National Wedding Show

Still feeling in need of some inspiration, Doug and I spent yesterday afternoon at the National Wedding Show where it was to be found by the bucketload.

All last week people were telling Doug not to go, that it was a miserable experience, that he'd hate it. Understandably then, he wasn't feeling too up for it when we arrived at Olympia to be confronted by a whole lot of pink and white. I, on the other hand, have always wanted to go to the wedding show and was expecting to enjoy it. However, I know my boredom threshold for these exhibitions and so we had quite a specific plan – arrive, watch some shows, speak to some florists/dress designers then go for a well-deserved Thai.

Collecting the show programme, we went for coffee first to digest it, both feeling pretty knackered after a bit too much wine the night before. For once, we'd timed something unintentionally well as the "inspirations" show was about to start. We headed for the theatre area expecting tips on budgeting (much needed) and planning but instead found ourselves at a session all about cakes. Now, I know the cake is important and, to some people, is the centrepiece of the evening, but we're not all that fussed and when they wheeled out a massive pink and white monstrosity by a fabulously expensive French cakemaker we were somewhat aghast. It was, quite honestly, hideous, but on the plus side has made me even more certain that Waitrose will be our cakemaker of choice!

We were on the verge of leaving when we realised we were gradually being surrounded by champagne-flute-wielding gaggles of excitable women. Wondering what was going on I checked the timetable to find that the catwalk show was next – perfect timing. Divided into scenes and showcasing around 70 outfits (mostly dresses, some suits) the show was actually very useful for a dress-confused girl like myself. I was particularly taken with a strapless Chandrika Thomas dress and several of the Enzoani dresses caught my eye. I loved the Candy Anthony scene too, and am now considering (though none-too-seriously) the possibility of a knee-length 50s style.

After the show we had a look around the stands but, being Sunday afternoon, found that many suppliers' interest had waned slightly. The flowers area was somewhat disappointing, with very few displays of anything like what we want, but we were impressed with Mathew Dickinson and did get a couple of colour ideas. I looked at a few dresses too but variety was limited and many were dirty from lots of brides-to-be having tried them on.

Although we picked up some ideas and got our minds back in the wedding zone after a couple of busy work weeks, I don't think we'll go back to the show next year. So many of the stands were irrelevant to us, since the venue, photographer and honeymoon are already decided, and there just wasn't enough for the men. Doug did pick up a few suit hire brochures but the whole event was geared so much more towards women – there were more mums in the room than there were grooms!

All in all, a useful afternoon, but if you're getting married and you missed it, just head out and buy some mags for the same inspiration at a much cheaper price!

Engagement party

In some ways the traditional engagement party is an outdated event. Historically an opportunity for both families to meet, this wasn't something we needed to do since we already spend Christmas together so for us, it was more something we wanted to do - a fantastic excuse for a boozy night out!

We hired the room above the Theodore Bullfrog pub just off the Strand and, apart from a rather grumpy barman, it was the perfect venue. It was the right size, we played our own music and they did good, cheap food to stop the drunkenness from setting in too early!

Although we have a lot of parties at home and make a bit of a fuss over both of our birthdays every year, this was the first time we've got so many people we know together in one place, and it was a great sampler of what the wedding is going to be like. Having so many people there for us really brought home what this wedding is all about, we want it to be fun, informal and lively - and judging by the engagement party we've chosen the right bridal party for that!

Photographer booked

So, after much agonising we've finally gone ahead and booked our photographer. We decided to go with Martin and Karen Plant because we know they'll capture a couple of blow-us-away shots that we'll treasure forever. We just kept coming back to one shot they took of a couple at our venue at sunset which is exactly the kind of thing we're after.

Next up is the dress and this is where I think it's going to start to feel really real...

Choosing a photographer - help needed!

So, with the venue booked and the date set, the next thing on my list of priorities is the photography. As a journalist I'm fairly used to having my picture taken and seeing professional results so I must admit to being quite picky about this.

I really want someone who can compile a great set of reportage shots of the day and also capture a few key images of us as a couple and of groups of close family and friends. I'm hoping for one or two wall-worthy pictures plus lots of great photos we can put in frames and put an album together with.

To me, capturing the day is one of the most important things - after all, apart from the rings, what else do you actually have left after the wedding itself besides the photos? Certainly not the flowers, favours or centrepieces...! And so, I'm finding it really really hard to decide.

We've got it down to two and, having already blown the budget on this, aren't too worried about the slight difference in price between them. Our main concern is how they will be on the day - we need someone we can get on well with and who can fade into the background to put people at ease but still leap forward when a particularly photogenic moment occurs.

Our two potential photographers are David Jones and Martin & Karen Plant. Both work in pairs (David works with a woman called Lucy who we haven't met) and both offer enough coverage on the day - from Doug's morning round of golf to well into the evening dancing. Both are also very professional, very friendly and very experienced. So how can we choose? Martin & Karen know Coltsfoot well having photographed their before but I'm not sure how much this matters as David would visit the venue in advance anyway, and both offer an engagement shoot so we can get to know them before the big day.

This is definitely the toughest decision so far and I'm conscious too of how personal it is selecting one over the other. Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated!