6 8 T I P S T O H E L P Y O U P L A N

Y O U R P E R F E C TW E D D I N G

I d e a s f r o m t o p I r i s h w e d d i n gv e n d o r s

P h o t o g r a p h y b y O l g a H o g a n P h o t o g r a p h y

Congratulations - you are engaged! It is an amazing time of excitement and butterflies - and questions. So many questions you never even knew existed! What kind of wedding are we having? How do I find the right venue? How do I pick the photographer? Do I even need a videographer?? And don't even start me on the paperwork!

The good news is... well, this book. We have asked top Irish wedding vendors to give advice and tips on the most common difficulties brides experience planning their wedding. Trust me - we also want you to have the most amazing day of your life, so check out these 68 questions and answers!

W H Y R E A D T H I S B O O K ?

W E D D I N G V E N U E

F r o m y o u r e x p e r i e n c e , w h a t a r e t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t f a c t o r s w h e n i t c o m e s t o c h o o s i n g a w e d d i n g v e n u e ?

T h e r e a r e s o m a n y t y p e s o f w e d d i n g v e n u e s , h o w d o I k n o w w h i c h o n e t o p i c k ?

J o e O ' F l y n n , R a t h s a l l a g h H o u s e

To name the most important factors, definitely look at the location, you want a venue in a beautiful exclusive location to get the wow factor when guests first arrive and see the venue for the first time (calling it a hidden gem). The next most important factor would be the food/catering that is offered by the venue, guests will always enjoy the evening more and have fonder memories when fantastic food is served at a wedding. Next would be the size, you want a venue that would be comfortable to fit all your guests, if you have invited many you don’t want your guests to feel cramped and you don’t want the space to look big and dull if you have a small amount of guests. Ask for options at the venue if you would be having a large or small amount of guests. Lastly I would say the staff and service of the venue, if you have friendly staff that are warm, welcoming and kind to the guests and have that fine attention to detail, this radiates to the guests and makes their experience and memories that much more special.  

You want to pick a wedding venue that most importantly has that wow-factor while still accommodating the amount of guests you want and is within your budget. If all of those factors are covered and you can start picturing your wedding there, that venue is the perfect one for you and your partner. 

https://www.rathsallagh.com/

H o w w i l l I k n o w w h e n I ’v e f o u n d m y i d e a l v e n u e ?

A n y o t h e r a d v i c e y o u c o u l d g i v e ?

M o s t i m p o r t a n t q u e s t i o n s t o a s k a w e d d i n g v e n u e c o o r d i n a t o r

Choosing the right venue is like buying a house – you will know pretty much immediately if you can visualise spending your day with loved ones in a certain location, so trust your initial reaction. Your wedding venue will be where you’ll spend most (if not all) of your wedding day and if you have comfortable accommodation at the venue, your wedding day would then turn into a fun 2 day affair. So it’s essential that you’re head over heels in love with it.

What is the latest the party can go on till and would there be a bar extension fee?

Do you allow more than one wedding in a day? Do you offer a second day?

Could we have our ceremony outside?

Look for a venue that has accommodation onsite as many guests love to go straight from dinner reception to their room, instead of having to still get in a car and go home (this also means the party is officially over). Know what type of service you would be getting, you will know from the start if a venue would go the extra mile for you. You want a venue that feels like home and staff that would treat your family as if they were their own. Lastly always do a bit of research on the venue, read the reviews, see the types of weddings that have been held at the venue before. As your concern could already be answered by another bride.

W E D D I N GP H O T O G R A P H E R

W h a t m a k e s f o r a g o o d w e d d i n g p h o t o g r a p h e r ?

W h a t p a r t s o f t h e d a y d o e s a w e d d i n g p h o t o g r a p h e r n o r m a l l y c o v e r ?

O l g a H o g a n P h o t o g r a p h y

To my mind, a good wedding photographer is someone much more than a guy or girl with a professional camera who knows how to take photos. Your friend might tick all those boxes but wedding photography is very different from travel or everyday photography. It’s not just about responsibility, which is on a completely different level. It’s about knowing the way a wedding day unfolds, predicting the best moments before they happen and being in a few places at the same time. A good photographer is someone with not just one but two professional cameras, and a set of back-up cards in case equipment goes faulty. It’s someone who has insurance and who will take time to scout your locations to make sure you’re not wasting time looking for great spots on the day. It’s someone who will dress smartly, keep an eye on the time for you, pin the groom’s buttonhole (because none of the guests every know how!) and fix your dress for you if bridesmaids aren’t around. It’s someone who’s seen so many ceremonies and receptions that they’ll know where to be at the right time to get the best shots.

Most photographers have coverage from morning until call for dinner or including the first dance. I always say, however, that every wedding timeline is unique so just communicate with your photographer what parts of the day you’d like covered. I normally don’t photograph during dinner because no one likes photos of themselves eating. During church ceremonies the priest normally does not allow to photograph communion, and occasionally other parts of the ceremony. 

https://www.olgahoganphotography.com

W h a t w e d d i n g p h o t o g r a p h y s t y l e s a r e o u t t h e r e ?

S h o u l d I g i v e m y p h o t o g r a p h e r a s h o t l i s t ?

D o I n e e d a s e c o n d p h o t o g r a p h e r ?

Every wedding photographer has their own unique style but for simplicity we can name three distinct styles – traditional, documentary and fine art. Traditional photographers often work off a list of shots and do a lot of posing on the day. Documentary photographers are rather “fly on the wall” type for whom emotions and people are the most important parts of the day. They try to avoid standard poses and prefer not to interrupt the flow of the day, capturing everything that happens around them. Lastly, fine art photographers have a more detail-heavy style, focusing on aesthetics, unusual angles and creative composition. While most photographers will have parts of every style in their portfolio, they usually tend towards one genre. For example, my style is mostly documentary with elements of fine art, but I have a traditional aspect when it comes to group photos. When choosing a photographer, think about what genre appeals to you the most, which type of photos really “speak to you”. The photographs may be absolutely stunning, but if it’s not the way you envisage your wedding, it might be a good idea to look for someone whose style is closer to your vision.  

This is a very common question, and the short answer is “no”, you don’t “need” a second photographer. It might be a good idea to have one but it’s never a must. A second photographer can cover the groom’s preparations in the morning if the two houses are far away from each other; they can also show a different angle to the ceremony (for example, from the back of the church or from the balcony), and they will capture more guest interaction during reception while the main photographer is taking photos of the bridal party. If you have a tight timeline and over 200 guests (and you want to see each and every one in your wedding photos), consider having a second photographer. If, however, you are inviting 100 guests and don’t want the photographer to be in the way maybe stick to one!

Yes! But I don’t mean the type of lists you can find online - “bride and her father walking up the aisle”, “the first kiss”, etc. We know the key moments of a wedding and we’re not going to miss those shots! We do, however, need to know of personal details or people that you’d like captured – maybe it’s your “something borrowed”, or your aunt who flew all the way from Australia and you want lots of photos of her. Another list I always ask to prepare is a list of group photos – make sure I have the name of every single person you’d like to see by your side, and if you want separate pictures with your Mum AND your Dad just let me know!

W E D D I N G V I D E O

W h a t g e n r e s o f w e d d i n g v i d e o g r a p h y a r e t h e r e ? W h a t ' s t h e d i f f e r e n c e ?

R o n a n Q u i n n V i d e o g r a p h y

There are a few genres now, but to keep things simple I would divide them into two categories.

Documentary videography would be the traditional style of video. The videographer would generally shoot from the same perspective as the traditional photographer. They tend to shoot what’s in front of them and keep a very low key. Like it says on the tin, they document the day from start to finish.

A more popular approach nowadays is the “Cinematic style”, usually produced in a much shorter form. Usually it’s 4-8 minute long film edit using different techniques to keep the view engaged. These can also be sub-categorised, but usually there is still a document of the speeches and the ceremony provided as separate files. So even though you are getting a much cooler short film, you still get the main parts recorded.

Most videographers shooting documentary style want to “capture everything”, whereas for the ones using a more cinematic approach they might be looking for more select shots. They are also always thinking of “the story” if their edit is dialogue-based. In essence this means matching visuals with the audio. The groom says “when I saw you walking down the aisle……..” and you have that visual of the bride walking down just before the ceremony. Or perhaps it’s the father’s speech, and the visual is the dad enjoying a pint with family or friends during the reception time.These would be basic examples, but even these can be almost subliminal in a good edit.

https://www.ronanquinn.ie/

H o w h a s w e d d i n g v i d e o g r a p h y c h a n g e d i n t h e l a s t f e w y e a r s ?

W h y i s i t i m p o r t a n t t o h a v e a v i d e o g r a p h e r a n d n o t o n l y a p h o t o g r a p h e r

A n y o t h e r a d v i c e y o u c o u l d g i v e ?

H o w d o y o u c h o o s e t h e m u s i c f o r t h e f i n a l v i d e o ?

I’ve been shooting video full time 6 years now, and in that period we have seen major changes in the type of wedding videography being offered. 6 years ago we had the “DSLR revolution”, which meant videographers could use smaller cameras (the same ones photographers use) to get the same type of image with shallow depth of field, it was this look that made wedding videos initially look more cinematic.

For me the music used for the online samples is always licenced music. Sorry, your Ed Sheeran songs are out ! We have to adhere to copyright and it’s the only way to protect both the couple and myself. For me though, the music always presents a challenge, as no 2 weddings edits are the same so I often spend hours finding the right music for an edit.

First: Audio……………imagine not being able to hear those vows or those speeches again ! – Crazy right? The main reason is that they are 2 different representations of the day, when you can mix audio with visual footage you can hit emotions very easily. It’s this mix that can pull a couple right back to their wedding day by just hearing the vows for instance. Most photographers and videographers work hand in hand, and communicate with each other, this can create space for the other which makes their job easier.

Best advice is to choose your photographer and videographer wisely. Make sure they are a good match for you and your vision, after that just let them do their job, which lets you enjoy the day as it unfolds. In relation to choosing a videographer, I always tell couples to find a style they like or a “drawn towards” (you can usually “feel” it). Then shortlist maybe 5 in that style, check it they are within your budget and then contact your favourite 2 or 3. There’s no point worrying about what type of gear we use or whether there’s one or two people (or three!) doing the video on the day, priority should just be on the finished product until you have your shortlist.

Lastly, leave plenty of time for your drinks reception, it’s the most relaxed time of the day to mingle with family and guests. And that’s what it’s all about. Have fun, enjoy your day and if you get 5 minutes, step away and take it all in from a different perspective.

W E D D I N G B A N D

W h a t s t y l e o f m u s i c w o r k s b e s t t o g e t t h e c r o w d u p a n d d a n c i n g ?

W h y i s i t i m p o r t a n t t o h i r e a w e d d i n g b a n d a n d n o t o n l y a D J ?

H o w d o y o u e n s u r e a c o m f o r t a b l e s o u n d l e v e l f o r a l l t h e g u e s t s ?

S t e w a r t Q u i n n , T r a n s m i t t e r

A wedding is the biggest party anyone is ever going to throw and everybody is there to enjoy themselves, so big party anthems that have stood the test of time or are current and known from radio play. After that, it’s really a case of matching the band’s ethos to the bride and grooms taste. 

A DJ can pick every song that’s ever existed but can never match the energy of a live performance. There are four completely different focuses of attention on the stage, and two off it. If it’s done properly the audience interaction is far greater with a band. 

Our motto is “Fill the room. Don’t kill the room”. We make sure the dance floor is a visceral experience but if someone wants to have a chat the option is there. We have different sound plots saved from venues which helps. 

http://www.transmitter.ie/

H o w l o n g d o e s i t t a k e t h e b a n d t o s e t u p ?

A n y o t h e r a d v i c e y o u c o u l d g i v e ?

40 minutes for the basic show. 2 hours for all the bells and whistles. We normally do it after the speeches but with the big show we insist on set up before the couple arrive for the reception as it is unfair to expect people to wait that long for entertainment. 

Relax and enjoy the day. Don’t wear a watch and leave your phone with one of the bridesmaids/groomsmen. Also, you’re paying a fortune for photographers, videographers, florists, bands, DJs etc to look after your big day. Allow them to bring their experience to bear on the day. They’ve overseen weddings more times than most priests. This is your first time. That’s why you’re really paying them. If they give advice, just listen.

W E D D I N G D J

I s t h e r e a n a d v a n t a g e o f w o r k i n g w i t h a D J s p e c i a l i z i n g i n w e d d i n g s ?

H o w i n v o l v e d c a n w e b e i n s e l e c t i n g m u s i c f o r o u r e v e n t ?

T r e v o r M a t t h e w s , M i d l a n d D J s

A wedding reception is a very special type of event. It is not a night club or just another party. It is one of the most important, most memorable days of your life. An experienced wedding DJ does a lot more than play some music and make a few announcements. It requires advance planning, attention to details, and behind- the-scenes co-ordination to make things go right all day long.

You choose your own level of involvement. Some couples are extremely involved while others take the approach that is the job of the DJ to know what to play. Generally 20-30 songs are more than adequate for the “Must Play List”. A professional DJ plays for the crowd – and that means many crowd-pleasers, and watching the floor. If he puts on a tune and people start leaving, he’ll know exactly what to do to bring them back.

https://www.midlanddjs.com/

W e ’v e p i c k e d o u r f i r s t d a n c e s o n g , w h a t a b o u t t h e l a s t s o n g o f t h e n i g h t ?

W h a t a r e y o u r T o p 1 0 W e d d i n g s o n g s ?

There are literally hundreds of songs that are good for the last dance. However, deciding the last song of your wedding night before your wedding day has even arrived can be a difficult task. You don’t know what is going to be happening at the end of the night and who will be there. It might be a good idea to have a couple of last song choices. There are a few options when it comes to the last song of the night. One option is to end the night on a more traditional song. A song that all generations will know and sing along to such as Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, I’ve Had the Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing, Daydream Believer by The Monkees, Don’t Stop Believing by Journey, New York New York by Frank Sinatra etc. If you have a younger crowd it is best to just let it flow and end the night on a high note. You also have the option of repeating your first dance song. This can be a way to close the night with a song that means a lot to both the bride and groom.  

An experienced professional Wedding DJ will select a mix of music that will suit all tastes and include every generation. You want music that the wedding couple and their friends will enjoy and dance to, but you don’t want your older guests to feel excluded. Here is a list of just some of the most popular songs requested at weddings:

1. Galway Girl by Sharon Shannon 2. Proud Mary byTina Turner 3. Footloose by Kenny Loggins 4. Maniac 2000 by Mark McCabe 5. Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond 6. Don’t Stop Believing by Journey 7. I Gotta Feeling by The Black Eyed Peas 8. Jump Around by House of Pain 9. Thunderstruck by AC/DC 10. There is always the big chart hit of the moment – this is always changing!

W E D D I N GC E L E B R A N T

W h a t t y p e o f c i v i l c e r e m o n y c a n I h a v e ?  

Y v o n n e C a s s i d y

There are a number of options available to couples today. I am an Independent Celebrant, which means I am not affiliated with any belief system, religious or otherwise. Independent Celebrants are not bound by any rites or restrictions of the state or a belief system.  We are not solemnisers which means we do not perform the legal side to a marriage and this is completed separately with the HSE.  It is an alternative choice that is becoming more popular with couples who want a completely unique ceremony. We work with each couple on an individual basis, meeting with them and really getting to know them, in order to create and deliver a ceremony that is uniquely theirs.  

Spiritualist/Interfaith Solemnisers - both these organisations have a number of solemnisers who can perform the legal side to a marriage.  This type of ceremony is classed as a religious ceremony.  Both organisations work 7 days a week, and the ceremonies can be personalised.  

Humanist Solemniser - this is considered a secular ceremony and can also be performed 7 days a week. Ceremonies can be personalised but generally cannot have reference to faith or god as it is not a part of their belief. They can perform the legal side to a marriage.  

HSE Registrar - this is a civil ceremony. It is a legally binding ceremony which is performed by a HSE registrar. These can only be done Monday to Friday, and some offices have restrictions on the time they are done at. These ceremonies can be personalised to a small degree in that you can include readings and music as long as there are no references to faith or God. The venue itself has to be approved by the HSE. These ceremonies generally follow a standard script with some additions.

https://yvonnecassidyweddings.com/

W h a t a r e t h e a d v a n t a g e s o f h a v i n g a c i v i l c e r e m o n y ?

A n y o t h e r a d v i c e y o u c o u l d g i v e ?

H o w d o I d e a l w i t h W e d d i n g D a y N e r v e s ?

W h a t a r e t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t f a c t o r s i n c h o o s i n g t h e p e r f e c t c e l e b r a n t ?

The main advantage is that it gives you the freedom to have the type of ceremony you want, a ceremony that is going to mean something more to you than just a standard script. The ceremony is no longer just something to get through until the party starts, as it was viewed in the past, and now more and more couples are realising the importance of it, it is the moment you publically declare your commitment to each other.  Couples today want the ceremony to be meaningful, personal, and a reflection of them and their love story.  

I think it comes down to a connection.  I like to meet with couples to have an initial consultation and straight away you get the feel for each other and know if you are a 'fit'.  The wedding ceremony is such an important day that I think the person delivering the ceremony should be someone you have met and have had a face to face conversation with, someone responsive to your queries, someone who has given good advice on ways to personalise the ceremony and has really listened to what you want.

I would say to couples to not be afraid to do things a little bit different. Weddings have changed hugely in the past decade. There is no need to follow trends or traditions if that is not who you are.  A wedding day is a big deal, it is a big expense and often a big stress. So make it about you. 

Breathe!! It really is the best way, just take a moment and breathe. I find that it’s the initial seeing each other for the first time that causes the most nerves. I always give my couple a moment to greet each other, take a breath and settle down before starting the ceremony. Laughter is another great way to settle the nerves, and once the couple and their guests share a laugh I find any nervous tension eases. 

Another thing to consider if you are very nervous is to do a 'first look' photograph.  I have found that couples who have done this, or those who walk in together, are less nervous than those who have not.  They have already had the big build up to seeing each other for the first time, and have already been emotional, but it has been done privately.

P a p e r w o r k

The HSE require a number of documents to be provided at the notification of intent appointment - passports, long form birth certificate and proof of address, along with the fee of €200. If either person is a foreign national they will need to have their documents verified with an Apostille stamp from a government authority in their home country. This is the case even if the person has an Irish passport - if you were born abroad and your birth cert was issued outside of Ireland. You may also need a Freedom to Marry letter. Some HSE offices look for this and others do not. This is completely separate from the Freedom to Marry letter that the Church requires.  

C E R E M O N YM U S I C

A r e t h e r e l i m i t a t i o n s t o t h e k i n d o f s o n g s I c a n h a v e a t a c h u r c h c e r e m o n y ? W h a t a b o u t a c i v i l c e r e m o n y ?

   

J o a n n a M a r i e B u r k e

Usually for a church ceremony the best starting point when considering your music is to speak with the priest or minister. Sometimes they will have strong standpoints on the type of music that will be played and it’s best to stick within the boundaries that they give you. There are some priests who will only allow religious songs during ceremony and others that will give you full flexibility. Your safest bet is always just to ask. For a religious ceremony there are a number of opportunities for music, and you probably need to consider approximately 8-10 songs. In order to keep with the flow of the ceremony the musician will play shortened versions of these songs. If there are songs that are very important to you and your partner you should consider having these played during communion or signing of the register as there will likely be time to play the song through.

Within a civil ceremony or humanist ceremony there are less opportunities for songs. You will usually have flexibility as to what kind of songs you may have, however again it’s always worth checking with celebrant as some do not allow any religious music or hymns. Usually 4-5 will songs will be enough for this kind of ceremony. These can be used for the processional, between readings, lighting of candles, after exchange of vows and recessional.

http://www.joannamarieburke.com/

W h a t i n s t r u m e n t s w o u l d y o u r e c o m m e n d f o r c e r e m o n y m u s i c ?

A n y o t h e r a d v i c e ?

I s i t a g o o d i d e a t o h a v e l i v e m u s i c d u r i n g d r i n k s r e c e p t i o n o r w i l l t h e g u e s t s b e t o o b u s y t o a p p r e c i a t e i t ?

This really depends on the atmosphere or vibe you want to create as well as your budget. Typically I play accompanied by a guitarist and we like the stripped back and intimate feel that this offers, and this is something that our couples often comment on. Some people will prefer the sound and feel of a piano. Other instruments, particularly stringed instruments (violin, cello), can bring a different feel to the ceremony. I always encourage couples to let me know if there is an instrument they really want involved. In terms of budget it is worth bearing in mind that each musician will cost €180-200 so this may influence your decision. 

I think live music adds a lot to a drinks reception. It brings an atmosphere and energy that a sound system simply cannot match. It should be subtle and serve as background music, and although you don't expect people to necessarily stop and watch the performance you do hope it will catch their ear as they are chatting with your guests and that it sets a tone and helps people to relax and mingle. I think it is important to choose the right kind of musician/group for this section of your day. I usually recommend a set of jazz standards with a jazz duo/trio as I think this sits nicely in the background without demanding an audience to listen.

This is your and your partner's day. When it comes to your music the most important thing is that it means something to you personally, particularly for the ceremony. Don't get too caught up in song lists provided. Most musicians will be happy to learn and include songs tailored to you. With the reception music you will usually have less of a say regarding specific songs simply because it is a much bigger repertoire than your ceremony. The most important thing with this is to choose a musician who provides music in the genre you prefer and to give them an idea of the kind of artists/songs you want included in that section of the day.

W E D D I N GH A I R S T Y L I S T

H o w l o n g s h o u l d I a l l o w t o g e t t h e h a i r d o n e f o r m e a n d m y b r i d a l p a r t y ?

   

M i c h e l l e L y n c h

It really depends on the hair style you are going for but with any upstyle your hair needs to be just below shoulder level. If you want to have a really soft look with a few pieces left out you need to have layers in your hair otherwise you won’t get that soft look. Clip-in extensions are a great way out. Brides often ask me if they need extensions, and I would recommend getting them especially if your hair is not very thick .

D o I r e a l l y n e e d t o h a v e a t r i a l ?

   Yes, a trial is extremely important because what you might think will work in your hair might not suit your hair type. Most importantly, you need a style that will go with your dress . Getting a hair trial is a definite yes before your wedding .

H o w s h o u l d I p r e p a r e m y h a i r f o r t h e b i g d a y ?  

   You should be getting your hair trimmed every 8 weeks depending on the type of hair you have. You need a good shampoo and conditioner for your hair. Kerastase brand is brilliant as it does exactly what it says on the bottle. If your hair is very dry you need to get a good hair treatment to keep your hair in good condition.

https://www.facebook.com/michelle.lynch.5074

A r e t h e r e a n y h a i r s t y l e s I s h o u l d a v o i d ?

S h o u l d I h a v e a h e a d p i e c e , a v e i l o r b o t h ?

My up-styles are always different and when you get a hair trial you’ll know exactly which upstyle will work and which won’t. I can tell when I see a bride’s hair what will work for me and what would suit the client. There is nothing really you should avoid, and trying different styles before the wedding day is a great option.

It’s entirely up to you! I personally think they are lovely but of course it depends on the dress and the shape of your face. If you want to give it a try I would recommend bringing the head piece to your trial .

W E D D I N GM A K E U P A R T I S T

H o w c a n I d e c i d e w h a t b r i d a l l o o k t o g o w i t h o n m y w e d d i n g d a y ?

   

R o i s i n D e m p s e y

Once you have chosen your make-up artist and booked your trial, I would advise that you research images of looks that appeal to you and bring them along to your trial, whether it is some images of make-up online, or of makeup that you had worn before that you really liked. You can decide on your makeup based on the theme of your wedding, whether it is soft and natural, vintage, dramatic and glam. Or you can base it around the season you are getting married, if it was a nice warm look for winter or a nice fresh dewy look for spring summer.

W h a t s h o u l d I d o t o p r e p a r e f o r m y t r i a l ?

   If you are going to wear fake tan on your wedding day I advise you wear it to the trial, as the look can look completely different with darker toned skin you might need a deeper shadow or a shade or 2 darker in your lipstick colour. If possible wear your hair in some way similar to what way it will be on the day if It will be up or down. Wear a top the same colour as your wedding dress, so you can better judge the make-up against that colour for the day.

A r e t h e r e a n y c o l o u r s I s h o u l d c o n s i d e r g o i n g w i t h o n t h e d a y ?

   I would recommend some colour on the day, so your face will stand out and not blend in with the dress. You don’t have to go dramatic; it could be just adding some blush to your cheeks or wearing a stronger colour lipstick.

https://www.facebook.com/RoisinDempseyMUA/

C a n y o u r e c o m m e n d a n y t h i n g I c a n d o i n t h e l e a d u p t o m y w e d d i n g d a y ?

S o m e d o s a n d d o n ’t s

If your skin is in great condition then your makeup will not only look better but it will last longer too. I would recommend that you start weeks or months beforehand using products best suited to your skin type. I would also suggest that if you need to get your eyebrows shaped that you get them done a week beforehand so your skin has time to settle and repair. This allows the make-up to go on smoothly.

- Don’t choose a matte lipstick as it can leave your lips looking dry and cakey. - Don’t choose a very glossy lipstick as it won’t last long at all. - Do choose a lipstick with a nice satiny finish. - Don’t go for a look too different or too dramatic to what you usually like or wear, as you want to look the best version of yourself on the day not like someone else. - Do allow enough time, I suggest getting your makeup done second last after you get your hair done, you don’t want to be last and having to rush it. - ALWAYS have a trial beforehand, it can be very stressful if you don’t have a trial and then you are not happy with your makeup on the day of the wedding, you don’t want to waste time on the day trying to change or fix it.

W E D D I N GF L O R I S T

H o w d o I p i c k t h e f l o w e r s ?

   

C a t h e r i n e M a h o n A s t e r F l o w e r s

Your florist should have a very good knowledge of the available blooms for the time of year you are getting married and advise you on this. Usually brides have a particular flower or look they want to go for, so your florist should be able to help you choose the best options to achieve this. Gather pictures of pieces you like, show colours of the bridesmaid’s dresses and style of the bridal gown, this will all help in deciding the best fit. I think Pinterest is excellent for ideas and the shape of your dress and overall theme will usually make the decision easier.

W h a t s h o u l d I k e e p i n m i n d w h e n c h o o s i n g f l o w e r s ?

   Many flowers have seasons. It is really important that you keep in mind that certain flowers have only a number of months when they are available, outside this they will be much more expensive and sometimes just not available. Try to stay with flowers in season.

W h a t h a p p e n s t o t h e f l o w e r s a f t e r t h e w e d d i n g ?

   Usually I will remove the church flowers and use them in the reception to minimise your spend. Apart from any vases etc that belong to the florist, the flowers are yours to keep. Make sure the bouquets are well watered as soon as you can. You can now dry your bridal bouquet and frame it, I think this is a great idea. If you are throwing your bouquet at the end of reception, you could throw a bridesmaid’s bouquet instead.

http://www.asterflowers.ie/

W h a t s h o u l d I p r i o r i t i s e m y b u d g e t o n ?

W h e n s h o u l d I b o o k m y f l o r i s t ?

This is a tricky question; some brides want it to be all in the reception room and others like to focus on the bridal party. A good florist would make sure you have the wow factor throughout your day and still allow you to keep within budget. I personally would make sure that the bride’s bouquet is of primary importance, it is in all of the photos and a real centre point for the day. Then key areas to focus on are the ceremony altar area, as all of the guests will be looking directly at this for over an hour. And from there the reception room and the tables they will sit at for the remainder of the evening. Lots of hotels have a few options so make sure you utilise what they have.

Florists can book up well in advance. I have some brides book with a 2 year lead time. However, I would recommend 6 – 8 months in advance.

A n y o t h e r a d v i c e y o u c o u l d g i v e ?

Be careful choosing your florist, everyone differs in style. Have a good look at their previous work and have a good chat about what you expect from them. Brides with pictures of pieces they love are really helpful as it clearly shows the theme of their day. I really do get excited with all of the different tastes of each bride I meet and genuinely look forward to working on new designs for them every week… it’s a wonderful job and I think you should get this enthusiasm from everyone involved in your wedding, it will make the planning process so much easier.

W E D D I N G C A K E

W h e r e c a n I g e t i n s p i r a t i o n f o r m y w e d d i n g c a k e ? W h a t s h o u l d I k e e p i n m i n d ?

   

V i c t o r i a M i l l e r C a k e S t u d i o

You can find inspiration online by looking at cake designer's website or on social media. Pinterest is one of the best places to go when you don't have a specific idea in mind. Your cake design needs to reflect the theme of the wedding and it needs to tie in with the colour and decorations used on the day.  

A r e t h e r e a n y l i m i t a t i o n s o n t h e t y p e o f c a k e I w a n t t o u s e ?  

   There are so many different designs out there and only the sky is the limit. However you need to be realistic when ordering your cake and you need to keep in mind that intricate designs cost more even if the cake size is smaller.  

H o w l a r g e s h o u l d m y c a k e b e ?

   A wedding cake should be large enough to serve all guests attending the wedding. It is true that not all guests are going to eat cake but it is important to have enough servings for everyone the same way the three- course meal is offered to every guest.

http://millercakestudio.com/

W h a t s h o u l d I f o c u s o n w h e n c h o o s i n g a w e d d i n g c a k e ?

Flavour is the most important thing when it comes to choosing your wedding cake. We recommend getting different flavours for each tier to be able to offer a variety to your guests. When it comes to design it is very important to choose colours that are matching the wedding theme ie. room decor, flowers, invitation theme, wedding dress etc.  

A n y o t h e r a d v i c e y o u c o u l d g i v e ?

Leave enough time for ordering your wedding cake. Minimum 6 months is advised as most cake designers are booked up quickly. Look around for inspiration and send it on to your cake designer to help them create your dream wedding cake. Be as specific as you can and ask for a sketch if possible.

 

W E D D I N GS T Y L I S T

W h a t i s t h e d i f f e r e n c e b e t w e e n a w e d d i n g p l a n n e r a n d a w e d d i n g s t y l i s t ?

   

R e a l D r e a m , J u l i e n C l i d i e r e

Many people assume wedding planners and stylists are the same thing however they have different roles and skills. Think of a wedding planner as a project manager. Their responsibility is to accomplish a project by managing multiple teams, logistics, time, resources, human resources, and your budget. However, wedding stylists focus on creating a picture- perfect backdrop to your wedding, ensuring that everything is matched and balanced from start to finish. They’re primarily focused on the overall design of your event.

I c a n ' t d e c i d e o n t h e t h e m e f o r m y w e d d i n g , w h a t s h o u l d I k e e p i n m i n d ?

   When choosing your wedding theme think about what characterizes your couple the most: are you rather bohemian or chic, do you love to travel or are you incredibly romantic? Do you have common passions? Do you come from different countries? The theme can also be based on the location of your wedding reception: is it a castle, a manor house, is it by the sea or in countryside? Make a list of themes that inspire you. Once you pick one, make a list of elements that symbolize it, and check if they are within your budget. Depending on the theme you have chosen for your wedding, you will have more or less choice. Define a dominant colour and possibly two or three other complementary colours for the decorative elements.

https://realdream.ie/

M o s t w e d d i n g v e n u e s s a y t h a t t h e y p r o v i d e w e d d i n g d e c o r , w h a t ' s t h e a d v a n t a g e o f h i r i n g a n o t h e r c o m p a n y t o d o i t ?

When a wedding venue inclues décor into their package it is usually something that they use for all weddings, regardless of the couple’s taste and without the option to make it personal. Which day is more important than your wedding day? When we get ready for a wedding, we want everything to be perfect. If you want to make this day as memorable as possible it is a good idea to hire a wedding stylist who will understand your dream and help you make it happen. Being an expert in décor elements, colours and fabrics, a wedding stylist will help and advise you in terms of layout, decoration and enhancement of your reception space.

W h a t a r e t h e m o s t c r e a t i v e w e d d i n g t h e m e s y o u ' v e w o r k e d o n ?

At the moment we are working on our own party for 2019, and it’s as creative as you can imagine it! It is going to be held in a lovely garden in France, in a rustic chic style, with tents, lights, many elements and surprises for our guests. You can follow all the preparations for this big day on our social media. A wedding is such a unique moment in every couple’s life and every bride wants nothing more than for her wedding to be beautiful, unforgettable and different from all others she has seen!

 

W E D D I N GS T A T I O N E R Y

H o w c a n I c h o o s e t h e s t y l e o f m y i n v i t a t i o n s ? W h e r e s h o u l d I l o o k f o r i n s p i r a t i o n ?  

   

A p p l e b e r r y P r e s s , A i l b h e C r o n i n

There is no better opportunity for a couple to inject some of your unique personalities and sense of style to your special day than in the invitation suite! Your invitation is your guests' first glimpse at your wedding style. Along with the locations and time of day, the invitation and more specifically its style, hints to the formality of your wedding. It's best to have an idea of the type of wedding you are having, whether it's classic and elegant or chic and modern, before you start shopping for your stationery so you can choose a style that hits the same note. There are so many different styles of wedding invitations available these days, making the task of choosing your favourite a hard one. Keep your wedding colours in mind such as bridesmaid dresses or bridal accessories, as you may wish to incorporate these colours into your wedding invitations. Next is the paper; there are a variety of sizes, types, colours and paper weights to choose from. You may also choose to brighten your invites with colourful accents, pocketfolds or envelope liners.

Your theme will normally develop the more you browse ideas. To help find a theme set up a Pinterest board with some of your favourite ideas and a theme will most definitely evolve. Remember, your wedding invitations should be unique and be a solid representation of your style; so take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the process!

https://www.appleberrypress.com/

W h a t s h o u l d I i n c l u d e i n t h e i n v i t a t i o n s u i t e s ?  

The invitation is a card or a set of cards that formally invites your guests to your wedding. RSVP Cards are also included with the main invitation and are used to gather information from your guests. A response date is determined by the couple and listed as the date by which guests must reply.

An Accommodation Card is an optional card that is a great way to recommend hotel/ accommodation options, especially if you have managed to reserve a special hotel discount for your guests. A Details Card is also a great way to inform your guests of additional details like directions or second day celebrations.

Illustrated maps are our favourite way to personalise your wedding invitation suite. You can add your own landmarks such as your first date spot, your favourite restaurant and your church.

A Timeline is a great idea to let your guests know what time the main events of the day will be taking place. You can personalise your timeline to suit your wedding and add in all the fun activities of the day or weekend.

H o w f a r i n a d v a n c e s h o u l d I o r d e r m y i n v i t a t i o n s ?

Our top tip is to always order extra invitations! We recommend at least 10% extra. Sometimes there are more refusals than expected and a second round of invitations can be sent out, or just long lost relatives who were missed off the original list and only get spotted later on. If you’re hiring a calligrapher to address your invitations, ask for extra envelopes in case of returned invites or addressing mistakes. After putting so much effort into creating the perfect wedding invitation, don't forget to carry your theme through to your wedding day with Ceremony Booklets, Table Menus, Place Cards and more.

H o w f a r i n a d v a n c e s h o u l d I o r d e r m y i n v i t a t i o n s ?

Save the Date Cards are a fantastic idea, especially if you have friends or family abroad or if you’re having a destination wedding. It ensures people know in plenty of time to plan travel arrangements etc. Most people send their Save the Dates 6 months before the wedding, if you send them too early people may leave them to one side and too late means they may not be able to attend. Make sure to order your Save the Dates about 7 months before your wedding so they're ready to be sent out. Ideally, invitations should go out no later than eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests loads of time to clear their schedules for the day and make travel arrangements if living further afield. At the very latest, guests should receive invitations six weeks before the big day. To keep to this time line you should order your invitations 4 months prior to your wedding. For bespoke creations you should allow extra time, we would recommend ordering at least 6 months prior to your wedding.

 

W E D D I N GJ E W E L L E R Y

H o w d o I m a t c h m y w e d d i n g b a n d w i t h m y e n g a g e m e n t r i n g ?  

   

N a t a s h a S h e r l i n g

The most important thing is that the metals match - not necessarily the colour of gold, but more so the carat. 18ct is softer than 9ct, for example, so it’s not a good idea to stack them together as one will wear down the other one. The same goes for platinum - it is much tougher than gold so again will wear a softer metal down when worn beside it.

W h a t m e t a l w o u l d y o u r e c o m m e n d f o r t h e b r i d e ' s w e d d i n g b a n d a n d t h e g r o o m ' s w e d d i n g b a n d ?      

This is totally a personal choice and will really come down to style and budget! Platinum is super tough and requires very little maintenance but is also one of the more expensive options. On trend right now is rose gold - it looks beautiful on so many skin tones. 

W h a t d o I d o w i t h m y e n g a g e m e n t r i n g o n m y w e d d i n g d a y ?      

You want your finger to be bare and ready for the wedding ring so I would suggest one of two things. The first option works if you're not wearing any other jewellery - simply switch your engagement ring to the other hand for the duration of the ceremony. Otherwise, recruit a bridesmaid or (very) trusted friend to mind it for you; as soon as the ceremony is over you can reclaim it as your own and pop it back on!

http://natashasherling.ie/

H o w m a n y p i e c e s o f j e w e l l e r y c a n I u s e o n m y d a y w i t h o u t o v e r d o i n g i t ?

This again often comes down to personal style. There's no problem going big and bold (or delicate and subdued if that's your style), but take heed of the dress in your choices. For example, an ornate neckline deserves to be shown off; keep it free of any necklaces or neckpieces. Sometimes something simple can make the strongest impact - a slim silver bangle or stunning drop earrings can often be more than enough. Finally, don't wear a watch - even something in a cocktail style. There's no need to keep track of time on your wedding day!

A n y o t h e r a d v i c e y o u c o u l d g i v e ?

Lots of brides choose to wear a sentimental heirloom piece of jewellery on the big day. With a few weeks to spare, bring it into a good jewellery to get it cleaned, and to get any prongs checked to make sure none of the stones are loose! Small tweaks, like shortening chains, or adding posts to clip-on earrings to make them suitable for pierced ears, are fairly straightforward and can go a long way towards making a piece your own. And if in possession of a beautiful brooch, why not consider either adding it to your bouquet ribbon - or having your hairdresser sew it into your hair, for a fresh way to wear a lovely inherited jewel.