Planning your wedding can be one of the most stressful events of your life. Of course, the results pay off and your special day will be treasured by family and friends.
But even the most level-headed lady can morph into a bridezilla within seconds of a wedding disaster striking.
We spoke with Midleton Park Hotel’s Wedding Coordinator Joanne O’Donoghue who gave us her expert advice for planning a stress-free wedding.
She also told us what couples can expect at their venue in the run-up to their big day.
Make Lists, Lots of Them
Get a list of all the things that are important to you as a couple for your big day and make sure that the venue can tick all of these boxes. Also follow your own instinct on everything as everyone will have an opinion and try to chip in some advice.
Tell the Venue Your Worries
Couples are always concerned about losing the atmosphere between the meal ending and their band starting. To counteract this, we advise the band to set up before the meal and we don’t request that guests leave the room during the set-up process. This makes the room turnaround much faster and relieves the couple’s stress.
Keep Calm
Don’t stress the small stuff. At Midleton Park Hotel, I am here to look after anything that the couple may require; their only job on the day is to turn up, be happy and enjoy it.
Spot New Trends
There are so many great ideas now from the silent disco; perfect for the residents bar, naked cakes and LED dance floors. These always tend to have the wow factor for couples and guests alike.
Entertainment after the meal is also becoming very popular trend. It is a great way to get the party started. Many couples have hired magicians to photo booths and Irish dancers.
Follow Weddings Abroad
My big tip is to follow weddings abroad as trends will eventually trickle over to Ireland. Afternoon Tea style weddings are hugely popular in Australia at the moment so perhaps that may catch on here!
Dedication and Diligence
Couples hoping to celebrate their nuptials at Midleton Park Hotel can expect only the best from their dedicated team of staff.
“Once I arrive at the hotel my first tasks are double-checking the room layout and the arrivals reception before greeting the guests when they arrive.
“I then wait for the bridal party to arrive and after that I am there to ensure that the couple’s needs are not only met but exceeded! The staff are a huge bonus to the hotel and are so attentive to each guests needs.”
Private and Exclusive
“I think all of our Couples love the fact that their arrivals reception is held in a private room which leads out to private gardens.
All of this adds to the wow factor along with our new look ballroom and bridal suite.
A lot of our couples have said that it was like having the hotel reserved just for them.”
Remember at Midleton Park Hotel…
It’s Your Venue, Your Day and Your Way!
