So a little update on the wedding planning!
We're still yet to book a date/venue, though that's something I definitely want to lock down in the next couple of months.
Still in the gathering ideas phase, it's great to visit a variety of wedding fairs to get inspiration from a wide range of suppliers and venues - I always think that seeing what's not 'you' at these sorts of things helps inform what you do want as well.
I'd already been to the National Wedding Show in Manchester earlier this year, as well as a quirkier fair held at Victoria Warehouse (a really cool, industrial venue with lots of scope to do your own thing).
As a bride to be, there are a great many accounts and sites that fast become your favourites for wedding inspiration. For me, one of these is the Brides up North site, particularly when it comes to venues and local suppliers.
When I saw them advertising 'Wedstival'16', I knew it would be right up my street; even though it was being held at super posh (read expensive) venue, Capesthorne Hall in Cheshire, the promised festival vibes and outdoor aspect really appealed as something a little different. Chris had yet to experience a fair so I coerced him into coming along - it is his wedding too after all...
Capesthorne Hall was insanely beautiful. Every room was dripping with chandeliers, red velvet, gold and baroque detailing. Swoon.
Admittedly and unsurprisingly though, it definitely was not us. We feel we are actually on the cusp of sorting a venue - more on that to come!
Onto the outdoors.
We loved the festival set-up at the event (that is, until we got trapped in the marquee after a spontaneous torrential downpour - I was wearing sandals, sunglasses and no jacket...)
The grounds were set up with hay bales, cute stalls and food carts, as well as an amazingly decked out tent from Big Chief Tipis.
We found lots of great suppliers in this area, including a flowers and decoration company, a couple of great photographers, a vintage jewellery brand and a fantastic bridal boutique which is based in Altrincham where I live, yay!
Though we've not booked anything yet, we're definitely getting somewhere with planning. We've seen a few venues and think we know where we want it to happen and the time of year, so we're definitely moving in the right direction.
I'm desperate to get a date booked in so the rest of the planning can commence. I can't wait to start making things and collecting decorations and I know my bridesmaids are desperate to get going on my hen do! I'd say my tastes differ from the average but my girls know me pretty well so whether it's at home or away, I'm confident my send off into marriage will be memorable, unique and mind-blowing in equal proportions!
My next steps will be dress shopping and beyond which is both terrifying and exciting!
Are you planning a wedding? Let me know how it's going!
