Anniversary Plans Journal

[Mynxie]

We've decided what we're going to do.

In reality, we're going to have our wedding reception, see, when we got married, i wasn't well enough to have a wedding reception. I suppose in many respects I'm worse now than I was then but that's irrelevent

We've spoken to our favourite restaurant and they're doing a great deal for us. We have to finalise a few things, but pretty much the ball is rolling.

We're going for dinner in our favourite restaurant and inviting those who came to the wedding to come with us.

However, due to the nature of some people, we're not letting on that we're paying til the night. TBH it's because several people we know would definately go if it was for "free grub" but we're not sure if they would actually want to be there otherwise. So, we're not letting on and it's kinda gonna be a surprise reception in many ways I suppose.

The restaurant said that they'd feed the kids free and do 2 courses for the adults for £9.99 from a specific menu. We are regulars though and there almost every week. They also said that they'd do all soft drinks from the pumps free too. So what we're going to say is, if you want to order from the other menu, that's fine, but you pay the difference, and you pay for your own drinks - but we're not going to say that til the night!

I'm actually REALLY excited about it all!

We're going to have balloons, cake, banners and favours - but I'm not sure what favours I'll do yet.

Not sure what kind of dress I'm going to wear either TBH. I'm kind of unsure if I should just wear what I wore to a family christening, it's a beautiful designer dress and I totally love it...and it saves buying another dress, so saves pennies...and I only wore it for just over an hour. On the other hand...there is a dress I've wanted to buy for a long time...so I'm unsure on that.

The only thing that I'll be a little down about, is that I can't make invitations if it's going to be a surprise reception - but I will be able to make custom menus which is great.

Thinking maybe get a cake from M&S though, cause it's just along the street from the restaurant really.

We have around 7 weeks to plan it - so double what I had for our wedding, lol and I'm really excited!

Not sure what we're going to do for favours though. Maybe chocolate hearts or something, or maybe something a little different...

 

[XKatX]

That sounds really good hun!! Shame about the invites, but at least you can do the menus. I'm sure some people will want to take them away as a small memory.

We had our cake from M&S. It was a 3 tier one and the people that did our flowers dressed the cake. It looked stunning in the end and no-one guessed that it didn't cost the earth!

As for favours, chocolate hearts sound good. You could get some stuff from those big retailers that are really cheap for bulk stuff (can't think of the names, sorry!)

Enjoy the planning!!!

 

[MrsVenn]

Ooo I'm so pleased you managed to come up with an idea, that sounds like a great plan!

 

[Mynxie]

We've seen the cake that we think we want from M&S, so that's cool.

I've ordered a dress, if I like it when it comes, I'm going to customise it.
https://www.marisota.co.uk/shop/pro...dBoUid=8583&lpgUid=11096608#colour:1793,size:

I could only get it a couple of sizes bigger, which means it'll fit my boobs fine, but I'll probably have to alter other bits anyway and I'll customise it a bit - but only if I DO like it anyway. Otherwise I'll get something else, thinking maybe pink again - I got married in pink.

I've decided on favour boxes, little black treasure chests with pink and green ribbon around them and maybe a daisy, with chocolate hearts in.

A couple of banners (keeping with the theme, bubblegum pink, lime green and daisies) and those coloured balloons too.

So really, we knbow exactly what we want, just have to sort it out and pay for it all.

I have decided though, that I'm going to tell my best friend! I don't think I could keep it a secret from her TBH.

 

[AnnaBanana9]

That sounds so wonderful! I'm so happy you decided on something to do - what a special evening it will be!

Everything about it sounds beautiful - can't wait to see photos!



xx

 

[Mynxie]

well, I've emailed the restaurant asking for an appointment to discuss things with them, nearer the time (which should be fine TBH)

I've told my dad that he's not allowed to work away that night

I've ordered favour boxes and ribbon and we're thinking of putting 2 thorntons truffles in each box - my fav truffle (champaigne) and DHs favourite (lemon). I haven't done anything about the kids favours yet though (gonna have little party packs I think, to keep them entertained!)

I'm wondering if we should just tell people the truth a few days before (because TBH I'm a little scared that some people will think that they'll go but can't afford to take the kids too)

Also thinking that instead of one long big table, tables of 6-8 would be more appropriate. - I've told my best mate that she's sat on the same table as us though! LOL

I'm really excited TBH.

 

[MrsVenn]

Ahh Mynxie, it's sounds brilliant!! I did kiddie packs for our reception and they went down a storm, I put in colouring books, chunky crayons from WHSmiths, chocs, stickers, puzzle, little toys etc and for an older child a girly diary thing with quizzes in etc. They loved them and I really enjoyed making them in to little parcels for them using celophane and ribbon, just a though

 

[Mynxie]

That's pretty much what I'm planning on doing TBH, most are for girls but I might have to do 2 for 2 older boys too, which I'm a little stuck with. They're early teens but both have learning difficulties, so i'm not sure if I should or shouldn't - there'll be older kids their age too anyway, so I might not and they might be ok....I dunno... we'll see.

I really have my heart set on a specific kind of dress though and I don't think I'll be able to find one in my size in budget been looking at dress makers, but the one online only goes upto a size 18.

I want a tea length dress, not sure how I want the top but definately not halterneck or strapless, kinda 50s style, wither ivory or pink with the other colour and/or black on it too. Thinking of getting a size too big and getting my friend to take it in for me if possible (boobs are bigger than the rest of me!)

 

[Mynxie]

Oh my! My niece came over today and we got talking (she brought it up) about weddings! She asked if we planned on renewing our vows or anything, given how I was when we got married and I told her that we'd always said that we'd renew our vows if i got better or maybe at some point, regardless, have a reception like party. I don't think she's onto us 9i mean, there's no way she possibly could be!) but talk about irony!!

Partly wondering if we should let her in on the secret later, nearer to the time but before everyone else.

She certainly knows how to surprise me, little missy does!

 

[MrsVenn]

That's pretty much what I'm planning on doing TBH, most are for girls but I might have to do 2 for 2 older boys too, which I'm a little stuck with. They're early teens but both have learning difficulties, so i'm not sure if I should or shouldn't - there'll be older kids their age too anyway, so I might not and they might be ok....I dunno... we'll see.

I really have my heart set on a specific kind of dress though and I don't think I'll be able to find one in my size in budget been looking at dress makers, but the one online only goes upto a size 18.

I want a tea length dress, not sure how I want the top but definately not halterneck or strapless, kinda 50s style, wither ivory or pink with the other colour and/or black on it too. Thinking of getting a size too big and getting my friend to take it in for me if possible (boobs are bigger than the rest of me!)

I was about to suggest getting one bigger and then having it taken in. Can you customise anything that's simple like have ribbons to use to make a sash/belt type thing?

Would you consider a top and skirt combo like a corset type of top to keep the 'girls' in?

Have you tried bridal shops? You'd be surprised what you can find online if you search on plus sized bridesmaid dresses..such as Bridal Wear Plus which I've heard of. You could always add straps to a strapless dress if it fits perfectly.

 

[Mynxie]

That's pretty much what I'm planning on doing TBH, most are for girls but I might have to do 2 for 2 older boys too, which I'm a little stuck with. They're early teens but both have learning difficulties, so i'm not sure if I should or shouldn't - there'll be older kids their age too anyway, so I might not and they might be ok....I dunno... we'll see.

I really have my heart set on a specific kind of dress though and I don't think I'll be able to find one in my size in budget been looking at dress makers, but the one online only goes upto a size 18.

I want a tea length dress, not sure how I want the top but definately not halterneck or strapless, kinda 50s style, wither ivory or pink with the other colour and/or black on it too. Thinking of getting a size too big and getting my friend to take it in for me if possible (boobs are bigger than the rest of me!)

I was about to suggest getting one bigger and then having it taken in. Can you customise anything that's simple like have ribbons to use to make a sash/belt type thing?

Would you consider a top and skirt combo like a corset type of top to keep the 'girls' in?

Have you tried bridal shops? You'd be surprised what you can find online if you search on plus sized bridesmaid dresses..such as Bridal Wear Plus which I've heard of. You could always add straps to a strapless dress if it fits perfectly.

I'm a little scared they'd be out of my budget TBH, I only have around £100 for a dress

 

[MrsVenn]

Get hunting girl on Ebay!! You can find 'the' dress, I assure you

And..you never know until you look. Have you tried Ann Harvey? My mum lives in that shop!

 

[Mynxie]

I've looked at Ann Harvey online but TBH I hate their stuff as a general rule. LOL

Looked a few times on ebay but....not got anywhere. Emailed a dress makers, said "that's the dress I want it and in that size, how much?" and they replied "there'll be a £40 charge for it being a rsh job" (nothing else, didn't answer the question or anything!) so I was a bitch a replied saying that all future business I won't consider them and my friend who was going to call them next month to organise for her wedding dress, 7 bridesmaids and 2 flowergirls, also agreed that they were not a suitable company for her business either

 

[AnnaBanana9]

Well done honey! How rude were they!!!!

 

[Mynxie]

I know!

I went to see the manager at the resturant today and he was great bless him. Even sorted out that Gran could have free tea all night (that's all she drinks you see, and I'm the only one who ever thinks about that when we all go out (HA!) otherwise she makes a half of shandy last ALL night.)

Ordered another dress from a catalogue, this one is strapless though so I'd have to wear a shrug or something if I do decide on that one, but TBH I'm still unsure if I like either dress that I've ordered. Got DHs shirt, so just gotta get his trousers or jeans (probably the latter knowing DH).

In a quandary though on how long we should keep it a secret for though. My best friend knows but other than that, only you lot and anyone who is sad enough to read the blog I started on it To be completely frank, I don't want people turning up, just to get fed and there's already 2 people who, if I had my way, I wouldn't invite at all, so I'm hoping that they won't turn up. (You can choose your friends....)

 

[Mynxie]

Dress #1 came. I think I like it, it;s a bit loose but it doesn't look bad for it and it actually comfy where my hypersensitive nerves are concerned. DH says that it looksnice but isn't very flattering from the side when I stand up (Ha!) but let's face it, when I stand up, it's never flattering - especially when I end up on my arse straight afterwards

It looks a bit wedding-dress-y though and I do *think* I like it, but I'm a little unsure. It'd look nice with a black shrug or something like that...oh I so need my friends opinion!

Other dress is due on Monday.

 

[Mynxie]

both dresses that I ordered came....and I love them both...no idea which one I'll wear!

 

[Mynxie]

My shoes came today! Really excited, half way done with the invitations, just starting to get bored with how long it's all gonna take! (We arranged the wedding in 3 weeks so this feels like forever!)

 

[luvbunsazzle]

Just read through your blog. Yummy i love the shoes... I want them... Where are they from?
Looks like things are coming together hun. xx

 

[Mynxie]

Thanks hun

The shoes are from SimplyBe - and a steal at £25!