Big News!

1. Relax - Don't panic you have plenty of time to sort everything out.

2. Even if you want all the glitz and glamour, don't just book something straight away, think about it properly and without emotion.. once it is booked get emotional.

3. Don't let your husband-to-be choose anything, do it all yourself, otherwise he will get something wrong (tell him I said that, he can thank me later)

wahey congrats!!

For me it was spreadsheet and track costs!

Work out your budget, then factor in another 25% for all the things you havent thought of.

But most important one is when it comes to the big day, make sure you enjoy every last minute of it as it will fly by! 12 months worth of planning gone in a flash...

So Kenilworth Castle or Warwick? (could get the whole forum in then )

Having seen what Kenilworth Castle were charging - and the extent of the restrictions in place - I didn't dare even *look* at what Warwick would be charging, mercenary contracting or otherwise.

Sean, I think that's all good advice. And he is well-versed in the art of agreeing with me.

Do.


True on both accounts!

Congrats!!

Congratulations!

Many people around you will tell you what they think you should do and give you lots of advice and might take over the planning (mother-in-law springs to mind if yours is anything like mine!). My advice is simply this: it's your big day so do what you want to do and don't let anybody else change your mind.

Thanks Mrb and Cristina!

Mother-in-law has so far gone for a softly-softly approach, specifically stating that she's happy to help but doesn't want to tread on our toes. She's a very... strong-willed and assertive kind of person... and I think she's actually worried that if she ploughs in too much we'll up sticks and elope. Of course the other side of that is that she is the perfect accomplice for dealing with any vendor who messes us about.

Cracking news Mary and huge congratulations. Soooo, advice? OK, before the wedding DON'T let the family dictate what you should do and what you should have! It's your day and your future husband. So YOU DO what you feel is right. Oh sure don't sit auntie Fanny next to Uncle George if they have always hated one-another...that sort of thing goes without saying...if you do though you'll look back and chuckle.

32 years ago we had an old auntie that broke wind for a pastime, she was deaf as a post (this is no joke) but of course no-one else was so it really caused a laugh...I know you shouldn't but everyone thought it was a real hoot Bless her, she is someplace better now so no doubt still causing a chuckle there

OK then, second bit coming up. Post wedding. NEVER...That is NEVER EVER discuss, argue, diverticulate, moan (well maybe about snoring is OK) when you are in bed. LEAVE IT till the morning!

Enjoy it as best as you can, it is actually a bit of a blur by the time you hit the sack.

Way ta go Mary, up and at em girl

Thanks

Another friend just linked me to the Google Spreadsheets templates. Yes, Google do templates for wedding planning.

Admittedly they all seem to be American, and given the nature of my profession, I'd already created my own spreadsheets... but it does tickle me that there is nothing Google don't cover.

Congratulations, we hired a London river boat for our wedding and had one of the Water mens as toast master. Would recommend that you do something different from all the other events and make it a day to remember.