We've Ditched Everything

Wohooooo! Congratulations! Getting married and having a small wedding is great, that is what we are doing with a party after. It's cheaper too! I bet you can't wait to go now xx

Great, congratulations, no long now then! X

Sounds amazing and romantic! I wanted to go away but my OH has a bigger family than me but we have limited the cost and hired a village hall.

Well done for being brave and choosing whats right for you

That's great stuff. Sounds just perfect. Will you do a party back home afterwards?

Yeah, we're thinking a party when we get back means everybody can be involved without having the stress of "who comes to the ceremony" and "who comes to the reception" thing; I have a massive family (eldest of seven, my mum is one of eight, etc.) and OH's family is average sized so when we were trying to work out ceremony, everything was so complicated with keeping numbers down. It was like "pick your three favourite cousins" or something!

This is so much weight off my shoulders, and the best bit is this is our tenth year together so feels like it's supposed to be this way!

Sounds fantastic! It'll come around so quickly. Bet you can't wait x

Well done!

I think that's a great idea. Simialr to what we're doing except we are having immediate family with us so not eloping. But there's so many friends and family it just makes it easier. Massive party when we get back will ne great. Plus you get to celebrate twice. Sounds great

Sounds perfect

Yay, another Gretna bride! And I'm getting married on my birthday too are you having your wedding at the blacksmiths shop?

Sounds perfect and you sound so happy

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Wowsers!

Seen a few Hitchers booking Gretna or eloping from the off set, but never seen someone do a complete u-turn half way through!!!!

Good on ya, glad you're happy and you have found something perfect for the both of you (and the kids) !!!!

All that matters is what makes you happy, well done?

Aw thats fab congratulations x

Oh wow! Sounds fabulous! And great that your OH and Mum are so up for the idea.

Quick update: We went and told OHs mum about the plan and she's really happy too; even offered to pay the deposit for us. Me and my girls went to Manchester today to see the parade and while we were there found some beautiful dresses for them to wear too! This isn't as scary as it seems!

That's really great - what great parents you have too. You hear too many stories on here where the parents are trying to call the shots rather than just support their children in doing what's right for them.

I feel like if we were doing a bigger thing that might have happened, but both FMIL and my mum understand that this is no longer about a grand gesture and is solely about our family and our future together, ie; not just an 'excuse for a party' which is what a lot of my family view weddings as! My mum has asked if we would agree to having a blessing at her church when we get back (we are non-religious) but will consider the idea since it means so much to her but otherwise we've been left to sorting the whole thing out - and after three days of planning, I think we're sorted! Haha

Sounds absolutely perfect for you!

Lovely x

I love that you're going with your gut and doing something you actually want to do, just close family, it's lovely actually. This is what weddings should be like....

I'm jealous. We've been planning our Gretna wedding since Jan and still nowhere near sorted! But if you already have a dress and bouquet and rings from your original planning, you're one step ahead

Just saw this and thought of you!

Hahaha, thanks ClaireDawnB.