The staggering price of weddings in this country.

pooch90

OP, Station House Kilmessan is a beautiful spot with lovely grounds for civil if you wanted a church alternative. Great staff, food, atmosphere. Very reasonable prices.Summer weekend minimum numbers are 100 and basic package starts at €55 for a weekend.

RE band, ours cost over €2K for drinks reception, 4 piece band and DJ. To enjoy the entire day dancing your socks off was the best money spent in the whole wedding

Electric Sheep

The whole cycle is driven by the wedding industry - a fool and his money are easily parted. Nobody needs a 2 or 3 day extravaganza of a wedding with multiple bridesmaids/groomsmen and whatever "unique" gimmick that is at every wedding that particular season.

Elope. Save yourself the stress and expense of planning a wedding that will be over and done with, a dress you will never wear again, and a day that is really just like every other Irish wedding. Spend the money on a deposit for your new home - you will never regret it.

uck51js9zml2yt

We got married in the carnegie court hotel in swords.
Had the ceremony there with a solemniser.
We had 66 for the meal and used the restaurant. The early bird gave us a choice of 5 dishes and 3 courses for €19 a head.
People just ordered what they wanted and we had wine and soft drinks for those who wanted it.
The tables were set out properly and everyone was happy. I think the bill came to about 1800.

We know of numerous couples who have done the same since.

The alternative was Turkey and ham or fish for 45 a head in the function room.
We had a dj for the evening and food which went to waste as everyone was so full from dinner.

Markcheese

If you've got the money and want the do , go for it ... If you think it's overpriced do it different ... A decent venue that's expensively kitted out,with loads of expensive staff is gonna cost ...
My self and my wife married 5 and a half years ago and worked our arses off to do it on a budget (cos we didn't have loads) family and friends helped a lot.. I organized the cattering ( but I have that background) found a great venue and we fed, and watered 85 people at a total budget of 5 grand... And didn't scrimp ..
It'd probably cost about 10 grand (including Boose for the night)if I hadn't pulled in friends to help organism and I got lucky with the venue (not a hotel) they did way more than I could have expected or even dreamed of ...

clint_silver

Saoirse Rough Menu wrote: »

We got married in the carnegie court hotel in swords.
Had the ceremony there with a solemniser.
We had 66 for the meal and used the restaurant. The early bird gave us a choice of 5 dishes and 3 courses for €19 a head.
People just ordered what they wanted and we had wine and soft drinks for those who wanted it.
The tables were set out properly and everyone was happy. I think the bill came to about 1800.

We know of numerous couples who have done the same since.

The alternative was Turkey and ham or fish for 45 a head in the function room.
We had a dj for the evening and food which went to waste as everyone was so full from dinner.

I cant resist. Why would you go to Turkey for ham or fish?

Carnegie great spot for a wedding

uck51js9zml2yt

clint_silver wrote: »

I cant resist. Why would you go to Turkey for ham or fish?

Carnegie great spot for a wedding

We didn't

They even translated some of the menus into Slovak for some of my wife's family and had Slovak staff on our table.

Effects

Toots wrote: »

Please don't make assumptions like this about the OP. You have no idea how religious or non religious they are.

I'm not making assumptions. I'm basing it on the definition of a Christian from the bible.

Toots

xpletiv wrote: »

I have been engaged for 6 months and have been looking around Ireland for a nice venue. The church we are getting married in only does Saturday ceremonies so we have to have it on a Saturday. What I cant believe is the absolute greed of venues; MOST cost about 100 euro a head, for basic enough package of canapes, 3 course and evening food and wine, but they also have insane minimum numbers of 100 people and sometimes more (140 ive found) meaning a wedding costs MINIMUM 10000 euros. Now, call me cynical, but are we in Ireland not still in recession!? Are people actually paying this crazy amounts?! And most importantly, with the lovely new budget that just came out, new house buyers have to have 20% of their mortgage (thanks older generation!) so I would now assume people are going to spend less on their wedding, yet we cant get past the minimum numbers part, and no where seems to be negotiable for price or numbers. Any tips? Also, to vendors out there that may read this, consider that the generation that is currently getting married is being destroyed by tax and costs as it is and now have to save 20% for houses. I really think the minimum numbers thing is a joke. Especially for the prices you are charging!

What venues have you been looking at? There are a lot of venues who are charging a lot less than that. You need to cut your coat according to your cloth. If you've got a budget of €5000 there's no point in looking at uber fancy hotels/country estates because it's highly unlikely that you'll get the reception for that price, and you'll just end up disappointed.

What can you actually afford to spend on your wedding? As you've already found out, a Saturday wedding is more expensive. A Saturday in summer/xmas will be more expensive again. So you need to decide whether you want to change church and get married on a weekday, or keep your church and accept that getting married on the Saturday will drive up your costs, and factor the Saturday premium into your package. Have you set a rough date yet? For example if you're looking at a Saturday in July, that's pretty much the most expensive day of the year to get married and hotels will have absolutely no problem filling that date, so they're under no pressure to cut prices/minimum numbers in order to get a booking.

When you have that worked out what your budget is, then you need to make a list of things you want to have on the day ie cars, flowers, dj, band, photographer/videographer, dress, suits, bridesmaids/groomsmen etc.

Decide which ones you HAVE to have, and which ones you would consider going without if the budget is getting stretched.

Next make a guest list, so you'll know for definite how many people you want to have at the wedding (there may be less on the day due to declines but that's not something you need to worry about until nearer to the day iteself).

Once you know that, look for venues that don't have huge minimum numbers. If you see somewhere that you really like but that the minimum numbers is putting you over budget, don't be afraid to email/call them and see how flexible they are on the numbers. One of the advantages to getting married mid week in the off season is that hotels are much more willing to negotiate on stuff like price per head, minimum numbers, and extras thrown in. Check what each package includes, bearing in mind that ones that cost slightly more per head might actually be better value in terms of what's included on them. If you see a venue that you like but they've not put the prices up on their website (SO ANNOYING) email them and ask for a price list.

Don't even bother going to venues that are outside your price range. Have your research done before you go to view the hotel, so you'll know if you can afford it, then you're literally going to go and have a look at the venue in person, and meet the wedding co-ordinator. When you're at the venue, definitely check if there's any wiggle room with the prices, but at least you'll be in the position that if they say no, it won't mean that you'll have to go back to the drawing board.

Just to give you a few ideas of hotels in the dublin region that are doing prices for less than €100 per head, here's a few I've found:

Woodenbridge Hotel Diamond Package €36 per head (p/h) weekends, €29.50 midweek and off season. Minimum numbers 60, but will quote for smaller weddings.
Woodenbridge Hotel Gold Package €47 p/h weekend, €39.50 midweek & off season. Minimum number 60 but will quote for smaller weddings. Includes wine for the meal, sparkling wine for the toast, evening food.
Summerhill House Hotel Riverton Package €60 p/h Friday & Saturday from Sept to April, includes dinner and toast drinks. Minimum number 100.
Summerhill House Hotel Country Rose Package €69 p/h. Same things as Riverton Package for dates in May to August. Minimum numbers 100.
Moyvalley Hotel from €62.50, includes dinner & toast drinks, and evening food. Doesn't say what the minimum numbers are.
Tulfarris Hotel €49 p/h November - February (excluding bank hols & 27-31 december), €59 p/h in March, April & October, €55 p/h Sunday-thursday May-Sept excluding bank hols. All include wine for dinner and evening food. Minimum numbers 100 for weekend and 80 for mid week.
Leixlip Manor Sapphire Package €50.50 p/h for Friday or Saturday in November, December (excl 26-31), March & April. €59 p/h for Friday or Saturday in May to October. Includes wine with dinner, and evening food. Minimum numbers 75 November - April, 90 May to October.

That's all I've got time for at the minute, but should give you a good idea of what's out there for well under €100 per head, and with lower minimum numbers. All of these hotels have mentioned on their site that they will cater for smaller weddings also. Good luck with the hunt.

Toots

Effects wrote: »

I'm not making assumptions. I'm basing it on the definition of a Christian from the bible.

Again, you have no idea whether or not the OP is a practicing catholic. Also, have a read of the forum charter, particularly the bits about 'Keeping It Civil' and arguing with moderators on thread.

Effects

Toots wrote: »

Again, you have no idea whether or not the OP is a practicing catholic. Also, have a read of the forum charter, particularly the bits about 'Keeping It Civil' and arguing with moderators on thread.

Thanks for the reply but I was referring to Christians, not Catholics. It's not the same thing.

Toots

Effects wrote: »

Thanks for the reply but I was referring to Christians, not Catholics. It's not the same thing.

Sigh. Banned for 1 week.

SK76

Ballykealey manor Carlow

MadDog76

Neyite wrote: »

The prices will come down Op, if people stop paying.

But, most people are like you - they will grumble, but still go for or be guilted into by family, the standard format of wedding and all that it entails and cough up the money for it. And vendors know this. They know people want the vintage car, the three bridesmaids, church music, DJ and all the trimmings.

I know someone who had their wedding - outfits, sit down 3-course meal for 60 and a honeymoon all for €2,000. They didnt bother with a lot of trimmings and it was one of the nicest weddings I attended. Food was sublime.

You dont have to follow the standard format and can do something really beautiful and unique for a lot less money.

I'm sorry but ............. can you break that down for me please???

How much were the "outfits" exactly?
How much did the venue charge per person exactly?
And finally where in the name of god did they go on honeymoon??

Or did you mean to say 20,000 euros

laurinjames

Irish wedding guests have very high expectations, and this is a costly country for eating and drinking out it.

DesperateDan2

Weddings! Elope! put the money towards a downpayment for your home then invite everyone around for a house warming DD2

Milly33

Not going there again silver tis all the same nonsense if you asked to play a party or pub they would do it for a few hundred wedding and tis thousands..

fits

I'm fed up with it too. Trying on dresses today again, and nothing I liked for less than 2k. I'm not looking for anything massively fancy, just good design and good fabric. Too much to ask for 1000 apparently.

Addle

fits wrote: »

I'm fed up with it too. Trying on dresses today again, and nothing I liked for less than 2k. I'm not looking for anything massively fancy, just good design and good fabric. Too much to ask for 1000 apparently.

Wedding dresses - why do brides bother?
Wearing a colour they'd never wear at any other occasion.
Do they think they're a virginal princess in their 30s?!
Women who are so stylish 364 days of the year and then wear some boring bleugh dress on their wedding day, that's probably the most they'll ever spend on an outfit in their life.
I really don't get it!

Brides and grooms have no one but themselves to blame for the expense of 'the' day.

hattoncracker

Prices are crazy, alright. I'm getting married in Newry because it works out so much cheaper. £40 a head for the top all inclusive package, including wine and a 6 course meal. 85 minimum.

fits

Addle wrote: »

Wedding dresses - why do brides bother?
Wearing a colour they'd never wear at any other occasion.
Do they think they're a virginal princess in their 30s?!

.

so...what would you wear?

People don't wear white coz they don't want to look like brides, not coz they dislike the colour.

clint_silver

Milly33 wrote: »

Not going there again silver tis all the same nonsense if you asked to play a party or pub they would do it for a few hundred wedding and tis thousands..

If you don't want to go there why continue your online tirade against prices bands charge.

Addle

fits wrote: »

so...what would you wear?

People don't wear white coz they don't want to look like brides, not coz they dislike the colour.

It's probably the least flattering colour available to pasty irish women.
I'm not engaged. I don't know what I'd wear. But I do know I wouldn't wear white/ivory. I like to think I'd buy a beautiful gown. I definitely wouldn't waste hard saved money on an unremarkable wedding dress.

rainbow kirby

We're getting married in Limerick (OH's home town) in May - it's working out around 20% cheaper than Dublin (my home city) and around half the cost of getting married here in London. We were finding it hard to get quotes here for less than three figures sterling a head, combining that with the viciously expensive accomodation and travel for a lot of people... crazy stuff altogether. We also priced up getting married in a nice hotel in the town in Wales where my OH holidayed every summer growing up but it was still working out too expensive.

The weakness of the euro against sterling is making getting married in Ireland great value for us. We're paying €56 a head for the mid-range package at the hotel for 85-ish, having a humanist ceremony on site (we were lucky enough to get the one Limerick-based celebrant so no extra travel expenses, and no fancy cars needed to take us to a ceremony site or to the venue), we have our photographer from within my OH's family and we have a DJ booked for the evening. My dress was relatively cheap (£200 for dress, petticoat and bolero) and he's renting suits for himself and the brothers.

uck51js9zml2yt

My wifes dress was made in a week and cost 300 for satin.

Granted she got it made at home in Eastern Europe by a friend who was a dress maker.

I really dont know why people go on about the cost of weddings when they can be doing well and cheaply with a little bit of determination.

Its when everyone wants hundreds of guests and to impress the guests that things go wrong.

Ours was for 66 people, 6 years ago.
The meal cost 1800 and the day in total about 3000. plus wedding dress and my suit.
I got the a suit in the outlet centre in Banbridge.

fits

Addle wrote: »

It's probably the least flattering colour available to pasty irish women.
I'm not engaged. I don't know what I'd wear. But I do know I wouldn't wear white/ivory. I like to think I'd buy a beautiful gown. I definitely wouldn't waste hard saved money on an unremarkable wedding dress.

well good luck to you. I started the hunt being fairly open minded about what I want. Now i know i do want a pale colour. Not all wedding dresses are unremarkable. I can tell you i have seen some beautiful ones, i just won't pay the price they ask for them.

Deise67

fits wrote: »

Also check out the Stephouse, Borris house, and Ballybeg house (friend of mine got married there quite cheaply and raved about it). They're all driveable from Dublin and wouldn't be large venues.

Lord Bagenal is very nice also (and on the river) as is the Rivercourt in Kilkenny.

highly recommend the stephouse in Borris , got married there 3 years ago , venue suits a smaller group, food is first class , rooms are fab , we went for an all inclusive package and a more tailored menu
think it was €85 per head but there are different deals , bout sixty people @ ours !

wuffly

A lot of people have given you options budget wise. I would if I were change the day and get better value on the venue. We got married in a 5 star hotel 65pp on a thurs. It wasn't that we wanted a flash venue but when I was kid the venue was a school & monastery with lovely grounds and spent most of my weekends as kid tearing around there, so it was special for us. Everything else we bargained hunted for or family were able to help with, we organised from abroad so we were lucky our families helped out so much(time & effort). Loads of people will say 'its only a day' etc... which is all true but at the same time its your only wedding day (hopefully). Its the only time you'll get all the people that the two of you love together, yes their will other family weddings but (for us anyway) the other half of the crowd will be different. I remember thinking on the day how lucky we were to have such great people in our lives and how genuinely grateful we were to have so many of them there. It really could have been in a shed, as long as we had music. The venue was great, guests loved the food etc... don't regret the choice but we hardly noticed it on the day. We have nice photos from the grounds which we could have gotten anyway. The only thing I would say is get a decent photographer they are really the main thing you have after the day beside a happy marriage that is! good luck!

pwurple

fits wrote: »

I'm fed up with it too. Trying on dresses today again, and nothing I liked for less than 2k. I'm not looking for anything massively fancy, just good design and good fabric. Too much to ask for 1000 apparently.

The dress was the easiest part to save money for me. I sold my dress for more than I paid for it originally, second-hand. It was a silk taffeta fabric, slightly darker than ivory... full length. I got it for 300 on ebay, in my size, second-hand. I had it altered very slightly to fit me perfectly (for another 60), got it professionally cleaned afterwards, and resold for 550 euro 3 months after the wedding. I had tried on various shapes and styles in shops, and knew pretty much what suited me before I got it. (v neckline etc)

There are numerous second-hand shops, there is an internet stuffed with dresses for sale.

fits

pwurple wrote: »

There are numerous second-hand shops, there is an internet stuffed with dresses for sale.

believe me, I am trawling it. most dresses on the Irish second hand site are well over 1000 still!
I suppose if I have patience something will appear.

Neyite

Addle wrote: »

It's probably the least flattering colour available to pasty irish women.
I'm not engaged. I don't know what I'd wear. But I do know I wouldn't wear white/ivory. I like to think I'd buy a beautiful gown. I definitely wouldn't waste hard saved money on an unremarkable wedding dress.

I'm a typical pasty irish woman, and I dont fancy caking myself in cresote fake tan, so I deliberately tried on dresses without any tan or makeup to see if they suited my skin. The dress that suited my skin tone was a cream lace over ivory so its very warm toned. The rest I tried looked lovely, but this one gave me the whole 'glow' thing, because it suits me so well.

What seems unremarkable to you in a gown, may be the most beautiful dress ever to the woman wearing it - it may make her look slimmer than usual, bustier than normal, taller than normal, anything that gives her that extra confidence boost and makes her feel amazing because she looks amazing. It really is about how gorgeous it makes you feel. My gown gives me the best ever version of me.

byhookorbycrook

Barnardos do new , never worn bridal dresses for a fraction of the price. Worth checking out. We had the wedding we could afford, not what we thought would impress the neighbours. And we didn't ask for cash for " gifts" as has become the norm at many weddings now.

Gatica

clint_silver wrote: »

Sounds like what youre doing is looking for a car armed with a budget for a mid range saloon but checking out the ferrari and complaining about the price. It doesnt work that way.

Set your budget for everything. Break out the costs so you have everything fixed or very close to it. Then start looking at venues that fit into your budget of which I guarantee you there are, youre just not looking at them.

ballymagarvey/bellinter/tankardstown are near me at 120e-140e a head. theres also 5-6 hotels within 20 minutes of there at 30-50e a head.

It is what it is. someone will pay the big money cos they can afford it, (to the victors go the spoils and all that) someone will pay the small money cos thats all they have in their budget. I work at weddings, the happiness index on any given wedding day is 100% affected by the people there, not the price of the venue.

^This is it....^

If people want a fancy wedding with all the fancy stuff attached, then you can't expect that to be dirt cheap. Good hotels with a good reputation will be popular and therefore be able to put a higher price-tag on their goods and services; as well as that, the better (whether slightly or hugely better) service and food in general is going to be costing them more than a "cheap" venue, so price is obviously also going to reflect that.

At the end of the day, if there are people willing to pay the money, the suppliers will keep charging it. The recession affected "some" people, and to different extents. Just because we were in a recession doesn't mean that no one could afford anything at all, just less people and affording a bit less.

If you don't have it in your budget to have a grand wedding, there are plenty of suggestions on this forum, and already on this thread for alternatives to save money. Cut out all the trimmings and you'll save a fortune.
If I were to do it all again, I'd still happily save and spend the small fortune, but probably wouldn't bother with a few things that were pointless, like the cake for example...

eviltwin

I got married in the tail end of the Celtic tiger years and we spent 1500 total on everything. Most of that went on the honeymoon. Wedding are like anything, they are expensive if you want them to be but they don't have to cost the earth. Its about priorities. Some people think its worth borrowing money to have a huge day and others don't. If you can't afford a big do then that's just unfortunate but its not really the fault of the suppliers. Shop around or rethink your plans.

MadDog76

eviltwin wrote: »

I got married in the tail end of the Celtic tiger years and we spent 1500 total on everything. Most of that went on the honeymoon. Wedding are like anything, they are expensive if you want them to be but they don't have to cost the earth. Its about priorities. Some people think its worth borrowing money to have a huge day and others don't. If you can't afford a big do then that's just unfortunate but its not really the fault of the suppliers. Shop around or rethink your plans.

1500 on everything??? Really???

fits

eviltwin wrote: »

Some people think its worth borrowing money to have a huge day and others don't.

Its not an either or situation though. We definitely wont be borrowing for it. But we don't have a house. And even if we did, I can't justify spending so much on a dress for example, whereas I don't begrudge the price of the food and wine for our nearest and dearest at all.

Anyway, I need to take a step back from the dress issue for a while methinks. Its just stressing me out right now.

drumswan

People in other countries go for a meal for their wedding. I went to a wedding in Australia we went to the pub in the afternoon, had a few canapes and went home for 8pm. In France we went to the registry office at 4pm, took a few photos and then for a nice meal in a restaurant.

Hiring an entire venue, an entire catering staff, several courses of meals for 100+ people, alcoholic drinks for 100+ people, a live band, accommodation for the entire wedding party etc. etc. is a huge expense and not one you need to fork out for if you dont want to. People in Ireland appear to think its mandatory - its not - the "wedding" is the bit where you get married. It would be just as expensive (relative to income) to have a wedding of this size in any other country.

fits

Gatica wrote: »

, like the cake for example...

How much do people spend on the cake?

pooch90

My cake was €300 with a good 'friends and family' discount but it was absolutely fab. Would have cost over €500 I'd say

eviltwin

MadDog76 wrote: »

1500 on everything??? Really???

Yeah, I got married in the registry office which was 50 euros back then, dress was just under 100, his suit was about 250, we didn't have flowers, cake, cars, photographer or rings, I got the bridesmaids dresses second hand for 100 all in, we had the reception at home so I hired caterers, not sure what they cost but it was less than 400. I didn't have much money at the time and we didn't want to borrow so I had to work within my budget as best I could.

martinak89

xpletiv wrote: »

I have been engaged for 6 months and have been looking around Ireland for a nice venue. The church we are getting married in only does Saturday ceremonies so we have to have it on a Saturday. What I cant believe is the absolute greed of venues; MOST cost about 100 euro a head, for basic enough package of canapes, 3 course and evening food and wine, but they also have insane minimum numbers of 100 people and sometimes more (140 ive found) meaning a wedding costs MINIMUM 10000 euros. Now, call me cynical, but are we in Ireland not still in recession!? Are people actually paying this crazy amounts?! And most importantly, with the lovely new budget that just came out, new house buyers have to have 20% of their mortgage (thanks older generation!) so I would now assume people are going to spend less on their wedding, yet we cant get past the minimum numbers part, and no where seems to be negotiable for price or numbers. Any tips? Also, to vendors out there that may read this, consider that the generation that is currently getting married is being destroyed by tax and costs as it is and now have to save 20% for houses. I really think the minimum numbers thing is a joke. Especially for the prices you are charging!

I came across the minimum guests "problem" when I recently booked my wedding venue. When exactly are you thinking of having the wedding? I'm having mine during the "off peak" season so the hotel didn't give me a minimum guest requirement, maybe you should consider that? Also in terms of their packages that they offer you should build your own package (if available!) as that could work out cheaper! Or maybe try and switch around one that they already have I did this with mine and got an extra €15pp off the price! Hope that helps!!!

lazygal

Bottom line is that it costs €200 to get married in Ireland and anything over and above that is entirely discretionary. Including a church, band, meal, cakes and whatever else. Having done both the civil ceremony and a big shebang a week later, if you don't want to spend the money don't.
Thursday weddings and going abroad might save the couple money but they're a pain for a lot of guests and going abroad is very expensive. I would only attend the wedding of a sibling or very, very close friend if they decided to marry abroad.
I think a lot of suppliers are well priced. The reason people think they cost too much is mainly because they're unrealistic. I had an idea in my head about how much this or that would cost, but you separate the wheat from the chaff pretty quickly. We got a very cheap videographer and it was grand, but does not compare in any way to a much more expensive one someone else I know hired. But it wasn't something we wanted to spend on.
I've been to some weddings where the couple drove a hard bargain and it showed with service, very basic food and not great wine. So I wouldn't skimp too much - a lot of those €50 or less deals aren't that great.
I would urge anyone thinking of getting a loan or relying on cash gifts to think long and hard about doing either to throw a party. When you wake up the next day it will not be worth it.
I'd cut out or save big time on the dress (I'd have bought mine secondhand if possible and I got my veil on ebay for €30), cake (we didn't have one at all), transport (a nice car does the job), invites (get them from a printer and not a 'wedding' place), bridal party (you don't need one at all, only witnesses) and get a really good DJ if you don't want to spend on a band(but it needs to be a really, really good one so spend some money on it).

TruncatisVinea

We got married at the Anglers Rest in Strawberry Beds and got a solemnizer. You get to decide almost exactly what's in the ceremony, the place is beautiful and barely needs anything done, they put lights and candles included. The food was amazing and they are very helpful. The best part: It was very cheap!

eviltwin

I was at a wedding recently that didn't have a dj, they had an ipod with a kickass playlist on shuffle, they rented a few lights and discoballs for effect and you'd never have known it wasn't a dj.

ABajaninCork

Apart from the E200 it costs to register and marry, here's what I think you should be spending the money on:

Rings - After the fuss has died down, the guests have left and the clearing up done. You'll be looking at them for a very long time, so spend a bit on them.
Photographers - You'll want a nice reminder of the day, so budget well for a decent photographer. NEVER get the photos done on the cheap.
Catering - Your guests have given up time and money to attend your special day, so the least you can do is make sure they're fed and watered well. Don't waste money on sparkling wine/prosecco for a toast. Most guests won't drink it. Get a round of drinks for the toast instead.

Start with that, and work backwards within the budget. Set a realistic budget and stick to it.

pwurple

fits wrote: »

How much do people spend on the cake?

Zero here. No cake.

snoopy29

We are having a wedding of 13 people in Dingle between Christmas and New Years. We also had the same problem with the minimum number of guests and then one night we said imagine if we could have it somewhere in Dingle with the live music and a bit of craic so we did!

We contacted a little boutique hotel we stayed in before and asked them would they be interested in a small wedding, they said yes. We are getting a 5 course meal for €55pp. I have my brother taking photos, we're not doing favours, big decorations or any of that stuff. We are paying for everyone to stay one night in the hotel and everyone else is paying their own for the second night. After the dinner we are getting taxi's into one of the pubs in Dingle for a few pints and a laugh. We might get a harp player for the humanist ceremony in the hotel but excluding dresses, rings and honeymoon its all coming in around 3k and that's including paying for 13 guests accommodation for 1 night.

It is difficult to find places as they are generally very expensive, have minimum numbers and I felt like we were on a conveyor belt being moved along and out of the place fairly quickly to allow for the next couple.

fits

pwurple wrote: »

Zero here. No cake.

Same here. Future Mil is doing it, and my bouquet. I'll give her something to cover costs but shouldn't amount to much. I wouldn't have a cake at all only she wants to do it.

littlevillage

If I were getting married in the morning .. It would be a small affair 30-40 people, parents, siblings and very very close friends. None of this Aunts and Uncles/cousins/neighbours/work colleagues, people that you haven't seen in years and/or hardly even talk to.

Rule of Thumb. If I haven't got your number on my phone and used in the last 6 months, You are not coming to my wedding :-)

No need for special invites .. these people will know I'm getting married... because I meet them regularly.

It would be Church/registry office followed by a meal in the local pub for the invitee's... after the meal (and it could even be a buffet effort or a bar-b-que) let whoever wants to hang around, hang around and those who don't, thank you and adios.. Take advantage of the pub's own entertainment for later on ... and any well wishers can come in at that point if they want too.

In fairness it would help if it was a decent pub with maybe a beer garden etc. that does good-ish food and that has live Music in the evening.

Get a proper photographer to take a handful of photos at the wedding ceremony venue and leave it at that. Other photos .. use your mobile phone.

If you do it right, the Pub landlord might even do you a deal on the food ... as he will be happy enough to have maybe 40 extra patrons in his premises all afternoon.

I'd say you should be able to get married for about €2000. (including rings, wedding dress, Groom can wear a regular good suit),

no Groomsmen or bridesmaids,
no Wedding car, drive your own car, or get a mate to drive you.
no Cake
Maybe one Bouquet of flowers.
Maybe stay in a nearby hotel for the wedding night (or if the pub has accomodation)

I obviously would not be expecting €100 cash gifts .. which is madness. Maybe no gifts at all, these are good friends and direct family after all.

Am I off the wall ??

fits

Snoopy, that sounds awesome! Watch out for the wren boys!

snoopy29

Thanks yeah I've heard the whole village goes mental on that day but sure it'll add to the craic!