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.

  1. 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.

  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.

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 checklist in Northern Ireland that you can print and tick off.

Download the Wedding Checklist PDF

You can download the wedding checklist in colour PDF format as a single A4 colour page, print off or save on colour ink and download the black and white version below. This is aimed at Northern Ireland couples, but anyone can use it.

Feel free to browse the website for wedding services in Northern Ireland. If you have any useful notes, I can use in the future, let me know, thank you and good luck with your wedding planning.

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.

  1. Makeup

  2. Cake

  3. Wedding photographer

  4. Wedding videographer

  5. Wedding photographer and videographer

  6. Nails

  7. Band

  8. Venue

  9. Wedding dress

  10. Wedding ring

  11. Second car

  12. Seamstress

  13. Flowers

  14. First dance song

  15. Hair

  16. Church music

  1. Favours

  2. Flower girl dress

  3. Bridesmaid dress

  4. Ladders

  5. Mr and Mrs sign

  6. Wedding Decor

  7. Gifts

  8. Invitations

  9. Order of service

  10. Save the dates

  11. Welcome sign

  12. Post box

  13. Bouquet charm

  14. Groom wedding ring

  15. Guest book

  16. Cufflinks for the father of the bride

  1. Cake topper

  2. Accessories

  3. Sweet bags

  4. Sweet jars

  5. Jewellery

  6. Shoes

  7. Selfie mirror

  8. Marriage license applied for

  9. Suits

  10. Easels for signs

  11. Groom/bridal party gifts

  12. Tan

  13. Cake Stand

  14. Knife

  15. Table plan

Clothes & Accessories

  1. Dress

  2. Bridal shoes

  3. Bridal slip

  4. Jewellery

  5. Bridal headpiece/veil

  6. Bridal gloves

  7. Bridesmaid dresses

  8. Bridesmaid

  9. Accessories

  10. Bridesmaid shoes

  11. Groom’s suit

  12. Groom’s accessories

  13. Groom’s shoes

  14. Groomsmen suits

  15. Groomsmen accessories

  16. Groomsmen's shoes

  17. Alterations

  18. Dress preservation

  19. Flower girl dresses

  20. Flower Girl

  21. Accessories

  22. Pageboy outfits

  23. Pageboy accessories

  24. Going away outfits

  25. Honeymoon clothes

  26. Change of shoes

Stationery

  1. Save the date

  2. Wedding invitations

  3. Map/direction cards

  4. Reply cards

  5. Envelope

  6. Postage

  7. Calligrapher

  8. Newspaper announcement

  9. Thank you cards

  10. Placenames

  11. Table plan

  12. Guest books

  13. Balloons

  14. Guests

Ceremony

  1. Pre-Marriage Course

  2. Marriage Licence

  3. Church/Chapel

  4. Civil ceremony

  5. Unity candle

  6. Fees

  7. Chairs

  8. Pew decoration

  9. Flowers

  10. Lanterns

  11. Décor Candles

  12. Altar Cloth

  13. Music

  14. Guest

  15. Aisle Runner

  16. Ushers

Flowers

  1. Bridal Bouquet

  2. Bridesmaid Bouquet

  3. Church/Ceremony Flowers

  4. Button Holes

  5. Flowers Baskets for Attendants

  6. Reception flowers

  7. Table centres

  8. Bouquet to throw

  9. Preservation of bouquets

  10. Brooch bouquet

  11. Altar centrepiece

Reception

  1. Location

  2. Location costs

  3. Caterer

  4. Food

  5. Pre-Drinks reception

  6. The Toasts

  7. Wedding cake

  8. Cake Knife

  9. Cake Stand

  10. Cake table

  11. Table decorations

  12. Room décor

  13. Table plan

  14. Guest

  15. Glassware

  16. Napkins

  17. Chair covers

  18. Guestbook

  19. Round tables

  20. Top table

  21. Band

  22. DJ

  23. Reception Music

  24. Children’s food

  25. Children’s entertainment

  26. Childcare

  27. Parking

  28. Ushers

  29. Gratuities

  30. Wine

  31. Champagne

  32. Water

  33. Rooms for bridal party

  34. Rooms for family

  35. Room rate

  36. Transport from other hotels

Gifts

  1. Bridesmaid

  2. Mothers

  3. Groomsmen

  4. Flower girl/page

  5. Boys

  6. Table gifts at reception

Wedding Gifts

  1. Charity donations

Hair & Make-Up

  1. Choose a style

  2. Book a trial

  3. Bridesmaids

  4. Cut

  5. Colour

  6. House or salon

  7. Make-up trial

  8. Nails

  9. Tan

Hen & Stag

  1. Date

  2. Location

  3. Numbers

  4. Activities

  5. Accommodation

  6. Food

  7. Drinks

Honeymoon

  1. Location

  2. Agents

  3. Flights

  4. Accommodation

  5. Passports

  6. Visas

Car Hire

  1. Classic

  2. Modern

  3. Vintage

  4. Carriage

  5. The next day

  6. Rings

  7. Engagement rings

  8. Wedding bands

  9. Engraving

  10. Sizing

Guests

  1. Family

  2. Friends

  3. 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.

  1. Wedding cars

  2. Wedding dresses

  3. Wedding bands, singers and DJs

  4. Makeup artists (MUAs)

  5. Wedding Entertainment

  6. 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 help in Northern Ireland as the couple walks along holding hands after receiving some great advice.
The bride and groom used this website’s free wedding checklist as they hugged outside in the sun on their big day in County Down.
Bride and groom after their ceremony under the archway smiling in Lisburn.
Bride and groom in ceremony with minister having gotten some ideas and advice for their wedding day.

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.