winter wedding Archives | Tara Fay Events

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

When it’s time to plan a wedding, some couples have no idea where to start. That wasn’t the case for Laura and Henry! Newly engaged, the couple knew exactly where they wanted to say their vows: Westport House. Not only is the venue family-owned, but it is a historical country house in County Mayo on Ireland’s west coast. The Georgian-era estate is home to lush gardens, three romantic venues and rests prominently on the shores of Clew Bay. Laura and Henry knew they could have the perfect winter white wedding at Westport House.

Even though the couple grew up mere minutes away from each other, it wasn’t until a chance meeting at the local pub that they were introduced. They talked about their hobbies (Henry plays the saxophone) and their careers (Laura is a doctor). As their love story goes, they conversed for hours, eventually closing the pub down. There was something magic between them, so they arranged to meet again.

Fast forward to June 2022 when Henry asked Laura to marry him while visiting Giant’s Causeway in Antrim. Later, the two celebrated their engagement at the Observatory Bar in the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast. Six months later, their winter wedding had finally arrived.

Laura was the picture of classic elegance in her designer Enzoani gown, standing out amongst her beautiful bridesmaids in shimmering silver Maya Deluxe dresses. Henry and his groomsmen wore Bond Brothers suits and black bow ties.

The ceremony at Ballintubber Abbey was filled with beautiful music. Brothers, sisters, best friends – all would lend their talents to serenade Henry and Laura throughout the ceremony. Green and white florals abounded, in the bouquets, archways and down the aisle. When all tied together, the ambiance was a perfect old-world charm meets winder wonderland – much to Laura and Henry’s delight.

Loved ones were thrilled to gather and celebrate with Laura and Henry on their wedding day. The couple truly cherishes their family and friends, so it was a priority to acknowledge how blessed they felt by each individual attending. It was also important to the couple that everyone had a great time! After the ceremony, a T2 Coffee Van kept everyone cozy and caffeinated. It was just what everyone needed before beginning the next celebration at Westport House!

The transition from ceremony to after party was breathtaking. Fireworks sparkled down the path as guests walked to the wedding banquet where they were met with a sparking silver venue, crushed velvet linens, a dancefloor with a candle lit backdrop and gleaming disco balls. Throughout dinner and into the after party, two bands entertained the wedding guests.

Laura changed into her very favourite second dress from Marchesa for Pronovias once it was time for the first dance and the after party was in full swing. (It was quite an undertaking to find this particular gown, but Laura had fallen head over heels for it when she spotted it in a wedding magazine.) Hundreds of candles cast an ethereal glow as the two shared their first dance. Highlighting a particularly special trip to the west coast of The United States, the couple chose Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s song “Shallow”.

After the ceremony wrapped up, the couple reflected on the day. Their advice? Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s best to relax, enjoy the ride, and try to remember every moment.

Check out more of Lauren and Henry’s Westport House Wedding here!