The Reluctant Bride:
Well, here we are again—with a fresh update from the ever-evolving world of this reluctant bride. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that wedding planning for me has never quite been about champagne flutes and mood boards. It’s been more of a winding road filled with deep breaths, detours, and a fair bit of self-reflection.
And true to form, our wedding plans have taken yet another unexpected turn.
Catch up on the latest from The Reluctant Bride
Part 1: Navigating The Wedding Maze: A Reluctant Bride’s Journey Begins
Part 2: Family Dynamics and Guest List Dilemmas: The Hard Truths of Planning a Destination Wedding
Part 3: Love (and Wedding Planning) Isn’t Always a Fairytale…
Recently, I was lucky enough to head to Thailand on a work trip—a press visit to Bangkok and Khao Lak—where the brief (not so secretly tailored to my current headspace) was to experience and report on honeymoon and wedding offerings. Both hotels we visited went above and beyond to woo us, and I was, I’ll admit, quite easily won over.
In Bangkok, the team at Amari Bangkok had pulled together the most beautiful honeymoon suite setup—rose petals, chilled fizz, the lot. It felt luxurious without being over the top, and it reminded me that a little indulgence doesn’t have to mean cliché. Then came The Sarojin in Khao Lak… and wow. That place doesn’t even try to be romantic—it just is. All understated elegance, beachfront serenity, and those tiny thoughtful touches that whisper “honeymoon” without ever shouting it.
But something about the change in season—the gentle shift into spring, with longer days and little signs of life appearing again—has sparked a flicker of hope in me.
For the first time since the end of last year, I’ve started to feel drawn back into the idea of wedding planning—but this time, with a different perspective. I’m not chasing the perfect Pinterest aesthetic or the pressure of a grand production. I’m focusing on what really matters: our relationship, the people who love us, and creating a day that reflects who we truly are.
Our wedding might look different to how we first imagined it—and that’s okay. The priority now is simply getting there together. The details, the timeline, even the location may evolve, but the heart of it remains the same. And maybe that shift in thinking is the most meaningful part of all.
While I was there, the team showed us some of their wedding locations—not just on the beach, but also at a nearby waterfall (yes, waterfall) where they can set up intimate ceremonies for up to 12 people. You can even have a private chef cook for you beside the cascading water. Naturally, I was sold in about five seconds.
But here’s the thing. As stunning as it all was, it also confirmed something I’ve been feeling for a while: as much as I love the idea of Thailand as our wedding backdrop, the thought of 70 people flying out, and me feeling even slightly responsible for whether they’re having a good holiday, fills me with dread.
So now, the plan (the new plan!) is this: the four of us—me, George, and the kids—are heading to Thailand for a month in February. Just us. Somewhere during that trip, we’ll have a small, simple beach ceremony. And if a handful of our nearest and dearest fancy “gate-crashing”? So be it—we certainly won’t object.
I’ve completely fallen back in love with Khao Lak. This recent trip was my third visit, and the whole time I was there, I kept thinking how perfect it would be to return with George and the kids. I even spotted the spot—a quiet stretch of beach, just a few steps from a breezy beach bungalow (with air con, of course—essential for any bride in 30-degree heat), shaded by a Sea Almond tree, looking out across calm blue waves. No arches, no petals, no big arrival—just the four of us, barefoot in the sand, keeping it simple and honest.
For our special day, I’m leaning towards combining The Sarojin with its more modest neighbour, Kantary Beach. The Sarojin is adults-only—perfect for a dreamy honeymoon night (if those gate crashers arrive and we get a break from the kids!). Kantary Beach, on the other hand, is ideal for families, with villas directly on the sand, a bigger stretch of beach, and great kid-friendly facilities. Together, they offer the best of both worlds—and, fingers crossed, a little slice of balance.
Once we’re back in the UK, we’ll do the legal bit at the registry office and throw a party for everyone else. Hopefully, that keeps everyone happy.
I suppose what I’m learning—slowly, stubbornly—is that relationships are like rivers. They don’t stop flowing just because you’re planning a big event. Life keeps moving, plans shift, and sometimes what you thought you wanted turns into something even better. It’s all about adapting, being fluid (pun intended), and letting go of perfection.
So this is it. The six-month countdown begins. Not to the wedding we first imagined, but to the one that feels right for us now. And really, that’s all that matters.
Here’s to calm beaches, changing plans, and letting go (just a little).
With love and reluctant bridehood, always,
Hannah
IG: reluctant_bride