Getting Hitched!

Hi everyone, 

Sitting there in the darkened corner of the dancefloor I watched as the bride and groom skitted across the parquet flooring watched by all their family and friends I thought about how that would be me one day. As Mr Warehouse sat beside me I could tell he too was getting emotional as their children joined them in their union to become a family once again and that was it. Hearts stopped! As my fiance and I joined the happy newlyweds on the dance floor surrounded by twinkling lights and disco music we thought about how our day would be. With less than eighteen months ago it was certainly whizzing by in a flash. 

What with Vivienne being a right off and getting a new car, as well as work and social life, planning our special day, was put slightly on the backburner and it had been some weeks since I had checked our emails. Having a little peak in the inbox I realised that we had yet to try and secure our caterer and after a meeting with him at the Stagsden Village Hall where we will have our reception and our wedding breakfast, we have yet to hear back from him. 

Mr Warehouse and I had indulged in wedding planning and had booked the bar, the ceremony and the reception venue. I had researched into the perfect dress and been to try quite a few on too. My fiance had looked into suits and I think we have a colour scheme in mind. The flower-girl has met her dress and demanded her shoes to match ( as it should) and the mother of the groom outfit has already been chosen. 

But there is still so much more left to plan. The wedding planning website "Hitched.co.uk" says that when it comes to wedding planning there’s no right or wrong way to do it. However, there is a simple way to organise your wedding planning tasks that’ll reduce your stress levels and ensure you actually enjoy this exciting time!

One of the websites top tips is to create a budget - And stick to it! Like most couples, we sat down together and had an open discussion about finances and realistically after buying a house and managing debts, how much we could both afford and how to save over the coming years and months. Unlike some newly engaged couples, we are not fortunate enough for our parents or other family members to help pay for the wedding, and I think to be fair I wouldn't want them getting involved financially as it becomes a bit too messy in terms of who is paying for what and when and how much. This is our special day and we will finance this on our own. 

When it comes to wedding inspo, "Hitched.co.uk" has got you covered with their helpful website and suggests making mood boards to gain a theme or style. There are so many sources of inspiration out there which can make everything a bit overwhelming sometimes, so I choose one medium and have stuck with it. You can’t beat Pinterest – it’s a great way to gather ideas and create boards for each aspect of your wedding. The great thing I love about Pinterest is that you can collect all of the table décor, dress, cake, photo ideas all in one place that takes your fancy, and I can share them with friends and family, although Mr Warehouse doesn't love it as much as I do. The social media platform comes into its own when getting closer to the big day as I can ping across ideas and thoughts to suppliers when the time comes for a better understanding of what I want and how I want it!

Another tip from the wedding planning website is that before the hunt for the venue begins, the Bride and Groom should sit down together and talk about what wanted from the wedding venue and this is certainly something we chose to do very early on in our wedding planning process. Nothing else could ah[[en until we found it. And so we searched and searched but nothing was perfect enough. Mr. Warehouse and I knew we needed somewhere fairly sizable as our wedding party would be at least seventy. We ideally wanted some outside space to enjoy the hopefully warm setting sun and space for the kids to exhaust themselves. A bonus would have been a separate area for dinner and dancing but not essential. A bar would have been nice as well as some additional space for a quiet moment whereas parking and accommodation nearby was a must. Luckily we found most of it all in the Stagsden Village Hall. 

Some more helpful advice from "Hitched.co.uk"  was about the wedding party and choosing well. Now I instantly knew who my bridesmaids would be and wanted to ask Mr. Warehouse Neice, the only little girl in both our families if she would like to be my flower girl. However, Mr Warehouse had a bit of a harder time choosing between his brothers as who would be Best Man and so just settled and chose both. My advice would be if you’re not sure then don’t feel rushed into your decision. Think carefully about who will be the best people to support you and your fiance on your special day and in the run-up to it.  You may also want to consider the cost as your bridal party will need outfits, bouquets, buttonholes and thank you gifts, so the more people you have, the more this could impact your budget.  They will be in your photo's on your mantlepiece forever so be sure to make a wise choice. 

There are so many more decisions to make, most of the ones I talked about both Mr. Warehouse and I have already done, and more. Here's hoping that the next few weeks I can get the catering sorted and maybe even onto some more exciting things!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

The Goldilocks of Dress Shopping

Heyy!

Standing in line, I was surprised that the queue was not longer considering this was the biggest wedding show in the UK - The National Wedding Show. With everything a bride and her entourage could every dream of under the beautiful glass-domed roof of Olympia London I was in awe of the venue and looking forward to walking around sampling champagne whilst looking at all the different suppliers and vendors. Amazing wedding dresses, stunning catwalk shows, expert advice and all with free tickets in hand. 

As we entered the lobby area, I was more than ready to elbow out my fellow brides in order to get special show offers, help and advice from over 250 wedding specialists. However on walking through into the Grand Hall and after about an hour or so of walking around as well as watching the first catwalk show I have to say that I was quite disappointed. On my long list of suppliers and vendors to hunt out in order to apply for competitions or sign up for freebies were quite a few that were not present at the London Olympia National Wedding Show. Krispy Kreme doughnut stand was missing and the authentic Italian ice cream man was also lost. 

"Nevermind though I thought", walking back from a cigarette break outside "there are lots of stunning dresses at multiple stands that I am sure I can try on". I suppose part of me was correct - Yes there were lots of stands and yes there were lots of dresses however most if not all of the guns on offer to try on we're all a UK size 14 or under. And by this standard assuming that the rule still applies that for your bridal gown should be at least two if not three dress sizes bigger than what you normally are on the High Street or in normal clothes. This, in turn, would mean that I would have to be a UK size 8 or size 10 in order to try on any of the wedding dresses at what was advertised as the UK's biggest wedding show. Somehow I think not!

The more I think about this fact, both then and now, it infuriates me. People (unlike me on this occasion) pay good money and even take time off of work to travel far and wide to a wedding show where they claim to have the widest variety of suppliers including wedding dresses and bridal wear specialists and yet only choose to supply a few gowns in a few small sizes not catering for anyone else. Here in the UK, our average dress size for a woman is around about a size 16 which would roughly be equated to wearing a wedding dress or bridal gown in a size 20 to 22. Now, why is that not reflected? 

Nevertheless, Mrs Tweedle-Dumb and Miss Tweedle-Dee struggled on with me, sore feet and aching arms from all the books and leaflets we were carrying around. After an hour or two of walking around the same vendors flogging the same old stuff we were all bored and with not much more inspiration to suck from the place we decided to bounce. I would say in the experience of The National Wedding Show was mediocre at best and am pleased that I did not pay for tickets as if I had I think I would have been even more disappointed than I was. Looking back on some of the other wedding shows that I have been to both in my local area and a few miles out, I have always been able to get a lot more out of small local independent's rather than what is classed as the UK's biggest! 

That being said however that this wedding show is perfect for those that have recently got engaged or haven't a clue where to start on their wedding planning journey, but a word of wisdom to my fellow Brides or Brides-to-be out there - Make sure that you do your research and if you are not prepared to pay megabucks then maybe consider a local wedding show or fair before heading to some of the National big boys as I can almost certainly guarantee that you will be able to find exactly what you are looking for by a friendly and local supplier ready and willing to take on your business. They will be just as capable as a supplier at one of the National wedding shows and yet will probably charge a lot less for something it just as special for your big day without a massive Price Tag and will probably care a little more too!

Calling it a day Mrs Tweedle-Dumb, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I decided to head over to the Westfield shopping centre in order to grab some dinner and a spot of shopping before heading home for a sleepover - Just like the good old days! The following morning I anticipated coffee and a light breakfast before heading out with my maid and matron of honour to try on wedding dresses! I was keen to get a few visits booked in especially when I have both of my besties on hand for gentle criticism and polite judgement. 

The first Bridal Boutique we stepped into we were all offered a cup of coffee which was much needed as we had not had any of the light breakfast I had intended due to waking up late. Walking around the store cloaked in wedding dresses and feeling as though I was Mr Tumnus in Narnia, there was not much is anything at all in my size and so I grabbed a couple of dresses just to make it seem as though we have not come for a free coffee. 

The next bridal shop Mrs Tweedle-Dumb and I left Miss Tweedle-Dee in the car for a nap as I was certain that she was suffering from a lack of caffeine and a poor night's sleep on my crumby sofa-bed. This store seemed much more positive as its ethos was to help the plus size lady find her dream dress. But just as the first so had been too small, the second store was way too big catering for up to a UK size 30! I did, however, fall for a few gowns there although there are no pictures as apparently, the designers get very funny about photos being taken something I personally think is a crock of shit. 

Stepping into the final score of the day was my Goldilocks moment and with this in mind, I picked out 4 or 5 dresses that I was happy to try on and headed through to the dressing room. Each of them I tried on and each of them I loved more than the last. However despite Mrs Tweedle-Dumb, Miss Tweedle-Dee, the lady who was helping me, and her colleagues all telling me that I looked beautiful and stunning, I just wasn't feeling it. With each curtain swish to reveal the outfit, I could tell Miss Tweedle-Dee was growing impatient and that she wanted me to buy. The dress in question was Letitia. The exclusive Platinum Edition waterfall ball gown was the ultimate princess wedding dress. With long creamy folds and layers detailing the skirt and the luxurious bodice, encrusted with beaded embroidery adding the perfect sparkle I could see her point. But with the biggest expense so far I was hesitant to say yes to the dress. Mrs Tweedle-Dumb took one look at me however and said exactly what I was thinking, reading my mind like a novel. 
"You are wondering if it is too early to say yes and that if there is something else better out there. I know that you are thinking about this and that it is something you are concerned about. Let me ask you one question though - If you were to be in the same position, standing here this time next year, I know you would not be as hesitant." Mrs Tweedle-Dumb said, softly but stern. And like that, it was an arrow to my heart. Having Mrs Tweedle-Dumb and Miss Tweedle-Dee there knowing that they knew me better than I even knew myself was somewhat scary yet comforting. 

Having Mrs Tweedle-Dumb home the last couple of weeks has been incredible and having her and Miss Tweedle-Dee around more times than I think I could shake a stick at has been wonderful. But alas all good things must come to an end. By the end of this week Mrs Tweedle-Dumb will be back home in sunny L.A. It will certainly be different not to have her around but I am sure it will not be long until we are all reunited and yet in the meantime I am sure that Miss Tweedle-Dee and I will have plenty of fun - Wedding or not!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

No Ruffles or Puffy Sleeves - Be My Bridesmaid Pretty Please!

Afternoon Ya'll!

Within hours of Mrs Tweedle-Dumb's flight landing, she was stood on my doorstep. wrapped up warm in a winter coat and jeans she looks comfy yet tired from her travels, and I don't think that I have ever given her a bigger hug than I did then before welcoming her into my new home which she had yet to see in the flesh. As I gave her the tour of my new abode we giggled and laughed like we always had. 

With Miss Tweddle-Dee by her side, it was as though we had never been apart. On finishing at the house tour we decided to get down to the nitty-gritty of wedding planning and some of the ideas that Mr Warehouse and I had in mind for our big day. Honestly, I suppose that I really thought that the distance would have made our friendship completely different, but sat there on Thursday evening watching telly and cracking jokes I had almost forgotten that we had not actually been altogether since September of last year, more than five months ago. 

As nice as it was having my girls around me once more, there was a reason they were there, something I will not dive too deep into but emotionally has been draining me and sucking me dry for months now. I don't think that I ever said it to them both but I appreciated them being there more than I think they could have ever known. Their help and support has been completely invaluable in the last few years, and especially so in the last twelve months. I know that they will think I am a soppy old wet bag but I honestly don't know where I would have been without them. 

Reading an article the other night in bed, "The Brides Guide to Bridesmaids" I realised that I had some good candidates for the job. Planning your wedding is not easy. Everyone has advice. Everyone has an opinion. I am certain that over the next few months before my big day with Mr Warehouse there will be many an argument or disagreement with friends and family to include everything from the seating plan to who is invited and what is being fed to everyone. I need a strong entourage that will be able to swat out anything (or anyone) that is going to ruin my wedding day and preparations. I think that most of my family know that I am a force to be reckoned with and that any criticism will not be taken well, therefore I do not expect there to be many disagreements, however people do strange things will the run-up to getting hitched. 

As a bride-to-be, wedding chief executive and senior creative officer, I know I will be faced with a barrage of questions, comments and suggestions from everyone, including my bridesmaids. I hope that Miss Tweedle-Dee and Mrs Tweedle-Dumb's help, direction and guidance will make the prep and planning much more effective and waay easier.

In historical references, the bridesmaid and her duties were varied across cultures, religions and time periods. In early Roman times, bridesmaids formed a kind of bridal infantry as they accompanied the bride to the groom's village. This "protective shield" of similarly outfitted bridesmaids was supposed to intervene if any wayward thugs or vengeful suitors tried to hurt the bride or steal her dowry.  In Western society, however, bridesmaid tradition seems to have originated from later in the Roman law in which a wedding required ten witnesses in order to outsmart evil spirits believed to attend marriage ceremonies. The bridal party all dressed in identical clothing to the betrothed so that the evil spirits wouldn't know who was getting married. Even as late as 19th century England, the belief still continued that ill-wishers could administer curses and taint the wedding still existed and can be depicted by Victorian wedding photographs where it can take quite a bit of inspection to pick out the bride and groom from among the other members of the bridal party!

In more modern times though whilst these early customs continue to have an influence today, the bridal party continues to serve a vital role in the wedding process, not by fending off hexes and robbers, but by providing key support staff and an advisory board. 21st Century bridesmaid skills include caring helpers, thoughtful organisers and skillful liaisons. Besides being an honoured member of the wedding party and special guest at the reception, today's bridesmaid is also designated as the bride's assistant. From shopping for dresses to writing place cards, their first duty is to be helpful. The payoff is that walk down the aisle, looking absolutely beautiful in a gown that is stunningly stylish, super sophisticated, and absolutely wearable. 

Some brides in modern society decide to go with every Sarah, Lilly or Beatrix to be a bridesmaid, including everyone on the list from work colleagues to old school friends and that lady who serves you in the Costa drive-thru every Friday morning. Come on ladies it's just too much - Honestly, are you going to look back on those photos on your mantelpiece in years to come and answer your children's questions about who are beside you in your wedding photos. In most circumstances, they will be people that you will probably fall out with or would have not heard from in many years. It also seems to take away from the special-ness of the occasion and the absolute honour it is to be part of the bridal party. I suppose with these details in hand and the fact that Miss Tweedle-Dee and Mrs Tweedle-Dumb are highly skilled in keeping me calm and relaxed (usually by laughing to the point I pee) as well as comforting me in times of emotion and overwhelming-ness that I have asked them to be my bridesmaids. The question is - Will they accept?

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

Playing with the big boys

Evening!

So I am sure that you are all very excited to hear the next instalment of my wedding planning journey accompanied with all the trials and tribulations you would expect in planning the biggest day of your life. However following some sad news a few weeks ago regarding one of Mrs Tweedle-Dumb's relatives passing away unexpectedly, my best friend and bridesmaid will be flying home within the next few hours. 

Personally, I was not really close to Mrs Tweedle-Dumb's family member but would have liked to go to the funeral in order to provide some comfort and support her family as they have for me over the last few years. Unfortunately, a combination of meetings that cannot be postponed and lack of annual leave means that I am unable to, however, that does not necessarily mean that I do not feel bad about Mrs Tweedle-Dumb having to return under these circumstances, especially on her own.

Her imminent yet unanticipated visit back to the UK is not only a chance to say goodbye to a much-loved member of her family but also to indulge in some QT with friends to maybe take her mind off other matters, if only for a short while! With this in mind, I have booked ourselves tickets to the biggest wedding show in the UK - The National Wedding Show. With everything a bride and her entourage could every dream of or need to plan the perfect wedding under the beautiful glass-domed roof of Olympia London. Amazing wedding dresses, stunning catwalk shows, expert advice and the chance to meet your potential wedding suppliers face to face I couldn't pass this chance up, especially with free tickets. I will certainly be sure not to forget to take time for a glass of bubbly in The Champagne Bar! 

Amongst some of the vendors and exhibitors at the event, my fellow Brides and I can shop hundreds of the UK’s finest wedding suppliers & bridal brands covering everything from dresses to cakes. With inspiration, help and advice from over 250 wedding specialists, thousands of dresses from all the leading designers and a showstopping catwalk to experience the latest bridal trends with groomswear, accessories, make-up, hair and more it will certainly be a long day, but worth it. 

Who knows maybe I will find the dream dress? The one. The absolute epitome of perfection that screams my name without even me wearing it! After the last visit to try on wedding dresses, I am keen to get a few more visits booked in especially when I have both of my maid-of-honour and chief bridesmaid at my disposal. Whilst finding the perfect wedding dress is essential to my big day, The National Wedding Show may be the best place to start. 

An unrivalled selection of bridal shops and designer labels brought together under one roof means me and the girls can explore hundreds of different designers, styles, colours, lengths, embellishments, accessories and more, all in one place. With something to cater for every taste, every budget and every style, fingers crossed I’ll find the one!  I can try on as many dresses as I like with no appointments necessary and I am sure that many exhibitors will be running exclusive at-show discounts and offers. The stunning catwalk show will also be a great place to hit up and take the weight off and judging from the website will be featuring dresses from David’s Bridal, Lady Bird, Halo and Wren and many more. 

Here's hoping that deep-V Morilee satin gown is in the sale for under my five-hundred quid budget. Although to be fair when I saw it at a wedding fair last weekend and a few weekends ago also the price tag was well over £3,000.00. Even if I am not able to find my dream dress in the next few weeks whilst Mrs Tweedle-Dumb is over then I will have plenty of time to have another look around and check out some sales before I need to get serious about buying my dress, although I suppose I need to wonder where the dreaming and playing in white dresses stops and the buying starts. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx