Wedding Checklist: Help & List of Things To Do

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 than others.

1. The bride, maid of honour and bridesmaids (ie the bridal party) get dressed with possibly some light drinking involved, and plenty of craic and banter involved.

2. 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.

3. Ceremony.

4. Cocktail, wine, beer, whiskey, tea, coffee and a quick mingle with your guests!

5. Wedding party and family photos.

6. Invite guests to dinner.

7. Bride and groom’s grand entrance.

8. Speeches and toasts include some fun to be had throughout.

9. Dinner.

10. The bride and groom cut the wedding cake (this can happen before dinner too sometimes).

11. The grand entrance (yes, again!).

12. 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.

13. Dance, dance and more dancing until the next morning.

Wedding Planner Belfast

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 ie 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.

Before the Ceremony

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.

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.

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.

Things to consider after booking your Venue

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

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 songs 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 synchronized 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.

Wedding Dance 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 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 vendors. Let them know about your surprise dance plan in advance, so they can assist you in 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 to anywhere, your Ireland Wedding Photographer.

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 is there 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 pop them over the bride and groom? Some venues won’t allow paper confetti but will allow it as long as it’s biodegradable.

Bride & Groom 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 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 with Groom Speech

If you are a Bride looking for some 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.

Groom Speech 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 why the Bride should 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 as 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 the Bride should NOT 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.