When it comes to picking your wedding venue in Ireland, you Missies are spoilt for choice! From chic city centre hotels, stately homes and country hotels to remote cliff-top locations and rustic barn conversions, the choices are endless – luckily you have a little helping hand today to make sure you choose the ideal wedding venue for your Big Day.
1. What do you imagine?
Think about recent weddings you have been to where you fell in love with the location and were impressed with the service and overall feel of the day – might this be the easy choice for you?
2. Ask for recommendations
Chances are you’ll get the most genuine recommendations from your family and friends so ask for their input (they’ll be more than happy to oblige!).
3. Do your research
Hop over to the Venue Finder section of Mrs2be.ie to see what venues are out there. If you are sticking to a particular area, narrow your search by county or town. A quick enquiry on the Mrs2be.ie Wedding Planning Group will get you a genuine response from brides who have also chosen particular venues.
4. All together now
If you are having a civil ceremony, make sure your choices are licensed for civil weddings and then have your reception there too. One big bonus of this is no travelling between locations so more time to share with your guests – and for wedding cocktails too!
5. Shortlist
When you’re happy with your research, choose three to five venues to visit. Arrange meetings with each venues wedding co-ordinator and take it from there.
6. Check mate
Make sure you are armed with a checklist for each venue, and we just so happen to have one already prepared for you – check this out.
7. Picture perfect
Check out the venue’s indoor (in case of rain!) and outdoor photography locations. It’s also a good idea to ask your photographer if they are familiar with the venue.
8. Write it all down
Ask for written confirmation of each venue’s payment terms – most hotels ask for the balance to be settled on the day or a few days prior to the wedding.
9. Does it taste good?
No doubt your guests will always remember the food at your Big Day (they always do!) so make sure you are able to have a pre-wedding tasting of all the courses you have chosen.
10. Line up, sign up
Once you’ve finally made your final decision, meet with your wedding co-ordinator again, agree an overall price and pay the deposit. You should always receive written confirmation of your specific booking and package and an itemised list of charges included.
(Images from Mags and Dave’s Bridge House Hotel wedding by Joe Conroy Photography)
