10 Tips For Planning A Wedding In Ireland
1. Start planning early: Weddings in Ireland can take a lot of time to plan, especially if you want to have a traditional Irish wedding. Start planning from 18 months to at least a year in advance to ensure that you have enough time to book your venue, vendors, and other important details.
2. Choose the right season for you: Ireland has a temperate climate, but the weather can be unpredictable. Consider the time of year when you plan to get married. Summer is the most popular season for weddings, but Spring and Autumn can also be beautiful. Winter weddings can also be magical but keep in mind that it gets dark very early in Ireland during late December and early January. You may want to consider having an earlier ceremony time if you still want to have enough light to get those professional photographs taken.
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Wedding photo taken in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland. Photo Credit: meathphotos.ie
3. Select a venue that reflects your style: Whether you want a traditional Irish castle, a rustic barn, or a modern city venue, there are many options to choose from in Ireland. Take the time to find a venue that reflects your personal style and makes you feel special on your big day. Read the venues reviews both on Google and Facebook and research other couples experiences with the venue. Meet the wedding coordinator for a show-around of the venue and attend any upcoming wedding showcases that the venue is hosting before booking.
4. Incorporate Irish traditions: Irish weddings are known for their rich traditions. Consider incorporating elements of Irish culture into your wedding, such as a ceilidh (traditional Irish dance), a handfasting ceremony, or a blessing from a local priest.
5. Hire a wedding planner: Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with the area. Consider hiring a wedding planner who can help you navigate the local wedding scene and take care of all the details.
6. Use local vendors: Ireland is home to many talented wedding vendors, from florists to photographers. Use local vendors whenever possible to support the local economy and ensure that you have high-quality services.
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Wedding photo taken at Cabra Castle, County Cavan, Ireland. Photo Credit: meathphotos.ie
7. Don't Invite Too Many Guests: Weddings in Ireland can be intimate affairs, and many venues are best suited for smaller groups from between 100-150. Consider keeping your guest list smaller to ensure that everyone has a good time and feels included and that you are not exhausted by the end of the day trying to get around the room to chat to everyone.
8. Plan for transportation: Many of the best wedding venues in Ireland are located in rural areas and many also won't have enough rooms for all your guests meaning that they will require taxis and buses to their accomadation. Be sure to plan for transportation to and from the venue to ensure that your guests can get there safely and on time.
9. Plan for the unexpected: Irish weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to plan for the unexpected. Have a backup plan in case of rain, and be sure to have umbrellas and warm blankets on hand. Chat with your wedding planner and/or photographer about a rough time schedule for the day and what the plan is in case of rain.
10. Enjoy the process: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's also an exciting time. Take the time to enjoy the planning process and make sure that you are having fun. Remember that the most important thing is that you and your partner are getting married, and everything else is just details.
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Wedding photo taken at the Talbot Hotel, County Carlow, Ireland. Photo Credit: meathphotos.ie
Overall, planning a wedding in Ireland can be a magical experience. From the beautiful landscapes to the rich cultural traditions, there are many things to love about getting married in Ireland. With a little bit of planning and a lot of love, you can create the wedding of your dreams. And don't forget to enjoy the process, after all it's your special day!