The Best Wedding Food Trucks in Ireland

1. Wild Oak Events

White Oak Events provides a wide range of wedding food, drinks and bar services including a full bar that can cater to weddings of any size and at any location - from the Wicklow Mountains to a giant teepee, White Oak have made it happen! The team also have a fleet of classic Citroen HY Vans which have served many purposes including cocktail vans, a coffee truck, a food truck and a gin bar. If you're considering a prosecco or Peroni reception on your big day, White Oak Events can cater to that too!

For more information visit whiteoakevents.ie

2. The Salty Buoy

Headed up by Dublin chef and restaurant owner Niall Sabongi, the seafood-focused The Salty Buoy food truck offers everything from lobster rolls to shucked oysters, crab and fresh fried fish. The menu will go down a treat with seafood lovers. If you dream of a Champagne (or Guinness) and Oysters cocktail reception, this is the wedding food truck for you!

For more information, visit saltybuoy.ie

3. The Hatch

If you're dreaming of a gourmet burger reception for your big day or day-two party, this might just be the wedding food truck for you! A retro-Airstream-style trailer available to hire for weddings large and small, The Hatch can provide your guests with award-winning burgers, loaded fries, seafood and sides, and there's also an adorable matching dessert trailer for hire too!

For more information, visit www.thehatchstreetfood.com

4. Cocobrew

Love the idea of a vintage VW van pulling up to serve your guests espresso martinis after your ceremony? How about an arrival of fresh coffees the morning after the night before? Cocobrew offer a selection of coffee, cocktails and sweet treats, handmade by experienced baristas and chefs and served from their retro-styled van. Tailoring their service for any kind of wedding, they make a fun addition to your day!

For more information, visit cocobrew.ie

5. Adventure Catering

Adventure Catering can rock up in either a traditional style-chip van or a vintage silver Airstream and can provide hungry guests with everything from Mexican, Italian, Indian and Asian menus, or a classic chip van menu of burgers, hot dogs, battered cod and scampi (with the obligatory mushy peas), crispy onion rings and, of course, chips! The also offers a pig on spit or rotisserie-style chicken, grazing stations and late-night grilled cheese all of which are available for events throughout Ireland. Travelling nationwide, their wedding food truck is a great option for couples looking for casual, hearty fare.

For more information, visit adventurecatering.ie

6. Once Upon a Thai

Love Thai? Then you'll love Once Upon a Thai's colourful food truck, which produces authentic Thai street food, such as Thai curries, Pad Thai, Tom Yum and fresh spring rolls.

For more information, visit onceuponathai.com

7. Dosa Dosa South Indian Street Food 

Not quite a food truck, but rather a converted Volkswagen van, Dosa Dosa South Indian Street Food offers a South-Indian-flavours-meets-Irish-produce menu filled with vibrant flavour options such as masala dosa, biryiani, curries, samosas, parotta, kathi rolls and more . Delish!

For more information, visit dosadosa.ie

8. Oui Poutine

Poutine is the cult classic comfort dish from Canada, a delicious mash up of crispy chips, gravy and a specific type of fresh cheese. Oui Poutine give you the option to mix it up with tasty toppings such as bacon, diced chorizo and hot sauce, or smoked brisket and mustard. Their award-winning food truck has also won multiple awards including the 'Yes Chef' Innovation Award, as well as received many nominations including Food Truck Of The Year, Team of The Year, and The Champion Chip award. 

For more information, visit www.ouipoutine.com

9. Born and Raised

Michael from Born and Raised makes delicious, handcrafted Belgian Liege waffles from a cleverly-converted 40-year-old horsebox! Liege waffles are an adaptation of brioche bread dough, featuring chunks of pearl sugar, which caramelise on the outside of the waffle when baked. Michael serves them with everything from cinnamon sugar, to sticky toffee sauce, to chocolate and marshmallows for a S'Mores version!

For more information, visit bornandraisedwaffles.com

10. Little Piggy

Whether it's a Champagne bar, Pimm's bar, gin room, cocktail bar, vintage tea room (complete with vintage crockery), beer truck, barista coffee truck, classic wine bar, fizz float or ice cream sundae bar you want for your big day, Citroen H-Van Little Piggy can provide it all!

For more information, visit littlepiggy.ie

11. Gourmet Food Parlour

A fully-equipped food truck with options as varied as street food, supper bowls and sizzling steak sandwiches, Gourmet Food Parlour's food truck is a really versatile option - it even comes with a barista–style coffee machine! It's available to hire nationwide.

For more information, visit gourmetfoodparlour.com

12. Los Chicanos Taqueria

Inspired by the flavours and techniques of Mexican cooking and the urban and edgy street food truck culture of Los Angeles, Los Chicanos Taqueria is a bright and eye-catching food truck offering up a mouthwatering Mexican menu. Their menu offering includes their Mexican street corn, Papas Picante alongside their tacos which are made of sweet potato barbacoa, macha cauliflower, Baja fish, lamb barbacoa and chorizo. They also have a solid salsa lineup of roja, verde, peanut matcha, negra and citrus habanero.

For more information, visit www.loschicanos.ie

13. Tadgh & Paddy's Pizzeria

Spreading happiness one slice at a time, Tadgh & Paddy's Pizzeria are a mobile pizzeria creating handmade Italian style pizzas using fresh artisan Irish & Italian ingredients. Using a unique 5 day fermented dough, pizzas are prepared and baked on-site in their wood-fired oven. Tried and tested (and loved!) by the One Fab Day team, we give this wedding food truck 5 stars all round!

For more information, visit @tadghandpaddyspizzeria

14. Home Fries

Specialising in sautéed, seasoned potatoes, Home Fries operates out of a super cute, 1970s caravan. Tried and loved by the One Fab Day team, dishes range from homemade Patatas Bravas and potatoes with chorizo and roasted red pepper, to more adventurous fare, and they've got good options for vegetarians, and vegans too. We can guarantee your guests will love this unique wedding food truck offering!

For more information, visit homefries.ie

15. Little Catch Seafood Bar

Denise Darrer is the owner & chef behind the wheels of the vibrant pink and white Little Catch Seafood Bar food trailer that first hit the streets in 2021, dishing out the freshest locally sourced seafood. With over 10 years of culinary experience Denise has turned her passion for exceptional Irish seafood into a reality, and with that Little Catch was born. From mouthwatering lobster rolls to hearty seafood chowder and those addictive crispy prawn bao buns – Little Catch Seafood Bar will surely delight your guests.

For more information, visit www.littlecatchseafoodbar.com

16. Cake Symphony

Looking to give your wedding desserts a unique, retro-inspired twist!? The darling Cake Symphony caravan will create a tailor-made package for your wedding, working to your taste, budget and requirements. Cake Symphony offer a range of delicious sweet options such as traybakes, treats, scones & desserts, as well as hot drinks all served from the trailer - something to make your day that little bit sweeter!

For more information, visit www.cakesymphony.com

17. Julia's Lobster Truck

Specialising in fresh seafood from the West of Ireland, Julia's Lobster Truck serve up oysters, Burren crab, barbequed lobster, scampi and more from their retro-styled food truck. Their lobster roll with celery, lime and dill mayo has already proved itself a huge hit with foodies across the country.

For more information, visit instagram.com/juliaslobstertruck

18. Feed Food Truck

Cooking everything from tacos al pastor to sous vide feather blade steak, the Feed Food Truck create cool and contemporary takes on fast food favourites. If BBQ's your passion, they make a great addition to your shortlist.

For more information, visit feedcatering.ie

19. Al Wadi Falafel

Palestinian and Irish husband-and-wife team Fergal and Mirna O’Gara are the brains behind Wexford-based Al Wadi Falafel. The menu at Al Wadi is focused on falafel, served with generous portions of home-made hummus and baba ganoush. They also offer a range of fresh salads, with tabbouleh and fattoush being the most popular. The food is served with Arab flatbreads and a selection of pickles. Al Wadi Falafel caters for all private events in Wexford, Waterford, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Carlow.

For more information, visit instagram.com/alwadifalafel

20. Say Fish

A fish and chips truck with an edge, Say Fish serve everything from classic haddock to Cajun-spiced pollock and panko-crusted prawns, all with their popular seaweed-salted chips.

For more information, visit sayfish.ie

21. Blasta Street Kitchen

Five years of travelling the globe inspired Seány and Nikita McCleary to establish Blasta Street Kitchen on their return to Ireland. Shortly after, the savvy pair went on to establish StreatSchool, which is responsible for putting 200 food trucks on the road in Ireland since 2019.

Popular dishes at the award-winning food truck include local Silverhill duck tacos with pineapple salsa, slow-cooked chilli beef nachos and Tex Mex chicken tacos. For more information, visit blastastreetkitchen.com

Looking for more wedding food and drink ideas? You'll find them here! 

5 Wedding Makeup Tips for Black Brides

1. Stay True to Yourself

Darker skin tones can pull off rich, bold colours - just pop ‘Nigerian bridal makeup’ into Pinterest to see what I mean! But that doesn’t mean you need to go full on glamour for your wedding day. If you prefer the natural look, then stick with that. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in your own skin. I kept my look very understated for the day, but wore my go-to red lippie for the evening reception.

If you’re not sure what you like, check out our feature on 29 beautiful wedding makeup looks for black brides and see what looks you’re drawn to. 

2. Turn to Social Media for Inspiration

When it comes to finding makeup inspiration, social media is your friend. There are dozens of bridal makeup tutorials on YouTube and endless photos on Pinterest and Instagram to get you started. But to make them useful, remember to be specific with your search terms. ‘Black bride makeup’ or ‘dark-skinned makeup’ searches are going to deliver more relevant results than ‘bridal makeup’.

Don’t be afraid to look outside the box, too. Search for images of your favourite black female celebrities, and you’ll find some gorgeous looks that can easily be worn on your big day. 

If you haven’t already come across YouTuber Jackie Aina, I recommend checking her out. She showcases diverse looks for black women on her channel and shares honest product reviews. 

3. Ask the Pros about their Experience

When you’re researching makeup artists, don’t be afraid to ask the professionals whether they have experience working with darker skin tones. It’s important that their makeup kit includes pigments that complement your skin tone, and they can make suggestions that will flatter your features. 

4. Collect Makeup Samples

The makeup industry has come a long way in diversifying foundation shades. Brands like Fenty, MAC, Lancome, and Estée Lauder offer black women plenty of choice, but it can still be tricky to get an exact colour match. 

Collecting foundation samples from department stores is a great way to discover what formulas and shades work best for you before committing to the price tag. They’re also super handy for mixing, which is useful if your skin tone tends to change between seasons. Always consult your makeup artist to see what their recommendations are, but if you’re drawn towards a certain brand, let them know. 

5. Beware of the Flash

If you’re having flash photography on your wedding day, try to avoid products containing SPFs as these can cause flashback, i.e. that annoying white glow that’s only visible in photos. This effect is especially obvious when contrasted against dark skin.

Always take a photo after your makeup trial to test the final look under flash. If you’re not satisfied with the results, talk to your makeup artist about using products without silica, the SPF ingredient often found amongst others in foundations and HD powders.

Be inspired by some of our favourite makeup looks for black brides!

First things first, let's get to know our lovely couple a little better. Courtney grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, while groom Barry hails from Killmallock in Co. Limerick. The pair are currently based in Massachusetts where they are renovating their first home.

The pair first met in a bar in Manhattan in October 2018. The bride tells us, "We had both been living there and swirled into each other on a random Sunday - both out with our separate friend groups, who of course were all at the wedding! We stayed in NYC through the pandemic, we bought an old house in Boston in November 2022 and have been chipping away at it since".

The proposal happened while the lovebirds were travelling in France. "Barry proposed in front of the Cathedral in Reims France, while we were walking back to our Airbnb at 11pm", Courtney reminisces. "The was no one around, sparkling lights in the rain. He says he had been trying to find the perfect moment all day which just didn't happen, but, in my eyes it was perfect."

Once engaged, the couple began planning a wedding in Ireland, and quickly fell in love with Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare, Co. Kerry. "Barry & I wanted to find a town that both the local Irish guests and all of our guests travelling in would enjoy," the bride tells. "Kenmare has such a warm charm to it while still offering 5 star service."

When asked what made it 'the one' for them and their 150 guests, the pair say, "The entire team at Dromquinna was so wonderful & accommodating. Planning a wedding abroad sounds like a big job but Adam and the team were so helpful, we knew there was nothing to worry about….. and I mean… the view?!".

"There was also PLENTY of space for our friends and family to stay, it was like everyone was away at the funnest summer camp together. It was so special to finally have all of our family & friends in one place, we wanted everyone to feel the love & personal touches. Our main goal throughout the entire planning process was for everyone to just have the BEST time!”.

Aesthetically, Courtney describes the wedding as 'simple elegance with our own personal touches' as apposed to a theme, and nature and colour played big parts of the day, reflecting the couple’s own personalities. "Similar to how we are re-doing our home actually,  just on a MANOR sized scale for the wedding day!," the bride laughs. She adds, "We wanted it to feel comfortable yet elevated & chic."

On the day they say it felt like, "the loveliest, most personal and gorgeous house party of all time."

For her simple and elegant wedding day look, the bride chose a Mikaella Bridal gown which she sourced at Vows Bridal in Massachusetts. She completed her wedding day wardrobe with pearl sandals by Steve Madden and wore her own jewellery, some of her mum's jewellery, and "a vintage hanky for all those happy tears!".

On the morning-of, Courtney got ready with her bridesmaids. Make up artist Jeanette Cronin gave her a natural bridal glam look, while close friend Sadah did the bride's hair. "My dear friend Sadah Saltzman who was a guest at the wedding, kindly offered to do my hair for the day. She’s been doing my hair for almost 15 years, and I really wanted to look as much like myself as possible."

Bridesmaids complemented the bride in their mismatched dresses which were sourced from V Chapman, Reformation, The Real Real, Anthropologie and Revolve. "My only request for my girls was just a floor length floral print, (in hopes they will wear it again),  they all have amazing style so I knew they would get the vision & look absolutely gorgeous." 

For the groom’s look, Barry chose a Calvin Klein Tux and Cole Haan shoes. His groomsmen matched rental tuxes from Connolly Man in Limerick. They were gifted custom engraved with their initials.

Once everyone was dressed to the nines, they headed to the ceremony where Barry's mum's best friend conducted a the nuptials for the pair. "Barry's moms best friend (since childhood!) Ann McMahon is an incredible celebrant. All of our guests commented on how warm and personal she made the ceremony while also sticking with some more traditional aspects."

"We included a hand-fasting where Ann lightly tied Barry & I’s hands with beautiful ribbons representing both USA & Ireland."

"My brother Jack wrote a beautiful poem and Barry’s sister Kelly also read a lovely poem- I could never pick a fave moment from the ceremony, it was all magic."

"We did have a very beautiful blessing at Barry’s church in Killmallock on the Monday before the wedding. Just us & Barry’s immediate family. His parents were married there so it was really special to stand on the same altar 30+ years later. Father Chris could not have been more welcoming, lovely & kind."

The pair exchanged some very special wedding rings. "I am wearing my great grandmothers wedding band with a very grateful heart. Barry’s band is from Matthew Stevens in Limerick- they were also so lovely to work with."

Between The Briars created gorgeous white, cream, and green floral installations throughout The Pavillion ceremony space, and which perfectly framed the aisle space that the bride and her father (and a rather large bridal party!) walked down the aisle on. "We had a total of 26 people walk down the aisle! Between our families & bridal party it was like a giant love parade!".

After sharing a first kiss as husband and wife, the pair walked down the aisle to their ceremony musician's beautiful rendition of This Years Love by David Gray before everyone headed to the manor house for the reception.

Champagne and Aperol was served on the patio while Courtney and Barry and their bridal party snuck off for wedding portraits with photographer Shane O'Sullivan of SOSAC Photography. "We could not be happier with our photos, Shane really captured the love & warmth of the day! He was so wonderful to be around, and really helped us to feel more comfortable."

After, dinner commenced in the house which was styled beautifully with custom stationery made by a friend of the couple, and simple white blooms arranged by Taylor and Kevin of Between The Briars. Courtney says, "every aspect was perfectly simple & elegant. They were even able to score some lily of the valley for Barry & I."

A beautiful trio of floral adorned wedding cakes by Broken Spoon cakes awaited guests. "Tara was so wonderful to work with, I wanted something a little different and fun, the cakes came out perfect."

Keeping guests entertained, Courtney's brother Luke was the MC at dinner. "He did an amazing job & really helped keep the party going throughout the meal," Courtney says. The bride adds, "any chance we were able to make something more personal, or have a loved one participate, we took the opportunity. The wedding as a whole had this really cozy, warm vibe. The way so many people (from ALL over the world) that have never met, came together and mixed so well was pure magic. Like when will all those people ever be in one place together again?! We are still so grateful to have had the opportunity to have all of our favorite people in one place."

After the delicious meal, guests headed to the dance floor for music by live band The Coolahoops. The pair took the floor for the first time as newlyweds to Joy Of My Life by Chris Stapleton.

After planning such an epic celebration from the other side of the world, the pair have the following planning tips to share.

1. Trust the professionals- the wonderful people of the wedding world do this stuff everyday… they’ve got it covered, no need to stress!
2. Little details can make a big impact.
3. I wish I would have taken a minute before walking down the aisle to tell my dad how grateful I am for him, but I was pretty nervous & couldn’t speak so I wrote him a card later.
4. I also wish I had carried a little brush and lipstick around with me… I love a good re-up and I needed it a few times!

Courtney and Barry, congratulations on your wonderful Dromquinna Manor wedding day! A very special thank you to SOSAC too for the fabulous pictures - you can see even more in the gallery below.

How Much Wine Do I Need for my Wedding? A Simple Formula

We like to keep things simple here at One Fab Day, so we've created a formula that's really easy to use, regardless of how confident you are in your maths skills!

You need two pieces of information for the formula:

• Number of Guests: This is the total number of people who will be dining at the meal, including you and your partner. There's no need to adjust for children, non-drinkers, spirit drinkers, beer drinkers, heavy drinkers, etc.
• Wine Allocation Per Guest: This number represents how many bottles of wine you'd like each guest to have. The most common answer here is 1/2 (or .5, depending on your calculator) bottle per person, but this really depends on how generous you'd like to be, and the drinking culture in your social circle. If your guests are enthusiastic wine drinkers, and you'd like to make sure everyone gets enough wine, with a bit extra to go around, we'd recommend 2/3 (or .66) bottle per person. If it's not really an alcohol-drinking crowd, and you know that there will be lots of non-drinkers in attendance, 1/3 (.33) might be more suitable.

The Formula:

(Number of Guests) x (Wine Allocation Per Guest) = (# of Bottles of Wine Required)

Example 1:

There will be 150 people seated for dinner at the wedding reception. There are lots of wine lovers in the crowd, and you'd like to be quite generous.

150 x 2/3 = 100 bottles

Example 2: 

There will be 275 people seated for dinner at the wedding reception. It's a mixed crowd, and you'd like to provide just enough wine for the meal.

275 x .5 = 137.5 bottles, rounded up to 138 bottles

One last word of advice: If you're unsure about your results, we recommend upping them by 10% (to do this, multiply the number by 110% or 1.1). In our experience, most couples will worry more about short-changing their guests than overspending on their wedding. The extra money will be worth it, if it saves you fretting about the wine supply on the big day, or the co-ordinator asking you if you want to open more bottles.

Top Tip: It's worth asking your venue and/or caterers or wine suppliers about their policy on unopened bottles. Some suppliers will refund you for the bottles that aren't needed, or adjust your invoice accordingly.

How Much Wine Do I Need for my Wedding? Red Wine Vs White Wine

Once you've calculated how many bottles of wine you need for your wedding feast, you'll need to figure out how many of those bottles should be white wine, and how many should be red wine. And, if it's a summer wedding, you might even be adding rosé into the mix. As a very broad, general rule, we recommend a 50/50 split, but be sure to take the following factors into consideration, too:

• The weather: diners tend to favour white wine in the summer, and red wine in the winter
• The food: your venue and/or caterers can help you decide whether red or white wine will best complement your menu
• Your guests' preferences: you may know that your guests, on the whole, favour one wine over the other

Click here for food and drink inspiration for the big day? And check out our list of incredible wine suppliers here!

But actually, song lyrics can make for the most sweet and sentimental wedding ceremony readings when as a spoke word piece, and are the perfect choice for couples who love music.

Afterall, the iconic lyrics of artists such as Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen are considered poetry in their own right. So here, we've gathered a list of our favourite ceremony readings from songs. There's an excerpt from each below, but simply click the link to see the full text. You'll find even more ceremomy readings from songs and other ideas here.

Ceremony Readings from Songs

Thank You by Led Zeppelin

"And so today, my world it smiles
Your hand in mine, we walk the miles
Thanks to you it will be done
For you to me are the only one"

The Book of Love by The Magnetic Fields

"The book of love is long and boring
No one can lift the damn thing
It's full of charts and facts and figures
And instructions for dancing"

But I, I love it when you read to me
And you, you can read me anything

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by Marvin Gaye

"Everything I did was just a bore
Everywhere I went it seems I'd been there before
But you brighten up for me all of my days
With a love so sweet in so many ways
How sweet it is to be loved by you"

Happiness Is You by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

"Way down the mountain I chased a moonbeam
On the beach I built sand castles too
My moonbeams faded my castles tumbled
All of this was meaningless 'cause happiness is you"

Your Song by Elton John

"And you can tell everybody this is your song
It may be quite simple, but now that it's done
I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is while you're in the world"

Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann

"Don’t waste your time on jealousy;
sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…
the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive,
forget the insults;
if you succeed in doing this, tell me how."

Dance Me to the End of Love by Leonard Cohen

"Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on
Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long
We're both of us beneath our love, we're both of us above
Dance me to the end of love"

If I Should Fall Behind by Bruce Springsteen

"We said we'd walk together baby come what may
That come the twilight should we lose our way
If as we're walking a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me"

I Love You Because by Jim Reeves

"I love you because my heart is lighter
Every time I'm walking by your side
I love you because the future's brighter
The door to happiness, you open wide"

Home by Imelda May

"I'm nothin' fancy in a world drippin' in gold
But a beautiful jewel never bought, never sold
And when you open your heart and let me in alone
You'll know who I am, because I feel like home"

What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? by Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman

"What are you doing the rest of your life
North and South and
East and West of your life
I have only one request of your life
That you spend it all with me"

I Will Love You Every Time by The Fureys

"Every time I hear your soft voice humming
My heart jumps in my breast my love
My heart jumps in my breast
And until I hear your footsteps coming
My heart can know no rest my love
My heart can know no rest"

Still looking for the perfect wedding ceremony reading?  See our Essential List of Ceremony Readings which is broken down into categories and sign up to the One Fab Day newsletter!

Readings like these also would also work well if you are asking younger ones to read, or for older children (and adults) who are natural Roald Dahl fans - you could even create a quiet reading corner for this very reason. Essentially Dahl's books are such childhood favourites, we think they are sure to bring natural joy to any proceeding.

We've included the excerpt from the book, and the printable below...

Ceremony Reading: Excerpt from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

"Sometimes you have to take a risk and step into a new world.
A world where imagination is the greatest invention.
Where you can choose to make life as sweet as a chocolate factory.
It is about stepping through that door together.
Leaving the ordinary behind and walking into the extraordinary.
Because as Willy Wonka says, 'a little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men'.
So take the risk, be a little silly, and build a world of pure imagination."

Still looking for the perfect ceremony reading? See our Essential List of Ceremony Readings which are broken down into categories to make it super easy and follow us on Instagram for more.

More Handy Reads for Kids at Weddings:

How to Manage Children at Weddings: An Essential Guide
How to Keep Kids Entertained at Weddings
Wedding Favour Ideas for Kids
How to Include Your Children in Your Wedding

Mr and Mrs Questions

How to Play the Mr and Mrs Game

1. Choose a selection of questions from the list below or add in your own to fit the couple.
2. Print off two copies and give one copy of questions to the bride's other half to answer honestly. If you want to get creative, you can always film them giving their answers for a multi-media spin on the Mr and Mrs game quiz.
3. Then provide the second copy of questions to the bride at the hen party (with some bubbly!) and get her to answer them honestly too. After every answer that the bride gives, reveal her partner's answer to see if it’s correct.
4. The aim of the game is to see how well they know each other and match as many answers as possible! You can even enforce a penalty like shots, dares or booby prizes for every one they get wrong - remember, judge's decision is final!
5. It's important that the questions you choose aren't too serious, or too difficult. Know your audience and be mindful when picking the questions or making up your own. You don't want to embarrass the bride or make her feel uncomfortable especially if her mum or mum-in-law to be are attending.
6. Fun fact: In the US, the Mr & Mrs Game is also called the Paddle Game or the Newlywed Game and is often played at the wedding during the speeches!

50 Mr & Mrs Questions

Of course, you don't need to all of these (stick to about 15-20) but here are some of our favourite Mr and Mrs quiz questions that are sure to provide funny answers!

1. What did they wear on the first date?
2. Who said 'I love you' first?
3. Who's the better kisser?
4. What is their star sign?
5. What's their weirded quirk?
6. Embarrassing crush?
7. Which Disney character are they most like?
8. Who is the tidiest?
9. Who is the best cook?
10. Who is most likely to deal with a spider?
11. What is their worst habit?
12. What is their pet name for you?
13. What is their favourite thing about you?
14. What is their favourite thing about themselves?
15. The thing they're most likely to end up in jail for?
16. The thing they're most likely to go viral for?
17. What is their perfect pizza topping?
18. What is the first movie you saw together?
19. What is their favourite movie?
20. What’s her bra size?
21. What is his/her shoe size?
22. Would they rather spend an evening in with you or a night out with you?
23. What would be their last meal?
24. What are you most likely to argue about?
25. What celebrity couple are you most like?
26. What is their favourite flavour of crisps?
27. If they could only eat one food for the rest of his/her life what would it be?
28. Who has the worst handwriting?
29. What would be your partner’s favourite job, other than the one they are doing now?
30. If they could throw a themed party what would it be?
31. How does your partner like their tea/coffee?
32. How does your partner like their eggs cooked?
33. Who is the better driver?
34. What’s their dream car?
35. Who has the most exes?
36. Most prized possession? The item they'd save in a fire (apart from you!)
37. What is their karaoke go-to song?
38. What celebrity would they want with them on a desert island?
39. Favourite movie/band/TV show if they're trying to be cool?
40. Favourite movie/band/TV show if they're being honest?
41. What is their biggest fear?
42. What was their first pet called?
43. Your partner wins the lotto – how would they spend it?
44. What was the best present they ever gave you?
45. What is his/her favourite flavour of ice-cream?
46. What's his/her favourite thing for you to wear?
47. Which item of clothing of his/hers do you hate the most?
48. Who would win in a game of Monopoly?
49. If they were on Who Wants to be a Millionaire, who would their phone a friend be?
50. Who will be the most hungover after the wedding?

More Handy Reads for Hen Party Planning:

• Free Hen Party Printables
• How To Avoid Hen Party Drama
• Ultimate List of Hen Party Ideas
• Guides for Planning a Hen Party
• Where to go Glamping in Ireland
• Alcohol-Free Hen Party Ideas
• Ideas for a Mixed Gender Hen or Stag

Looking for a more colourful and offbeat version of the game? We've come up with 50 more Mr & Mrs questions that are a little bit quirky for you to choose from!

1 - Prepping Skin

Step one is crucial: you need to ramp up hydration for the day ahead so your makeup lasts and plumps up any fine lines. There are endless sheet masks that work in minutes to refresh the skin. Use one hour before starting your makeup; the effects are immediate and last all day.

We Like: Charlotte Tilbury's Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask is a cult buy at €19.20. A single sheet, dry to the touch, can be used three times for glowing, plumped-up skin. Biodance Bio Collagen-Real Deep Mask is the K-beauty hero, €12.86. Worn overnight or for a few hours, this mask is packed with hydration and collagen to smooth skin. The pack contains four masks.

2 - Moisturise

With your skin plumped full of hydration, a good moisturiser will seal it in for the day. A popular moisturiser for the mother of the bride or groom is generally richer in texture to smooth over fine lines, but not everyone has drier skin. If you need a weightier cream, great; if not, opt for a gel-cream moisturiser that won't pill. Apply a layer and leave it to absorb before moving on to step three.

We Like: For drier skin, Trinny London's Bounce Back Intense Peptide Moisturiser is a great option. It's hydrating, plumping, and boosts the skin barrier, €70/50ml. For skin that's normal to oily, Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Gel Cream Moisturiser is lightweight, but plumping, hydrating, and full of ceramides, €44.85.

3 - Prime

We are almost finished with prepping the skin, and primer is a step you shouldn't skip. A primer creates a smooth complexion and locks your makeup in place all day. There are other benefits, such as oil control, hydration, radiance, and SPF protection, so choose based on your skin type and concerns (dryness, dullness, etc.). Apply a layer after moisturiser and let it absorb before opening your makeup kit.

We Like: For glow, Dior's Forever Glow Veil is a beautiful primer for hydrated, subtly radiant skin, €53/30ml, and for skin prone to an oily shine, MAC Studio Fix Mattifine 12 Hour Shine-Control Primer will mattify and slow excess sebum, €32.20/30ml. For UV protection and weddings abroad, Anastasia Beverly Hills Hydra Prime SPF 50 is a best buy. It can be used on the wedding day and on bare skin to make it look smoother, while protecting the skin on other days.

4 - Face Base

Choosing the right foundation for your role as mother of the bride or groom is important, especially if you don't normally wear any. Think luminous, natural, and fresh when going shopping. A natural finish that looks radiant is what to look for, avoiding anything too heavy or matte. Visit a counter if you need guidance, but we highly recommend the three below.

We Like: Armani's newly updated Luminous Silk Foundation isn't just for brides; it can be worn at any age for smooth and bright skin, €57/43 shades. Shiseido Revitalessence Glow Foundation is a serum foundation that feels and looks like a second skin, perfect for anyone who doesn't normally wear makeup. €63/30 shades. Natasha Denona's HY-GLAM foundation has a luminous complex that hydrates and adds radiance to dull skin. €56.35/52 shades.

5 - Conceal

You may not need concealer for your makeup look, but if you do, buy a liquid version with plenty of pigment for a lightweight look on the skin and perfect coverage. Apply where needed to blemishes, dark circles, redness, and dark spots. Use a concealer brush, if desired, but the warmth of your fingertips will help blend the product into areas of concern.

We Like: Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer is cult for a reason, it has liquorice extract to brighten dark circles and squalane to hydrate, €42/32 shades. NARS Cosmetics Radiant Creamy Concealer is another popular bridal makeup buy that's perfect for any mother of the bride or groom, €31.50/29 shades, and Kosas Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer is a skincare-makeup hybrid with caffeine, peptides and hydration for instant brightening, €29/39 shades. Finally, By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer offers massive hydration, coverage, and energising concealing for the face, €44.85/16 shades.

6 - Powder

To finish off your now flawless base, a light dusting of loose powder will seal the deal. Using a powder brush, lightly sweep it across the face or on areas that might get a little oily during the day. For touch-ups, it's best to carry a pressed powder in your bag for when your makeup needs a refresh.

We Like: Laura Mercier's Translucent Loose Setting Powder is an iconic product, but this Ultra Blur version is brilliant for setting makeup and giving the skin a soft-focus finish that looks great in pictures, €50.60/four shades. For midday touch-ups, we think Sculpted by Aimee's Velvet Veil is a great choice. It also adds a soft-focus finish to makeup and provides shine control, €21/one shade.

7 - Face Colour

Applying contour and blush is necessary to sculpt the face and make the complexion look warmer and more youthful. Your bronze-contour shade should be sparkle-free; use it to sharpen the cheekbones, temples, forehead, and jawline. Keep the blush high on the face (above the cheekbones) and use a cream or powder to get the youthful effect. Paler shades like peach and pale pink suit lighter skin tones. Deeper pinks, reds, and oranges work better on deeper skin tones.

We Like: For blush, Patrick Ta's Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo is a bestseller; it comes with cream and powder blush, €42.55/17 shades, while Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Colour comes with a built-in blending brush, €40.25/9 shades. On the contour, Milk Makeup Sculpt Stick is creamy, hydrating, and easy to use, €25.30/six shades, and Westman Atelier's Face Trace Contour Stick is beloved of Hollywood A-listers, €50.60/eight shades.

8 - Eye Makeup

Your mother of the bride or groom's outfit may determine your eye makeup colour, but you can't go wrong with shades of brown, copper, or bronze. For ease, eyeshadow sticks go on like crayons; scribble and tap into place, but powder formulas are equally good. To line the eyes, opt for a softer chocolate or charcoal shade rather than black. Groom the brows as normal, adding definition if needed. As for mascara, this is the one moment you really need a waterproof option for all those happy tears that are sure to happen.

We Like: Chanel's Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette is a brilliant palette for all eye colours for everyday wear or special occasions like being a mother of the bride or groom, €72. Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Shadow Sticks come in 16 matte and shimmering shades for all-day eye makeup, €33.93, and YSL's Lines Liberated Eyeliners are waterproof and come in eight shades, €31.05. Finally, Lancôme's Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara in the shade Brown is perfect for any mother of the bride, €34.

9 - Lip Colour

Lasting lip colour for a wedding day is a challenge. All the chatting, eating, and cheering the happy couple makes lipstick disappear quite quickly. To ensure your lip colour stays in place, choose all longwear products. Use waterproof, long-wear lip liner and lipstick in matching shades for great durability. If you want to go one step further, add a lip stain between the liner and lipstick; this adds a base shade that will not shift even when the other two need to be reapplied.

We Like: Pat McGrath Labs Legendary Longwear Lip Liner has incredible durability and comes in 19 shades to suit all skin tones, €32.20; and Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Ultra-Comfort Transfer-Proof Lipstick simply will not budge or get on anyone's collar or face when greeting them, €35/15 shades. Wonderskin's Wonder Blading All-Day Lip Stain (right) is the viral lip stain that goes on blue and, after a minute, reveals its true colour for all-day wear, €25/9 shades.

10 - Setting Your Mother of the Bride or Groom Look

The ultimate step in your mother of the bride or groom makeup look is insurance: use a setting spray to lock down all those longwear and waterproof products. It might sound excessive, but with all the pictures being taken (all day and night) and socialising, you won't have much time for top-ups. You can spritz your skin after completing your face base (step six), and again when the makeup is complete. It's worth doing.

We Like: Urban Decay's All Nighter Hyaluronic Setting Spray fixes makeup and hydrates the skin, €33.93/118ml, and Iconic London Prep Set Blur Setting Spray sets and blurs fine lines and pores, €29.90/120ml. Finally, Saie's Lightweight Setting Spray feels light on the skin, and it hydrates for extra comfort, €34.50/95ml.

See our full hair and makeup trial checklist and costings here, as well as these gorgeous Mother of the Bride gift ideas. Plus, make sure to follow us on Instagram for more great wedding advice.

Written by contemporary Irish poet Gabriel Fitzmaurice, beloved for his children's poetry series Rotten Rhymes, Just to Be Beside You is Enough is taken from Best Loved Poems: Favourite Poems From the South of Ireland, a collection of poetry edited by Fitzmaurice himself.

It's a thoroughly sweet and romantic poem that finds its author celebrating the little things that make love special, making it the perfect ceremony reading for a relaxed, informal ceremony.

Ceremony Reading: Just to Be Beside You is Enough

Just to be beside you is enough,
Just to make your breakfast tea and toast,
To help you with the ware, that kind of stuff,
Just to get the papers and your post;
To hold you in my arms in calm embrace,
Just to sit beside you at the fire,
Just to trace my fingers on your face
Is more to me than all of youth’s desire;
Just to lie beside you in the night,
To hear you breathe in peace before I sleep,
To wake beside you in the morning light
In the love we sowed together that we reap.
Together we have taken smooth and rough.
Just to be beside you is enough.

We've included the reading in a printable below...

Get more ideas for Irish ceremony readings here and follow One Fab Day on Instagram for more inspiration!

If you're having a religious ceremony, these rituals will likely be dictated by your religion but for a secular or symbolic ceremony, you really are spoiled for choice. Handfasting is a very popular ritual, so we've put together a easy how-to, with everything from the meaning behind handfasting and what you need, to how to have a handfasting ceremony in your wedding.

What is Handfasting?

Hand-fasting is a symbolic unity ritual in which a couple stand face to face as their hands are tied together - hence the phrase, tying the knot! As your hands are bound, you can recite words that express your commitment to one another. Handfasting rituals are associated with Pagan ceremonies, but are now often seen in secular, spiritual, and even some Christian ceremonies.

What Does Handfasting Symbolise?

Handfasting ceremonies date back over 2000 years. An ancient Celtic tradition, it was originally used to symbolise a betrothal, during which a druid priest would declare that the couple would be bound together. This engagement would last a year, as a sort of 'trial marriage', after which you'd decide to opt in or opt out. In later times, it was used in a marriage ceremony, in lieu of the presence of a priest. Today,

Celtic handfasting rituals areparticularly common among couples from overseas getting married in Ireland and Scotland. But more and more Irish and British couples are featuring them in their own ceremonies too to symbolise the binding together of their separate lives and the commitment they're making together.

What's a Handfasting Cord?

A handfasting cord is a ribbon, or long piece of fabric used to bind your hands. Some couples use one or two cords, others use several. You can use simple lengths of lace or ribbon, but some couples take fabric that's significant to them, whether it's from a family heirloom, made or gifted from family members, or cord in colours or patterns that have a significance. Couples with children often choose a ribbons to represent each child. You can also buy handfasting ribbons online. A single handfasting cord should be about one to two metres long, so it can loop around your wrists and hands.

How Do You Do a Handfasting?

• You can chose to bind with one hand each or two. For one hand, stand side-by-side and hold out your arms together. If you choose two, stand face-to-face and clasp each other by the hands (or wrists for a more secure grasp!) - many couples will cross their arms, with one's left hand linking the other's right, which looks like an infinity knot from above. There are no hard or fast rules, try it out beforehand and see what's comfortable to you!
• Ask either your celebrant or chosen family members or friends to do the fasting - some couples ask lots of different guests to come and place a ribbon over their hands.

• There are several ways to tie the ribbon, from a simple knot to a more elaborate wrapping of the wrists that results in an impressive infinity knot. The video above will show you how it's done!
• However you choose to tie it, it shouldn't be so tight that you can't pull yourselves loose afterwards.
• As the knots are tied, some couples will plan to recite vows of commitment to one another (more on that below!).
• After the ceremony, you'll have your cord as a keepsake of your vows.

What Do You Say During a Handfasting?

It's a good idea to introduce the handfasting ritual at the ceremony, explain the meaning behind it, and why you've chosen it for your wedding. This can be done either by your celebrant, or in your ceremony booklet. Depending on your celebrant, they may have a tried and tested handfasting ritual structure that they'll be able to share. If you're creating your own ceremony, play around, and see what works for you. You can say a few lines to eachother before the ritual begins, or if you have several cords, exchange a different vow for each one. You could also leave your vows altogether until later in the ceremony.

There are lots of handfasting vows online, but to be honest, most of them are pretty cheesy! You'll probably better off writing something yourself that will feel more authentic and natural when you recite it on the day. We have a great post on How to Write your Own Wedding Vows here!

See our list of recommended celebrants here, our essential list of wedding readings, and we have great ideas for how to make your ceremony unique here!