Tag: holiday

Unforgettable Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Your Wedding

by Harmony Walton

Embracing the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day on your wedding day is a charming and unique way to infuse a touch of Irish magic into your celebration of love. Whether you have Irish roots or simply appreciate the festive atmosphere, here are some delightful ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on your wedding day.

Wear a Touch of Green

Start the celebration by incorporating green into your wedding attire. A subtle green sash, tie, or even emerald accessories for the bride and groom can add a touch of Irish charm without overpowering the overall aesthetic.

Lucky Charms for the Bouquet

Attach a small, meaningful Irish charm to your wedding bouquet for an extra dash of luck. Symbols like the shamrock, horseshoe, or Claddagh ring can serve as beautiful and sentimental accents. Click here for a little guide to lucky symbols at Irish weddings!

Irish Folk Music

Set the mood with a live band or playlist featuring traditional Irish folk music. The sounds of fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns will transport your guests to the Emerald Isle and create an upbeat atmosphere for dancing.

Traditional Irish Musicians
Engage Ireland at Adare Manor

 

Irish-Inspired Cuisine

Give a nod to Irish cuisine in your wedding menu. Consider including traditional dishes like Irish stew, soda bread, or even a playful twist with green-themed desserts. Your guests will appreciate the culinary journey and the festive flavours.

Irish Toasts

Incorporate Irish toasts into your wedding speeches. Raise a glass to love, luck, and laughter with a heartfelt Irish blessing. It’s a meaningful way to connect with the cultural richness of St. Patrick’s Day.

Whiskey Tasting Station

Create a whiskey tasting station for your guests to enjoy during the reception. Include a selection of Irish whiskeys and provide tasting notes. This interactive element adds a sophisticated touch and pays homage to Ireland’s rich whiskey heritage.

Celtic Knots

Symbolize the intertwining of your lives with Celtic knot decorations. Whether incorporated into the wedding invitations, cake design, or table settings, the intricate and timeless knots represent eternal love and unity.

Irish Dance Performance

Surprise and delight your guests with an Irish dance performance. Professional dancers or even a dance troupe can provide a lively and entertaining show, making your wedding celebration truly unforgettable.

Green Wedding Favours

Send your guests home with a little piece of Ireland by choosing green-themed wedding favours. Consider personalized shamrock keychains, Irish-themed candles, or even miniature bottles of Irish whiskey.

Gift bags for guests
Crisps and afters

Photo Booth Fun

Set up a St. Patrick’s Day-themed photo booth complete with props like shamrocks and and Irish flags. Encourage your guests to snap pictures to create lasting memories.

By infusing these St. Patrick’s Day elements into your wedding celebration, you’ll create a day filled with luck, love, and laughter. May your marriage be as joyful and enduring as the Irish spirit that inspires this delightful celebration! Sláinte to a lifetime of happiness!

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve , Arte de Vie, Carla Ten Eyck  Christina Brosnan and Eric Kelley

Ireland Winter Wedding Do’s and Don’ts

by Harmony Walton

Winter in Ireland is magical and wonderful in more ways than one. If you’re planning a seasonal wedding you’ve chosen just the right spot! While the basics of wedding planning remain the same, there are some Ireland winter wedding Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind.

Do Dress in Layers

When it comes to winter weather, layers offer the most flexibility to change and adapt. By wearing layers, you can enjoy outdoor festivities while remaining cozy, and then hang up the extra pieces to dance the night away indoors. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to bring layers even if you don’t end up using all of them!

Don’t Expect Snow Everywhere

If you’re hoping for snow, you may want to research where it’s most likely to occur. Ireland does not get snow on all parts of the island. Some of the more mountainous regions will experience some snow, but the most common weather in winter is rain. If you’re really wanting that all-white winter, you can work it into your theme and design a winter wonderland without the hassle that real snow brings.

Do Provide Warmth for Your Guests

Winter in Ireland can get chilly, which means it is important to provide some form of warmth for your guests. Although your venue may provide a heated indoor space, a thoughtful way to show your guests you care is by providing ways for them to keep warm during the outdoor portions. This could be something as simple as having blankets ready, cozy shawls, or a warm drink bar would be lovely in the winter chill.

Don’t Underestimate the Rain

Irish winter weather can be unpredictable and often comes in the form of rain (rather than snow). Don’t let this dissuade you from a stunning seasonal wedding on the Emerald Isle. However, do make sure you keep an eye on weather patterns and adjust accordingly.

Do Book Accommodation in Advance

Tourism in Ireland is busy in the winter season so you’ll need to book in advance. When planning, try to give yourself and your guests enough time before the wedding to be able to secure accommodation during your wedding weekend.

Don’t Assume Everything is Open

As the season rolls in, hours of operation change across the country. Whether it’s local shops or even attractions you want to enjoy while in Ireland, make sure to do your research. Many places will shorten their hours for the winter and some may close for renovations, so it is always good to know before you go.

Do Be Mindful of Shorter Days

If you want your ceremony to take place in the daylight, or have plans for photos during the golden hour, just remember that the days become shorter as winter rolls in. With a little research, this is easy to work with and may simply require your day or reception starting a few hours earlier than you had expected.

Don’t Assume There’s Sufficient Heating

Although some of our oldest historic castles make for stunning wedding venues, it is important to check and make sure the venue has sufficient heating to keep you and your guests comfortable. While the majority of these venues have had modern heating and amenities built in, it is still good to double-check what they offer to combat the winter cold.

Don’t Let the Season Discourage You

Planning a winter wedding, like any wedding, has its own difficulties and details to look out for. This doesn’t mean it is impossible! In fact, some of my favorite Ireland weddings took place in the winter. Hopefully, these Ireland winter wedding Do’s and Don’ts can help you plan your perfect seasonal wedding in Ireland.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve

A Guide to Planning a Holiday Weekend Destination Wedding in Ireland

by Harmony Walton

Wedding bells are ringing and you’re considering a destination wedding over a holiday weekend. The idea seems tempting but carries its unique challenges, especially if your dream destination is none other than the Emerald Isle. But before you dive in headfirst, let’s break down the pros and cons of planning your nuptials over a holiday weekend in this land of mystic beauty.

Pros of a Holiday Destination Weekend in Ireland

Extended Celebrations

Holiday weekends mean extended time off work and transforming your wedding into a mini-vacation for your guests. It’s not just a day, but a complete weekend of joy, celebration, and unforgettable memories.

Travel Ease

With extra days off, your guests have more leeway to manage their travel. They can arrive early or stay late without eating too much into their allotment of vacation days.

If the holiday weekend aligns with an Irish festival, your wedding can incorporate elements of Irish culture, providing your guests with a rich, immersive experience. Whether it’s the lively parade on St. Patrick’s Day or the traditional festivities on Easter Monday, these unique cultural experiences can elevate your wedding to a whole new level of enchantment.

Cons

Availability

Holiday weekends, especially holidays shared between countries like Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day, are peak times for travel. Flights, accommodations, and even your desired venues may be booked months in advance and prices are likely to be higher.

Attendance

Not everyone will be keen on using their holiday for a wedding, as these days are traditionally spent with family or on personal vacations.

Scheduling Conflicts

US and Ireland holidays don’t always coincide. For instance, while both nations enjoy festivities on St. Patrick’s Day, US-specific holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day won’t be observed in Ireland, and vice versa for Irish holidays like Easter Monday or St. Stephen’s Day.

Before setting the date, research and compare Irish holiday schedules. You might find an overlap that works perfectly, no matter what countries your guests are travelling from.

Navigating the journey of a destination wedding over a holiday weekend can be tricky. Yet, with a dash of planning, a spoonful of understanding, and a pinch of flexibility, you can create an enchanting experience that marries the magic of the holiday and the romance of a wedding in a memorable Irish backdrop. The pros and cons are many, but at the end of the day, the sound of your loved ones’ laughter echoing across the Irish moors and under the holiday fireworks, will make it all worthwhile. If you are interested in reading more about planning a destination wedding in Ireland, check out my Do’s and Don’ts blog here.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Fred Marigaux Photography, Story of Eve, Unikeye Photography

Planning Your Holiday Wedding in Ireland | Pro Tips

by Harmony Walton

Planning a wedding for the winter holidays can be daunting yet worth every minute when it all comes together. When it comes to a holiday wedding in Ireland, there are some key things to keep in mind when you get to planning.

Design and Destination

From stunning landscapes to local arrangements, winter in Ireland is a breathtaking time to host a holiday wedding. Although there are some things to consider in your design and destination to take full advantage of the seasonal beauty.

  • Choose a venue that will complement the holiday season. Whether it’s a historic castle or a cosy inn among a roaring fire, there are plenty to choose from.
  • Fill the atmosphere with a holiday colour palette. Bring a bit of holiday warmth to the chilly season with deep reds and greens or even mix in some gold and silver.
  • Tie the room together with local seasonal floral arrangements. Touches of amaryllis, poinsettias, or even wild berries can bring a bit of holiday spirit to the room.

Delicacies and Culture

Something that is always a highlight of the holiday season is cuisine and cultural events. Your wedding menu is a fantastic way to work in some local winter delicacies and add a touch of Irish culinary warmth, all while your loved ones enjoy a touch of Irish culture.

  • Add to the taste of the holidays with a menu made of warm comfort foods. Here in Ireland, hearty meals are just right for the cool season. From roast meats and warm soups to decadent desserts like Christmas pudding, the ideal winter wedding meal is just a menu away.
  • Bring in a piece of Irish culture by lighting a Unity Candle. Enjoy the moment of being one together by the warmth of a candle symbolizing your union and love.

 

Entertainment and Extras

Holidays and entertainment go hand in hand as everyone gathers together to be with the people they love. A holiday wedding is no different, and Ireland provides a beautiful space for holiday entertainment and cheer.

  • What is a holiday wedding without music? Live music is essential for a holiday wedding in Ireland. With a mix of your favourite songs and Irish carols or holiday tunes, there’s space for just the right mix of holiday cheer.
  • Mix in some drinks and a space to chat with a mulled wine and hot chocolate bar. For those moments when everyone wants to sit back and relax, a bar of warm drinks is just the place to be.
  • Send your guests home with a holiday-inspired gift. The people you spend your big day with are some of the most important people in your life. Spread a bit of the holiday positivity with a themed favour like personalised ornaments or even personalised jars of local jams or honeys.

Remember, the most important part of the holidays is the people you spend them with! Each of these tips can help create a wedding experience that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime. Don’t forget to enjoy each moment with the people that mean the most to you.

Slán go Fóill,

Tara

Images by Story of Eve