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Anxious Brides - A little hideaway help!

14 replies

Toastoftheton · 04/09/2022 20:17

We have recently brought a property which has a really beautiful garden, we can't take credit for it and we are just trying to keep it going 😄

An old university friend is actually getting married in this part of the world because it's where her partners family is from. She's really lovely but is a little anxious and isn't loving being the centre of attention. She's having the wedding at a local church and then onward to another location for a very fun, relaxed evening do.

The church is the family church so is in the centre of the town and she doesn't want to stop outside it to have formal pictures where passer-bys can watch. The venue for the reception isn't ideal for a couple photoshoot and again she doesn't want everyone watching her. She reached out and asked if she could stop by the house on the way to the evening do and have a mini photoshoot here which we are thrilled with, more than happy to accomodate.

Here's where I need your lovely people's help! We are going to make ourselves scare so it's just her and her partner. We trust her completely and actually know the photographer too so no concerns there. We want to set up a little, low-stakes, no pressure hideaway space so she can have a few private moments and regroup if she needs to with just her and her groom. There's a little gazebo for this. I'm thinking the following:

  • Champagne and non-alcoholic alternative so they can have a toast
  • Some flowers on the table
  • Some food but not sure what... chocolates can be messy, strawberries have red juice... grapes? crackers and cheese? Any thoughts?
  • Little kit with make-up blotting paper, refreshing face spritz thing (She's a very low-key bride and no bridal party so probably won't have these things on hand) Anything else practical?
  • Wondering about a little sign that says 'congrats Mr&Mrs X' but is that too fussy?

Probably overthinking this but she's had a tough few years and really deserves a beautiful day. If you were an axious, introverted bride what would you have wanted to find in a little hideaway for just you and your new groom?

OP posts:
starsinyourpies · 04/09/2022 20:20

What a kind thing to do! That sounds great and I'm sure they'd love a card, they can always take it to read later.

historygeek · 04/09/2022 20:23

No real advice, except to say what a lovely person you are, and how lovely your house sounds.

Could they be left with the makings of a cup of tea? I was gasping for a brew on my wedding day!

flowerstar19 · 04/09/2022 20:25

How lovely of you! Maybe a spray on deodorant to freshen up?

Toastoftheton · 04/09/2022 22:25

@historygeek tea!! Yes she'd actually prefer that to alcohol, love that idea. @flowerstar19 deodorant, hadn't thought of that but you're very right.

Loving this, you're doing my thinking for me! Thanks so much.

OP posts:
GroggyLegs · 04/09/2022 22:30

Ah! Lovely idea!
It all sounds fab.

If your gazebo has seating, I'd maybe put a clean rug over the bench if she's in a white dress?

APoppyLicks · 04/09/2022 22:34

Definitely food, but actual food, just a simple cheese cob or something would probably go down well. I barely got time to eat at my wedding and I know it's the same for others.

And definitely a cuppa tea.

TaffyandTeenyTaffy · 04/09/2022 22:57

If you are doing cups of tea then heart shaped biscuits/cookies/shortbread might be nice. And his'n' hers/Mr and Mrs mugs for them to keep?

Toastoftheton · 17/10/2022 21:48

Hello! Everyone was so lovely and helpful I thought I would let you know how it went as the bride came round this afternoon with a thank you card that has a picture that is possibly one of my favourite wedding photos ever and it's all thanks to you lot, especially those who mentioned tea.

We power washed everything, took some flowers from the garden and set up a table. It had some champagne, chocolates but also sandwiches and tea. They had a key to the house in case they wanted to nip to the loo but I knew even with express permission they weren't the sort to whack the kettle on.

As it was so strongly recommended I got out a big old 2l camping thermos, only one I had, and filled it up with tea. I picked up some dainty, mismatched tea cups cheap from a charity shop as they weren't part of a set. In my head they could pour little cups of tea and it might make for a lovely photo.

I don't know whether they didn't see the teacups or mistook them for decor or decided they were far too small to meet the needs of the job but I'm glad.

The picture is off this very petite, perfect bride in a stunning, elegant dress downing tea directly from what looks like a comedy oversized thermos while her new husband gazes at her with complete and utter adoration, half a cheese sandwich hanging from his mouth.

It sums them up as a couple perfectly and is much better than what would have happened if I hadn't come to mumset and had just offered champers and strawberries.

Anyway, thank you all! If there are any brides to be reading this then I strongly recommend you follow the lead of this couple and be unapologetically yourselves for your special day.

OP posts:
SandAndSea · 20/10/2022 04:29

This is so lovely to read. ❤

StrangerOnline · 21/10/2022 17:01

How lovely and thoughtful of you - wonderful thing to have done, made their day very special

DontbesuchanarseGlenda · 21/10/2022 19:18

This has really made me smile. You sound like a wonderful friend OP.

GroggyLegs · 21/10/2022 22:58

Ha! Brilliant!

Well done OP 😊

SouthOfFrance · 01/11/2022 19:29

Wow what a lovely memory for you all, love it when there's an update! Thanks Op

Namechangedfeb22 · 04/11/2022 19:38

this has been my favourite ever post to read on mumsnet! ☺️

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