Hey ladies,

My dad has been diagnosed as terminally ill and we are having to move our wedding forward to feb 2012, we were originally planning for July 2013 as we have a few debts that will be paid off soon and then we could save for a nice lavish wedding. I know that we have to cut our cloth accordingly and as long as we are married and my dad is there then the materialistic things are neither here nor there, not that I am not disappointed that I can't be a princess in a grand house for the day! lol.

I have tried looking for posts on how to do it on a super strict budget, depending on how quick the insurance is, we are probably going to be able to scrap together about £700. We are looking at the village hall, although that is going to cost £500, we are going to ask my h2b mum and my moh to do the evening buffet. I know I have to try to reduce my expectations for our wedding day but I would like a sit down wedding breakfast so we can at least try and keep some semblance of the original wedding. We have spoken to our photographer and he is happy to agree a fee for the day and get the rest after the wedding when he will produce the photos.

I lost my mum 15 years ago so Matt and I, with a little help from friends, are going to have to do everything form scratch. Most of the ideas that we had for everything else where pricey and won't fit in with this budget. I haver tried looking at other posts but they all seem to have friends etc to do flowers etc for them. I really don't know where to start, I feel like my head is about to explode

All suggestions gratefully received!

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad,

it puts all the daft wedding worries that we all have from time to time into perspective.The only thing that matters is that the people you love are able to share your wedding day with you.I am certain that your day will be made all the more special because of the sacrifices that you are having to make.

What have you got already? I was thinking if people on here had things that they had changed their minds about (ie i have a tiara that i bought but doesn't really go with my dress) perhaps if it wouldn't offend you we could send them to you?

Sending you lots of love,you sound lovely.not a word of complaint have you uttered and yet you must be devastated xxx

omg hun i`m so sorry about your news ...... i`m amazed that a village hall is going to cost that amount , have a quick call round of pub function rooms etc a lot of them will give you free hire as they know they will make the money at the bar

Hi hun, it is very inspiring to see how positive you are, your dad must be very proud.
Would you be happy marrying during the week? this way you would be able to negotiate more for food and drinks packages? I know you said that you would prefer a sit down meal but how about incorporating an element of buffet to sit down meal to help save money? Maybe do a seating plan so everyone is sitting and in the middle of each table maybe do a pan of chilli or curry with rice for people to help themselves to? By taking the waiter element out of the equation you will be saving quite a bit. You could prepare these in advance as well? Then with the cake do cupcakes. These can then double up as cake, pudding and favours?
I have just had a think of things that I have spare and have a guest book and a pair of white size six Anne Michelle shoes, If either of them would be any good for you please send me a message and I'll get them posted to you xx

Approach some caterers and explain your situation, some will not negotiate but if you explain your reasons for bringing it forward you never know, our caterer just did a fundraiser for a terminally ill child at our reception venue last month, my friend works in events there and told me they offered to cater for 300 people for free because it was a fundraiser so you never know! I can put a link to them on your wall if you like as they cater nationwide but are based in the NW :-)

Your positive attitude dispite the poo that you are going through is really inspiring. I don't think there are any tips I can give you that haven't been given already so all I can do is keep my fingers crossed that you win the £25000 wedding prize and a huge weight will be lifted off your mind. x

so so sorry about your devestating news hun xx

how about u have a small simple registary wedding with a small sit down meal with just close family and friends but then have your original planned wedding for when u planned hunny xx

All the very best to you and your family.xxx

really sorry to hear about your dad :o(
I have a suggestion for flowers, not that they're the most important part of the day! You could just carry a single stem of an eye-catching flower, an exotic one or a lovely big gerbera for example. It would look effective and would be really cheap :o) also could you have a nice meal at a restaurant afterwards, or could you ask guests to give some money towards their meal instead of a gift? I'm sure they'd understand, what with the cicrumstances xxxx

Thanks ladies, we have had an exhausting weekend trying to get things sorted especially with the bank holidays. We have managed to get a good deal on a venue in Somerset for the 19th Feb, seven weeks yesterday. We will then have a blessing in our church after everything has settled back down.

Poulton bride, I haven't found a dress yet but when I do could I get back to you about the tiara, I am far from offended. I am very touched by all the messages.

Sara, that is a brilliant idea and I think it is one I am going to utalise.

Zowie, I am too pale for white so I will am looking at ivory dresses but I do appreciate the offer, if it is still avaliable I would love to take you up on your offer of a guest book.

Thanks again ladies for all the support x

Just been to look for them, thought I knew where they were but they are not there! will have another look later. :)

Hi Skamer,
yes that is completely fine.I will see if i can find a piccie of it and put it on my profile .Then when you get your dress you can decide if it will go/if you like it etc .Glad you have managed to sort a venue,you've obviouslly been very busy over Christmas whilst the rest of us(well me) have just been watching telly and eating chocolate! Good luck with all the planning xxx

Firstly let may say that Im really sorry about your news so a huge hug to you all. Secondly I still have all the artificial flowers I bought for my wedding (I cancelled it so they have never been used) They are ivory with bits of green - there may be pics on my page plus I have 60 wedding favour boxes in black with bling (again on my page) and a brand new pair of wedding shoes size 6 that you can have. There are also button holes that have been made up to match. I was going to cancel my account but will leave it up and running for a few more days in case you want anything. Take care. Louise

i have 50 aqua blue organza favour bags going spare if you'd like them? I was going to use them for my favours but am not now so they're free to a good home xx

i have a size 16 ivory corset style top and matching full length skirt that i bought when my oh and i were originally getting married it's very plain but it's yours if you want it.

aw what terrible news! i totally understand you must be gutted but what about doing a really small wedding, specially so your dad gets to see you get married and then save up for your big princessy day and just do it again in a few years?
Im on a tight budget and often scan the pages of ebay, you can get some good bargains on there :-) why not put an ad up in the local shop and ask around friends/family.... people sometimes have special talents that could help make you day special xxx

bless ur cotton socks, your being sooo brave and positive wish i had something to offer you,
dunelm have bouquets for a fiver for your bridesmaids, thats the only tip iv got for ya hun xx