Ireland’s first ever DIY Wedding Roadshow

Oh Me, Oh My DIY! Wedding Workshop. Image Credit - Egle Laukyte of White Cat Weddings

Oh Me, Oh My DIY! Wedding Workshop. Image Credit – Egle Laukyte of White Cat Weddings

TWO Cork businesses are joining forces to launch Ireland’s first ever DIY Wedding Roadshow.

Oh Me, Oh My DIY! and WeddingDates.ie will tour the country bringing their DIY workshops to brides at a series of top secret locations during 2016.

Full of fun and creativity, each day-long event will be jam-packed with demos on how to put your own stamp on your wedding. Plus tips on keeping that all-important budget down.

From floristry to bespoke invites, beauty tips to wedding styling – this is a bride-to-be’s dream day!

Each intimate workshop will be styled to a unique theme, with step-by-step instructions on how to recreate the look for your own big day.

A delicious lunch, sweet treats and refreshments will be provided – and a celebratory cocktail will toast your craftiness at the end of the day. Each attendee will leave laden down with goodies and their completed DIY projects.

Cathy O’Donoghue said “Since the recession a few years ago, I think people began getting a bit more creative when it came to home decor, weddings and parties. It’s really rewarding and boosts the old self-esteem to see your ideas take shape!”
“Brides are going to love the workshops for so many reasons! Besides going home with their own DIY projects from the day, they will have a notebook full of tips, tricks, contacts and new ideas.”

The first DIY Wedding Workshop takes place on Sunday 21st February from 11-5pm at the beautiful Flemings Restaurant in Cork City. Tickets priced €140 each. Limited capacity.

To purchase a ticket, go to www.ohmeohmydiy.com and for more details email ohmeohmydiy@gmail.com

Oh Me, Oh My DIY! Workshop. Image Credit - Naomi Kamat Photography

Oh Me, Oh My DIY! Workshop. Image Credit – Naomi Kamat Photography


Fantastic surprise by Priest at Wedding Mass

priest Ray Kelly sings at wedding

A Priest, Fr Ray Kelly, has surprised a whole Church full of people at the wedding ceremony of Chris and Leah O’Kane. That’s all I’ll say, as I don’t want to ruin the surprise. Watch the video below!

 


New TV show “I Do… Take Two”, to give couples a chance to right all the wrongs that occurred on their wedding day

Your wedding day – it’s supposed to be the biggest day of your life.  But maybe it didn’t quite go to plan and instead went more down the pan.

 

Did a storm scupper your marquee reception or a rogue page-boy create a ruckus in the church? Maybe the best man’s speech revealed too much detail about the ladsy stag. Did a key family member not make it to the ceremony, the rings go missing or the groom’s fly was down? Or perhaps your honeymoon turned into a five star disaster.

 

Whatever your wedding day catastrophe, Tyrone Productions want to hear from you. They’re currently looking for married couples for a new show – ‘I Do…Take Two’ – in which married couples get to renew their wedding vows and right the wrongs from Big Day number one by doing it all again – but this time just how you dreamed it would be.

 

 

No matter how long you’ve been married – be it one year or 50 years – make a big romantic gesture by getting in touch with them now. Email Robert with your wedding day disasters at weddings@tyroneproductions.ie with your name, phone number, where you’re from and how long you’ve been married.


Ultimate Weddings Live in Association with FRANC comes to Kilkenny this October!

The wedding show that should not be missed will be happening at The Hub, Kilkenny on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th October!  Meet FRANC, the name that is synonymous with everything stylish and individual in the wedding industry who will share his expertise and vision and help you make your day unique.

 

Ultimate Weddings Live have also have brought together a host of local exhibitors who will professionally advise and assist you in planning and booking your entire wedding easily and stress free.

 

With everything from reception venues and dresses to cars and favours, they have assembled all you could need under one roof to help you make your big day extra special.

 

Ultimate Weddings Live events are action-packed days out with so much to interest a bride-and groom-to-be. Venues to menus, flowers, cakes, video and photographers – in just a few hours at Ultimate Weddings Live it is possible for you to book your whole wedding thanks to the fantastic selection of professional, affordable wedding vendors. Meet the people who’ll be supplying your wedding services face-to-face on the day, check out discounts and offers and quickly work out what the competition has to offer. For the busy couple, it’s stress-free, fun and a great day out.

 

Relax and enjoy the Catwalk shows, starring models from the Andrea Roche Model Agency, which will be staged at 1.30 and 5.00 each day. All gowns and groomswear will be available from stockists exhibiting at the event.

 

Be entertained and informed by “An Audience with Franc” from the main stage at 3.00 each day.

 

Presale tickets can be booked on www.ultimateweddingslive.com for just €5 or you can pay €7 at the door.

 

For more information please contact Joanne Maloney on 0878346147 orultimateweddingslive@gmail.com


Over 50 per cent of Irish brides say bad weather will disrupt their big day

A new survey has found that over 50 per cent of Irish brides say bad weather will disrupt their big day, with a third citing the likelihood of good weather in summer months as a major factor in choosing the time of year to get married in Ireland.

 

The survey of over 230 Irish brides was conducted by one of Ireland’s top wedding venues, Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa, which, in response will launch its new ‘Rain or Shine’ offer at the hotel’s Wedding Fair on October 21st.

 

The four star Dunboyne Castle Hotel’s new ‘Rain or Shine’ offer takes the stress out of Ireland’s typically bad weather for brides and grooms. If the sun shines, the bridal party can have their photography taken in the hotel’s picturesque tree-lined grounds. If the weather is not so good, photography can be taken in the hotel’s light-filled Castle Lounge and originally restored Dunboyne Mansion, with a romantic, candle-lit drinks reception.

 

“We want to give people the wedding of their dreams and this survey is so useful in identifying that for an incredible 53 per cent of brides-to-be surveyed, bad weather is a real wedding worry” said Elisabet Diaz, General Manager of Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa.

 

The survey also found that over half of respondents said the reputation of wedding venues was a primary factor in choosing a location, more specifically those with great surroundings and photo opportunities. Over 70 per cent choose the weekend to get married for guest’s convenience with Saturday being the most popular day. 

 

Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa’s Wedding Fair will feature everything the engaged couple needs to create their perfect wedding from the latest trend – providing guests with a gorgeous ‘pick n’ mix’ sweet selection – to wedding bands, DJ’s, décor and luxury cars.  The room will also be dressed as a real wedding to give bridal parties a real sense of what their special day will look like. 

 

The Fair will also feature a Bridal fashion show of Ciara Roe bridal gowns as well as the perfect ‘Mother of the Bride’ outfits. To entertain visitors, there will be performances by wedding favourites The Halleluiah Gospel Choir and dancers, Celtic Fusion. All couples who book their wedding at Dunboyne Castle Hotel’s Wedding Fair will be given a complimentary overnight with breakfast at the hotel’s sister property, Dublin‘s five star boutique Dylan Hotel.

 

Renowned for its friendly service, sweeping grounds and the beautiful décor of the original Dunboyne House, Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa offers couples the ideal wedding destination in the countryside, just minutes from Dublin. The bridal party and guests can also enjoy the hotel’s Ivy Brasserie and its award-winning Seoíd Spa, set over three floors with one of Ireland’s most extensive thermal treatment facilities.

 

The Wedding Fair at Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa takes place from 1 – 5 pm, Sunday, October 21st. See www.dunboynecastlehotel.com


Confetti Live! in association with Franc comes to Kilkenny this weekend

TV sensation Franc is the star of the show at Confetti Live! coming to Kilkenny’s The Hub this weekend, October 13th & 14th.

Ireland’s sassiest, classiest wedding fair, Confetti Live! promises to be the most spectacular wedding event for brides and grooms-to-be in the Kilkenny region.

Whether you’re engaged, have just popped the question or are deep in the organisation process, there’ll be something for everyone. Bring your bridesmaids, mum, dad and sisters – there’s something for everyone at Confetti Live!

You can also expect to meet and chat with vendors and discover offers from a whole range of products and service suppliers including venues, food, favours and wine; bridal shops, dresses and grooms suiting; shoes, accessories and beauty; travel, honeymoons and weddings abroad; cars, wedding bands, DJs and soloists; plus pre-marriage courses and advice.

Confetti Live! Kilkenny will also feature a number of live audiences with Franc each day, where he will dispense his words of advice and wisdom gleaned from his many years in the planning and organising of stylish, exclusive and exceptional weddings worldwide.

Then relax and watch fantastic catwalk shows, professionally produced and staged, starring models from the Andrea Roche Model Agency, featuring gorgeous gowns available from stockists exhibiting at the show.

Ahead of the event brides-to-be in the Kilkenny area have a fantastic opportunity to avail of discounted tickets to Confetti Live! if they book online before the event.  Just visitwww.confettilive.ie to get yours now!


Top tips from leading website MarryAbroad.co.uk on tying the knot with children

This month destination wedding site MarryAbroad.co.uk has surveyed its UK couples database, and found that 40% of those choosing a wedding overseas already have children.

 

And the site’s wedding planners, based in both long and short haul destinations, typically found that over 5 years, they have seen on average a 17% increase of couples with children or step-children, getting hitched.

 

Joint Founder Steph Bishop perceives this trend, currently big in the wedding industry, to be especially suited to destination weddings – as couples often will combine their wedding with a family holiday.

 

Bishop states: “We are seeing couples choose child-friendly resorts more and more often, and sometimes even combine their wedding with a christening event too”.

 

MarryAbroad.co.uk’s Top 10 Tips for Child-Friendly Destination Weddings

 

1.             Find a resort with a kids club / Crèche

 

Up to 80% of wedding couples staying at Sani Resort, Halkidiki, Greece, use the facilities of the kids club and crèche, according to Anna Wohlfart, Wedding Coordinator. And on the actual wedding day, many couples book a babysitter during their evening celebrations – giving them time to enjoy the event, in the knowledge their children are safe and sound.

 

2.             Consider the weather

 

For example, it is best to avoid Thailand in the hottest months of April and May – when humidity is at its highest, when marrying with small children. In Southern Europe, avoid the heat of a hot summer’s day, and choose the morning or early evening for the ceremony.

 

3.             Timings

 

For long haul destination weddings, try if possible to arrive a week before the actual day, so that kids can acclimatise slowly and get over jet lag.

 

4.             Water

 

Make sure children stay hydrated. Include lots of pool and beach time to keep them cool!

 

5.             Get the children involved

 

Try to involve children with the ceremony as much as possible, as ring carriers and flower girls.

 

6.             Food

 

Arrange a familiar feast for children, speaking to the wedding planner in advance to ensure children have food they will recognise on the day. And don’t forget the seating – wedding planners can also arrange for smaller seats, tables and high-chairs for kids.

 

7.             Clothing

 

If children are dressing up; remember that heavy dresses or suits in a hot country can be uncomfortable.

 

8.             Older Children

 

Thai wedding planner Creative Events Asia wedding found that this year, 15% of bookings were for couples remarrying, with older children. If taking teenagers away and it is within budget, let them take a friend along for company.

 

9.             Keepsakes

 

Angelina Jolie is famously marrying a certain Mr Pitt this year, and reportedly has commissioned individually designed jewellery, for all of her six children – as keepsakes on their special day. Make like Angelina, and buy something a little special for children to give them at the ceremony, that will remind them of the wedding for years to come.

 

10.          End the night with a bang

 

Fireworks on the beach and lantern releasing, is always a huge hit with children!

 

For more information, please visit www.MarryAbroad.co.uk or visit them on stand A54 at the National Wedding Show, Earls Court, London, 28-30 September 2012.


Confetti live! in Association with Franc Comes to Kilkenny this October

TV sensation Franc is the star of the show at Confetti Live! coming to Kilkenny’s The Hub this October 13th & 14th.

Ireland’s sassiest, classiest wedding fair, Confetti Live! promises to be the most spectacular wedding event for brides and grooms-to-be in the Kilkenny region.

Whether you’re engaged, have just popped the question or are deep in the organisation process, there’ll be something for everyone. Bring your bridesmaids, mum, dad and sisters – there’s something for everyone at Confetti Live!

You can also expect to meet and chat with vendors and discover offers from a whole range of products and service suppliers including venues, food, favours and wine; bridal shops, dresses and grooms suiting; shoes, accessories and beauty; travel, honeymoons and weddings abroad; cars, wedding bands, DJs and soloists plus pre-marriage courses and advice.

Confetti Live! Kilkenny will also feature a number of live audiences with Franc each day, where he will dispense his words of advice and wisdom gleaned from his many years in the planning and organising of stylish, exclusive and exceptional weddings worldwide.

Then relax and watch fantastic catwalk shows, professionally produced and staged, starring models from the Andrea Roche Model Agency, featuring gorgeous gowns available from stockists exhibiting at the show.

Ahead of the event brides-to-be in the Kilkenny area have a fantastic opportunity to avail of discounted tickets to Confetti Live! if they book online before the event.  Just visit www.confettilive.ie to get yours now!


Couples wanted for Francs DIY Brides

Wedding planner extraordinaire “Franc” is back!
This time in the role of “Mentor” to brides on a budget.

The series will follow brides and their fiancés as they prepare for their wedding day while being closely mentored by Ireland’s leading wedding expert, “Franc”.

The happiest day of your life can actually be an expensive experience. Franc has come up with a host of ingenious ideas to help brides on a budget feel that they aren’t budget brides. He is going to share his tips and flair with 6 lucky couples to help them create their very own cost effective wedding!

But Do It Yourself, means Do it Yourself!
In his new series, Franc is not the wedding planner but he is going to teach six Brides and Grooms all his “tricks of the trade”, so that they can produce their own unique wedding by doing the work themselves. By rolling up their sleeves and taking Franc’s creative tips on board, the couples will not only get their own unique wedding but will also be able to make a limited budget go further than they could have imagined all because they are going to do it themselves with Franc by their side.

For couples who have been putting off their wedding because of financial constraints or for those couples who haven’t a clue how to create that ‘wow’ factor for their wedding – Franc will dip into his box of wedding tricks to show these couples how by using their imagination, creativity and by enlisting the help of family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, they will be able to make the most of their money to create their own couture wedding.

From stunning second hand wedding dresses to home made cakes to smelted heirloom rings and décor that will blow you away, Franc has the ideas and ‘know how’ that every bride wants and needs, to turn a wedding on a limited budget into an exclusive, stylised ‘dream come true’ event.

As Franc says “you don’t have to look like a budget bride just because you are a bride on a budget”

If couples would like to participate in this new RTÉ series, they must be getting married between July and December 2011.

Download application form here


Cromleach Lodge provides an idyllic setting for weddings and weekend breaks

Cromleach Lodge Country House, Sligo, is situated in the quiet hills above one of Ireland’s most renowned trout fishing lakes, Lough Arrow on the borders of Counties Roscommon & Leitrim. This 4* Luxury Sligo Hotel is famous for it’s fine cuisine, splendid accomodation and genuine Irish Hospiality. It is an excellent destination wedding venue with it’s own wedding co-ordinator to help tailor every aspect of your wedding. A Champagne Wedding Showaround is taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of January 2010.

To find out more about Cromleach House 4* Luxury Hotel, Spa and Wedding Venue click here.
In the video below one of the proprietors Christy Tighe speaks to a local writer Brian Leydon. Several other videos are available on their website