First Steps in Wedding Planning for
​Newly Engaged Couples in Ireland

Congratulations on your engagement!
​It is such an exciting time, and as you begin to plan your wedding, it’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and a few questions. If you’re in Ireland and new to wedding planning, don’t worry, taking those first steps early on can make all the difference. It helps you create a smooth, joyful journey and ensures your special day truly reflects both of you.

Why Start Planning Early?

- Secure your dream venue and preferred suppliers before dates fill up
- Give yourselves plenty of time to make thoughtful decisions
- Help keep stress levels down as your wedding day approaches

The first stage is all about chat. Talk openly with your partner about what you both imagine for your wedding. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a big celebration, sharing your visions sets the perfect foundation for everything that follows. It’s not just about logistics; it’s about discovering what truly matters to you as a couple.

When you have a clear and shared idea of your wedding’s style and vibe, decisions about venue, guest list, and details become easier. With so many stunning options across Ireland; from historic castles to cosy country houses; early discussions help ensure your wedding feels authentic and personal from start to finish.

For example: If you love the idea of a city wedding in Dublin, starting your venue search early means you’ll have a better chance of booking your top choice. Knowing your photography budget and common questions about wedding photos can also reduce worries and help you plan with confidence.


1. Deciding the Type of Wedding

One of your first decisions is what kind of ceremony you want. In Ireland, many couples choose between a traditional religious service or a modern civil ceremony. Both have their own special atmosphere and requirements.

Religious Ceremony vs. Civil Ceremony

Religious Ceremony: Usually held in a church, cathedral, or chapel. These can be very meaningful, especially if faith is important to you. You might need to attend pre-marriage courses or meet specific parish requirements.

Civil Ceremony: More flexible in location and style. These are officiated by a registrar or celebrant and can happen at a registry office, outdoor setting, or a licensed venue like a boutique hotel or historic building.

Choosing Your Venue Based on Your Ceremony Type

If you’re planning a religious service, your choice of church or chapel will influence your reception venue, often nearby.
For civil ceremonies, you have the freedom to choose from a variety of beautiful settings: country estates, castles, seaside resorts, or city hotels.

Exploring Venue Options

Ireland offers a wide array of stunning venues to match your style and guest list:

Large, grand estates or traditional hotels are perfect for bigger celebrations.
Smaller, boutique venues, private homes, or cosy restaurants work beautifully for intimate gatherings.
For a relaxed vibe, some couples choose rustic barns or outdoor locations with scenic views.

Deciding on your ceremony style and location early helps narrow down your options and makes planning much smoother. It’s the first step towards creating a wedding that truly feels like ‘you.’


2. Deciding on the Size and Style of Your Celebration

Are you dreaming of a small, intimate gathering or a lively, big-party bash? Figuring out the size and style sets the mood for your entire day.

Consider These Factors:

Your Personal Preference: Visualise your perfect day. Do you see just close family and friends, or a larger crowd?

Your Budget: Bigger weddings usually come with higher costs; think catering, larger venues, and more décor. Smaller weddings can sometimes allow for more personal touches.

The Atmosphere You Want: From elegant and understated to fun and lively, your wedding’s vibe is shaped by choices like décor, lighting, and entertainment.

Tips for Creating Your Ideal Celebration:

For intimate weddings, focus on personalised details such as handwritten place cards, special favours, or a heartfelt playlist.
For larger parties consider entertainment that keeps everyone engaged, photo booths, magicians, themed cocktails, or live music.

Balancing what you love with practical considerations will help make your wedding day both memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

3. Setting a Realistic Budget

One of the most practical first steps in wedding planning in Ireland is to work out your budget. Having honest conversations about money from the start creates a clear foundation for making decisions, helping both of you feel comfortable and confident in what you can achieve.

Why Is Starting with a Budget Important?
A well-thought-out budget acts as your road map. It guides your choices and helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed by endless options or unexpected costs. When you agree on your overall spend early, you can relax a bit, knowing you’re making practical decisions that reflect what matters most to both of you.

How Your Budget Affects Important Areas

Venue: Usually the biggest cost, venues can range from historic castles to modern city spaces or rustic barns. Setting a budget here helps narrow down your options and avoid overspending. Remember, read the contract before signing, especially if you are getting married within 2 years of paying your deposit. Venues may have a clause and have full antimony to increase the price of their package to be in line with overhead costs. So factor in a larger budget so you don’t get caught out.

Catering: The number of guests and the type of meal; sit-down dinner, buffet or casual street food, significantly impact costs.

Attire: Wedding dresses, suits, and accessories add up quickly. Remember to include alterations and extras in your budget.

Photography & Videography: Capturing your special day is a priority for many couples. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending. There are packages available for every budget.

Décor & Styling: Flowers, table décor, signage, and lighting set the mood but can be tailored to suit your financial plan.

Entertainment: Whether it’s a band or a DJ, singing waiters, magicians ....  entertainment often requires deposits early on, so plan for that.

Helpful Tips for Managing Your Finances

Make a list of all the expenses you expect, and split them into ‘must-have’ and ‘nice-to-have’ categories.

Do some research to understand typical costs in Ireland. Your wedding supplier, Facebook groups and local forums are great resources.

Build in a little extra money for unexpected costs; things often come up!

Use spreadsheets or wedding budgeting apps to track your spending.

Keep the lines of communication open about money, so both of you feel involved and prepared.

Once you’ve set your budget, you’ll find it easier to focus on who will be part of your special day, your guests and how to make everything fit comfortably within your plans.

4. Creating Your Guest List

The guest list can sometimes feel more complicated than it looks, especially for couples in Ireland. Deciding who to invite involves more than just numbers; it’s about balancing family expectations, relationships, and the atmosphere you want for your wedding.

Key Things to Consider:

Immediate Family: Most couples start with their closest relatives. Parents, siblings, and grandparents. Family is often at the heart of Irish weddings, so this is usually the first step.

Extended Family: After that, consider cousins, aunts, uncles, and family friends. Regional traditions or family expectations might influence how many people you invite here. Some families prefer a more intimate gathering, while others might want a big celebration with everyone.

Friends: Think about your lifelong friends versus newer acquaintances. Who’s played a big role in your relationship? Who do you truly want to celebrate with?

Work Colleagues and Acquaintances: Deciding whether to invite colleagues can be tricky. Some couples prefer a separate gathering for work friends, while others keep it simple and invite only close colleagues.

Balancing Your Guest List:

Talking openly with your partner (and your families if needed) early on helps prevent misunderstandings. Clear communication about who you both want to include makes the process smoother and ensures everyone’s expectations are managed.
Remember, your guest list helps shape the mood and energy of your wedding. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lively celebration, each person you invite adds their own joy and creates memories that will last a lifetime.

Strategies for Balancing Your Invitees

Deciding who to invite can sometimes feel tricky, especially with the many relationships and family dynamics involved. Here are some gentle tips to help you find a balance that feels right for both of you.

Set Boundaries Together: Sit down with your partner and agree on the maximum number of guests from each side. This way, everyone knows the plan and it helps keep things fair, especially if families are contributing financially or emotionally.

Consider Your Venue Size: The capacity of your chosen venue will naturally limit your guest list. If space is tight, prioritise those who mean the most to you both. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity.

A/B Lists: Many couples find it helpful to create a two-tiered list. An ‘A’ list of must invite guests, and a ‘B’ list of people they'd love to have if space allows. As RSVPs come in, you can extend invitations to the ‘B’ list accordingly, keeping things flexible. Tip: Give yourself time and request RSVP reply’s 4-6 weeks before your big day. This ensures you can add guests from your B List without any awkward feelings.

Handling Sensitive Situations: If your family includes blended relationships or estranged relatives, approach these situations with care and compassion. It’s okay to set boundaries that feel right for you, and open communication can help everyone feel respected.

Remember, your guest list shapes the atmosphere of your wedding and the memories you’ll create. Each guest adds to the energy and joy of the day, so choose those who will help make your celebration truly special.


5. Choosing Your Ideal Venue

Your wedding venue is more than just a backdrop—it’s the heart of your day. Ireland offers a stunning variety of locations, each with its own unique charm, so take your time exploring options that resonate with your vision.

Exploring Venue Preferences

Countryside Estates: If you love romance and scenic beauty, consider grand manor houses surrounded by rolling fields and lush gardens. Venues like Tankardstown House or Ballymagarvey Village combine historic elegance with modern comforts.

City Venues: For a vibrant, contemporary feel, urban settings like Dublin, Cork, or Galway are perfect. Think chic art galleries, rooftop terraces, or historic buildings like Dublin City Hall, which add a touch of sophistication.

Seaside Settings: Dreaming of ocean views? Coastal venues along the Wild Atlantic Way or charming seaside villages offer breath-taking scenery and a relaxed vibe. Imagine exchanging vows with the sea as your backdrop.

Key Factors to Keep in Mind!

Capacity: Make sure the venue comfortably fits your guest list without feeling crowded.

Style: Match the venue’s look to your desired wedding theme; formal, rustic, boho, or elegant.

Accessibility: Consider how easily your guests can reach the venue, especially for those traveling from abroad.

Privacy and Exclusivity: Decide whether you want an entire venue just for your wedding or a space that hosts multiple events.

Weather Plans: Irish weather can be unpredictable, so choose venues with indoor options or flexible outdoor setups.

Visiting potential venues gives you a true feel for the space. Check out venues at different times of day around the same time of year you are planning your big day to see how the natural light plays, helping you imagine your photos perfectly.

Choosing the right venue isn’t just about logistics; it’s about creating a setting that reflects your personalities and makes your day unforgettable.

6. Selecting the Perfect Timing for Your Wedding Day

When you tie the knot in Ireland, choosing the right date can influence everything from the weather to your venue availability. Here’s how to find the perfect timing for your celebration.

Irish Seasons and Their Charm. 

Spring (March – May): Blooming gardens and longer days make this a romantic choice. Think of lush floral backdrops and fresh, vibrant photos.

Summer (June – August): Warm weather and longer evenings are ideal for outdoor celebrations, perfect for a garden party or seaside wedding.

Autumn (September – November): The changing leaves create stunning scenery, and the cooler weather can add a cosy vibe to your day.

Winter (December – February): Embrace the magic of holiday lights, mulled wine and fireside warmth. Winter weddings can be intimate and cost effective, but shorter daylight hours mean planning for natural light in your ceremony.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Seasons

Peak Season (late spring to early autumn): More options, but higher costs and bookers well in advance.

Off-Peak (winter or late autumn): Greater availability, better prices, and unique seasonal themes, think cosy fireside receptions or winter wonderlands.

Consider what matters most. Whether it’s outdoor photos in summer or a snug, festive feel in winter. Talking with your venue about availability and the best times to get married can make your planning smoother.

7. Adding Personal Touches to Your Wedding

Your wedding is a celebration of your love story, so adding personal touches makes it even more meaningful. Here are some ideas to make your day uniquely ‘yours’:

Themes and Styles

Choose a Theme: From rustic countryside charm to elegant black-tie, pick a style that resonates with both of you. Maybe you love vintage details or a seaside vibe; let your personalities shine through.

Colour Schemes: Soft pastels create a romantic mood, while bold jewel tones add drama and richness. Think about colours that reflect your personalities and the atmosphere you want.

Meaningful Details

Custom Invitations: Personalise your invites with illustrations, photos, or calligraphy that tell your story. Contact me at Aisle Do! Wedding Services to discuss your style. 

Vows: Writing your own vows allows you to express your love in your words, adding an intimate touch to your ceremony.

Family Heirlooms: Incorporate special family pieces like jewellery, wedding veil or vintage china to honour your heritage.

Special Entertainment: Select music or performances that reflect your tastes, live bands, acoustic sets, or even fun activities like photo booths or themed games.

By weaving these personal touches into your wedding, you’ll create a day that feels authentic and heartfelt, full of moments that will stay with you forever.

In Conclusion

Planning your wedding as a newly engaged couple is an exciting journey, full of possibilities and new beginnings. By taking these first steps together, discussing your dreams, setting realistic goals, and supporting each other, you’re laying the foundation for a joyful, memorable celebration.

Remember, open communication, flexibility, and a shared sense of adventure are your best friends along the way. Each decision, from choosing your venue to crafting your guest list, is part of creating a beautiful story that’s uniquely yours.

Enjoy every moment of the process, and soon enough, you’ll be celebrating the start of your happily ever after, ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.