Month: April 2025

Why Ireland is the Destination Wedding Hotspot of 2025

by Harmony Walton

Ireland has long been a dream destination for couples seeking romance, history, and breathtaking landscapes. As we step into 2025, the Emerald Isle has firmly cemented itself as the top choice for destination weddings. From its enchanting castles to its warm hospitality, Ireland offers an unrivalled experience for couples looking to say ‘I do’ in a setting steeped in charm and elegance. Here’s why Ireland is the destination wedding hotspot of 2025.

Timeless Beauty and Diverse Landscapes

Ireland’s natural beauty is unparalleled, offering couples a range of stunning backdrops for their big day. Whether it’s the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the serene shores of Lough Tay, or the rolling green hills of County Kerry, the landscape provides an effortlessly romantic setting. In 2025, there is a growing trend for weddings that embrace the outdoors, and Ireland’s diverse scenery ensures the perfect location for every couple’s vision—be it a coastal elopement or a grand castle affair.

Exclusive Castle Venues

A wedding in an Irish castle is the epitome of fairytale romance. With venues such as Ashford Castle, Luttrellstown Castle, and Ballynahinch Castle offering luxury, exclusivity, and rich history, Ireland continues to captivate couples seeking regal elegance. As the destination wedding hotspot of 2025, there is an increasing demand for private, bespoke wedding experiences, and Ireland’s castles provide the ideal mix of grandeur and intimacy.

A Foodie’s Paradise

Irish cuisine has evolved into a world-class culinary experience, making it an attractive feature for wedding celebrations. With farm-to-table dining, artisanal cheeses, fresh seafood, and an ever-expanding selection of fine Irish whiskeys and craft gins, Ireland is the perfect location for food-loving couples. In 2025, the trend of immersive culinary experiences continues to grow, with couples opting for multi-course tasting menus and personalised farm-to-table feasts.

Luxury Meets Tradition

Modern couples are embracing weddings that blend contemporary luxury with deep-rooted traditions. Ireland offers this balance beautifully. Think five-star manor houses serving Michelin-starred cuisine, lavish floral installations inspired by the wild Irish landscape, and ceilidh bands bringing guests to their feet for an unforgettable night of dancing. The blend of old and new is what makes Ireland stand out as the perfect 2025 wedding destination.

Ease of Planning for International Couples

One of the reasons Ireland is set to be the leading wedding destination of 2025 is the ease of planning for international couples. With well-connected international airports, a strong network of luxury wedding planners, and a host of world-renowned venues offering all-inclusive packages, organising a wedding in Ireland has never been more seamless. Many venues cater specifically to destination weddings, ensuring a stress-free experience for couples and their guests.

An Unforgettable Guest Experience

A wedding in Ireland isn’t just an event—it’s an experience. From pre-wedding whiskey tastings to post-wedding adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way, couples can create an itinerary that ensures their guests enjoy every moment. In 2025, destination weddings are about more than just the big day—they’re about crafting an entire experience, and Ireland delivers on every front.

As the world embraces immersive, luxurious, and meaningful weddings, Ireland stands at the forefront as the ultimate destination for couples tying the knot in 2025. Are you sold? Then you’ll want to know my 5 Essential Tips for Hosting Your Destination Wedding in Ireland. With its timeless charm, breathtaking venues, and unparalleled hospitality, it’s no wonder Ireland is the top choice for couples seeking a wedding to remember.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Dermot Culhane, Fred Marigaux, Brett Harkness and Eric Kelley

What is the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony?

by Harmony Walton

Breathtaking weddings are steeped in Ireland’s history, culture, and enchantment. One of the most beautiful and symbolic Irish wedding traditions that many couples incorporate into their ceremonies is the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony. This age-old custom is not only a romantic nod to Ireland’s past but also a meaningful way to bless the couple’s union with love and harmony.

The Significance of Wedding Bells in Irish Tradition

Wedding bells have long been associated with Irish nuptials. Historically, the ringing of bells was believed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a marriage filled with good fortune. The bell’s chime was also thought to bring clarity and peace, reminding couples of their vows during times of difficulty. In modern weddings, this tradition has evolved into the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony—a heartfelt moment that adds a touch of magic and sentimentality to the celebration.

How the Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony Works

During the ceremony, a small handbell—often crafted from fine silver or a family heirloom—is rung either by the officiant, the couple, or even their guests. This gentle chime symbolises the blessings of love, unity, and everlasting happiness. There are a few different ways to incorporate this tradition into a luxury wedding, and I often work with couples to personalise it to suit their style and preferences.

The Couple’s Bell Ringing: Just before or after exchanging vows, the couple rings the wedding bell together, symbolising their commitment and the joyful beginning of their life as one.

The Guests’ Blessing: Small bells can be distributed among guests, allowing them to ring them in celebration as the couple shares their first kiss or is pronounced married. This creates a stunning auditory experience, reminiscent of church bells ringing in the distance.

A Keepsake Bell: Many couples choose to have a specially designed wedding bell engraved with their names and wedding date, serving as a cherished keepsake that they can ring during anniversaries as a reminder of their vows.

Ringing Away Disputes: A charming interpretation of this tradition suggests that whenever a disagreement arises, ringing the wedding bell will bring harmony back to the marriage, reinforcing the values of love and understanding.

Incorporating Wedding Bells into an Irish Wedding

For couples seeking an exquisite destination wedding in Ireland, the Wedding Bell Ceremony adds a unique cultural and sentimental touch. I often recommend custom-made bells from renowned Irish artisans, featuring intricate Celtic designs, family crests, or even a touch of gold for added opulence. Some couples may choose to incorporate the bell motif into wedding stationery, table décor, or favours to further enhance this elegant theme.

At some of Ireland’s most luxurious wedding venues—think fairytale castles, stately manors, or coastal retreats—the gentle chime of wedding bells can beautifully echo through historic halls or open landscapes, making the moment truly unforgettable.

A Tradition That Stands the Test of Time

The Irish Wedding Bell Ceremony is a poetic and symbolic way to honour Irish heritage while embracing a timeless ritual of love and unity. What I love most about this tradition is knowing the sweet sound of wedding bells will forever resonate as a blessing upon your marriage. Here’s to your lifetime of harmony and happiness.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by John Cain Photography

Engage!25 Mallorca: An Immersive Retreat

by Harmony Walton

As the Creative Director for Engage!25 Mallorca, I have the thrilling opportunity to craft an unforgettable experience for the most talented minds in the wedding and event industry from around the world. This is my third time partnering with this incredible organization (and my first outside of Ireland). Engage!25 is an intimate gathering focused on strengthening meaningful connections between 125 like-minded luxury global event industry leaders. I was the previous Creative Director for Engage!22 Ireland and Engage!18 Ireland and I could not be more excited to be back! It’s an honour and a challenge to design an event that reflects the stunning beauty of a place like Mallorca while inspiring this group of creative professionals to push the boundaries of luxury event design. If you’re in the industry, I hope you’ll join me on this journey!

Mallorca’s Magic

Mallorca offers an incredible canvas for this event. Hosted by Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor, the pristine beaches, breathtaking vistas, and vibrant culture are sure to provide endless inspiration. Opened in 1929, this inspirational retreat has always attracted writers, actors, and the global elite. Recreational options abound. Hiking, biking, or boating. Dining, swimming, or exploring the glamorous and chic spa. Four Seasons blends poetic charm and heartfelt service, embodying the Spanish passion for hospitality.

Creative Inspiration at Every Turn

As I envisioned the event, I wanted to ensure that Engage!25 Mallorca emphasized personal development and professional growth (mixed with FUN!). This isn’t just a conference but a fully immersive journey, featuring professional facilitation and peer-led discussions.  From the moment guests arrive, they will be greeted by the warm Mediterranean breeze, setting the tone for what will be an extraordinary few days.

As always, Engage!25 guests will participate in peer-led discussions related to their unique businesses, enjoy delectable group dining experiences, take part in wellness journeys, focus on relaxation and restoration, and engage in various adventures at the resort and the surrounding locale. It’s a time for our industry to reconnect, relax, regroup, and reinvigorate ourselves to be better for our future clients…all while learning and growing.

And one of the ways we learn and grow is by experiencing. It’s my job to bring to life the best and brightest new ideas for events in this region. From culinary presentations to over-the-top decor ideas, the visuals of Engage! do not disappoint. We’ll celebrate and experience together in ways we’ve never seen before. Each day, a little something different.

Crafting the Guest Experience

And each day at Engage!25 Mallorca is designed intentionally to feature keynote speeches, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to inspire and educate. The event provides incredible opportunities for teams to connect with industry leaders, fellow planners, and creative professionals from around the globe in a collaborative atmosphere. We explore new trends, refine techniques, and forge collaborative partnerships that transcend borders. And that includes the parties too.

One of the main pillars of this experience is celebrating the rich culture of Mallorca and this one-of-a-kind destination. A seamless guest experience is the key to any successful event. For Engage!25, I’ve taken extra care to ensure that every detail, from transportation to accommodation, exudes the luxurious yet relaxed feel of Mallorca. Guests will be staying at one of the island’s most opulent properties, offering a unique blend of Mallorcan tradition and modern luxury.

At Engage!25 Mallorca, my role is to ensure the creativity of our community is reflected in every detail, offering guests an unparalleled experience that will leave them with lasting memories—and plenty of valuable connections with their like-minded and talented peers. Just like at Engage!22 Ireland, each attendee will have the freedom to craft their Engage! experience to their exact preferences.  It’s an incredible opportunity so don’t miss out. To learn more about this unique retreat, check out the event page here. I look forward to meeting you there.

Slán go Fóill,
Tara