There is always something special about coming home – especially for a big occasion. So if you’ve been living abroad for the last few years and want to have your wedding at home – it is definitely extra special.
So many Irish brides may not actually be living in Ireland during the planning process, but that doesn’t mean putting it all together has to be anymore stressful. While this technically isn’t a destination wedding a lot of the principles of trying to plan one will be the same. Using the best assets you have around you will definitely make a difference. Here are a few tips for having a wedding at home.
Hire a Planner
A planner may not be for everyone, but they can definitely lend a helping hand if you’re not available to make decisions or see something in person. Planners work with your budget and great planners rarely skip a beat – leaving no stone unturned. Wedding planners are not as popular in Ireland as they are in other countries (possibly because a lot of weddings are local in Ireland) but if you need someone you can trust to find the best of the best (and who has done this a million times over) – a planner is probably your best option.
Assign a Contact
Whether or not you decide a wedding planner is right for you, someone you know personally to liaise with and relay important updates is key. This might be a family member or a trusted home friend. This person should be able to be there in person when you can’t and meet with your planner or suppliers in the case of important decisions. It’s important that this person will not just assume what they should do in your place, so make sure you have already express most of your ‘just-in-case’ wishes or have them call you if you are unsure.
Travelling With Your Dress
This is an aspect of planning that often gets forgotten about. If you have fallen in love with a dress that isn’t located in your hometown, it doesn’t have to be a problem. Travelling with your dress in person may be the best way of keeping it safe.
Firstly, find out if the boutique has a shipping service or an online shop for you to purchase the gown on. Speak with someone about your concerns – they’ve probably seen plenty of destination brides in their time. If they do have a shipping service, ask it is insured or what happens if the package somehow can’t make it to you. Remember to be aware that you may not be able to avail of any fittings or tailoring that the boutique provide if you decide to purchase it online.
If you travel with your dress, make sure you find out if you can insure your gown and call your airline first to find out if you can bring it on board. A lot of airlines will be happy to hang it in a cloakroom for you if you ask, but some won’t. Your dress may get wrinkled in the process but this is okay. A professional steam clean will get it all right out. If that isn’t in your budget, try turning on a hot shower. Let steam fill up in your room and turn the shower off. Hang your gown in the room – making sure your gown will not get wet. This can usually remove any little wrinkles you have.
Use Your Families Address For RSVPs
Not every couple sends out re-stamped RSVP envelopes, but if you do, remember that it might be difficult to do so from another country. If you don’t send them out pre-stamped, consider that your guests may have to buy international stamps especially for you. While that isn’t a lot to ask, it may also lead to some RSVPs getting lost in the post.
Make it easier for both parties by having the return address be your parent’s home. That way, your guests can easily send it back to you with confidence – they could probably just call down for a cup of tea with it! Designate someone at home to keep in charge of this for you as well as any follow-ups for those who haven’t returned a card.
Choose a Venue That Are Good at Communicating
Last but not least, a venue that will keep in touch with you is very important! If you’ve been to the venue or have seen another wedding there, you probably already have an idea of what to expect. But, getting to know the staff and expressing your needs early on will help too. Letting them know a second contact (your planner, bridal party) will be important as well as letting them know that their decisions are also approved by you.
