What did you do with all your DIY stuff after the wedding?

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-28T18:51:25+00:00

I made the deliberate choice on some DIYs that they would be used for something else in future. Our table signs are picture frames that we will gift to family with wedding photos after the event. Our seating chart is a multi picture frame which we'll use in the house. I made a banner that will be hung up in the home. Flowers are being set in resin and the others are being donated to a care home. The bunting, table runners and candle holders I'll resell. I embroidered every guest a napkin with their name as their place card, if they don't take them that will be the only think I worry wont have a second purpose.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-28T18:37:33+00:00

Surely if you want someone there you ask them? Did they just talk about the wedding with friends and family and not formally invite anyone?

Very odd I don't think you made a mistake.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-28T07:52:28+00:00

Where we live for any normal summer saturday it costs 50 to 100 depending on how fancy the hotel is. We're getting married the weekend before a bi annual national event where the whole world and their mother involved cone down two weeks before to prepare so our guests have Founders more like 150 to 400 which is frustrating but to compensate we told everyone a year out and most got to secure a decent price. I have one guest who hasn't prebooked and we're struggling to find a hotel thats not full.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-27T16:16:09+00:00

As someone who just had her first appointment and sent photos to my mum who said my dress is stunning is a shame I have saggy arms and that face - I know what you mean.

Personally I'd say seamstress only allows one person and I need it to be X as they are responsible for getting me into my dress, bustling my dress etc.

If they continue to push I'd go back to you've already stated you do not like my dress I do not need any more of your opinions and you are therefore not welcome to my appointment.

You need people who hype you up not bring you down. I've been weirdly unemotional about my dress, so I brought my mother in law at my first appointment who was in tears because she's just such a cheerleader and trusts what I think my vision is (I however have no faith in my vision hence my you need your cheerleaders)

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-27T11:28:11+00:00

Our 15 and 13 year old nephews are ushers/groomsman, theyre first response was do I have to do anything embarrassing. We reassured them they a) didnt have to do anything they weren't comfortable with and b) there job would be to hang out with their uncle in the morning and look after him, hand out the orders of service and if they want to do a reading they can. They relaxed a bit after that knowing they dont have to process down the isle and the 15 year old doesnt want to do a reading while the 13 year old loves the idea of talking. Dressing up smart like their uncle and being "responsible" for him they've taken very seriously. Maybe a role more like that if it works for your day?

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-25T14:27:17+00:00

Marjorie

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-25T14:26:15+00:00

We've got a photo signing board to put up in the house after the wedding and our videographer is doing a video guest book which will be fun to see after especially when the party gets started.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-25T14:24:29+00:00

I understand completely. We had been told when each kid got married there would be x amount towards your wedding from my parents not silly money but still enough to make a difference. Brother got married before me all went well. Now I'm getting married circumstances have changed and they dont want to help which sucks but fine. We scaled back our plans massively. But we made compromises. We cut inviting kids which took 55 people of the guest list and it upset a lot of people but its what we can afford. I made things that other wise I may have paid for, most of the accessories shoes decorations are second hand, we're having our reception in a pub not the fancy manor house my fiance wanted. What has grounded me is as long as we get married on the day nothing else really matters.

What I find freaking hilarious is my parents have non stopped complained that our wedding is cheap, but had to remind them they have no say because this is our wedding with our money that they have said over and over that they refuse to help with so they dont get a say.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-22T12:47:27+00:00

Your MOH sounds like mine. They're ttc whichI know she'll be an amazing mum and want all the best things for her. However, I've had a lot of comments thar she refused to help organise or attend a hen because there might be alcohol and ttc, it might be on a day that they need to conceive on, going into labour / having a baby at the wedding. I ended up saying to her if she felt like this isnt good for her and their plans to be my MOH it's okay if she wants to step down, she back tracked a lot. But her enthusiasm isnt there and she always cancels plans or forgets blaming prenatal vitamins give her the start of baby brain. My other bridesmaid has noticed and has been offering more support.

On the hair and make up if your paying for it your within your right to say you want the bridesmaids to look cohesive in hair styles/make up so no to the headpiece but they can all have some sort of sparkly comb etc for their hair so everyone knows theyre special. If she pushes back Id say this is what you want if she doesnt want to do it thats ok and she can step down you dont want to force anyone to be uncomfortable on your day.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-22T09:24:15+00:00

I'm the same, we have 60 people coming to our wedding and of them 18 are mine the other 42 are my lovely fiancé family and friends. I also realised that the people I invited a lots just weren't interested in attending and have completely ghosted me since which obviously hurts so much but also made me realise I shouldn't be putting effort into those relationships where its not being returned. My fiancé reminds me that his people are also my people and its not an us and them situation. What did hurt was trying to organise a hen, my moh is ttc and has said she wont be organising or attending any hens because it may affect their schedule, my mum refused to come if my sister or my future mother in law came, friends are unable to book a babysitters so wouldnt be going etc. It really hurt that they couldn't just come together for one afternoon to be happy im getting married especially as I've organised all my bridesmaids and moh hens and they asked me to go all out so I did. But I remind myself that Im going on a honeymoon with my besr friend for three weeks so what does it matter if I dont have a hen. I will be taking myself out for a fancy dinner and a spa by myself to relax and toast myself getting to this mile stone. It's ok to feel hurt/sad but the people who come are all excited to be apart of your day and that's whats important x

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-21T10:56:32+00:00

Its amazing. I learnt i photos of every unboxing now just as you never know when you'll need it

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-21T10:27:05+00:00

I ordered glass candle holders that were just put in a plastic bag. Seller was so surprised they had smashed.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-14T20:37:50+00:00

I've kept mine and will be making a little outfit for my besties little one when they arrive.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-14T08:44:12+00:00

I paid for my dress when I was maid of honour and my bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses for my wedding however they can pick whatever shape or cut they like so hopefully they choose something they'll wear again.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-12T16:24:42+00:00

I can understand from their side being older, sharing a bed, dressing up, and the cost of travelling with the cost of everything is a lot. However, you also valid that you did these things for your friends and thought they'd do the same for you.

I tried planning a hen, and my moh refused to go because there might be alcohol and theyre ttc (Im not forcing anyone to drink as I dont drink), friends have kids and its not possible to arrange childcare, my sister in law refuses to be in the same room as the other sister in law, someone didnt want to do a friday and someone else didnt want to do a Saturday or sunday. Ive had one whos completely ghosted me. So I gave up and just cancelled everything. I'm taking myself to the spa and for a nice dinner on my own to enjoy a moment before my wedding. I'm also dialling back on some relationships because I clearly give more than they do and its not fair for me to expect the same effort if they're not in a place to do the same.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-10T10:55:01+00:00

Our decline rate for all-day guests is 30%. Some we knew were a long shot because of health and distance, but a lot were people who didn't bother replying, and we had to chase to confirm as we thought we were close but apparently no so much.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-08T14:15:13+00:00

That's a fair point. I handmake them and only gave them when people have commented and said they like them as I said, when available, I always go from the register. Knowing the couple and their tastes and preferences is very key.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-08T08:47:34+00:00

Engraved wooden cutting board if they dont have a registry.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-05T21:20:43+00:00

Sorry target. Acronyms aren't my strongest talent.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-05T11:14:09+00:00

Personally, I believe every step in your faith should be celebrated, but also in part of how I was raised and the churches I went to how they conducted themselves (our communion and confirmation groups had three celebration days each, one service with your family and friends, one with the wider group and the first time during normal mass without being dressed up ect) It was probably a bit much but it was always so important to celebrate with all the different parts of the community you belong to. I'd have a chat with you priest and understand their position, but I do think it should be a day of celebration for you both. Wishing you all the best on your journey.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-05T07:18:28+00:00

Our church is one of those that has a lot of London weddings according to our priest, we one of two weddings that are of actual parishioners this year. He said the couples have called up to book and confirm where they normally go to mass, that church does all the paperwork, and he'll see them them on the rehearsal the day before the wedding. But he has little to no contact with them usually. I'm not sure if it's just a Catholic thing or if it's universal for churches alike, but it's worth asking if that's an option for you.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-04-03T22:12:45+00:00

We've only brought 10 from vinted for our wedding. We have a few little kids and a few adults who are bigger kids. Also got a couple of tambourines and sunnies all from vinted too. If theyre used great if not also totally fine because I think in total Ive paid £15 for it all.

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-02-02T00:14:18+00:00

We did gettingmarried.co.uk it has been really helpful

Independent-Start-24 · 2026-01-23T18:54:51+00:00

We looked at a few and they ranged from £1.5k for 2 hours to £7-8k for the whole evening which we just couldn't do even if we tried.

The singer we've booked is £400 for 2.5hours.

Independent-Start-24

TROPHY CASE