The stylish and sophisticated Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin is nestled between Cathedral Square with the beautiful iconic landmarks of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christchurch Cathedral & Dublin Castle. We caught up with Michelle Ebbs at this fab hotel for a behind the scenes look….
What do couples love most about your hotel? What makes them go “Wow”?
Our hotel is very modern and contemporary so not your “average” Wedding venue. Our garden terrace & 6th floor terrace always surprise the bride & groom as they are hidden gems in the city centre and are ideal for those alternative photo opportunities. We’ve also had less formal affairs in our V’nV Restaurant and Sky Suite on the 7th floor. I think the couples are blown away by the 3 different types of Weddings we can cater for.
Which do you prefer… Summer weddings or winter weddings?
Personally I prefer a Winter Wedding. I love the crisps evenings and how the City feels during the Winter. It’s a colder time of year but I think they’re more unique as most people don’t go for them as much. I adore Weddings between Christmas & New Years. Everyone is off work anyways and are home for the holidays so you might as well have them all at your Wedding while you have them in the country!
The day of a wedding must be busy and exciting in the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel after months of planning with couples?
I really enjoy the build up to the wedding day. As a Wedding co-ordinator you get to deal with the couple from a quotation stage right through until they have their first dance on their Wedding night. The relationship build with the bride and groom throughout the whole experience is so nice. It’s a breath of fresh air and a break from organising regular events. There is no better feeling than the couple thanking you on their special day and saying “It was perfect and the best day of our lives”. My favourite part & really rewarding!
What do you do to unwind when you’re not planning weddings?
I love to travel. I’m always planning my next trip to keep me going throughout the year. I visited New York, Las Vegas & Thailand in 2013. On my list for 2014 would be Amsterdam & maybe Greece for a summer break. I also love going to see musicals and enjoy a little bit of karaoke every now and then.
Tell us about your menu options?
Our menu options can be whatever the bride & groom want. Everyone’s tastes are different. We of course offer the regulars; Beef, Salmon, Sea bass & Chicken. Most couples want something different and might go a little more outrageous with their starters or desserts. It depends on the people attending also – most cater to the age range and their guest expectations. Others have gone for Asian or Spanish themes.
Our Head Chef Declan Dunne is very creative and gets very involved with B&G’s when planning their menu.
If you could have any musical guest at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, who would it be?
I really like Beyoncé and went to see her live in concert this year. She has fantastic love songs for the first dance and then of course the more up-beat to get the party started in the evening!
I also love tradition or Irish related entertainment – So the full cast of Riverdance would be a real treat!