Did you have a small wedding? (And I mean TINY) Please share with me

[Dillinger]

Ok Dp and I have been together for almost 10 years, have 2 children (6 and 4). We want to get married but really dont like the whole centre of attention thing so want to do it as small and quiet as possible but I need some ideas of how to make things special too.

It will be at the registry office, but Im pretty sure Im not bothered about cars, clothes, bridesmaids etc etc My family wouldnt come (they live miles away and dont visit - Im on the stately homes thread) and its the same for Dp's family. We have a few 'fairweather' friends so wouldnt want to invite them anyway, it would literally be Dp and I, 2 witnesses and the children.

I was thinking we could go for a meal afterwards as a small group but dont really know what else/if anything. We wouldnt be having a honeymoon. I think we would need photos but I HATE having to stand there smiling so think Id prefer the kind of photos where it looks like they were taken in secret, if you get me. Ive no idea how to sort this

Any ideas would be much appreciated!

[EverybodyKnows]

DH and I got married in Bath !

The smallest registry room is gorgeous as is the rest of the Guildhall. It was small-ish. Party of 20 plus our 3 DC. We took advantage of the Abbey & Parade Gardens for pictures and had lunch at the BW Abbey Hotel. It was a great day.

I didn't want a traditional dress either - I found this dress and I had it altered to remove the flowery bits too.

[GlaikitFizzog]

[GlaikitFizzog]

Whats the dress called please? Gives me an idea of the style you are looking for!

[Dillinger]

EverybodyKnows - thats the room! The Russell room Glad you had a lovely wedding there!

Im not sure I could pull off the Topshop one really Maybe I could get them to turn all the lights off

[GlaikitFizzog]

it this one? www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2602149&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=209717&parent_categoryId=208523&pageSize=20&refinements=Colour{1}~[yellow]&noOfRefinements=1

[GlaikitFizzog]

www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2602149&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=209717&parent_categoryId=208523&pageSize=20&refinements=Colour{1}~[yellow]&noOfRefinements=1 sorry

[Dillinger]

No its www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=12556&catalogId=33057&productId=2598240&categoryId=209723&parent_category_rn=208523

sorry Ive no idea what Im doing with links

[GlaikitFizzog]

last try

[Dillinger]

I was thinking that with black tights and shoes, then maybe I could put a flower or something of the same colour in my hair? Probably clash city but thats me

[Dillinger]

Its called Belted lace dress in mustard. May be grim in real life

[GlaikitFizzog]

oooh i like it. With black tights? Would you wear a jacket? Will DH2B match in with his shirt or fly solo??

[GlaikitFizzog]

You could clash that with purple accessories id thats your thing!

[Dillinger]

Yeah I thought black tights and shoes, I havent even thought about a jacket! Would a shrug do? I doubt dh2b would match, hes a bit quieter in that sense! I could have a look around though

Purple hmmm..... I do have some purple shoes

You reckon the dress would be okay though? I like the shape and it wouldnt swamp me - I cant pull off much with my height etc Gotta be worth a try

[EverybodyKnows]

It is a truly lovely place. DH and I are going to visit Bath next weekend to celebrate our 6th Anniversary .

What I loved most was the whole party walking from the Guildhall to the hotel, the pictures are beautiful and so natural. I love Bath.

[Dillinger]

Bath is gorge. I hope you have a lovely weekend! Congrats on your 6th Anniversary

[EverybodyKnows]

Love the dress too.

[Dillinger]

Or theres the butterfly belted dress...

I shouldnt be too worried about colours clashing, dd (3) wants to find an orange dress for the day (shes mad for orange) and has seen some purple boots to go with it

Ive gotta go out shortly for school run, I really appreciate everyones help!

[mrspear]

Well dh and i eloped. We got married on our own in a registry office in his own country (paper work much easier). The office was in fact a room with a large window which overlooked the waiting area where there was a large crowd of strangers watching. Occasionally someone shouted for service then someone would shout "quiet they are getting married!" It was very quick. I didn't speak the language very well and the lady did ask if i knew i was getting married! She asked if i loved him, which i answered yes but she wanted me to repeat, i couldn't and so instead turned to dh and said "i love you very much" and kissed him. He said the same (and kissed me) then we exchanged rings (which we just bought round the corner) and then signed the register. That was it. No vows. Our witnesses were a young woman and an retired gentleman. His brother appeared to take photos, and as is traditional we opened wine and sweets and shared them with the registrar, witnesses and office staff. We then walked out into wonderful sunshine looking at our rings and laughing. We then had a couple of beers with his dad who was quite shocked! DH wore jeans and a shirt i bought him at Gatwick and i wore a red satin outfit my dad bought me for a works do the January before. We had a party with his family a few days later (15 in total) at a restaurant which had live music. They provided a very nice cake for us and the band when told there was a wedding party in the house were very kind and played a first dance song - no idea what as again it wasn't English. My family were upset but even my dad understands why i did - i wanted my wedding my way and there was no way my mum would let me.

Sorry for the length. Have a great day which make you both happy!

[Dillinger]

Oh good! Theres 2 agrees then re. the dress

[Dillinger]

mrspear that sounds brilliant

[Technoviking]

DW and I had her siblings as witnesses and no guests. Went from registry office to an all you can eat breakfast and then home. No flash do, no party, no nothing. We were married and that's all we cared about.

[Technoviking]

We were married on valentine's day so the registrar gave us a single rose.
Was a beautiful registry office, sadly now closed and turned into a halfway house.

[GlaikitFizzog]

You are petite and slim I would guess that dress would be perfect. The higher neck is good for smaller busts too.

[Teds77]

DH and I agonised over small versus large wedding and in the end we opted for 90 guests, so, err, not small at all.

But we did try to keep everything simple - or as simple as you can at a bigger wedding. I did own make-up and hair (it's a bob) and just stuck a big rose at the side. I wore a 50s dress (not too big a skirt) so it suited that. Other option was a shift dress and I think something this shape -

www.asos.com/Whistles/Whistles-Corinna-Shift-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1845292&cid=13596&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Red

(Maybe in light colour??) would look simple and classic and allow you to have simple hair and make-up??

We did spend money on a professional photographer but found someone who was just starting out, did us a good deal and we got all our pictures on a CD - no ridiculous 'package' etc. It was 'reportage' style with no formal pictures as the last thing I wanted to do was stand around having pictures taken. My parents' church married us for free (Minister is a close family friend) and we hired the church hall for £30 for the entire afternoon and evening. Both are really not very attractive buildings but our pictures are just full of us and family and friends looking happy so I love the pictures.

My friends had a small wedding and their one regret was not getting a photographer so although you want to keep it small I do think it's worth spending money on one or two things that are particularly important.

My brother drove the bridesmaids and then me and my Dad to the church - just stuck a white ribbon to the front of the car which worked fine for me. Maybe one of your witnesses could do the same for you or I'm sure a nice taxi driver might be persuaded into some ribbon-usage?!

Mum and I make the cake - could you and the DCs make yours'? Or maybe they could ice something? Both M&S and waitrose do plain-ish white cakes?

Anyway, hope you have a lovely day!

[Teds77]

Just spotted the mustard dress - lovely! Yes to flowers in hair and to clashing accessories! If you can't find a shrug or jacket I find you can never beat a round/crew neck cardigan...