To be upset about my wedding venue?

[IfIDontKnowAndYouDontKnow]

Name changed
Basically have a tiny budget. We were going to cut our guest list but we don't want to. We love everyone on it.
Have been offered The British Legion as a venue for free. Best man works evenings there.
We have decided to take it so we can afford to give everyone a nice time. Its bloody ugly inside. Has lovely big field though/n pretty outside etc.
I know I chose this, and I am not wanting to save up for few years as I just want to marry dp and have all our friends and family there. And would be stupid to not accept such a generous offer.
Just venting I guess... and wondering what to do about the fading carpet, chipped paint, arcade machine...

Bromley college : do I just call and ask?

Ah, that'll learn me to not read the thread properly!

Its not a lot really.
Think flowers and cars will have to wait

You can probably do the outfits for about 2-300 in total, cars - do you know anyone who has a nice or quirky car? Rings - how about vintage/antique? Flowers/decorations/entertainment/photos - some really good suggestions up thread. I think you'll be fine, honestly. It's amazing what people will donate or give as presents

IfIDon'tKnow - the most memorable gorgeous wedding I ever went to was in a shabby village hall. It was the atmosphere that made it.

And one of the worst was a posh wedding at a stately home which was so formal that every one almost passed out because you had to stand in the sweltering sun for photos before being allowed one tiny glass of champagne and making small talk for an hour. I asked the waitress for some water and she said, 'It's a glass of champagne, that's all, until you sit down.'

Pretty buildings do nothing for a wedding if the atmosphere and spirit of the party isn't there.

And I've also seen very ugly buildings transformed for weddings with paper lanterns, tea lights, flowers. Fill your day with people who love you. You won't regret it.

Outfits obviously mine and dp's. Then our 3dc. And bridesmaids. Am thinking about asking family member to use the ones they had for wedding ( I was one of bridesmaid and dsis was another of them) I want the dresses for my 2 dsis so hopefully?

Well ring are obviously important that they last. Am more than happy to wear vintage rings.. I think it's nice they have a history to them. Cars- I suppose we could ask around.. Yy brilliant suggestions on here for flowers/ deco/ photos. We did think about a band that would cost around £300. Large chunk of budget though...

Oh and best mans outfit too.

Hmm...a lot of outfits there, but I think ebay might be your friend there - if you start looking now you will probably find a few bargains (you can sort them by lowest price first), or the sales for summer dresses?

The band is a lot at £300 - maybe see how much you have left over and go with that? Or music on the ipod?

Yes well if I use the band it leaves me £400. Its not enough so band is on hold definitely, probably

Yes it is a lot of outfits. I think my 2 bridesmaid sorted tbh. So its just us really(me, dp & 3dc) along with best man

What sort of outfits were you thinking of for your family and the best man?

Wrt cars, in our pretty big family we always just ask around to see who's willing to drive the bride/bridesmaids. They put those ribbons you can get on their cars and that's it. It looks lovely. You don't need to hire a car. It's a lot of money for not much imo.

IloveJudgeJudy That's perfect

I obviously need a dress, dp, 2 ds & best man need suits and dd a dress

Yes, but were you thinking casual, formal, matching suits? Or could your DD wear a party dress rather than a bridesmaids dress, the men/boys just regular suits or did you want them matching?

I think casual(ish) is fine, because of the type of wedding we are having. Its turned into more of a large party then a wedding tbh.. So informal fine.

However #i know dp would like a 3piece, because he would him and dc to wear jackets in church

would rather him and dc*

That will help keep costs down - and you've got loads of time to sniff out the bargains in the sales or on ebay! I'm sure that other MNetters have used the China ebay wedding dress suppliers with great results - they come in at a fraction of the price. Maybe worth a look?

What size and height are you?

I have looked at the ebay's bridal wear and the suits too.. some great prices.Just always seems to good to be true IyswIm. However if others have used them and they seem good then that's great.

I'm a size 14-16 (ish) at the min. However I am gradually losing weight (have dropped a size already) so should to a 12 possibly even a 10 come July. Which is why I havnt panicked yet about my dress

I am 5ft 3. Dp is a lot taller than me so will probably have to wesr heels. I find them quite uncomfortable though

Why not have something nice outside, depending on what time of year it is if it looks lovely outside?

Just remember to pay with Paypal - then you've got peace of mind

TerrorTremor Yy to outside. I plan to. Just hope it doesn't rain

Hi IfIDontKnow. I think your wedding sounds so much fun! It'll definitely be the feel of the day that people remember rather than the carpet/walls and it sounds like the day will have such a lovely relaxed and happy atmosphere.

If you think you would use it, I have a few bunches of fake ivy that I'd be more than happy to post to you. We were going to hang it over the windows of our wedding venue earlier this year but they actually had some real stuff left up from a previous wedding so we kept that up there instead. I know fake ivy sounds a bit naff, but it looks pretty real - especially if you hang it up high where no one can look too closely! Just message me if you think you'd like it.

And I spent £100 on my dress, from Debenhams and it was perfect. I just could not have relaxed in a dress that cost 20 times that, and it meant I didn't feel the pressure to have the perfect bridal hair and make-up job to go with it!