How To Replan a Wedding in 5 Days: Kirsty and Andrew's Story

2020 has been a lesson in how to plan a wedding in times of change. Real Wedding Shop couple, Kirsty and Andrew’s big day plans were no exception. Their wedding date changed twice and although their celebration wasn’t the 200-guest wedding they had expected, they still managed to have the most incredible day.

They took on the daunting task of organising their intimate 30-person wedding in just 5 days! With help from their friends, family, and the wedding industry, their story is a true reminder that love always wins! Kirsty shares her story, and her intimate wedding experience. 

How Did Your Plans Change?

The week before lockdown Andrew and I spent the evening with my parents ordering last-minute finishing touches for our June wedding. But by the first few days of April, it became apparent that travel bans were not going to lift in time for our original June date, so many of our guests wouldn’t be able to attend. 

 With the support of our venue, we made the devastating decision to postpone our wedding to October 2020. Every single one of our suppliers was phenomenal and when consulted on the new date they were able to move our booking without question.

What Happened When Your Plans Changed For The Second Time?   

The weeks passed quickly, and as they did it became clear that the newly introduced maximum of 30 guests was not going to lift before October, for our new wedding date. We knew we had to make a plan B.  So, we ended up changing venues to something more appropriate for 30 people.  

Then the announcement was made to reduce the number of guests allowed to attend a wedding to 15. We knew that the new rules could be in place for 6 months and we simply couldn’t postpone again. So, we had the crazy idea to move our 30-person wedding forward to Sunday 27th September – just 5 days later!   

 We are forever grateful to our church and our suppliers for ensuring that we had the wedding that we had always dreamed of, whilst keeping us all safe. I want to thank the entire wedding industry by stressing how critical they have been to us throughout the process.  

Do You Have Any Tips On How You Re-Planned Your Wedding So Quickly? 

You have to know and agree on what is important to you as a couple - in life and for the wedding. Once you know this, set out and divide the tasks and get on the phone. Make decisions quickly, with the confidence you know what is important to each other and as a couple.  

How Did Your Friends And Family Help When Your Plans Changed? 

Our friends and family were amazing and all stepped up to help and make sure we could go ahead. 

One of our Bridesmaids designed all our stationery, which my Dad then organised to be printed. Another bridesmaid made a beautiful table plan board out of some wood she happened to have, and decorated it with faux flowers from her studio. 

We had a production line at home with our Best Man, Maid of Honour and my Mum cutting up stationery, framing things, putting candles in lanterns, organising items for the venue and for the church and running the errands. 

Our good friends collected our Banns certificate from our parish church the morning of the wedding, which was arguably the most important task of all, as without it we wouldn't have been able to get married. And every single one of our guests dropped their plans, assured us they would be there and jumped on the roller coaster. 

How Did Your Suppliers Help You When You Needed To Change Your Plans In Just 5 Days.   

We absolutely could not have pulled it off without our suppliers. Every single one of them stepped up and made it work to be there for our day.  

Our reception venue was already booked for that day, but they kindly helped us phone round to find us another option.

Our church was also incredible and moved things around and arranged everything we needed and wanted for the day, squeezing us in after the morning service and a christening. 

Our photographer and videographer were both miraculously available and just made it work. 

I spent 30 minutes on the phone with our florist going through new arrangements for a mystery venue (as we hadn't booked the reception venue at this point) - and the team were incredible to go with the flow. 

Our baker rushed out to the shops to get the ingredients for our cake and whipped up exactly what we had asked for, alongside her other orders for that weekend.  

My hair and make-up team were incredible and squeezed me in for preparations in advance and on the day. I am so grateful they did as they really made me feel like a Bride, when even in the car en route to the church it still hadn't sunk in. 

And thankfully, my dress was already hanging in my parents' wardrobe after the seamstress had suggested doing alterations early and taking it home, just in case. I even had a matching face mask which they had kindly made me! 

How Have You Found The Wedding Shop Experience Despite Having To Change Your Plans? 

Our Gift Guru Nicola has been absolutely amazing throughout the process.  She listened to what we were hoping to achieve by having a gift list and was brilliant at suggesting some items that would fit the brief and please everyone. 

I would wholeheartedly recommend The Wedding Shop (in fact I already have!) It’s simple to use and makes giving and receiving gifts so enjoyable – I just can’t wait to receive all of ours! We especially liked the fact that you get assigned a Gift Guru – that’s an absolutely incredible service. I’m so glad we chose The Wedding Shop! 

Even during COVID-19 with all the changes we’ve had to make, I’ve had 100% confidence in The Wedding Shop keeping our money safe with their financial guarantee. Nothing is ever too much trouble, I’ve been able to easily change our wedding details, update our list and change gifts as our plans changed – there was no way I was spending summer 2020 without any garden furniture!   

Have You Seen That Even Friends And Family That Didn’t Attend Your Big Day Used Your Gift List? How Did You Tell Them About Your List?

Yes! We had a few lovely surprise gifts from friends and family who weren’t able to attend. It was a way for them to feel part of the celebrations, even though they couldn’t attend in person.   

The Wedding Shop is a multi-award-winning wedding gift list service that has been delighting couples for three decades. Wedding planning can often feel like a whirlwind of wedmin as well as emotions, but we are here to help, and thrilled to be a part of your exciting journey. 

Photographer - Robin Goodlad Photography.