Going Overboard

Honestly I think this is overkill and you’re probably making yourself very stressed.

How much food and drink will everyone be getting? Is there is enough room for everyone to sit down and space for people who want to chat to do so away from the noise?
Honestly those are the things that matter to guests.
Cut the games, ditch the photo booth. Let people know there will be an outside bit and to bring a coat if you’re dead set on fireworks. Parents can bring gloves for their LOs or you can use carrots which is much cheaper. Tbh I would also ditch the band and just have a decent DJ set - people like to hear songs that they know.
Shave off the £1-£2k there and put it behind the bar or put in an extra course. Guests only care about being fed, watered and comfortable to have a good time.
I honestly went to a wedding recently where they hadn’t put up decorations and I didn’t even notice until I thought about it a few days later. But there was TONS of food, an almost open bar and a super relaxed atmosphere which meant a really good party.

I think the other reply is correct, some of this is overkill. Not everyone will think your wedding is the best they have been to. That’s just the way it is, you cannot please all the people all the time. Everyone has different ideas of what is important but agree food and drink is the main deal at weddings if you are a guest. We went for unlimited reception drinks- three choices and a full three course meal. We couldn’t afford a free bar so this was next best option. We had three different canapés then provided veg sausage or bacon baps in the evening. The cake was served with the baps as the dessert, this was much cheaper than choosing evening canapés.
We did do the flip flops and they were really appreciated. I got them off Amazon and displayed them in a crate I already had. I personally wasn’t bothered about fireworks and evening games as we had a photo booth included with the DJ. That kept everyone entertained. We had music played through the sound system for my entrance and exit to the ceremony and no other music except for the DJ set from 7-12. This was enough for us.
If you are realising that you are becoming obsessed then it’s probably time to reign it in a bit.

I could have written this myself. Since the news of the energy prices the other day this has stopped me from booking an ice cream bike etc the list goes on. I’m leaving anything extra that was whirling around my head now that isn’t already booked x

One of the best weddings I ever went to was a church ceremony followed by a BBQ in the back garden of the newly weds home. The seating was haybales, the music was from their own music system relayed via speakers into the garden, and we overflowed into the adjoining field when the garden got too crowded. It was not only one of the most memorable and enjoyable weddings I've ever been to, it was also one of the cheapest.

By contrast, I have barely any memories of one of the most luxurious and expensive weddings I attended. I have vague recollections of an enormous stately home, grand rooms and lots of 'stuff' but nothing really stands out.

You don't need to spend a lot of money to make good memories. Make sure your guests will be comfortable and well fed. Outside of that, add in the things that are most important to you. It is the things that are personal to you that make the wedding memorable, and they are more likely to stand out if they are not overwhelmed by a load of other 'just because' things.

I would ditch the photo booth, pashminas, flip flops etc, but I'd probably stick with the fairy lights and tree because you say you 'love' them. Go with what you love, not with what you think will make the day amazing. Because it's the things that you love that WILL make it amazing.

Agreeing with the above comments. On wedding sites you always see flip flops for sale as they aren't used. Most women are happy to dance in stockinged feet or will have their own pumps in a bag. Anyone with children will bring everything for any possible situation (change of clothers/ gloves/ hat/ books/ ipad/ snuggle blanket for sleep/ etc et). You don't need to entertain your guests for every second of the day. They will want to chat and socialise.
There are so many Pinterest must haves which really aren't must haves at all. We are not having any of the following, DJ (Spotify music thrun speakers), favours (waste of money), photo boothe, videogeapher, fancy car, bridesmaids, wedding breakfast (going with hog roast).....
This is about two people who love each other getting married, it isn't a society event. No one cares if you spend £3000 or £30,000 on your wedding, they will be attending because they love and care about you two. X

I guess the simple answer is can you afford it? If you can and you want these things then go for it! It’s your special day. But if you are stretching yourself to pay for these things or you are only doing them for others then don’t. This needs to be the best wedding for you, not your guests.
Having said that I have done quite a few of these things myself 😂

View quoted message Hahaha its so hard isn't it! We can afford it which is where the dilemma comes from, am I just spending money cos I can?

View quoted message We're set on the band, they're really good and it's not much more than a decent DJ.


The fireworks are a surprise for my fiance so no one will know about those on advance.
We haven't decided on the evening food or meal drinks yet but people will definitely be plenty fed and watered and hopefully enjoy themselves x

View quoted message I just want it to be amazing, I just want my fiance to have the best day ever xx

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Your fiance will have the best day ever because they're marrying YOU

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^This^

1,000 times!

Agree with Kayleigh 👍🏻

I think it all depends on your budget. If you can comfortable afford all those things, then go for it! The last thing you want is after your wedding is to say "I wish I had done.....".

The only thing I would say I don't think will be needed is the games. I recently went to my cousins wedding and I cannot see how there would be time for games. They also done a big sweet table, which wasn't really touched. Most people were chatting and mingling during the canapes and then after the wedding breakfast, everyone was drinking and dancing. I can assure you no one was bored or would have used games even if they were there.

I too am having a photobooth, guest book, photographer and videographer. Im also having an LED dance floor put in, light up letters and a basket of flip flops. The photobooth is something my friend had at her wedding and it was a lot of fun and everyone loved it. Its something I always wanted. I love a photobooth!!

We have chosen things that some might consider "too much", but we want them and as we have the budget, we are having those things.

I would say do the flip flops if you want to. My cousin did this and they were all used. I took a pair and really appreciated it. She bought about 15 pairs from Primark, put a ribbon round them and put them in a basket from B&M. This is exactly what I will do too.

I think you should do the things you want to do, but don't do it for anyone other than you and your fiancé. Have the things that you two want, not because you think your guests will want it, but because you want it. In terms of your guests, as long as they have plenty of food and drink they will be happy.