There are certain things that come to mind straight away when planning a wedding such as booking your venue, photography, band etc. and choosing your dress or suits. And then there are the things you put off or may not have thought of like what you’ll do for your first dance, where to start with your wedding speech and entertainment for any kids at your Big Day. So today we’ve rounded up 7 tasks you may have put off for whatever the reason with some ways to get them off your to-do list!
1. First Dance Lessons
Photo from Mairead & Oliver’s real wedding by Memories Photography by Magda
This task tends to rear its head in those last few months before the Big Day when it hits home that you’ve got to strut your stuff in front of all your favourite people. Pulling a few moves on the dance floor on a night out is one thing but not many of us are used to spectators as you twirl and waltz your way around the room. It’s for this reason a lot of couples opt to get a little help mastering some steps for the first dance. If you’re dreading being in the spotlight, it’s a great way to build your confidence, get some guidance and get plenty of practice in. There are several Irish companies that offer one-to-one classes with everything from one-hour sessions to more intensive lessons over several hours or weeks where you can learn a few basic steps or a full-on choreographed routine. Irish companies offering dance lessons include I Know a Guy, Viva School of Dance, Michelle Alonzi.
2. Your Speech
Photo by Tomasz Kornas
Okay not so much thought of, as put it off. The speech is a big part of Irish weddings and while some couples are opting out when it comes to saying a few words, others feel they might like to say something but don’t know where to start or break out in a sweat at the thought of standing up in front of family and friends. If you need some guidance, Wedding Speech Coaching is a nifty course that will help you to deliver an awesome speech. The video training course covers everything from the type of speech to preparing the speech, samples, speech structure, writing and editing, memorable lines and your delivery. The man behind Wedding Speech Coaching, Stephen, also offers one-to-one coaching for those looking for hands on help and support.
Janie Lazar is a celebrant that also specialises in Wedding Speech Coaching, providing professional speech coaching on a one to one basis. She also runs group coaching where anyone from the Best Man or Groom to the Father of the Bride can learn how to craft their speech and how to deliver it on the day. Groups are small and includes a one to one follow-up session. Find out more here.
If you’re struggling with words, a beautiful option is to create a special poem for the occasion. If it’s not your strongest skill, worry not, Poems To Go can come to the rescue and create a personalised poem just for you based on details you give them. Just one minute long, they’re perfect for anyone feeling particularly nervous about public speaking. Poems To Go can also put together heartfelt or hilarious speeches and toasts that range from 1-5 minutes or longer!
3. Keeping the Kids Busy
Photo from Helen & Noel’s real wedding by Photographic.ie
Whether you’ve kids yourself or will have little folk at your Big Day, you might want to look in to entertainment or childcare so the kids are safe, busy and happy – and the parents have a night off! There are several companies that specialise in childcare at weddings – The Care Necessities set up a ‘pop up kids club’ in a separate room where the kiddos can safely enjoy fun activities like face painting, games, arts and crafts and a mini disco! FUNtastic Childcare Events come armed with goody bags to keep the little ones happy as they supervise and play with them. Fun ‘n Frills keep the kids entertained with crafts and games in a supervised portable activity area in the ballroom so the kids can see you. Or magician Magic Carl and his little companion, Mr Fluffy the magic rabbit will have them laughing and amazed for a couple of hours with his brilliant tricks and fun balloon models.
4. Finishing Touches
Photo via Soulscribe Calligraphy
It’s really only a few months before the wedding that wedding stationery becomes a priority and it isn’t until you’re surrounded by your beautiful invites that you’ll wish you had a hand writing them up. If you want to take the pain out of this part of the planning and ensure your envelopes and invites look the part, some handscripted lettering is an elegant finishing touch. Irish company Soulscribe Calligraphy can hand-write your invites and addresses using this beautiful art form – plus they can do menus, place cards, signs and table plans too if you want your wedding stationery and decor to be extra special! Find out more here.
5. A Gift List
Photo from Laura & David’s real wedding by Eric Molimard Photography
While cash tends to be a popular wedding gift these past few years, some people like the idea of giving you an actual present on your special day. If you want to avoid clocking up one too many wine glass sets, you can go the gift list route. It’s a great chance to pick out some beautiful luxury items you might not splurge on for yourself such as a gorgeous throw, some brilliant knifes, some quality bed linen or a stylish La Creuset kettle, plus it gives guests some direction as well. If you’re looking to set up a gift list, pop over to The Wedding Shop or McElhinneys Department Store where you can curate a gorgeous list of coveted items.
6. The Photo Album
Photobook by Captured Creations
So technically this may not be on your radar until after the Big Day but if you’re super excited about turning your beautiful wedding memories in to a gorgeous keepsake, a photobook is a must for your coffee table. Irish company Captured Creations is a Photobook business that can create timeless and unique photobooks so you can relive all your gorgeous snaps again and again – they do all the hard work from organising, designing and laying it out to printing it up, bringing your wedding photographs to life. Find out more about their service here!
7. Wedding Insurance
Photo from Anne & Julian’s real wedding by Denlo Photography
This is something that probably doesn’t cross your mind until the worst happens but if you want to prepared for all eventualities, it’s worth checking out wedding insurance options at the start. Wedding Insurance with the likes of Irish Wedding Insurance is there to protect you – a wedding involves a lot of spending so if you want to avoid losing out if a potential disaster strikes (for example the liquidation/bankruptcy of the venue, the photographer, transport etc.), wedding insurance will give you peace of mind.
Main photo from Katherina & Michael’s real wedding by Your Wedding Planner in Malta – Dream Days Weddings