sbg75

Such a useful thread - thanks for sharing ladies it's definitely made me rethink a few things.

I like the idea, although for me it would depend on how many people there are. If it's a large group then a meal out doesn't always work as you often only really get to talk to people sitting near you. I've been out with friends to celebrate their destination wedding after the fact and didn't expect not to pay. But then again, it was all very casual. I think people are right - you would just have to manage expectations so that it was clear from the invitations who was paying for what.

Haha - I love the idea of wearing my dress down to McDonalds. Would looove to see people's reaction. Maybe I'll start wearing it to pick my son up from nursery - that would get all the other mums talking.

We are really just having a party rather than a reception. Although we will wear our wedding gear and probably have a cake. My sister is already referring to our AHR as our 'fake wedding' so I can't imagine what she would say if we were doing the whole 9 yards! (That said, if we wanted to I would just go ahead and wouldn't give a stuff what other people thought!)

I agree with Carly. It sounds like a lot of planning and possibly quite a lot of time commitments for other people. I could imagine a get together with some of your nearest and dearest might be nice, but it depends on whether they are coming with you. Are you having a rehearsal dinner or some organised events where your families could get to know each other at your destination? However, that said if it makes you happy - then go ahead and plan it. Only you know what your friends and family are like and they might jump at the opportunity for an additional social gathering. Perhaps you could ask a few of them if they would be able to attend both or whether it would be too much for them and then base your decision on their responses?

Such a great gift and so cute that you guys are mirroring each other's footsteps.

Great ideas - love your poems

Thanks for telling us about this.

They look amazing - I love the red circle beads.

It looks great! Pretty good going for a 4am task!!

Thank you BeaBride, it's nice to know that other people can see things the same way I do. I agree - proper manners does not seem to be universal and it is so frustrating. I sometimes find myself wondering how it is that my mum could teach us manners and other people's couldn't. It's one of the things that I think helps to bond me and my fi. Although we are from different places and cultures, we were both raised with a similar set of morals and manners. At least I know that we think the same way when it comes to raising our children! Now if I could just get the rest of the world to think like that - nah, maybe it would make it a very boring place!

Wow - so much hard work but they look like they were worth it. I bet your guests are so impressed.

Ooo - I love this idea. They look so cute! Thanks for sharing

Great work - well done!

DawnDean - you need 150+ posts to open templates. There's a sticky at the top of the forums about it. Keep posting - you'll get there eventually. (She says hopefully!)

Patrick Dempsey - Private Practice

Thanks ReganP, I like the idea of starting a new chapter. It did cause some controversy with some of his friends and family, which I think was more of a macho thing than anything - but they have got used to the idea. Funnily enough it's me that finds it hardest to think of him by his new name as I don't really use it in any real context at the moment. Think it will be easier when I am Mrs X

Katherine Heigel - Greys Anatomy

Fab ideas - might just have to steal the hand sanitizer one!

Brilliant diy - thanks for the tip

I think dominiqueamber's idea for the name badges is a good one. Definitely a way to get people talking and laughing, especially nice if you can link it to you in some way.

Great sites - thanks for sharing

Fantastic thread - thanks for sharing guys, may just take me a while to get my own list together though!

Thanks for the link - I was just thinking about this too.

Well - I've seen some posts asking if people are celebrating 100 days of marriage. I don't know about that but I've just realised this is my 100th post so I'm celebrating that. Spent so much time looking at this site even though I've promised myself it's just going to be a 5 minute visit but seen some great stuff. Keep posting girls - there is so much interesting and fun stuff on here and I'm steadily working my way to junior status!