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

A party, a Festival, a Palooza!

Ciara Crossan — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:58:50 +0000

What is a wedding if not a big party with your family and friends all around?! No, I’m not dropping a bombshell on you guys…I haven’t run off and secretly tied the knot! But, last weekend I did celebrate a milestone birthday, but throwing one hell of a milestone bash!!

While this blog is all things weddings, I couldn’t resist sharing this with you as there were quite a few comparisons to a wedding for this party-of-all-parties and because I definitely think some of you may get some alternative wedding inspiration!

I am a big festival goer, and I wanted an outdoors festival theme for my 30th. Working in the industry I do, affords me an insight into some of the best locations and venues in the country and Blackwater Castle in Castletownroche, north Cork fit the bill for me perfectly.

The wow factor of a castle, without the pomp and circumstance. The space to accommodate 60+ people, without a hotel price tag. And most importantly the feeling that you were being trusted completely and welcomed wholeheartedly by the castle’s owner, Patrick. He said he wanted us to treat the castle as our own home, we could move furniture, decorate as we wanted and literally have the run of the place for 3 days!

With the theme decided on and the venue booked we put the word out via an awesomely designed website by the uber-talented Sabrina Dent and voilá Ciarapalooza was a-go-go!

Despite a few random hail showers, the weather held up admirably and allowed us partake in the outdoor activities onsite provided by Blackwater Outdoor Activities center – zorbing, zip lining, clay pigeon shooting and dune buggies – the adrenaline was definitely pumping after them and all were happy to see the BBQ Team rig who had set up onsite and served up gourmet burgers, bratwurst and for the main course a whole BBQ plate, with shoulder of pork which has been cooked for 14 hours, beef brisket, homemade beans and baked potatoes…..mmmm, I’m salivating at the thought of it now!! The guests raved about the food, and with the BBQ Rig being such a talking point, many of them gathered outside near the rig and listened to the funky stylings of our resident DJs for the weekend, Dr Herringbone Dread and John Hennessy and Lord Barry Walsh from Sunday Times Soundsystem.

As it was a Crossan-party, naturally costumes were involved and if people didn’t bring their own, we managed to provide a whole costume room for people to get decked out and transform themselves – we had Xena, Falconhoof, Maid Marian and Robin Hood, a Mexican, a 20s flapper, 80′s fitness girls, cleopatra, and many men in dresses!!

After the treasure hunt, food and birthday cakes the band came on and rocked the castle!! Patrick said to me at one point ” This castle has been standing for over 100 years, I wonder will it still be standing tomorrow!” and we danced and rocked the night away to the wee hours.

I was overwhelmed by the whole event, and really glad that everyone enjoyed themselves. For people who want a wedding that’s more like a party, a DIY castle event is definitely a winner!!

Enjoy a selection of snaps by clicking below…

Venue: Blackwater Castle, Castletownroche, Cork
Food: The BBQ Team
Drink: OnTap.ie
Activities: Blackwater Outdoor Activities
Band: The Hot Blooded Animals
DJs: Dr Herringbone Dread & Sunday Times Soundsystem

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UK Magazine Feature: When Recession is the Norm, a profile of our CEO Ciara Crossan

Ciara Crossan — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:38:48 +0000

Anyone who follows us on Twitter or Facebook will have noticed that we have been talking alot about the UK lately, as we expand WeddingDates across the water. Enterprise Ireland have been instrumental in assisting our business with our international expansion and have connected us with In Market Advisers who have expert knowledge in the field and can make introductions and open some doors for us.

Last month, we were thrilled to beta launch WeddingDates.co.uk and start selling to UK Hotels and wedding venues. And this month, I’m thrilled to have been featured in EP Business in Hospitality Magazine!

You can read full article here >>

Thanks so much to all our customers in Ireland and the UK and family, friends and supporters for encouraging us every step of the way. As always, we welcome all comments and feedback so please don’t be shy!

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10 Tips to Ease that Wedding Planning Stress

guest — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:45:05 +0000

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life.

Here are 10 tips to help take the stress away:

1. Set the date

When deciding on a wedding date some things to bear in mind are:

1.1 Are any of the bridal party or family sitting exams around the date you have in mind?

1.2 Think of your budget – when can you afford to get married?

1.3 Will you be able to get sufficient time off for your wedding and honeymoon?

2. Budget

Weddings are expensive and can put financial pressure on couples. Calculate what you can afford based on your earnings, savings, family contributions etc. This will give you a clearer picture of the kind of wedding you can afford.

3. The wedding venue

This is an important decision. Weigh everything up carefully. Some items for consideration are:

3.1 How many bedrooms are available for your guests and at what rate? (This is the first question your family will ask!)

3.2 Is the wedding co-ordinator at the venue somebody you feel comfortable with & know they can help you?

3.3 Is there a wedding the day after yours?

3.4 How flexible are the hotel if you want to make changes to menus/packages?

3.5 What are the extra charges/hidden costs that need to be considered?

Wedding Dates have a great venue search tool. You can see availability immediately for the date you have in mind.

4. The wedding dress

Most bridal boutiques require appointments so book well in advance.

Don’t feel that you have to bring every female relation with you when looking for a dress; sometimes one person’s opinion that you trust is more helpful. And trust your own opinion.

Be open to trying on dresses that you may not have picked yourself – remembering the people working in the boutiques meet brides every day and knowing their dresses inside out. If they suggest a dress – try it on – you never know!

5. The Legalities of Marriage

Do not put it off!

Go to The General Registry Office for all the information and step-by-step instructions.

6. DIY

If you plan on becoming a do-it-yourself bride allow lots of time.

Have a look at DIY Bride for some brilliant ideas.

7. Music

Do your research and go to see the bands/musicians you have in mind when they play at other weddings – lots of people do it.

8. Delegate

Make a list of things for your bridesmaids and the groom to do. Do not do everything yourself! Or consider using a wedding planner that will ease most of your stress and who can actually save you money in the long run.

9. The Honeymoon

“Mini moons” are popular now where couples are going away for a few days and then embarking on a longer honeymoon later.

10. Plan some time for yourselves

Wedding planning has a way of taking over every conversation. Make a “date night” every so often where “wedding talk” is banned! Remember – it’s a marriage as well as a wedding!

{This post has been written by the ever so funky Karen Buchanan. She is a wedding planner that you should be speaking to! Find her on Facebook, Twitter or Her Blog. The image by Natasha Mileshina was sourced via Creative Commons on Flickr.}

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Valentine’s Specials at Carlton Hotels in Ireland

ClaireB — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:47:14 +0000

Carlton Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick

3 Course Candlelit Dinner with complimentary bubbly and a gift for 35pp.
Call: 013 355 66
Offer available on 10th, 11th and 14th of February.

All 10 Carlton Hotels In Ireland

109pps
2 Night’s bed and breakfast,
1 Romantic dinner for 2, Rose Petals, A bottle of bubbly and chocolates from .
Call: 061 335 66
Email: reservations.castletroy @carlton.ie

Carlton Hotel, Kinsale, Cork

104pps
1 Night bed and breakfast
Gourmet dinner for two with wine
30 minute treatment of your choice in the spa
Call: 021 470 6000
Email: reservations.kinsale@carlton.ie

{Image by Minato}

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Valentine’s Day Specials in Limerick, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal

ClaireB — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:40:55 +0000

Solis Loch Eske Castle, Donegal

€49pp
4 course candlelit dinner with roses and chocolates.
Framed take away photo to be taken before the meal.
Glass of Cava per person.
14 February
Spa Solis
€160 for two people
1 hour in the thermal suite followed by a private romantic, rose petal Jacuzzi bath for two.
a hot oil back massage, side by side in one of our couples suites
Finish with a glass of bubbly
Or go to our Gallery Bar for a delicious meal and some mouthwatering cocktails:
Cupids Kiss- Strawberry Daiquiri- €9
Amore- Passion fruit Cocktail- €9.
Call: 017 497 25100

Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo

€35pp
4 course meal and wine
or
€85pp
Overnight stay that includes dinner, bubbly and chocolates
or
€55pp
Overnight stay that includes breakfast only
10 – 18 February
Live entertainment on 11, 14 and 18 Feb

Strand Hotel, Limerick

€95pps
Special dinner for two with bubbly
Old fashioned movies back in your room
A bottle of prosecco, popcorn and a specially prepared chocolate feast for you to curl up and cuddle on the king sized bed while you enojy the romantic movies together.
Upgrade:
King Size Junior Suites with Glass enclosed balconies
€40 per night
Call: 061 421800

Downhill House Hotel, Mayo

4 course menu for €29.00pp
Call: 096 21033
NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES RECEIVE A VOUCHER WORTH €250 OFF YOUR WEDDING PACKAGE for NEWLY BOOKED 2012/2013 WEDDINGS

{Image by H Matthew Howarth}

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Valentine’s Day Special in Offaly, Clare and Carlow

ClaireB — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:25:24 +0000

Falls Hotel, Clare

€79.00pps
1 Night B&B and Dinner with Prosecco
Or
€159.00
2 Nights B&B, Dinner with Prosecco
Full Body Massage or an Elemis Facial in River Spa
Enjoy the Leap Year and stay for a third night for only 29 euro!
Call: 065 7071004
Email: reservations@fallshotel.ie

Brideghouse Hotel, Offaly

€39.95pp
5 Course dinner with complementary glass of champagne and flowers.
10 – 14 February
€32.50pp
4 Course dinner with complementary glass of champagne and flowers.
10 – 14 February
Call: 057 932 5600
Email: info@bridgehouse.com

Dolmen Hotel, Carlow

€99pp
2 Night’s overnight accomodation
Full Irish Breakfast
Candlelit 4 Course Evening Meal
A box of Lily O’Briens chocolates in your room on arrival
Extend your stay for a 3rd night (Thursday or Sunday) for only an extra €25.00 per person sharing B&B.
Call: 05991 42002
Email: sales@dolmenhotel.ie

{Image by Fatma M.}

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Valentine’s Day Specials in Cork

ClaireB — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:46:30 +0000

Cork International Airport Hotel

€80pps
4 course dinner for two
Strawberries dipped in chocolate on arrival
Full Irish breakfast
Call: 021 454 9800
Email: reservations@corkairporthotel.com

Trident Hotel, Kinsale

4 Course Dinner
€30pp
Or
4 Course Dinner
Full Irish Breakfast
€60pps
Call: 021 477 9300
Email: info@tridenthotel.com

Clarion Hotel

€75pps
10th, 11th and 14th of February
Butler’s chocolates on arrival
1 Night’s Bed and Breakfast
Dinner in Kudos Bar
Call: 021 4224948

Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa

The Island Grill Room
€29.00 per person for 2 courses with Tea and Coffee
or
€39.00 per person for 3 courses with Tea and Coffee and a glass of house wine
Call: 021 4297 000

{Image by Nawal}

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Valentine’s Day Specials in Meath, Kildare and Wicklow

ClaireB — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:33:03 +0000

Get out for a night or two. Soak up the love in your life at one of these special venues.

City North Hotel, Meath

Saturday 11 February
€29.95pp
4 Course Candlelit Meal at Mornington Restaurant and Entertainment
Add 1 Night B&B €72pp, Add 2 Nights B&B €109pp
Or
Tuesday 14 February
€29.95pp
4 Course Candlelit Meal at Mornington Restaurant and Entertainment
Add 1 Night B&B €72pp
Both Offers Include a welcome ‘Kir Royale’ cocktail.
Call: 016 906 666

Village at Lyons,Kildare

€280 per couple
Dinner/Bed & Breakfast for over the weekend of 10th & 11th and 17th & 18th Feb
Call: 016 303505
Email:info@villageatlyons.com

Arklow Bay Hotel, Wicklow

€29pp
Four course dinner for two
Call 0402 32309

Rathsallagh House, Wicklow

€84.50pps
Bed & Breakfast for two people sharing.
A bottle of house wine
Box of Lilly O’Brien’s Chocolates.
A VIP Kildare Retail Village Pass.
A discount card for Newbridge Silverware.
Call:045 403 112

{Image by Helga Weber}

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Wedding Showcase at the Carlton Castletroy Park Hotel Limerick – all welcome!

Shane — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:00:48 +0000

You are cordially invited to attend the Wedding Fayre at the Carlton Castletroy Park Hotel on Sunday 26^th of February 2012 from 12 -5 pm. Admission is complimentary with Bubbly & canapés on arrival.

Whether you are looking for a small intimate wedding or a large lavish affair, the Carlton Castletroy Park Hotel has everything you could wish for! Their dedicated wedding team are here to help you with your every need all you need to say is “I Do”. Plus they offer excellent Inclusive Packages available throughout 2012.

Call Nicola Fagan on 061 508703 to book an appointment with our wedding co-ordinator and let us create your dream wedding.

Click here for more information, or to make an Enquiry for this beautiful Wedding Venue in Limerick!

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Happy New Years!

Shane — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 12:00:57 +0000

Just a quick hello to wish all of you a very Happy New Years! I hope everyone enjoyed their celebrations last night, and that 2012 brings happiness to you and your families! I hope ye all enjoy the last few days of the holidays! We’ll be back soon to keep ye posted on all things read more...

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