Whether you have been to Ireland 10 times and already know your favourite places, or have never been and are just scrolling and dreaming, it’s a good idea to make a solid plan for your destination wedding.
Once you’ve committed and figured out the practicalities of budget, dates, guest list etc. you will need to decide if you are going to hire a wedding planner or not. We play at a lot of weddings and the ones with a planner always run more smoothly. If you have really small group and are good at delegating then you might just get away without one. But once the guests start RSVP-ing kinda unexpectedly… you could need some help, a lot of help.
The venue is probably the first big decision. Dublin or the West Coast? City or Rural? Castle or chic boutique hotel? There are so many amazing venues in Ireland. Great food and great local suppliers. This will probably be your biggest spend on the wedding day also. Your venue is your platform to make your dream day (or days) reality. A planner can help you with this.
While we’re at it let’s just look at some really important differences. Most hotels will have a wedding co-ordinator who can help with a lot of the important stuff like rooming, limited liasing with suppliers and catering. But your own personal wedding planner takes this to another level. They can manage payments, recommend suppliers, Manage timelines with all your suppliers. They can arrange local transport, book welcome dinners and day 2 parties (Irish style). Is there anything they can’t do?
So you’ve booked the venue! Amazing! Next step, the suppliers. From Florists, Stylists, Cake makers, Photographers, Videographers, Musicians, Wedding nannies, Make up Artists, Hairstylists…..
Where do you start? How do you keep organised? OK…. now breathe….
There is a lot to organise, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Most couples plan 1year to 2 years out from their wedding day. Some do it with just 4 months planning and it can be done!
The order to book your suppliers is so personal. Sometimes one supplier can recommend another or they work together regularly. Keep good records. Try to speak to your prospective suppliers and ask questions. We do this all the time and are happy to share our knowledge.
In the end it is your day and you will have to trust your instincts and get some help.
Asgards (that’s us!) play for ceremonies and drinks receptions/ parties nationwide. Traditional Irish music for a real Irish party or truly romantic ceremony on Irish instruments. Drop us a line and let’s talk destination weddings!