects, like "how do you tell people that its an adult only ceremony"? and "is it ok to invite that uncle but not that auntie because we don't see each other"? How do you say to people you very rarely talk to that you would like a certain something to help you on your way to married life?
Traditionally, people just buy toasters, kettles and towels. Now Ive been living with Tom for over a year. We have more towels than a bath showroom, and my kettle and toaster are practically brand new. If I don't say anything, this is what we'll get.
Not that its the guests fault, no no. Its very difficult to buy things for people you hardly know. Usually, when the invite comes, you automatically think "towels or toaster? toaster or towels?"
Anyway, heres what we think. Tom and I have everything we need in our house, except there is one thing we would like to change. And that is that we need to redecorate a bit. So, we have decided that - should anyone want to get us a gift, not that they have to because like I said we have everything we need - we would like vouchers from B&Q, Homebase and IKEA. Obviously, we know not everyone will agree with this gift idea and want to go for the personal touch, but for those who are in a pickle as to what we need or want, this is an ideal solution. The guest doesn't have the stress of guessing what we want, and we will have many happy hours in the aisles of hardware stores. And thats not sarcasm. I LOVE going shopping to B&Q and Homebase. We even make a day of it when we go to IKEA. Who said romance was dead, eh?
OK, so we've established that vouchers for hardware stores would be the best gift from those who want to help us out on the road to married life. But just how do I ask for them? The invites are already printed and ready to send, so I can't just scrawl something on the back saying "btw, gift vouchers plz? Kthanxbye!". Plus, various wedding websites say that mentioning gifts in invites is very bad form indeed.
So what do I do? Its a quandrey thats for sure. I will be putting something on our wedding website, but Im not niave to think that everyone will actually make time to go to it. So I could phone them and ask them all individually? No, that would be awkward.
Got it. I'll ask someone who talks to everyone on my side of the family on a regular basis to pass it on. Good ol' Nanan. She'll sort it out!
But what about Tom's side? He can't exactly ask them personally, seeing as though he hasnt spoken to most of them since he was in primary school (why theyre even invited at all is beyond me...). I'll think of something.
And what about all the people that neither Tom or myself have even heard of? Well, I suspect that I will be expected to buy THEM something, seeing as I should be honoured that theyre even making the time and effort to come to my "farce" of a wedding. I didn't even know that "Woody" was a legitimate human name! Aparently so.
Oh, that reminds me. I must remember to get a red carpet. I don't want my extra special guests getting dirty shoes from our farcical wedding reception floor, would I?
I am spiteful, therefore I am. Don't like it, don't come.
Its another touchy subject in the world of weddings. How do you ask for gifts? Ive researched it, of course I have. And as far as I can work out here are the dos and don'ts...
DO sit down with your partner and discuss what you actually want. Its no good him thinking they "need" an Xbox, when she wants dinnerware.
DONT mention it on the invite. Its rude. Apparently.
And thats all I can work out to be honest. So how DO you ask? Obviously, Ive said to my very nearest and dearest what Tom and I have in mind. But what about family you don't actually see all that often? And what about family you've never met, but you're inviting out of politeness? And what about people who you can't even be certain actually exist, because neither you nor your partner have ever heard of them, but they have been invited behind your back by future in-laws because "they work with them"? A silly notion I agree, but trust me, it can happen...
Anyway, its another one of those issues that make weddings stressful. Its the touchy subjects, like "how do you tell people that its an adult only ceremony"? and "is it ok to invite that uncle but not that auntie because we don't see each other"? How do you say to people you very rarely talk to that you would like a certain something to help you on your way to married life?
Traditionally, people just buy toasters, kettles and towels. Now Ive been living with Tom for over a year. We have more towels than a bath showroom, and my kettle and toaster are practically brand new. If I don't say anything, this is what we'll get.
Not that its the guests fault, no no. Its very difficult to buy things for people you hardly know. Usually, when the invite comes, you automatically think "towels or toaster? toaster or towels?"
Anyway, heres what we think. Tom and I have everything we need in our house, except there is one thing we would like to change. And that is that we need to redecorate a bit. So, we have decided that - should anyone want to get us a gift, not that they have to because like I said we have everything we need - we would like vouchers from B&Q, Homebase and IKEA. Obviously, we know not everyone will agree with this gift idea and want to go for the personal touch, but for those who are in a pickle as to what we need or want, this is an ideal solution. The guest doesn't have the stress of guessing what we want, and we will have many happy hours in the aisles of hardware stores. And thats not sarcasm. I LOVE going shopping to B&Q and Homebase. We even make a day of it when we go to IKEA. Who said romance was dead, eh?
OK, so we've established that vouchers for hardware stores would be the best gift from those who want to help us out on the road to married life. But just how do I ask for them? The invites are already printed and ready to send, so I can't just scrawl something on the back saying "btw, gift vouchers plz? Kthanxbye!". Plus, various wedding websites say that mentioning gifts in invites is very bad form indeed.
So what do I do? Its a quandrey thats for sure. I will be putting something on our wedding website, but Im not niave to think that everyone will actually make time to go to it. So I could phone them and ask them all individually? No, that would be awkward.
Got it. I'll ask someone who talks to everyone on my side of the family on a regular basis to pass it on. Good ol' Nanan. She'll sort it out!
But what about Tom's side? He can't exactly ask them personally, seeing as though he hasnt spoken to most of them since he was in primary school (why theyre even invited at all is beyond me...). I'll think of something.
And what about all the people that neither Tom or myself have even heard of? Well, I suspect that I will be expected to buy THEM something, seeing as I should be honoured that theyre even making the time and effort to come to my "farce" of a wedding. I didn't even know that "Woody" was a legitimate human name! Aparently so.
Oh, that reminds me. I must remember to get a red carpet. I don't want my extra special guests getting dirty shoes from our farcical wedding reception floor, would I?
I am spiteful, therefore I am. Don't like it, don't come.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Around Teh Interwebs...
As you know, I have spent a lot of time on the internet for fun, I mean research, and have come across some real gems in the world of weddings.
Hows about I share some of them with you...?
Lets start with the Best Wedding Cake EVER!
Do I need to explain how awsome this cake is?! It just is!
My sister Katie is making our cake, bless her, and Ive told her I don't want anything too OTT. But if I could have this cake, I so would. I know this is beyond anything I could dream of, but I just hope whatever my cake looks like, THIS doesn't happen....
Fail.
Anyway, moving away from the deliciousness of cakes, lets move onto rings. Naturally, we will be getting your usual silver wedding band - plain as day and thats that. But OMG -look at these beauties....
What better way to seal the deal of marriage than being forever linked by USB?! For a pair of geeks like Tom and me, these should be just about perfect. A bit impractical, but im sure I read somewhere that marriage was about compromise...
OK, so maybe not USB rings. What about something smaller, but something that I still thing is unusual, and so very "us"...?
LEGO RINGS! I know, how fabulous are these?! Very, thats how much! I don't think the subject of Lego has ever arisen in the entire 5 1/2 years Ive known Tom, but come on! How can anyone ever say that there is not a tiny corner of their mind that is ALWAYS thinking about Lego?!
Just me then.
I tire of uploading and such. But I will give you this link to Wedinator.com. A brilliant blog that hunts down the kind of photos that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Pictures like this....
Nom Nom Nom
...And like this...
Well, you can say what you like about my upcoming nuptials, but there will not be a bridal procession right by an unconscious body/ corpse.
Visit www.Wedinator.com for more jolly images like this.
Hows about I share some of them with you...?
Lets start with the Best Wedding Cake EVER!
Do I need to explain how awsome this cake is?! It just is!My sister Katie is making our cake, bless her, and Ive told her I don't want anything too OTT. But if I could have this cake, I so would. I know this is beyond anything I could dream of, but I just hope whatever my cake looks like, THIS doesn't happen....
Fail.Anyway, moving away from the deliciousness of cakes, lets move onto rings. Naturally, we will be getting your usual silver wedding band - plain as day and thats that. But OMG -look at these beauties....
What better way to seal the deal of marriage than being forever linked by USB?! For a pair of geeks like Tom and me, these should be just about perfect. A bit impractical, but im sure I read somewhere that marriage was about compromise...
OK, so maybe not USB rings. What about something smaller, but something that I still thing is unusual, and so very "us"...?
LEGO RINGS! I know, how fabulous are these?! Very, thats how much! I don't think the subject of Lego has ever arisen in the entire 5 1/2 years Ive known Tom, but come on! How can anyone ever say that there is not a tiny corner of their mind that is ALWAYS thinking about Lego?!
Just me then.
I tire of uploading and such. But I will give you this link to Wedinator.com. A brilliant blog that hunts down the kind of photos that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Pictures like this....
Nom Nom Nom
Well, you can say what you like about my upcoming nuptials, but there will not be a bridal procession right by an unconscious body/ corpse.
Visit www.Wedinator.com for more jolly images like this.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Deja Vu anyone?
OK, so it took longer than 5 minutes, but I'm back.
I did indeed have a coffee. I also went Virtual Dress Hunting. And, appologies in advance for the feeling of severe deja vu, but I have found it.
Well, I say "I" found it, but - again - Tom proved his weight in gold when he helped out. I found a particular website that makes custom dresses for a teeny tiny price. OK, the quality wont be great, but im walking down an aisle, not going hiking! As I was searching through the vast collection of designs, colours and sizes, I was going a bit silly. Every dress I saw I thought "this is it, this is The One..... Oh wait, this one has a lace back, I prefur this one.... HANG ON! This one has a slightly longer train..... but is that too OTT for a registry office.... yes, this is no good..... But what about this one? Its red, but maybe they make a white version........ No, this one! This one!"
Tom, fed up with his post-work cup of tea being ruined by my foolish dithering, took the mouse from me. After no more than a minute, he saw one I had previously skipped past.
"Jenn, you would look beautiful in this. Not too - you know - flouncy. But not too... whats the word?... understated. And a nice shade of white. Is that ivory? And look at the back! Its lace up, like you wanted, so you can alter it to your bust size... With a nice, short veil, this would look stunning on you...."
Snatching the mouse back, it had yet again been proved that I am useless. I had skipped straight past this dress, because the thumbnail picture didn't appeal to me. But looking at it properly, I could see that - damn it - Tom was right. It WAS understated, and not too flouncy. It had a lace up back, and - this annoyed me the most - it WAS ivory. I hate that lovely, helpful guy!
Also, I had never even thought about a veil. But when he mentioned it, it seemed normal. A short veil would look nice, and it might even mask my shoulder tattoo.
I really like the dress. I can't say that I love it, because I know i'll never get it - and to acknowledge that I love it will cause me more distress when I walk down the aisle in a bin bag or something. Its not that its expensive either - it is just £4 more (and with P&P its only £18 more) than the other dress I already bought (and took back... but im over that....). Plus, this one will actually fit me, because they don't just stock size zero. They can actually custom make it in your size if you send them yur measurements.... for no extra cost too.
I know people will tut and say "save up for it, it can't take forever to save up a measly £48" but, yes it does. Until I get a job, we have literally no extra money.... infact, we're into the minus numbers already because of all the money we've borrowed. And the website won't have them forever. The dress Ive seen only has 1 more in stock, and when that gets sold, they will discontinue the line. And I can't see that dress being there for much longer - it is gorgeous. I wouldnt be suprised if someone snapped it up within the next week or so.
Want a sneak preview...? OK, but only a teeny tiny sneeky peek, OK?
I know, I know, im too kind!
I also know im going back to ranting. But that is what happens. More coffee needed methinks.
I wonder if I could sell a kindey.......?
I did indeed have a coffee. I also went Virtual Dress Hunting. And, appologies in advance for the feeling of severe deja vu, but I have found it.
Well, I say "I" found it, but - again - Tom proved his weight in gold when he helped out. I found a particular website that makes custom dresses for a teeny tiny price. OK, the quality wont be great, but im walking down an aisle, not going hiking! As I was searching through the vast collection of designs, colours and sizes, I was going a bit silly. Every dress I saw I thought "this is it, this is The One..... Oh wait, this one has a lace back, I prefur this one.... HANG ON! This one has a slightly longer train..... but is that too OTT for a registry office.... yes, this is no good..... But what about this one? Its red, but maybe they make a white version........ No, this one! This one!"
Tom, fed up with his post-work cup of tea being ruined by my foolish dithering, took the mouse from me. After no more than a minute, he saw one I had previously skipped past.
"Jenn, you would look beautiful in this. Not too - you know - flouncy. But not too... whats the word?... understated. And a nice shade of white. Is that ivory? And look at the back! Its lace up, like you wanted, so you can alter it to your bust size... With a nice, short veil, this would look stunning on you...."
Snatching the mouse back, it had yet again been proved that I am useless. I had skipped straight past this dress, because the thumbnail picture didn't appeal to me. But looking at it properly, I could see that - damn it - Tom was right. It WAS understated, and not too flouncy. It had a lace up back, and - this annoyed me the most - it WAS ivory. I hate that lovely, helpful guy!
Also, I had never even thought about a veil. But when he mentioned it, it seemed normal. A short veil would look nice, and it might even mask my shoulder tattoo.
I really like the dress. I can't say that I love it, because I know i'll never get it - and to acknowledge that I love it will cause me more distress when I walk down the aisle in a bin bag or something. Its not that its expensive either - it is just £4 more (and with P&P its only £18 more) than the other dress I already bought (and took back... but im over that....). Plus, this one will actually fit me, because they don't just stock size zero. They can actually custom make it in your size if you send them yur measurements.... for no extra cost too.
I know people will tut and say "save up for it, it can't take forever to save up a measly £48" but, yes it does. Until I get a job, we have literally no extra money.... infact, we're into the minus numbers already because of all the money we've borrowed. And the website won't have them forever. The dress Ive seen only has 1 more in stock, and when that gets sold, they will discontinue the line. And I can't see that dress being there for much longer - it is gorgeous. I wouldnt be suprised if someone snapped it up within the next week or so.
Want a sneak preview...? OK, but only a teeny tiny sneeky peek, OK?
I know, I know, im too kind!I also know im going back to ranting. But that is what happens. More coffee needed methinks.
I wonder if I could sell a kindey.......?
Friday, 30 October 2009
General Ranting - Normal Service Will Be Resumed Shortly
The preview invites have been sent, with wonderful reviews. A triumph, darling, a triumph! So the final few are ready to go into production on the factory line. By which I mean me setting aside a few hours, getting the glue stick out and trying to stop cat prints from appearing over everything. If you recieve an invite with a big huge paw print on it, think of it as Merlin's way of confirming your high status as a wedding guest.
However, I am still pondering certain aspects of the wedding. First of all, I am wondering when, and if, I will have a say in - well - anything. I have kindly been furnished with a guestlist. So my original one will be scrapped. Apparently.
Do I get to choose my own dress...? Well, yes and no. I can look at as many as I want, but if it costs more than - say - a fiver, I can whistle for it. And I can't whistle. Or ride a bike, according to Tom. Just because hes never seen me do it, it doesn't mean I can't do it. He's never seen me asking Merlin what he thinks about some rather garish design on 60 Minute Makeover, but it doesn't mean I don't do it.
You didn't read that.
Anyway, back to wedding planning. So far, so bad. I have invites detailing where and when the wedding will take place - but nothing much more than that. Yes, the day is booked, but we have yet to serve our notices. And we have a reception, but no forms of entertainment. Or means of getting there. Or any decorations. Or a cake. Or favours. Or, well, anything, other than the room.
I can't just not have music. But I am very picky about my DJ. I don't want to be listening to Agadoo all night, or watch my beloved Nan try to do the Macerena.
And if "Oops Upside Your head" comes on, I will fire him on the spot.
But, again, my DJ has kind of already kindly been chosen for me. How kind.
I just remember the week Tom proposed. We spent so much time going through ideas and unique details. It seems nothing has come to fruition. The date has been changed, the ceremony is not what we expected, and we're holding the reception a stones throw away from our old school.
Not exactly what we spent hours thinking about. Then again, beggers can't be chosers.
But badgers can.
Right, I know what will cheer me up. Im going to have some coffee, get dress hunting and update you when I am in a better mood.
And if im not back in 5 minutes.... just wait longer!
XxX
However, I am still pondering certain aspects of the wedding. First of all, I am wondering when, and if, I will have a say in - well - anything. I have kindly been furnished with a guestlist. So my original one will be scrapped. Apparently.
Do I get to choose my own dress...? Well, yes and no. I can look at as many as I want, but if it costs more than - say - a fiver, I can whistle for it. And I can't whistle. Or ride a bike, according to Tom. Just because hes never seen me do it, it doesn't mean I can't do it. He's never seen me asking Merlin what he thinks about some rather garish design on 60 Minute Makeover, but it doesn't mean I don't do it.
You didn't read that.
Anyway, back to wedding planning. So far, so bad. I have invites detailing where and when the wedding will take place - but nothing much more than that. Yes, the day is booked, but we have yet to serve our notices. And we have a reception, but no forms of entertainment. Or means of getting there. Or any decorations. Or a cake. Or favours. Or, well, anything, other than the room.
I can't just not have music. But I am very picky about my DJ. I don't want to be listening to Agadoo all night, or watch my beloved Nan try to do the Macerena.
And if "Oops Upside Your head" comes on, I will fire him on the spot.
But, again, my DJ has kind of already kindly been chosen for me. How kind.I just remember the week Tom proposed. We spent so much time going through ideas and unique details. It seems nothing has come to fruition. The date has been changed, the ceremony is not what we expected, and we're holding the reception a stones throw away from our old school.
Not exactly what we spent hours thinking about. Then again, beggers can't be chosers.
But badgers can.
Right, I know what will cheer me up. Im going to have some coffee, get dress hunting and update you when I am in a better mood.
And if im not back in 5 minutes.... just wait longer!
XxX
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
The Dress? Yeah, about that.....
I have been most busy of late, even too busy to tell you all about such things that have occured in the world of wedding planning. So, here goes....
.......
Yep, that should cover it. No, I jest. Things have, indeed, occured. Firstly, the reception has been booked. And, doubly brilliant, its on the same day as the wedding. Phew! But I wouldn't have got it booked in time without the help of my fantastic parents. Bless them, deeply.
And apart from that? Well, the guestlist has been finalised. Thats right, if you ain't on the list, you ain't comin' in! But if you are making the effort to read this blog, then you are probably close enough to me to expect an invite in the post.
I did ask Tom "Would it be cheeky to send our christmas cards in the same envelopes as the wedding invites?"
He said yes, it would be cheeky. But stamps are an absolute fortune, lets be honest. And what with most of our nation's beloved posties spending the next few weeks on strike, I'll be lucky if the wedding invites make it anywhere past the sorting office before May, let alone the christmas cards!
Still, the invites design is finalised too. I designed it myself, of course. When you get yours, be sure to know that it took me hours to make them! That is how much I love you all.
Anyway, what else has happened? Not much. Only the dress situation. And by "situation" I mean "I no longer has" (I know that is improper use of language, but refur to Lolcats for more information...). Yes, dear reader, the dress is no more. For bills needed paying. And the only way to do that was either (A) Take the dress back and pay the bills or (B) use the dress as a blockade to keep the wolves away from the door. And wolves vs silk was a battle too easy for said wolves. So the dress is back in the shop. Booo.
One of these days, I will own a nice thing for more than a week or two. But until then, dear reader, I remain dress-less.
And so, The Hunt Continues.....
.......
Yep, that should cover it. No, I jest. Things have, indeed, occured. Firstly, the reception has been booked. And, doubly brilliant, its on the same day as the wedding. Phew! But I wouldn't have got it booked in time without the help of my fantastic parents. Bless them, deeply.
And apart from that? Well, the guestlist has been finalised. Thats right, if you ain't on the list, you ain't comin' in! But if you are making the effort to read this blog, then you are probably close enough to me to expect an invite in the post.
I did ask Tom "Would it be cheeky to send our christmas cards in the same envelopes as the wedding invites?"
He said yes, it would be cheeky. But stamps are an absolute fortune, lets be honest. And what with most of our nation's beloved posties spending the next few weeks on strike, I'll be lucky if the wedding invites make it anywhere past the sorting office before May, let alone the christmas cards!
Still, the invites design is finalised too. I designed it myself, of course. When you get yours, be sure to know that it took me hours to make them! That is how much I love you all.
Anyway, what else has happened? Not much. Only the dress situation. And by "situation" I mean "I no longer has" (I know that is improper use of language, but refur to Lolcats for more information...). Yes, dear reader, the dress is no more. For bills needed paying. And the only way to do that was either (A) Take the dress back and pay the bills or (B) use the dress as a blockade to keep the wolves away from the door. And wolves vs silk was a battle too easy for said wolves. So the dress is back in the shop. Booo.
One of these days, I will own a nice thing for more than a week or two. But until then, dear reader, I remain dress-less.
And so, The Hunt Continues.....
Monday, 12 October 2009
Save The Date
Today was a normal day. Tom got up late, the cats have destroyed something and I am, well, doing what I do. Anyway, it was a normal day until Tom said "Pass me the phone". Out of the blue, he rang the registry office and booked the date. Just like that.
Casually. So, thats that. The date is, in fact, booked. Its not the 1st of June anymore because the function room we want is only open on Fridays and Saturdays (Why? God only knows!) and June 1st is a Tuesday.
So its now the Friday before it. 28th of May 2010 at 3.30 in Sheffield Registry Office. Be there or be square!
On a plus note, its the day after Toms birthday, so I know he'll never forget an anniversary. Well, he'd better not, if he wants to see the next birthday.....
Casually. So, thats that. The date is, in fact, booked. Its not the 1st of June anymore because the function room we want is only open on Fridays and Saturdays (Why? God only knows!) and June 1st is a Tuesday.
So its now the Friday before it. 28th of May 2010 at 3.30 in Sheffield Registry Office. Be there or be square!
On a plus note, its the day after Toms birthday, so I know he'll never forget an anniversary. Well, he'd better not, if he wants to see the next birthday.....
Saturday, 10 October 2009
The Dress. I Has It.
It was pay day yesterday which means, naturally, I went shopping with Tom. Not that we go shopping every pay day, that would be silly. But, I was promised that, on pay day, we would go and buy The Dress.
So, did the shop move? Was it even still in stock? Had I gone off it? No, is the resounding answer to all of these questions. So yes, I have it. I can't quite believe it myself. I havent even booked the date yet, but Ive got all of the dresses. People will ask why I got them so early, but I am ready with an answer.
I bought the bridesmaid dresses about 3 months ago, or 1 month after we got engaged. Why? For many reasons.
1) I get over excited easily, and simply couldn't wait to get started on the planning.
2) The dresses were exactly what I was looking for, so why wait for them to be sold out or replaced with something awful?
3) Budget is everything, and - bearing in mind I had 3 of them to buy - I paid a very reasonable price for them.
4) If I had bought them closer to the time, there is a slight chance that one of my guests could have worn the same dress, which would be highly embarassing for all involved.
The same can be said for my dress. It was exactly what I wanted, it was within budget and, because it is not "technically" a wedding dress, there is a chance one of my guests could have worn the same dress.
Although, whoever turns up to someone elses wedding wearing a white dress shouldn't be allowed in if you ask me. Thats the rules at my wedding. Hello, welcome to the ceremony. You're wearing a white dress... Go home and change. Now.
Except me, of course.
So, that is WHY I bought the dress. But, I still want to carry on talking about it, purely because I can.
However, there is a slight fly in the perverbial... They only stocked the dress two sizes smaller than I am on a bad day.... Yes. That was very silly of me. I bought a dress that I can't fit into unless a miracle happens and I lose weight. But, Tom looked me in the eye last night and said "You can do it, I know you will."
Bless him. The only problem is, I think he was talking about the fact that I was also considering altering the dress.... "you can do it" may refur to my needlework skills. Either way, he has faith in something, so I'll go with it for now.
Another problem.... yes, I know! I made out this was the best dress since Liz Hurley went mad with the safety pins, but it does have some problems I will be the first to admit. Firstly, as discussed, it is too small. Secondly..... It shows quite a significant amount of leg. By which I mean, my leg, not a false leg sewn onto the back or something... No, its quite short.
That sounds awful. Its not a mini-dress or anything. Its not like I'll look like a Geordie on a friday night. I just mean its not ankle length. "Below knee", I would describe it. So, yes. My legs. Need I remind you all how much I hate them....? Plus, this means shoes. Nice shoes. Because I wont have a big dress covering my feet, I can't just stick on a pair of slippers or something. So, I need nice shoes.
I am not like most women. I hate shopping for shoes. If I see some nice shoes whilst out shopping for other things, I will buy them (funds willing). But I hate going out with the sole purpose (see what I did there...?) of finding a certain shoe. I can never find the right one. Black shoes for school.... could never settle on one pair. But, as soon as I bought some mediocre black lace-ups or something, I would spot some lovely little black ballerinas or something. And the school year was ruined.
So I hate shoe shopping. White shoes are impossible to come across, unless you live in Essex. White stillettos are everywhere. But thats not what I want.
So the search continues. Dress - Check mate. Shoes? Come back to me on that one.
So, did the shop move? Was it even still in stock? Had I gone off it? No, is the resounding answer to all of these questions. So yes, I have it. I can't quite believe it myself. I havent even booked the date yet, but Ive got all of the dresses. People will ask why I got them so early, but I am ready with an answer.
I bought the bridesmaid dresses about 3 months ago, or 1 month after we got engaged. Why? For many reasons.
1) I get over excited easily, and simply couldn't wait to get started on the planning.
2) The dresses were exactly what I was looking for, so why wait for them to be sold out or replaced with something awful?
3) Budget is everything, and - bearing in mind I had 3 of them to buy - I paid a very reasonable price for them.
4) If I had bought them closer to the time, there is a slight chance that one of my guests could have worn the same dress, which would be highly embarassing for all involved.
The same can be said for my dress. It was exactly what I wanted, it was within budget and, because it is not "technically" a wedding dress, there is a chance one of my guests could have worn the same dress.
Although, whoever turns up to someone elses wedding wearing a white dress shouldn't be allowed in if you ask me. Thats the rules at my wedding. Hello, welcome to the ceremony. You're wearing a white dress... Go home and change. Now.
Except me, of course.
So, that is WHY I bought the dress. But, I still want to carry on talking about it, purely because I can.
However, there is a slight fly in the perverbial... They only stocked the dress two sizes smaller than I am on a bad day.... Yes. That was very silly of me. I bought a dress that I can't fit into unless a miracle happens and I lose weight. But, Tom looked me in the eye last night and said "You can do it, I know you will."
Bless him. The only problem is, I think he was talking about the fact that I was also considering altering the dress.... "you can do it" may refur to my needlework skills. Either way, he has faith in something, so I'll go with it for now.
Another problem.... yes, I know! I made out this was the best dress since Liz Hurley went mad with the safety pins, but it does have some problems I will be the first to admit. Firstly, as discussed, it is too small. Secondly..... It shows quite a significant amount of leg. By which I mean, my leg, not a false leg sewn onto the back or something... No, its quite short.
That sounds awful. Its not a mini-dress or anything. Its not like I'll look like a Geordie on a friday night. I just mean its not ankle length. "Below knee", I would describe it. So, yes. My legs. Need I remind you all how much I hate them....? Plus, this means shoes. Nice shoes. Because I wont have a big dress covering my feet, I can't just stick on a pair of slippers or something. So, I need nice shoes.
I am not like most women. I hate shopping for shoes. If I see some nice shoes whilst out shopping for other things, I will buy them (funds willing). But I hate going out with the sole purpose (see what I did there...?) of finding a certain shoe. I can never find the right one. Black shoes for school.... could never settle on one pair. But, as soon as I bought some mediocre black lace-ups or something, I would spot some lovely little black ballerinas or something. And the school year was ruined.
So I hate shoe shopping. White shoes are impossible to come across, unless you live in Essex. White stillettos are everywhere. But thats not what I want.
So the search continues. Dress - Check mate. Shoes? Come back to me on that one.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Why Mr Warren May Ruin My Wedding Day...
I don't hate a lot of things.... OK, thats a lie. But there are 3 things I have deep in my subconcious mind that I dislike more than other things.
1) All Saints school. I spent 6 years there that I won't get back. OK, its where I met Tom, and I did leave with 8 GCSEs and 3 AS Levels, but still. What else did that place do for me?! Nothing, thats what. It made my teenage years hell. I guess all schools do that, but this particular school is where I went, so it is where I feel most strongly against. It wasn't anything in particular.... well, except one thing....
2) PE. Anyone who knows me will know this about me.... I am a champion in my own sport. That sport being "Getting Out Of Doing PE". Every week a new letter.... I was very imaginative. Bad leg, toes have fell off... arm dislocated.... that kind of thing. They just tutted, and after a while they didnt even bother reading the note. They also didnt notice that every note was in my handwriting, because I didnt make any attempt to disguise the fact that I had written it. PE teachers are not well known for their specialist skills in handwriting analysis... or indeed their skills in reading and writing full stop.
So I would stand and watch - sometimes with a coughing fit when the teacher looked at me because that week I'd said I'd developed ashma or something - and be bored rigid. The sort of people who enjoyed PE made me sick. Tarty girls with their tiny tennis shorts rolled up so you could see their breakfast, and the boys making out that they were world-class javelin throwers at primary school or something... Chavs, basically. The kind of people who are due to appear on Jeremy Kyle right about now. So I would stand around, watching them.
But sometimes, the note didnt work. Yes, it was a very rare occasion. I'd say once a term. But they would make me do PE. And by "they" I mean Mr Warren. Yes, he was the only PE teacher who could read, so he would scutinise my note, throw it away and dig out some awful lost property for me to wear before forcing me to run around like a tosser. I never saw him move very fast. In fact, he was slower than a dial up connection most of the time. But the point is the note had failed me. This is why I hate PE. I was forced to be in amongst the chavs. The sort of people I would walk the long way around to avoid eye-contact with at break times, and I was forced to play mixed doubles with them. That, and because I do not look good in shorts. This is a written fact.
Anyway, PE whilst at school, you may think "oh get on with it, we all did it" and yes, I got on with it. But when I went to Sixth Form I was still forced to do PE. How did that work?! Everyone at every other sixth form or college was going down the shops in their breaks between lessons. Me? Forced to play badminton. Badminton! As a sixth former! Mocked by year 7s, at my age! Its enough to give someone a complex!
Now before you think Im rambling about something pointless, hold on. I am merely setting the scene for some wedding-planning related story.
Yes, the two most hated things in my life have something in common. A sports hall built on the site of All Saints. Yes, when I was doing ICT and there was never enough working laptops to go around, we would ask "Why?". We were treated to a lecture about how the school had spent all of its money on a Chav Hut... The sports hall. So when there were no resources for the science departments, we could look out of the window and see the monstrosity that is the sports hall, with all the chavs playing football instead of being in lessons. And all the PE teachers wandering around like cats who got the cream with brand new sports equiptment, while the science teachers were trying to show us how to do a disection on a disfigured potato instead of a frog.
So Im not very fond of that place. It holds bad memories. But im not a hateful beast, I do love some things. "Bargins" being number 2 (after Tom of course). And yes, a wedding reception at The Sports Hall IS a bargin IE: free if a certain amount is spent behind the bar. So I have to weigh it up.
Do I love bargins enough to have my worst memories relived on my wedding day? Or do I have the principles, and the money, to look elsewhere?
Pass me the phone, I'll book it now.
This is how much I love Tom, and want to marry him. I am willing to go to the place I fear the most if it means I don't have to wait until I win the lottery to marry him. I might put that in my vows actually, so he knows just how jolly lucky he is!
Oh, and by the way, I did say I hated 3 things more than anything, so what is the 3rd thing I hate more than anything else?
3) Ferne Cotton. Smug cow. I bet she liked PE at school.
1) All Saints school. I spent 6 years there that I won't get back. OK, its where I met Tom, and I did leave with 8 GCSEs and 3 AS Levels, but still. What else did that place do for me?! Nothing, thats what. It made my teenage years hell. I guess all schools do that, but this particular school is where I went, so it is where I feel most strongly against. It wasn't anything in particular.... well, except one thing....
2) PE. Anyone who knows me will know this about me.... I am a champion in my own sport. That sport being "Getting Out Of Doing PE". Every week a new letter.... I was very imaginative. Bad leg, toes have fell off... arm dislocated.... that kind of thing. They just tutted, and after a while they didnt even bother reading the note. They also didnt notice that every note was in my handwriting, because I didnt make any attempt to disguise the fact that I had written it. PE teachers are not well known for their specialist skills in handwriting analysis... or indeed their skills in reading and writing full stop.
So I would stand and watch - sometimes with a coughing fit when the teacher looked at me because that week I'd said I'd developed ashma or something - and be bored rigid. The sort of people who enjoyed PE made me sick. Tarty girls with their tiny tennis shorts rolled up so you could see their breakfast, and the boys making out that they were world-class javelin throwers at primary school or something... Chavs, basically. The kind of people who are due to appear on Jeremy Kyle right about now. So I would stand around, watching them.
But sometimes, the note didnt work. Yes, it was a very rare occasion. I'd say once a term. But they would make me do PE. And by "they" I mean Mr Warren. Yes, he was the only PE teacher who could read, so he would scutinise my note, throw it away and dig out some awful lost property for me to wear before forcing me to run around like a tosser. I never saw him move very fast. In fact, he was slower than a dial up connection most of the time. But the point is the note had failed me. This is why I hate PE. I was forced to be in amongst the chavs. The sort of people I would walk the long way around to avoid eye-contact with at break times, and I was forced to play mixed doubles with them. That, and because I do not look good in shorts. This is a written fact.
Anyway, PE whilst at school, you may think "oh get on with it, we all did it" and yes, I got on with it. But when I went to Sixth Form I was still forced to do PE. How did that work?! Everyone at every other sixth form or college was going down the shops in their breaks between lessons. Me? Forced to play badminton. Badminton! As a sixth former! Mocked by year 7s, at my age! Its enough to give someone a complex!
Now before you think Im rambling about something pointless, hold on. I am merely setting the scene for some wedding-planning related story.
Yes, the two most hated things in my life have something in common. A sports hall built on the site of All Saints. Yes, when I was doing ICT and there was never enough working laptops to go around, we would ask "Why?". We were treated to a lecture about how the school had spent all of its money on a Chav Hut... The sports hall. So when there were no resources for the science departments, we could look out of the window and see the monstrosity that is the sports hall, with all the chavs playing football instead of being in lessons. And all the PE teachers wandering around like cats who got the cream with brand new sports equiptment, while the science teachers were trying to show us how to do a disection on a disfigured potato instead of a frog.
So Im not very fond of that place. It holds bad memories. But im not a hateful beast, I do love some things. "Bargins" being number 2 (after Tom of course). And yes, a wedding reception at The Sports Hall IS a bargin IE: free if a certain amount is spent behind the bar. So I have to weigh it up.
Do I love bargins enough to have my worst memories relived on my wedding day? Or do I have the principles, and the money, to look elsewhere?
Pass me the phone, I'll book it now.
This is how much I love Tom, and want to marry him. I am willing to go to the place I fear the most if it means I don't have to wait until I win the lottery to marry him. I might put that in my vows actually, so he knows just how jolly lucky he is!
Oh, and by the way, I did say I hated 3 things more than anything, so what is the 3rd thing I hate more than anything else?
3) Ferne Cotton. Smug cow. I bet she liked PE at school.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
"Hold me back....!!"
Aaaah Sunday. The day set aside for wedding planning. A day, I was promised by my beloved partner, that would be spent looking at vintage cars, cake toppers and the Hobbycraft website.
10 minutes after starting such planning, we had gone our seperate ways. Tom, back to his lair upstairs to watch another thrilling episode of Heroes, whilst I stared at my laptop in distress. Needless to say, no decisions were made. However, Tom realised I was a bit annoyed at his lack of interest - mainly because I spent the day in a huff, but thats not the point - so we resheduled for today.
Today went slightly better. Tom is, at the moment, back in his lair after a hard days shopping, but still. A few hours of his attention is better than 10 minutes, so we're getting there slowly.
Anyway, enough of this mindless banter. I have only gone and bloody done it. Thats right, the most important thing on my shopping list. The dress.
Remember that dress I told you about? The pink one? Well I'll remind you anyway. I found the perfect dress, and when I went beack to look again, the shop had closed down. Boooo.
However, today I was dragging Tom around and there it was. The shop. It hadn't shut down, it had just very selfishly moved! Moved! Without telling me! I almost had a nervy B over that missing dress, and it was just 100 steps away!! Result.
So, in we go, the hunt for the pink dress is on! Well, the red one was there.... the one I had already discounted for goth-related reasons.... and then there was a purple one in the same style..... nice, but purple? Nah.... aaaha! A black one! Gorgeous! But my bridesmaids are in black, so that would look silly. Where is the pink one?!
And then, without even having my "look-only-for-white" brain in gear (I basically walk around shops, zooming in on white clothes in case I find a bargin dress) I heard it.
"They do it in white"
Tom had seen it first. The dress, but in white! Bloody hell, I didn't even know they did it in white! Or purple, or black, but that is not the point. I completely forgot that a pink one exsisted for a moment of time, grabbed the white one from off the rail and scurried around for the price tag. Its a ladies perogative not to reveal the price of her wedding dress, but I will tell you that it is within budget! Want. Need. NOW!
I was dragged from the shop before I caused a scene by Tom, because he could see my "About To Cause A Scene" face making an appearence. He knows me too well. Thats why Im marrying him.
So, come pay-day, that dress is mine. If its still there. And if I can get Tom to go shopping again. And if the shop doesnt go walk-abouts.... again.
So, back to the shopping list...... (1) The Wedding Dress. Check, double check and a thumbs up.
All Ive gotta do now is, well, fit into it....
10 minutes after starting such planning, we had gone our seperate ways. Tom, back to his lair upstairs to watch another thrilling episode of Heroes, whilst I stared at my laptop in distress. Needless to say, no decisions were made. However, Tom realised I was a bit annoyed at his lack of interest - mainly because I spent the day in a huff, but thats not the point - so we resheduled for today.
Today went slightly better. Tom is, at the moment, back in his lair after a hard days shopping, but still. A few hours of his attention is better than 10 minutes, so we're getting there slowly.
Anyway, enough of this mindless banter. I have only gone and bloody done it. Thats right, the most important thing on my shopping list. The dress.
Remember that dress I told you about? The pink one? Well I'll remind you anyway. I found the perfect dress, and when I went beack to look again, the shop had closed down. Boooo.
However, today I was dragging Tom around and there it was. The shop. It hadn't shut down, it had just very selfishly moved! Moved! Without telling me! I almost had a nervy B over that missing dress, and it was just 100 steps away!! Result.
So, in we go, the hunt for the pink dress is on! Well, the red one was there.... the one I had already discounted for goth-related reasons.... and then there was a purple one in the same style..... nice, but purple? Nah.... aaaha! A black one! Gorgeous! But my bridesmaids are in black, so that would look silly. Where is the pink one?!
And then, without even having my "look-only-for-white" brain in gear (I basically walk around shops, zooming in on white clothes in case I find a bargin dress) I heard it.
"They do it in white"
Tom had seen it first. The dress, but in white! Bloody hell, I didn't even know they did it in white! Or purple, or black, but that is not the point. I completely forgot that a pink one exsisted for a moment of time, grabbed the white one from off the rail and scurried around for the price tag. Its a ladies perogative not to reveal the price of her wedding dress, but I will tell you that it is within budget! Want. Need. NOW!
I was dragged from the shop before I caused a scene by Tom, because he could see my "About To Cause A Scene" face making an appearence. He knows me too well. Thats why Im marrying him.
So, come pay-day, that dress is mine. If its still there. And if I can get Tom to go shopping again. And if the shop doesnt go walk-abouts.... again.
So, back to the shopping list...... (1) The Wedding Dress. Check, double check and a thumbs up.
All Ive gotta do now is, well, fit into it....
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Hold The Front Page....
Yesterday, Tom made me go to the football with him. Yes, I was dragged out of my Saturday hibernation and made to sit in a cold, noisy stadium. And noisy is an understatement. The Famous Wednesday Band thought it might be a good idea to bring a trumpet and a drum.... well done them. But its not that I minded, it was whoever thought it was a good idea to sell horns. And I don't mean, like, devil horns, or viking horns. I mean noisy, awful, horrible horns. But still, there were some nice looking blokes on the field at some times, but then again there were also two people dressed as owls, and two blokes who thought they were The Blues Brothers. Even Simon Cowel would have got a gun out.
But I digress. The match was, I admit, rather fun. We won 3-1 (hoorah) and I got right into it. But lets not tell Tom that. Anyway, before you all close this page I must tell you this is relevant because, as he made me go to the match, I am making him do a whole day of wedding planning with me.
He is sooo wishing he was at work.
So, this is a heads up to you all. Expect lots of decisions to have been made within the next 24 hours. Its exciting, isnt it? My next blog post will either be "Bloody Tom didn't help AT ALL, I am so mad" blah blah blah OR it will be "Bloody Tom, why are all his ideas better than mine?!"
... and so on and so forth........
But I digress. The match was, I admit, rather fun. We won 3-1 (hoorah) and I got right into it. But lets not tell Tom that. Anyway, before you all close this page I must tell you this is relevant because, as he made me go to the match, I am making him do a whole day of wedding planning with me.
He is sooo wishing he was at work.
So, this is a heads up to you all. Expect lots of decisions to have been made within the next 24 hours. Its exciting, isnt it? My next blog post will either be "Bloody Tom didn't help AT ALL, I am so mad" blah blah blah OR it will be "Bloody Tom, why are all his ideas better than mine?!"
... and so on and so forth........
All change.... Again!
Another day, another change of plan.
Tom made a rather absurb suggestion the other day. Why not get married in Sheffield? Crazy idea... some would say wacky. But hey ho, lets keep him happy by having a quick look at Sheffield on the internet....
I went back over my list of possible places, which you may remember included a church in Sheffield, a registry office in Sheffield, or Gretna Green. Well, the Church is still out - it costs more than Gretna, and they pretty much all look a bit, well.... prisony. So what about Registery Offices? I don't know a lot about them, so I'd better do some research, I thought. Just to keep Tom happy, like. So I had a look on the interwebs, and I am very, very pleasantly suprised. It isn't awfully expensive, but its not awful either. The rooms look very nice, not too OTT (which I really don't want) but not understated. Lovely.
So what does that tell you? Ive spent the last few months planning every aspect of this wedding, and Ive made a hash of it. Tom, who has probably forgotten that we're even getting wed has turned around with one, sudden, crazy notion, and its worked out perfectly!
His punishment for being so good at wedding planning? He now has to help. That will serve him right for being so bloody knowledgable!
Tom made a rather absurb suggestion the other day. Why not get married in Sheffield? Crazy idea... some would say wacky. But hey ho, lets keep him happy by having a quick look at Sheffield on the internet....
I went back over my list of possible places, which you may remember included a church in Sheffield, a registry office in Sheffield, or Gretna Green. Well, the Church is still out - it costs more than Gretna, and they pretty much all look a bit, well.... prisony. So what about Registery Offices? I don't know a lot about them, so I'd better do some research, I thought. Just to keep Tom happy, like. So I had a look on the interwebs, and I am very, very pleasantly suprised. It isn't awfully expensive, but its not awful either. The rooms look very nice, not too OTT (which I really don't want) but not understated. Lovely.
So what does that tell you? Ive spent the last few months planning every aspect of this wedding, and Ive made a hash of it. Tom, who has probably forgotten that we're even getting wed has turned around with one, sudden, crazy notion, and its worked out perfectly!
His punishment for being so good at wedding planning? He now has to help. That will serve him right for being so bloody knowledgable!
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Something Blue?! That sounds incredibly rude!!
First published Spetember 24th '09
Ive done Old, New and Borrowed in a seperate blog post. I gave up, had some coffee to chill me out and came back to it to try and find Something Blue. Theres lots of meanings behind that word, not just necessarily the colour. And im looking for "not the usual". Firstly, we'll be in Scotland. I'LL be blue. Its apparently very cold up there. But we can't take chances, its might go against all my usual bad luck and be warm.
Something Blue.... that could mean something rude, couldn't it? I can't be having that.
Something properly blue. According to our good friend, Wikipedia, "Blue" is the name of a gay porn mag. NO. Its also the name of a tourism magazine. Bloody hell, I can only imagine the number of times this has caused trouble at the newsagents. Especially after some lovely old people ordered their favourite Blue magazine, in the hope that there would be an interesting article on "Ten Places To Visit Before You Die", only to be delivered a rather different publication all together. This doesnt bare thinking about. Especially when Im supposed to be wedding planning.
Something else blue. There has been 4 different bands called Blue since the 70s. Maybe I could go down the aisle to their music?
Lets see, in the 70's it was "Blue", a scottish rock band. No.
80's? A pop duo called "Blue". DUO?! Name me one successful 80's duo who didn't go by the name of WHAM! ? Again, no.
The 90's saw the rise of "Bruford Levin Upper Extremities" AKA B.L.U.E. Good grief. A band with initials? Not since E.L.O thank you!
So that leaves us with the 00's. Blue, that pop band that even I've heard of. If I have to walk down the aisle to "All Rise", I'll turn around and leave.
Maybe not bands then, what about songs? Well, theres "Blue Da Ba Di" by Eiffel 65 (oh God, I didn't even need to google that. What is wrong with me?!).
OK, what about albums? Eveyones had an album called "Blue" from Diana Ross to Simply Red.
I have just decided.... "Something Blue" will not be in the music.
Something else blue. Back to Wikipedia... and I quote: "Blue, a level of doneness in cooking meat". Doneness?! I give up.
An episode of Red Dwarf was called "Blue". I don't quite know how this would work though.
Wikipedia, you have betrayed me. Back to Google. Hang on, this website looks interesting....
"Find an antique tussy mussy" I beg your pardon?
"Carry a vintage pill box" Ah yes, to symbolise a lifetime of drug abuse....
"Get a champagne glass to smash during the ceremony from a relative's wedding" Im sure they would appriciate that. Broken glass AND an angry relative. The perfect day.
"Experiment with a new henna tattoo kit" Is this advice for Something New at a wedding, or things to do on a rainy saturday afternoon?
"Treat the bride to a new haircut" that goes without saying, thank you very much. Im hardly going to turn up with Morning Hair now am I?!
"Have a custom perfume designed for the bride" And I'll pay the perume lab in gold bullion I suppose?
"Borrow a cell phone." In a church?! Be real.
"Borrow a reading from your sister's wedding." Wait, what?
"Borrow a long-time family friends' timeshare for your honeymoon." This is getting bizzarre now.
"Borrow your father's silk hankerchief." Not if my life depended on it would I carry my dads - nay, anyones - hankerchief down the aisle. When was this even written?! The 18th century?! Did they even have Teh Interwebs back then?
Still, lets see what they suggest for Something Blue.
"Have the groom wear a blue suit." I like this. I'm thinking David Tennant in Doctor Who.
But the writer of this insane article was probably thinking Spock. Or worse, Elton John. Blimey.
"Sprinkle the bride's skin lightly with sparkly blue body glitter." Hang on, is this a wedding or a 90's rave?
"Tie a blue thread around your finger." Casually.
So, no luck. I might wear some blue nail varnish on my toes or something, that will do. Well, it will unless Im wearing peep-toe shoes. That would be quite embarassing.
These traditions are very tiresome. Im just glad there isnt a tradition of "run the london marathon" or something. Although, i'll bet that other website would suggest it somewhere.
Ive done Old, New and Borrowed in a seperate blog post. I gave up, had some coffee to chill me out and came back to it to try and find Something Blue. Theres lots of meanings behind that word, not just necessarily the colour. And im looking for "not the usual". Firstly, we'll be in Scotland. I'LL be blue. Its apparently very cold up there. But we can't take chances, its might go against all my usual bad luck and be warm.
Something Blue.... that could mean something rude, couldn't it? I can't be having that.
Something properly blue. According to our good friend, Wikipedia, "Blue" is the name of a gay porn mag. NO. Its also the name of a tourism magazine. Bloody hell, I can only imagine the number of times this has caused trouble at the newsagents. Especially after some lovely old people ordered their favourite Blue magazine, in the hope that there would be an interesting article on "Ten Places To Visit Before You Die", only to be delivered a rather different publication all together. This doesnt bare thinking about. Especially when Im supposed to be wedding planning.
Something else blue. There has been 4 different bands called Blue since the 70s. Maybe I could go down the aisle to their music?
Lets see, in the 70's it was "Blue", a scottish rock band. No.
80's? A pop duo called "Blue". DUO?! Name me one successful 80's duo who didn't go by the name of WHAM! ? Again, no.
The 90's saw the rise of "Bruford Levin Upper Extremities" AKA B.L.U.E. Good grief. A band with initials? Not since E.L.O thank you!
So that leaves us with the 00's. Blue, that pop band that even I've heard of. If I have to walk down the aisle to "All Rise", I'll turn around and leave.
Maybe not bands then, what about songs? Well, theres "Blue Da Ba Di" by Eiffel 65 (oh God, I didn't even need to google that. What is wrong with me?!).
OK, what about albums? Eveyones had an album called "Blue" from Diana Ross to Simply Red.
I have just decided.... "Something Blue" will not be in the music.
Something else blue. Back to Wikipedia... and I quote: "Blue, a level of doneness in cooking meat". Doneness?! I give up.
An episode of Red Dwarf was called "Blue". I don't quite know how this would work though.
Wikipedia, you have betrayed me. Back to Google. Hang on, this website looks interesting....
"Find an antique tussy mussy" I beg your pardon?
"Carry a vintage pill box" Ah yes, to symbolise a lifetime of drug abuse....
"Get a champagne glass to smash during the ceremony from a relative's wedding" Im sure they would appriciate that. Broken glass AND an angry relative. The perfect day.
"Experiment with a new henna tattoo kit" Is this advice for Something New at a wedding, or things to do on a rainy saturday afternoon?
"Treat the bride to a new haircut" that goes without saying, thank you very much. Im hardly going to turn up with Morning Hair now am I?!
"Have a custom perfume designed for the bride" And I'll pay the perume lab in gold bullion I suppose?
"Borrow a cell phone." In a church?! Be real.
"Borrow a reading from your sister's wedding." Wait, what?
"Borrow a long-time family friends' timeshare for your honeymoon." This is getting bizzarre now.
"Borrow your father's silk hankerchief." Not if my life depended on it would I carry my dads - nay, anyones - hankerchief down the aisle. When was this even written?! The 18th century?! Did they even have Teh Interwebs back then?
Still, lets see what they suggest for Something Blue.
"Have the groom wear a blue suit." I like this. I'm thinking David Tennant in Doctor Who.
But the writer of this insane article was probably thinking Spock. Or worse, Elton John. Blimey.
"Sprinkle the bride's skin lightly with sparkly blue body glitter." Hang on, is this a wedding or a 90's rave?
"Tie a blue thread around your finger." Casually.
So, no luck. I might wear some blue nail varnish on my toes or something, that will do. Well, it will unless Im wearing peep-toe shoes. That would be quite embarassing.
These traditions are very tiresome. Im just glad there isnt a tradition of "run the london marathon" or something. Although, i'll bet that other website would suggest it somewhere.
"I'm just borrowing this new, old, blue thing. K thnx bye"
First published September 24th '09
Last night I was thinking about that old tradition of "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue". I know that my wedding will be pretty much traditionless (what with the pink dress and the feathered bouquet!) but I quite like this little saying, so I wanted to discuss it a bit.
Naturally, I won't be doing the ordinary. Something Old - a family hairloom, Something New - the dress, Something Borrowed - A brooch or something equally typical of those american wedding films and Something Blue - A garter. I won't be doing anything as obvious as that, but lets throw some ideas around, see if we can come up with something a bit fun shall we?
OK, Something Old: Well, theres my dad of course, he'll be coming. But I don't think that counts. Hang on, what IS "old"? I consider the t-shirt I bought last week to be "old". But its not as old as, say, the Bayeux Tapestry . Or the tombs of the pharohs in Egypt. Or the world itself. And I can't take them with me. So what IS old enough...?
Should it be something of signifigance from when Tom and I first got together? Because that would be old. He gave me a bracelet for my 15th birthday, which was 12 days after we got together. Something tells me that it wasnt exactly brand new when he gave it to me, so would that be old enough? But then again, Ive never worn it, so is that significant? Bloody hell, this is a minefield. Im just going to stage a break into a Museum and take the first thing I see... although, Ive never stolen anything in my life, so I'll chicken out and take one of the crayons from the kids room where they draw pictures of the exhibits. Hey, if I take a blue one, that covers Something Blue too. And if I take it back when ive finished, thats Something Borrowed too!! AND, if I make sure they're fresh out of the packet, thats gotta count as Something New!
Thats that sorted. Easier than I thought, actually.
No, this must be done properly. Okay, OLD. Something Old. An old birthday present from Tom (not the bracelet, we've discussed this). My ring. Not my engagement ring, that would be silly. A few years ago he bought me a promise ring which I wore every day until I got my engagement ring. I might take that. Thats quite old. yes, that will do.
OK, moving on. Something New. Not my dress, even though that will be new, but its too typical. So ive got to go out and buy something now. Bloody hell. I'll buy something nearer the time, so its really new. Plus, it saves me thinking about it now.
Something Borrowed. Easy, we're hoping to borrow Tom's parents' car to go up to Scotland (as much as we love the little Punto, it barely makes it to the corner shop these days, let alone to Scotland!). But I wont be stood on the bonnet at the altar, so does that count? Hmmm, I might have to go down the old "borrowed jewellery" route. Damn. I didn't really want to do that. Very clich...cliche... very common.
I'll have to come back to this another time. I give up right now. Bloody traditions. Who'd have 'em?!
Last night I was thinking about that old tradition of "Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue". I know that my wedding will be pretty much traditionless (what with the pink dress and the feathered bouquet!) but I quite like this little saying, so I wanted to discuss it a bit.
Naturally, I won't be doing the ordinary. Something Old - a family hairloom, Something New - the dress, Something Borrowed - A brooch or something equally typical of those american wedding films and Something Blue - A garter. I won't be doing anything as obvious as that, but lets throw some ideas around, see if we can come up with something a bit fun shall we?
OK, Something Old: Well, theres my dad of course, he'll be coming. But I don't think that counts. Hang on, what IS "old"? I consider the t-shirt I bought last week to be "old". But its not as old as, say, the Bayeux Tapestry . Or the tombs of the pharohs in Egypt. Or the world itself. And I can't take them with me. So what IS old enough...?
Should it be something of signifigance from when Tom and I first got together? Because that would be old. He gave me a bracelet for my 15th birthday, which was 12 days after we got together. Something tells me that it wasnt exactly brand new when he gave it to me, so would that be old enough? But then again, Ive never worn it, so is that significant? Bloody hell, this is a minefield. Im just going to stage a break into a Museum and take the first thing I see... although, Ive never stolen anything in my life, so I'll chicken out and take one of the crayons from the kids room where they draw pictures of the exhibits. Hey, if I take a blue one, that covers Something Blue too. And if I take it back when ive finished, thats Something Borrowed too!! AND, if I make sure they're fresh out of the packet, thats gotta count as Something New!
Thats that sorted. Easier than I thought, actually.
No, this must be done properly. Okay, OLD. Something Old. An old birthday present from Tom (not the bracelet, we've discussed this). My ring. Not my engagement ring, that would be silly. A few years ago he bought me a promise ring which I wore every day until I got my engagement ring. I might take that. Thats quite old. yes, that will do.
OK, moving on. Something New. Not my dress, even though that will be new, but its too typical. So ive got to go out and buy something now. Bloody hell. I'll buy something nearer the time, so its really new. Plus, it saves me thinking about it now.
Something Borrowed. Easy, we're hoping to borrow Tom's parents' car to go up to Scotland (as much as we love the little Punto, it barely makes it to the corner shop these days, let alone to Scotland!). But I wont be stood on the bonnet at the altar, so does that count? Hmmm, I might have to go down the old "borrowed jewellery" route. Damn. I didn't really want to do that. Very clich...cliche... very common.
I'll have to come back to this another time. I give up right now. Bloody traditions. Who'd have 'em?!
"Better Grab Hold Of My Ball Point, Ooeeer!"
First Published September 19th '09
Shopping list, shopping list!
Last night at a family meal for my mums birthday, my dad proclaimed that he was very interested in my blog, and that hes looking forward to seeing a "detailed shopping list". I detected the hint of sarcasm he had seasoned the comment with, but hey, here I am. He can tut and say "damn" all he wants, but its his own fault. And its a big list, I can tells you!
1) A dress. My dad's favourite topic. I am still set on a pink dress, unless a white one turns up with a small price tag. Either way, I have - as yet - no dress. But don't worry, as soon as Ive found one, you'll be the first to know. In terms of budget, Ive given myself a modest allowance, because I know I can customise a plain dress if I need to.
2) Some sort of Groomsman attire. Im thinking waistcoats, cummerbunds, cufflinks and those silly ties they wear. Tom, however, is thinking "something simple with a black jacket". Typical(!) I did mention the idea of kilts, but I was shot down before I'd even got to "... you can wear pants underneath". So thats not very viable. Plus, I don't want Tom's legs looking better than mine. No. A simple black jacket it will be.
3) My bouquet. Im planning on making it myself, so I need the "ingredients" if you like. Black feathers and some other little bits and pieces. Its another from my "To Do" list. Also need 3 mini-bouquets for my bridesmaids. Im never going to get this done, am I?
4) Shoes. Good grief, shoes! I almost forgot. I can't wear high heels, because (A) It would make me taller than Tom, which is most undesirable and (B) the last thing I need on my wedding day is blisters. Im thinking simple small heels, or ballet shoes. Its something to consider after the dress purchase anyway.
5) Favours. Bloody hell, another thing I'd forgot. Name me one person who has kept a wedding favour. Nobody, thats who. I'll buy everyone a drink. That should do it.
6) I also need to make the "button holes" for the groomsmen. Ive already said I don't like flowers. Never have. So I'll also be making them in some creative way. Possibly with feathers again. I like feathers. More delicate and gorgeous than flowers, and they don't go and die on you. Bonus!
7) Accessories and make up. Ive got my bridesmaids jewelery, and I will trust them with their own make-up. But I need to have a good look at the situation. I need a proper make-up bag. At the moment, my make up makes me look "presentable", but I need something with a bit more pizzaz. I need an all-day foundation, not that rubbish I use at the moment that disapears before ive left the house. I also need a waterproof eyeliner. Not that I'll be crying or anything, but you always need a good eyeliner. And eyelashes! I need eyelashes! I do have my own, naturally, but sometimes it just won't do. I need false eyelashes. And nails. Ive tried growing my nails. Ive tried for years. 20 years in fact. But they won't grow. That, and because I bite them. So falsies it is. And a lipstick. God, this is the worst bit. Dresses, shoes and kilts - I can deal with. Make-up, however, is sending me into a tizz. I need a lie down. And cookies.
I think thats about it, actually. The rest of the money will go towards the travel, the accomodation, and the ceremony. I shouldn't imagine I'll be needing much else. Well, what'da you know! The list wasn't as long as I thought. My dad will be breathing a sigh of relief at least!
No doubt Ive missed something off. im sure there must be something....
"Milk.. MILK! Thank God I remembered!!"
Shopping list, shopping list!
Last night at a family meal for my mums birthday, my dad proclaimed that he was very interested in my blog, and that hes looking forward to seeing a "detailed shopping list". I detected the hint of sarcasm he had seasoned the comment with, but hey, here I am. He can tut and say "damn" all he wants, but its his own fault. And its a big list, I can tells you!
1) A dress. My dad's favourite topic. I am still set on a pink dress, unless a white one turns up with a small price tag. Either way, I have - as yet - no dress. But don't worry, as soon as Ive found one, you'll be the first to know. In terms of budget, Ive given myself a modest allowance, because I know I can customise a plain dress if I need to.
2) Some sort of Groomsman attire. Im thinking waistcoats, cummerbunds, cufflinks and those silly ties they wear. Tom, however, is thinking "something simple with a black jacket". Typical(!) I did mention the idea of kilts, but I was shot down before I'd even got to "... you can wear pants underneath". So thats not very viable. Plus, I don't want Tom's legs looking better than mine. No. A simple black jacket it will be.
3) My bouquet. Im planning on making it myself, so I need the "ingredients" if you like. Black feathers and some other little bits and pieces. Its another from my "To Do" list. Also need 3 mini-bouquets for my bridesmaids. Im never going to get this done, am I?
4) Shoes. Good grief, shoes! I almost forgot. I can't wear high heels, because (A) It would make me taller than Tom, which is most undesirable and (B) the last thing I need on my wedding day is blisters. Im thinking simple small heels, or ballet shoes. Its something to consider after the dress purchase anyway.
5) Favours. Bloody hell, another thing I'd forgot. Name me one person who has kept a wedding favour. Nobody, thats who. I'll buy everyone a drink. That should do it.
6) I also need to make the "button holes" for the groomsmen. Ive already said I don't like flowers. Never have. So I'll also be making them in some creative way. Possibly with feathers again. I like feathers. More delicate and gorgeous than flowers, and they don't go and die on you. Bonus!
7) Accessories and make up. Ive got my bridesmaids jewelery, and I will trust them with their own make-up. But I need to have a good look at the situation. I need a proper make-up bag. At the moment, my make up makes me look "presentable", but I need something with a bit more pizzaz. I need an all-day foundation, not that rubbish I use at the moment that disapears before ive left the house. I also need a waterproof eyeliner. Not that I'll be crying or anything, but you always need a good eyeliner. And eyelashes! I need eyelashes! I do have my own, naturally, but sometimes it just won't do. I need false eyelashes. And nails. Ive tried growing my nails. Ive tried for years. 20 years in fact. But they won't grow. That, and because I bite them. So falsies it is. And a lipstick. God, this is the worst bit. Dresses, shoes and kilts - I can deal with. Make-up, however, is sending me into a tizz. I need a lie down. And cookies.
I think thats about it, actually. The rest of the money will go towards the travel, the accomodation, and the ceremony. I shouldn't imagine I'll be needing much else. Well, what'da you know! The list wasn't as long as I thought. My dad will be breathing a sigh of relief at least!
No doubt Ive missed something off. im sure there must be something....
"Milk.. MILK! Thank God I remembered!!"
Gretna Green
First published September 14th '09
Finally made a decision. Tom said it was "up to me" where we got married, and he didn't care where, as long as it made me happy. Aww, bless. But I would have bet that he would have retracted that statment if I'd said "Gretna Green". We had a few choices though...
1) A church in Sheffield. Aaaah Sheffield. The home of picturesque churches and glamourous reception rooms. Oh wait, thats not true. All the churches are next to schools, so they're surrounded by barbed wire and - worse - children. Lovely(!) Even the old parish church where I went to primary school - where my own parents were married - has turned into a mess. Big, ugly wire fences are not what you want the first impression of your wedding to be. And children peering at you like a dog has broken into the playground? No thanks.
Plus, the church I am talking about has a website..... sponsored by "CatholicSingles.com". Good grief.
2) A registry office in Sheffield. Now Im sure they're very nice inside.... its just the outside that worries me. Town is a bugger to navigate around at the best of times, so I cannot expect my groom to be on time if hes stuck in traffic around the Ponds Forge roundabout! Thats before we even get onto my dads time keeping....
3) Gretna Green. And before you all tut and quote the words "Kerry Katona" at me, I will tell you three things. (1) it is well within budget if we go there. (2) it is absolutly gorgeous up there. We've seen a nice little place called The Mill Forge, which is so pretty I can't believe the small price of it. (3) The laws up there are much more simple to navigate. Ive trawled the internet for help and advice on marriage licenses and all the rest of it, Ive even asked married couples for advice.... but nobody seems willing to help. So if Im doing this on my own, its going to be the simplest, non-complicated and cheapest way I can find. Gretna offers this. This is before we even mention the fact that we've decided that our honeymoon will be in Glen Coe (Scotland), so its near enough for us not to have to travel too far. Perfect, so you would think...
No idea who this couple is, but this is The Mill Forge. Gorgeous, right?
But there are obvious problems with Gretna. For a start, its a bit pointless inviting anyone, because we can't expect people to come all the way to Scotland just for a poxy wedding (not my words by the way...). I know I would be a bit cheesed off if I had to go all that way, especially on a weekday.
And the other problem is... well.... there are none, actually. If we get married in Sheffield, it would cost us twice as much as if we go to Gretna, and thats including travel costs. Also, Tom and I are quite shy (I know, I know.... you're all tutting and thinking "Well why set up a website?" Well, my answer to that would be because I read somewhere on 'Teh Interwebs' that it was The Done Thing in this here century) so a private ceremony would be perfect for us.
Its a thinker, thats for sure. Anyway, thats whats been occuring this week in my wedding planning. More soon.
PS: Also, about that pink dress I told you about, its not an option anymore. I've not gone off it, its just the shop I saw it in has since shut down. Brilliant(!) The search continues...
Finally made a decision. Tom said it was "up to me" where we got married, and he didn't care where, as long as it made me happy. Aww, bless. But I would have bet that he would have retracted that statment if I'd said "Gretna Green". We had a few choices though...
1) A church in Sheffield. Aaaah Sheffield. The home of picturesque churches and glamourous reception rooms. Oh wait, thats not true. All the churches are next to schools, so they're surrounded by barbed wire and - worse - children. Lovely(!) Even the old parish church where I went to primary school - where my own parents were married - has turned into a mess. Big, ugly wire fences are not what you want the first impression of your wedding to be. And children peering at you like a dog has broken into the playground? No thanks.
Plus, the church I am talking about has a website..... sponsored by "CatholicSingles.com". Good grief.
2) A registry office in Sheffield. Now Im sure they're very nice inside.... its just the outside that worries me. Town is a bugger to navigate around at the best of times, so I cannot expect my groom to be on time if hes stuck in traffic around the Ponds Forge roundabout! Thats before we even get onto my dads time keeping....
3) Gretna Green. And before you all tut and quote the words "Kerry Katona" at me, I will tell you three things. (1) it is well within budget if we go there. (2) it is absolutly gorgeous up there. We've seen a nice little place called The Mill Forge, which is so pretty I can't believe the small price of it. (3) The laws up there are much more simple to navigate. Ive trawled the internet for help and advice on marriage licenses and all the rest of it, Ive even asked married couples for advice.... but nobody seems willing to help. So if Im doing this on my own, its going to be the simplest, non-complicated and cheapest way I can find. Gretna offers this. This is before we even mention the fact that we've decided that our honeymoon will be in Glen Coe (Scotland), so its near enough for us not to have to travel too far. Perfect, so you would think...
No idea who this couple is, but this is The Mill Forge. Gorgeous, right?But there are obvious problems with Gretna. For a start, its a bit pointless inviting anyone, because we can't expect people to come all the way to Scotland just for a poxy wedding (not my words by the way...). I know I would be a bit cheesed off if I had to go all that way, especially on a weekday.
And the other problem is... well.... there are none, actually. If we get married in Sheffield, it would cost us twice as much as if we go to Gretna, and thats including travel costs. Also, Tom and I are quite shy (I know, I know.... you're all tutting and thinking "Well why set up a website?" Well, my answer to that would be because I read somewhere on 'Teh Interwebs' that it was The Done Thing in this here century) so a private ceremony would be perfect for us.
Its a thinker, thats for sure. Anyway, thats whats been occuring this week in my wedding planning. More soon.
PS: Also, about that pink dress I told you about, its not an option anymore. I've not gone off it, its just the shop I saw it in has since shut down. Brilliant(!) The search continues...
"Here Comes The Bride, All Dressed In.... PINK!?"
First published September 6th '09
I've just written my last blog all about how it gets ya down planning a wedding. But for those eagle eyed few of you, you may have noticed I only briefly mentioned a certain dress I had spotted. Thats because I fancied writting a new blog about my potential outfit. Allow me this indulgence.
Firstly, let me explain this dress. It is awsome. Not very expensive, very flattering for the, errr, "less petite" among us, and made of the softest silk I think Ive ever felt. Not that I go around feeling silk as a hobby or anything. Anyway, I digress...
As I have already mentioned, it has a downside of sorts. Its not white. It comes in either fuschia pink or deep red. And I adore both. Red is a very wintery colour, so I think I'll give that one a miss. Plus, my bridesmaids are in black.... we don't want to look like goths/ Dennis the Menace Chic now do we?! Although, there is a time I would have loved that...
Shut up brain.
Anyway, the pink one was so lovely. My theme is going to be Fuschia and Lime, (or pink and green, for those of you who have never spent time looking at Dulux Colour Cards....). So it makes sense for me to wear pink. But I don't want to look like Im at some sort of Prom. Its the only day I am allowed to wear white, and everyone will expect me to. I know, I know.... You are all tutting, saying to yourself "Since when did Jenn do what was expected?!". But surely you ladies know what I mean. I should wear white. Right?
Hmmm, after a bit of research, Ive found out that colour says a lot.
"Black depicts formal, modern, sexy, and sophisticated." - Thats not for me then. But my bridesmaids will look very fetching I must say.
"Blue calls for calmness, tranquility" - Forget that!
"Brown makes you feel comfortable, warm, and cozy" - I like the sound of that. But this is not the 70s. I wouldn't wear brown if you paid me, lets be honest here.
"Green represents wealth, money, nature, environment, fertility, growth, re-birth, victory, healing, abundant, and renewable" - You had me at "Wealth"....
"Orange stands for energy, sun, warmth and comfortable" - And Tango....
"Pink symbolizes the femininity, admiration, love, pretty, spring, gentleness, harmony, fidelity, and sensuality. It is an innocent, sweet, and soft color. Pink is usually used in wedding dresses, wedding invitations, and wedding flowers. The only bad image is breast cancer awareness in which most people will not consider as bad image." - Why say its a bad image then?! Anyway, back to the point in hand.... Yes, pink does symbolise these things. And I like that. One point scored for pink there.
"Purple shows nobility, royalty, luxury, authority, creativity, inspiration, and spirituality" - Nah
"Red creates excitement as red raises blood pressure. Red also symbolizes love, passion, sex, and power. Hence, we like to give red roses to show a strong affection of love. Life, vitality, celebrations, and gifts are associated with red. The negative images about red are blood, war, danger, fire, and anger." - What do you mean, "negative images"?! That sums up our relationship perfectly...
"Yellow is a happy, joyful, cheerful, and hopeful color." - it is also the colour of Big Bird from Sesame Street. No dice.
"White is one of the neutral colors which are common in wedding dress, flowers, and attire. White is also associated with purity, innocence, cleanliness, and virtue. Think of snow, winter, and peace as wedding themes. Today, it symbolizes crisp, clean, and luxurious. On the other hand, the white is a symbol of death for eastern countries and ghost for western countries. The caskets are usually covered in white, while the ghosts are usually visualized in floating white sheet." - I'll just higlight a few words here that concern me.... "Common". "Death". "Ghosts". "Caskets". Need I go on. Own goal from White there, nil point.
So what have we learnt? That pink is the colour of love, and green the colour of wealth. That brown and yellow are non starters for obvious reasons, and white symbolises death.
By pink, I mean hot pink, fuschia.... or "Summer Suprise 4" if you believe the Dulux Colour Cards. Not baby pink, or Jordan pink. Im not talking about garish...
No, No, NO!
I think ive just talked myself into buying that pink dress.
Taxi, to Meadowhall... and don't spare the horses!
I've just written my last blog all about how it gets ya down planning a wedding. But for those eagle eyed few of you, you may have noticed I only briefly mentioned a certain dress I had spotted. Thats because I fancied writting a new blog about my potential outfit. Allow me this indulgence.
Firstly, let me explain this dress. It is awsome. Not very expensive, very flattering for the, errr, "less petite" among us, and made of the softest silk I think Ive ever felt. Not that I go around feeling silk as a hobby or anything. Anyway, I digress...
As I have already mentioned, it has a downside of sorts. Its not white. It comes in either fuschia pink or deep red. And I adore both. Red is a very wintery colour, so I think I'll give that one a miss. Plus, my bridesmaids are in black.... we don't want to look like goths/ Dennis the Menace Chic now do we?! Although, there is a time I would have loved that...
Shut up brain.
Anyway, the pink one was so lovely. My theme is going to be Fuschia and Lime, (or pink and green, for those of you who have never spent time looking at Dulux Colour Cards....). So it makes sense for me to wear pink. But I don't want to look like Im at some sort of Prom. Its the only day I am allowed to wear white, and everyone will expect me to. I know, I know.... You are all tutting, saying to yourself "Since when did Jenn do what was expected?!". But surely you ladies know what I mean. I should wear white. Right?
Hmmm, after a bit of research, Ive found out that colour says a lot.
"Black depicts formal, modern, sexy, and sophisticated." - Thats not for me then. But my bridesmaids will look very fetching I must say.
"Blue calls for calmness, tranquility" - Forget that!
"Brown makes you feel comfortable, warm, and cozy" - I like the sound of that. But this is not the 70s. I wouldn't wear brown if you paid me, lets be honest here.
"Green represents wealth, money, nature, environment, fertility, growth, re-birth, victory, healing, abundant, and renewable" - You had me at "Wealth"....
"Orange stands for energy, sun, warmth and comfortable" - And Tango....
"Pink symbolizes the femininity, admiration, love, pretty, spring, gentleness, harmony, fidelity, and sensuality. It is an innocent, sweet, and soft color. Pink is usually used in wedding dresses, wedding invitations, and wedding flowers. The only bad image is breast cancer awareness in which most people will not consider as bad image." - Why say its a bad image then?! Anyway, back to the point in hand.... Yes, pink does symbolise these things. And I like that. One point scored for pink there.
"Purple shows nobility, royalty, luxury, authority, creativity, inspiration, and spirituality" - Nah
"Red creates excitement as red raises blood pressure. Red also symbolizes love, passion, sex, and power. Hence, we like to give red roses to show a strong affection of love. Life, vitality, celebrations, and gifts are associated with red. The negative images about red are blood, war, danger, fire, and anger." - What do you mean, "negative images"?! That sums up our relationship perfectly...
"Yellow is a happy, joyful, cheerful, and hopeful color." - it is also the colour of Big Bird from Sesame Street. No dice.
"White is one of the neutral colors which are common in wedding dress, flowers, and attire. White is also associated with purity, innocence, cleanliness, and virtue. Think of snow, winter, and peace as wedding themes. Today, it symbolizes crisp, clean, and luxurious. On the other hand, the white is a symbol of death for eastern countries and ghost for western countries. The caskets are usually covered in white, while the ghosts are usually visualized in floating white sheet." - I'll just higlight a few words here that concern me.... "Common". "Death". "Ghosts". "Caskets". Need I go on. Own goal from White there, nil point.
So what have we learnt? That pink is the colour of love, and green the colour of wealth. That brown and yellow are non starters for obvious reasons, and white symbolises death.
By pink, I mean hot pink, fuschia.... or "Summer Suprise 4" if you believe the Dulux Colour Cards. Not baby pink, or Jordan pink. Im not talking about garish...
No, No, NO!I think ive just talked myself into buying that pink dress.
Taxi, to Meadowhall... and don't spare the horses!
Wedding Planning Blues
First published September 6th '09
If anyone ever tells you that planning a wedding is "the best thing to do, ever" then they're either (A) a liar or (B) as rich as Croesus. I am neither, so I will tell you it gets you down a bit.
If I type in "inspirational wedding ideas" into Google one more time, I'll tear down the street in my pyjamas singing nursery rhymes... because I will officially go mad! Even Google keeps asking "are you sure you want to do that? Nothing new will come up ya'know!"
The long and short of it is that I have the ideas - I know exactly what I want. But it all kind of costs money. So I have resorted to ignoring it. It is now September. We're talking about 8 months to get this wedding planned, leaving a few months in case anything goes wrong. Bearing in mind Christmas is coming up, thats going to wipe out any funds we already have, so we're really talking January before I can even begin saving properly. Excellent.
This isn't to bring anyone down, or to put them off getting married or anything. Its a blog - you clicked this page to find out how the wedding planning is going, and Im telling you its not going far.
OK, lets talk about the positives.
1) I have the groom... *phew*, it would be kind of difficult to pull off without him, really.
2) Bridesmaids dresses are hung in my wardrobe, ready for action. Downside? Still havnt got around to customising them yet. Still, thats not as important as, say, booking the chapel is it?
3) Wedding music chosen, and also ready for action. Still open to suggestions though... (http://www.mywedding.com/beestingsandweddingrings/music.html)
4) Possible dress has been seen, although not purchased. Why? It is not white. But I do luff it so, and I don't get why I would have to wear white.
5) My feathered bouquet is almost complete.
6) I do have a lot of ideas, and Im not walking into this planning with my eyes shut. I work quite well under pressure, I won't have a breakdown ("Breakdown, breakdown" *bursts into song with Victoria*)
OK, its happened. I have gone mad. Better go get my pyjamas on and unlock the front door....
If anyone ever tells you that planning a wedding is "the best thing to do, ever" then they're either (A) a liar or (B) as rich as Croesus. I am neither, so I will tell you it gets you down a bit.
If I type in "inspirational wedding ideas" into Google one more time, I'll tear down the street in my pyjamas singing nursery rhymes... because I will officially go mad! Even Google keeps asking "are you sure you want to do that? Nothing new will come up ya'know!"
The long and short of it is that I have the ideas - I know exactly what I want. But it all kind of costs money. So I have resorted to ignoring it. It is now September. We're talking about 8 months to get this wedding planned, leaving a few months in case anything goes wrong. Bearing in mind Christmas is coming up, thats going to wipe out any funds we already have, so we're really talking January before I can even begin saving properly. Excellent.
This isn't to bring anyone down, or to put them off getting married or anything. Its a blog - you clicked this page to find out how the wedding planning is going, and Im telling you its not going far.
OK, lets talk about the positives.
1) I have the groom... *phew*, it would be kind of difficult to pull off without him, really.
2) Bridesmaids dresses are hung in my wardrobe, ready for action. Downside? Still havnt got around to customising them yet. Still, thats not as important as, say, booking the chapel is it?
3) Wedding music chosen, and also ready for action. Still open to suggestions though... (http://www.mywedding.com/beestingsandweddingrings/music.html)
4) Possible dress has been seen, although not purchased. Why? It is not white. But I do luff it so, and I don't get why I would have to wear white.
5) My feathered bouquet is almost complete.
6) I do have a lot of ideas, and Im not walking into this planning with my eyes shut. I work quite well under pressure, I won't have a breakdown ("Breakdown, breakdown" *bursts into song with Victoria*)
OK, its happened. I have gone mad. Better go get my pyjamas on and unlock the front door....
To Do
First Published August 22nd
Ive got soooo much to do before June 1st. When we set the date, I had 12 months to prepare. Its already late August, and Ive done, basically, nothing. Having a budget of about 4p is not the best way to plan the wedding of the summer, so I'm waiting on news vis-a-vis when I'll next be getting some spendoolies. But enough of my finances, lets get on with this here To Do list....
1) Lose weight. I'll fit into a petite little frock if it kills me! The treadmill is out 3 times a week, much to the kitten's distress. They want to play on it with me, but with them being bonkers I know they'll end up jammed into somehow, so they have to be evacuated from the room for a few hours while I pound away the pounds, so to speak. Still, it'll be worth it. Once I'm a married woman, I can live on ice cream and chocolate muffins, because Tom will have agreed to love me anyway mwahaha...
2) Grow my 'fro. This hairstyle is doing nothing for me, other than that whole clown-chic look. I have 10 months to grow it, so it shouldnt take much work on my part. It kind of grows itself. I'll leave it to its own devices....
3) Speaking of the 'fro, I need to decide on a colour. Blonde is my summer colour, brunette is my winter colour, which dictates that - as its a summer wedding - I should be blonde. Right? Wrong. Blonde is fun, a bit cheeky and youthful, but Im supposed to be entering married life. And I look a bit better as a brunnette. Its one to think about. If I wear white, and I never tan (so i'll be paler than a glass of milk) and have platinum blonde hair, i'll be practically invisible! Bad times. Hmmm, I should create a census. Or maybe just ask Tom which colour he likes best ("Whatever love..... green? yeah yeah whatever....." *attention goes back to TV*)
4) Take my piercings out. I know this sounds like a very simple thing to do, but I love my piercings. Yes, they're sometimes uncomfortable, and sometimes painful when I accidently knock them, and very immature looking.... But I love them. They make my face interesting. Especially my nose stud. Ive had that for years. But I need to start married life with a mature outlook. So the lip stud definatly has to go (again). The nose one stays, ive just decided. I'll take it out for the day though. But the lip, well. Once its out, its out. And im sure as eggs is eggs not having it re-pierced. Ive had the painful procedure done twice now. A third time is borderline sadistic. It will be a sad day.
5) Find a tattoo cover-up solution. Im thinking gloves. But thats very Horse Rider/ First Holy Communion. I have 4 tattos on my hands and wrists. This will not do with a frock. Maybe I could just glue my bouquet to my hands... or reschedule for a winter wedding and have a muff (ooerr). Or just have a muff anyway.
6) Train the kittens to sit still on silk pillows. Well, a girl can wish!
7) Teach myself not to smile like an over-excited fool. This may be the hardest task. Either that, or get Botox to stop myself smiling like a loon on loon tablets all day.
Just for larks, I'll put up Tom's To Do list (which, obviously, I have had to devise for him)
1) Have a shave. Please.
That should do it....
Ive got soooo much to do before June 1st. When we set the date, I had 12 months to prepare. Its already late August, and Ive done, basically, nothing. Having a budget of about 4p is not the best way to plan the wedding of the summer, so I'm waiting on news vis-a-vis when I'll next be getting some spendoolies. But enough of my finances, lets get on with this here To Do list....
1) Lose weight. I'll fit into a petite little frock if it kills me! The treadmill is out 3 times a week, much to the kitten's distress. They want to play on it with me, but with them being bonkers I know they'll end up jammed into somehow, so they have to be evacuated from the room for a few hours while I pound away the pounds, so to speak. Still, it'll be worth it. Once I'm a married woman, I can live on ice cream and chocolate muffins, because Tom will have agreed to love me anyway mwahaha...
2) Grow my 'fro. This hairstyle is doing nothing for me, other than that whole clown-chic look. I have 10 months to grow it, so it shouldnt take much work on my part. It kind of grows itself. I'll leave it to its own devices....
3) Speaking of the 'fro, I need to decide on a colour. Blonde is my summer colour, brunette is my winter colour, which dictates that - as its a summer wedding - I should be blonde. Right? Wrong. Blonde is fun, a bit cheeky and youthful, but Im supposed to be entering married life. And I look a bit better as a brunnette. Its one to think about. If I wear white, and I never tan (so i'll be paler than a glass of milk) and have platinum blonde hair, i'll be practically invisible! Bad times. Hmmm, I should create a census. Or maybe just ask Tom which colour he likes best ("Whatever love..... green? yeah yeah whatever....." *attention goes back to TV*)
4) Take my piercings out. I know this sounds like a very simple thing to do, but I love my piercings. Yes, they're sometimes uncomfortable, and sometimes painful when I accidently knock them, and very immature looking.... But I love them. They make my face interesting. Especially my nose stud. Ive had that for years. But I need to start married life with a mature outlook. So the lip stud definatly has to go (again). The nose one stays, ive just decided. I'll take it out for the day though. But the lip, well. Once its out, its out. And im sure as eggs is eggs not having it re-pierced. Ive had the painful procedure done twice now. A third time is borderline sadistic. It will be a sad day.
5) Find a tattoo cover-up solution. Im thinking gloves. But thats very Horse Rider/ First Holy Communion. I have 4 tattos on my hands and wrists. This will not do with a frock. Maybe I could just glue my bouquet to my hands... or reschedule for a winter wedding and have a muff (ooerr). Or just have a muff anyway.
6) Train the kittens to sit still on silk pillows. Well, a girl can wish!
7) Teach myself not to smile like an over-excited fool. This may be the hardest task. Either that, or get Botox to stop myself smiling like a loon on loon tablets all day.
Just for larks, I'll put up Tom's To Do list (which, obviously, I have had to devise for him)
1) Have a shave. Please.
That should do it....
Briefly...
A few of you will know that I currently have a wedding website, which I use to update my guests on information regarding my wedding, obviously. But I also use it to publish my blog.
So I thought I would put my blog posts on here too because (A) I love you all and (B) I can add photos to these posts, woohoo!
So enjoy. Much love XxX
So I thought I would put my blog posts on here too because (A) I love you all and (B) I can add photos to these posts, woohoo!
So enjoy. Much love XxX
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