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........
Sunday, 27 September 2009
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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