Bride's Dress

I have also been looking and changing my mind on my dress. I knew the shape and style I wanted, but rather than the one I thought I wanted, I'm now verging on the Beverleywood, which is what my original picture was based on, but this doesn't have an across tummy sash, which I think will be more slimming, and little sleeves. I wasn't sure about that bit, but have now thought if I like them, fine, if not, I can have them taken off so it's better to have the option.

I've also emailed Debenhams directly to enquire about the Red Herring shoes I've fallen in love with which were last season. Fingers crossed I get a favourable response!

Mum and I are going to measure me this week, and get the order in. No more umming and aahing. At least if it comes by January, I still have four months to change my mind if necessary. And try and tone up and lose a bit of weight. Ooh, I don't know how I'll stand having a dress hanging up that I can't wear for so long! I hope Steve will like it.

Bridesmaids 2.....

Ok, so I've decided to completely change my mind, and go with a different dress entirely, that my Mum and I think would work better.

We like the contrasting satin ribbon hem and bow effect on this one, and it could be done with straps, and if I asked for the skirts to be a little fuller, it may hide Sarah's post-baby tummy, and I can put them both in a net petticoat too.

I just like the simplicity of it. I may then give them both a wrist corsage instead of a bouquet, and they can hold a little matching bag if I find one, matching shoes, and I'll get them a nice necklace and earring set which can be their gift too :)

The colour and fabric swatches have been requested, and they don't do waistcoats but they will sell me more fabric to have them made up with in Stafford. All in all, a move in the right direction methinks :)

Bridesmaids

I decided I had to act upon something, so sent an email to a seamstress I found on Ebay requesting a quote and if she could do what I've asked. It said:

Dear MKM

I’ve found your shop on Ebay, and am interested in a quote in having two bridesmaid dresses and two pageboy waistcoats (2 yr old boys) made up for my wedding in May 2010. I would like a lavender colour, pale purple/pink. From your colour chart I would imagine that colours 27, 80, 81 or 39 may be what I’m looking for, although it’s difficult to tell. Would you be able to send a swatch in the mail so I could see the type of fabric and actual colour the dresses would be made out of?

Having looked on your Ebay page, I would like two different styles of dress to accommodate two different sized bridesmaids, but in the same fabric and colour if possible.

I liked the BS3522 style dress, but with the skirt of BS3527.

My bridesmaids are my sisters, and one is happy with my choice, but the other would prefer the BS3521 as she had twin babies and prefers the lower waist on that style and shoulder straps, but if possible would like the same style skirt as BS3527 adding to it if this is possible?

I would then like two waistcoats in matching fabric for my twin nephews who will be 23 months old by that time.

Is this something that is feasible to do, and if so, could you please email me a quote and how long it would take to make up?

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best Wishes

Kate Biggin
katebiggin@gmail.com

Not too demanding I hope! I feel better for it though.

I liked this one:

Sarah liked this one:

but with this skirt:

Amy was happy enough with anything! No reply as yet though. Maybe it would be better to find a local seamstress. I just don't want that 'homemade' look. *sigh* At least I've decided on my Dolly Couture dress. If only I could work out import taxes. I just want something signed, sealed and delivered!

Wedding Fayre

I was quite excited to be going off with my Mum and sisters to a wedding fayre at Trentham Gardens today. It was a lovely sunny day for it, and I wanted to look for information on aisle runners, other invite ideas, and hair and make-up stylists.

I was so denied. There was a lot of rubbish thrust at me from every direction, I didn't like any of the things I saw and none of it was useful, and whenever anyone talked to me about the date of the wedding, they all expressed shock and horror that it was 8 months away and I have nothing booked. I was rather told off by most.

Not fun.

I know when things are going to be, but no, nothing is firmly booked as yet and I'm beginning to panic. I need Littywood to confirm which will set the date, and I can register the wedding, and feel something's underway. We can then look at the honeymoon and book the caterers and photographer/videographer.

I'm going to send off about my dress this week, and the bridesmaid dresses and then I'll feel better. I hope! Steve was lovely yesterday though :) totally on his best behaviour and once he'd explained that he was teasing me about the dinosaur themed wedding, I felt happier with him!

Honeymoon Thoughts...

We went to the travel agents to discuss honey moon ideas. I would like two weeks in Italy, around Sorrento and visit Rome, Pompeii and Capri. Steve would like to go driving across Canada and rough it and meet bears. Ok, so I exaggerate slightly but that’s not my idea of a honeymoon at all. I do like the idea of a special break, but I wouldn’t want to be so busy I don’t relax. A driving holiday would mean deadlines and stress and a sore bum from sitting in a car all the time.

Anyway, we sat there and this poor woman looked a bit confused by our separate requests. She did a lovely quote for me, with 10 days flying to Sorrento and there’s lots to see and do and we could have a lovely time, not to hot at that time of year, but Steve said staying in a 4**** hotel would be his worst nightmare and he doesn’t want any luxury. To be honest, all he wants is to go to Canada. But even a nice hotel in Canada he wouldn’t enjoy. Difficult much.

So a honeymoon for us both to Italy would be about £2500 which isn’t so bad. Canada would be about £4000.

We picked up the brochures and I browsed through them that afternoon whilst Steve was out and about, and an in them was a coaching holiday which I wouldn’t want to do, but it gave me an idea that would be something of a compromise.

It was something like this:

Fly to Calgary and hire a car and drive for a few days along to Jasper. Pick up the train and then head along to Vancouver relaxing in an element of luxury and then spend a few days in Vancouver seeing the sights and staying in a hotel.

Then from Vancouver we could fly over to Hawaii for a week to relax. This would likely be horribly expensive, but seems to be the only compromise I can think of. And I do want to make Steve happy by us going to Canada but I don’t think it’s going to be the best option.

To further my argument, in the Wedding Book that his parents gave us, it says this “the honeymoon should not be a ‘holiday of a lifetime’. That’s not the time for it, a honeymoon is a different sort of holiday, and a romantic, loving time to enjoy each other’s company. But that’s the sort of thing Steve will hate :(

What to do, what to do….

Setting the Date...

It's looking closer to be the 2nd May. Littywood have confirmed they're available that day and we're waiting on a proper quote for the marquee extension. yay! I am so longing for a Bank Holiday wedding, it'll be perfect.

I'm getting quite antsy as if it doesn't come off, we need to keep the options open and quickly re-visit some other places.

Fingers crossed for Littywood though.

Fonts Fonts Fonts

Who knew there were so many!

I really liked Passions Conflict, which was a pay for one, but we found a free version called Aquarelle, but Steve felt it was a bit flouncy (although it makes a wonderful monogram I'm determined to keep!) and you couldn't really read the writing in the invitation giving details as it's too flouncy and looks too small.

Currently in the running are: Clarissa (my No 1 of the new batch), this isn't a good picture, but it's quite a nice modern one, and will work better in the centre of the invite: Swansong (another pay for one unless we can find a free version), Jayne Print, Allura Script, Ellianerellis, Montague (not really in the running at all) amongst about 5 others!

No ordinary font will do for me! But it's difficult to compare and contrast them all!

You Fill Up My Senses

I woke up to this John Denver song this morning, which made me think of Steve. Last October, we went to a wedding fayre with Amy and Karl, and he made the musicians play it for us. It was a nice moment.

Invitations

I want to make all my own wedding stationary, and have devised what I think is a beautiful invitation. I shall have to take some photos to demonstrate on here but they're lovely.

I'm going for a lavendar lilac shade, and a tri-fold piece of A4, in a pearlescant ivory, with purple ribbon across the top, some lavendar mulberry paper to make a square with some ivory card on it, and a butterfly, and some diamantes.
On opening the card you'll see a monogram of our initials on the left hand side, details on the Church ceremony in the centre, and on the right, details on the Reception.

So beautiful! And everything shall match, the order of service, menus, placecards, thank you cards, RSVP cards, everything. xxx

The Wedding Party

It sort of goes without saying who my bridesmaids will be!

My sisters Sarah and Amy will be performing their duties on the day, and I'll have two page boys in form of Theo and Isaac who will be 23 months by the wedding.

I was a bridesmaid for them both at their weddings, and we are a very close family.

I won't be asking any friends, I don't have such a close best friend that I think I'd have to have, but my best friend from school Emma, is moving to Australia for a year so won't be able to attend at all :( Which is very sad, but I can't wait until May 2011 to be wed!!

Steve is I think of the same mind. He's only asking his brothers to be his wedding party, Nick to be best man, Richard and Paul to be ushers.

I'll also have my brothers in law Karl and Aaron around to assist them on the day too I'm sure! They're the sort who'd be happier with a task in hand!

And of course, my Dad is the organised Mr Biggin of it all and he'll be sorting lots out and keeping the day running smoothly.

Littywood Manor

On Sunday afternoon we went to look at this farmhousey place that Mum had found randomly online that we'd never heard of before, and it was beautiful. See for yourself here The sun was shining, they have a marquee for a lot less than Bishton and Trentham, and it could be so beautiful. We also drove round to Eccleshall Castle which was nice, but would be more pricey, and we really liked the cosy feel at Littywood.


We're looking at a guest list of 150, and a cold plated buffet so they'd be able to do it, if they can call back and confirm the date and time.

Location, Location, Location

We went to see Bishton Hall today. Dad got us an appointment with Hilary Northcote-Stafford, who lives there, teaches there and does all other things besides as well! A very jolly hockey sticks lady, Steve I think instantly disliked her as much as my parents and I did like her!

Bishton Hall was a grade I listed manor house, which is now a boarding school for the affluent, a point which immediatly put Steve off, although, I think he'd put himself off way before visiting.

We were shown from a large hall, into a once elegant drawing room, which now showed a few signs of age, and probably the fact it was a school as well. The hiring of the place was a standard £2000 which included the hall, drawing room, two larger rooms and a dining room, none of which were large enough. What we were more interested in was the dance hall, which you could make look like a marquee. But I'm not sure fabric could be enough to hide the fact from the outside it looked like a shed :( Not what I had envisioned.

However, the grounds were lovely, the gardens beautifully tended and one could hire a marqee to put anywhere we wanted, but the cost would be on top of the £2000. Which depending on marquee hire could have been a valid option, and I began to warm to the thoughts of drifting through the shrubberies on a lovely May Day, and having a stunning Marquee reception, until on returning home, Steve flatly said not. Apparentlly, if we booked there, he'd have nightmares and refuse to smile on any pictures.

Dad commented that I wouldn't have any less of a wedding than my sisters and that there was a certain image to uphold, but was jovial enough with both of us, and we do agree that a marquee would be lovely, but it's the costs of it that are worrying me.

Trentham Gardens do hire out a marquee, but it's £6.500 which seems an awful lot, but I guess it includes access to the gardens which would be private after hours. It'd be nice to go and see that one. That's more than Mum and Dad are providing though.

I don't know if I'm more disapointed in Bishton Hall's 'none-marquee' option, or Steve's adament 'No' although I have to say, the insides didn't do the hall justice.

Back to the drawing board. Oh, and Eccleshall Castle which I was very keen to see has no May availability. Which is a shame. I found the prospect of a ruined castle in the grounds very romantic!

Going to the Chapel...

The registrar called back to say we can marry on a Sunday, so the 2nd May could go ahead. Just need a reception place now. Steve keeps saying we could have the reception at the Beacon, but he doesn't get that I want a lovely hall, with grounds and all the trimmings! Maybe even a water feature. I'm sure it'll get through eventually though. Just needs repeating every so often!! He's going to be so fed up of me by May. Poor thing. I'll have to keep being extra nice every so often. It doesn't help that I'm still run down with this wretched food poisoning. I'm not the nicest fiancee in the world at the moment. He is being very understanding though and putting up with my grumpiness and demands for lucozade!

The Mood Board

Well, I don't have a 'board' persay!

I've been working with a scrapbook album and since Amy gave me all her old wedding magazines after her wedding, I've been looking through them, and cutting out pictures and things I like, and thoughts and ideas.

I've got pictures of birdcages, cups and saucers, bunting, lavender pink and purple, tea party, beautiful china, organza, butterflies, roses, peonies, marquees, short wedding dresses, fabulous shoes, glitzy jewellery, ribbons, sunshine, cream teas, sandwiches, lace, fascinators, going away outfits, and lots more besides!

And it's all in a lovely lilac little book!

It's been a while in the planning and all the thoughts were in my head all along!

First Thoughts

I've had thoughts and plans for a long time and know in 'theory' what I want. Am feeling rather daunted today at the prospect of actually putting it all into practise.

Still feeling rotten about this illness. Steve has gone to Church without me to announce it properly!! I really wanted to go to, but couldn't, and cried a little. What should be a lovely thing has really been a bit warped. Everyone else is celebrating! I sat and watched Mum, Dad and Steve enjoy my favourite roast lamb whilst I nibbled on two biscuits. *sigh*

On the plus side, we discussed plans and thoughts after lunch. And as for being a silent partner, just turning up on the day, Steve suddenly seems inspired to participate which although is nice of him, I don' mind if he can agree on what I want!! =D ha ha!!

Anyhow, with our guest list being on the larger side, and neither of us thinking that an evening do is something we want, we are thinking of a marquee somewhere, 150 people, and an informal afternoon tea style reception with champagne and bunting, games on the lawn to amuse the kiddies, and a magician. Food would be canapes and drinks on arrival, sit down meal with a starter, salads and cold meat, and cake stands with scones, jam and cream.

The Church ceremony will be at the Beacon, our home church, and be a joyful celebration of union! I'm looking forward to that bit the most.

Steve is going to organise the honeymoon and look into photographers and videographers.

Places for the marquee could be Eccleshall Castle, Bishton Hall, or even Trentham Gardens.

And I'm sure there'll be a few arguments along the way with Steve expecting to pay about 50p for everything! Maybe I'll manage the wedding budget instead.

The Proposal

No, not the new Sandra Bullock film. The day when Steve asked me to marry him.

It was Friday, September 11th, and it was sunny and warm.

I took the day off work, and we went out to Trentham Gardens for a meal at Frankie and Benny's, then mooched around the shops. After an ice-cream from Cadwaladers, he asked if there were any places to take a walk, so we drove up to Barlaston, and parked at the top of the Wedgwood Estate. Strolling down a lane, with picturesque views and pastoral scenes overlooking the lake, there was a bench. And sitting on this bench, Steve asked me to marry him and produced the ring!

The ring was my grandma's. My Mum had offered it to me a while ago, and I'd mentioned it to Steve. A few times probably!! He'd had it for a couple of weeks or so, after having spoken to my Dad.

We called our parents and family and headed home all happy!

On getting home, my housemate was so excited that she insisted on taking me out for dinner. I had guides at 7 and thought that another night would be better, as I'd have preferred to spend my time with my new fiancee, but I went along, and then went straight to Guides afterwards.

From 9.00pm onwards I didn't feel well. My tummy was very noisy, and giving me pains and it turned out Samira's was too. We'd got food poisoning from our meal! Typical! So our celebratory weekend wasn't exactly that. My Mum was in Scotland and my Dad in Wales, and I was ill. Looking forward to when I can drink champagne with the people I love though!!