Rebekah and Tom’s September wedding was held in their own back garden. They didn’t set a budget but tried to save money where they could. They were inspired by the festivals they both love to go to.
“We’re both such busy people that we didn’t have a theme or anything”, the bride began. “Our main goal was to make the day super relaxed and make sure everyone was comfortable and happy. I guess there was a festival feel to the day as I work at festivals all summer long and Tom is really outdoorsy. We definitely wanted a tent and a field and we were really lucky that our house has such a great garden. We could fit the tent, an outdoor bar and a fire pit without feeling crushed.”
The bride wore a vintage dress that she bought at Secret Garden Party. “I found my dress a Lady Jane’s at Secret Garden Party. My mum was actually already halfway through mocking up my dress (I am a fourth generation seamstress and I had always thought she would make it) but when I tried on this dress I knew it was the one. It was exactly the same as the dress I’d drawn up for my mum to make! I thought I’ll just try it on for fun but it fitted so well and the ladies in the shop were almost crying! My bridesmaids were helping me run my shop next door and came running in, also crying! I knew it was the one. I went and stood out on the grass in front of our shops and people started to stop to congratulate me! One girl came up and held my face and didn’t say anything, just nodded her head at me, her boyfriend had to take her away (I think she was a bit squiffy – ha ha) So I sent my mum a picture and she messaged back in seconds saying ‘BUY IT!!’ I didn’t wait, I just went in and paid cash… it was a dream!”
Instead of gifts (or caterers!) Rebekah and Tom asked their guests to bring a dish of food. “On our invites we told people to not bring us presents, instead asking for a plate of food. It meant we had a mega buffet and friends and family said they were really chuffed to be a part of it. We also saved a lot of money this way!”
“The best thing about planning our wedding was the fact that we had the same vision – we just wanted to make everyone happy. We really didn’t want awkward silences, even though there were traditional elements and poignant moments, it was still a really relaxed day.”
