All you have to do to enter is purchase a ticket for our Wedding Journal Show at the Dublin Convention Centre on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th January 2023!

For all those busy wedding planning out there or just looking for your winter wedding reception, this is the perfect opportunity to relax knowing that everything could be planned and paid for…(scroll for more details!)

LUSTY BEG – A Unique Wedding Venue!

One of the most beautiful locations in Ireland, Lusty Beg offers a range of select accommodation to suit all. These include the 39 en-suite bedrooms along the lakes shore, (just a short walk from the main function room) and the 4* Inish lodges for those who don’t like to leave home comforts behind! These rooms all overlook the Lough and enjoy a secluded position amongst the trees.

Lusty Beg Island Offers A Distinctive, Exclusive And Utterly Unique Wedding Venue

Why not welcome your wedding guests with a champagne reception and canapés on arrival and mingle to the background music of a string quartet playing some contemporary and classical tunes. Seeing as the wedding will be for November 2023, why not pull up a chair at the fire and sip on a glass of Mulled Wine!

There Is Something For Everyone!

From simple to extravagant, traditional to modern, no requirement is beyond Lusty Beg’s capability, delivering both individually tailored and complete wedding packages. So whether you want to arrive by boat or plane, or hire out the island for your exclusive use, Lusty Beg wedding venue island is your oyster.

The seclusion and privacy of the island affords a lasting memory of your special day.

This total giveaway is priced at around £16k! So…what are you waiting for?

Enter now for your chance to win this fabulous prize.

Room Hire: £1500, Wedding Meal: £67.50 x 100= £13500, Bridal Suite: £180, Evening Buffet: £780

Total giveaway: £15 960

To find out more about Lusty Beg Island, view details HERE

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The post WIN Your Wedding Reception for 100 Guests at Lusty Beg Island Resort! (CLOSED) appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Imagine giving the gift of a ring that you hand crafted and created especially for the person you love?

Madeleine Blaine and her team from Silver Works are a collaborative group of silversmiths and jewellers. Working within the Irish industry, they are teaching fun, interactive classes and courses in the heart of Dublin’s Creative Quarter.

They guarantee that you will not only walk away with the ring of your dreams, but also give you an experience of a lifetime!

Workshops range from unique romantic Wedding Ring Workshops and gorgeous Girls Nights.

Never made jewellery before? No problem! You will be guided through the process with their expert tutors to make your beautiful bespoke rings.

Their engagement ring workshop begins in the morning designing your ring with their master CAD designer.

RELATED TO: How To Find Your Partner’s Dream Engagement Ring

They will help you come up with a design that fits you or your partner’s style. When you are happy with the design, it will be sent off to a company who use an ancient process called lost wax casting. This will then cast your ring into the metal of your choice directly from your design.

Two weeks later they will bring you in again to help saw the spue off your ring, and learn to finish, sand and polish it, before sending it off to have the stones set in it, ready for you to propose with!

It couldn’t get any more picture-perfect than this!

Silverworks explain why they love creating this experience for newlyweds.

“We love to share our passion with others and there is nothing we like more than meeting a great bunch of people and helping them create fantastic, handmade silver pieces. We leave a class as joyful as you do!”

“As this is a one-on-one class you will have all our expert knowledge and skills at your fingertips to make sure you have the best experience and come away with the best ring possible to suit your style and budget.”

RELATED TO: 8 Signs Your Partner Is Going To Propose

Silver Works award-winning Jewellery Making Classes have over 2,000 five-star reviews have seen them crowned ‘Most Reviewed Experience in Ireland’ by Airbnb.

They were also named a winner of Europe’s Travel and Hospitality Awards 2020 and a finalist for ‘Hen & Stag Supplier of the Year 2020’ by Weddings Online!

After winning an Irish Enterprise Award, you are guaranteed that your picture-perfect ring will be delivered with outstanding levels of excellence, customer service and innovation.

RELATED TO: 12 Modern Bridal Accessories To Take Your Look From Miss To Mrs

Silver Works will be exhibiting at our Wedding Journal Show at the Dublin Convetion Centre on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th of January 2023!

Make sure not to miss this one!

Looking for the latest inspo and ideas? Tickets for the upcoming Wedding Journal Shows are on sale!

The post Meet the Exhibitor – Design Your Own Engagement and Wedding Rings with Silver Works! appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Emma and Jack were high school sweethearts who’s love was written in the stars! They tied the knot at Orange Tree House this July surrounded by family and friends. After postponing the wedding due to Emma’s pharmacy studies and the pandemic, even a devastating skiing injury she suffered didn’t stop them from finally saying “I DO!”

With amazing family and friends on hand to make the day extra special, Emma and Jack’s wedding went off without a hitch – or may one on the dance floor!

HOW THEY MET

Emma and Jack met whilst in high school and began a text-crazed teenage romance in 2010 during their third year of school. But it wasn’t until a Halloween party during their fourth year, that Jack asked her to be his girlfriend. Emma being from Portadown and Jack from Donaghmore, Newry made it a challenge for the teens to meet frequently. They would jump on the bus on weekends to hang out at the local park and go to the cinema.

“We really grew up together. We leaned on each other through all our GCSEs, A-levels and Uni and had so much fun spending time on his family’s farm”, says Emma.

THE PROPOSAL

After asking Emma’s parents and grandfather for permission to marry her in 2019, Jack set the wheels in motion to propose. He was given Emma’s grandmother’s ring, “the one that I adored and based all aspirations for my future engagement ring on”, says Emma. They went down to the local pub with friends one evening and Emma spotted an engagement box in Jack’s pocket.

“When we got home I was literally too excited to sleep and in lots of childish laughter I essentially told him if he didn’t propose right now I’d explode.” So in the wee hours of the morning and in their pyjamas, Jack got down on one knee and popped the question!

PLANNING THE BIG DAY

Like many couples who got engaged in the last couple years, the pandemic created many challenges – and Emma and Jack were no exception! The couple began wedding planning in early 2020, falling in love with and securing Orange Tree House almost immediately. However, with Emma still studying pharmacy and the world at a standstill, the couple opted to postpone the wedding until 2022.

“With all the extra time planning was pretty chill and just plodded along in the background”, says Emma.

In January 2022 the couple took a family ski trip to Bulgaria for Jack’s dad’s 60th birthday. Emma had a devastating accident on the slopes, landing her in a wheelchair. “I then spent the craziest part of [wedding planning] out of work, getting a massive amount of surgery done on my knee and relearning how to walk”, she says. Some how the couple of 10 years pulled it together and completed the wedding planning!

THE VENUE

“When we visited Orange Tree House we just knew it was the one straight away. The architecture and beauty of the main hall which used to be a church and the view of Strangford Lough out of the lounge windows” says Emma. The couple had both their ceremony and reception on site which was a charming affair.

RELATED TO: 13 Romantic Ceremony Rooms To Say ‘I Do’ In

“We had a humanist wedding ceremony because we wanted our wedding to be so personal and to fully capture what finally getting married after a whole decade feels like”, say Jack.

CAPTURING THE BIG DAY

The couple chose Sheena Thompson Photography to capture their special day. Though camera shy, they were able to relax and get into the spirit of celebration to create memories for them to look back on.

“She was so relaxed and easy to work with and managed to get so many beautiful photos and captured the joy of the day so well. Neither of us like getting our photo taken – there is a pitiful amount of evidence of all the time we’ve been together! But Sheena made us so comfortable in front of the camera and by the end of it I was wondering if Jack was going to go for a career change into modelling”, says Emma.

WEDDING WARDROBE

Emma chose a beautiful gown, Zaine by Evie Young from Jill Jones Bridal, Templepatrick. “My dress is one of my favorite things I own and I got it so early on”, she says.

RELATED TO: Freddie Hatchet’s New Mobile Tailoring System Allows Grooms To Create Their Dream Suit From Home

Jack’s suit was from Freddie Hatchet and his bride-to-be gave him free reign on choosing it. “It’s a great atmosphere up there and they has some of the best Guinness I’ve tasted anywhere! The guys there are very helpful and knowledgeable”, says Jacks.

WEDDING ADVICE

When it comes to advice for other soon-to-wed couples, Emma and Jack say you should execute the day your way! “It’s so easy to keep spending and keep adding more to it because someone else has done something but we kept things simple and focused on our family and closest friends”, says Emma.

Despite pharmaceutical studies, a pandemic and a postponement, the couple were able to have a special day because they chose what worked for them. Though Emma had to take a quick ice pack break from the dance floor due to her skiing injury, she was able to enjoy the day – and she adds “if you’re contemplating going skiing within 5 months of your wedding!”

Be inspired by more real-life weddings HERE!

The post High School Sweethearts: Emma & Jack’s Rustic Affair at the Orange Tree House appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Planning a honeymoon isn’t easy – after all, the world is full of romantic and luxurious destinations, but which one is right for you? Or if you’re thinking about a destination wedding, where do you go and how do you even start?

At The Wedding Journal Show you’ll find a selection of the country’s leading honeymoon and destination wedding experts that can help you find your ideal location and suppliers so you can get excited about your new chapter!

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE TODAY AND SAVE 20% ON DOOR PRICE…

Visit the show and chat to our experts about your perfect wedding and honeymoon escape – whether that’s an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, an adventurous safari, a cruise or even a laid-back mini-moon, they will help you get the best package at the best price!

RELATED TO: Newly Engaged? 5 Reasons You Need To Visit The Wedding Journal Show

Visit The Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Zone To Discover…

– Luxury venues to marry and honeymoon abroad.

– Top honeymoon spots and locations.

– Adventure honeymoon ideas; African safaris, etc.

– City and beach honeymoons.

– The best destination wedding & honeymoon deals

The post Plan Your Dream Honeymoon & Destination Wedding At The Wedding Journal Show appeared first on Wedding Journal.

We’re going to let you in on a little secret… no one actually knows what they’re doing when it comes to wedding planning! We’re guessing it’s your first time doing this, so don’t feel bad if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by it all.

RELATED TO: 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Planning A Wedding

With jargon you’ve never heard of before, lots of family and friends expecting the best day ever and so many tasks and areas to organise, everyone begins to feel the pressure at some point. But that’s why we’re here! We get so many couples telling us what their biggest wedding regrets are and we’ve compiled them all so you know what to avoid.

Keep on scrolling to see what they are…

1. Announcing Your Engagement Right Away

We get it, you’re engaged and we’re SO happy for you! It’s a very exciting time and all you want to do is grab your phone and tell the world…. but stop! Take a breather, allow yourself to be in the moment and really take it in – give it a few hours if you can and make sure you tell your family and friends before you post anything as they may be hurt if they find out on Facebook the same time as everyone else.

2. Blowing Your Budget Too Soon

Early budgeting really is necessary to avoid maxing out your bank account too soon and panic setting in. Money can be a tough topic but it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations from the start with your fiancé and family about what you can afford ahead of booking things. We recommend setting a month-by-month saving and payment plan and start with the big things first – venue, dress, suit and work your way through everything else.

RELATED TO: The Bride Diaries: “What I Wish I Knew Before Planning A Wedding”

3. Allowing Other People To Decide On The Guest List

We’re going to say it… not absolutely EVERYONE has to be invited to your wedding! Not only because they may not know you well enough, but this will set the cost wayyy higher! It’s your big day so only those you love and really know you should be in attendance – so probably not Jimmy from Finance! We know it can be hard to say no to your family who wants all their cousins and great aunties involved, but setting boundaries is healthy and will save you some coin. The same goes for plus ones, if they’re not serious you don’t have to invite them!

Check out out Guest List Guide to help you narrow down your number and invite those that really count!

4. Stick To Traditions Because You Think You Have To

Although we love traditional weddings, you don’t have to stick to every traditions. Things like wearing white, not seeing your fiancé before the alter, tossing your bouquet, being given away, cutting the cake or even having a maid of honour or best man are not necessary! Of course you should do them if you want to, but if none of these feel like you make up your own rules – it can make it much more personal!

We’re seeing more and more couples doing private first looks, having flower grannies or guys instead of flower girls and even choosing an important woman in their life to give them away. Your day, your way and the options are endless.

5. Trying To Do Everything Themselves

Our pet peeve is couples who won’t accept help while wedding planning! It’s not that we think you can’t do it all, but planning a wedding just the two of you when there are people out there to help is a lot of added stress you don’t need. Considering a wedding planner is amazing and will take a lot of planning anxiety off your shoulders, but if you’re not into that or your budget doesn’t allow it, that’s when you can really lean on your family and friends – allocate different tasks to those involved who are happy to help!

RELATED TO: 8 Easy Wedding Planning Tips For The Disorganised Bride-To-Be

6. Getting Your Wedding Dress Too Late

Trust us when we say it is NEVER to late to start wedding dress shopping! You need to find time for ordering in styles and shipping, making alterations and then there’s your bridesmaid dresses and suits that need arranged. We recommend starting your search at least nine months ahead.

7. Skipping The Videographer

We hear this one a lot from couples who didn’t get a video of their day and now regret not seeing all those amazing memories and moments that went by so fast. Of course photographs are beautiful, but there are so many special moments such as speeches, vows and the first dance that are magical when captured on film. Just promise us you’ll consider it!

8. Not Having A ‘Wet Weather’ Plan

We’re living in Ireland people, need we say more? We all hope for a little sunshine on our big day but we know that you just can’t predict when those grey skies come rolling in, so be prepared just in case! If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, consider planning a back up marquee or chat to the venue about a plan B inside location. You’ll be glad of it when you really need it!

9. Making Everything Last Too Long

We always hear that this day will go by in the blink of an eye so it’s only natural you want to make every moment last as long as possible. But you have to remember about the guest experience! Time dragging between the ceremony and reception can be difficult for them, long speeches can become boring and being expected to dance all night before you go home can be exhausting. Prioritise having good entertainment, set a time limit for your speeches and if you’re organising transport don’t make everyone wait until the early hours to go home.

RELATED TO: 7 Wedding Wellness Tips To Feel Fresh On The Big Day

10. Eloping Without Thinking It Through

If you’re thinking about eloping, that’s wonderful! But please think it through before you take the jump. Family members can often get upset about not being there to see you on the day and you may even begin to regret not having them in attendance or not making more out of those bigger features. Take some time, chat to your partner and sit on the idea before you decide.

11. Forgetting About The Legal Bits

The most important thing about getting married is actually walking away LEGALLY married! Make sure you get your marriage license sorted early and if you’re thinking about a destination wedding, you’ll need to do your research to make sure it’s valid where you live.

12. Not Preparing For Those Hidden Costs

We can’t stress this one enough! Your suppliers do a lot so it’s important you ask questions upfront and read the fine print on everything – the postage on your invites may be higher than you thought, the venue could charge for cutting the cake and add on costs for running over the agreed time. Hidden costs can sneak up at anytime so we recommend setting aside 10% of your budget for these surprise expenses and make sure you have everything in writing from your suppliers.

RELATED TO: 11 Wedding Expenses Every Bride Forgets To Budget For

13. Not Knowing When To Switch Off

This seems small, but is very important! We know how much goes into wedding planning and there will always be something to plan and organise. However, you NEED time to switch off – not only for yourself, but for your relationship! It can be so easy to stay up late every night, prioritise wedding planning over couple time and non-stop scrolling for new ideas. Allocate time for just you and your fiancé to chill, it is needed to stay sane during this time!

14. Spending Too Much On One Item

There is so much to your wedding look from the dress itself to the alterations, the shoes, the veil, the accessories, the jewellery, the bag, the lingerie – the list goes on! Be firm with yourself at the bridal boutique and don’t let yourself go way over your over budget if you really can’t afford it.

15. Trying To Please Everyone

When it comes to weddings, everyone has an opinion and be prepared to hear them all whether you’ve asked or not! Although your wedding is partly about the guest experience and you want your family and friends to approve, you need to know when to draw the line. At the end of the day it needs to come down to what you and your partner really want. You can listen to what they say, be kind about their advice and stand strong in what is important to you. They should be understanding!

16. Overdoing It On The Décor

Decor is important for setting the tone and aesthetic of your day but sometimes less is more! We love all the fairy lights, neon signage and donut walls just as much as the next person, but if you throw in everything things can start to look a little overboard – and will end up costing you a ton! Before you let yourself run wild during an online late night shopping session, consider this before you buy…

• Find out what decoration is already in your venue
• Check in with your florist first – they may be able to lend some candelabras or bits to help with centrepieces
• Draw up a plan of how you see the room looking so you will know when things start to look too busy

If you want to get creative with décor, a few simple standout pieces is all you need to make a statement!

17. Micromanaging Your Suppliers

You’re suppliers are experts in their field so let them do their jobs and try not to take over! Of course it is all about your vision and what you want so ask all the questions you need, but don’t lecture them on how to do it. We recommend being clear and honest about what you want, let them prove to you what they can do and be constructive yet gracious about any changes you want.

RELATED TO: Top Questions You Can’t Forget To Ask Your Wedding Venue

18. Not Bothering With An Engagement Shoot

Even if you’re not the biggest fan of getting your photo taken or get a little camera shy, many couples regret not getting that engagement shoot! Even if it’s just for your eyes only – not everything needs to be shared on social media! It’s all about getting the right photographer that helps you feel comfortable, loosen up and just have fun in the moment. We guarantee you will love looking back at those special memories in years to come. You can even think of it like a practice run for the big day and may even leave you feeling less nervous when it comes to getting your actual wedding photographs.

*TOP TIP* Try and book your engagement shoot the same day as your hair and makeup trial – that way you can see what everything looks like on camera!

19. Forgetting To Eat

Ahh we hear this one all the time! Your wedding day is so busy from the ceremony to the photographs to mingling with your guests and just making sure you have a good time. Although you may not feel like you have time for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, you need this to keep your energy levels up! You might reach for a glass of champagne to calm your nerves, but please make sure you’ve lined your stomach first.

20. Not Doing A Makeup Trial

It may seem like common sense to schedule a hair and makeup trial before the day, but some brides leave this too close to the date or even decide they want a dramatic hair colour change just before the big day! This could easily lead to not loving how you look in your wedding photographs which is something you will have with you forever. We recommend booking your trial at least three months before the big day and if you want to make any big hair changes, do this around the 12 month mark.

Read our Ultimate Bridal Beauty Countdown for more tips like this!

21. Forgetting What’s It All About

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, but please remember it is only ONE day! This day marks the beginning of an amazing journey and new chapter you and your partner are entering together, which is what getting married is really all about. During planning time, arguments and disagreements can happen and debts can form easily – which isn’t the best way to start married life.

When you start to feel the tension, take a breather and remind yourself what you’re doing this for. Yes the details matter and you should have a special day, but planning should always bring you and your fiancé together and not drive you apart. You’re a team so check in with each other and make sure you’re both enjoying the process and take breaks when needed.

The post 21 Common Mistakes Couples Make When Wedding Planning appeared first on Wedding Journal.

We all know a lot of planning goes into a wedding, like A LOT – organising every detail right down to the size of the centrepieces, the colour of the flowers and the bridesmaid dresses can mean a lot of small yet crucial details get overlooked.

Some of these unseen costs may seem like minor details, but in the end they all add up to creating your dream day and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Most couples have a specific budget in mind when it comes to planning, so if you want to be saved the stress of sneaky wedding expenses, keep reading to find out what costs can creep up last minute….

RELATED TO: How To Budget For Your Wedding During Tough Times

1. Beauty Treatments

You’ve probably already set aside money for your professional makeup and hair styling, but remember you need at least one trial of each to make sure you’re fully content with your bridal look on the day.

READ OUR LATEST MAGAZINE ISSUE – SUMMER 2021 OUT NOW

Also keep in mind pre-wedding beauty treatments that may seem small but can add up to a lot – make sure to budget for things like your spray tan, mani/pedi, brows, lash extensions and any skincare treatments and facials leading up to the day which can be easily overlooked.

2. Hen Party & Stag Night

More and more hen parties and stags are heading for weekend getaways abroad of staycations at home. Even though you may think bridesmaids and groomsmen will pick up the tab for the big celebration, many brides and grooms end up paying for their own party (especially if they’re the ones pushing for a getaway!)

RELATED TO: 10 Budget-Friendly Buys To Put In Your Hen Party Bags

Keep things in mind like the destination, hotel expenses, food, drink and all the décor that come into play to create your big celebration (and of course any naughty entertainment ).

3. Marriage License

This may seem like an obvious one, but you won’t believe how many couples forget this huge detail! Don’t forget to make it legal – a marriage licence typically starts at around £22/€20 in Ireland.

However, if you opt to have your ceremony outside of a registry office, this fee will be increased slightly. And in most places, you won’t automatically receive a copy of your marriage license after it’s been filed — you’ll need to pay for that, too.

RELATED TO: 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Planning A Wedding

If you’re having a destination wedding, keep in mind that you will need to fly in a few days before the wedding or even make a second trip to the locale in order to get your marriage license. This means incurring extra travel fees — more nights, more meals, and possibly a second round of airfares. 

4. Additional stationary

We love nothing more than aesthetically pleasing RSVP and save the date cards – but don’t blow all your cash on pretty invites as you also need to keep in mind the day-of stationery. Think about programmes, escort cards, place cards, menus and any other on the day paper goods. You may also want to budget for your after-wedding stationary like thank you notes.

RELATED TO: The Hottest Wedding Invite Trends of 2021

5. Postage

When choosing your invites, make sure to take their weight and size into consideration. You may be thinking ‘they’re only invitations!’, but if it’s more than an ounce, you’ll probably need additional postage and if you’re inviting a lot of guests, this all adds up!

Also, the size of the invitation matters – the bigger the invitation, the bigger the envelope size which means the bigger the price. Don’t forget about the stamps either, and try not to obsess over if they match the design as this can make things extra pricy!

6. Accessories & alterations

Once you’ve found the perfect dress and shoes, you may think your wedding wardrobe is complete! But don’t forget about the bridal accessories that add those finishing touches to your bridal look – from the belt and veil to jewellery and hair accessories, there’s a lot to take into consideration.

Not to mention your alterations! To get your wedding dress to fit like a dream you may require a seamstress to make some changes which can become fairly pricey. Also, don’t forget the groom who may want to add some cufflinks and a watch to his wedding attire.

RELATED TO: 13 Lucky Pieces of Jewellery To Set Off Your Wedding Dress

7. Overtime costs

While you may have a rough idea how long your reception will last, be aware that many catering companies and wedding suppliers might charge extra for overtime fees at significantly increased prices.

Most wedding vendors give the couples some leeway on their big day, but an extra hour of partying might end up in a hefty fee you aren’t prepared for (and no one needs that after their big day!)

RELATED TO: 9 Ways To Save On Your Wedding Venue And Catering Costs

8. The night before

Destination or even at home staycation weddings may require you and your bridal party to stay the night before in the hotel to get prepped ahead of the big day, or the weekend if the celebration continues!

Although some hotels may offer a free night stay the eve before your wedding, don’t expect this service from everybody and especially not with additional nights. Have a chat with your venue and take notes of any costs to add them to your accommodation budget so you don’t get surprised when the bill lands.

9. Décor & styling

Most wedding suppliers are upfront about the pricing options for the table and chair hire and marquee set-up. But hidden costs like delivery, labour charges and weekend fees can slip under the radar.

This could mean your décor and styling price could end up being double the amount of what you originally expected. Also, be aware of where exactly you are hiring décor and other stylings items from (even the cake) as a far away location can rack up delivery costs.

10. Extra guests

Although you may think your RSVP system was very clear, it’s likely you’ll run into unexpected problems such as lost invitations, late responses and misunderstandings regarding the plus-one policy, which can lead to unplanned guests.

To save you a headache on the day, consider having extra meals and chairs on hand just in case some surprise guests make an appearance (and yes, it happens a lot!). Also, be aware you may be expected to pay for the meals of your photographer, band or venue staff on the day.

RELATED TO: Top Questions You Can’t Forget To Ask Your Wedding Venue

Make sure you know the wedding supplier’s policy and that your budget can accommodate the extra expenditure.

11. Emergency fund

No matter how meticulous you’ve planned your big day, you always run the risk of last-minute emergency expenses. This could be a wardrobe malfunction leading to a quick dress alteration, or an extra car for your bridal party and guests.

We recommend setting aside a small fund for all those little emergencies that may creep in to prevent last-minute panics. And if you’re lucky and don’t run into any issues, you have some extra cash for the big honeymoon!

For more wedding budget tips and advice, find out more HERE

Sign up to our newsletter to get all the latest from The Wedding Journal! Join Here>>>>http://eepurl.com/ck9vLb

The post 11 Wedding Expenses Every Bride Forgets To Budget For appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Roses or ranunculus? Peonies or poppies? The choices are endless when it comes to choosing your wedding flowers. They can often be the finishing touch that pulls your entire wedding look together, so we say it’s good to be a little picky about what you want.

It’s no wonder that choosing your wedding florist is one of the most important decisions to make when wedding planning – wedding flowers can transform your venue from a blank canvas into your dream wedding vision.

So, to make sure you nail your wedding flowers and achieve your perfect wedding aesthetic, we’ve put together a list of essential questions to ask your florist ahead of the big day – we recommend you bookmark this page and take it along to your florist consultation for a successful first foray into the world of wedding flowers!

RELATED TO: How To Choose Your Wedding Flowers

1. How would you describe your style?

Chances are, you’ve probably had a snoop on a lot of florist supplier pages, but it doesn’t hurt to ask even more questions. Every florist has their own unique style and you want to make sure this aligns with your signature style.

Some specialise in wildflower bouquets, some create more formal and uniformed styles and others are on the more minimalistic side – ask yourself which style speaks to you most and then make sure your florist can make these kind of arrangements for you.

2. How many weddings do you work on per day?

In an ideal world, you’d like your florist to be focused on your wedding and your wedding only on the big day as this ensures the best possible service and prevents any rushing around. Of course, there are florists who can set up your flower arrangements the morning of the wedding before moving on to another wedding – this can also work but always make sure you find out how much time they can give you on your day and any back-up plans they have in the event that times overlap.

3. Do you have a minimum spend?

Many florists set a minimum spend which can rank up to £1,000 for an in-demand florist. We get that this sounds like a lot, but many couples end up spending over the thousand mark on average for their wedding flowers – this often includes a full design package including bridal party flowers, centrepieces and other décor/styling pieces!

RELATED TO: Why Dried Flowers Are Perfect For Your Wedding Day

4. Which flowers work best for my budget?

You might be in for a shock when you ask your florist this question. We know peonies are beautiful and you may have your heart set on them, but when it comes to finding out the price point, they could be way out of your budget.

RELATED TO: 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Planning A Wedding

To avoid disappointment, it’s best to ask this question from the get-go so you can get a clear idea of which flowers won’t burn a hole in your pocket and go from there. You’d be amazed at how many varieties of gorgeous flowers there are to choose from that can be cute and cheap, and your florist should have a world of knowledge of this.

5. Can I see a mock-up of my flower bouquet?

This one may not always be possible, but it’s worth a shot! If you’re florist can’t create a mock-up of your wedding bouquet, then be sure to ask for example images of their designs that are similar to your wants, as well as dimensions of the bouquet so you can get a full and detailed picture of what it will look like.

6. Have you worked at my venue before?

Although it’s not essential that your florist has worked at your wedding venue before, it’s always a good thing to know – if they have, then ask to see some photographs of the work they’ve done here before.

If not, you can always request to book an appointment with your venue for you and your florist to go through everything and generate some ideas. Also, don’t forget to ask your florist if they charge extra for this!

7. Which flowers will be in season during my wedding?

If you’re looking to save a little on flowers and stay within your desired budget, then this is a must-ask question! Finding out which flowers are in season at the time of your wedding can save you a lot of money.

Otherwise, you may have to get your favourite blooms shipped from overseas which could end up costing you a fortune – your florist should be able to tell you everything about costs, flowers and seasons so take advantage of this!

Check out all our trusty wedding flower suppliers who can answer all your questions HERE

8. Which flowers and colour scheme would you recommend for my day?

Even if you’ve already decided on your dream flowers, it’s always good to get the opinion of your florist on what they think would go great with your day! You may find they suggest similar alternatives that are cheaper and more long-lasting or even additional flowers that can complement your style.

If you’re still deciding on your overall wedding style or colour scheme, then your florist can help with this too! The colours of your wedding flowers play a big role in your wedding theme, so make sure to look through previous example images of their work and tell them which ones catch your eye – florists are experts at creating wedding flower arrangements, so they might know which shades look best together and what’s on trend this season.

9. How far in advance should I order my flowers?

This one depends a lot on whether you’re going for flowers that are in season at the time or you’re ordering flowers from abroad. You need to know exactly when you have to put your order in so you can finalise all of your ideas beforehand and leave time for any changes or requests before letting the florist order them in.

RELATED TO: 11 Showstopping Floral Looks For Your Wedding Hair

10. Do you charge extra for longer distances?

If you’ve come across a florist you’re sure you want for your big day but they’re based miles away from your venue, it’s still worth enquiring about. A lot of florists may add extra charges for fuel coverage to deliver flowers. If you’re totally obsessed with their designs then this may be worth it, but it’s something you definitely should discuss so you can factor it into your budget.

11. Can you move ceremony flowers to the reception?

Repurposing your flowers from your ceremony to your reception is a very common thing nowadays and is a great hack to save some coin and make those gorgeous blooms last! One thing you should avoid is carrying them between the locations yourself, so it’s worth asking your florist if they can arrange them to be moved after the ceremony and put in place at your reception venue before everyone arrives.

12. Which types of flowers last the longest?

If you’re a sentimental bride, then you may want to keep your wedding flowers a little longer after the day. No one wants the added worry of wilting, lifeless flowers on their wedding day either, so make sure to ask your florist which wedding flowers are the hardiest. Some examples we’ve heard are chrysanthemums, daisies, carnations and Peruvian lilies.

13. Can you add flowers to my wedding cake?

We love the floral wedding cake trend seen everywhere recently, but did you know that placing fresh flowers on your cake is a lot cheaper than your baker making edible flowers out of sugar? If your heart’s set on a floral cake, then make sure to ask your florist if they’d be willing to work with your cake maker to add some blooms to your bake.

RELATED TO: How To Choose Your Cake And Flowers

14. Do you provide other décor/styling pieces?

These days, you can get a lot more from your florist than just flower arrangements. A lot of them actually offer extra accessories and décor styling pieces that can add that extra wow-factor to your day. We’ve seen wedding signs, candles, tablecloths, chair dressing, bases for centrepieces and much more!

Ask what other options your florist can provide and if they will work with your aesthetic – it’s likely to be cheaper if you hire all your décor from one place as you won’t be paying multiple delivery charges.

15. When will I need to pay the final balance?

It’s not unusual for your wedding florist to request a deposit to secure the booking, but before handing over any money make sure you are clear about what your final balance needs to be to stay within your wedding budget – you don’t need any extra surprise costs creeping up before payday!

If you’re still looking for your dream wedding flowers, check out all our florist suppliers HERE

The post 15 Questions You Need To Ask Your Florist Before The Big Day appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Everywhere you look, there are rules about weddings – who you have to invite, what you have to buy, gifts you have to give. If I had a penny for everyone who said some version of ‘You absolutely mustn’t forget to do this’, I could probably have paid for the wedding all in one go!

But when the honeymoon’s over and you’re looking back on your big day from a position of newlywed bliss (we hope!), it can all look very different, and things that loomed large in the run-up to the wedding may now seem quite trivial!

RELATED TO: 9 Ways To Save On Your Venue And Catering Costs

So we asked our friends and families what they wish they’d known before they organised their weddings – who knows, this might help you to relax and go with the flow a little when you realise how unimportant some things end up being!

1. Shoes are not that important 

I had the loveliest shoes – in a delicate Mary Jane style with double straps – but before anyone even saw them, the photographer had taken us out onto the damp grass for pictures and the heels sank deep into the mud, leaving a mucky watermark that was never to be removed. Another bride I spoke to says no-one ever sees your shoes and they can end up lasting about five minutes: “My gorgeous shoes got stuck in decking after 10 steps and it was bare feet from that moment onwards!”

RELATED TO: 15 Affordable (And Gorgeous) Flat Wedding Shoes

2. You’ll look amazing

We all spent months fretting about our weight and our skincare in the run-up to the big day and do you know what? We all looked brilliant. I planned out a punishing gym schedule in a bid to fit into a size 12 dress, but luckily the very experienced dress shop owner advised me to go for a 14, and she was absolutely right – I soon pulled my hamstring in a spin class and the gym schedule had to go out the window. But thanks to my gorgeous dress and perfect make-up and hair, I felt wonderful. So don’t sweat it if you’re struggling with less than perfect skin or weight before the wedding – you will feel magnificent when you walk down the aisle.

RELATED TO: How To Choose The Perfect Bridal Make-Up Artist

3. You need to double check the DJ has the right song for your first dance

One bride revealed her DJ was calling her during the wedding ceremony itself to ask what the back-ups were because he didn’t have their first song : “Download from iTunes, buddy!” And we erroneously thought our wedding band would be playing our first song and had sent a couple of versions of the Led Zeppelin song ‘Thank You’ to be helpful – it ended up with the DJ playing the rather ropey Tori Amos cover instead of a gorgeously jazzy Lizz Wright version. There were raised eyebrows in every direction, but we ended up laughing about it!

RELATED TO: How To Create The Ultimate Wedding Reception Playlist

4. Deal with the big issues first

Prioritise your venue, caterer, dress, photographer and flowers – these are major big-ticket items that may have to be booked a long way in advance. Get these crossed off your list early on and then look again at your budget to see what you can afford for the smaller things.

RELATED TO: How To Find Your Dream Wedding Dress In Our Dress Finder

5. Half the favours will end up lying around the tables at the end of the night

They may seem like little inexpensive items, but multiply them up by 120 or 250 and the cost soon stacks up. So make sure your favours are something your guests will really love and appreciate. Ours were heart-shaped chocolates in filmy net with tiny paper flowers – which you’d expect to be popular – and they were still left. So think hard about favours before you spend all that money.

RELATED TO: Personalised Wedding Favour Ideas

6. You’ve got to eat first thing in the morning 

Do NOT skip breakfast, even if you have to get up earlier. Bring snacks with you that are non-messy and can be tucked away in a small bag – even better, get your bridesmaids to bring something. What people forget about weddings is how long the hours are during which everybody sits around not eating before you actually get to sit down to dinner. And your guests will probably have time to order a sneaky plate of sandwiches at some point, but you won’t. The last thing you need is a blood sugar crash or a migraine.

RELATED TO: How To Calm Those Pre-Wedding Nerves

7. You’ll spend a lot of time with your wedding suppliers

You’re going to be talking a lot to your hairdresser, your make-up artist, your photographer and your videographer, so make sure you trust and like them. You want to be spending time with people you get on with on your big day, not someone who sets your teeth on edge. Former bride Julie says: “Choose only positive people and make sure you’ll want to be around them on the day – mine slightly ruined the vibe at times.”

RELATED TO: Talk to our tried and tested suppliers

8. You’ll need a Plan B for every aspect of the day

Make sure you have put together some kind of contingency plan and make sure your bridal party is well aware of it. One groom had to come up with a quick plan change when the photography venue fell through: “We wanted photos in Botanic Gardens in Belfast and it was a five-minute walk from the venue. However, it wasn’t available and we had to hurriedly book transport to an alternative location, Lady Dixon Park.”

RELATED TO: Bridal Checklist – Your Ultimate Planner

9. Honestly? No-one will remember the decor

Guests may admire your flowers or chairs or table settings, but they won’t remember them. So make sure you do what makes you happy if you’re spending so much money. Pick what you love, rather than what you think fits in with a particular style, or you think others will like.

RELATED TO: 15 Alternative Wedding Table Ideas For Your Dream Reception

10. You’ll never get your time back

Wedding planning is extremely time-consuming, but this is your life and your time is valuable. You wouldn’t spend money frivolously so don’t spend your time frivolously either – you’re not trying to win any awards. If you find yourself getting too bogged down in tiny details, then rein it in. There are loads of free online resources online that can help you with the wedding planning, including our free wedding planner, so don’t reinvent the wheel!

RELATED TO: 8 Easy Wedding Planning Tips For The Disorganised Bride To Be

11. Expect the unexpected

It doesn’t matter how perfectly you organise everything – there will always be something that doesn’t go perfectly to plan, be it the wrong colour of ribbons on the cake, the song for the first dance or the weather on the day. So don’t sweat the small stuff! My bridal shop forgot to put on the fastener on my dress that should have kept my train up off the ground and I had to improvise with nappy safety pins. Then we arrived to find the venue had put up a welcome board that named another couple instead of us! But those are the things that you leave to your wedding party members to deal with – you’ll be up to your eyes being photographed and talking to guests. You might not even notice some of the things that go wrong. It’s the little hitches that you’ll laugh and reminisce about in years to come, especially when the people you love are no longer around. Wouldn’t life be boring if everything was perfect?

RELATED TO: How To Find Your Dream Wedding Team

Still looking for your perfect honeymoon? Check out our experts HERE.

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The post 11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Planning A Wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Although we are hopeful for the future, we are all aware that COVID-19 is still among us and affecting so many of our wedding hopes and dreams.  One good thing that’s come out of this pandemic is intimate weddings, which now has couples looking to their favourite restaurants for their wedding venue.

With good food, good décor, (and some wine of course), this can be the perfect option for any small wedding, packed full of character and personality. To help you choose, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite go-to restaurants in Ireland that would make for a stunning small wedding ceremony whatever your style…

The Anglers Rest, Co. Dublin

This hidden gem sits just outside Dublin city and provides a beautiful wedding location with their cosy open fires, elegant décor and welcoming staff. Your intimate wedding will take place in the Collins Room overlooking the stunning River Liffey, which will give you comfort as well as a fantastic backdrop for those all-important wedding photographs.

Sol y Sombra, Co. Kerry

This award-winning restaurant is a 200 year old restored church, making it the perfect venue aesthetic for a romantic and cosy intimate wedding. It also offers authentic Spanish cuisine which has made it one of Kerry’s much-loved tapas restaurants – what’s not to love!

The Barking Dog, Co. Antrim

This restaurant has everything you need for a character-filled wedding. Its mismatched furniture, chintzy crockery and quirky hanging frames will bring tons of personality to your day and sets a cool and casual vibe. It’s also home to ‘Belfast’s best burger’ and if that doesn’t convince you, we don’t know what will!

Cliff Town House, Co. Dublin

If you’re looking for luxury this is just the place. Hidden away in St. Stephens Green, this magnificent Georgian townhouse offers a unique and elegant wedding package with a full fine dining experience and glamorous décor and design – there’s a reason it’s one of the most sought-after venues in Dublin.

Ard Bia, Co. Galway

One of Galway’s most enduring restaurants, Ard Bia is the perfect blend of shabby chic and hipster realness with all the Irish charm you need for a cosy and intimate ceremony. Serving only the best of local produce and a wide-variety wedding menu, this venue ticks all the boxes for a laid-back and stylish ceremony.

Blairscove House and Restaurant, Co. Cork

This converted stable restaurant is a beautiful choice filled with character and charm, not to mention five-star table service. This is great for the couple who want a chilled, yet classy ceremony and you have the option of using either an outdoor marquee or courtyard to style as you like.

Jack’s Coastguard, Co. Kerry

This restaurant serves everything you need for a magical ceremony with top class food, quality table service and scenic sea views – what more could you ask for? The interior is a mix of old vintage charm meets sleek and modern décor, which will give you an elegant and comfortable feel whilst also providing beautiful backdrops for every snap!

Burtown House & Gardens, Co. Kildare

The Greenbarn restaurant at Burtown House is perfect for foodie couples who want a fairy tale theme with a contemporary twist. The historic setting includes a Georgian-style villa, The Green Barn and 12 acres of woods and gardens so you can get creative with your day (and just image the photos, eeek!)

The post Have Your Wedding In Your Favourite Restaurant appeared first on Wedding Journal.

We recently wrote about how to plan a cosy intimate wedding, but what better place to say ‘I do’ than the comfort of your own home? If you’re not convinced, we’re here to tell you exactly why you should consider an at home wedding and all the things you can do to make it just as magical as you always wanted.

Why go for an at home wedding?

Well for obvious reasons we’re still in a pandemic, but there’s something special about creating a beautiful ceremony at your forever home. After all, that is the place you both hope to spend the rest of your lives so starting with your wedding will make it even more memorable. It can also be a great way to save money on a venue and gives you total freedom to customise and design exactly as you like.

What do you need to consider?

There are some things you will need to consider when it comes to planning an at home wedding. The first thing is the guest lists and how many people you can safely fit in your home. If you’re aiming for an indoor wedding, we recommend dedicating separate areas for different parts of the day – this will allow you to have everything set up in advance and each room will have a different vibe. For example, you could choose the prettiest room to exchange your vows, then head outside for some food, drink and a dance!

Here’s some tips to think about when planning an at home wedding…

Have a rain plan

We all wish for sunny weather on our wedding day, but we know how temperamental Irish weather can be – that’s why it’s so important to have a backup plan just in case! If you are hoping for a backyard or garden wedding, consider booking a marquee – you don’t have to use it for your entire wedding but it can come in handy if the rain wants to make an appearance, plus it can make for a nice evening reception area too.

Enhance the entrance

One of the best things about planning an at home wedding is having the freedom to transform the space into exactly what you like, so get creative with it! If you’re having your wedding in the garden go for a statement entrance to really bring the wedding to life. Flower arches are a big thing right now and you can also add dramatic drapes to really distinguish the altar – it will also look extra beautiful with any outdoor greenery and scenic views.

Bring the bar outside

This one speaks for itself, I mean what could be better than sipping cocktails in the sun at your own outside bar? And it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, in fact a home-made wooden bar can bring a rustic vibe that goes perfectly with an at home garden wedding! If you want to kick things up a notch you could also bring in a bespoke wagon to showcase cocktails and other beverages – adding a little vintage flair.

Embrace the outdoors

If you are fortunate to have attractive scenery, views or trees in your garden space make sure to take advantage of that – picture saying ‘I do’ under fairy lit trees or  being framed by a stunning scenic backdrop of natural views, sounds like something from a fairy tale right? If you don’t have this kind of thing in your garden, don’t worry. You can always add some extra greenery here and there to tie in the outdoor aesthetic, such as adding some ivory through white drapes for an effortless and elegant look.

Detailed décor

It’s all about the little things when it comes to creating your wedding at home. Whether you’re hosting indoors or outdoors, the right décor is what will really bring your wedding to life! Fairy lights and candles are a given and will always add magic to any setting. You can also add earthy centre pieces or mini planted trees alongside bespoke furniture to add a relaxed an authentic feel to your day.

Include your pets

If you have much-loved fur babies at home how could you not include them in your big day? They will already be comfortable with the setting and think of all the fond memories you’ll have looking back through photographs of how they got involved.  Depending on how well trained your pet is you could have them bring the rings down the aisle to you, even throw in a little dress or tuxedo to make it extra cute!

Enjoy local delicacies

This is the time to look at you and your loves favourite near-by food places and what better time to help out local businesses than right now! Make sure to check out if food catering options are available and pick all the best dishes that you already know you and your guests will love.

The post Why You Should Consider An ‘At Home’ Wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

If COVID-19 has affected your wedding plans, you’re not alone! You might be thinking of postponing your day altogether, but if there’s one thing the past year has taught us it’s that life is too short – so maybe an intimate wedding could be the perfect way to start your new chapter. To help you out, we’ve rounded up some top tips on how to plan a cosy intimate wedding whilst also keeping COVID safe…

Keep it small

Just because you’re cutting down numbers doesn’t make it any less of a celebration. In fact, only inviting your closest family and friends can make your wedding even more special as it means more quality time with those you love. Try to keep the number around 15 to 20 people and reconsider the need for a wedding party – picture all eyes on just you and your love on the alter, now isn’t that romantic? And if you’re someone who prefers a big celebration, you can always plan a wedding party later down the line when you can invite everyone who couldn’t make the list.

Pick a cosy location

Another great thing about reducing your guest list is having many more venues to choose from. To narrow it down, choose somewhere that feels super cosy and will accommodate your guests in an intimate setting. Back gardens, beaches, campgrounds and even forests are the most popular choices for an intimate ceremony and can be transformed into a wedding wonderland that feels dreamy and snug.

Ceremony & reception all in one

It’s time to throw away the rulebook – who says you need two separate venues for your reception and ceremony? We say, let’s be smart and bring both together under one roof, which will help create not only a more intimate and cosy vibe but might even save you some pennies too (and we all could use that right now!)

Maximise the guest experience

Since you’re only inviting your closest and most favourite people, they should feel like a VIP on your day, so let’s treat them like one. Focus on the finer details. Arrange comfortable seating to let your guest lounge a little as you won’t be needing those hard uncomfortable chairs! You can also hand out gratitude greeting bags with some sweet treats and heartfelt messages to show your guests how grateful you are to have them there.

Make it magical

The best thing about having an intimate wedding is being able to set a cosy atmosphere which is often difficult to achieve with a larger ceremony. Create your own little fairy tale by hanging fairy lights, lighting candles, laying down lanterns and adding detailed décor – the options really are endless!

The post How To Plan A Cosy Intimate Wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

While your Pinterest boards and pinned pics might depict lavish, over-the-top ceremonies in some far-flung destination or seven-course reception banquets in a castle on a cliff, you probably know deep down that some of your ideas will need to be downsized to meet your budget.

But you shouldn’t fret. When it comes to weddings, there are lots of ways to save and still have the BEST. DAY. EVER. You don’t have to make massive sacrifices or completely compromise your big day. You can have it your way without breaking the bank.

Here, at WJ we regularly write about wedding budgets (click here to see a budgeting topic we discussed recently) and this time we’re looking specifically at how you can save on your venue and catering costs, so crack the spine on that wedding notebook, grab a pen and do your sums, we’re about to save you a fortune.

Have the same venue for ceremony and reception

It’s a no-brainer really, have your big day all in the one place and you’ll save a stack load of cash. Not only will you save on the ceremony, you’ll also cut the cost of transportation, seating, décor and other associated costs. Plus, it’s less stress having your big day all under one roof.

Reconsider your day and date

If you haven’t already booked it might be wise to reconsider the day and date you plan on having your wedding. There are big savings to be made by opting for a week day outside of peak season. In fact, picking a less popular day could save you more than 50 percent. If you’ve always had your heart set on a summer wedding, having your nuptials in late Spring or early Autumn might be the budget workaround you need.

Cut the guestlist

An unpopular move perhaps, but one where you could potentially save the most amount of money. There’s no getting away from it, less guests means less expense and can also give your big day a more intimate feel, but if cutting your guest list seems too emotionally wrought, it might be comforting to know that even small cuts can add up to big savings. 10 guests at 100 quid each is a saving of £1,000, which equals extra budget for the dress!

Have your cake and skip dessert

Ever attended a wedding and been too stuffed to eat the cake? No, us either, but you could say eating a three course dinner followed by a big slab of cake is pretty indulgent. As a work around, you might consider forgoing a dessert option, and having a two-course dinner and wedding cake instead. Speak to your caterer to see how the costs break down – you might be surprised at how much you could save.

Skip the starter

You don’t need to have a starter either. Passing around a bread and oils selection can be just as tasty and satisfying. Sharing platters work well too and are generally cheaper than traditional starter options like soup or salad.

Reconsider the sit-down dinner

The sit-down dinner at a wedding is a tradition that’s starting to become unstuck. While it’s still a popular choice, many couples are looking at other options, like catering trucks, buffet style dinners, BBQs, lighter bites throughout the day, and even mass-ordering their favourite takeaway. Thinking outside the box when it comes to food could save you a lot of money, so don’t be afraid to shop around a bit, and get a quote. You don’t have to have soup, turkey and ham and a trio of desserts if you don’t want to.

Count up the kids

If you’re having little ones at your big day, be sure to tot up how many and let your caterer know the numbers. They’ll be eating smaller portions than the adults so you may be able to wrangle a bit of a discount, and your venue might provide a special kids menu.

Tap into your friends’ talents

Know someone who is an excellent baker and would totally be able to make your wedding cake? Now is the time to ask them for a favour. Is there someone close to you who’d give you mates’ rates on food? Ask them how they’d feel about doing the catering at your wedding. If you’re having a more informal do, and have some budding chefs in the family, you could even arrange a pot luck dinner. Pick out five or six dishes, enlist the help of the most talented novice chefs you know and ask them to rustle something up for your big day.

Forgo the buffet

All that dancing at the reception may work up an appetite, but most guests won’t miss the end-of-the-night buffet if you don’t have one. Unless you’ve your heart set on scoffing triangular sandwiches and cocktails sausages at midnight, we say skip it.

The post 9 Ways To Save On Your Wedding Venue And Catering Costs appeared first on Wedding Journal.

How Much Do You Have To Spend?

Firstly, calculate the total spend you have for your wedding, including any exact contributions from parents.

Once you have got the exact amount of money you have to cover everything, then it’s a matter of allocating a percentage of this total to each area of the wedding. You can expect to set aside at least 50% of your overall wedding budget on cost of your wedding venue, including room hire, room styling, food and drink, etc, especially if you have an extensive guest list!

Do Your Research

Do your homework and find out what the going rates are in your desired wedding location. Online venue directories, such as The Wedding Journal Directory allow you to search by location, venue type, amongst other criteria. Simply contact the venues you are interested in and they will be able to advise on the prices for their wedding packages. Determining how much you can afford will help you avoid the heartache of falling in love with a place that’s well out of your price range — after all you don’t want to spend more than 50%-55% of your total wedding budget on your venue.

If you have your heart set on a venue and their packages are over what you were hoping to spend, maybe take the time to call and speak with their wedding co-ordinator who may be able to suggest ways that they can tailor a package that works within your budget.

With any wedding package, just ensure there are no hidden costs before you sign on the dotted line! They may quote a wedding package price, but check this price includes EVERYTHING down to the tiniest detail, including any hidden staffing or cleaning costs. This really is one time when you really do need to be pernickety and factor in every single potential cost to you. Finally, don’t forget to ask whether the price includes VAT – if not, the total will increase by 20%.

Avoid Guest List Bloat

Many venues can accommodate a range of wedding guest numbers from the small and intimate approx. 50-100 guests or larger numbers up to 300! If you are working to a tight budget the solution is to limit your guest list. We know this is easier said than done, but limiting distant relatives, family friends, people you don’t know as a couple, children, work colleagues and people who didn’t invite you to their wedding will make a difference. Plus, you can always extend more evening invites and really tighten up on those for the day reception.

READ MORE: How To Limit Your Guest List 

Choose Your Wedding Date Wisely

If you can be flexible with your date and choose an off-season month or a less popular day in the week – obviously Fridays and Saturdays are most popular, as are the spring/summer months. Time of year and day or week will all impact your negotiating leverage and if you have flexibility on your side you could save hundreds. For example, your desired venue might offer a lower rate on a Tuesday in November or a Friday in January/February.

Decide What You Want & Stick To It

Apart from what you need to get legally wed, there are no compulsory wedding elements. So, when you are working out your wedding venue budget and how it is to be spent it would be easy to get carried away with your spending on decorative pieces and other unnecessary items. Cutting back on the ‘fluff’ may help to bring your dream venue within budget. Also reach out to family and friends on decorative elements. You might have a few creative relatives that can will be able to help for free or others who might pay for elements like this instead of getting you a conventional wedding gift.

BE INSPIRED: See our guide to Ireland’s Top 100 wedding venues which also includes a helpful budget guide.

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SAVE at The Wedding Journal Show Belfast in the TEC Belfast on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October. There will be numerous venues all offering exclusive show discounts that will save you £££s and maybe bring your perfect wedding venue within budget! Book tickets here.

The post How To Get Your Dream Venue Within Budget appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Creating your own gift list full of items you truly love, means your guests can choose from a wide range of gifts that they know are meaningful to you, useful and something you really want or need.

A gift list helps take the stress and worry away from your guests trying to find that perfect gift for you, plus it’s a perfect opportunity to upgrade your home essentials or indulge in something that you really love, but wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourselves.

Where to start?

First thing- register with The Wedding Shop! Their award-winning service is designed for couples who want unrivalled choice, flexibility and amazing service all in one place. Book an appointment in their beautiful showroom at 19 Clare Street, Dublin 2 to meet your Gift Guru and enjoy a glass of a bubbly while you figure out the gift list of your dreams.

How many items should we include?

It’s better to add more gifts than you think you need, just to give choice to all your guests. We would generally advise three or four gifts for each guest.

What price points should I cover?

Give your guests the opportunity to shop gifts at a variety of price points, so that everyone can buy you something you’ll love, regardless of their budget. If there is a really special item that you want, but feel it may be that little bit too expensive, you can always use TWS’s fabulous Group Gifting option which allows your guests to contribute as much as they wish towards a gift…perhaps that dreamy sofa? Or a one of a kind art piece?

How do we keep track of all our gifts?

This is when it starts to feel real… you’ll receive an email every time a guest purchases a gift from your list (you can, of course, turn this alert off if you want it to remain a surprise until the end). You then have a really useful ‘ Thank you Card Manager’ which records your guest’s name, the gift they purchased, their gift message and their address. It acts as an instant and handy check-list when writing up your thank you cards.

How much does the TWS service cost?

Their Service is 100% Free. This includes all honeymoon contributions and cash contributions, plus the personal advice from your expert Gift Advisor. No commission and no admin fees, and that’s a promise.

For more information and to set up your wedding gift list, call: +353 1 6619045 or visit their website www.weddingshop.ie

The post Everything You Need to Know about Building your Ultimate Wedding Gift List appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Wedding place settings and name cards are one of those little details that can truly bring your whole wedding theme to life, whilst also reminding each guest that you have thought of them on your special day. 

Agate Slice Place Settings, £4.09/€4.68, Letters from Eden at Etsy.com

 

“Beautiful agate slices are a wonderful way to co-ordinate your wedding colours but can also be kept as a lovely keepsake for guests.”

 

Ranging from the elegant and simple or whimsical and fun, there are a variety of place setting styles that are completely customisable to you; with names, dates and information unique to your celebration.

2018 has seen many brides and grooms choosing to combine their place settings with wedding favours, and combining the two has proven to be a great way to balance your budget!

Of course wedding favours are lovely gifts for guests, but when costs are mounting up in the lead up to the big day, you may be looking for ways to cut on cash.  

These top six picks of luxurious place settings that double-up as gorgeous gifts for your guests to take home as a memento of your  special day are the perfect way to save some money on those all important finishing touches.

Whether you want a stunning agate slice with modern calligraphy, a laser cut name or some personalised sweet treats, there’s something for everyone and every theme.

The post 6 Budget Friendly Place Setting/Favour Combinations appeared first on Wedding Journal.

When organising a wedding, many brides and grooms-to-be have found that there can be a few unexpected surprises along the way.

These are the things no-one tells you about planning a wedding, and how to stay one step ahead of them…

Everyone has an opinion

Your uncle doesn’t approve of your choice of wedding venue, your co-worker thinks it’s a bad idea to hire a live band and your mother-in-law insists on you wearing something more traditional!

Solution: Whilst people will likely keep spouting opinions on every little wedding detail, stick to your guns, listen to the experts and remember it’s YOUR special day.

Everything costs more than you think

It’s not every day you decide to buy a designer gown and a garden’s worth of floral arrangements, so it’s understandable that you have no idea how much these things should cost. Do your research and find out average costs in your area, and yes, flowers really DO cost £600!

Solution: Even the tightest budgets need a little room for flexibility; we recommend making a spreadsheet with your planned outgoings, and setting a budget with a 5% buffer for any unforeseen costs (that will inevitably occur!).

A post shared by Rachel A. Clingen (@rachelaclingen) on Jul 5, 2018 at 7:05pm PDT

 You will stress cry at random times

Your florist tells you pink peonies won’t be in-season, you aren’t happy with how the invites turned out or your mum is mad that your fiancés step-mother has chosen the same colour as her dress, and suddenly, you’ve found yourself in a puddle of tears. Solution: Don’t fight it! Tears will help you de-stress, but think of it as a sign to take a wedding planning break. Organise a little spa break with the girls to take your mind of things.

 You’re talking ‘wedding’ way more than you think

Have you busted your bestie rolling her eyes when you’re rambling on about the difference of buttercream and fondant cakes? Or caught your mum’s mind wandering off as you tried to show her different bouquets? – Guilty! Solution: Whilst everyone will be excited for you, it’s worth realising no one is going to be as obsessed with your wedding more than you! Reign in the wedding talk and stay considerate of everyone else’s plans.

 

A post shared by SurayaG (@heysurayag) on Jun 26, 2018 at 2:15am PDT

 You need to be REALLY specific about what you want

When it comes to discussing your vision with wedding suppliers, words such as ‘classic’ or ‘rustic’ can be highly subjective, and depends on the vendors personal views. This could mean ending up with a confused aesthetic that doesn’t fit anyone’s vision.

Solution: As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words! Show your wedding suppliers exactly what you’re looking for by bringing examples of images that you have gathered either on Pinterest, Instagram or even from the cut-outs of a glossy magazine.

You’ll argue with your other half

Of course, you are a match made in heaven, but it is unlikely that you and your significant other will agree on everything, whether it’s the honeymoon location, favours or guest-lists.

Solution: First of all, this is normal! The good news is that a wedding is more personal and unique when you can both put your individual stamps on it. Plus, marriage is about compromise so you may as well begin now!

A post shared by Jon Palmer (@jonpalmerphotography) on Jul 14, 2017 at 11:51pm PDT

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I Wish I’d Known…

Often an inevitable part of planning a wedding is that there are just some things you won’t know or realise until after the big day is over. Sure, you may have wise friends and family that can help out, or a planner who can advise on what to expect, but a lot of the time, those things don’t dawn on you until later. The best source of advice is real brides, so we asked two local wedding bloggers if they could go back and change one thing about their wedding day what that would be…

Lisa Sargent – ‘Life of a bride to be’

“If I could go back and change one thing it would not necessarily be to have a videographer but to make sure I had arranged for a family member or friend to record my kids walking down the aisle. As a bride who had two small kids walking down as my flower girl and page boy I would have loved to have had that moment captured on video. At the time it never dawned on me that they would obviously have gone before me and I would miss seeing them.”

Kirstie McAleenan – ‘Happily Hutchings’

“I would ensure my day stationery was designed well in advance. There was an error with our order at the printers which meant my menus, place names and orders of service didn’t arrive until 2 days after the wedding! Thankfully this crisis was handled by the fab team at the Merchant who printed place names over night and our stationery designer who worked through the night to get a few menus and orders of service prepared for the next day so that we didn’t go completely without”

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The post Things No One Tells You About Wedding Planning appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Small changes over a period of time can really benefit your savings account, so we have put together our top five money saving tips for all you budget savvy brides…

Morning Coffee

Admit it; we’re a nation of coffee lovers who can’t resist a quick Starbucks on the way to work or a catch-up with friends. But did you know that this could be costing you around £600 per year? Invest in a coffee machine, make a home brew and that could end up covering the cost of your wedding flowers!

Gym Membership

If you’re a gym bunny and make the most out of your monthly fee then great! But if you haven’t been in months, consider cancelling your membership and embrace the great outdoors. Go for a run in your local park or follow fitness videos on YouTube to keep in shape – convenient and free.

Sell, Sell, Sell

Have you done a wardrobe clearout and found loads of stuff you forgot you owned or dresses hanging up with labels still attached? Try selling your unwanted belongings on Ebay or popular social shopping app Depop. You’ll be surprised with how much you can make!

Lavish Lunches

Some simple food prepping can make for some seriously good savings before the big day, so it may be time to go old-school and switch your sandwiches and soups to homemade. Avoid the tempting grab-n-go meal deals from M&S and you could save a huge £1,500 per year; photographer fee’s sorted!

Impulse Spending

You’re enjoying a glass (or two!) of wine on a cosy night in and decide you NEED the latest coat from Zara in all three colours, of course. It may be tempting to splash out on those naughty purchases but remember you’ve got a wedding to pay for! Ban the use of your credit card and you’ll thank yourself when it comes to buying bridesmaids dresses.

Want more advice on how to host a budget-friendly wedding or are you looking for ways to cut back? Check out our Budget & Planning section of our website – full of help and advice on how to save money on your wedding day.

The post How to Turn Your Pennies into Pounds Before the Big Day appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Look Locally

The wedding band world is a vastly populated one – practically every city in the UK has a bustling scene of talented musicians vying for your custom. So there’s no need to look too far beyond your immediate environs for the perfect function band for your wedding. Sure, if you’re looking for something a little more specialist, you may have to look a little further afield – but cut down on travel costs wherever you can. Wedding bands will charge you more if they have to travel unusually far, and not just because of the fuel costs: in the music business, just like in all the other businesses, time is money. And time spent driving up the motorway is time not spent performing. If the band thinks they can fit two nearby gigs into a day, they’re more likely to opt for that than one far away gig. Unless, of course, you pay them twice as much. But we wouldn’t recommend that – we’d recommend scouting your immediate surroundings and hiring a friendly neighbourhood wedding band.

Don’t Budge on your Budget

This may sound like something that goes without saying, but here goes anyway. Yes, it’s only natural to dream of your perfect wedding, and a dream wedding band has most likely featured a few times – but to avoid any nasty financial surprises, it’s best to prepare for a compromise. Instead of starting with a solid idea of what kind of wedding band you want, agree first on a budget, then see what falls within your price range. By way of an example, say you have £500 to spend on wedding entertainment. This probably won’t afford you a high-end jazz band or string quartet – but it could easily afford you a highly accomplished solo pianist, or acoustic duo, and these smaller groups will likely have many of the same songs in their repertoires. Many larger bands also offer alternative line ups for weddings with smaller budgets  so it’s worth making the inquiry when you’re searching for your wedding band. You could well end up with something you never knew you wanted if you’re willing to give a little leeway – and you won’t be breaking the bank in the process.

Book at the Right Time

There are certain times of year at which people are more likely to choose to get married. This is usually summer time – peak wedding season – and during those hot, desirable months, wedding bands will likely charge a little more. If you, unlike many others, can brave the cold and have yourself a winter wonderland wedding  you’ll benefit from the off-season discounts – as wedding bands tend to generate less business as the nights draw in, they’ll be more likely to offer a discount. And that whatever could well be your beautiful wedding!

Also consider how far in advance you’ll be making your booking. If you book early enough, you could wangle a nice deal. Book too early, and you may struggle to get your function band to commit. On the flip side, book late enough and you might score a last minute bargain. If a function band has to deal with a last minute cancellation, you can swoop in a reap the rewards. Book too late, of course, and your options will be severely limited – at worst, non existent.

Set Your Itinerary in Stone

We don’t doubt that your wedding plans are in safe hands and are very much underway. We just want to point out how valuable strong organisational skills are to a wedding. Costs can easily rack up due to the smallest of mismanagements, such as your wedding band showing up earlier than they’re needed, and hanging around with nothing to do for extended periods of time. If you can plan for them to be there for as short a time as possible, you won’t be charged for their unnecessary presence – they could be off doing something else if you don’t need them to play any more. Trim away all the unwanted fat, and you’ll have yourself a lean mean money saving machine.

Prize Experience Highly

The more established and experienced a band is, the more they are able to charge. With this in mind, it may seem tempting to hire a less established and experienced band to play at your wedding. However, this may not be the smartest decision, because there may be a good reason for their lack of exposure and experience. You don’t want a wedding band who doesn’t know what they’re doing, because then, instead of saving a few quid, you’ve wasted your entire wedding band budget. Aim from somewhere in the middle upwards, and you’ll get the performance your wedding deserves – and the quality you’ve paid for.

Be on Perk Alert

In such a competitive market, wedding bands have to think up USPs to stand out from the crowd. See if they advertise any additional services (and, if still not satisfied, make an inquiry), and you may find you can get a lot more for your money. Additional services range from the wedding band providing extra lights to a complimentary DJ service for between their sets, which saves the need to hire a separate entertainer. And while we’re on the subject of things doubling up as other things, it’s worth checking with your wedding band if they’ll be providing their own PA, and whether you’d be able to borrow it for announcements and speeches. If it’s already there, it makes sense to share, and you won’t have to hire your own PA, because you sort of already have.

Read the Reviews

Last, but not least, check the comments section to see what other people make of this wedding band you’re thinking of hiring – comments like ‘worth every penny’ are always reassuring. You can get a real sense of someone’s personal experience with a wedding band which will be not unlike your own by giving the testimonials a peruse. And if there’s nothing there, you can the first to spread on the (hopefully) good word.

Are you looking for the perfect wedding band? Bands for Hire are a live music agency offering a wide range of live wedding bands – acoustic acts, string quartets, jazz bands and more – across the UK.

The post How to Spend Your Wedding Band Budget Wisely appeared first on Wedding Journal.

And, I’m sure that many brides will agree that choosing your dream wedding dress and your matching maids to complement you is one of the most important parts of wedding planning, right?! If you don’t have the cash for couture, we look at how to dress not only you – but your bridal party – looking at sites and shops that serve up some seriously budget-savvy and stylish options!

Bridesmaids

Every bride-to-be needs their closest gal pals on one of the biggest days of their lives. Bridesmaids are essential for helping organise the wedding, keeping the bride calm in the run-up to the big day, lifting the train, assisting to the bathroom (a must!) and also for giving the bride the best send-off into married life at the hen party.

Duties aside, you want your best girls to look and feel amazing but you just don’t have the money for designer gowns, particularly if you have several bridesmaids that you have offered to foot the bill for! We all know that weddings are expensive business, but you don’t need to blow the bank on finding frocks that your bridesmaids may only wear once!

Finding affordable bridesmaid dresses that are both budget-friendly and stylish can sometimes feel like a tough battle.  But with various high-street chains now offering a wide variety of gorgeous styles to suit all tastes and budgets, you can kit your bridal party out for less than ever before.

Oasis

Oasis have launched their first ever bridal range and it is STUNNING! In a palette of blush, teal green, navy and grey the collection has a range of styles to suit every shape and size from pleated maxi’s to lacy midis and prom dresses all with matching shoes. The best news is, they are ALL under £100!

Lipsy 

Lipsy’s bridesmaid collection is the perfect choice for girls wanting fashion-forward, elegant and feminine designs. With dresses around £75-£90, the timeless and flattering shapes and colours of the Lipsy bridal collection, is sure to be a hit with the girls and your bank balance!

Coast

Of of the great things about Coast dresses, it that your maid’s will want to wear them again! A firm bridesmaid favourite in Coast is their mix and match separates – which allows you to pick a top and long-line skirt that perfectly matches or complements your theme. Not forgetting the dresses, prices start from £99 and include bardot necklines, pleated skirts, pretty ruffle detailing and semi-sheer hemlines, perfectly nailing this seasons key trends.

ASOS

Renowned for their popular bridesmaid collections from a range of designers,  ASOS is a fantastic money-saving choice for brides-to-be and her bridesmaids. The online retailer has a huge selection of dresses inspired by the latest fashion trends and all at a fantastic price point. With brands such as TFNC on ASOS offering exclusive dresses from £50!

Bridal

Lucky for brides-to-be, the great British and Irish high-streets have impressed us this season with swoon-worthy and affordable wedding dresses galore – all without the hefty price tags! Many retail chains and designers are after a slice of the bridal action in offering their own bridal range, with even the likes of Topshop honing in on the rage.

Whether you want to look at some gorgeous high-street options to save you money on your bridal gown or you want to find a look that you’ll most definitely wear again and get your money’s worth,  look no further! Combine our budget-friendly yet stylish gowns with some high-street maid’s dresses for a winning formula to save you pennies!

Highstreet 

French Connection 

luxurious label French Connection dropped their bridal collection in February 2018, and they cater for many different tastes and budgets. From simple and sleek satin gowns, to traditional lace styles and daring co-ords, this collection is perfect for the modern and free-spirited bride. The collection is inspired by female fashion icons and their former wedding gowns, including Kate Moss, Poppy Delevigne and Bianca Jagger. With modern cuts, sorbet hues and bohemian vibes these dresses epitomizes great British fashion and style and what’s more, they range from just £65-£250!

Topshop 

A great place to look if you are looking for something that little bit different! Topshop Bride is a collection of limited edition gowns both online and in stores with a range of special dresses including strapless, tie shoulder and bardot styles, plus a carefully edited selection of shoes, lingerie and hair accessories! Most gowns are between £350-£795.

Ted Baker 

Ted Baker’s Tie The Knot collection is ready and waiting to kit out your WHOLE bridal party. Not only do they have dapper suits for your man, but the wedding dress collection is oh-so-stylish. As part of the collection, he has unveiled five exclusive dresses that are currently only available in his bridal boutiques, located in London (Floral St), Manchester (Shambles) and Glasgow (Princes St). Brides-to-be can enjoy a one-to-one styling consultation by APPOINTMENT, and for brides who can’t make it into store, all five dresses will launch online later this spring. Ted is known for his keen eye for detail, and the SILVYA gown below is the perfect example of this, with fine embroidered leaves adding dimension to a delicate tulle skirt. Most dress fall below the £1000 price point.

Dorothy Perkins 

The latest high street store to launch bridalwear is Dorothy Perkins. Offering amazingly cheap wedding dresses (yet quality!) you can expect lots of classic silhoettes in maxi and midi lengths. If you’re looking for a bardot neckline, Dorothy Perkins also has plenty of options to suit every bride-to-be. Coming to the rescue with a range of stylish, contemporary bridal and bridesmaid wear, the Dorothy Perkins ten-piece capsule range won’t disappoint. With prices ranging from £85-£175 and coming in sizes 8-18 in curve, tall and petite, this stunning collection would easily pass for designer, without breaking the bank!

For more inspiration on how you can save money for your big day, check out our feature on how to be a budget savvy bride. 

Are you looking for your dream wedding dress in Ireland or Northern Ireland? Let the experts help you on your way by visiting one of our fabulous recommended bridal boutiques who pave teh way for bridal fashion in Ireland. 

Set Featured Image Credit: Lipsy London 

The post How To Dress Your Bridal Party on a Budget appeared first on Wedding Journal.

You’ll want a day that creates lasting memories but don’t want to be paying off the bill long after the big day has passed! Don’t be blindsided by average wedding costs and other people’s expectations. It’s important to plan a day that reflects you as a couple and crucially is in line with what you can afford. With some careful planning that’s exactly what you can achieve:

The budget: This may include your own savings and welcome contributions from your family. Work out what you have to spend and stick to it.

Track it: To avoid overspend set up a spreadsheet where you can compare estimates versus actual costs and ensure you stay within budget.

Every day savings: We all do it, a coffee on the way to work, lunch out, these incidental costs soon add up. Either cut out or cut down in the run up to your big day so you can add some welcome funds to the kitty.

Set up a wedding account: This allows you to keep a close eye on expenditure and your available funds.

There are no hard rules! There is nothing to say you must have a six tiered wedding cake and a hen do abroad. Work out as a couple what is important to you – what you would like to splurge on and where you can make savings.

Wedding favours: And we’re not talking about something to make your guests smile! You’ll be amazed what talents your friends and family have. From DJs and photographers to cake makers. Ask friends to provide their talent as their gift to you, they’ll be delighted to be part of your day and help you manage costs down.

Shop around: Use websites and friends recommendations to help you get the best deals on everything from dresses to the honeymoon.

The numbers game: Guest numbers soon add up and can escalate costs considerably. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to close friends and family.

Above all enjoy! If you follow these simple sensible tips you can enjoy the planning and the big day itself – and a lifetime of fun and happiness together!

Find out how Bank of Ireland UK can help you here!

The post Plan for your BIG day with Bank of Ireland UK appeared first on Wedding Journal.