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21 Common Mistakes Couples Make When Wedding Planning

Emma Fegan — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:13:32 +0000

From wedding dress shopping regrets to family opinions and all the hidden costs, we’ve gathered everything NOT to do when wedding planning!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

How To Create Your Own Rocktastic Festival Style Wedding

Linda Stewart — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 11:27:42 +0000

Who doesn’t love a laid-back festival style wedding? With weddings going outdoor, now’s the time to take the plunge and hold your very own Weddingstock!

The pomp and ceremony of the glam wedding isn’t for everyone – and now that weddings are heading into the open air, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t go for a rock festival style wedding that matches your personal style!

Thanks to the pandemic, more and more venues have been investing in their outdoor spaces and will be only too glad to help you with plans for outdoor lighting and styling that will bring a laid-back festival aesthetic. Think wristbands, pallets, tipis and campervans – and of course, that all important live band!

The Venue

We’ve heard of more than a few weddings being held in fields lately! You can dress up a marquee with gorgeous garlands and festival style lighting – we love this magical look from Carnival Marquees.

Alternatively try a tipi with all the works – Magnakata in Co Down has some great Nordic ones.

RELATED TO: How To Have A Woodland Themed Wedding

However, if the thought of being too far from civilization gives you wedding nerves, lots of venues are really upping their game when it comes to magical gardens and candle-lit terraces – check out the gorgeous new spaces at the Galgorm Hotel and Spa Resort.

The Stationery

Why go for the usual invites when you can send out festival-themed tickets to your guests? We love these tickets from Wedfest, not to mention their oh-so-cool wristbands and table planners as well!

The Transport

Forget the shiny wedding cars – why not rock up in a cute camper van? You can hire Brodie, this stunning 1965 VW split screen camper van in cream and white from Star Car Hire to arrive in style.

Or if you’re feeling very brave and your dress is under control, what’s to stop you screaming to a halt outside your venue on this 1976 Harley Davidson custom chopper from Star Car Hire – straight out of Easy Rider?

You could even transport your guests in Lola, this cute VW camper van/bus from Star Car Hire.

The Style

There are so many ways you can go when it comes to your dress – there’s no shortage of boho style dresses for that Woodstock sixties vibe, or why not go for a wedding dress teamed with leather for a Donnington look?

We love this boho-esque new gown from Kelsey Rose (974A9828) and this pretty Ottilie gown from True Bride’s Brighton Belle for that 50s rockabilly style!

The Hair

It goes without saying that floral dos are bang on trend at the moment and they merge beautifully with the boho festival aesthetic. Try a floral crown like this pretty one from Blossoms and Bluebells or a relaxed floral plait like this look from Wedding Flowers by Josephine.

Alternatively, go for this pretty floral crown style with extra dangling garlands, or this understated daisy look styled by Loving Weddings.ie.

We also love the styling in this laid back make-up look by Maid by Sinead styled by @oopard!

The Flowers

When it comes to the styling, flowers are your friend – check out these pretty floral displays from Wedding Flowers by Josephine (left) and Blossoms and Bluebells (right). Bouquets can be anything you like, from an understated bunch of wild flowers to a glorious wealth of mix and match hues.

The Decor

We love these styling ideas from Look Events NI with their laid-back forest look – the rugs are such a great idea for setting the scene, and the paper lanterns are so pretty!

And of course jam jars filled with lights or flowers are perfect for that boho festival look – such as this floral display (left) by Fairy Tales NI or this pretty candle display by VIP Weddings in Co Mayo.

The Food

Why not go for something relaxed and outdoors, such as fish and chips in a paper cone? We’re even hearing of brides hiring a food truck to serve up burgers and vegan fast food to their guests, or serving up tasty desserts from a waffle or crepe van!

The Entertainment

This is the all-important thing – it wouldn’t be a festival without entertainment! Keep your guests entertained throughout the day with a magician or a caricaturist, or hire this VW camper van from The Quirky Camper Booth as a festival style photo booth where your guests can take their own fun pics!

There are so many other things you can do – circus entertainers, acrobats, even hire a few fairground rides such as the ones from Mohan’s Funfair in Armagh. They offer dodgems, carousels and candy carts for wedding hire – and even a few bare knuckle rides!

And of course, you have to include live music if it’s really going to be a festival! There’s no shortage of bands and singers out there that can deliver the kind of sounds you’re looking for, whether it’s rock, folk or country. For a great combination, we love The Real Shindig, who deliver Irish folk music and trad mixed with modern contemporary acoustic covers and a few old classics thrown in – we’d defy any of your guests to stay in their seats all night!

RELATED TO: How To Find Your Dream Wedding Team

Still organising your perfect day? Check out our gallery of fabulous suppliers HERE.

The post How To Create Your Own Rocktastic Festival Style Wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

Everything we know so far about Boris Johnson’s wedding

Linda Stewart — Mon, 24 May 2021 12:08:35 +0000

The Prime Minister and his fiancee Carrie Symonds are reported to be planning their wedding next summer after sending out save-the-date cards to family and friends.

According to The Sun, Boris Johnson plans to marry his fiancee in July 2022 — making him only the second British Prime Minister to wed in office.

There has been speculation that the prime minister’s Buckinghamshire residence, Chequers, could host the wedding, although another possibility is the Port Lympne safari park in Kent, as Carrie Symonds works for the Aspinall Foundation, the conservation charity that runs the zoo.

The couple could even marry in Italy where Carrie has relatives.

RELATED TO: How to avoid a save the date disaster

The big day, reportedly set for Saturday, July 30, 2022, would be the third for Boris, whose private life has been notoriously turbulent.

He is also thought to be the first PM to divorce in office since Augustus FitzRoy, the 3rd Duke of Grafton who left his first wife Anne in 1769 with the help of an act of Parliament.

Boris tied the knot with his first wife Allegra Mostyn-Owen in 1987, but their marriage was annulled in 1993, the same year he married Marina Wheeler. While the couple had four children, they separated in 2018 and formally divorced weeks before news emerged of the engagement to Carrie.

Boris and Carrie were the first unmarried couple to live in Downing Street, moving there in July 2019, and the Prime Minister is reported to have proposed on holiday on the Caribbean island of Mustique, although a parliamentary standards probe has since been announced into the funding of the 10-day break.

The couple’s son, Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson, was born in April 2020 and christened at Westminster Cathedral in September – could the famous London church be a contender for the wedding?

Meanwhile, while Mr Johnson’s own country house in Henley, Oxfordfordshire, might be a suitable venue for the reception, it was recently rented out.

Another option might be 10 Downing Street itself, which is well furnished with spacious state rooms and a large garden that could house hundreds of guests.

Save the date cards

If you want to give your guests the heads-up about your wedding, but it’s too early to send out invitations, emulate Boris and get in early with your save the date cards.

We love this gorgeous ‘Calligraphic’ floral card from the Vintage Signature Collection by Eden Stationery in Newtownards – pretty, but also up-to-date with its botanical look.

The Invite Hub in Kerry says Save the Date cards are not only useful for letting friends and family know what weekend they should reserve ahead of choosing your venue, but they’re a great way to give a new style a test run if you can’t decide between rustic, vintage or simple and elegant wedding stationery.

More gorgeously coloured botanicals, this time from Darling Stationery in Ballymena – this card will definitely get a second look.

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Still looking for the stationery that expresses you? Check out all of our wedding stationery suppliers HERE

The post Everything we know so far about Boris Johnson’s wedding appeared first on Wedding Journal.

How To Plan A Cosy Intimate Wedding

Emma Fegan — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 10:50:42 +0000

Not everyone wants a big extravagant wedding and thanks to the pandemic it looks like intimate weddings are here to stay. So where should you start to plan the perfect intimate wedding?

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.

Alternative Wedding Favours: Irish Charities In Need

Kobault — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 14:04:41 +0000

The greatest gift – is the gift of giving!

If there’s one thing we have all taken from the recent coronavirus pandemic, it’s that being with family and friends, celebrating love together is a beautiful thing. We expect to see more couples over the next couple of months choosing to incorporate charitable and thanksgiving elements into their big day, whether it’s through donations at the table or instead of asking for gifts.

This is a precious and meaningful way to thank your guests for being there for you both, and to spread kindness onto the world. Whether you make a donation to a cause close to your heart, or you ask guests to share donate instead, it’s know that a little selflessness can go a long way for many non-profits.

We’ve picked out some of the local Irish charities that are in need of your support and generosity…

Cruse Bereavement Care

Cruse offer support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. They work to enhance society’s care of bereaved people.Your donation will help bereaved people get the support they so desperately need. Visit cruse.org.uk/donate to see how you can help.

Macmillian Cancer Support

What better way to start your married life together, than by remembering the people that got you here, and by helping people living with cancer find their best way through. Contact our Supporter Care Hub for more information on how we can support you at your wedding on 0300 1000 200 between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, or email us at fundraising@macmillan.org.uk

Pieta House

Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation, or bereaved by suicide. They rely on the generosity of the public whose donations and fundraising make up over 80% of their income. Check out their donation programmes here – pieta.ie/support-our-work/donate/

Enable Ireland

Enable Ireland is a non-profit state-funded organisation that provides free services to children and adults with disabilities and their families in Ireland. Every year, they provide services to over 8,500 children and adults with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities in 15 counties across Ireland. To get more involved, visit enableireland.ie/

ISPCA

The ISPCA Inspectors are at the forefront of animal welfare in Ireland. They respond to allegations of cruelty, neglect and abuse and also to aid sick and injured animals. The Cork, Donegal and Longford Centres all aid the Inspectorate and support the ISPCA’s 17 Member Societies and other animal welfare organisations throughout Ireland.

Marie Keating Foundation

The Foundation’s mission is to make cancer less frightening by enlightening and our aim is to live in a world free from the fear of caner. They are committed to being there for people diagnosed with cancer, and their families at every step of this cancer journey. Your donation will help this fantastic charity reach more people with the life-saving message about cancer prevention and awareness. You can donate – mariekeating.ie/

Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland

There are many types of dementia, which is an umbrella term. Dementia types include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia, Korsakoff’s syndrome, Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, HIV related cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and other rarer causes of dementia. Your donation to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will go towards providing vital services to support people living with dementia in Ireland.

Mind

Show you care about mental health by supporting Mind on your big day with our wedding favours, or by asking your guests for donations to Mind instead of wedding gifts. Make an impact and choose from their extensive range of wedding favours. They have sunflower seed packs, Mind pin badges, and place setting cards to show your guests that you’re supporting Mind. Order them by visiting our online shop here – shop.mind.org.uk/shop/

Temple Street Foundation

Temple Street Foundation exists to support the vital, life-saving work that happens in Temple Street – every minute of every day. With your help, we can continue to transform the lives of Ireland’s sickest children. Many of our sickest kids depend on machines donated by you to stay alive. You can learn more about this charity and the ways you can donate here – templestreet.ie/donate/

Rainbow Trust

Rainbow Trust supports families who have a child aged 0-18 years with a life threatening or terminal illness and need the bespoke support we offer.They bring support and help to families who so desperately need it at home, in hospital and in the community. Any family can receive support from the moment of their child or young person’s diagnosis. Their support is hugely varied and depends on the needs of the family. Learn more online – rainbowtrust.org.uk/

The Irish Blue Cross

Care is at the heart of the Blue Cross, with thousands of dogs, cats and small animals attending their Inchicore clinic and mobile clinics for treatment each year. In addition to their small animal work, they operate a horse ambulance service that attends all Irish racecourses and main events, working closely with veterinary surgeons to assist injured horses. You can transform the lives of pets by helping to provide life-saving operations, treatments and healthcare. Whether it is a once-off or regular donation, your support matters. You can check out more information here – bluecross.ie/ways-to-help/donate/

Peter McVerry Trust

Peter McVerry Trust is a national housing and homeless charity committed to reducing homelessness and the harm caused by substance misuse and social disadvantage. The charity provides low-threshold entry services, primarily to younger people and vulnerable adults with complex needs, and offers pathways out of homelessness. Find our how you can help today – pmvtrust.ie/

Outhouse

Outhouse is a community and resource centre for LGBT people, their families, and friends. The primary goal of Outhouse is to offer a safe space for people to inform, meet, organise and make things happen. Outhouse is very often the first point of contact for people into the LGBT World and also the place in which lots of groups and organisations have started off in. There are so many ways you can support this worthy cause, read all about them here – outhouse.ie/donate

Belong To

BeLonG To Youth Services is the national organisation supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland. They offer a unique focus on mental and sexual health, alongside drug and alcohol support. They respond to the needs of LGBTI+ young people in Ireland and help them thrive. To find out how your donation can make a change, visit donate.belongto.org/

Let us know below in the comments any other charities across Ireland, that you donate to or know are in need!

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