THE ‘I DO’ DIARIES

When it came to dress shopping, I knew one of my must-visit boutiques was Melle Cloche in Glasgow; I just had a feeling I’d find my dream dress there. I knew the owners – sisters Lisa and Jackie – from working with them before and loved their laid back, stylish vibe. I actually said ‘yes’ to the dress back in September 2020, still with the intention of my wedding going ahead in September 2021. I took my mum, sister (and maid of honour), my mum-inlaw-to-be and another of my bridesmaids. With free rein of the shop, I picked out the gowns I thought were most ‘me’. There were so many gorgeous styles, but the detailing of one particular one stood out even on the rail and it turned out to be my dress! I felt on cloud nine leaving the boutique and FaceTimed my other two bridesmaids to tell them the good news. Fast forward almost a year to the day and after a postponed big day and another lockdown and it was time for me to pick up my dress. I was excited to see it again, but SO nervous which I hadn’t really anticipated. It feels a little surreal going from trying on a sample dress in-store to then going to try on your very own dress. I put it on, the curtain was pulled back to show my mum, sister and one of my bridesmaids and I felt a frozen smile on my face. I still absolutely loved the dress, but my mind was fogged with ‘what ifs’. What if I don’t look myself in this, what if everyone doesn’t like it, what if I should be feeling different? I felt so silly, but I felt quite emotionally drained and it was also the first time I felt a little upset about having to move my original date. It just all hit at once! As soon as I was home, I messaged one of my bridesmaids who got married a few years ago and she totally got what I meant. It’s not that you don’t love your dream dress, but there’s so much pressure to feel like you’ve found The One. After speaking to a few other brides and brides-to-be I realised how many of us feel like that; as if you should feel a certain magical way as soon as you pop that gown on. Now I’ve had some time to step back and reflect, I now get so excited even taking a peek at my dress – it’s like the feeling I got when I first saw it. I guess what I’m trying to say, fellow to-be-weds, is let’s all take the pressure off. There’s no set way to feel, no matter how many films or reality shows tell you differently. Feel all the emotions, have a cry if you need to and let go of how you thought you’d feel at certain moments of planning. We’ve all totally got this!

With the venue and dress sorted, Debbie’s letting us in on her décor dreams. “I don’t have a wedding coordinator so everything about the day has been our own vision! (Mainly mine, haha!)” Debbie laughs. “ I was an event planner in a previous life so I’m a total Bride-to-be Debbie and her fiancé Andrew are getting married this April in The Balmoral Hotel. Catch up on their planning journey on the Your Scottish Wedding website.

Monica Geller when it comes to details and planning.” Debbie (and Andrew) have decided on a colour scheme of ivory and plum with her bridesmaids dressed in plum and their flower girl in ivory.

Debbie is entrusting her flowers to the talented Garlands Florist. “Mine will be a beautiful hand-tied bouquet with a natural feel to it in purple and white/ivory tones,” she says. “There will be white hydrangeas, white and lilac roses, purple lisianthus, white calla lilies, thistles and a lovely selection of green foliage.” The bridesmaids will carry a smaller version of Debbie’s bouquet while she’s keeping things simple and classy for her seat ends with a single white hydrangea with purple lisianthus and foliage tied with ribbon. The venue’s fireplaces and bay windows will be dressed in trailing arrangements while the guest table centrepieces will be tall arrangements placed on mirrors surrounded by tealights. “This will be in keeping with the bridal flowers but mainly hydrangeas,” Debbie says. She’s planned a low arrangement on the top table – “To allow us to see all of our guests’ lovely faces!” We can’t wait to see photos!