Gaby will be marrying David on 26th May 2019 at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, UK. Click here to read all Gaby’s planning posts to date.
THREE FACTS: (1) Gaby and David met at work at an advertising agency in London (2) Gaby is Jewish and David is Christian, and they are planning an inclusive ceremony and party that will embrace both of their cultures (3) They are planning an urban luxe wedding in a converted London lighthouse – we LOVE the sound of this!
A tale of two families
It’s no secret that juggling a wedding when both parties have divorced parents is problematic. There are so many more factors you have to consider when planning every aspect of the big day. Least of all, the dreaded guest-list which has been a major buzzword in our respective families’ vocabulary at the moment.
Nobody briefs you on how to plan and implement a wedding. Theres no manual, no guide. Yes, you have the advice and opinions of friends and family who have or are in the process of getting married, but it’s a case by case basis depending on your family situation, finances and sanity.
Image by STG Recommended Vendor Ran Bergman from Lior and Re’em‘s wedding
Despite not having parents who are together, I count myself as one of the lucky ones. They still talk, they still socialise in similar circles and despite whatever animosity they may still harbour for one another, they cast it aside for the sake of their children — happy days, right?
WRONG!
As I am having an interfaith wedding, there are even more factors to consider. Let’s be honest, Jewish weddings can be lavish, over the top and intense. I’m used to it, my fiancà© and his family aren’t.
Image by STG Recommended Vendor Ran Bergman from Lior and Re’em‘s wedding
A guest list over 100 seemed abnormal to them, so you can imagine their delight when we all got together to discuss numbers — my father in law to be said something along the lines of ‘is this a wedding or an awards show’ — I replied saying a mix of both.
It did made me think however, we haven’t got the space or the finances of a 300+ wedding. So how do both families, two divorced couples come together and settle on a decision EVERYONE is happy with.
Image by The Crawleys from Danielle and Jason‘s wedding
My quintessential Jewish mother was the toughest nut to crack. In her head, the bigger the better. In everyone else’s head, more guests equals more money and exceeding our venues maximum capacity.
However, she is a social butterfly, she’s got friends coming out of her ears — and not just acquaintances or people she politely agrees to see for a coffee even though she’s rather be at home watching Say Yes to the Dress (she’s a huge fan ironically).
We eventually, with a lot of hard work settled on 180 guests with the possibility of evening guests. Normally, this is not something I agree with. I can understand why it works for some people, but for me, everyone invited is invited for a reason — to watch us marry and enjoy the event we have worked hard on. This idea is still to be determined, let’s just say my mum has won the battle, I will win the war.
Image by STG Recommended Vendor David Pullum from Shier and Xander‘s wedding
Click here to read all Gaby’s planning posts to date.
Gaby and David’s Wedding Vendors booked so far:
Venue – Trinity Buoy Wharf
Wedding planner – Kingsley Events
Photography – Reportage Gallery
Videography – Our Further Projects
Hair – Zoe Norris
Makeup – Frankie Neal
