The most important and pressing challenge for a bride and groom-to-be in the midst of table plans, alterations, floral displays and everything else that goes hand-in-hand with planning their big day, is how to make their wedding a unique and personal celebration.
While novel ideas like sweet carts and photo booths are still very much on-trend, many couples are thinking outside the box in order to make their wedding reception particularly fun and memorable. Ciara Barry, Weddings & Events Coordinator at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Cork, draws from her experience working closely with loved-up couples and shares some of those special touches that can make your special day stand out from the crowd.
Remember, It’s Your Day!
As many couples organising a wedding will know, opinions and suggestions from friends and family members can cause doubts to creep in and may compromise your overall vision. Indeed, other opinions can often be very valid and beneficial, but as the saying goes ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’. Graciously accept their advice and suggestions but don’t allow them to cause you any uncertainty. Stay as close as possible to your initial plans and ensure both of your personalities shine through on such an important occasion.
The Devil Is In The Detail
It doesn’t take much to make a reception space look truly beautiful. Little touches or decorative props here and there can make all the difference and they don’t have to cost a fortune. Once you’ve decided on your theme, research on Pinterest and browse through magazines to get ideas on how you can bring a blank canvas to life. For example, at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Cork, we offer complimentary décor such as a tandem bicycle, vintage signs, lanterns and wicker hearts – all of which add an extra sparkle to the proceedings.
Look After Your Little Guests
For many couples, involving younger family members in the celebrations is of huge importance. Whether it’s your little girl playing flower girl or your cheeky nephew making the most dapper page boy, children love to be part of the festivities. But, they also need to be entertained! Ensure they are busy bees during the drinks reception and evening meal by preparing an activity pack featuring crayons, a colouring book, a fun magazine and a disposable camera so they can spend an hour or two playing the part of mini photographer.
Spread The Love!
One of the most important aspects of every couple’s wedding day is getting to share it with those they love the most. Show your wedding guests how much they mean to you by personalising their place card with a message from you both. Whether it’s a reminder of a funny moment you shared together or a simple note thanking them for being a part of your celebrations. This simple and thoughtful gesture will make your guests feel very special. For friends and relatives unable to attend your wedding, we can ensure they don’t miss out on any of the action with our full AV system, which you can use to FaceTime those living abroad. Genius!
It’s Not Just A One-Day Celebration
The biggest occasion of your life takes months of planning and preparation, so it would be a shame to limit all the excitement to just one day, right? Right! Make the most of this special time by organising a pre-wedding get together for both families at your wedding venue. Not only does this give you an opportunity to catch up with your nearest and dearest ahead of the madness but spending some time at your chosen venue will build excitement and allow you and yours to get to know the space a little better. While we have mouth-watering menus available at both Banks Bar and our newly-refurbished Island Grillroom restaurant at the Radisson Blu, we also offer a BBQ service for groups during the summer months, which is perfect for a pre-wedding family gathering or day after party alike.
For more information on weddings at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Cork, call the Wedding Team on 021-4297000 or you can check availability on their WeddingDates listing.
