Wedding planning can be great fun but it can be all kinds of stressful too. Between budgets, lengthy to-do lists and an over-active Pinterest board, it can all become a little bit overwhelming every now and then. So today we’re sharing some words of wisdom from couples who’ve been there and have the rings to show for it! Here’s some great planning advice from real couples…
The couple: Michael Graham & Lauren McMahon
Our advice to other couples… is to learn to delegate! My sister and mum were an incredible help!
See: An Elegant Autumnal Ballymagarvey Wedding by Michelle Prunty here!
The couple: Tara Scully & Gearóid Parkinson
Our advice to other couples… Try not take on too much yourself. If I was to do it all again I would have definitely hired a wedding coordinator, just so I could have sat back and relaxed a bit more! In the end everything does just fall together though! Also I would highly recommend pencilling some time together during the day, just the two of you, to let it all sink in!
See: Tara & Gearóid’s Chic Keadeen Wedding by DKPHOTO here!
The couple: Julie Harkin & Seán Dunne
Our advice to other couples… Use suppliers you can trust so you don’t have to worry about what might go wrong. Pick the key things you want for your day, don’t go overboard and most importantly try to relax and enjoy the day!
See: Something Blue at The Glenview by Michelle Prunty Photography
The couple: Amy O’Shea & Shane McInerney
Our advice to other couples… Enjoy every minute! It all goes by in the blink of an eye. Enjoy all the planning and the build up to the big day, there’s so many lovely get-togethers and outings with your family and friends. Try to enjoy the small things like writing your invitations, picking your songs etc… they’re not just jobs to tick off a list, they’re all lovely little memories of the build up to your wedding. We really really enjoyed that time. Try not to leave too much to the last minute, the few days before the wedding, especially the last day, are hectic, and things tend to take longer than you may think! Lastly, accept advice and help when it’s offered…and if it’s not offered ASK! Your family and friends want you to have the best day of your life and will do what they can to help, accept it and appreciate it.
See: Amy & Shane’s Bespoke Bellingham Castle Wedding
The couple: Barry & Fiona
Our advice to other couples… get a video, you won’t regret being able to look back on the day! And I found making two lists really helped me stay organised and not forget anything – one of everything you need to do and one of everything you need to get! It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the planning so always remember the real reason why you are doing all this! Then just sit back, enjoy and take the whole day in!
Watch: A Beautiful Bellinter House Wedding by Vivid Eye Video
The couple: Sarah Bonham & Vinnie Fagan
Our advice to other couples… Focus on the key aspects that are important to you as a couple. You can’t please everyone and you shouldn’t try, it’s your day and after the day is over, you are the ones who will relive the memories. Also it’s never too early to start booking suppliers, the more organised you can be, the more you both can enjoy the build up to the day and enjoy the day itself.
See: A Fabulously Fun AnnaCarriga Wedding by Mrs Redhead Photography
The couple: Ríona Flood & Thomas Collier
Our advice to other couples… is to decide what elements of the wedding are most important to you and to spend the budget in this area, for us it was the food and music. It helps to give you focus and keep control of the budget. Excel is your best friend – keep track of everything, guest lists, gifts, suppliers etc. Give someone on the day the responsibility of being the contact person for suppliers so that if there are any issues they can contact them directly and leave you to enjoy your day.
See: A Wonderful Worldly Clonabreany House Wedding by Mark Fennell Photography
The couple: Sinead & Erich
Our advice to other couples… I know everybody says it but I would advise other brides to just relax on the day. Enjoy every single second! Do what you both want and don’t worry too much about everybody else! I also loved being able to tell my sisters what to do for once without them being able to complain! Oh and don’t go mad on decorations because they are very stressful to organise and they can be very expensive. We organised a lot of decorations that I didn’t even notice on the day! Just have fun because it will be the best day of your life!
See: A Cute & Casual Wedding at the Millhouse, Slane by Linda Clarke Photography
The couple: Nicola Bucke & Christopher Busby
Our advice to other couples… The usual advice to enjoy the day and not to worry about things going wrong is so true. Just smile and enjoy it, there is so much planning that goes into a wedding, so many people involved, it’s so important to enjoy every minute because the hard work is worth every second on the day. I didn’t thrive on wedding planning the way some brides do, at times it felt like another list of jobs to do after a busy day in work! It was worth it however, I would have the day again every day if we could (maybe if somebody else planned it for us!). Clichéd though it may be, it truly was the happiest day of our lives. I got up early the morning of the wedding and took an hour to myself before the chaos began. I used that time to write cards to my parents, Chris and bridal party. If I had been better organised, I would have written the cards earlier that week but actually it was nice to capture how I was feeling that day, and to start the day telling those closest to me how much they mean to me. I would also advise taking a moment with your groom, just the two of you during the day at some point as it all goes by so quickly. Oh and delegate! Take the offers of help and spend more time relaxing in the run up to the big day!
See: A Perfect Day at The Village at Lyons by Couple Photography
The couple: Deirdre Shannon & John Lynch
Our advice to other couples… If you are getting your make-up and your bridal party’s make-up done at the house, make sure you leave about an hour’s contingency. No matter what they say, it takes longer! That was a bit of a rush for me. It is always better to be finished one hour early. Also, you may think you will be nervous on the day and worry beforehand. Don’t worry, the day is just really exciting. You won’t be nervous. Enjoy every minute of the day and remember – the day is about you, so don’t try and please everyone or think about small things on the day – just let it happen, and enjoy every second of it.
See: Vintage Re-Defined – Deirdre & John’s Elegant Riverside Wedding by Martina California
The couple: Maria & Sean Farmar
Our advice to other couples… People said to me not to stress over the little things… but for me it’s the little things that count. Cherish each moment on your day, be in the present. Book a massage before your big day to help relax. Do whatever makes you both happy.
See: A DIY Bride’s Dream Day at Tinakilly Country House by Tomasz Kornas Photography
The couple: Adam Paul & Sarah Sweetnam
Our advice to other couples… Get a videographer – there are so many little details you will forget but it’s great to be able to watch it all back on DVD and in years to come it will be so precious. Make sure you give your photographer a detailed list of all the pictures you want, even obvious ones that you might assume will be taken, maybe nominate someone in different groups to organise the various shots to make sure you capture all of the pictures you want. Make your drinks reception as long as possible – I loved that relaxed time mingling with everyone and getting to catch up with friends… Enjoy the run up to the day and savour that special time. I know every bride says it but really enjoy every single minute, the day flies by.
See: A Perfect Day at Parknasilla by Andrew O’Dwyer Photography
The couple: Elizabeth Butler & Shane Cournane
Our advice to other couples… Do what feels right for you. Don’t listen to other peoples opinion, everyone will have an opinion. Stick to your budget and what you have pictured for your wedding day and you will enjoy the experience. Oh and don’t worry about the weather, it’s the one thing you can’t control.
See: A Romantic Rainy Day Wedding in Lyrath Estate Hotel by Eden Photography
The couple: Katie Ryan & Kian Cleere
Our advice to other couples… Add some personal touches to your day and include your family in the planning. It makes for a really memorable day!
See: A Wedding at Home by Eden Photography
The couple: Sean & Claire de Jong
Our advice to other couples… I am normally the most decisive person in the world but with your wedding there is a tendency to second guess all the decisions you have made as the big day approaches because it’s such an important event. In the end I couldn’t make the simplest decision without ringing Sean, my bridesmaids or my parents. I think the most important thing is to make your decisions and move on. Yes, the details are important but the day will be amazing and it’s probably the only time in your whole life that everyone in the room is rooting for you. Afterwards you will laugh about the things you worried about.
See: Let Love Sparkle – Real Wedding at Druids Glen Resort by Couple Photography
