Spring Wedding Guide 2019

TOPIC • 17 January, 2019

FEATURE

TOPIC NEWSPAPERS’

Your complete

SPRING WEDDING GUIDE

Pictured are Cliodhna and Keith on their wedding day surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements, a testament to the high standard 'Fran’s Flowers' produce."

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TOPIC • 17 January, 2019

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Spring Wedding Guide • Spring Wedding • Spring Wedding Guide

Celebrate in style at the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar Situated in Mullingar Town Centre, the Greville Arms Hotel has hosted thousands of wedding receptions since its establishment in 1884. With its great ballroom and rooftop garden, the hotel has much to offer couples-tobe. The hotel’s on-site

wedding coordinator will look after all things big and small on your wedding day, from colour schemes to dinner menus. Wedding packages at the hotel include a red carpet welcome by the hotel wedding coordinator, as well as champagne for the

bridal party, on arrival.

There is only one wedding per day at the Greville Arms, and the hotel has an extensive car park for all guests. The hotel also provides a complimentary bar extension until 1.30am and overnight accommodation in the bridal

suite, and special overnight accommodation rates for guests at your wedding. For all 2019 weddings for 100 guests or more booked before February 28th, The Greville Arms Hotel is offering a special €1000 discount so don’t delay - call 044 9348563.

This spring, Topic is paying very special attention to the weddings of the midlands. There is nothing that we like more than covering the momentous days of our local folk with family and friends. If you’re planning on declaring your commitment to the world by joining in matrimony, there are plenty of resources available locally to aid you or your loved ones in planning one of the most important days in everyone’s life.

But first things first: It is always good to keep in mind that a person’s wedding day is about them and the person that they have decided to spend the rest of their life with. If you are getting married, remem-

Wedding 2019/20 Superb banqueting facilities

Celebrate in style at the Greville €1000 SPECIAL OFFER

ber to relax and enjoy the day as well as the months of preparation necessary for the perfect wedding day. Sometimes it will seem daunting, but be at ease and try not to stress too much. A wedding day is essentially a party; the biggest party of your life, but still a party. And parties are supposed to be fun. The planning of the party can be equally enjoyable if you manage to stay organised and on top of things.

This week, Topic has all the information you need regarding local resources, hotels and venues, showcases and open days photographers and videographers, salons and beauticians, as well as all the tips and advice necessary for your special day to go as smoothly as possible.

RECORD YOUR SPECIAL DAY WITH OLLIE GALLAGHER It’s said a picture can say a thousand words, therefore on your wedding day it will be essential to have one of the most important days in your life recorded. When it comes to adding some Hollywood motion to your wedding day, look no further than Ollie Gallagher, who has a wealth of experience in capturing weddings on video.

Based in Mullingar and serving the midlands, Ollie will capture the magic of your wedding day, so you can replay the day for family and friends for years to come. Along with weddings, he is also available to record parties, sporting events and musicals. To book Ollie for your big day call 087 2054688

WEDDING PACKAGE DISCOUNT

• Chauffeur driven vintage car to collect you and to be available for your wedding day

• Bridal suite for the bride and groom and rooms for both sets of parents and extra honeymoon suite for the bride & groom the following night • Champagne reception and canopies for the bridal group on arrival • Floral arrangements throughout

• The unique Greville Arms wedding planner file to help in the planning of your wedding from engagement to honeymoon to celebrate the booking of your wedding • This is for weddings booked before February 28th 2019 for the year 2019 (minimum 100 people) booked in advance

OLLIE GALLAGHER Professional Digital Video Coverage of:

Videos

• Weddings • Parties • Sporting Events • Musicals

Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse Street, Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland Ph: +353 (0) 44 9348563 • E: info@grevillearmshotel.ie • www.grevillearmshotel.ie

Video to DVD conversions available 39 Beech Grove, Mullingar, Co.Westmeath

087 2054688

TOPIC • 17 January, 2019

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Spring Wedding Guide • Spring Wedding • Spring Wedding Guide

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GLASSON COUNTRY Flamboyant or refined - Fran’s Flowers has it all HOUSE HOTEL -

where love stories begin….

If you are looking for a wedding venue with a ‘wow’ factor, with stunning panoramic lake views, a picturesque countryside setting, superb food, and a level of service second to none, you’ll love Glasson Country House Hotel and Golf Club.

Situated just outside the pretty village of Glasson close to Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Glasson Country House Hotel is a beautiful countryside wedding venue situated on rolling parkland, overlooking majestic Lough Ree. As you enter the gates and drive down the sweeping ‘Avenue’, with its ancient beech trees, you are welcomed by sweeping views out over the parkland golf course and the tranquil inner lakes of Lough Ree. Your arrivals reception takes place in a private room, with floor-to-ceiling picture windows offering uninterrupted views of the stately surrounds, with a roaring ‘real’ log fire for

your guests to enjoy. When you walk up the feature spiral staircase to the banqueting suite, its elevated setting further enhances the views. And, with direct access to a spacious glass fronted wrap around balcony from the banqueting suite, your guests can relax and soak up the views after your delicious meal.

As a family-owned and managed property, you can be assured of a genuine commitment to making sure that you, your families and all your guests have a truly memorable occasion at Glasson. The quality of the food and the warmth and efficiency of the service are both signature elements of a ‘Glasson’ wedding, attested to by the wonderful reviews by Glasson couples over the years.

Your wedding guests can enjoy four-star luxury too, with 65 deluxe bedrooms and suites to accommodate their stay, and the added bonus of being able to select from a private cruise, a game of golf or an

Small number of key 2019 dates still available

on-site massage the ‘day after’.

And, to make your planning as ‘hassle free’ as possible, Glasson Country House offers its couples ‘Moposa’, the award-winning planning tool to help all brides and grooms with their wedding budget, RSVPs, seating plans and much more.

Let the wedding experts at Glasson help you arrange your special day your way. They are more than happy to tailor their sample packages to suit your own particular requirements.

Book a showaround and see why Glasson Country House Hotel truly is the Lakelands ‘stand-out’ wedding venue.

To arrange your own personal viewing and consultation with the Glasson wedding team, call Glasson Country House Hotel on 090-6485120, email at info@glassoncountryhouse.ie or visit www.glassoncountryhouse.ie to register a wedding enquiry.

fran’s flowers

When you are planning your wedding flowers for what will surely be one of the biggest days of your life, you want to know that you are in safe and experienced hands. Located in Rhode village, Frances Doyle of ‘Fran’s Flowers’ is a designer and provider of wedding floral arrangements, from brides and bouquets, to venue and reception arrangements, to corsages and buttonholes.

We take away the stress of worrying about your flowers arrival on the big day.

We like our wedding flower arrangements and designs to be a true reflection of the person they are for, so we will use our extensive knowledge of flowers to design that unique finishing floral touch that will enhance and compliment your special day. Arrange an appointment with Fran’s Flowers to put the finishing touches to your special day by calling 087 285 2213 or visiting the shop in Rhode Village, Co. Offaly.

Beautiful floral arrangements made to order for your special day • Bridal Bouquets • Venue and Reception • Church and Civil Ceremony • Corsages and Buttonholes

Rhode Village, Offaly

087 285 2213

fransflowershop@gmail.com

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TOPIC • 17 January, 2019

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Spring Wedding Guide • Spring Wedding • Spring Wedding Guide

Celebrate the perfect wedding at Kilronan Castle

Wedding Open Day on Sunday, 27th January in ‘Ireland’s Best Wedding Hotel 2018’, awarded by The Gold Medal Awards Kilronan Castle located on the shores of Lough Meelough, Ballyfarnon, Co Roscommon is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. One of Ireland’s most luxurious Castle Hotels, Kilronan Castle is the ancestral home of the Tenison family and the legendary Colonel King Tenison. It is one of a few Irish castle estates that can trace its history back to royal families. This 200-years-old castle is steeped in history, full of character and old world charm… the perfect setting for your wedding.

Kilronan Castle is nestled amongst acres of woodland, open lawns and pathways leading you to a truly breathtaking estate. From intimate to extravagant, traditional to bespoke, our expert team offer a comprehensive service ensuring your wedding will be unforgettable and uniquely yours. We want the planning of your day to be effortless, relaxed and most importantly

enjoyable, once you have met with our experienced wedding coordinators we only have one focus, and that is to deliver excellence and a memorable experience for you and your guests. Here at Kilronan Castle we offer an unparalleled Irish Castle Wedding experience and pride ourselves in providing first class services.

Kilronan Castle has 85 superbly appointed bedrooms, fully equipped with contemporary comforts. These rooms fuse modern luxury with a touch of old-style glamour.

The Dungeon Bar is an ideal private setting for your drinks reception, in the summer your guests will gather on the patio sipping on pink champagne whilst overlooking the scenic Lough Meelagh, Alternatively for a winter wedding the roaring open fires make the surroundings comfortable and homely, the candlelit wine cellar just adds to the mystical

atmosphere.

Let our spectacular candlelit corridor lead you to our Grand Ballroom with exquisite décor that sets a tone of opulence underneath magnificent chandeliers.

Catering for smaller intimate numbers of 150 guests to numbers exceeding 350 our Grand Ballroom is the perfect venue for your wedding day celebrations.

On Sunday, 27 January Kilronan Castle will be having an open day showcasing the castle and all it has to offer; meet with our dedicated wedding planners and our trusted industry suppliers that will offer you valuable information. Sales and Marketing Manager Samantha Keeling says, “It is such a great day for us along with our trusted suppliers to meet all of the newly engaged couples and show them what Kilronan Castle has to offer.

“We are so proud of our recent award and want to show couples why we were voted Ireland’s Best Wedding Hotel.”

TOPIC • 17 January, 2019

FEATURE

Spring Wedding Guide • Spring Wedding • Spring Wedding Guide

Weddings at the Midlands Overall Hotel Of The Year - Tullamore Court Hotel

Long after your wedding, the treasured memories of your special day will remain. The four star Tullamore Court Hotel, which was awarded 'Midlands Overall Hotel of the Year', will provide you with the perfect backdrop to these memories, blending modern luxury and traditional hospitality allowing you to relax and enjoy every moment.

The elegant DE Williams Suite welcomes weddings from 50 to 350 guests. Natural daylight will leave a lasting impression on you, and your guests, with its floor to ceiling windows overlooking your very own private garden. In the evening time, the garden comes to life with twinkling fairy lights ensuring a beautiful focal point

throughout your entire day.

The suite itself is decorated in gold damask and radiates a rich luxurious elegance. Exquisite white or black chair covers and coloured sashes will add a touch of glamour while their crystal globe centre pieces create a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere.

The Tullamore Court Hotel is an approved wedding venue for both civil ceremonies and blessing, allowing you to enjoy your entire day under one roof.

The wedding team pride themselves on designing unique wedding experiences for each couple. Your room will be tastefully decorated to create a wedding that is a true reflection of you.

Your guests will enjoy preferential accommoda-

tion rates in their 103 luxurious bedrooms along with ample free car parking and access to their multi award winning leisure centre.

You are invited to our wedding showcase on Sunday, 20 January from 2pm to 4pm. View our elegant suite set up in wedding décor, chat to our highly acclaimed wedding advisor Donna Duffy and enjoy gourmet bites and prosecco while listening to three fantastic wedding bands: Cosmonauts, White Diamond, and The LOLS. Wedding packages start from €47.50 per person.

Call our wedding advisor Donna to chat about your individual wedding day on 057-9346666 or email weddings@tullamorecourthotel.ie.

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A memorable day at The Annebrook House Hotel!

Renowned for their award winning weddings, the four star Annebrook House Hotel presents a spectacular fusion of 17th century heritage with ultimate modern styling. Let us be your “something old, something new.” Whether it's a grand affair or an intimate reception, the style of your wedding is entirely up to you.

As a family owned hotel, we pride ourselves in offering a very personalised service from the initial booking stage all the way through to your dream day.

Sumptuous food combined with top-class service are the main ingredients of any good wedding and the Annebrook House Hotel delivers both these elements seamlessly. Our friendly and approachable service will ensure your wedding day is everything you want it to be and more.

Ciara and the wedding team at the Annebrook constantly strive to keep up to date with current trends to ensure every couples day is as memorable and as individual as you are. We are excited to

announce the launch of our newly refurbished ballroom coming in spring 2019. Come along to our next wedding open days on

Sunday, 3 February, from 1pm to 5pm and Wednesday, 20 February, from 5pm to 8pm to view this wonderful venue for yourself.

For further details visit www.annebrook.ie, or email Ciara on events@annebrook.ie

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TOPIC • 17 January, 2019

FEATURE

Spring Wedding Guide • Spring Wedding • Spring Wedding Guide

THE A TO Z GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR SPRING WEDDING

Need a jump start on your to-do list? Take our crash course in wedding knowhow. It's as easy as A-B-C! Getting engaged couldn't be more exciting, but once you actually start on the task that lies ahead of you, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. There's so much involved in planning a wedding: Should you have an outdoor event? Should you send save-the-date cards?

When do you mail your invitations? Do you really need to have an open bar?

Your head might start spinning as you ponder the difference between an escort card and a place card. Relax—here are all the basics you'll need to help you pull together a memorable wedding.

BUDGET Developing a realistic budget is admittedly not the most romantic part of planning your wedding, but you certainly can't do much of anything before you figure one out. To get a sense of how much dough you have to work with, determine how much you and your betrothed have

able for purchase to let your guests know about the special gift.

EMERGENCY KIT

GROOM'S CAKE

Don't leave for the ceremony without an emergency kit packed with essentials for tackling common wedding-day mishaps like torn hems or broken heels. Some must-haves: double-sided fabric tape, a small sewing kit, superglue, deodorant, breath mints, clear nail polish, and tissues.

A tradition that originated in the southern parts of the US, a groom's cake— which can sit near the wedding cake or on a separate table at the reception—is a fun addition. Surprise your groom with a confection that reflects his hobbies or interests. A GAA fan will love a football-shaped cake, while a music lover will appreciate a treat shaped like his favourite instrument. You can serve the cake at the reception or box up slices for guests to take home.

FAVOURS

available and sit down with both sets of parents to find out what, if anything, they are able to contribute.

AMBIENCE Close your eyes and try to envision your perfect wedding. Is it a bold-coloured blast with a trendy fusion menu? Or perhaps a relaxed, nature-inspired affair in stunning shades of green? Zeroing in on the type of ambience you want your event to evoke is the first step in making your dream wedding a reality.

For inspiration, grab a stack of magazines (wedding, home and travel mags work best) and tear out any photos that catch your eye.

Lay them side by side and look for the common thread—serene blues and greens, for example.

Chances are these colours will create the feeling that's right for you.

have a religious or spiritual ceremony and a reception at your destination.

CEREMONY This is just what it sounds like: a list of guests who will score invites to your wedding if any guests on your A-list decline.

Here's how to carry this off without offending anyone.

First, send your A-list invites out eight to ten weeks before your event so you have enough time to get responses and move on to the B-list. (You don't want your B-listers receiving their invitations suspiciously close to your wedding date!)

This is really the heart of your wedding day, and there are lots of choices when it comes to what's best for you. You can opt for a religious ceremony at a house of worship, a legal ceremony at city hall or a courthouse, or a spiritual ceremony in just about any location, from a tranquil garden to an elegant ballroom or private home. If you and your future husband are of different faiths, consider an ecumenical or interfaith ceremony that incorporates elements from each of your religious traditions.

DESTINATION WEDDING If you're thinking about tying the knot across the country or even halfway around the world, you're right in style. Destination weddings are getting more popular all the time. If you want to get hitched abroad, be sure to thoroughly research your dream destination's marriage requirements. Some mandate that you must be in the country for a specific number of days before the wedding, for example.

Another option: Skip the hassle of foreign laws, marry officially in Ireland, and then

Show your guests how much you appreciate their presence with a thoughtful favour. Skip the candle or cookie (old news!) and consider petite treats with a purpose. Think silver luggage tags, cool coasters or corkscrews, or packets of sophisticated cocktail mixes to go.

If you're thinking of something a little more personal, try making a donation to your favourite charity on behalf of your guests. The I Do Foundation offers a simple and easy way to make your donation. You can choose an organisation from their list or suggest your own.

Place cards are also avail-

junior bridesmaid (if you decide to have one) will, of course, skip the bachelorette party and won't be expected to chip in on the cost of a bridal shower. She and her parents should,

lighting designer, try this inexpensive trick: Replace the existing light bulbs with pink- or amber-hued ones which will cast a flattering, romantic glow.

HERITAGE Looking for ways to put your personal stamp on your wedding? Consider including elements—from food to colours to music— that honour you and your fiancé's family heritage. Be sure to explain the significance to your guests. For example, you can describe specific customs or songs in the wedding program or highlight special dishes on menu cards at each place setting.

INVITATIONS Ideally, you should start your search for the perfect invitations six to eight months before your wedding and place your order at least four months before your date. If you don't make those deadlines, ask the printer to send the envelopes ahead of the invitations themselves.

This way, you can get a head start on the time-consuming task of addressing the envelopes.

JUNIOR BRIDESMAID This role usually goes to a close female friend or relative between the ages of nine and fourteen. Your

however, be invited to the rehearsal dinner.

KIDS' TABLE Show your youngest guests a great time by seating them all at a special kids' table designed with them in mind. Some totfriendly ideas: Put a colouring book and crayons at each place setting or provide each child with a goodie bag of small treats like stickers, mini games, crayons and cookies. Enlist a willing teenage guest, or hire a local baby-sitter, to supervise the little ones.

LIGHTING One of the most dramatic ways to transform a ceremony or reception venue is with lighting. If hiring a professional is within your budget (they can be more affordable than you might think!), he or she can do virtually anything from projecting your initials onto the dance floor to spotlighting centrepieces to creating an intriguing "starry night" effect on the ceiling. If you can't afford a

MUSIC The big music question used to be "Band or DJ?" These days, many couples aren't limiting themselves to one or the other—they're hiring both! Each can take turns performing or the band can play during the early part of the reception and the DJ can take over later on, to create more of a nightclub feel. The latest idea couples like is to line up their own playlists of songs they want to hear.

Just make sure your venue has good speakers.

NEWSPAPER ANNOUNCEMENT It’s not common in Ireland but still heard of. Contact your chosen newspapers—some provide forms for you to fill out, while others allow you to craft your own wording. If they run photos with the announcements, get the specifics: Do they accept digital pictures? What size?

Will prints be returned? As for timing, engagement announcements can run up to a year before the wedding, but two to three

Contd. on page 35

Know your loan: Representative example €15,000 loan repayable over four years 48 monthly payments of €365.51 Rate of Interest: 7.9% p.a.variable; Representative 8.2% APR Total Amount Payable is €17,544.48 Loans are subject to approval. Terms & Conditions apply. Mullingar Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

TOPIC • 17 January, 2019

FEATURE

Spring Wedding Guide • Spring Wedding • Spring Wedding Guide SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS These are a great way to give your guests plenty of notice about your upcoming nuptials. Save-the-date cards are mailed out six to eight months before the wedding, but can also be sent as soon as you've come up with a complete guest list and confirmed your wedding date.

THANK-YOU NOTES

Contd. from page 34 months in advance is customary. Wedding news can be published just as soon as you've said "I do."

OPEN BAR Having an open bar is not common but still a nice touch. If you're concerned about the cost, there are a few wallet-friendly alternatives: Have an open bar for guests on arrival and then switch to just beer and wine; serve only beer and wine for the entire event; or forgo alcohol altogether and offer a variety of soft drinks.

QUIET TIME Between formalwear fittings, cake tastings and worries over pulling together a guest list, wedding planning can put a serious dent in your love life. So make a point to pencil in some quiet time with your spouse-to-be. Whether you hit a hot new restaurant, take in a movie or just share coffee and bagels over the Sunday paper, keep wedding chat to a minimum (no easy feat!) and just enjoy each other's company.

RSVP PLACE CARDS At a formal wedding, guests are often assigned a specific seat at the table, and that's where place cards come in. These can be as simple as a tented piece of cardstock or as whimsical as a tiny floral arrangement. If you're putting printed menu cards at each seat, they can do double duty as place cards. Just ask your printer or calligrapher to add a guest's name to the top of each menu.

Wondering how many of your guests are likely to RSVP "yes"? If your venue holds 150 people, for example, don't invite 200 and assume that 50 won't show.

If you decide to enclose response cards with your invitation, they should be printed with the date to respond by, a line for guests to fill in their names and a line for them to note how many of those invited plan to attend. Give your caterer your final head count a week to several days prior to the wedding.

DERMOT HALL MENSWEAR

You know you have to write thank-you notes, but you might be confused by some of the myths about how long you have to get them in the mail.

Follow these guidelines: For engagement gifts, send your notes within two to three weeks; for wedding gifts received in advance of the big day, send your thank yous before the wedding; for gifts received at the wedding, get them done within three months and for gifts received post-wedding, mail your thank you notes within three weeks.

USHERS These guys (who may double as groomsmen or may simply be other male pals) are responsible for escorting your family members and friends to their seats as they arrive for the ceremony. To keep things flowing at a good pace, appoint at least one usher for every 50 guests.

VENDORS From the florist to the caterer, your vendors are the pros you'll rely on to carry out your wedding-

day wishes. When hiring vendors take the time to check their references, ask for samples when possible (many caterers or bakers will do tastings, for example, and florists will often provide a sample centrepiece), and be sure to get everything you agree on in writing.

WEDDING PLANNER Think wedding planners are only for the wealthy?

Think again. These days, you can hire a professional at different price points, depending on the level of service you need. You can enlist a coordinator to orchestrate the entire event or hire one just for the big day itself, to ensure that things run smoothly.

Consider hiring a planner if you know you won't have a lot of time to devote to wedding details or if you're planning your nuptials from a distance. Hotels and other venues may also have their own team dedicated to looking after your entire event, so check with our advertisers and see how they can help.

YOUNG ATTENDANTS To prep future flower girls or ring bearers for their role, ask their parents to rehearse their tasks—walking down the aisle, scattering flower petals or carrying the ring bearer's pillow—with them in advance. You want to be sure that young attendants will feel comfortable when their big moment comes.

ZERO REGRETS When the band or DJ plays the last song of the night, grab your new husband for one final turn on the dance floor. Then stop and look around at all the family members and friends who so happily celebrated the day with you.

Now, savour the moment.

Even if the weather wasn't just what you'd hoped for, or there were a few little snags along the way, look back on your day with zero regrets—and look forward to starting life as a newlywed!

New Forest Estate Weddings "New Forest Estate is a wonderful wedding venue offering the history and character of New Forest House, a 300-year-old Irish Manor house, with the privacy of being in the heart of the Beautiful 300 Acre New Forest Estate.

New Forest is a perfect setting for intimate weddings in New Forest House itself or wonderful Marquee weddings on the front lawn for 250+ guests. All wedding types, sizes and formats can be accomodated. If you have something in mind for your perfect day the team at New Forest Estate will be delighted to work with you to make it happen.

Luxurious Accommodation is also available in their wonderful Courtyard Lodges.

If you would like to visit New Forest Estate, please call 044 9221100 to arrange a viewing."

EXTRA INVITATIONS Be sure to order about 20 extra invitations and envelopes. You'll need them for any last-minute additions to your guest list and for redoing any envelopeaddressing goofs. And don't forget to save yourself a few invites to tuck away as precious keepsakes of the day.

The Church Restaurant Castle Street, Mullingar

O’CONNELL SQUARE, EDENDERRY 046 973 1475

WEDDING SUIT HIRE

New Forest Estate is a wonderful wedding venue offering the history and character of a 300-year-old Irish Manor house, with the privacy of being in the heart of a beautiful Irish country estate.

A perfect setting for intimate weddings in New Forest House itself or wonderful Marquee weddings on the front lawn for 250+ guests.

If you have something in mind for your perfect day, we will be delighted to work with you to make it happen.

10% OFF WITH THIS ADVERT Over 40 years experience in Wedding Suit Sales & Hire

THE PERFECT VENUE FOR AN INTIMATE WEDDING CELEBRATION

Catering for up to 65 guests, we will create a menu to suit your taste and budget and work with you to make your day extra special.

SELECTION OF SHOES ALSO AVAILABLE

044 9332517

www.churchmullingar.com

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We accommodate all wedding types, sizes and formats.

On site accomodation available in our luxurious courtyard lodges.

To arrange a viewing please call 044 9221100

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TOPIC • 17 January, 2019

FEATURE

Spring Wedding Guide • Spring Wedding • Spring Wedding Guide

The Bridge House Hotel - Midlands Wedding Fair of the Year!

Takes place Sunday, 3 February from 1pm to 5pm

One of the beautiful suites available for your wedding at the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore.

The Bridge House Hotel is pleased to announce their Midlands Wedding Fair of the Year will take place on Sunday, 3 February from 1pm to 5pm. Couples will get the chance to visit over 30 exhibitors on the day, view the newly refurbished Charleville Suite and avail of new wedding packages and specials exclusively on the day.

The hotel will also announce the winner of the €20,000 wedding giveaway which has been running over the last number months with an of unprecedented amount of entries.

As part of the wedding giveaway, the winning couple won’t have to worry about a single thing as many of our trusted wedding suppliers have gladly offered to take care of the finer details. Anna Harvey

Enjoy the perfect wedding at the Bridge House Hotel

will provide couples with a beautiful wedding car, Masters of Photography will look after the photos, and Lawlor videos will supply your wedding video. Dance the night away with live music from The Secrets followed by DJ Jay until the early hours of the morning.

We haven’t forgotten about the wedding attire and are delighted to announce that bridal specialists My Fair Lady and Guy Clothing are on board too. Look no further than The Flower Bar at Bennies for beautiful wedding flowers and floral arrangements to tie in with your theme. To capture some special moments with your guests Paddy’s photo booth will be on hand too.

The hotel’s wedding coordinator will be available from start to finish in help-

ing the lucky couple to plan their special day to perfection, and you can choose from the new all-inclusive wedding packages available which include the famous champagne vintage arrivals reception, six course menus, floral arrangements, complimentary rooms, and so much more!

The family run four star Bridge House Hotel has a longstanding tradition of good food, warm hospitality and impeccable service, and as a registered venue for civil ceremonies, they use this experience to arrange the perfect wedding day personalised for each couple whether the wedding celebration is a traditional religious wedding or a civil ceremony.

There are a number of banqueting suites including the newly refurbished

Charleville Suite which can accommodate up to 350 guests, or the majestic Millennium Suite which can hold up to 180 guests and is also perfect for hosting your wedding ceremony; there are also other intimate spaces available at the Bridge House Hotel for smaller weddings of up to 65. The Bridge House Hotel Wedding Concierge will be dedicated to you and your guests for your every need & will direct traffic and parking onsite.

Contact the Bridge House Hotel on +353 57 932 5600/Lo Call 1850 312 312 or the hotel’s visit website, www.bridgehouse.com and check out the new dedicated Wedding section for details on the hotel’s wedding packages.

Call in and meet the team Sunday, 3 February from 1pm to 5pm.

LEGALITIES In the excitement of picking the dress, finding the right flowers, and, of course, being newly engaged, it can be easy to forget about the legalities and practicalities surrounding marriage. There are three general types of wedding that take place in Ireland: Catholic, civil, and other religions including Humanist.

Although they differ slightly the basis for all three is the same. Whatever style of wedding you choose, don’t forget these important steps along the way to your big day.

1. NOTIFICATION. Whether you are getting married in Ireland, or are an Irish citizen hoping to marry abroad, couples must give a minimum of three months notice to the registry office in order to get married. An appointment must be made to give said notice, so ensure that your appointment is made in plenty of time to allow for three months notification visit crsappointments.ie for more information.

Civil marriages that take place in registry offices only take place Monday to Friday, so bear this in mind if you are hoping for a weekend ceremony.

2. PRE-MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. Catholic marriages require couples to partake in a marriage preparation course and the certificate from this must be given to the priest prior to the marriage ceremony.

3. PRENUPTIAL ENQUIRY FORM. This applies to Catholic weddings and must be filled in the presence of the priest in the parish that you live in.

When filling in this form, the couple must bring baptismal certificates, confirmation certificate, and premarriage certificate form.

4. SOLEMNISING THE MARRIAGE. Once you have registered you will be issued with a marriage registration form which grants you the authorisation to be married. This must be presented to whoever is solemnising the marriage, be it religious or otherwise.

Bear in mind that it is often customary in Catholic weddings to give a stipend, i.e. an offering to thank the priest solemnising your marriage.

5. RETURNING FORMS. Following the celebrations, the registration forms must be returned to the registrar within one month for marriage to be registered and recognised.

6. STATUS. Now that you are married you status changes in regard to lots of things i.e. life insurance, pension, inheritance, taxation etc. etc. the list goes on and on. The best way to advise yourself on your status changes is to visit www.citizeninformation.ie where you will find a list of tabs relating to all your needs.