Planning your wedding is an incredibly exciting time, but it can quickly feel overwhelming with all the details! This Cork wedding planning guide is here to help ensure you don't miss a thing, helping you create the perfect celebration from start to finish.
The Engagement Excitement (12+ Months Out)
This is the joyous beginning, where your dreams start to take shape.
Consider celebrating your engagement with family and friends at your prospective wedding venue. This allows you to scout out your desired location early, and truly savour the excitement by sharing a meal with your loved ones.
It's important to start your wedding planning in early to ensure everything about your big day is exactly as you wish. The first things to consider are:
- Wedding Style and Budget: Think about your desired style, size, and formality. Set your wedding budget at this stage, as this will inform all your following decisions.
- Choose Your Date(s): Do you have a specific date in mind, or are you flexible? Factor in the availability of your key guests and, of course, your dream venue.
- Start Your Guest List: Creating an early rough draft will help you estimate venue capacity and make menu decisions.
- Consider Your Wedding Party: Decide on your bridesmaids, groomsmen, Maid of Honour, and Best Man. Giving them an early invitation allows them to plan ahead for all the celebrations leading up to the big day.
- Begin Researching Key Vendors: Start to browse different wedding photographers in Cork to discover your favourite style, research cake decorators and florists, and begin enquiring about bands or DJs early.
Building Your Dream Team (9-12 Months Out)
Once you have a rough plan together, it's time to start delving into the details.
- Book Your Photographer & Videographer: Their calendars often fill up fast, especially for the best Cork wedding photographers. For more tips on choosing your wedding photographer, you can click here.
- Select Your Menu: Schedule menu tastings to determine what delicious dishes you wish to serve your guests. It's certainly worth considering a venue that provides in-house catering, such as Cork’s Vienna Woods Hotel, to give yourself one less significant thing to worry about.
- Choose Your Wedding Dress: Browse early allows ample time for the fittings and alterations needed to perfect your dream wedding dress.
- Send Save-the-Dates: This is particularly important if you have guests travelling from afar.
- Book Your Music: Secure your wedding band or DJ for the reception.
- View a list of trusted Cork Wedding Suppliers here.
The Countdown Begins (6-9 Months Out)
Now, it's time to secure your bookings and finalise those crucial details.
- Finalise Your Guest List: Send out formal invitations once your list is complete!
- Arrange Accommodation: Secure room blocks with your venue or a nearby location for any out-of-town guests.
- Choose Wedding Attire: Select suits and dresses for the rest of your wedding party.
- Plan Your Flowers & Décor: Work closely with a florist to bring your vision to life, considering colours, themes, and arrangements.
- Book Your Hair & Makeup Artists: Schedule trials to ensure you love your final look for the day.
- Order Your Wedding Cake: A delicious and visually stunning centrepiece!
- Plan Your Honeymoon: Start your honeymoon planning in Ireland or abroad. Research destinations and book your flights and accommodation.
The Final Touches (3-6 Months Out)
The excitement truly builds as the big day draws closer.
- Select Wedding Rings: Choose and purchase your wedding bands.
- Finalise Readings & Music: Confirm all selections for your ceremony and key reception moments.
- Arrange Transport: Organise transport for the wedding party and guests, if needed.
- Purchase Wedding Favours: If you're opting to include them.
- Organise Marriage Licence: Understand the legal requirements in Ireland and apply well in advance.
- Plan Pre-Wedding Events: Get the hen and stag parties organised (if applicable).
The Grand Finale (The Last Month)
It's time to tie up all the loose ends and prepare for the celebration!
- Final Fittings for All Attire: Ensure everything fits perfectly for everyone involved.
- Confirm with All Wedding Vendors Cork: Finalise timings, deliveries, and every last detail.
- Create Seating Chart: This can be a rewarding puzzle to solve!
- Prepare Final Payments: Get all supplier payments ready.
- Create Your Wedding Day Timeline Cork: Share this crucial schedule with your bridal party and key vendors.
- Pack for Your Honeymoon!
Post-Wedding Bliss
The celebration continues well after "I do!"
- Consider a Day-Two Celebration: Savour the excitement and send off your guests in a relaxed way with a day-two event.
- Enjoy Your Honeymoon!: Settle into those first precious moments as a married couple.
- Send Thank You Notes: Acknowledge your guests and wedding vendors Cork for their support and gifts.
- Collect Wedding Photos & Video: Relive the magic of your day whenever you wish!
At Vienna Woods Hotel, we pride ourselves on being more than just a venue; we're your partner in crafting your dream wedding. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of your wedding planning in Cork, offering expert advice and exceptional service from your engagement to your post wedding ideas and beyond.
