Help urgently needed before this wedding goes ti*s up.

[Yoohoo778611]

Long long story.
My best friend is getting married in July.
2nd marriage for both. Legal ceremony is at the registry office.
25 guests are allowed only. This was at 2.00pm
Then back to a hall for a meal for the 25 then joined at 5.30 by another
100 guests. They all know that they can't be at the official service.
These guests were arriving at 5.30pm. Buffet being served at 7pm.
DJ and live band booked.
Invites have already gone out with timings.

Except she has been told this morning that there is to be NO music
at the registry office, NO walking down the aisle and NO proper book to sign.
Just the words, can't even walk in separately.

I've suggested that she gets married at the RO then goes back to the hall
and get one of her friends who is a good speaker, says the vows etc again.
More people will be in attendance, she can walk in with music separately from her new DH music during that time. Say their own vows.
Asking guests to come earlier.
Is this a stupid Idea.
Other suggestions greatfully received.

How odd! Is it like the cheapest package they offer?

Can they not bring themselves to walk in together?

The only issue with your plan is if she wants the full on entrance she'll have to get changed and made up quickly

Is the Register Office in Greater Manchester? This has just happened to me.
They have two rooms apparently but didn't bother to mention when I booked/. I'm not sure if the other is even available or closed for refurbishment.

Ring them, if they have no other rooms they can use it's worth moving the 'official wedding' bit to another day, or much earlier. No guests, in and out. as fast as possible, no wedding clothes. The hall can be the 'proper' ceremony. Similar to what you suggested.

It's not a big problem for us as our 'real wedding is another day anyway. But we hired a celebrant and she has a 'register' for us to sign, everything it looks just like the real thing except it's not legal. Guests will; understand, it's not her fault.

Not Manchester but a large town nearby.
Yes there are 2 rooms not told until today about the music.
Neither allow music. Ridiculous.
What are the RO thinking about No music.

She thinks if her and DP go and get married in the RO in nice clothes
with a couple of witnesses then go back (he is staying somewhere else)
and change into her wedding dress then come to the hall and that's their ceremony.

This is so stressful for her, she now can't see the big picture.
Worrying about everything.

Tameside Register Office?
Darn, I wish I'd name changed for this. But never mind.
Yes, I think what she's thinking is the best plan. Might be worth ringing up and seeing if they do have another room, but if not that will have to do.

Ah sorry just seen that there IS another room?
So they just offered her the 'basic' one? They did the same to me. If it's the same place.
At this stage the other won't be available anyway, as July is peak wedding season

How odd. I know they don't allow religious music but not heard of no music.
I'd do it and get a celebrant at the hall.

It might be the same with celebrants as it's peak wedding season, that's
why I suggested a friend could do a reading and then the bride and groom
could say their own vows.
Next few days she is going to ask the other guests to come earlier.
It was always going to be a casual day. Family, friends and lots of children.

If the 100+ guests come earlier they will need to be fed more than a buffet at 7.30pm which may or may not be a consideration.

Is there a nice park near by? Ceremony guests could gather there afterwards, friends do readings, bride and groom say own vows, photos etc then onto the hall as planned. Weather should be reliable or you could put up a gazebo and make it look pretty. I have seen a wedding like this where there was a jazz band to lead the walk from register office to park, quite special.

Also, just to note that no weddings have registers anymore so that’s not to do with the venue. They will still sit down to sign the paperwork as part of the ceremony, but will sign a piece of paper.