Wedding Help NI: A List of Things To Do With Planning
Wedding Help Northern Ireland
Wedding Help NI (Northern Ireland) and checklist are free to download PDF for couples planning, and this is a little help with your big day, including suppliers. Unfortunately, the wedding checklist is not completely 100% finished as there is always something being added, so please come back to this page from time to time. If you are a bride or groom in need of wedding suppliers and vendors who have worked in the wedding industry, please join the wedding Facebook group Wedding Help Northern Ireland, as there are over 3000 members already in the group. If you are a wedding supplier or vendor, you are free to join the group. I don't run the group as I'm merely a wedding supplier.
Table Contents
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Wedding Planner
This is a step-by-step wedding planner in Northern Ireland and Belfast if you are stuck on your day’s timeline. This is adjusted accordingly to what you want, as you might want something different from others.
The bride, maid of honour and bridesmaids (i.e. the bridal party) get dressed with possibly some light drinking involved and plenty of craic and banter.
The groom, best man and groomsmen get dressed, usually at the parent’s house, with possibly some beer, the odd whiskey and plenty of craic and banter, too.
Ceremony.
Cocktail, wine, beer, whiskey, tea, coffee and a quick mingle with your guests!
Wedding party and family photos.
Invite guests to dinner.
Bride and groom’s grand entrance.
Speeches and toasts include some fun to be had throughout.
Dinner.
The bride and groom cut the wedding cake (this can happen before dinner too sometimes).
The grand entrance (yes, again!).
Bride and groom’s first dance, where you might have practised a lot or hardly any at all, it’s all great anyway, and your guests will have a great time regardless.
Dance, dance and more dancing until the next morning.
Visit Wedding Photos • Venues • Engagements • Stationery
If you are looking for an actual wedding planner in Belfast as opposed to a step-by-step guide, there are a number in the city. There are some companies and individuals you can contact in Belfast for more information.
What happens at a Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony video is an important part of your day as it’s the marriage and can involve several things happening depending on where it is and what type of a ceremony it is, i.e. catholic, protestant or neither in a chapel, church or hotel, (there are more places you have your ceremony too) including readings, vows, singing, music, handfasting plus lots of other things too.
For example, I attached my small portable audio recorders on the humanist celebrant and the groom. This is essential as the celebrant conducts the ceremony, and you might also get some audio from the groom. You couldn't ask for better weather, but the proceedings were slightly behind schedule. The music commenced, and soon after, the bride arrived with her father. The ceremony was great fun, telling the story of how they met.
Ceremony - Chapel & Church
An example of a wedding ceremony filmed in a small Chapel in Omagh from my second B camera, which was located on a tripod with a mic attached.
An example of an audio recording of a Catholic wedding Officiant, in this case, the Priest. The audio recorder was attached to the priest.
An example of a wedding ceremony in a Church in Lurgan.
Coming soon
Reception
Wedding reception speeches including a bride’s speech.
Speeches
An example of speeches from my B camera at the evening reception was filmed from my static camera. Two cameras must be used at the ceremony and speeches.
Another example of wedding speeches from my A camera at the Cookstown reception, this time filmed from my A camera, which is the camera I operate.
First Dances
The wedding's first dance is the first dance of the evening, usually followed by the bridal party and then guests. Sometimes, there is a daughter-father (or daddy) dance after the first dance. The wedding's first dance is the first dance of the evening, usually followed by the bridal party and then guests. Sometimes, there is a daughter-father (or daddy) dance after the first dance.
This is an example of a first dance in a Newry hotel evening reception from my second camera B, which was on a tripod filming wide, static and not moved.
First dance at the reception.
Things to consider
So great you’ve decided to get married what do you book first after your reception venue and the place you're having your ceremony in? Here are a few things to consider in no particular order
Venue (this most likely would have been one of the very first things)
Ceremony - are you having it in a church, chapel or having it in your reception
Wedding photographer
Wedding videographer
A seamstress
Alterations
Cake
Entertainment - band or/and DJ
Flowers
MUA
Hairstylist
Things to consider when Planning a Wedding
There are a few things to consider when planning a Wedding. These are the main points.
Budget
Work out a Budget and think about dates. Organising a wedding, fingers crossed, isn't something that people do many times in their lives. Sit down with your partner and work out roughly how many people will be attending and what sort of wedding you want, keeping in mind your budget. Some folks like to have everything paid off before the wedding, and others don't mind putting it on a credit card. Consider what time of the year you want your wedding, as there are lots of pluses to having a wedding in the off-season.
Venue
Booking the venue is always pretty much a top priority as this is your biggest expense. Northern Ireland has some of the most stunning wedding venues in the world. With its lush green landscapes, rugged coastlines and breathtaking castles, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If your ceremony is taking place at an off-site location such as a church, check with the parish secretary for their availability first. Check that the price is locked in or subject to change, and ask if you can have rooms reserved for guests.
Photographer
Always book an experienced wedding photographer like myself to capture all the wedding day moments, as I’ve worked in the wedding industry for quite some time. Don't go by price alone, as you should check out a few photographers and go with the one you feel you can connect with most, as they're going to be there all day. Most photographers enjoy having a chat with potential clients.
Videographer
If you’d like a wedding videographer of your day, there are plenty to choose from, including me. Videographers offer a wide of packages, which can include highlights, ceremonies and speeches. Make sure you know what you're getting before booking, as there are plenty of idiot-type numbskull videographers out there just starting in the wedding industry.
Florist
When choosing a florist, it is important to consider the quality and cost. Research florists and look for florists that specialise in wedding arrangements. Look at reviews, and once you have a few florists in mind, arrange a consultation to discuss your day and any other details.
Dress
Choosing your wedding dress is an essential part of your wedding planning, and to ensure you are selecting the right dress, here are a few tips. Start looking at a budget and researching different types of dresses and fabrics. When shopping for your dress, try on different styles. Don’t forget to bring the right shoes and anything else to help you get an idea of how the dress will look and feel on the day. Select a dress that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable.
Wedding Help
You can download the wedding planning checklist in black and white and print it off; this is slightly older than the colour version above but still perfectly usable.
Wedding Planning
Wedding planning to help you plan your wedding day. You can have a look at the below, which may spark something that you might be interested in for your wedding day. I’m sure the list could be bigger, but I’ve just pointed out the main points below. For anything else, you are free to contact me with your suggestions and comments, as I offer several wedding services myself.
Makeup
Cake
Nails
Band
Venue
Wedding dress
Wedding ring
Second car
Seamstress
Flowers
First dance song
Hair
Church music
Favours
Flower girl dress
Bridesmaid dress
Ladders
Mr and Mrs sign
Wedding Decor
Gifts
Invitations
Order of service
Save the dates
Welcome sign
Post box
Bouquet charm
Groom wedding ring
Guest book
Cufflinks for the father of the bride
Cake topper
Accessories
Sweet bags
Sweet jars
Jewellery
Shoes
Selfie mirror
Marriage license applied for
Suits
Easels for signs
Groom/bridal party gifts
Tan
Cake Stand
Knife
Table plan
Clothes & Accessories
Dress
Bridal shoes
Bridal slip
Jewellery
Bridal headpiece/veil
Bridal gloves
Bridesmaid dresses
Bridesmaid
Accessories
Bridesmaid shoes
Groom’s suit
Groom’s accessories
Groom’s shoes
Groomsmen suits
Groomsmen accessories
Groomsmen's shoes
Alterations
Dress preservation
Flower girl dresses
Flower Girl
Accessories
Pageboy outfits
Pageboy accessories
Going away outfits
Honeymoon clothes
Change of shoes
Stationery
Save the date
Map/direction cards
Reply cards
Envelope
Postage
Calligrapher
Newspaper announcement
Thank you cards
Placenames
Table plan
Guest books
Balloons
Guests
Ceremony
Pre-Marriage Course
Marriage Licence
Church/Chapel
Civil ceremony
Unity candle
Fees
Chairs
Pew decoration
Flowers
Lanterns
Décor Candles
Altar Cloth
Music
Guest
Aisle Runner
Ushers
Flowers
Bridal Bouquet
Bridesmaid Bouquet
Church/Ceremony Flowers
Button Holes
Flowers Baskets for Attendants
Reception flowers
Table centres
Bouquet to throw
Preservation of bouquets
Brooch bouquet
Altar centrepiece
Reception
Location
Location costs
Caterer
Food
Pre-Drinks reception
The Toasts
Wedding cake
Cake Knife
Cake Stand
Cake table
Table decorations
Room décor
Table plan
Guest
Glassware
Napkins
Chair covers
Guestbook
Round tables
Top table
Band
DJ
Reception Music
Children’s food
Children’s entertainment
Childcare
Parking
Ushers
Gratuities
Wine
Champagne
Water
Rooms for bridal party
Rooms for family
Room rate
Transport from other hotels
Gifts
Bridesmaid
Mothers
Groomsmen
Flower girl/page
Boys
Table gifts at reception
Wedding Gifts
Charity donations
Hair & Make-Up
Choose a style
Book a trial
Bridesmaids
Cut
Colour
House or salon
Make-up trial
Nails
Tan
Hen & Stag
Date
Location
Numbers
Activities
Accommodation
Food
Drinks
Honeymoon
Location
Agents
Flights
Accommodation
Passports
Visas
Car Hire
Classic
Modern
Vintage
Carriage
The next day
Rings
Engagement rings
Wedding bands
Engraving
Sizing
Guests
Family
Friends
Priest / Minister / Registrar
Wedding Suppliers
There are many great wedding suppliers in Northern Ireland, and below are just some of my blog posts and pages for DJs, Celebrants and Bands in the province. Not forgetting myself as your Wedding Photographer or Videographer. Read through the blogs and pages, and if you are interested in anyone, reach out to them for enquiries.
Wedding cars
Wedding dresses
Wedding bands, singers and DJs
Makeup artists (MUAs)
Wedding Entertainment
Wedding breakfasts + lots more
Surprise Wedding Dance
One popular trend that has taken the wedding world by storm is the surprise wedding dance. Weddings are a joyous celebration of love and commitment. Bringing together family and friends to witness the union of two individuals. While traditional elements like vows, cake cutting, and first dances are an integral part of any wedding, couples nowadays are looking for unique and unforgettable ways to make their special day even more memorable. In this article, we will explore ideas and inspire creating a surprise wedding dance that will leave your guests in awe.
Surprise wedding dancing is a delightful twist that adds a touch of excitement and entertainment to the traditional wedding reception. It typically involves the couple and sometimes their wedding party or close family members performing a choreographed dance routine to a carefully selected medley of songs. The key to a successful surprise dance lies in the element of surprise itself. The dance should be unexpected and completely catch the guests off guard.
When planning, the first step is to choose the right song or song for your routine. Consider selecting a medley of songs that hold significance for you as a couple. This could include songs that remind you of memorable moments in your relationship or tracks that reflect your personality and interests. Mix in some upbeat, dance-worthy tunes to keep the energy high and get your guests on their feet. It's important to choose a combination of songs that flow well together and allow for different dance styles and tempos.
Next, you'll want to decide on the style and theme of your surprise dance. Are you looking to wow your guests with a perfectly synchronised routine, or go for a more fun and casual vibe? Think about your comfort level and the amount of time you're willing to dedicate to practising. If you and your partner have little to no dance experience, opting for a simple routine with easy-to-follow steps might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you're a confident dancer or willing to take on a challenge, you can explore more intricate moves and lifts to impress your guests.
Routine
Consider incorporating a surprise element into your wedding dance routine. This could involve unexpected costume changes, the sudden appearance of a flash mob, or even inviting select guests to join in the dance. These surprises will elevate the excitement and keep your audience engaged. Remember to rehearse these surprise elements thoroughly to ensure they go off without a hitch.
It's also worth considering the role of your wedding party and close family members in your surprise dance. Including them not only adds more depth to the performance but also allows you to share the spotlight and create cherished memories together. Depending on your vision, you can involve them in the entire routine or incorporate moments where they join you on the dance floor.
Once you have the songs, style, and surprise elements sorted, it's time to start practising. Enlist the wedding help of a professional choreographer who can assist you in creating a dance routine that suits your abilities and captures the essence of your relationship. Practice regularly, ideally with your entire wedding party or family members involved, to ensure everyone is in sync and comfortable with the routine.
On the big day, executing the surprise dance successfully relies on coordination and secrecy. Keep the details of your routine confidential, and make sure the music is cued at the right time. Work closely with your DJ or band to ensure a seamless transition from the traditional reception activities to the surprise dance performance.
Bride Surprise Dance for Groom
A Bride surprise dance for the groom is a beautiful way to showcase your love, personality, and creativity while adding an element of surprise to your wedding day. It creates a lasting impression on your guests, leaving them with a truly unforgettable experience. So, whether you're looking to bring tears of joy or laughter to your guests' faces, a well-executed surprise dance is sure to do the trick.
In conclusion, planning a surprise dance for your wedding can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. By carefully selecting the right songs, deciding on a style and theme, incorporating surprise elements, and practising diligently, you can create a surprise wedding dance that will amaze and entertain your guests. Remember, the key to a successful surprise dance is to keep it a secret. Avoid sharing any details with your guests or anyone who might accidentally spoil the surprise. This will ensure that the element of surprise remains intact and enhances the overall impact of your performance.
Additionally, don't forget to communicate and coordinate with your wedding venue and wedding vendors. Let them know about your surprise dance plan in advance so they can assist you with any necessary arrangements. For example, you might need to coordinate the lighting, sound, and even the positioning of tables and chairs to create an optimal space for your dance.
Furthermore, consider capturing your surprise wedding dance on video. Hiring a professional wedding videographer or asking a trusted friend to record the performance will allow you to relive those special moments and share them with those who couldn't attend your wedding. You can also consider creating a highlight reel of your surprise dance to share on social media or include in your wedding album.
Final thoughts
Lastly, keep in mind that the surprise wedding dance is not only about impressing your guests but also about expressing your love and enjoyment on your special day. Have fun with it, let loose, and embrace the joy of dancing together as a couple. Your enthusiasm and genuine emotions will shine through, making the surprise dance even more heartfelt and unforgettable. Thanks to First Dance Academy for the article, which is aimed at the Irish market but can be applied anywhere.
Wedding Confetti Alternatives
Need some wedding confetti alternatives as you're getting married soon, and your venue has a no-wedding confetti policy even outside? Read on. I always loved the confetti photos, so wondering if there is an alternative that I can do instead of using confetti. There is, indeed!
Bubbles
Note: bubbles can stain fabric
Ribbon wands
Sparklers
Still want that confetti photo?
Even though a wedding venue might not allow confetti for whatever reasons, what about a confetti photo when away for photos and the bridal party pops over the bride and groom? Some venues won’t allow paper confetti but will allow it as long as it’s biodegradable.
Wedding To-Do List: Ireland Irish Planning
I have decided to join my Wedding To-Do List Ireland Irish page with my Northern Ireland page (this page) as the two cover the same topic. Above is a wedding to-do list in Ireland and information you might find useful for your big day.
Wedding Speech Ideas
Some bride and groom wedding speech ideas, as I’ve heard a few with varying degrees of success and info on a Bride speech at the top table during speeches.
Groom Speech and what to do
It is advisable to type your groom’s speech using bullet points and bold text to help you read in case you get flustered and lose your place. If you can, don’t handwrite and scribble notes. When you look up at your guests, you may miss the place you left off, so headings and bullet points may help with this.
Groom Speech and what NOT to do
I’ve heard a few people say they can drag on a bit as the groom takes out two A4 sheets of double-sided paper, so it's better, in my opinion, to keep it short and sweet. I’ve been to a couple where this has happened. Just as long as your guests aren’t sitting there waiting three hours on their food.
Help
If you are a Bride looking for some wedding help with the groom’s speech, have a read through this. You may have a great paragraph for your parents but have no idea what to write for his parents, who unfortunately may not be supportive in any way towards you both getting married and have not made you particularly welcome into his family since you’ve been together. The groom may not want to write a load of rubbish just to say something good about them.
Ideas
What about if you, the bride, don’t get on too well with the groom’s side? Thank them for being there today and raising their son, but don’t go over the top, as it’s best to just celebrate with us, we appreciate it. Just thank them for coming, tell them they look well and have a wonderful son and leave it at that.
Bride Speeches
There are a few questions you might have, like is it strange for a Bride speech at your wedding after or before the groom’s two-minute speech, which doesn’t sound long, but for some grooms, this is long.
Reasons to make a speech
Many years ago, you never heard the bride making a speech, but it’s not a big deal now. You might not want someone like a relative or friend under pressure as you could be a calm and chilled type of person. You should do whatever you're happy with as you're paying for it, so go for it if that's what you want to do some brides are excited, and some others think it’s nice. It’s your day, too, so do whatever you're comfortable with, but most importantly, have fun.
There are various reasons to make a speech, such as possibly your father has passed away, and you want him to be mentioned so you still feel like he is a part of your wedding day. The same could be said about your mother, granny or another close relative.
It is about your comfort zone. I have been to a wedding before where the groom didn’t make a speech, only the bride, the bride’s father, the groom’s father and the best man. It’s not unusual at all.
I’ve heard before a best man refused the position as he didn’t want to make a speech due to fear. Fear of making a speech in front of a crowd of people. In this case, I would make a small speech, something like I’ll make this short and sweet, literally one line. If you can’t do this, then maybe someone else can make the speech.
Reasons why not to make a speech
There is no reason why a bride should not make a speech in today’s society, why should three or four lads be the only ones to speak? I can’t think of a reason NOT to make a speech, and the reasons why you should far outweigh the reasons why not to.