This week, we spoke to Mairead Kelly, Wedding Coordinator at the Everglades Hotel, Co. Derry wedding venue. Mairead told us how they keep couples calm and her favourite trends of 2014.
“If I had to give some words of advice to newly engaged couples starting out on their planning, it would be, don’t worry, let us guide you. We do this all the time and we are here to be your wedding planner. The Everglades Hotel never closes, so if you ever have any questions just pick up the phone, we are here for you 24/7, 365 days a year.”
“The thing that I find couples worry about the most is whether they can they have a choice of Main Course. But mainly, they worry about guest numbers the most.”
“I have seen a lot of nervous brides and grooms on their big day, so we have a final details meeting within 48 hrs of the big day. The couple meet their wedding coordinator and we have a comprehensive checklist to go over every aspect of the day. This really helps to calm the couple and then they know that we have everything in order, so they can just relax and enjoy themselves.”
“My favourite wedding trend this year has to be the whole arrival experience on the big day. They are becoming more and more adventurous, from cocktails and sweets carts to stand up comedians in the lounge or 4 piece orchestras to greet the guests.”
“Weddings are actually an easy event to run once the happy couple have chosen the Everglades Hotel. The reason I say easy is because, we have discussed exactly what time they are arriving, what they want on arrival, when they want to move into Ballroom, who is speaking , in what order, what they want to eat, when they want to eat, who is entertaining, and until what time. As a hotel this is one of the easiest events. Plus, everyone attending is always in such a great mood, they are definitely my favourite days!”
“Our foyer area, is a BIG WOW for our guests, We have a glorious, newly refurbished foyer, lounge and library bar, with comfy sofas and wing backs. You find it hard to leave this room, as it is so comfortable also containing two open fires and a grand piano. The welcome area and break out area is second to none for all weddings, Another huge WOW for us is the food we serve our guests. We at Hastings Hotels pride ourselves in providing the finest in local produce and to prepare this great local produce my Chef Colman and his team never disappoint.”
“If I could describe the Everglades Hotel in three words, they would be Stylish, Comfortable and Personified!”
Thanks so much to Mairead for taking the time to speak to us! If you want the dream team at the Everglades to organise your big day, check out the Everglades Hotel, Co. Derry wedding venue.
