2018 Brides/Grooms

SpillingTheTea

MissElle wrote: »

Wellyd wrote: »

Very recently engaged and I'm hopeful for a Christmas 2018 wedding! I'm not in the country at the moment so waiting to get home to try arrange to view a few different places. Realistically does anyone think I'm fighting a losing battle with that time of year being available?

I think it tends to be very popular alright but maybe ask around a few venues to try gauge availability? I love a Christmas wedding

Got bridesmaid dresses sorted this weekend. I've 10 months to go and have organised/paid deposits on most things. I feel like I've not much to do at the moment until the autumn when lll organise trials and tastings etc, thats normal right? Keep thinking I'm forgetting stuff :pac:

I'm the same. I've 13 months left but I have the the major stuff done, and we are paying off the venue as we can but I feel as if there's nothing to do for the time being

MissElle

maisiedaisy wrote: »

I'm in the same boat as you, have all the major stuff sorted so kinda twiddling my thumbs at the minute! I'm planning on doing a lot of DIY so I'm able to tip away at some of that but can't do much until I know what colour the bridesmaids dresses are. Where did you find your BM dresses? They're something I'm struggling with a little!

I got them in a bridal shop in Swords, they're by Dessy. I loved the fact that they had loads of different styles and I could pick literally any colour! Went with a rose pink, they were slightly over what I had budgeted initially but I'm only having 2 bridesmaids so it wasn't too bad Glad to see I'm not the only one with not much to do

baby and crumble

Wellyd wrote: »

Very recently engaged and I'm hopeful for a Christmas 2018 wedding! I'm not in the country at the moment so waiting to get home to try arrange to view a few different places. Realistically does anyone think I'm fighting a losing battle with that time of year being available?

We booked our end of November 2017 wedding in February of last year. So that was nearly 2 months in advance and we found some places were already booking for work parties etc (now, we wanted a city centre hotel so that impacted that, not sure what the craic would be for a more typical "wedding" spot in the country, say).

What I WILL say is that we struggled, even 21 months in advance, to secure a solemniser. We're going for a humanist ceremony, and in sending emails to some of the celebrants we like we got automated replies saying that they were booked for the entirety of 2016 and most of 2017 already. So if you're going that route get it nailed down ASAP. Likewise photographer etc. I didn't realise Christmas was so popular for weddings!

SpillingTheTea

MissElle wrote: »

maisiedaisy wrote: »

I'm in the same boat as you, have all the major stuff sorted so kinda twiddling my thumbs at the minute! I'm planning on doing a lot of DIY so I'm able to tip away at some of that but can't do much until I know what colour the bridesmaids dresses are. Where did you find your BM dresses? They're something I'm struggling with a little!

I got them in a bridal shop in Swords, they're by Dessy. I loved the fact that they had loads of different styles and I could pick literally any colour! Went with a rose pink, they were slightly over what I had budgeted initially but I'm only having 2 bridesmaids so it wasn't too bad Glad to see I'm not the only one with not much to do

+1 to Dessy! I was going to get Dessy dresses but unfortunately the budget doesn't allow for it but I went to Wedding World to see and the girls there are so lovely and the dresses are great!

MiliMe

So the venue has been decided on. Now down to the nitty gritty of contracts.... 🀔

maisiedaisy

SpillingTheTea wrote: »

+1 to Dessy! I was going to get Dessy dresses but unfortunately the budget doesn't allow for it but I went to Wedding World to see and the girls there are so lovely and the dresses are great!

Have you looked at ordering Dessy dresses online? I'm thinking of getting their dresses too, mainly because I can't find the colour I want anywhere, but like you the budget wouldn't allow to buy them in a bridal shop here!

There is a place in New York called RK Bridal that carries Dessy dresses, and they do a 'No Frills' program. Basically, you fill out the manufacturers order form yourself, and the dresses get shipped straight to you. There's more info on their website. One of the BM dresses I was looking at here was €280, but is €140 when ordered with RK. That's what I'm planning on doing once I've my own dress sorted!

Mares2

Hey, recently engaged and have decided on venue for May 2018. Now need to get on to organising everything else

Santy2015

Hi, herself and myself are getting hitched in July 2018, we've got the band/dj, videographer, photographer, celebrant, venue all sorted. Just she needs to sort out her dress in the coming months, I'll look after th suits come Feb/March next year and the rings. Family member is doing our cake and we don't need cars as the wedding is all in one place. My main question is.. honeymoon? We want to start getting that sorted before the end of September. What have people paid/ going to pay? We are looking at the US and maybe a cruise with it, 14/15 nights all in. Expensive time of the year for heading stateside but you only 1 honeymoon 😜. Have a budget 4000/5000 for it. We are well organised with everything else, this is the next big thing

iluvfatfrogs

Santy2015 wrote: »

Hi, herself and myself are getting hitched in July 2018, we've got the band/dj, videographer, photographer, celebrant, venue all sorted. Just she needs to sort out her dress in the coming months, I'll look after th suits come Feb/March next year and the rings. Family member is doing our cake and we don't need cars as the wedding is all in one place. My main question is.. honeymoon? We want to start getting that sorted before the end of September. What have people paid/ going to pay? We are looking at the US and maybe a cruise with it, 14/15 nights all in. Expensive time of the year for heading stateside but you only 1 honeymoon 😜. Have a budget 4000/5000 for it. We are well organised with everything else, this is the next big thing

We are looking into honey moon for next Summer also, but ruled out the US almost immediately based on the current exchange rates and prices.

I'm not sure €4,000 will get two people two weeks in the States.

What it boiled down to us for was that you'd get 17-20 days in the East for the price of a week in the US, and our budget is even slightly higher

SarahMollie

yeah my friend is doing something similar to what you've described and they're spending about €8k in total. Most of the cost is the cruise itself so just get some brochures and you'll figure out if you can afford it or not, but its not a cheap option!

Santy2015

iluvfatfrogs wrote: »

We are looking into honey moon for next Summer also, but ruled out the US almost immediately based on the current exchange rates and prices.

I'm not sure €4,000 will get two people two weeks in the States.

What it boiled down to us for was that you'd get 17-20 days in the East for the price of a week in the US, and our budget is even slightly higher

What did you look for in the east? Our wedding is the end of July. Looked into the weather and its monsoon season in certain parts like Thailand, Singapore

Santy2015

SarahMollie wrote: »

yeah my friend is doing something similar to what you've described and they're spending about €8k in total. Most of the cost is the cruise itself so just get some brochures and you'll figure out if you can afford it or not, but its not a cheap option!

Damn, that's well over budget. Hard to know, I've been online all day. I reckon it's best to sit down with travel agents and go from there

SarahMollie

Santy2015 wrote: »

Damn, that's well over budget. Hard to know, I've been online all day. I reckon it's best to sit down with travel agents and go from there

Look, its worth researching, knowing my friend she's not gone for the cheap option, so maybe there will be something within your budget, although I'd say it would be the upper end of your budget.

You should be able to get prices of cruise options online and then compare them with what travel agents can offer, worth looking at all options.

Myself and himself just came back from 2 weeks in Vietnam, we spent about €2k per head, so I'd imagine the US is going to be a good bit more. Now about half of that cost was flights, and we stayed in fancy enough places (not the backpacker route!) but still.

Found this - https://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/itinerary-details/?ItineraryCode=12Y047&shipcode=AN&Saildate=20171202

Shorter than you want but should allow for flights wtihin your budget. Also, you may want to add a drinks package for $65 per day (per person) to make it all inclusive. There are probably lots of things that cost extra that you'd need to consider.

Santy2015

SarahMollie wrote: »

Look, its worth researching, knowing my friend she's not gone for the cheap option, so maybe there will be something within your budget, although I'd say it would be the upper end of your budget.

You should be able to get prices of cruise options online and then compare them with what travel agents can offer, worth looking at all options.

Myself and himself just came back from 2 weeks in Vietnam, we spent about €2k per head, so I'd imagine the US is going to be a good bit more. Now about half of that cost was flights, and we stayed in fancy enough places (not the backpacker route!) but still.

Yeah you can the see the cruise deals. I've contacted a agent and they're to get back with a rough estimate for us. Flights are too far out, they can get quotes for hotels and such.

iluvfatfrogs

Santy2015 wrote: »

What did you look for in the east? Our wedding is the end of July. Looked into the weather and its monsoon season in certain parts like Thailand, Singapore

We'll be travelling in May, and currently looking at 5 night Maldives / 14 nights Sri Lanka options - will be in the region of €6k in total

Santy2015

iluvfatfrogs wrote: »

We'll be travelling in May, and currently looking at 5 night Maldives / 14 nights Sri Lanka options - will be in the region of €6k in total

We'd be thinking 14/15 nights max start of August. Either way it's going to be expensive but worth it

Santy2015

iluvfatfrogs wrote: »

We'll be travelling in May, and currently looking at 5 night Maldives / 14 nights Sri Lanka options - will be in the region of €6k in total

We'd be thinking 14/15 nights max start of August. Either way it's going to be expensive but worth it

mcgiggles

Try trailfinders I found them very helpful and they may be able to give you some ideas! Even order their brochure online! Now they can be like "this is a little over budget but you're getting all this" so be firm with them ;-) we're doing 2 weeks in Thailand, really going all out with hotels! We could have gone cheaper but we're treating ourselves as we don't plan on doing it again ;-) lol

iluvfatfrogs

mcgiggles wrote: »

Try trailfinders I found them very helpful and they may be able to give you some ideas! Even order their brochure online! Now they can be like "this is a little over budget but you're getting all this" so be firm with them ;-) we're doing 2 weeks in Thailand, really going all out with hotels! We could have gone cheaper but we're treating ourselves as we don't plan on doing it again ;-) lol

How much is the 14 nights in Thailand costing? Before spending money?

mcgiggles

Just over 5000 including a few tours and all flights, transfers etc.. and fab hotels all the way.. going to 3 different places there so all transfers and flights and all add up!

mcgiggles

Oh its also peak time to visit so hotels def cost a good bit more than usual!

MissElle

We're thinking of going on a mini moon in Ireland for a couple of nights and putting the actual honeymoon off until September, hoping to go to New Zealand so want to split my annual leave in work. We've been looking at Harveys Point in Donegal, anyone ever been? Don't mind paying a bit more as its only for a few nights

Romantic Rose

MissElle wrote: »

We're thinking of going on a mini moon in Ireland for a couple of nights and putting the actual honeymoon off until September, hoping to go to New Zealand so want to split my annual leave in work. We've been looking at Harveys Point in Donegal, anyone ever been? Don't mind paying a bit more as its only for a few nights

Harvey's Point is gorgeous but it doesn't have a spa if you're after that. It does have a lovely, warm relaxing ambience. Solis Castle is lovely too and has a spa.

MissElle

Romantic Rose wrote: »

Harvey's Point is gorgeous but it doesn't have a spa if you're after that. It does have a lovely, warm relaxing ambience. Solis Castle is lovely too and has a spa.

That's great, thanks for the reply No it doesn't have to have a spa necessarily but I'll definitely take a look at Solis Castle too

Santy2015

iluvfatfrogs wrote: »

We'll be travelling in May, and currently looking at 5 night Maldives / 14 nights Sri Lanka options - will be in the region of €6k in total

Yeah, Lee travel were very helpful on the phone today. Really want to do America, not necessarily a cruise as well. Will have to see what our budget will get us. We've 3 weeks off in august so a good 14 nights would be great

orlabobs

Just got engaged over the weekend! We're looking at June next year and have already two places provisionally booked. Feel like I have so so much to do!

SpillingTheTea

orlabobs wrote: »

Just got engaged over the weekend! We're looking at June next year and have already two places provisionally booked. Feel like I have so so much to do!

Congrats! We're getting married in June next year too. First thing I will suggest is try looking into your photographer/videographer and band/DJ asap. We booked ours last year when we just got engaged and they were already taking bookings for 2018. Get the big things out of the way first and it will all come together! Happy Planning

orlabobs

SpillingTheTea wrote: »

Congrats! We're getting married in June next year too. First thing I will suggest is try looking into your photographer/videographer and band/DJ asap. We booked ours last year when we just got engaged and they were already taking bookings for 2018. Get the big things out of the way first and it will all come together! Happy Planning

Thanks!!!
Yes I'm hoping that by the end of the month I will have hotel booked and can book the others soon after. Currently doing my research but there's so much out there!!

missmatty

Santy 2015, we're just back from our 2 week US honeymoon which I think cost us about 2500e a head. We spent three days first in New Orleans, then took a 7-day western carribean cruise from Fort Lauderdale and then 3 days in Chicago on the way back. We booked in about March with American Holidays in Dublin, they were absolutely fantastic. Went in one day with a vague idea, left an hour later with everything booked and sorted out. Flights, accommodation and cruise food was included, the beverage packages were extra. If you need any info drop me a pm.

iluvfatfrogs

missmatty wrote: »

Santy 2015, we're just back from our 2 week US honeymoon which I think cost us about 2500e a head. We spent three days first in New Orleans, then took a 7-day western carribean cruise from Fort Lauderdale and then 3 days in Chicago on the way back. We booked in about March with American Holidays in Dublin, they were absolutely fantastic. Went in one day with a vague idea, left an hour later with everything booked and sorted out. Flights, accommodation and cruise food was included, the beverage packages were extra. If you need any info drop me a pm.

That seems reasonable enough - so the €2,500 incl flights, accom, cruise, cruise food?
I know everyone is different, but about how much were ye spending day to day when not on the cruise?

Santy2015

missmatty wrote: »

Santy 2015, we're just back from our 2 week US honeymoon which I think cost us about 2500e a head. We spent three days first in New Orleans, then took a 7-day western carribean cruise from Fort Lauderdale and then 3 days in Chicago on the way back. We booked in about March with American Holidays in Dublin, they were absolutely fantastic. Went in one day with a vague idea, left an hour later with everything booked and sorted out. Flights, accommodation and cruise food was included, the beverage packages were extra. If you need any info drop me a pm.

Thanks Missmatty,
That's very reasonable. 16 nights all in is good. How much did you spend daily as a matter of interest?

missmatty

That included three internal US flights as well. The cruise ship excursions on shore were not included and they were quite expensive, could be 80 dollars each or up depending on length of tour and whether lunch was included.

Daily spending, hmmm. Didn't go out for breakfast every day, had coffee and a snack from a 7-eleven or something in the hotel room most days or waited till lunch as were full from previous night's dinner (we had room only for the hotels). Maybe a coffee and a sandwich later. Dinner varied between say 60 to 120 dollars for both of us, depending on where we went. Food in general was probably as expensive as here if not more so. We also did some city tours which varied a lot in expense. It depends what you want to spend really.

MiliMe

MissElle wrote: »

We're thinking of going on a mini moon in Ireland for a couple of nights and putting the actual honeymoon off until September, hoping to go to New Zealand so want to split my annual leave in work. We've been looking at Harveys Point in Donegal, anyone ever been? Don't mind paying a bit more as its only for a few nights

We are thinking something along the same lines but heading to Inchadoney in cork. We have been before and absolutely love it.

ash xxx

So I'm an August 2018 bride, actually can't wait. Venue, photographer, videographer, celebrant, band, makeup, hair and flowers booked.

When my partner proposed, he gave me a letter after he'd put the ring on my finger which said that he had booked the venue of our dreams and the date he'd booked it for. Couldn't believe it!

ash xxx

ash xxx wrote: »

So I'm an August 2018 bride, actually can't wait. Venue, photographer, videographer, celebrant, band, makeup, hair and flowers booked.

When my partner proposed, he gave me a letter after he'd put the ring on my finger which said that he had booked the venue of our dreams and the date he'd booked it for. Couldn't believe it!

Aw wow that's fab! Congrats

MiliMe

Aug 2018, just today we have booked our venue and band. Exciting times. 🀗🀗🀗

Guybrush Threepwood

Another March 2018 Bride here!

All going smoothly- all the big things booked

Currently working on getting Save the Dates out. I got some lovely ones from Etsy! I hadn't planned on them, but I've since found out there's a home 6 Nations Match on our wedding day! As our venue is Dublin, and popular with Rugby fans. I figured best to give people a heads up so they can book accommodation early.

Also have arranged to have the match on during the Drink reception to keep the dad and brother in laws happy!

Wellyd

Wedding date on hold until I get to the hotel to pay the deposit this weekend! Just had a count up to see how far away it is and it's the lovely round number of 500 days! Really need to do some proper research on photographers and have a pain in my face looking at wedding bands on YouTube, but am so excited to have a date!

MissElle

Wellyd wrote: »

Wedding date on hold until I get to the hotel to pay the deposit this weekend! Just had a count up to see how far away it is and it's the lovely round number of 500 days! Really need to do some proper research on photographers and have a pain in my face looking at wedding bands on YouTube, but am so excited to have a date!

I was so glad to get the band booked, that bit stressed me out the most :pac: Got nice unity candles online and I'm going to order a nice cake topper on Etsy. On the hunt for robes for myself and bridesmaids that don't cost a fortune!

mcgiggles

MissElle wrote:

I was so glad to get the band booked, that bit stressed me out the most Got nice unity candles online and I'm going to order a nice cake topper on Etsy. On the hunt for robes for myself and bridesmaids that don't cost a fortune!

Try boohoo.ie i know they have cute jammies and nightdresses!

MissElle

mcgiggles wrote: »

Try boohoo.ie i know they have cute jammies and nightdresses!

Thanks for that, never would have thought of there!

missmatty

I got lovely robes in Debenhams, it's worth a look.

GingerLily

2017 bride here! I just bought these

https://eu.riverisland.com/women/sale/lingerie--nightwear/white-floral-embroidered-robe-695046

Ordered online so don't know if they're too see-through yet, hopefully not

je551e

2018 bride here yikes

Is everyone having a videographer?

missmatty

Recent bride here. I didn't book one and I didn't believe it was a necessary thing to shell out for. I'm a bit sorry now that I didn't. I was so high on adrenaline on the day that I've forgotten lots of things that happened. I really wish now that I'd had one, I think it would have been worth it.

Wellyd

Does anyone here have any recommendations for wedding insurance?

MissElle

je551e wrote: »

2018 bride here yikes

Is everyone having a videographer?

We aren't. We just got the keys to our house and with wedding being 8 months away it just isn't in our budget at the minute. Going to get someone to record a bit on the day, I know it won't quite be the same but I'll be happy enough with that I think

je551e

Thanks all, I'd say we're going to give it a miss too need to make savings where possible.

Are we allowed discuss prices here ? Just on photographers,all seem to be crazy money

Wellyd

Wellyd wrote: »

Does anyone here have any recommendations for wedding insurance?

Think we went with quotedevil.
I wasn't too keen on the idea of getting insurance, and I dont think any of my friends did, but the missus insisted. Not sure if she thinks I'm going to bail, or if she's just worried about someone getting sick. Think it cost about €170

missmatty

I had a last minute panic about wedding insurance the week before and got mine from weddinginsurance.ie, it was 60e. I think my fiancé rolled his eyes and thought it was a waste of money The reason I wanted it was because we had had lots of issues with the venue in the run-up to the wedding and I wanted anything covered on that side in case things went wrong.