There are certain parts of wedding planning that are notoriously stressful and certain parts of the day that can give you sleepless nights (ahem, first dance and speeches). Planning a wedding is a big task and if you’re feeling overwhelmed along the way, you may want a wedding professional to step in and give you a hand. Here are 6 services and weddings pros that can help make your planning journey a little bit easier…
1. Wedding Planners
If organising and planning aren’t your forte, you may like to enlist the help of a wedding planner to help you navigate your wedding planning journey and keep you sane! The brilliant thing about a wedding planner is that they have a book jammed full of wedding contacts so they can possibly get you great deals and discounts plus they’re a pro at dealing with dilemmas and decision-making. They’ll help you keep on top of everything from your budget to when to book things.
Wedding Planners & Coordinators
Hollie The Wedding Planner | Weddings by Juliana | Finesse Weddings | Pauline Belton Wedding Planner | Team Bride | The Wedding Festival | Coordination Made Easy | Help Plan My Wedding – Ireland & Abroad | Sharon Mc Meel | Perfect Details | Sakura Weddings | Secret Bridesmaid – International Wedding Planner | Weddings by DD
Main photo from Anne & Julian’s real wedding by Denlo Photography
2. Birth Cert – Sorted
Photo by David McClelland Photography
There’s no doubt about it, the paperwork side of wedding planning can be painful and wedding ceremonies include a lot of it! Regardless of where you’re getting married whether it’s a church, civil, interfaith, spiritual or humanist ceremony, you will need to give a minimum of three months’ notice to the state of your intention to marry – you can book an appointment with your local registrar office online here or you can find a list of Registrar Offices and telephone numbers here.
There’s a list of things you will need to bring to that appointment (read all about what to bring and what’s involved here) including Photo ID, proof of address, PPS numbers, the name of your two witnesses and an Original Long Birth Certificate for both parties plus a colour photocopy. If you’re looking to get your hands on your Original Long Birth Certificate, Irish Certs, Ireland’s premier online certificate service can supply you with this – you simply fill in your details online and they’ll post it out to you (they can also supply marriage certs FYI in case you need a copy at some stage after the Big Day)! Find out more about their service here.
3. Dance Instructor
Photo from Thomas & Jessie’s real wedding by Sinead Firman Photography
Choosing a first dance song can be hard enough, but for some couples the thought of mastering some moves to go with it is terrifying. Not many of us are used to strutting our stuff in full view of our closest family and friends which is a why a little guidance can be much needed! If you’re dreading being in the spotlight, some dance lessons are a great way to build your confidence, perfect your moves and get plenty of practice in. There are several Irish companies that offer one-to-one classes where you can learn the basics or a full, fabulous choreographed routine. You can book dance lessons with I Know a Guy, Viva School of Dance and Michelle Alonzi.
4. Speech Experts
Photo by Tomasz Kornas
Like the first dance, the speech can strike fear in many a person! If you’re sweating at the thought of 1. trying to put a speech together, 2. and the thought of reciting said speech in front of a room full of your favourite people, there are companies that can be of assistance. If you’re need of some guidance, Janie Lazar is a celebrant that also specialises in Wedding Speech Coaching. Janie provides professional speech coaching on a one to one basis (read some of Janie’s top tips here) as well as group coaching sessions where anyone from the Groom to the Father of the Bride can learn how to craft and deliver their speech. Groups are small and a one to one follow-up session is included. Find out more here.
Or if you’re struggling with words, Poems To Go can come to the rescue and create a beautiful personalised poem just for you based on details you give them. They’re just one minute long so are the ideal solution for anyone struggling with the idea of public speaking. Poems To Go can also put together heartfelt or amusing toasts and speeches that range from 1-5 minutes or longer.
5. The Table Plan
Table Plan by Table Plan Designs
On Pinterest, everything looks easy but it can be a different story when you’ve an easel, a glue gun and a bunch of people to get seated. If you want your table plan to look amazing – it’s always a focal point at receptions – Irish company Table Plan Designs are the pros! They specialise in creating beautiful bespoke table plans to match your theme or style – you send them the final guest list the day before the wedding and they’ll whip up a masterpiece for you whether you’re after a footie, music or comic themed table plan or something classic and elegant. Check out some of their stunning designs here!
6. Décor Hire & Styling
Photo from Lorna & Andrew’s real wedding by Mark Donovan Photography | Decor Styling by Finesse Weddings
Shopping for wedding decor can be lots of fun but it can also be lethal for the bank balance – it’s so easy to get swept away with lots of pretty ideas on Pinterest and either you haven’t a clue how to go about it, or you end up picking up lots of accessories you really don’t need and once the Big Day has been and gone, you’ll end up with a Done Deal account for a year trying to get rid of it all. If you’re looking to have a gorgeous look for your decor, another option is to hire a few bits and bobs or enlist the help of a stylist who can use their own amazing collection of props to create a stunning, personalised look for your day. From floral walls to letter lights and chair covers to vintage china hire, decor and event stylists will work with you whether you need help sourcing props or you’re after someone to do the styling for you.