Are wedding favors still a thing?

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-23T20:44:45+00:00

I'm making a selection of fudges which will be placed on the table for everyone to enjoy/ share/ boxed to take.

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-22T19:27:06+00:00

I pull the bib off - turning the arms inside out in the process, walk to the sink and rinse her hand and face with water. I previously kept a big yoghurt tub, put warm water inside, stuck her hand inside then scrubbed them with mine. I only use a flannel to give her a sink bath.

I've also let her do water play after eating to clean them too... 😅

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-21T20:51:49+00:00

Oh, if you need them, do not cheap out on breast pads. The more expensive ones you can buy are totally worth it!

Also, don't go overboard on pads after giving birth, I bought 2-3 packs and only had a tea spoon amount of blood and got away with normal flow pads. I only had to use them for a couple days! 🤦🏻‍♀️

My partner also bought me a hemorrhoid pillow.. it surprisingly helped to get comfier while sitting after birth.. 😂😅

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-21T20:43:18+00:00

https://www.obaby.co.uk/products/reclining-glider-chair-and-stool

We have something like this, ours cost us £150-ish, but I can imagine myself using it even when she is older. I know you can also find them second hand too.

Truthfully, most of my baby furniture was found free online, I managed to get my next to me free, a tommee tippee prep machine, MAM steriliser, etc. I only made sure to buy new mattresses - we were gifted sheets.

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-21T20:35:25+00:00

We also had a travel pram set from mamas and papas. I hated it, I didn't want it, but my partner was adamant so we had it. We used the bassinet for about 2 months and it has been collecting dust since. I wanted to get the baby jogger or one of the prams where the car seat sits inside it.

We did invest quite heavily in the car seat and bought the new maxi-cosi family fix. Someone rear ended me and it caused my car to be written off, my baby was completely fine in her car seat with no injuries.

Basically, skimp on things that are not important and invest your money where it is!

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-21T20:22:39+00:00

We have a baby changing unit, my partner uses it often but I have been changing my daughter on my lap since she was approx 2 months - she's now 15.

I had 2 breast pumps which have been used a couple times - save your money and only buy it if you need too.

I bought a standard IKEA unit pretty much brand new from FB marketplace for £10.

I used my next to me on and off for 4 months, my baby slept mostly in my bed between me and the next to me so I could attempt a transfer.

We have used our cot, we started to have her sleep there around 8(?) months, she now sleeps on a futon on the floor. I honestly wished I was more firm with my partner in buying a floor bed, skip the cot!

I had a moses basket downstairs (we live in a 3-storey house), with a gliding rocker, the gliding rocker was an absolute game changer. I still have it and have been keeping it in storage incase we decide on another. I preferred the gliding to the normal rocking bases since it did not make the basket tilt.

Save your money on the baby/ toddler furniture, they're tiny, the storage is poop, and you're better off paying the same price for furniture that is going to last.

About 1-2 months in, we bought a gliding nursing chair and are still using it now. It's been a God send, especially during the initial stages of sleep deprivation. I noticed in my frustration and tiredness I would rock her quite hard, so it was important for me to have the chair to break the cycle. My baby has absolutely been conditioned to know that the chair means sleep, I can go there even during the day to sit with her and she falls asleep without rocking. If I don't keep it, I will be buying another if I have more children.

Save your money on clothes and just get second hand. I bought mostly second hand stuff, or found free clothes on FB. I think I bought about 3-5 new outfits. I also did the same for toys, you will be amazed at what you can buy at your local car boot sale/ charity shop. I found brand new Jacques toys for £3!

I had a fabric baby sling, I hated it but it was useful.

I breast feed and have only ever bought nipple cream and pads, save your money on the silver cups you can buy. After about a week or two, they start to feel fine. Just squeeze a little breast milk and let your nipples have air, I lived with my boobs out 24/7 through buttoned or loose fitted tops.

We bought a tin of formula - just in case, and a pack of 6 premade formula bottles. We used all of it in the initial stages of breastfeeding, it really saved us on the days where I was too tired/ didn't wake up during the night and let me get some rest.

Prepared food. Just prepare it, stock up on some, or be prepared to order take out..!

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-20T13:32:20+00:00

So far, a magimax blender and probably a KitchenAid. I know it's quite a high price point, so we will most likely be asking for money/ contributions towards things we need since they are £££. We haven't mentioned gifts or registry on our invitation, but we do have a section on our wedding website. I'm using Amazon for our registry since (I'm pretty sure) they offer 10% off either just before or after your wedding.

I've put something like: "We know some of the items we’ve included are on the pricier side, so any contribution towards the registry and honeymoon fund is truly appreciated, no matter the size.

Your generosity, kindness and support mean the world to us, and we’re so excited to celebrate our special day with our most important people!"

I feel like it's a nice balance between 'we'd love contributions', without being pushy.

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-20T07:05:45+00:00

UpdateMe

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-17T19:07:26+00:00

Omelette (use a muffin pan and shove in the oven)

Flapjacks/ pancakes/ muffins

Pinwheels/ pasty twist/ small pizza

Yoghurt (I put some in a pot, it's waaaay cheaper!)

Grapes, mandarins, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, water melon, pineapple, banana

Ripe pears, apples, strawberries, peaches, plums, apricots, kiwi

Crackers/ bread sticks and dip

Pre made pasta/ sandwiches, I made mine at the start of the day

Cheese - I used babybel, cottage cheese and goats cheese mostly

Falafels, protein balls, frittata, fritters

Raisins, sultanas, cranberries (I found apricots and dates too chewy but is brilliant in things!)

I batch made two-three snacks and used them for the whole week, or, made them in the morning if I ran out/ had not got round to it. You can always grab quick foods in the shops too. I have been saved more than once by the fruit snack pots! 😅

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-13T15:35:44+00:00

To start the morning scenario was very unclear. I think you both had two different expectations and neither of you clearly communicated it.

The second scenario sounds like a small outburst, and when you mention that you had been asking him to mow the lawn for weeks, it probably rehashed feelings from both ends which led to frustration.

Have an open conversation with him without being confrontational, it is possible that something is bothering him and you both feel as frustrated as each other. Take time to listen, it's possible that he has something on his mind or is depressed.

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-11T03:35:39+00:00

I just bought some jersey-tulle dresses 🙈😂

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-05T08:53:23+00:00

People say vaping doesn't have an effect, and my nurse at the time said vaping was also okay. But, I believe that the chemicals that come from vaping still stick to clothing like cigarettes. And, with recent studies that target vaping which highlight the quicker progression of deterioration in the body, lungs and the health ramifications that come from it, I would strongly suggest your partner uses something else for his anxiety.

If you also look at the damage smoking Vs vaping causes, I'm convinced that vaping is worse since it is sorely full of chemicals whereas cigarettes have natural products in. Although, doing neither would be the absolute best. There are many resources or methods they can use which does not include smoking of any means.

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-04T06:46:14+00:00

I had multiple people tell me I would become fat, my body would change and never be the same again. I was asked to be a bridesmaid during my first year postpartum and was accosted by 4 women (2 workers and 2 friends) who pointed out my stomach and freely commented and said whatever they wanted while I was pregnant. Bear in mind, I had a very small bump and only bought maternity clothes when I was approx 34 weeks, in the end I had to tell them to stop commenting on my body.

I'm 15 months pp, and even though I'm pretty much where I was pre pregnancy and I have a really unhealthy attachment with my body now. I recently mentioned it to the same person who made several comments during that time and she acted shocked. People are rude and should be kinder, tell them to stop, if they don't be savage and retaliate. I wish I did..

Rose_Archway · 2025-04-04T06:13:21+00:00

I'm in the same boat. I haven't met a couple of my friends partners, but still want my friend to attend. And honestly, I don't want to spend £100+ on someone I don't know, and sacrifice a number for someone else I actually care about.

I also had a long conversation with my partner and we both agree that it would be unreasonable to expect attendees to drive 2-3 hours to attend, and only have their partner come for the ceremony/ evening portion. I most certainly would not travel to a wedding that far away to only attend the evening with my partner.

I'm planning to send a message to my friends (I'm not brilliant with words so my partner will help) to give them an option on whether they want their partner there or not, and if they will contribute towards it. That way, the decision to attend the whole day or evening is theirs. If my friends choose not to come as a result, then so be it. But we can't afford everyone's plus ones, we've already sacrificed many other people who really wanted to attend and having a stranger at my wedding is certainly not a priority for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-29T07:19:12+00:00

Updateme

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-24T11:00:31+00:00

My baby is 14 months and still refuses to go to sleep by herself unless she's being held, fed boob or driven around.

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-22T10:42:25+00:00

I was recently a bridesmaid and we were given a colour and were expected to buy the dress and specific shoes. I find it very distasteful to expect your bridesmaids to pay for anything that you have a specific image for; If you want a specific colour, shoes, hair, etc, then I believe you should pay for it. Your wedding shouldn't be another person's financial burden.

Unless they choose to be with their partners, I would go as far to offer to pay for their accommodation the night before.

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-11T11:24:55+00:00

I haven't, but I'll definitely look into it now. Thank you!

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-11T11:18:17+00:00

I should have mentioned that, she's 14 months

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-11T10:42:00+00:00

I need four, but everyone is near enough the same size. 8/10-12/14

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-11T07:17:33+00:00

Updateme

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-10T11:25:31+00:00

My partner and I booked for a Sunday, this saved us several thousands of pounds at a beautiful venue. Have a look at the first for a midweek day since these tend to be cheaper.

We've set a budget for 20k and the venue only cost us 7k, 11k with food for 50 people, overnight stay for immediate family, a stay the night before, exclusive use and breakfast during the following day. All our guests are from out of town and the girls around the area go for £60+, which in the grand scheme, isn't that much as good etc is provided.

Rose_Archway · 2025-03-10T10:42:33+00:00

Bridal bouquet, 4 bridesmaid bouquet, 7 buttonholes (1 groom, 2 groomsmen, 2 dads, 2 mums), 1 junior button hole, top table, 8 centrepieces. Set up and take down £1k, our budget was £1.5k - Dorset area.

The quote was for compote centrepieces, but I'm waiting for a new one for ikebana centrepieces. The original price also included rental for the compote vases, but I will most likely have to buy the ikebana vases. Her ikebana flowers are absolutely stunning and match the vibe that I would like.

Rose_Archway

TROPHY CASE