The Bride is Always Late: Irish Wedding Blog from WeddingDates.ie » Wedding Entertainment

10 Wedding Planning Apps To Make Your Day Awesome

ClaireB — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:31:40 +0000

It is engagement season! The rock lands on your finger and then, where to then?

We have done the research for you. Download these 10 applications today and start planning your big day. If you keep track of all your information from day one, the entire process can run smoothly!

1. The General Organiser Tool

iWedding Deluxe is an overall planner that will keep all your information in one central place. It is advisable to use this as your primary planning tool.

2. The Budget Tool

No good wedding can happen without a budget being set from day 1. Wedding Budget allows you to track every financial aspect of the wedding.

3. The Gift Registry Tool

You know what you want and need to set your home up. Wedding Scan allows you to scan any item’s barcode or take an image of it and then add a description so that your guests can easily get that perfect gift for you.

4. The Inspiration Tool

At the start of the process you will have hundreds of ideas running through your mind. It will take a while before things settle into place and you have a fixed idea of what you want and how everything comes together. Wedding Row gives you a central place to gather all your ideas so that you can visualise how everything is coming together.

5. The Celebrity Inspiration Tool

Mindy Weiss has planned some of the largest celebrity weddings out there. The feathers in her cap hold really spectacular names. The Mindy Weiss app will inspire and delight you with ideas as you plan your own big day.

6. The Dress Tool

iBridalGown has been designed by a bridal gown salon owner so you can be sure that it will lead you through every step of the process seamlessly (no pun intended).

7. The Music Planning Tool

Music can be tricky to plan for the big day because everyone has such varied taste. Get your friends and family involved: use The Fun Wedding app to keep track of all your songs and all the music from the ones you love who will be sharing your big day.

8. The Flower Tool

Wedding Flowers Moodboard allows you to match different styles and colours to create the perfect bouquets.

9. The Venue Tool

Wedding Dates have the best venue search tool. It is interactive and you will be able to see availability immediately. The venue is one of the most important factors in the day. It sets the tone, it creates the mood. It will form the foundation of all the memories you make that day! Choose well is what our team reckons.

10. The Google Tool

Who would know but Google is even part of the wedding movement! For those who prefer working on a computer or laptop for all your planning activities, check out Google’s tips on using their tools for wedding plans.

Do you use any other tools? Tell us about them in the comments.

{Image courtesy of William Marlow, sourced via Creative Commons within Flickr.}

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Choosing the music for your wedding ceremony

Ciara Crossan — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:58:48 +0000

This guest blog post is from church music singer Karoline O’Sullivan who shares her advice for couples when choosing their ceremony music.

When someone asks me what kind of music I like I often have to stop and think. We all know what we like when we hear it on the radio or at a concert, but how easy is it to remember, just off the tops of our heads what it is we really like? This is the most common problem with which brides and grooms come to me. They can feel completely out of their depth when it comes to choosing the music for their ceremony.

It is the role of your singer or musician to take all that stress and worry away from you, but just in case they don’t, here are a few tips to help you out:

Firstly try to get hold of some booklets from previous weddings. Simply looking through these will give you a general outline of how many pieces of music you will need and for church weddings, the type of music that is accepted.
Secondly try to listen to a few recordings which you will find on YouTube and wedding singers websites. As you listen to the recordings, read the lyrics, soon you will find something that really reflects your personality and your relationship as well as the mood you wish to set during the ceremony.
Now would be a good time to speak to whoever is giving the ceremony. Your server or priest may be very open minded about the music you chose but they do like to have some kind of input. Also they may have some great ideas.
Finally you must meet your singer. I don’t believe you will get the best results from simply speaking on the phone or communicating via email, you must request that your singer meets you in person. That way you can ask him or her to sing through a few of the pieces and help you decide what works best. Also hearing the songs may remind you of pieces you learned as a child or something a parent or grandparent once sang. That kind of personal connection with your music really helps to take the stress out of making your final choices and can make a real difference to your wedding ceremony.

I hope that helps a little. To hear some of my recordings and/or to make an enquiry please check out my page or my website. Thanks for reading, Karoline.

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Be a VIP with The Marvels!

Ciara Crossan — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:10:12 +0000

Just got engaged and searching for the perfect wedding band to create the right atmosphere at your wedding? The band that played our very own launch party – Europe’s No.1 Positive Energy Band, The Marvels are playing a showcase gig in The Sugar Club next Saturday 29th January.

A taste for what to expect in the Sugar Club from this class act:

Tickets are strictly limited, so head over to their website and apply now!!

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Wedding Entertainment: Add a bit of Magic!

Ciara Crossan — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:37:48 +0000

As hectic the wedding day is for the bride and groom and wedding party, there is usually a lull in proceedings for the wedding guests between the church/ceremony and the reception main. Sometimes there is finger food, sometimes not. Sometimes there is a string quartet or pianist, sometimes not.

Well, if you are REALLY looking to entertain your guests (and even have a bit of fun yourself!) then you’d be mad not to check out Liam Sheehan Celebrity Magician (he’s performed for Michael Jackson!). I have a huge soft spot for Liam (not just cause he’s from Cork, right?!) and when you watch his video and how he interacts with the couples, so will you:

Check out his full profile and contact Liam about performing as your wedding magician.

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Want your wedding to be a right laugh?!

Ciara Crossan — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:30:03 +0000

Last week I wrote about the Fake Wedding I attended in Hotel Meyrick where we were entertained by “Fr Feely” the priest who also does Bertie impressions! He really added a lift during the speeches of the night and he was keen to let me know that he is now available for wedding entertainment. As with all wedding entertainment, things go in and out of fashion, maybe now its time to think of a wedding comedian, bringing to life all the political characters, wigs ‘n’all and of course he can also be your priest…. father feely!! :)

AS SEEN ON TV:

RTE’s Celebrity Boxing show, Lords of the Ring, Celebrity Eurostar, The Panel, Bull Island, The Late Late Show, No Frontiers, The Afternoon Show, Fr. Ted, Ni Gaelgoer Me [Tg4]…. And that’s just his day job!!

Alan Shortt has worked as a comedian, writer, actor, broadcaster, for the last 15 years, entertaining both private and corporate clients all over Ireland and abroad with his hilarious political impressions.

His characters include: Brian Cowen, Bertie Ahern, Barrack Obama, Bill Clinton, Michael D Higgins, George Lee, Christy Hennessey ….. And many more.

Alan’s one man show is suited to all corporate events, golf outings, conferences, seminars, staff motivation clinics, and even intimate private social gatherings like weddings. Alan always insists in meeting the client during the weeks leading up to the event so he gather as information to add to his material for the event. This offers a very personal touch and works really well with the audience.

to get in touch with Alan to discuss your wedding entertainment and get pricing info, you can ring him direct on 086 8394660 but just make sure to let him know you read about him on the weddingdates.ie blog! :)

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Win your Wedding Band!

Ciara Crossan — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:30:43 +0000

There’s a new website to make your wedding planning another bit easier and its FindABand.ie. Does pretty much what it says on the tin, it’s a website directory of bands from around the country.

To celebrate their launch they are running a competition to pay €2,500 for a wedding band for 1 lucky couple! To enter the competition, you have to submit a short video of yourself and your other half explaining how you met and how you came to be at this happy point of your lives! The competition runs till July 31st 2010 and you have to be getting married after that in order to qualify. Short-listed Videos will be available to watch via their website and the judging will last for 3 weeks after which winners will be announced. There are some T&C’s but nothing too tricky…read about them here.

Sounds like a fun competition – so spread the word to any Autumn/Winter 2010 couples or Weddings in 2011!

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Marvel-ously Christmassy!

Ciara Crossan — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:51:00 +0000

We love a good bit of cheesiness here in WeddingDates.ie HQ, and especially at Christmas, sher all the better!! Our favourite wedding band, The Marvels sent us this fabulously cheesy Christmas video the other day and we just HAD to share it with you guys….lovin’ it! :)

If you want a wedding band that pulls out all the stops with a super charismatic front man then look now further than The Marvels! Click here for more info on The Marvels >>

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Straight from NYC! Wedding Trends for 2010

Ciara Crossan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:17:12 +0000

Last Sunday I was invited down to Adare Manor to their wedding fair to check out the property and see what the renowed 5 star property has to offer potential brides.

Let me tell you…ALOT! It was incredible to see a black carriage being pulled by 2 large black horses with the white feather plumes coming out of the top of their heads! The Manor itself is really spectacular, and the banqueting hall in particular would be amazing for a wedding ceremony. For parties up to 90 people they can set the room up with a long extended banquet table – spectacular!

They had invited wedding planner to the Stars Tatiana Byron to speak to the brides and grooms to be, about Wedding Trends for 2010. Diligent as I am, I scribbled notes for you guys so here we go!

A key piece of advice from Tatiana – Approach any decision for your wedding day with one thought in your mind: “How is this going to affect my wedding guests?” If you always consider your guests then you can’t go too far wrong with your decisions.

Top 10 Trends for 2010

#1 Personalization is key

Suggestions:

Custom designed monograms for the couple. This can be used throughout throughout the wedding day from lights on the dance floor, the aisle runner, invitations, cake toppers, menus….the list goes on!
Custom Wedding Songs. You tell the story and a musician creates a song, you can use for your first dance, for your wedding “music video” etc.
Get a characaturist to do a picture of you the couple which can be used on invitations, to display at the wedding etc. Black Eye Peas singer Fergie did this for her wedding!

#2 Wedding Colours

Suggestions:

Trend at the moment is anything but traditional, Vibrant colours such as oranges, yellows, hot pinks, greens etc.
Use colours as a common thread in your wedding – flowers, linens, invitations, table cloths etc.

#3 Themed Weddings

Suggestions:

French Opulence is popular for 2010. Think Chateau Versailles.
Word of caution. If you are going for a themed wedding, you have to embrace the theme throughout to be true to it and to create the atmosphere you are looking for. This will inevitably drive up the overall cost of your wedding.

#4 Eco Friendly Chic

“Green Factor” Suggestions:

Food and Flowers – grown within 100 mile radius, organic farming
Invitations – sustainable materials eg bamboo, plantable seeds, recycled paper etc. Katherine Heigl had an Eco Friendly Wedding.
Favours – homemade organic cookies, organic caramel apples, potted tulips, bamboo coaster & plants…these are a symbol of good luck!

#5 Signature Cocktails

Suggestons:

Serve your favourite cocktail & name it aafter the happy couple á la “Brangelina”
Cocktail menus can feature your monogram
Cocktails can be matched to your colour scheme, eg coloured liquers, sugar crystals on glass etc.

#6 Dessert

Suggestions:

Cupcake displays very trendy in last year or so
Dessert Spreads and Candy “Bars”
- Gourmet chocolates
- Colourful and towerinig desserts
- Lollipop gardens
- mini cupcake towers v popular
Use your monogram on your cake
Personalised M&Ms with your initials (only costs about €150)

#7 Entertainment

Suggestions:

Non Traditional Performances
- Electric Concert Violinists
- Cirque style performers
- Stilt walkers escorting guests
Trend at the moment for “music videos” in weddings which is basically a 1.5 minute video/photo montage of the couple which can be put to music and shown at the wedding

#8 Bridal Fashion

Trends:

Bridal Fashion follows runways of Paris and Milan
Brides showing more skin
Mini dresses
Multiple gowns for the evening
Convertable dresses
Old Hollywood Glamour, think Grace Kelly
Romantic/Princess like gowns
Sheer fabrics & lace
Mismatched Bridal gowns
one gown, multiple looks
Alyssa Milano’s bridesmaids all looked different
Shop: Sydney, New York OR London; 2Birds Bridesmaid make 1bridesmaids dress for weddings which can be worn in 15 different styles! Something to suit all shapes and sizes and is sure to please your bridesmaids.

#9 Beauty & Accessories

Trends:

Hair down with simple headpiece á la Fergie
Birdcage Veils v popular
Statement Jewellry – beaded necklaces
Natural Make up
Loose cascading curls
Antique brooches used in hair

#10 New Things!

Wedding Websites so couples can share their planning process and journey with their family and friends eg. mywedding.com, projectwedding.com
- Can share updates on hotels, recreation activities, restaurants etc.
- Involve your guests in your wedding planning process
- If you are having a “destination wedding” then a wedding website is almost obligatory to keep people informed of the plan for the few days you are expecting them to travel for.
Blogging about your experience is also a growing trend amongst brides-to-be.
- Build a Bridal Community
Honour your heritage.
- If you have traditions in your family, your wedding is a lovely time to integrate them into your new family!
- Think about food inspired by your heritage, music etc etc.
Celebrities are a great source of inspiration.
Ultimately your wedding is about YOU!
Follow trends but always add the personal touch.

Tatiana also hosts New Yorks finest Luxury Bridal Show called the Wedding Salon so if you are living in NYC or planning to visit, I’m sure it would be WELL worth a look!

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Quirky, not Tacky

Ciara Crossan — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:30:31 +0000

This was originally posted over on the CuriousWines blog as part of their brilliant wedding series. Here I talk about why is OK to put a little (or a lot!) of your personality into your wedding….

Weddings are traditional affairs. The walking down the aisle, giving away the bride and exchanging of vows has been around for decades/centuries/time immemorial. (Delete whichever ones you think are incorrect – I write this blog in my spare time dudes!)

Anyway, being such a traditional event doesn’t mean weddings have to be boring, or staid, or downright dull. Now I admit that I haven’t been to THAT MANY weddings, but it has been said on the street that some weddings can have a bit of a déjà vu effect. Especially if it’s a siblings wedding or someone from the same group of friends. Especially if it is held in the same venue or has the same band. My tupence worth is that you should put your own stamp on your own wedding. It should have a flavour of the couple and include their interests and passions. Why not after all? Nobody but you is going to think that your wedding day is the most special day of their lives, so why make them sit through something beige? Give them something to talk about, something to laugh about and something to remember!

Put some personality into your wedding decor. Particularly with wedding favours or centrepieces, there is great opportunity to be creative! What is exciting about tables numbered 1 to 10? Nothing, that’s what. How about photos of you and the groom in various holiday locations, or with various friends or family members who are sitting at that table. How about themed centre pieces? How about Fortune Cookie favours or little plant pots with seeds? The choices are as limitless as your imagination.

Entertain your guests. Between the ceremony and the meal and between the meal and the band there will be a lull in proceedings. People have taken time off work, bought a new frock and possibly travelled to be with you on your big day. You’d better make damn sure you feed, water and entertain them!! There is nothing worse than people being so hungry before the meal they get cranky, or worse yet – hit the bar too hard! Provide your guests with some finger food or canapés if there is a long gap before they are eating again. A cheese buffet is a nice idea here aswell, especially if you can serve it with some nice wine. [Hint: Curious Wines offer fantastic quality at a great price!] There should also be something more for the guests to do than just drink – I had a magician at my launch party and he worked really well, mingling between the guests, not intrusive at all but the perfect way to liven up peoples afternoon. Other ideas I have heard bandied about are Big Games (ie, inflatable twister, giant boxing ring, Sumo suits etc) sounds a bit mental, but you can be damn sure that people would let their hair down and have a good ol laugh – and isn’t that what you want for people at your wedding?

Please yourself. While you have to consider the needs and wants of your guests (as above) you also can’t please everybody. And if Granny is coming and can’t stand loud music but you have your heard set on a kickin’ band, then I’d be finding Granny a quiet spot where she could hang out. As soon as you start to try to satisfy everyone, you will most certainly end up not satisfying anyone, most particularly yourself. So make the tough choices and make it a day to remember for you guys and filled with fun and personality. Even if you are into Death Metal.

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Waking up in Vegas? Fun Casino Wedding Entertainment!

Ciara Crossan — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:30:53 +0000

Loving Katy Pery’s song at the moment Waking Up in Vegas, there’s a great video to boot! Anyway, if you can’t afford to jet off to Vegas to get married in the presence of Elvis himself, then the next best thing is surely to have some Casino Tables as part of your wedding entertainment!

Fun Casino Ireland are now offering their casino night package specifically designed for weddings! They will advise on how many tables you should have based on the number of guests, but it will set you back between €800 and €1500 for about an hours entertainment for your guests. This would be ideal between the meal and as the band is setting up. They have also partnered with another favourite supplier of ours Ireland’s DJ Network to provide you with a complete offering where you can have a full casino night and DJ (about 5 hours of entertainment) for €1695! This is less than most bands are charging and a real viable alternative if you aren’t really into live music or are looking at managing your costs.

I personally think a night like this would be great for a couple who maybe got married abroad and just want to have a big party when they return home. What a great way to liven up your wedding party! Or, if you are doing the second-day-BBQ, add an extra bit of fun with a few casino tables, lively dealers and give your guests something to really talk about after the wedding is all over.

Why not check out the packages available for weddings or call Paul directly to chat about what he can offer. Fun Casinos Ireland service the whole country.

And to get you in the mood….Watch Katy do her thing! Waking Up in Vegas

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