Relative Newbie! Any Devon brides out there?

Oooh gutted ☹️ We're not about on 27th! Damn! Are they maybe doing the Sunday too?

I don't think they are, at least my brother hasn't said anything about it. Maybe check with Lucy at the show this weekend.

If not I can take some pics if you want and post them on here? I know its not the real thing but if I can get some decent shots it may help? And I am sure they will do another one at the start of next year.

You're a star! That would be lovely if you wouldn't mind? ?

Not a problem at all ? glad to help a venue twin!!

Did any of you get to the wedding show?

I loved it! Saw some beautiful dresses! And loved the photo booth.

I think I visited every stand !

Did you have a go?

I went to the show on the Sunday, it was amazing! I came away with so many more ideas than I originally had lol, went round 3 times! Loved the fashion show, there were definitely some stunning dresses.

We originally wanted a photo booth, decided against it because we wanted other things, now the blinkin wedding show has put it back on the desired list! Grrrr........

Yeah I had a go, I couldn't resist! I really would love to have it.

Also really loved the band v8

Haha! Well that's kind of good about the photobooth, but bad for budget (well... would be for me! lol)

I liked the men's fashion show bit more, but then we're not sold on OH's attire for the day so that was useful.

I did pick up an absolutely stonker of a bargain for my BM - Mori Lee dress, reduced from £165 to £26!!! Amazeballs it is! It's chocolate. The only thing is that my sis hasn't seen it, and I know she'll be disappointed not to have gone shopping. Ultimately, if she doesn't like it, then £26 is hardly going to break the bank ?

I also caught up with Lucy at WP and asked her a couple of things that I couldn't justify emailing (given the day is still a long time away).

I also got the name of an alterations lady.

I did think a couple of the rings people were a bit snooty though. One of them, I turned away so as not to cough all over her (I have a cold atm) and she took that as a disinterested signal and went off! Pfft.

Hello! So glad to find somewhere full of local girls! I am planning this wedding mostly on my own so not enjoying it at all! We are getting married on 5th April 2013 so not long to go and I must be the most disorganised bride! Went to the Westpoint fair which was fun actually and not as busy as I was expecting. I have my dress so that's a start, but where on earth do you begin with photographers and music, decorations etc etc!

I didn't manage to remember what it was I wanted to ask Lucy lol so I guess I will be emailing once I remember! We have decided no on the photobooth, just can't afford it really (although watch this space, my mind is so changeable at the moment!)

Which ring people did you 'offend' lol? We have smooch comging round in a couple of weeks and also looking at the make your own wedding rings (OH's idea not mine!)

Thats a bloody good dress bargain then! It will fit right in with your colours. How did you wangle that!

Also loved the men's fashion show, I wanted to take them all home with me but OH said no!

Hi Polarbex and welcome to the devon brides thread! You aren't alone lol, we will be with you every step of the way

Where are you getting married? You really don't have long to go do you! Whats your dress?

I think most of us on here have our TOGs sorted so we can advise you on those - mine is Gary Stevens Photography (reasonable, he does a pre wedding shoot if you wanted that and non posed pics!) Bands I can't help on unfortunately - have gone with a DJ for the evening, and decorations I have ideas but nothing concrete (at least till next week anyway when I go and see a venue decorator!)

Other people are probably far more organised than me and will be able to give you slightly more info hopefully. But if you need anything, want to bounce ideas (or nick anything as I have done ?) or generally vent then thats what we are here for!

It was the Michael Spiers lady that I offended... oops! They're too expensive for us as it turned out anyway. I am going to get Lynne from Smooch round after Christmas I think - they seemed to have a really good range, and when I asked about my ring, it was comparable to a couple of online people (nothing fancy, just a 2mm 18ct gold band). She's very lovely, and her mum is nice too. The dress was in the sale - just made me thing what on earth was the mark up on the dresses! though of course, it's not always as simple as that. She only had the one dress, so I suspect it was a return or something. Not sure to be honest.

Welcome Polarbex! I have Ian and Kitty Wright Photography as my TOG - love them! We just clicked. I didn't meet anyone else locally though (cliched as it sounds, we met them and knew they were for us!). I'm having a band, which is a friend of my dad, and they don't usually do weddings. I thought the band at the wedding fair was pretty good though, and if we didn't have Steve, we'd have had them. I'm at Woodbury Park, and I have my chair covers sorted, but think we have to decorate the rest of the venue - we're about to go on the hunt for centrepieces etc.

Thanks guys. We found a photographer the other day - met at the Newton fair and he came all the way out to mid devon to visit us! Have just booked out chrair covers too, and almost decided on a band. Very exciting!!!

I'd be interested to know how the Smooch lady goes. I was tempted to book her but df wanted to go into town - though that's hard enough to co-ordinate! When do you get the rings?

And are you getting nice cars or relying on relatives/friends. I keep getting quoted over £300 and just haven't the bidget!

X

Hiya

I know exactly what you mean about the cars! I got to the point of sod it, I refuse to pay that much. We looked into getting an executive car from somewhere like Hertz/Eurocar/Enterprise, and that was much cheaper. The only thing is that you would need to have someone to drive the cars (role for an uncle perhaps?!), which is what I had arguments with my parents about. Instead, they've actually offered to pay for the cars. I wasn't keen, as I still think it's too much money, but they're insistent on it.

My manager has Smooch rings (WR & ER), and they're lovely. They were pretty good about resizing the ER too (her OH got it a size too big). The Smooch lady is lovely - known her since I was little (an acquaintance's mum). I *think* she goes to your house, so I don't think you'd need to worry about trekking into town.

Where are you getting married? (Sorry if I missed this in an earlier post!).

Hi Polar bex. Where abouts in Devon are you and where are you getting married? You are not alone. There are lots of helpful brides to be and OMs ready to give advice or just have a rant to

I'm out at the Two Bridges. My grandparents are in Holne so we are getting married there and Two Bridges just fitted the atmposhpere we wanted. Did look at Holne Park and Lavender House but this came out top for us. There is a fair amount of travelling invlved though and up and down the moor so need a car that can handle the hills!

Oh, and my dress is an Ian Stuart sample! Quite plain at the front but fabulous bow and buttons at the back. If you haven't already got your dress and can't stretch to desiigner prices, I highly recommend Aisle Altar Hymn, a little second hand/sample shop in Wiveliscombe. She has tonnes of dresses, veils, shoes etc and realistic prices.

X

We decided that the photo booth was a bit pricy, but went to a wedding yesterday and they had and we LOVED it! Had soo much fun.

Wondering if it's just a wedding fad though like chocolate fountains...everyone used to have them now they seem out of fashion

OH has decided that we aren't having the photo booth now He reckons we can splurge a little more on other things! Have to hope that my guests take some decent photos after the TOG goes......

Superduff, just double checking you def aren't going to WP on Saturday and that you still want me to take photos? Anything in particular you want photographed or just general room shots etc? I assume you are in the Greg Norman Suite like me for your reception.

Polarbex Two Bridges looked lovely at the wedding fair, was sorely tempted to cancel my venue lol! I am not having cars for my wedding (sorry to go back a bit!) as I have the ceremony and reception in the same place. I have the use of a golf cart though which I am uber excited about!!!

Hiya!

Yes, definitely not able to make WP this weekend unfortunately. If you wouldn't mind taking some pics of the room, that would be lovely, thank you! I don't want anything specific, just an idea of the room size, all dressed up. We're in the GN suite too.

That's a shame about the photo booth - you could always kind of make one yourself if you felt so inclined, and you can definitely have the props!

I'm pondering over invites at the moment. Not sure about the colours for it - or rather, the combination! I'll get round to doing a flash at some point.

Have a fab time at WP!

Morning CG!

How did it go at WP? The nan-in-law went to have a bit of a mooch round when she came down the other day and liked it. My mum was then talking to someone else about it, and they said the drink was really expensive (i.e. the bottles for the tables), I have emailed Lucy about corkage costs. I have plenty of time to make the most of the details at Tesco etc, and my use my clubcard vouchers towards them.

How are you getting on? My sister modelled my wedding dress for me the other day (I'm currently too fat to fit in it, and she's about the right size). It's hit home that I have a lot of weight to lose between now and the wedding. Best get my skates on! lol!

xx

Hi SuperDuff, WP was lovely when it was all set up. I had been having a few wobbles but seeing it set out for a wedding put me at ease and i am now perfectly happy! Me and OH were considering doing the drinks ourselves - we worked out that with corkage and probably some decent wine deals we could get it for the same price if not cheaper, and have the wine we wanted with the champagne we want. It think its worth looking at doing it yourself, you could probably save loads!

My dress is a lace up back so is a little forgiving with the weight gain/loss fortunately but I too need to do something, I bought that 30 day shred DVD but its still in its wrapper lol! I am sure you will be fine, slow and steady does it

I have my cake maker, and went to see a florist on Saturday (wasn't impressed so still looking), the invites are pretty much there, and I have booked the venue decorator people (organised my lighting and my centrepieces). Feel like i have loads still to do and not a lot of time but I have almost 10 months still! Its mental. Are you very prepared or still in the early stages?

Did you see the pics I posted? I put them on a separate thread for you xx

I think it's a good idea. If I can get the wine in stages too, that will help. I know it'll probably work out the same, but I would prefer to get the wine deals as we go along, rather than pay out in one hit (I know - it's a psychological thing!).

I have read a lot about the 30 day shred, and think I'll give it a go when I have lost a bit more weight (far too much to go!). I am getting the back of my dress changed to a lace up, as it's currently zip based. The woman I bought it from said she's change it, lest the zip break on the day or something. I know it probably won't happen, but I wouldn't want to take a chance! lol!

I haven't got the venue decorator sorted. I am thinking I might try and do as much of that myself as I can. The room looks fab though, and thank you for taking the pics! I know what you mean about wobbles - I started wobbling not long after putting the deposit down, but when I think about the specifics, I do think we've got a good deal.

Who have you gone to for your invites? I am swaying on these at the moment. I have gone from pocketfold, to gatefold, to normal, with hundreds of different colour combinations... I feel like I'll never settle on something. But, I don't really have to worry about it until April/May anyway. Apparently, I need to see Lucy early summer to arrange food etc.

I'm not entirely sure what else I can be doing at the moment. I have the church and reception venue, and our photographer, got my dress, sorted who's doing my hair (my normal salon does lovely wedding hair too) and make up (from current therapist). Mum and Dad have got the cars sorted. Hymns are pretty much picked, though not sure about the readings. Wedding rings are planned for January time. Bridesmaids aren't 100% sorted (thinking about adding another friend to the mix - she's been uber supportive and lovely) and need to get their dresses etc.

Then it's the details like presents, veil, invitations, seating plans (probably need to finalise the guest list at some point soon!!).

What else have you got on the list?

I have to admit, I had to weigh up the price of getting the room decorated or doing it myself and it was a close call. trouble is I am very lazy and not creative when it comes to things like this, hence OH took the decision out of my hands! I think a lace up back is the best option, just gives you that bit of reassurance

I am definitely doing pocketfolds, brown, gold and ivory combinations with 2 inserts (both double printed) but I haven't decided who is going to do them. The mock up one I got from a company called Cherry Pickle (possibly!) is 4.75 for the day and 2.75 for the evening. This includes everything which I suppose isn't bad but there is always that thought in the back of my mind - could I do it cheaper! Was thinking of sourcing the stuff myself and my sister had offered to do the printing etc but she is running around looking after my nephew at the moment as well as teaching at school so don't know if she would have the time. Oh decisions decisions lol, am no good at making my mind up! I was looking to get my invites out in March/April with rsvps in June - then I can bump anyone who can't come.

Haven't spoken to Lucy about when she needs my food choices - I assume she will contact me nearer the time (I hope!) Did you manage to get the package deal they were offering or have you gone for your own choice?

Think my next big thing is the flowers and the suits for the men, they are a pain in the ass. Then again like you its the things like presents, finalise invite choice, guest list, readings, music, etc etc etc! Too many wavy branches and not enough tied down for my liking lol.

Haven't done anything about rings either, think that will be next year along with BM shoes and FG outfits. Got the BM dresses quite early on which was a relief, my sister is hard to please but fortunately she chose something everyone liked (thank goodness!) Managed to get a 50% voucher from Westlake (a FB offer) so got the BM pressies or at least part of, and also their hair grip things. Need to source a make up artist too, don't tend to have beauty stuff on a regular basis so haven't got anyone I can rely on. So that is going to be fun! My normal hairdresser has said that she and her hubby (they work from home) will block out the whole day for me and we can take as much time as we need getting hair done etc all for a really really good price!

I know there isn't much I can really be sorting but i really want to sort things if you get what I mean! xx

I know exactly what you mean! I feel like I should be doing something, but I don't know what.

The suits are a pain. Matt doesn't want tails (which is fine), but I am not sure about the colour. Nevermind! I am quite looking forward to shopping for him though. I like pretending to be a Trinny/Susannah/Gok type. Are you hiring suits? I didn't realise there was a hire place in the Harlequin centre, and I've seen that Lugets aren't too expensive (for the basic package). He's tossing up between a cravat or tie. I don't have too much of an opinion to be honest.

Have you looked on PDA Card and Craft for invitation stuff? LeedsBride put a really good post about her invites a while ago, and they look brilliant. I'll probably be getting them from there. I have the sample pack which was handy to see the colours and sizes. I think I'll be printing my own (probably on the work printer, as it's better than mine).

Hiya! I've come to a standstill recently & not sure what I'm meant to be doing now! We have just confirmed our band though so really pleased, and have also decided to make our own invites which I'm sure I will regret! How soon before are you sending out the invites?

We have bought our own bubbly for welcome drinks and champagne for the toast. Got a fab deal in Sainsburys which after the corkage, works out at just a little more than the hotel.

Who are you booking for the decorating/chairs? We have confirmed with Crystal covers but they seem to take forever to get back to me. Been waiting almost a week for their bank details to pay a deposit which is slightly worrying!

I probably need to be thinking flowers now...and the grooms party..and...

Which band have you booked? We're looking at bands at the min.

Yay for confirming the band! I kind of have mine sorted, but need to think about set lists.

I am getting married next November, our food has to be confirmed 4 weeks before (I think), so probably send out in late July/early August, RSVP for early September, so I have a couple of weeks to chase/bump. I'll be putting the food choices in the RSVP card bit, so hopefully that will get people get a shuffle on for the RSVPs.

I have the chair covers with our package, so no help on that front I'm afraid. I would probably give Crystal a call though - that seems a bit strange, but then they could be doing shows and not in much?

Wired. They are a brilliant party band & really get the crowd dancing. Desperately wanted a pop/rock band but as we have two rooms at the venue, didn't want people to walk out the room if they didn't like it. We have been out to see so many bands all with varying quotes. Mama Stone's band quoted us £1700 for a 4 piece, and a bunch of brilliant local lads quoted £500. I recommend getting out and visiting good music venues to listen to bands - gave us an excuse for a night out!

ThaNks I'll check them out. I didn't like momma stones as they kept name dropping a bit to much.