2018 Brides (or Grooms)

Ahh this all seems fab - thank you so much!!

Good luck! We've got three "shortlisted" but I'm so scared to choose as it's the only thing you actually get to keep from a wedding (apart from the dress, but lord knows what I'd do with that so I'll probably flog mine!)

Awhh thank you! We have narrowed it down to two & are meeting one tomorrow, then the other later on in November. I know what you mean though, it does feel like such a huge decision! I feel like it is one of the biggest that you make because as you said, it is one of the only things you will have left at the end of it all so you need to get it right.

I'm also such a worrier that I know I am going to feel bad for whichever of the two we don't pick & will probably feel like we have wasted their time by meeting up with them! This is not a good way to be when planning a wedding & I have caused myself issues already without having made many decisions yet hahaa! Wedding Planning doesn't seem to agree with me very well which is a shock as I genuinely always thought I would absolutely love it! ??

I'm the same, I get anxious at the thought of turning people down. It's just part of their job though and it's a good chunk of money so the decision has to be right!

Do you know what sort of package you're looking for? This flummoxed us because we hate having our photos taken so an engagement shoot seems "icky" but then it's nice to have practice for the big day so we feel comfortable with the tog...then again it'll probably be another £500 or so...and round and round we go...

Yeah it is a horrible thought, especially if you like both of them! But as you have said, it is part of their job & I am sure they won't take it too personally.

We aren't 100% sure on what sort of thing we want yet to be honest. It is really difficult. We know we definitely want from Bridal prep through to the first dance & to have all images on a USB stick at the very least.

We are meeting with both Togs in a hope that we will get more of an idea of what sort of albums they can provide & stuff. The one we are meeting tomorrow has a wide variety of packages, whereas the one we are meeting at the end of Nov. only has two basic packages - the difference being one that includes an engagement shoot & one that doesn't. We can then add albums on for an additional cost.

I think if we were to go with Tog number 2 then we would probably go for the package with the engagement shoot included as it only works out to be £70 extra which I think is worth it for the practice. Like you I want to be comfortable & not feel awkward in front of a camera on the day.

Hi Ladies

Im so glad I came across this forum, our wedding is booked for 23rd June 2018 in Newark, Notts.

I thought I was being really bridezilla booking everything up now and have had a few people comment 'oh youve got stacks of time' so felt a bit silly booking things so early but we know what we want and have a really tight budget to work too so we wanted to know what was achievable. Im so excited though I want it to be happening next year. We wanted to do it in Sep next year but my best friend is getting married in June 2017 in Malta and its costing us a fortune so we couldnt afford that as well as our own wedding.

I have a million and one questions, I hope you dont mind?

How are you ladies getting on with sticking to budget? How many guests? (Weve got 105 day and 180 evening)

Are you paying for your bridesmaids dresses?

When will you be looking at sending save the date cards or invitiations? As I have absolutely no idea.

Im paranoid that Im missing something but so far have ceremony, reception, caterers, band, photographer, videographer, car and cake booked.

Thanks in advance, sorry for the essay.

You'll have so much fun! Even if that dress isn't the one it may give you an idea of what styles will suit you!

As for the photographer, I met mine at the first wedding fair I went to, there were lots of photographers there but I got an idea by meeting them and seeing how they came across whilst talking to them, some were quite off and I didn't get a good vibe from them, the lady that I have booked just made me feel so comfortable and at ease and her photography was amazing and in a style that I liked, she had an offer with a free engagement shoot and a free large wooden framed print of our choice from the wedding if we booked within two weeks so I did my research and booked her as I new she would just make us feel so comfortable when we're having our photos on the day.

I think there's some things you need to think about when trying to decide which photographer to go with,

I think it's very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer as they are going to be around you all day so see how you feel with each of them, do they put you at ease and make you forget they are there?

You also need to look at the style of their photography as there a few different styles, some are traditional and will do all the group and family & posed shots, some are reportage/journalistic/documentary so you may not get the posed shots that you like and some are contemporary/editorial style shots, just look closely and their previous weddings and see if that style will suit you

Not sure if the two you have chosen do but some provide 2 photographers so that you can have one with the boys whilst they're getting ready and the other will be with yourself, one can be at the front of the aisle whist you walk down whist the other is shooting from the back and whilst you are away having photos the other can be taking shots of the guests so that's something you need to consider if you want or not.

If you can have engagement shoot then it's a good thing as the photographer can get to know how you are in front of the camera before your day and can help put you at ease before hand.

I'm sure once you have met them you'll know which one to chose.

You'll have so much fun! Even if that dress isn't the one it may give you an idea of what styles will suit you!

As for the photographer, I met mine at the first wedding fair I went to, there were lots of photographers there but I got an idea by meeting them and seeing how they came across whilst talking to them, some were quite off and I didn't get a good vibe from them, the lady that I have booked just made me feel so comfortable and at ease and her photography was amazing and in a style that I liked, she had an offer with a free engagement shoot and a free large wooden framed print of our choice from the wedding if we booked within two weeks so I did my research and booked her as I new she would just make us feel so comfortable when we're having our photos on the day.

I think there's some things you need to think about when trying to decide which photographer to go with,

I think it's very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer as they are going to be around you all day so see how you feel with each of them, do they put you at ease and make you forget they are there?

You also need to look at the style of their photography as there a few different styles, some are traditional and will do all the group and family & posed shots, some are reportage/journalistic/documentary so you may not get the posed shots that you like and some are contemporary/editorial style shots, just look closely and their previous weddings and see if that style will suit you

Not sure if the two you have chosen do but some provide 2 photographers so that you can have one with the boys whilst they're getting ready and the other will be with yourself, one can be at the front of the aisle whist you walk down whist the other is shooting from the back and whilst you are away having photos the other can be taking shots of the guests so that's something you need to consider if you want or not.

If you can have engagement shoot then it's a good thing as the photographer can get to know how you are in front of the camera before your day and can help put you at ease before hand.

I'm sure once you have met them you'll know which one to chose.

You'll have so much fun! Even if that dress isn't the one it may give you an idea of what styles will suit you!

As for the photographer, I met mine at the first wedding fair I went to, there were lots of photographers there but I got an idea by meeting them and seeing how they came across whilst talking to them, some were quite off and I didn't get a good vibe from them, the lady that I have booked just made me feel so comfortable and at ease and her photography was amazing and in a style that I liked, she had an offer with a free engagement shoot and a free large wooden framed print of our choice from the wedding if we booked within two weeks so I did my research and booked her as I new she would just make us feel so comfortable when we're having our photos on the day.

I think there's some things you need to think about when trying to decide which photographer to go with,

I think it's very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer as they are going to be around you all day so see how you feel with each of them, do they put you at ease and make you forget they are there?

You also need to look at the style of their photography as there a few different styles, some are traditional and will do all the group and family & posed shots, some are reportage/journalistic/documentary so you may not get the posed shots that you like and some are contemporary/editorial style shots, just look closely and their previous weddings and see if that style will suit you

Not sure if the two you have chosen do but some provide 2 photographers so that you can have one with the boys whilst they're getting ready and the other will be with yourself, one can be at the front of the aisle whist you walk down whist the other is shooting from the back and whilst you are away having photos the other can be taking shots of the guests so that's something you need to consider if you want or not.

If you can have engagement shoot then it's a good thing as the photographer can get to know how you are in front of the camera before your day and can help put you at ease before hand.

I'm sure once you have met them you'll know which one to chose.

You'll have so much fun! Even if that dress isn't the one it may give you an idea of what styles will suit you!

As for the photographer, I met mine at the first wedding fair I went to, there were lots of photographers there but I got an idea by meeting them and seeing how they came across whilst talking to them, some were quite off and I didn't get a good vibe from them, the lady that I have booked just made me feel so comfortable and at ease and her photography was amazing and in a style that I liked, she had an offer with a free engagement shoot and a free large wooden framed print of our choice from the wedding if we booked within two weeks so I did my research and booked her as I new she would just make us feel so comfortable when we're having our photos on the day.

I think there's some things you need to think about when trying to decide which photographer to go with,

I think it's very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer as they are going to be around you all day so see how you feel with each of them, do they put you at ease and make you forget they are there?

You also need to look at the style of their photography as there a few different styles, some are traditional and will do all the group and family & posed shots, some are reportage/journalistic/documentary so you may not get the posed shots that you like and some are contemporary/editorial style shots, just look closely and their previous weddings and see if that style will suit you

Not sure if the two you have chosen do but some provide 2 photographers so that you can have one with the boys whilst they're getting ready and the other will be with yourself, one can be at the front of the aisle whist you walk down whist the other is shooting from the back and whilst you are away having photos the other can be taking shots of the guests so that's something you need to consider if you want or not.

If you can have engagement shoot then it's a good thing as the photographer can get to know how you are in front of the camera before your day and can help put you at ease before hand.

I'm sure once you have met them you'll know which one to chose.

You'll have so much fun! Even if that dress isn't the one it may give you an idea of what styles will suit you!

As for the photographer, I met mine at the first wedding fair I went to, there were lots of photographers there but I got an idea by meeting them and seeing how they came across whilst talking to them, some were quite off and I didn't get a good vibe from them, the lady that I have booked just made me feel so comfortable and at ease and her photography was amazing and in a style that I liked, she had an offer with a free engagement shoot and a free large wooden framed print of our choice from the wedding if we booked within two weeks so I did my research and booked her as I new she would just make us feel so comfortable when we're having our photos on the day.

I think there's some things you need to think about when trying to decide which photographer to go with,

I think it's very important that you feel comfortable with the photographer as they are going to be around you all day so see how you feel with each of them, do they put you at ease and make you forget they are there?

You also need to look at the style of their photography as there a few different styles, some are traditional and will do all the group and family & posed shots, some are reportage/journalistic/documentary so you may not get the posed shots that you like and some are contemporary/editorial style shots, just look closely and their previous weddings and see if that style will suit you

Not sure if the two you have chosen do but some provide 2 photographers so that you can have one with the boys whilst they're getting ready and the other will be with yourself, one can be at the front of the aisle whist you walk down whist the other is shooting from the back and whilst you are away having photos the other can be taking shots of the guests so that's something you need to consider if you want or not.

If you can have engagement shoot then it's a good thing as the photographer can get to know how you are in front of the camera before your day and can help put you at ease before hand.

I'm sure once you have met them you'll know which one to chose.

Hi Ladies

I am so glad I have found this thread. Our wedding 23rd June 2018 and we have all the major stuff booked already, but Ive been made to feel silly by some friends for doing it 'so early'.

Are any of you asking your bridesmaids to buy their own dresses?

I'm in, 22nd October 2018.

how far are you all with your planning?

Today we went to another wedding fayre at a possible venue. didn't like the venue for a wedding at all and was freezing. So at least that meant we could cross it off list. my fianceè chatted to a seamstress who could help her with her outfit which is good.

We then decided to go spur of moment to another venue which was close by and see if we could be shown round. It was very pretty ( and warm) and we were shown the various rooms for ceremony and wedding breakfast. after sitting looking at the brochure with prices it came out about £6.5k which is about £1.5k more than ideally wanted to spend. So we were thinking of ways round it and have decided that we could get married at 4pm and then have a large buffet about 5.30/6pm instead of a wedding breakfast. this means we would invite every one to the whole thing instead of having day and evening guests.

This will depend on how much they would charge for the bits we do want that would normally be included in a wedding package price though. It it also means that we don't have to try and fill the time where we should have speeches etc as we're not doing them and the dreaded table plan which will cause many problems amongst fiancee' s family and I only have 4 family members anyway.

Felt as if we were actually gaining a clearer picture of our wedding after today which is good.

We have 30th September 2018 booked.

All taking place at one venue (booked) except I will be leaving from parental home.

So need to look at transport, have a friend who is a fab wedding designer so will be working closely with her.

Venue event co-ordinator is fantastic.

Soo excited!

So I have visited 3 venues so far. None of them are exactly what I am looking for even thought they are all nice in their own way. I've got 1 more place to look at which isn't a wedding venue at all and if that's not right either I will have to either compromise on something or go back to the drawing board... I'd really like to get the venue booked then I can focus on something else until the new year when I get to go dress shopping!!!

Are any other 2018 brides and grooms still struggling to get your venue and date booked?

We booked the first one we viewed, but we wanted something gorgeous looking with no corkage/set package so we could build everything ourselves, so ours was the only option available!

Why don't you write down your non-negotiables, your "nice-to-have"s and your "no-no"s and then see where each venue lies. Also, if you put a post up with your area and what you're looking for, someone might suggest somewhere you haven't thought of?

We went to see another venue yesterday which although we hadn't said it to each other both thought we wouldn't like as much as the other one so it would just be for elimination purposes BUT we both really liked it !! the building is much more modern than the first one so we were a bit dubious but then when we were shown to the marquee where they have the wedding and ir was being set up for a private lunch we could see how beautiful it would look. the layout also works much better for us that the more characterful one.

So very excited so have emailed to say we want to book ? it already has fairy lights and uplighters in place and have candelabras for tables if we want them. they also can have 2 aisles that join centre one so we can walk in from each side together and then walk up main aisle together which will be lovely and save any awkwardness about who is giving us away as we didn't want anyone but felt our mum's might be offended.

Meeting photographer we really liked from first wedding fayre after next weekend too so that is the main things out of the way.

Wow you have all done so much! I'm feeling incredibly overwhelmed at the moment and have stopped planning until the new year. Feeling a bit stressed as I can't book my reception venue until January (it's a village hall so they don't take bookings this far in advance). Feel a bit stuck for now

Went to visit my 4th 'venue' today and we both really like it even though it's not a wedding venue. It means we will have to get married at the registry office but that's not really a problem for us, then pub for dinner with our close families then back to the venue for the reception. Just waiting for them to confirm the price but fingers crossed we have a winner!

I had made an appointment to go try on the dress that I love, however it turns out the shop had two stores (not at all mentioned on their website anywhere?!) & unknown to me I'd been booked in to try it on in a store over 60 miles away from the store I inquired with! I had a lot of reservations about travelling nearly 100 miles to try on a wedding dress for the first time ever, so I've cancelled that appointment for now & might rebook in the new year.

However I was soooo excited at the prospect of getting to try on some dresses, that I have made another two appointments in boutiques nearer to home. I go to one this Saturday & one next Thursday. I am so excited!!!!

The first meeting with one of our togs the other weekend went really well, they are a lovely organised couple with great packages on offer, including both of them taking photos which would be great. Our other meeting is the weekend after next so I think we might have a difficult choice on our hands when it comes down to making a decision! I am very much looking forward to having that ticked off of the list though!

I am trying to get OH to look into transportation too as he wants a fancy car to take him from our home to our venue the morning of. Does anyone have any recommendations for companies??

How ridiculous not to tell you that you were booked in for the shop so far away and to not even mention it on their website! They maybe able to get the dress transferred to the shop closer to you if you decide you want to look! How exciting! Not long till your first appointment, you'll have so much fun!

That's good about the photographer, hopefully you might have more of an idea when you meet the other one on which one you prefer, then you'll be all sorted on that!

I will look forward to hearing about your dress trials!

We met the photographer we liked at the first wedding fayre on Saturday and after 2 hours of just chatting we booked her. So now registrar, venue, magician, cake and photographer are booked.

Spending lots of time on Pinterest at moment trying to decide on centrepieces. saw some lovely lanterns and colour changing real candles in poundstretcher so will buy a couple to experiment with.

So excited about it all.

Hello everyone, this is my first post on here.

Weve set a date for 2018! ?? Sat 30th June 2018

So far we have booked our venue and the registrar. We struggled to get the dates we initially wanted and then also the time for the registrar. Couldn't believe it would be booked up so far ahead! No in a panic re getting a photographer etc etc

Has anyone else had probs with trying to get venue on their date or preferred time? We've had to settle for 4pm wedding, it was either that or 11am was on offer. Would have preferred to have been slightly earlier in the afternoon but hey ho I'm sure it will work out fine.

would love to hear how you are all doing! Happy planning!

Congratulations on your engagement & booking your Wedding! How exciting! We seemed to have been quite lucky in terms of managing to get our venue & registrar time sorted for when we want (touch wood) however our Wedding is on a Friday so that might be part of the reason.

That is a shame that you have had to compromise on the time that you wanted for your ceremony. Good luck with the rest of your planning & let us know how you are getting on xx

Hi!

I've been lurking on here for a few about a month since getting engaged. We're hoping for a June 16th 2018 wedding, about the only date we have that year as we're both shift workers.

It's a bit backwards but we already have the cake and photographer sorted thanks to friends/family.

Off to see the venue for a second time on Saturday and hopefully put the deposit down if we're still as in love with it as we were the first time! Once we've done that it covers catering, DJ, ceremony and cost of centre pieces (just have to decide what I want!) so that will be a lot of stress off.

I haven't started dress shopping yet as I want to lose some weight first, so hopefully start trying dresses on about May/June time to give myself time to be roughly the weight I want so I can picture myself on the wedding day better (I have an awful imagination when it comes to clothing!).

I'm actually quite surprised - I normally hate planning stuff but I'm actually loving planning the wedding.

Looking forward to getting to know everyone as we count down the days!

Welcome!

I'm loving all the wedding planning aswell, pinterest is an amazing place to get ideas! hope all goes well on Saturday with viewing the venue again!

Hi!

I'm Gemma and new to this forum - got engaged this July and we're all booked at Hayne House in Saltwood for Friday 5th October 2018!!

I've been trying to refrain from organising too much as it's such a long way away and I tend to change my mind alot (!!) but caterers, cake, DJ and photographer are all booked! Exciting!

We're going for a cornflower blue theme with brighter colours in all the detail so sunflowers in the bouquet for example. Just wondering where everyone is going for bridesmaid dresses? I've got 4 that are different shapes and sizes so could be a challenge!

Hi,

we're getting married on the 29th September which is the day after our 13 year anniversary

After having a quick read through people's posts, I feel very unorganised, we've only booked the venue for the ceremony so far! We don't need to book a photographer as my uncle is one and has ordered me not to book one as he will do it as our wedding present!!

we're currently making a list of venues for our reception xx

Hey Everyone... just wanted to say... we get married next year!!!

Happy New Year and good luck with all your planning.

We are getting married on the 22nd October 2018.

So far I have booked the venue, registrar, florist, DJ and caterers.

I have written my guest list, ordered invitation sample as I am making my own. Bought all of my table decorations and flowers to go in them. I also have set up a spreadsheet and have columns for deposits, balance dates and reference numbers, just so I can keep in top of everything. I also have one for my guests so I know who had been sent what invitation(day or evening) and their reply, it is also split into children and adults so my numbers are as accurate as can be.

Super organised but I know there is so much more to do, I don't howevernolan on buying a dress for another year!

Good of luck to you all x

So excited that we can say we get married next year!!

Happy new year everyone!

Looking forward to hearing how everyones plans are coming along!