There’s a whole lot more that goes into planning a wedding than just choosing your venue…
Getting to know the team that you’ll be trusting with every tiny detail of your special day is just as important! This week we caught up with the talented, Joanne O’Donoghue, the Weddings & Events Coordinator at Radisson Blu Cork who was kind enough to share her love for weddings and some insight into what’s popular right now in the world of wedding planning.
The Beginning
“I have been in this crazy industry since the age of 15 and have always had a passion for Hotel work and Weddings since then.”
The Planning Passion
“When I was working as a waitress I caught Wedding Fever I always loved seeing the Couples on their day and it was always my dream to become a Wedding Coordinator. I focused on the Wedding side of the business a lot in my college projects and I was lucky enough to receive the opportunity to work with brides 6 years ago!”
The Highlights
“It is amazing to be a part of a day that every couple will remember for the rest of their lives! I love getting to know the couples and seeing what’s important to them. When I have the opportunity to meet the couple’s friends and families I really get a sense of their personalities and what is important to them for the day.”
At Radisson Blu Cork
“We pride ourselves here at the Radisson Blu Cork on our excellent customer service. One thing that every couple worry about is that their guests will have a great day and it is a great feeling to know that we can say from the 3-year-old guests to the 90-year-old grandparents of the couple everyone is looked after and are treated as our VIP’s. We have our fantastic Victorian House and croquet lawn reserved exclusively for the Wedding Guests from the drinks reception and then our beautiful Great Island Ballroom will host a delicious meal and is the perfect spot to dance until the early hours!”
A Word of Advice
“Don’t sweat the small stuff and once you have organised the day with your suppliers let them take over and relax and enjoy the day. The day really does fly so you need to sit back and enjoy it.”
Favourite Memories
“I have had the opportunity to be part of fantastic Wedding Celebrations every day really is unique from Barn Dance Style Weddings to the most glamorous affairs and I can honestly say I have loved every one.
I really enjoy meeting all my couples as everyone brings different cultures and ideas to their days.”
Current Trends
“The most popular trend at the moment is residents’ bars whether its Tayto Sandwiches, Fish & Chip Bars, Pizza Parties or silent discos every couple wants to end their day in style. We have a fantastic offer for our midweek and off-peak wedding dates that include Tayto Sandwiches served at the resident’s bar which is reserved exclusively for the Wedding Guests.”
Favorite & Least Favourite Trends
“There are fantastic Wedding Trends that are timeless but I have to say my favourite is the food outside the Church/Civil Ceremony, we all know us ladies don’t have much time on the morning of a Wedding to have a bite to eat so I think it always goes down a treat to have a nice ice cream cone on a hot summers day or a sandwich on a cold winters day welcoming you out of the ceremony.”
“My pet hate is when the Wedding Guests don’t take home the Wedding Favours that the Wedding Couple have spent a lot of time and money and on occasion have lovingly made all for the Guests to leave on the tables when they are leaving.”
Get in touch with Joanne at joanne.odonoghue@radissonblu.com to enquire about your own special day!
