Wedding High

Tip Top Honeymoon Destinations!!

2013-05-24T12:15:00.002+01:00

Planning a wedding is full of making big decisions, often expensive decisions so you always want to make sure that you have chosen the right thing to do! So when it is all over and done with and you hit the post wedding anti-climax phase, couples really need to have planned a honeymoon of their dreams to keep that rush of adrenaline and sheer happiness going to start their life officially as a married couple.

So I took to researching the top places that honeymooners frequent bearing in mind some couples don’t want to sit on a beach and relax for two weeks, some want to make an adventure out of their holiday! I’m going to talk about three relaxing holidays and three more ‘get up and go’ type holidays. Here are my discoveries….reading this will make you want to go abroad and see the world, trust me!

Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia, the Caribbean

This little gem kept cropping up everywhere I was looking and undoubtedly for a reason! This is UNESCO territory and the resort lies among 100 acres of luscious rainforest. The villas are dotted on the hillside overlooking the stunning golden sands between the Piton Peaks. The Rainforest Spa is located here with tree house treatment rooms!

There are a few options for your accommodation from villas between the peaks to beachside bungalows or rooms in the residences themselves. This luxurious destination prides itself in relaxing, mood enhancing and gorgeous décor. With top quality restaurant, bars and lounges on site you have everything you need right on your doorstep.

Some things just to bear in mind for this Caribbean island is that rainy season runs from June to December, hurricane season from June to November, these are conditions that you may not desire and high season is from December to April so prices could be higher.

The Maldives, The Indian Ocean

For sheer relaxation in utter paradise, the

Maldives

boast tranquil and picturesque settings that allow your romance to further blossom. The Maldives are compromised of a thousand islands grouped together in clear blue crystal water with white sand beaches and that tropical island feel and atmosphere. Picture yourselves lying on a beach lounger, cocktail in hand, warm air and the sound of the little waves hitting the beach, this is what you will find here!

There are plenty of things to do on the islands as well as taking it easy on a beach. With coral reefs that will blow you away, there are options to go snorkelling and scuba diving with some of the best schools in the world.

Best time of the year to visit the

Maldives

is between December and April; you will be guaranteed more sunshine then although it is comfortably warm all year round.

Greek Island Hopping, Greece

Yet another true place of utter paradise located much closer to Ireland than other destinations but has just as much beauty, scenery and romantic qualities as its competitors further afield! The beauty of honeymooning in the Greek Islands is that you are going to want to ‘hop’ literally from one island to the next. So you can obviously relax, unwind and enjoy every bit of each destination for its unique qualities and stunning beaches. Greece is also laced with so much ancient history that their culture is one to be experienced and enjoyed. Fly into Athens and spend a few days there first as it is a must see city in Europe.

Being one of the top honeymoon destinations, couples will find that resorts already have packages with the islands best activities, adventure tours, relaxing spa treatments, dinners, trips etc. Some resorts allow couples to tailor make their own packages. It is imperative to check out what all the islands have to offer before you book so that you are getting the best out of your holiday!

Best time to visit the Greek Islands…..April to October for the sunny and dry weather you will want. July and August are the hottest months, but the busiest months!

African Safari, Africa

An African honeymoon can be just as romantic as one of those on a beach in tropical paradise. You can always combine this part of your honeymoon with a week afterwards on an island in the Indian Ocean. Imagine being in the seclusion of the African wilderness, no other people to bother you, just you and your new partner. You may have spent the day trekking around the wilderness, spotting animals you have never seen before in their natural habitat amongst a setting which can only be described as having that mysterious feeling.

There are quite a few options for you to choose from when it comes to where you go and what you want to do in Africa. You can combine safaris with the following amazing options: Victoria Falls, Cape Town, Zanzibar, Mozambique, Manda Bay and Kruger Park to name just a few.

With magnificent rustic African lodges, ultimate adventure experiences and luxurious island experiences, Africa is a top place to venture on your holiday of a lifetime!

Australia

Probably one of the furthest places you can fly to if you are coming from Europe Australia’s sheer vastness ensures that this country has everything to offer you on your honeymoon from dazzling superb cities to tropical islands to the Australian outback. If you have enough time off your normal daily lives, take a month to explore this country for what it has to offer.

There are very few major cities in Australia and most of them are dotted along the east coast. Sydney is one of the best cities in the world combining the fantastic harbours, skyscrapers, fabulous close to the city beaches and fine dining and drinking experiences. Melbourne with its European ambiance, winding small streets and huge character make it just as appealing as Sydney. Brisbane and Cairns are cities that you will come across if you choose to drive the east coast, stopping at striking beaches, surfer towns or paradise locations. Stop off along the way and take a trip to the Whitsunday Islands (a popular spot for honeymooning Ozzies) or Fraser Island. To the North of the Country on the east side there is the likes of Daintree Forest, with their tropical climate rainforests comb a lot of the northern tip. To the West is the unforgettable drive from Broome down passing Perth, and swinging around the south west tip to drive along the Great Ocean Rd. You never know what you might see on these drives, kangaroos, huge cliff tops, outstanding beaches, and luscious rainforests. Or if you prefer travel into the centre of the country to Uluru, the mysterious Ayers Rocks where you are literally in the middle of nothing where the true feel for the vastness and reality of the Outback can be appreciated!

Australia

has opposite seasons to Ireland and most parts of the country apart from the north can get chilly in the winter months. It is important to pick when to go and even when you are in the country when the best times are to visit particular areas such as Queensland as it can experience the tropical rainy season.

I can say from personal experience, if I hadn’t been there before Australia would be on my top list of places to go as it has absolutely everything to offer you!

Brazil

Yet another massive country with so much to offer, Brazil is like lots of small different countries grouped into one. A short flight from Rio to the north will transport you into a totally different realm where you think you boarded a plane to Africa. Brazil has fantastic nightlife, cities, the Amazon rainforest, paradise beaches and oozes culture like you wouldn’t believe! This is one of those types of holidays where you won’t want to stay in just the one destination.

Brazil

is divided up into many different provinces, where wealth divide is hugely apparent and the influence of different cultures quite evident. The south is the wealthiest with the big cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo but boasts beautiful destinations such as Belo Horizonte. Try organising your honeymoon around carnival, definitely an experience to remember. Further north, it gets more tropical, beautiful and blissful as you approach the equator. There is huge African influence here from the times of the plantation. Head up on a trip to the Amazon or perhaps visit the Pantanal, one of the world’s largest tropical wetland areas that spreads across Bolivia and

Paraguay

. A must see is Iguazu Falls, magnificent thundering waterfalls that border Argentina and Paraguay. If you have lots of time on your hands there are plenty of South American countries bordering Brazil waiting to be indulged by honeymooners!

The really is no bad time to visit Brazil, it has a great climate with temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees with the warmest time being December to February. However this is also the busiest time so watch the prices!

I hope that this has given you some insight into what the world has to offer you and your new spouse on that special holiday you will always remember. It is a big decision so definitely make the right one!

Images taken from The Guardian, The Viceroy Resort Website, flikr.com, Africansafari.com, shedexpedition.com. asiasociety.

Adare Manor - A venue of dreams!

2013-05-21T16:46:00.000+01:00

Adare Manor is located in Adare village in Limerick in the South West and is one of the most romantic wedding venues in Ireland. The Manor boasts beautiful backdrops and the castle has an enchanted feeling which is complimented by the fairy tale spires and its uniquely decorated halls and galleries. The grounds on which the venue is set are magnificent and walks amongst the gardens alone will take your breath away.

There are a few options on where you can have your wedding reception depending on your guest numbers. These are listed below and are all without a shadow of a doubt as fabulous as each other.

Minstrel’s Gallery Weddings: The Minstrels’ Gallery is a beautiful and evocative room that runs for 132ft from east to west and is filled with morning and then evening light. There are 17^th century choir stools at one end of the room. The north wall is panelled with biblical episodes. Many fireplaces line the southern wall. The room can accommodate up to 200 guests who can be seated at round tables or one long table is available for smaller parties. At midnight the guests can move down to the Tack Room. This is lined with great stone flags and has an open pit of blazing logs. A baby grand piano is available to play and the room will be lit with candles and firelight. There is a €1000 charge for use of Minstrel’s Gallery.

Library Weddings: The library provides an intimate setting for a smaller wedding of family and close friends. It is the oldest room in the house and the 7 pane window overlooks the beautiful gardens. There is a magnificent Pugin fireplace in this room. The ceilings are arched in wood with shelves of old books lining the walls. This room can cater for up to 28 place settings on one single table.

Secret Garden Weddings: This could provide you with the setting of a truly magical day behind the tall granite walls of the old estate gardens. Today apple, pear and fig trees line the garden and are laden with fruit each autumn. You pass through an arched gateway and down an aisle of torchlight to the pavilions beyond. In the gardens you can leave everything to your imagination and apply whichever appropriate theme for your fantasy wedding. There are two walled gardens where dinner, dancing and cocktails can all take place. There is a charge for the use of the walled gardens. Marquee hire, catering and all other provisions must be organized by the bride and groom although the House facilities can be used at the guests discretion. The Secret Garden Wedding Celebrations can be arranged with freedom and flexibility with all provisions such as the Marquee Hire and Food and Beverage requirement arranged by the Bride & Groom. The grounds of the Walled Garden are offered for a fee of €10,000 and require that all 62 Rooms are reserved in the Manor House on the Night of the Celebration.

There are many outdoor areas for stunning photographic opportunities. There are stonewalled gardens, winding footpaths, magnificent gardens all on a backdrop of a stunning manor that is beside the River Maigue. This offers your guests opportunity for relaxing walks with amazing imagery and will provide beyond exquisite scenery for wedding photographs.

There are no specific wedding packages available to the bride and groom. The manor sees this is an opportunity for the happy couple to tailor their own wedding package. They have an extensive a la carte menu to choose from with wedding tastings before you decide on your final menu.

Adare Manor is very well located for any guests coming from out of town. Shannon airport is very close by with Bus Eireann serving Adare Town and Iarnrod Eireann train services serving Ennis and Limerick. There is substantial accommodation in the Manor and offers several other activities on site. There is a swimming pool and fitness centre, golf course, archery within the manor grounds, fishing on site in the River Maigue, bicycle hire & pre-made picnics from the Manor, falconry and hawk walks. There is also the Lavender Cottage Spa & Retreat Centre on the grounds. There are also several recreational facilities located in close proximity to the hotel with some of Ireland's most beautiful scenic and historical spots such as The Cliffs of Moher on your doorstep. The hotel caters for every type of guest!

As one of Ireland's top wedding destinations this is a place you could really have the wedding of your dreams. This five star location really has it all and the true beauty of the venue needs to be sampled by you in real life on your venue search for your wedding day to really appreciate its true magnificence and perfectness!

Images taken from the Adare Manor official website and wedding brochure.

Wedding Dates for your Diary!

2013-05-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

If you are recently engaged, have your wedding date booked for the later half of this year or next year and are looking for some inspiration for you wedding there are no better places than wedding fairs and events! Packed with information on venues, suppliers, dresses to name but a few it is definitely the first place to start. You will truly enjoy yourself no matter who you bring with you be it your bridesmaid or your groom, there are always competitions, cake samples and at the big events fashion shows!

Here is a list of upcoming events nationwide for the next few months for you to make note of, especially if they are in your area. Even if you aren't interested in the venue itself, the suppliers that attend these events may be what you are looking for plus its an excuse to immerse yourself in all things wedding! The majority of the fairs are admission free bar the larger events 'The Wedding & Honeymoon Show' and 'Southern Brides'.

Sunday 19th May - Wedding Fair - Roganstown Hotel & Country Club, Dublin

From 2 to 5pm

Tuesday 21st May - Exclusive Wedding Showcase - House of Fraser, Belfast

From 7 to 9pm
Must register online for a place.

Thursday 23rd May - Summer Wedding Fair Showcase - Newgrange Hotel, Navan, Co.Meath

From 5 to 9pm

Sunday 26th May - Wedding Fair Extravaganza - Crowne Plaza, Dublin

From 2 to 5pm

Sunday 26th May - Wedding Open Day - Ardboyne Hotel, Co. Meath

From 2 to 5pm

Sunday 26th May - Wedding Showcase - Springfield Hotel, Leixlip, Co. Kildare

From 2 to 6pm

Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th June - IKEA's Wedding Event of the Year with Bláithín O'Reilly Murphy - IKEA, Dublin

From 6pm
Book your place online at www.ikea.com

Friday 14th June - Wedding Consultation Day - The Brehon, Co.Kerry

From 4 to 9pm

Sunday June 16th - Wedding Fair - The Carlton Shearwater, Balinsaloe. Guest speaker Bláithín O'Reilly Murphy.

From 2 to 6pm

Sunday June 30th - Wedding Fair - The Talbot Hotel, Wexford. Guest speaker Bláithín O'Reilly Murphy.

From 2 to 5pm

Sunday 21st July - Wonderful Wedding Afternoon! - Athlone Springs Hotel, Westmeath

From 3 to 6pm

1st September - Wedding Fair - Dundrum House Hotel, North Cashel, Co. Tipperary

From 2 to 6pm.
This is one of Tipperary's top venues.

Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September - Wedding & Honeymoon Show - RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin.

From 11.30-5.30pm
Ireland's largest and most fantastic wedding fair.

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th October- Confetti Live with Franc - The Hub, Kilkenny

From 12 to 6pm
www.confetti.ie/live

Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th October - Southern Brides - Silver Springs Moran Hotel, Tivoli, Co. Cork.

From 12 to 6pm

So there's a list for the next few months to keep you going! More dates to follow as we reluctantly enter Winter season once again!

Images from bouldercountryclubweddings.com, Wedding & Honeymoon Show, Southern Brides, Confetti, Lethal Rhythms.

Are you attending the IKEA Dublin DIY Wedding Event?

2013-05-14T17:19:00.000+01:00

We told you about it a couple of weeks ago and with only 20 days to go, booking is now open for this super DIY Wedding Event at IKEA Dublin!!

Book Now for either Tuesday June 4th or Wednesday June 5th { both starting at 6pm } in the IKEA Dublin Store!

Our office wall is covered in ideas {here's a sneak peek} and we are unbelievably excited to share some amazing style and DIY wedding ideas with the 200 lucky people who get to attend this event over the two days...

Yes that is right, there are only 100 tickets per evening, so get booking { HERE } fast!!

Those who attend will get to schmooze {with us} and enjoy some canapes and drinks on arrival, while perusing the 4 beautifully designed wedding scenes we'll have created for you; each jam-packed full of DIY Wedding projects and ideas.

I'll {Bláithín} will then talk you through how we created everything and how you can do the same and I'll take a few projects from each scene and actually make it before your eyes! And of course, Ill have a few fun Swedish wedding traditions and ideas and some fabulous top wedding tips thrown in for good measure :)

A wedding in Wineport Lodge through the eyes of the Photographer.....

2013-05-14T11:00:00.000+01:00

This is our first blog post from photographer Paula Kavanagh! The accompanying photos are magnificent!

What a pleasure it was to photograph this wedding at the Wineport Lodge Hotel, Athlone! The happy couple decided to step off the beaten wedding trail and personalize their wedding to suit their own style. The bride, Hazel, and Groom, Alan, along with some close friends and family all checked into the Lodge the day before the wedding for some good food and great wine on the banks of Lough Ree, a perfect recipe for a memorable stay.

I arrived over early the following day to see what was happening and to feel the atmosphere of the preparations before the civil ceremony. It was great for me to be able to roam from room to room and just record what ever caught my eye as the bride and groom got ready for the start of their new life together. It was so peaceful at the lodge that it felt like we had plenty of time on our hands, a strange feeling for a wedding photographer! Hazel and Alan were determined to have a low key stress free wedding and that is exactly what it was. They sat in the roof top hot tub that morning, overlooking the lake and then just let the day stretch out in front of them. There was no rushing to the hairdressers, beautician, church or hotel as it was all happening for them right there at the Wineport Lodge.

Another personal touch the couple introduced to their day was the Sand Ceremony. This ceremony involves a symbolic blending of different-coloured sands poured from separate containers by the bride and groom into a single vessel. It symbolizes the couple having two separate lives beforehand, unique traits and personalities and unifying these with the marriage.

After a few delicious looking and tasting hors d'oeuvre’s which were as much art as food and a glass of wine we went out to the lake to take some family photographs. After that the wedding party all sat around one big table beside the fire overlooking the lake and enjoyed the rest of the wedding day.

Mmm, now when can I find time to go back there?

Photography by Paula Kavanagh, Blackrock, Co. Louth www.pkphotography.ie

Shoes by “Irregular Choice” Eagleton’s Drogheda

Jewelry: Earrings “Fran &Jane”. Bracelet, Antique shop in Brighton. Watch family heir loom.

Dress by Lusan Mandongus

Alice in Wonderland Wedding - Wacky or Wonderful?

2013-05-13T11:00:00.000+01:00

An Alice in Wonderland themed wedding is a huge craze in the USA. America do boast a 'big wedding culture' so it seems more normal and feasible stateside. However, I think this theme, that has probably not been done amongst your circle of friends yet could be so unique, exciting and definitely different!

There are many attributes to this wedding theme that I am about to delve into but the first one to consider would be your venue. Couples would need to pick a wedding venue that suits the theme, so ideally a country house or hotel with beautiful gardens would be perfect. A wedding outdoors or in a marquee would also be superbly suitable!

Below are some inspiring ideas to add to your fabulous 'Alice' wedding which are so cute and fantastic! There are so many ideas from invitations to centrepieces and what culinary treats you may offer your guests. You could really go wild on this if you wanted to!

If you want to keep your bridal attire within the 'Alice' theme, consider colourful bridesmaid dresses and shoes, elegant yet dainty bridal gowns, delicate shoes that look they could be worn on a broadway show and flowers that appear as though they are picked from a wild garden. Groomsmen could add flair and character to their suits with bright and bold colours in their waistcoats and cravats (and some fancy mad hatter hats - just for photo opportunities!).

If you are truly blown away by the idea of this theme, you could go all out and make your wedding breakfast a tea party!! It all depends on the couple how far you may want to go with this, small touches or a massive extravaganza will result in an unforgettable occasion with fantastic photographs!

Photographs sourced from weddingbee, aliceinweddingland.co.uk, pinterest, loretablog, a Jorge Manuel photoshoot, theeverylastdetail.com

Las Vegas Weddings: Out of Town Wedding Guest Welcome Baskets

2013-05-13T09:00:00.000+01:00

There is no nicer way to greet your inbound destination wedding guests than with the perfect Out of Town wedding guest welcome basket. Filled with treats that celebrate local culture and attractions, welcome baskets help make your guests feel at home.

Great Information

Every welcome bag or basket should include relevant and helpful information for your VIP guests. Maps, lists of your favorite local attractions, show schedules and restaurant recommendations are standard inclusions. When planning a Las Vegas Wedding, for example, give guests a layout of The Strip and Fremont Street. Consider having a custom map printed that highlights your favorite casinos and night spots. An itinerary of major wedding-related times and events can also be very helpful. Make sure to include practical general information like the best transportation options while in town, insider tips about traffic and weather
conditions and emergency contact info in case your guests need a little extra help.

{ Source }

Amenities and Necessities

It’s a good idea to include some basic amenities in your welcome baskets. Las Vegas wedding guests may forget some everyday local must-haves like bottled water and sunscreen. Snacks at major hotels can be expensive, so including cheese and crackers, or a couple of candy items can help while weary travelers are first settling in. Go the extra mile and make your baskets personal by featuring some of each of your favorite childhood (or even current favorite) snacks.

Local Flavor

Capture the local flavor by including items with regional significance. A basket for a wedding in Ireland, for example, may include an assortment of local teas, a bottle opener or perhaps a pair of wool socks for the potentially cool weather. If you are planning an upscale or more sophisticated affair, source local wines or add in a bottle of your favorite bubbly with personalized toasting flutes.

{ Source }

Include a Personalized Note of Thanks

Always include a note from yourselves to your guests thanking them for making the extra effort to travel in order to celebrate your important day. Hand sign a letter or card for each basket and your guests will know you care.

Plot out Distribution and Call Hotel Properties in Advance

Finally, do the necessary legwork to ensure smooth delivery of your out of town guest welcome baskets. Some hotels require certain labeling on each bag, and other will charge a fee to have them delivered to the guest room at check-in. Confirm the specifications for your guests’ hotels in advance and you’ll ensure that your thoughtful gifts are received, and appreciated, by your loved ones as planned!

Always & Forever Weddings and Receptions is the premier Las Vegas wedding resource for
brides planning their wedding in Las Vegas. Always & Forever Weddings and Receptions is
located at 2902 Lake E Dr Las Vegas, NV 89117 and can be reached at 702- 318-5683 and 800-
259-2978.

Five Important Things To Know Before Getting Married

2013-05-10T09:00:00.000+01:00

It is common for many couples to jump into marriage without knowing some important things about themselves and each other. Whether you simply do not want to know the answers or have forgotten to ask them these important questions, they are something that you will seriously want to think about before tying yourself to this person until death do you part. In some cases, not knowing important things about each other before marriage can lead to arguments and sometimes divorce. Be sure to have these open and honest discussions with your significant other for a healthy, happy and long-lasting marriage.

Your Partners Habits

The habits that your partner currently has are things that you will want to know about them. These
habits could get in the way of your daily schedule and lifestyle. There are things that you will both
need to agree on rather than everything being one-sided. If your significant other has a habit of always getting his or her own way, this is something that you will need to discuss before getting married. It should be made clear that you both need to work together to break habits and to form a stronger connection.

Feelings on Children

Before tying the knot, it is especially important to know how you each feel about children and
expanding your family in the future. If you want to have children, but your partner doesn't, this could be a major deal breaker in your relationship. Wanting to have children may not be something that you are willing to compromise on.

Finances

You should know where you each stand financially and how you will manage your money once
married. Will you be opening a joint bank account? Retirement funds? Will you be purchasing stocks? Are quality credit repair services needed to build your credit score? Being on the same page in terms on money is especially important to maintain a healthy relationship. Not knowing where you each stand in terms of finances can cause fights and arguments in the future.

Employment and Furthering Careers

Find out if your partner is happy with their current career or if they are looking to further their career by relocating in the future. Do you each have goals in terms of careers and will things need to be sacrificed in order to achieve these goals? Discuss your future plans before committing to a lifetime of marriage.

Your Partners Background

Your partner may not be the same person now that they were several years ago. Discuss their
background, trouble that they may have gotten into in the past and past relationships to build a strong and trustworthy relationship rather than going into the marriage blind.

About the Author:

Madyson Grant is a small business owner and a professional writer. Her passion for helping others fuels her writing and her search for more helpful information.

Honoring the Women on your Wedding Day.

2013-05-09T12:43:00.000+01:00

A wedding day is about many many things. Not least the joining of two families, the creation of a new one and the binding of everlasting love.

Its also about creating memories. Ones to be treasured forever.

A wedding day is important to a man, a father and a brother, but even more so for a mother, a sister and a best friend.

Remember to create some wonderful memories with your treasured female family members and friends.

Here are some great ideas from our friends at SimplyBridal.com

Clontarf Castle - A castle in the city!

2013-05-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

A medieval themed wedding is one of the most popular at the moment with Ireland boasting so many ancient and beautiful castles it is something that can be achieved quite easily. If you require that castle but you don’t want to travel too far from the city due to guests flying in or your choice of church then Clontarf Castle is the ideal location for you.

Clontarf Castle is one of Ireland’s premier castle venues dating back to Norman times. This boutique hotel has been restored and rejuvenated whilst retaining its traditional feel and history of an ancient castle. It is only 2 miles from the city centre and 5 miles from Dublin Airport. Not only is it a top venue but it prides itself in luxury accommodation, passionate and friendly staff and beautiful medieval décor. It is set amongst beautiful gardens which provide stunning surroundings for the castle itself.

There are a few options depending on your guest numbers of which room that you can have your reception in. The Great Hall can accommodate well over 100 guests seating and far more for your evening reception. It’s gorgeous colour scheme of gold and cream with its high ceilings and chandeliers make it a true venue fit for only a princess! As night falls the curtains are drawn and candles are lit achieving the true castle ambiance. Smaller weddings can avail of rooms such as The Viking Room with its stained glass windows, high ceilings and magnificent décor make it a fabulous location. Clontarf Castle is delighted to offer the happy couple onsite facilities for civil ceremonies also.

The castle offers couples a choice of wedding packages which are aptly named The Enchanted, The Charmed, The Fairytale and The Majestic. As with all wedding venues; menus, packages and pricing are all specific to each couples requirements. If not one particular package appeals to couples there is option to customise your own wedding package. Food options look glorious and prices are very fair for an exquisite location.

If you are interested in getting married at Clontarf Castle, details of who to contact are available on the website. The castle also hosts wedding fairs throughout the year so it is important to keep an eye on the website.

For a medieval wedding, with that rustic, historical and charming feel there is nowhere better in Dublin than the picturesque and delightful Clontarf Castle.

Images are from the Clontarf Castle website.

Top tips to get your wedding guests mingling!

2013-05-07T13:00:00.000+01:00

Wedding days are stressful enough without having to worry about whether your guests are having a good time or if they are getting on with one another. Why not prepare yourself using these top mingling tips so that it is not something that you will have to fret about at all!

Be strategic with your table plans! – It is always very hard to know who to seat with who at weddings. The best way to tackle this is have a 50/50 ratio of knowing each other at the table but also consider common interests and age groups as they are most important.

Circular tables only please! – If available at your venue, always opt for circular tables with a maximum of 10 guests. This is far more sociable and encourages much more mingling than square tables where guests will speak to people in front and either side only.

Escort cards – Use escort cards for guests to find their way to their tables rather than lists of names. Whilst finding their names, guests will interact with each other.

Favours – Place favours in a central location rather than on individual place settings. You could also encourage guests to take someone else’s favour (if they are named) and go and try to find that person.

Wedding badges – Name badges (comical or not) are a great way of guests knowing how each person knows the bride and groom. Check out cafepress.com for a great selection of quirky name badges.

The smoking area – Approximately 30% - 50% of your guests will smoke, if you’re at an Irish wedding. I found at a wedding I was at a few years ago the smoking area was so far away from the reception room it segregated the guests and the smokers missed the great songs and dances. When checking out venues see where the smoking area is located to perhaps avoid this problem.

Get dancing! – Kick of the evening disco with songs that have an accompanying dance that everyone knows very well and encourage guests to take part. E.g. Tragedy by Steps, the Macarena, Stop by the Spice Girls.

Trivia Quiz – Have a short trivia quiz on each table with questions about the bride and groom that all the guests at the table can take part in.

Photographs – Arrange a collage of photos or hang photos off string with pegs in the garden area (if there is one) or in the drinks reception area of the bride and groom and family and friends. This will definitely encourage chatting and laughter.

Musical Chairs – Each table is to play musical chairs during the reception. Every other guest should move one place to the left after each course so that everyone gets a chance to talk to one another. This will also get funnier as more drinks have been had!

Guestbook – Chose an alternate guestbook idea such as writing on pieces of Jenga or on a monopoly board. If a lot of your guests are from abroad, choose a map option where guests can pin where they are from and write a message.

Photo booths – Photo booths at weddings are not only a lot of fun but as the night goes on and people get to know each other better you never know what mix of friends and family you may having taking snaps together.

Name settings – Place a funny or interesting fact about each guest inside their neighbours name card and encourage each guest to read them out.

Of course you can't force your guests to mingle, people will undoubtedly talk to the people they know the best. However using some of the ideas above could result in new friendships, new romances or just an all round good time at your wedding!

Images courtesy of pinterest, onewed, cafepress.com, the knot.

Get Fit, Celebrity Style before your wedding day!

2013-05-07T10:44:00.002+01:00

Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to get serious about shaping up!

I'm in the midst of training { for some pretty minor marathons }... anything to shift the bulge :) so when this popped into my inbox { from our wonderful friends at SimplyBridal.com } it got me thinking... Who else needs help getting fit for their wedding?? { Maybe we'll devise a special WH Boot Camp just for those that do... would you be interested? }

In the mean time...

Of course every bride would like to look her best on her wedding day, and as summer is just around the corner the bride and bridal part aren’t the only ones that will need a little push to hit the gym and get a bit sweaty. Who doesn’t want the Jessica Biel booty, or Halle Berry’s tight abs, or how about Kate Hudson’s sexy back?

This infographic is loaded with targeted exercises the Hollywood Stars use and swear by. Have a look and then print it out and check off the days as you go! To download and print this wonderful guide visit SimplyBridal’s blog at (http://www.simplybridal.com/pages/get-celebrity-fit-article), then just click “download” and print.

Want that beach body for the summer? Now get motivated!!

Fabulous Summer Wedding Cocktails!

2013-05-03T12:03:00.000+01:00

Everyone wants to set their wedding apart from the rest. What better way to do this is by providing your guests with refreshing and glorious cocktails at your reception. With the Summer season upon us here are some tasty delights for you to consider for your upcoming weddings!

1) The Startlight Royale

Measurements are based on one shaker.

1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice, plus more for rims
2 ounces of gin
2 tsps superfine sugar
4 ounces of Champagne or sparkling wine
Fine sanding sugar, for rims
Grenadine

Mix lime juice, gin, and superfine sugar in a 2-quart pitcher; chill until ready to serve for several hours. To serve, dip rims of glasses in lime juice, then sanding sugar, to coat with 1-inch-wide band. Measure 4 ounces Champagne into cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add 3 1/2 ounces lime juice-and-gin mixture, and shake; strain into 2 glasses, and add 2 to 3 drops of grenadine to each. Repeat.

2) The White Cosmo

Measurements are based on one shaker.

1 1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/4 oz white cranberry juice

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with lime or edible orchid mix.

3) The Burnt Orange

1 lime wedge
Coarse sea salt for rim
Ice
2 ounces of tequila
1-1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce triple sec
1/2 ounce simple syrup
3/4 ounce blood orange puree

Place all ingredients bar the salt and lime wedge into a shaker. Place lime juice around the rim of glass and dip into salt. Shake and pour into the double old fashioned glass. Add a squeeze of lime and garnish with1 lime wheel and 1 blood orange wheel for that tropical look.

4) The Raspberry Mojito

2-3 lime wedges
1 3/4 oz. mojito mix
1 3/4 oz. rum
3/4 oz. Chambord

Muddle raspberries, lime and mint in a rocks glass. Add ice, then pour liquid. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime squeeze.

5) The Frozen Mango Margarita

Use a blender in this recipe for the following ingredients.

1 ¼ oz. tequila
½ oz. Triple Sec
2 oz. mango mix
2 oz. margarita mix
1 cup ice

Blend until smooth. Rim the glass with salt if desired. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel.

6) Colada Cooler

In a blender with ice, combine:

1 oz. rum
2 oz. Piña Colada Mix
2 oz. Diet 7-Up

Blend until smooth, Pour into hurricane glass and add soda.

7) The Blushing Bride

1 ounce raspberry mix
2 ounces Champagne or Prosecco
2 ounces vodka
Splash of sour mix
Mint for garnish

Stir gently, and strain into a champagne coupe. Garnish with a mint sprig!

8) The Polynesian Triangle

In a punch bowl combine:

1 cup Limoncello Liqueur
4 cups lemonade
1 cup sweet & sour mix
1 cup white wine
1 cup strawberry mix
1 pint 7-Up

Serve into a large punchbowl and a ladel for self pouring. Garnish with lemon wheel and umbrella.

Recipes and images courtesy of Daily's Cocktails and Martha Stewart's Signature Wedding Cocktails.

A Little Something Blue!!

2013-05-03T11:00:00.000+01:00

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something BLUE! This is a wedding tradition that derives from the Victorian Age which was a very romantic era! The colour blue is meant to symbolise love, fideltiy and modesty and in Christian eyes purity. It is therefore thought that if the bride wears or carries something blue at her wedding she will be blessed with good luck! Who doesn't want some added good luck?!

The modern day bride may alter this tradition a small bit to make way for more querky original ideas that can be implimented into several parts of the wedding and not necessarily worn! Here are some ideas that are different, unique and could add a bit of spice to your wedding day!

The bride could opt for the traditional blue garter or blue underwear, i love these lacey 'i do' knickers. Accessories to the gown could be a complimenting option with a small clutch handbag or a fabulous pair of heels or perhaps a hairpiece or piece of jewellery are more your taste!

The wedding itself could see flashes of blue amongst the favors on the tables, or guests could be seen sipping blue cocktails from martini glasses perhaps signifying each guest toasting to a future of good luck for the bride and groom?

The options really are endless but they need to be kept classical and pretty and not too overbearing so that they achieve the desired effect. I adore this blue hanger from My Suspended Moments for you to hang your wedding dress off. Its a truly meaningful piece.

Would you be daring enough to wear this Oscar de la Renta dress or this princess dress seen on Wedding by Colour? The choice if yours but make sure you always add some blue how little or how big!!

Pictures are courtesy of (etsy.com), (mrs2be.ie), (weddingwire), (onewed), (misi.co.uk), (squidoo), (the knot) (Betty Crocker).

Wedding Dresses From Top To Toe

2013-05-02T10:36:00.000+01:00

A wedding isn't defined by one piece of material or one shape. Most people prefer to purchase unique weddings dresses with subtle differences to suit the bride to be. The dress you should be wearing totally depends on your body shape, confidence and budget as there are hundreds of dresses to choose from and like every bride you will want the dress of your dreams. One that will not only be comfortable to wear but one that is stunning in its own right (for more help you can visit http://www.hitched.ca/wedding-dresses). Here is a top to toe guide of what you could have and what body shapes it suits.

Shoulders

Most women like to have their shoulders bare as the rest of their body is generally covered up, but there are some dresses out there that have sleeves, or you could wear a shawl. If you have broad shoulders then you may want to consider using one of these as leaving them bare and wearing a strapless dress will accentuate those shoulders, and not in a good way. A more modern twist to dresses seems to be having lace panels rather than sleeves or a shawl as they are full of holes, making skin somewhat visible whilst the patterns steer the eye away from areas you don't want people staring at. Wearing your hair up can also help towards making shoulders look a little less wide.

{ Source }

Bust

As we all know breasts come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and we try our best to make them look good and improve on what we've got. Bigger breasted ladies need more support to hold the weight, especially with a strapless dress, a great boned corset is perfect to keep your breasts looking pert or a beautiful dress with straps.

Smaller breasted ladies however have a little more trouble as wearing a strapless dress will make you look a little rectangular, unless it is a body hugging dress and you have a fairly curvy body. The way to combat this is to wear a dress that at least has straps or more, wear a bra that will help lift and push them together to create a larger look.

{ Source }

Waist

Again, size changes everything on a dress, and the waistline should always be smaller than the bust and hips as this will create curves where you may have none. Wider waistlines can be squished with a bodice or corset style dress, but do be aware that after a while you will feel a little out of breath and achy. Girls with smaller waists should be wearing body hugging dresses to show off that lovely flat tummy. It’s all about working with what you do have and slightly adjusting the things you lack in.

{ Source }

Legs

More specifically the skirt. There is an age long battle of length that every woman faces. Longer legged girls may love the allure of a long skirt but this tends to make them look taller when they do not need added height. Wearing flat shoes is the way to go when you are taller than average. You don't want to tower over the groom!

Girls of a shorter stature need to create the illusion of height. This can not only be done with added length to heels but with long and thin dresses. Depending on how brave you are, you can either go for the usual flowing skirt or you can have a slightly wider or “princess” style dress which is good for girls with narrow hips if you have legs to die for why not show them off in a daring short gown.

{ Source }

Author Bio for: Lianne Nichols: I am a freelance writer, i create web content for websites specialising in the wedding industry, when it comes to weddings there isn't anything i don't love to write about. I enjoy researching beautiful and creative ideas to inspire any bride to be. I also have my own Blog www.adoreweddings.co.uk. Please follow me on twitter @Adore_Weddings.

Ballybeg House - It's like getting married at home!

2013-05-01T15:01:00.001+01:00

Ballybeg House is situated in Co. Wicklow and offers couples and guests a completely personal, unique and cosy style wedding in a country house that is yours for a whole three days. The drive into the house alone with its canopy trees and beautiful gardens will have you won over.

With Ballybeg House not only do you get complete exclusivity for you and your guests but there is also the stunning Grouse Lodge, just a 20 minute stroll or 10 minute drive up the hill on the house grounds that makes the perfect romantic retreat for the couple on the wedding night or a fantastic house for your bridal party the night before the wedding.

The Balybeg House wedding package includes full rental of the house for three days and nights, use of Grouse Lodge for the same amount of time and a marquee reception for up to 160 guests. If couples who are opting for a civil ceremony there is Ayers Ceremony Room with a medieval intimate romantic feel. In addition, couples can get married outside if they prefer on the magnificent grounds and a celebrant will be arranged for them. Photographic opportunities are endless with the walled gardens and the striking backdrops of the Wicklow Mountains.

For the reception itself, a selection of caterers is available who are tried and tested so that you know you are dealing with the best. In addition there is no corkage charge so couples can bring in their own wine and champagne free of charge or this can be arranged for you by the very obliging staff.

The house has on site wedding co-ordinators who are available if you chose, known by the catchy name Dom &T. Naturally, as with most weddings, prices are quoted per wedding so a visit and a chat with Paddy is recommended. This delightful charming country house is an ideal venue for that couple who are looking for a relaxed comfortable and hassle free occasion where the romantic setting provides the most picture perfect setting for your special day.

All images are taken from the Ballybeg official website.

Alternatives to the Traditional Bridal Bouquet

2013-05-01T09:00:00.000+01:00

As we are nearing the end of April, we hope that this month of showers will bring beautiful flowers next month.

As the pollen levels rise and for those who will be living off anti-histamines the next few months and would prefer not to hold pollinating plants so close to themselves, we've got just the thing for you.

This week the SimplyBridal.com creative team has put together a list of great alternatives to the traditional flower bouquet. There are so many to choose from, which one is right for you?

Relaxed & Sexy Wedding Dress...

2013-04-30T09:59:00.000+01:00

Not every bride dreams of a big princess ballgown. Not every bride dreams of a white {ivory/ off white/ champagne} wedding dress. Not every bride even wants to wear a dress.

But every bride wants to look great! Scratch that, every bride wants to look amazing!

If you are a non traditional/ non white ballgown wearing bride what are you going to wear?

I LOVE this Resort Wear by Alexis... stylish, sexy, relaxed and gorgeous! ~ would you wear this on your wedding day?

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Today you can Pre-Register for The Wedding Expert's & Ikea Dublin's DIY Wedding Event

2013-04-24T12:17:00.000+01:00

Squeal!

I am thrilled, excited and delighted to announce that on June 4th and 5th in my Wedding Planner 'persona' as The Wedding Expert with and at, Ikea Dublin, I will be demonstrating some amazing fun, simple and affordable Ikea DIY Wedding Projects!!

The evening event will be full of inspiration and ideas for your big day, using everyone's favourite store's { Ikea } amazing range of products!

Ladies & Gents, regardless of your budgets, regardless of whether you love {or are terrified of} DIY Wedding Projects there will be something there for you :)

This will be the first live Ikea DIY Wedding Event and of course will be filled with prizes and surprises, if you want to pre-register your interest in attending email me at hello@TheWeddingExpert.ie with { Ikea Wedding Event in the subject line } and you will be among the first to get the details once they are made public :)

Both evenings will have limited numbers so be sure not to miss out!!

I don't know about you, but I cannot wait!!

Dromoland Castle - an idyllic wedding venue!

2013-04-24T09:00:00.000+01:00

The magnificent Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare was built in the 16^th century and has a beautiful historical renaissance feel to it. This five star castle is approached by twisting country roads with a glistening lake and superb golf course in the backdrop. The estate sits on 410 acres of land providing plenty of opportunity for romantic walks through the gardens, photographs beside fountains and the estate itself is an ideal backdrop for a wedding.

The Castle boasts three suitable areas for your wedding reception. The Terrace Room offers a bright and spacious feel with its floor to ceiling windows with magnificent views of the castle estate. It is suitable for 31 to 70 guests. The Drawing Room has a much cosier feel and will serve parties of 10 to 30 guests. This room offers massive fireplaces and portraits of Irish royalty hanging on the walls. The Brian Boru Room caters for weddings up to 300 people and room has a unique romantic atmosphere with historical banners, wooden beams and hanging chandeliers.

Dromoland Castle has various packages to offer their guests depending on time of year, number of guests and what services you require. It is a five star hotel to begin with so you are looking in the more expensive bracket for your reception. There are many menu options available with a wide range of choices and a complimenting wine menu. The food is seen as exquisite and lives up to the reputation of one of the best wedding reception venues in Ireland. There is a full listing for red and white wines as well as champagne, rose and sparking wine. The hotel however does not provide the service of corkage. The bar stays open until midnight and the hotel can provide a late bar until 2am if required.

The hotel possesses one of the finest golf courses in Ireland and several other sporting facilities are available on site such as falconry, clay pigeon shooting, tennis and archery. With its magnificent relaxing spas, leisure centre with pool, sauna and Jacuzzi it offers fantastic relaxing opportunities as well for your guests to enjoy post wedding.

For guests travelling from abroad, Shannon Airport is a mere 8 miles away from the Castle with Galway and Limerick city being very close by also. Several tourist attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle are but a short distance away.

Dromoland Castle is one of my favourite wedding destinations in Ireland. For those of you willing to travel or if you live in the West of Ireland it should definitely be on your shortlist. Its picturesque and panoramic views compliment the luxurious old world elegance makes Dromoland Castle one of Ireland’s most stunning and spectacular wedding locations.

Fabulous in Flats? - The Wedding Shoe Faux-Pas?

2013-04-23T11:00:00.000+01:00

Carrie Bradshaw, fashion icon of the world wore a wonderful pair of Manolo Blahniks to her wedding with Mr. Big in Sex and the City. Yes, they were heels and no one can deny how beautiful and elegant they were making the shoe wearer feel sexy and confident.

However……What if you never wear heels, what if you can’t physically wear them or you are taller than your groom or heels just don’t fit in with your ‘wedding genre’? Who says you have to wear heels at all!? You can still feel as amazing in flat shoes. Flat wedding shoes are trending and the comfort they provide is complimented with playfulness and gorgeous style.

Matching Your Wedding Setting

Flat wedding shoes suit some wedding venues more than others. Dainty sparkly sandals or fun and funky flip flops would be more suited to a beach wedding. Or take a country setting, meadow or forest then you might consider wedding wellies (yes they do exist!) or some graceful ballerina shoes or preppy pumps.

Styling you and your shoe

It is quite possible that you are such a laid back and chilled out bride or couple that a pair of hip converse or bridal trainers (as worn in Father of the Bride) could be exactly what you are looking for! Or you may just opt for flat shoes for simply the comfort element ensuring you are not crippled before your first dance.

Cute and adorable detailed flats would be admired most in a t-length or short dress or simply a dress that doesn’t fully hit the ground. If you absolutely insist on wearing a pair of heels, have some flats on standby for when the pain just gets too much!

Where to Find Them!

There are some amazing finds out there from classic ivory to pinks, blues and silvers. Some websites allow you to design your own shoe www.milkandhoney.com Even Swarovski design flat crystal sparkly shoes for weddings. Some inspiring pairs are below from websites such as www.rainbowclub.co.uk, www.etsy.com and www.greenweddingshoes.com. Go flat and go crazy, the chic selections are endless!

Ballerinas & Pumps

Sandals

Converse & Trainers

The Alternates: Flip-Flops & Wellies

Earth Day: Eco-Friendly Wedding Ideas

2013-04-22T09:00:00.000+01:00

To celebrate the wonder and beauty of our planet and mark Earth Day, SimplyBridal.com has taken the time to create a fun visual of many ways for you to have a sustainable wedding.

Can you believe that 62 tons of carbon dioxide is created from the 2.5 million weddings in the United States alone? This doesn’t even account for the 9 million weddings that are celebrated in China, can you image in the figures worldwide?

From the paper used for invitations, to the jewelry pieces that are worn by the bridal party, SimplyBridal has thought of it all!

Remember there are simple things you can do to help the planet on your wedding day; donate un-served food, and encourage your guest to take public transportation, go on, do something good for our world on your wedding day!

Five fantastic bands to get your guests dancing!

2013-04-20T13:52:00.000+01:00

Music is an integral part of weddings. It provides guests with an ambiance and overall feeling for the wedding. Couples always want to insure that their guests are having a great time, an event that they will always remember therefore choosing your band should be a central focus. After all, the wedding band says a lot about the couples themselves! Here are five top bands that are guaranteed to have everyone dancing all night long.

Smash Hits are ‘like so totally the ultimate 90’s band’. They are continually selling out shows in top venues nationwide as well as appearing as support acts and at some of the biggest festivals in Ireland. The band is made up of six talented musicians who are guaranteed to get your guests out on that dance floor all night entertaining you with their classic 90’s gear and bouncing chart hits! You can find almost anything on their playlist from Whigfield to The Vengaboys. They are definitely the band to get the party started!

The Bentley Boys are one of

Ireland

’s premier wedding bands and have won several awards for their great talents. They pride themselves on having such great musicians that each package for every wedding is different where the choice of music available varies from current top 40, hits of the 80’s, funk, jazz and old school rock. They offer extras to their clients with the band available to play at the drinks reception and also a DJ service when the band has finished their set. As a band that has been nominated for several wedding related awards this year they are a big one to consider!

After Dark, the award winning band play every Monday night in Kilkenny and every Sunday in Carlow. Their members have fantastic vocal ability, energy and give an exciting performance no matter what occasion. Their music varies from classics to swinging hits to soulful sounds. They are seen as a band that provide some freshness to a congested market where performances are spectacular and reviews outstanding.

Springbreak, the supreme wedding band for 80’s music might be one of the hardest bands to book for your big day so if you like what you see on their website I’d recommend booking them at the same time as you do your venue! The six members bang out tunes from ‘Time of My Life’ to ‘Manic Monday’ and also offer DJ service. Dressed in proper 80’s clothes and sometimes sailor suits I can safely say after seeing them myself that they are top notch entertainment, worth that little bit extra from your budget and an overall enjoyable experience!

RadioShack were founded in 2008 from a group of six individuals who have worked with artists such as Elton John, Snow Patrol and Sharon Corr. They also had the privilege of performing at Cecelia Ahearn’s wedding where they were joined on stage by Ronan Keating. The band play nearly anything from classic to contemporary, a full playlist is available on their website. The testimonials about the band say it all, highlighting their excellence, professionalism and quality of entertainment.

A Dublin City Wedding- Fallon and Byrne

2013-04-18T10:00:00.000+01:00

Urban weddings are on the rise and this is one Dublin city gem that you may want to add to your venue wishlist!

You may already be familiar with Fallon and Byrne’s mouth-watering gourmet food and

impeccable wine cellar? I certainly am - being a frequent visitor!Not only is it a great spot to satisfy your prerequisite for fine food, but it quite the perfect venue for a cosy city centre wedding. Not to mention it being only a stone throw away from many of the famous sights and sounds of Dublin’s fair city.

The exchequer room seats 50-120 and holds 150 for a standing reception. Something that captivates my attention is with the wooden floors and white walls; this room gives you the option of working with a blank canvas for those brides and groom that are design enthusiasts. It allows you to get creative. The neutrality of the room means you don’t need to worry about the carpet or the walls clashing with your chosen colour scheme!

As for the food…well if their deli counter food is anything to go by, I can only imagine what their talented chefs cook up for a wedding party (if you are reading this Fallon and Byrne, I will of course do you the favour of offering my services to be a taster of your wonderful food!)

You can get a sample of what menus they have to offer through their website but by the sounds of things this is only a taster. Their in house executive chef’s, cheesemongers, pastry chefs and sommeliers offer a much bigger selection available from simple canapés, to buffet banquets and to five tasting menus!

Fallon and Byrne are also a licensed venue for a civil ceremony and possess expertise in working with the registry office team.

For more information on Fallon and Byrne weddings visit their website.

Dove's Latest Ad Campaign: We really are more beautiful than we think.

2013-04-17T12:17:00.003+01:00

Today I am having a fat and ugly day.

We've all had those right?

I asked my husband this morning, do you think I am pretty? He looked at me, and said you are gorgeous.

Did I listen? { I heard the words of course } But no, of course not, I'm having a fat and ugly day so nothing short of a miracle {normally} makes me feel better... then I watched this...

How does this make you feel?