Each week radio DJ Laura Pittson opens up her wedding planning diary...
Well, we knew it would happen eventually, and everyone has told me it’s the norm, but this week I have actually shed a couple of tears over my imminent wedding. All the girlfriends that I’ve told have looked on sympathically and advised me that I should fasten my seatbelt....it won’t be the last time, so I guess I’ll have to be brave.
So what could have been so terrible that I was reduced to tears? Well? Where can I start? My sister took back some bridesmaids dresses that we didn’t want, and amongst them was one that we DID want. Not life-threatening I hear you muttering, and of course an easy mistake to make (I could have done a similar thing myself), but for some reason I got upset. Then we’ve been back and forth to printers trying to arrange our invitations. I have an exact and clear idea of what I want, and what I want just happens to be pretty expensive...
Always a languages girl and never a numbers girl, I have had more quotes than I can shake a stick at, with and without VAT, plus or minus envelopes, some printing in 50s and some in 100s.....I haven’t been so flustered since I worked in the City as a Staffing Coordinator (incidentally the worst job of my life). Of course the closeness of the big day isn’t helping, and if those invitations don’t get out there soon, there’ll be nobody there when I say I do....that’s if I still turn up. Right now I just want to run away.
So, on a more positive note, I had a very exciting visit to discuss Wedding Gifts at weddingpresentsdirect.com. My friend had recommended them to me, when I had announced, rather glibly, that I was just going to ask my guests for vouchers. In her opinion, this was a dreadful idea, as there are some people who really do want to give you actual presents. What's more, she advised, when you see the effort and thought that they have gone through, you will feel so loved and cared for. Also, she warned me, after the event is over, you’ll feel somewhat deflated, and opening the beautiful gifts on your return from honeymoon is a mighty “pick me up” and something to look forward to.
Well what a wise girl my dear friend Charlotte Taylor is. Within seconds of entering the shop, Vicky passed me a glass of champagne....I knew this meeting was going to flow beautifully! The company has been established for 13 years, with a fabulous combination of traditional and contemporary. Inside the showroom is like an Aladdin's Cave, set up like a dream home with every gift any woman or man could ever wish for. There are 50,000 available products, to discuss, and yet it looks approachable and homely at the same time.
You walk around with your glass of champagne while your “walking clipboard” (in this case, the lovely Vicky) makes a note and advises you on anything that you like the look of. I came away with a head full of ideas, but needing another visit. This, Vicky assured me, is perfectly normal. The average couple has two visits of roughly two hours. Ah yes, you mentioned couple.....I didn’t think to ask the other half....surely he’ll like what I like, won’t he? There’s far too much sharing in this marriage business!!
Next week I’ll be back, hopefully with some good news about my invitations... I’m so hoping there’ll be in the post by then. If not I can’t be responsible for my actions!
Don't forget you can check out my blog here, or if you're in Hertfordshire, you'll hear me weekday mornings on my Herts Mercury 96.6 Breakfast Show.
