Once we had decided on the venue, we could set the date. So we did. July 23rd 2010. Now, as I got engaged in November I believe that this in total gave me 8 months. Enough right?
Err….
Step forward experience one: The first wedding dress shop I went to (more of this later)….
Dress Lady: When are you getting married?
Me: July 23rd
Dress lady: 2011?
Me: No 2010
Dress Lady: WHAT?! That’s only 7 months away! You haven’t even tried ANYTHING on yet? NOTHING?!
Me: Well, no. I only got engaged last week
Dress Lady: I just CANT believe it!
And experience 2….
Generic Friend: So when’s the big day?
Me: 23rd July
Generic Friend: what this year?!
Me: Yep
Generic Friend: But how is that possible?
Me: Err I just booked it?
Generic Friend: Its so soon!! You are so brave!
And experience 3:
Friend: Any ideas on when yet?
Me: 23rd July 2010
Friend: God you don’t mess around
Me: Well no, I don’t, its on a Friday
Friend: You cant have it on a Friday!
Me: Why not?!
Friend: You cant expect people to have the day off !
Me: Why?
Friend: Its too much to ask
Me: what to come to a party?
And so it went on. And on. And on.
Now girls, its lovely to spend a couple of years planning your big day if thats what you want. Maybe you need to save, so that’s ok too. Maybe you don’t feel quite ready for such a big event, or maybe you have a little baby who you want to be a bridesmaid! All good. In fact, any day and any time and any how is GOOD!
You don’t need to listen to what anyone says about when or how or where you do it. Its YOUR day. So without further ado, my ten rules for date setting delight:
1. YOU DON’T HAVE TO WAIT
That’s right. If you want to get married in 2 weeks, then you can! It ok to do it quickly – and it is also possible!
2. YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT STRAIGHT AWAY
If, on the other hand, you have a load of people giving you grief about when you are going to get round to it, tell them to can it!
3. YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET MARRIED ON A SATURDAY
In fact… don’t! You will find that with a lot of suppliers its cheaper to get married out of season (between Oct and March), and not on a weekend. Try a Friday and make a weekend of it. Try a Thursday and make it into a 4 day epic feasting spectacular! If people don’t like it they don’t have to come!
4. ALL VENUES ARE NOT BOOKED UP YEARS IN ADVANCE
OK, some are. But many of them have cancellations and all sorts go on which means you can get in a lot quicker than you think (and probably do a deal)! If you like somewhere, then keep trying, you never know…
5. YOU HAVE TO BUY YOUR DRESS AT LEAST A YEAR IN ADVANCE
This is one big myth. They of course would like you to, because it makes it easier for them and you can spend longer on alterations. Dresses take about 16 weeks to order and 4 weeks to alter. Don’t feel pressured into buying something just because you feel there is no time. There is always a way if you have to find it…If you have run out of time – go on ebay! Go to a sample sale!
6. PEOPLE CAN’T HAVE TIME OFF WORK
Look – this is you. Unless they are a teacher, a doctor or the prime minister, there is no reason why they cant use their holiday to come and celebrate with you! Would they rather be at their desk or on the dance floor? What else are they going to use their holiday on? Waiting for the gasman? This is what holidays allowances are for! HAVING FUN!
7. ITS NOT FAIR TO EXPECT PEOPLE TO TRAVEL
There is only one exception here, and that’s for people who find it difficult to be mobile or are elderly. The rest of you – no excuse. We should be applauded for making people travel! How exciting to go away for the weekend and see somewhere new! Hotel expensive? Stay in a hostel! Stay in a tent! Stay up all night and don’t stay anywhere at all!! We will all do it for each other so stop moaning!
8. IT HAS TO BE IN THE BRIDES TOWN
No it doesn’t. You do not have to be married from your parents house. What is this, pride and prejudice? We are not Jane Austen characters. You get married anywhere you like!
9. IT HAS TO BE ONE DAY
Have it over a weekend! Have a week long festival!
10. IT HAS TO BE… IT HAS TO BE…. IT HAS TO BE….
It doesn’t have to be ANYTHING apart from what you want it to be. This is your day!
Print this list off and stick it on the fridge. And whenever you have one of those days (and we all have them), repeat them like a mantra.
THROW AWAY THE RULE BOOK AND WELCOME IN THE FUN!
Love
Emma
xxxxx
