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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I need help on where to get married with a reception in Southampton ,im stuck I cant decide

29 replies

missmakeyourmindup · 23/10/2011 19:54

,I'd like to do a boat wedding,but feel uncomfortable about children being on board in the evening when we set sail,I would not be able to relax for fear of their safety,plus numbers would be very limited,as we know alot of people and are the last to get married.

We both agreed we dont want to spend loades as we are saving to buy a house,that is so important to us both and our dc's.

Im not worried about formal but do want to be married to dp very much,im just so confused what to do?.

If I dont decide soon there wont be a wedding Grin as I will give up ,please help as dp cant keep up with me keep being indecisive.

OP posts:
FabbyChic · 23/10/2011 19:58

Just have the two of you, don't tell anybody, you are after all only doing it for you aren't you?

NinkyNonker · 23/10/2011 19:59

Portsmouth? Try HMS Warrior or similar, or head into the New Forest for a pub/country hotel type do.

Original poster
missmakeyourmindup · 23/10/2011 20:00

I feel like that Fabbychic we have two dc's and it would be so much cheaper,intimate ,we could furnish the house when we move one day and go on holiday bliss no stress.

OP posts:
purplewerepidj · 23/10/2011 20:09

Loads of hotels in the New Forest have wedding licences, maybe try that? Or somewhere like Ringwood Registry Office, then a pub afterwards for lunch?

NinkyNonker · 23/10/2011 20:11

I think you're near me purplewerepidj. Smile

gothicangel · 23/10/2011 20:12

try hythe, nice pubs or a marina side resturant might be nice,

ocene village ?

x

Skillbo · 23/10/2011 20:17

Miss - we got married in Southampton a couple of years back and went real simple so registry office (which is actually very beautiful, with a lovely stained glass window) and then went to an All you Can Eat chinese which meant everyone could have what they wanted, they were VERY welcoming to children ranging from all ages, there's something for everyone...

However, the thought of a do on a boat sounds great and there are loads of places which offer night/evening cruises - so maybe you could do the registry bit and some food and then take the adults out on the water??

Original poster
missmakeyourmindup · 23/10/2011 20:25

Skillbo the boat was my perfect option,I thought we could get married in the registrey office then have meal on the boat and then a captains blessing with everyone later ,then nieces and nephews and our dc's would have to go home ready for us to set sail and have evening party,im worried this is unresonable?.

OP posts:
worraliberty · 23/10/2011 20:46

But surely the children would be the responsibility of their parents?

And as you and your new DH would obviously be busy, could you not put someone in charge of looking after your DC's?

purplewerepidj · 23/10/2011 20:48

I've been to evening parties on boats on Southampton Water, and I would think that as long as people were sensible, kids would be as safe as at a waterfront pub - and a lot safer than the ones you see on Mudeford Quay crabbing from the wrong side of the barrier Hmm TBH there was a big inside area, if you had an entertainer the kids might not want to go outside in the cold with all the smokers?

Original poster
missmakeyourmindup · 23/10/2011 20:51

Yes I could for mine and nephews and nieces for everyone else I seriously could not relax.

Also with the amount of people we would have to invite, being the last to marry it would mean with everyones children it would take up half the reuired numbers,my ds has a big family so it would mean auntys and uncles kids and their kids?.

OP posts:
Original poster
missmakeyourmindup · 23/10/2011 20:56

I think this is why it may not be suitable and im going to upset some people which leaves me back to square one?.

OP posts:
purplewerepidj · 23/10/2011 21:15

What about hiring a nanny for the day? I can't for the life of me remember the name but I know there's at least one agency that does this locally (I'm about 20 miles away, in the rural bit so 20 miles isn't that far!) Won't necessarily be cheap, but definitely worth the lack of worry!

TheSkiingGardener · 23/10/2011 21:17

The Blue funnel boats out of Ocean Village are pretty big, and cope with large young business parties so are safe (drunk people and children having similar water sense)

Ocean Village isn't far from the registry office and you could have pictures done while guests drink in Banana Wharf.

OR - leave the guests in Banana Wharf and head off on the Sunseeker charter, Shamu?

purplewerepidj · 23/10/2011 21:24

Not too bad

Hold on, looking up what they say about children...

Ooh, they do the Riverboat Shuffle - that's the one I went on for a work Christmas do a few years ago - and really enjoyed!

Right, they encourage children and have 2 days where Santa is welcome - so they're obviously risk assessed as safe to carry children young enough to enjoy sitting on Santa's knee and getting a present Hmm There's also mentions of people taking babies and push chairs on board in the review section.

It's definitely a possibility!

purplewerepidj · 23/10/2011 21:25

Haha, XPost Skiing - that's the website I found Grin

TheSkiingGardener · 23/10/2011 21:32

We took DS on one of their smaller boats when he was about 11 months and just about walking. I never felt worried about him, the sides are high and the boats do feel safe. The larger boats have those huge inside areas too.

Original poster
missmakeyourmindup · 23/10/2011 21:32

Skiing the message to Purple is for you too so and advice would be appreciated thanks.

OP posts:
TheSkiingGardener · 23/10/2011 21:34

Many x-posts tonight!

Original poster
missmakeyourmindup · 23/10/2011 21:40

Thanks for taking the time to reply purple and Skiig Grin which do you prefer out of the two,and which would be more pratical with kids,as I would get a nannny but it would only be for nieces and nephews and our children only,as we have a budget .

OP posts:
BOOareHaunting · 23/10/2011 21:42

The Mary Rose does functions, is waterside but doesn't sail would this be an option?

Or the Hamble pink ferry? Wink I'd love a pink wedding. Grin

I think the idea of a boat is lovely but agree with you about the worry - and also you'd have to consider if anyone you'd really want there is sea sick or scared of boats!

All the square tower in Portsmouth does weddings (max 100 pax I think?) if your looking for a relaxed but waterside wedding? Not sure what you'd do about the reception but I know a wedding co-ordinator and Head chef in 2 different hotels between Fareham and S'ton if that helps?

Oh and I went to a reception at the Rose Bowl recently and was lovely.

purplewerepidj · 23/10/2011 21:47

I would contact Blue Funnel and whatever other companies you like the look of for info, then see if they can recommend someone. Tinies and Sunrise are the agencies I've heard of locally, but my locally also includes Bournemouth so best to do your own specific research. I also don't know if they do parties or if it's long term placements only (I've been jobhunting and nannying crossed my mind hence distinct lack of knowledge!)

You might find that an entertainer plus designated non-drinking rellies will do for your family, but it depends on how many kids and what the age range is. A nanny might be ok with 12 7-10yo's, for example, but not allowed to look after more than 5 4-7yo's.

Also, your reception will only last a few hours, so parents will need to be in a fit state to look after their dc's afterwards when they're hyped up and over-tired. So they won't get too badly trollied i would hope

Original poster
missmakeyourmindup · 23/10/2011 21:53

Boo thanks for the input I did look at the Rose Bowl ,its lovely for the evening so will bear in mind,although I have not heard of pink weddings so will look at that,love your name by the way.

Any input I would be grateful of Boo,Purple,and Skiing.

OP posts:
purplewerepidj · 23/10/2011 22:06

You could, of course, have the wedding at Ocean Village then get everyone onto the Isle of Wight Ferry as foot passengers (about £15 a head) buy them all a drink in Cowes, have fish and chips by the water, then come home again...

TheSkiingGardener · 23/10/2011 22:09

I like the idea in your post of 20:25 of having the meal on the boat, then having an adult sail. Might be a nightmare for those not local though, depends on your families I guess.

If it were my wedding.... Registry office, then beautiful old car to Ocean Village. Wedding photos by the harbour entrance around the lights or overlooking the Marina while guests drink in Banana Wharf. Meal on the boat then captains blessing/speeches then set sail for the evening.

If you do then PM me, I live in Ocean Village and can be a random yokel cheering the boat off!