Time to talk Nuptials

Right....I've been thinking along these lines for some time now but have been spurred into action by good friend and colleague Kathryn who seems to think the bridezillas of the world need to hear from me personally. Frankly I reckon they're probably too busy shrieking at their wedding planners or chucking tantrums in Vera Wang to take much notice. If it only provides a little light entertainment for the interested few that's fine with me. So topic numero uno for the blog will feature my wedding plans such as they are. I hope it demonstrates that this undeniably significant day does not require a 50K budget or for anyone to end up breathing into a paper bag. It can actually be fun, exciting, cheap and stress free.

Mark and I have been talking about getting the formal stamp for a little over a year now. We are in love and we want EVERYONE to know about it. All the important peeps at least. Plans for a spring wedding have been truncated for pragmatic reasons so I have less than seven weeks to plan the big day. More like five...and a bit.

So far I have tackled

• Dress (less than 2 hrs in 2 shops, off the rack, minor alterations to be completed by the talented Mistress Jane). I love it...pics to follow. Cost....$240.
• Suit and tie (10 minutes in menswear shop sans partner, off the rack again). Its a lovely pin stripe wool blend that was on super special for less than any hire cost I was quoted. Cost for suit $99, tie $20.
• Wedding rings (about an hour trawling online after several unproductive hours in overpriced jewellers). They are tungsten carbide and 18K gold inlay. Cost $169.99 for 2.
• Venue (quick google search for local registry office, three forms downloaded and printed, two phone calls with celebrant). The room is perfectly lovely and centrally located and the peeps there are sweet. Cost $235...this includes all official documentation.
• Invitations (google is my friend again). Customised and created online, professionally printed and delivered to my door. Cost....$14 for ten with matching envelopes.

Next on the list is shoes as Mistress Jane needs to know how much hemming to do asap and then reception. I'll keep you posted!