Ever wondered what a wedding is like from a Grooms perspective? Over the next 12 months Simon, one of the founders of The Bridal File will regulary blog about the preparations for his & Laura's big-day preparations!

Wedding Rings and Gift List - Done

02/02/2012 16:41:03

Well, last weekend, since we were in the rare position of not having 400 things to do, we decided to go wedding ring shopping and also get together a gift list.

Gift list came first, and I have to say it was a bizarre experience wandering round a department store just zapping items that you would like other people to buy you. It felt a bit odd, and took us a while to 'scan' our first item. Fortunately once we got the first couple out of the way we got into the swing of it and before we knew it had about 3 times as many things as we had guests. We resisted the temptation to scan funny items (we were tempted to put a breast pump on there, even though - to the best of my knowledge - Laura is not pregnant) but I realised my family share my same sense of humour - so some smart arse would have brought it for us.

I think we were quite sensible really, other than the odd expensive item that we put on there just in case someone is feeling particularly generous, it was mostly just nice stuff that we'd actually really like, mostly kitchen stuff, just because I love cooking. Good fun for sure. In fact if you ever happen to have an afternoon to kill, even if you are not getting married, do it anyway - you get a free voucher for a cup of a tea and a cake. Bargain.

Next on the list of things to do that day was wedding rings. We went into shop number 1, I don't know if I can say who it was for legal reasons, but lets just say Clive something (that's covered me surely?) and were met by a clearly disinterested sales person, in a very unfriendly, not-very-special-feeling part of the shop. Given that it's a pretty significant purchase I expected a bit of razzmatazz. They wanted a lot of money. We left.

Just opposite them was Beaver Brooks. We were introduced to a lovely young chap called Paul who chatted about our big day, sat us down, offered us a drink - much more like it. He was extremely knowledgable on different metals, and what could and couldn't go with Lauras engagement ring. Brilliant chap, and a fairly decent price. Highly recommend them.

So that's two more items crossed off the list. Easy peasy.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - planning a wedding is as hard or easy as you want it to be. For us it's been easy. Bingo bango.