Venues for a Wedding Reception

We are privileged to live in a wonderful historic city, full of marvellous architecture and tudor & medieval homes and buildings.

Of course, hiring any of these lovely residences for a wedding reception comes at a price, so just how do you find the right place that doesn't completely blow your budget?

Looking around and talking to people seems to be the answer - there are still one or two hidden treasures out there that aren't well known and in the public eye. With so many beautiful villages surrounding the city, there are hotels, pubs and even village halls that offer much to surprise someone fed up with looking round tired and dingy venues with insufficient parking. It's another case of now "what" you know, but "who" you know - asking around people who have recently been to a wedding can prove a treasure of hidden places that may just be suitable for your special day.

Planning for a Frugal Wedding

As we talk about future weddings and planning for it, it's becoming clear that the usual extravagance is not what "A" (that's what we'll call my daughter, to save embarrasment) would like.

Why opt for a more frugal wedding?

Well, partly it's personality, not wanting a big show about anything. It's also about embracing the more natural, relaxed feel, for example, wild flowers, rather than expensive floral arrangements.
There's also a love of vintage - so re-using much loved items is bound to feature in the wedding day somewhere.
It's also about managing money, if there's the kind of money for an extravagant wedding, wouldn't it be better used to buy & furnish a first home together?

Of course, this is going to mean getting more creative and planning ahead, which is why we're already planning a wedding day with (yes, you've guessed it) no current prospect of a wedding. It's also a great topic of conversation for long journeys, sitting out in the garden or weeding at the allotment!

Mother of the Groom Remembers

Back in 2008 my eldest son was married - and what a wonderful wedding day he and his wife had.

That's me in the picture with my dad, who was a very proud grandfather on the day.

So, why am I starting a blog? Well, we're starting to plan my daughter's wedding day and consider what we can do to prepare for it. Looking back at my role as the groom's mother is part of our preparations, looking at the wider role of the mother of the bride doesn't seem quite so intimidating.

Am hoping to post updates on what we've been talking about, discovering on the internet and reading too.