The engagement party

Engagement party arrangements quickly got under way. The mothers were to do the catering and the party was to be held at the local spirts club where Ashley played cricket and occassionally played and coached hockey.

The date was arranged and because of the short notice, invitations were sent out via Facebook. Food shopping trips took place and catering tasks were split between Kelly, Ashley and the mothers. Decorations for the room were provided by VIP Functions in Redditch.

In addition, to the food, both Kelly and I had to find something to wear and being of ample size it was not going to be easy.

Kelly and i had been on a night out with some of our transgender friends a couple of days after the marriage proposal. It was here I was given fashion advice from a lovely lady called Lana, who couldn't understand why I always wore black. Lana convinced me it was time to wear some colour, namely blue. So I began the seach for a blue maxi dress.

For two weeks I searched the shops in Redditch, Birmingham and surrounding areas, but finally had to give in and trawl the internet. Shops like Very, Simplybe, Fashion World, Evans and Yours Clothing had dresses in my size but to be truthful they were a but dull. Being inbetween seasons didn't help. Summer had gone and the glitzy winter and Christmas clothes hadn't arrived kn the stores. Then by chance I went on the Tesco website and found exactly what I was looking for. A beautiful bright blue Anne Harvey maxi dress for only £50.

The day of the engagement party was really busy. Joints of meat were cooked within an inch of their life. Salads were put together, pastries baked, bread collected from the supermarket and then everything was loaded into the car and taken to the venue where we thought we had an hour or so to get setup before returning home to get ourselves ready.

The sportsclub was still being used, masses of people were still in the room where the food was to be left and on our arrival the club manager decided to go home and get ready for our party. Refusing to leave our food in a club where club members and their children could enjoy a free meal, we had no choice but to take the food back home again.

At around 7pm we finally managed to get into the room, tidy it, rearrange it and put the food on the tables.

Both Ashley and Kelly and all of the guests were impressed with the buffet and disco and everyone looked lovely. Family had driven up from Devon and everyone had a great time. But the moral of the story is to make sure you have plenty of time to sort out catering, plenty of time to find and buy new clothes and make sure you, your caterers, the disco and room decorator can get into the party room at a reasonable time.

Moms, you should also remember that you will be hosting this party, so you also need to look your best. Make sure you've had enough rest and above all enjoy yourself.