Help Please!

I’m so sorry for everything your family is going through.

The best way to keep costs down is to keep your guest list small. With that in mind, maybe look at a registry office and then a pub-type venue for the reception.

Try not to get distracted by the little details - nobody will remember the table centres, favours, whether you had pink flowers or yellow ones, or what the welcome drinks tasted like. They’ll remember if you were happy, and they’ll remember your dad walking you down the aisle. Nothing else matters (except your husband).

The bit of advice I would give is regarding what you wear on the day. I have never fancied the idea of wearing a traditional wedding dress, so when me and my partner started planning our wedding, we decided on a 40's theme because I adore the decade, but also because we already own certain items of clothing we can use and my dress is an inexpensive retro style dress I can potentially wear again. So, from a cost perspective, using clothes/accessories you already own, or buying clothes that are not traditionally wedding-y will save you lots, but also from a time perspective, bridal boutiques can require months to supply you with your chosen dress.

Also I echo Sarah - it must be horrendous for you what you're going through xxx

Thank you both for your messages and kind words, I will bear all of this in mind. X