Ballyvolane House

If you are looking for an outdoor wedding in a forest, Ballyvolane House is a great venue. This house is warm, stylish, and incredibly cozy, a beautiful Irish country home located in the scenic Northern Cork countryside of Southern Ireland. Ballyvolane House provides high-end manor accommodation, tailored intimate weddings, glamping, and much more. There is no doubt that this venue will add even more magic to your special day.

Hotel Doolin

Whether you want a simple or lavish wedding ceremony, Hotel Doolin can accommodate you. The hotel is located in Doolin, Clare, Ireland and offers several unique areas throughout, including a rustic barn that can accommodate up to 300 people. The hotel features beautifully landscaped gardens and offers two different styles of ceremonies; boho and rustic. The hotel only hosts one wedding per weekend, so you and your family can enjoy the hotel exclusively.

Killruddery House and Gardens

Killruddery House is an 800-acre breathtaking estate that you should consider for your wedding ceremony. The house is a large country house located in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland, only 20 kilometres from Dublin. Originally a 17th-century mansion, the present structure was remodelled and extended in Elizabethan style in 1820. This venue is known for its light-filled orangery, which is a perfect place to hold ceremonies. There are also amazing gardens on the estate that are luxurious, elegant, and stunning. It’s hard to go wrong with Killruddery House and Gardens.

Lisnavagh House and Gardens

The Lisnavagh House stands on the edge of Rathvilly in County Carlow, Ireland, and is an example of a gothic revival country house. The venue is a gem with lush accommodations and acres of beautiful gardens. Guests can stay at the big house or choose from one of the cottages around the estate, and your ceremony can take place in the barn, which can hold up to 160 of your friends and family.

Ballilogue Estate

This venue is a true hidden gem located in the Kilkenny countryside. In Ballilogue, you’ll find a perfect blend of classic countryside charm and contemporary design. The estate can be yours exclusively for you and your family for an entire weekend. Wedding ceremonies take place in the Old Dairy, which can hold 30 guests with the option of adding a marquee for an additional 60 guests. This venue is perfect for those looking for an intimate setting.

There is no shortage of romantic wedding venues in Ireland, and it’s easy to see why so many decide to have their wedding there. If you have already selected a venue for your wedding, why not take some time to relax and play an on-theme Romance Slot Online before diving into more planning? You never know; you could get some extra wedding inspiration!

Is your wedding venue going to have a fire pit? That’s exciting! No matter what time of year it is, from a starry summer night to a chilly winter afternoon, a fire pit can be a fun addition to your outdoor seating area. Here are some tips to help you use this aspect of your venue to the fullest! Give guests a cozy place to hang out, chat, and toast marshmallows. Most importantly, stay safe. Here’s how…

Do: Know the Restrictions

Several days before your big day, check with the local fire department or town government to see if there are any fire restrictions in place. Check again on the actual day of your wedding, as this may have changed. If the area is dry and winds are high, there could be a ban in place, which means you can’t have open flames. Get the details from people who are in the know, and play by the rules.

Do: Test it Before-Hand

Test out the fire pit yourself, to make sure you know how to light it. Or, delegate this task to the person who will be in charge of it during the party. The point is to know how to use it, instead of assuming that it’s simple. It might not be! Some fire pits have “on” buttons that are located in building interiors, or the pit could have a quirk that you need to figure out before hand (press the red button twice instead of once, and it lights!).

Do: Offer Cozy Extras and Treats!

The fire pit likely has benches or chairs around it, but instead of leaving it at that, why not add a little luxury? Put cushions on the chairs, and a stack of blankets for guests to wrap up in. Even if you already have a rockin’ dessert table inside your reception venue, consider putting s’more ingredients out, as well as some marshmallow roasting sticks.

Don’t: Rely on a Fire Pit for Providing Warmth

A fire pit provides a cozy, fun ambiance, but unless guests are within a few feet of the flames they’re likely not going to feel significant warmth from it. If you have a big group gathered around, people will likely hang back a bit to make room for everyone. Don’t assume that guests will be crowded close to the fire, feeling toasty! Instead, if it’s very cold out, give guests other ways to get warm — like the blankets, mentioned above.

Don’t: Leave it Unattended

Fire should never be left unattended. Make sure someone is in charge of shutting down the fire pit at the end of the night. This could be done with a button, if you’re using a gas-fed fire. Or, if the fire is fueled by wood, someone will have to ensure that the wood is sufficiently cooled, and that the fire is completely out. Delegate this task to a responsible friend or family member — preferably someone who won’t be drinking!

If your venue has a fire pit, use it! This can add an inviting, warm, friendly vibe to your reception. Did these tips make you excited about having some flickering flames at your reception? Leave a comment below.

If a portion of all of your wedding will take place outdoors, you need to think ahead about elderly guests. Yes, being out under the stars or in front of the waves is romantic, but it can also introduce hardships to aging relatives. Cold temperatures, wind, rain, and sun can all affect your guests in ways that you might not think about. That’s what we’re here for! Read on to find out how you can think ahead to make sure that your cherished aunties, uncles, and grandparents are comfy and cozy throughout your entire event.

Consider the Worst Case Scenario

Take a look at average temperatures for the date and location of your big day. All of this information is available online, and it can be very eye opening! Look up what the average is, as well as the high or low. Make sure to check day temperatures as well as night time temps, if your reception will stretch into the evening hours. Then, use the extremes to plan ahead. If the temperatures could dip once the sun sets, for example, make sure you have heated spaces for guests available. That might mean renting a heating unit for your reception tent, for example. You may not need to turn them on, but at least you have the option.

Cushioned Seating

Place soft padding on the seats that your elderly relatives will use. If you are using assigned seating for your ceremony, it will be easy to ensure that your great aunt gets the padded seat. If, however, you are not using assigned seating, you could simply place a sign on the cushioned seats, thereby placing them in “reserve” for your special guests. Then, let your elderly relatives know to head to that seating area.

Put Yourself in their Shoes

While indoor wedding venues are usually ADA compliant, and have to by law be accessible to those with decreased mobility, that’s not the case out in nature. If you expect your guests to walk down an uneven path, move across a sandy beach, or navigate through rocky areas to get to your celebration, you need to think ahead. Yes, it might be easy for you or your college friends to make it to the alter, but what about your nanny who uses a walker? Make a list of guests with decreased mobility and then get creative. Put yourself in their shoes!

Being out in nature can be exciting and beautiful. However, for our elderly relatives it can be a challenge. If you think ahead about your guests’ needs, you can be one step ahead. Did you find these ideas helpful? Let us know in the comments section, below.

Are you planning out the perfect wedding? If you’re thinking ahead about your wedding decor, this list is definitely going to help you out. I’ve put together seventeen little decor touches that I know you won’t want to overlook.

1. Point the Way with Signs

Make themed signage a part of your wedding decor. Even though you’ve likely been to your wedding venue many times, it might be the first time for your guest. Place signs strategically, pointing the way so that guests can easily identify how to get to the ceremony, bathrooms, bar, or photobooth.

2. Aisle Markers

A little touch of color and beauty along the aisle to your alter can go a long way. Use vases of flowers, bows on chairs, or balloons. Get creative!

3. Aisle Runner

You’ve likely dreamed about your wedding alter. But have you thought about the approach to it? Carpet your aisle with oriental rugs, flower pedals, or sea shells.

4. Pretty Relief Station

The little details that make up your wedding decor are not just about beauty. They can also be functional. An example of this is setting up an aesthetically designed relief station, filled with items that your guests might need during the day. This will depend on your venue. Woodland wedding? Consider providing bug spray. Getting married on the beach? Give your guests access to plenty of sunscreen, water bottles, and fans.

5. Handkerchiefs for Guests

When you kiss your beloved, after saying your vows, you can bet guests are going to be shedding happy tears! A stylized box of handkerchiefs at the entrance to your ceremony is a thoughtful decor touch that you don’t want to overlook.

6. Cocktail Decorations

Have you planned out the perfect signature his and hers cocktails? Don’t forget to dress them up a bit with garnish, stirrers, edible flowers or something else special. This little touch should go with your wedding theme.  For example, if you’re having a beach bash, you could include a little umbrella in each cocktail.

7. Custom Wine Labels

Order customized wine labels for your wedding day. That way, you can make sure the bottles go perfectly with your wedding theme, and that the colors match your chosen color palette.

8. Sweetheart Chair Dressings

Take some time to design a special chair dressing for your sweetheart chairs (the chairs that you and your partner will sit at, during the wedding reception).  If you’re using chair dressings on all of the chairs in your reception venue, simple use the same design but up-level it, to make it look extra special. Add signage, flowers, or beautiful fabric. You are the guests of honor, after all!

9. Place Setting Accents

Whether you’re having a casual family BBQ reception, or a formal affair, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to delight your guests with your place settings. Give them something pretty to look at, as they anticipate the meal to come.

10. Themed Cocktail Napkins

You could order customized cocktail napkins, or simply purchase some that go well with the theme of your big day. The text on your napkins can help to inspire your guests, and add to the festive atmosphere. Words like love, joy and celebrate can remind guests to smile and enjoy the party!

11. Bar or Buffet Table Garnish

Setting up a bar or buffet table? You’re probably tempted to focus all of your attention on the food you’re going to serve, and how it will be presented. Remember to also give some thought to the table as a whole. Garnish the table with greenery, ribbons, or another colorful touch.

12. Footwear for Guests: Dancing Shoes

Remember how we said that decor can serve a double purpose? Yes, your decorations should be pleasing to look at. They can also be super practical. No one likes dancing in stilettos! Give the ladies in your life a big gift by providing comfy flats for the dance party portion of your big day.

13. Think like a Kid

If kids are going to be a part of your celebration, you’re probably already planning on including some kid friendly entertainment, like crayons, bubbles, or games. Did you realize that this can actually be incoorporated into your wedding decor? Yes! Put crayons in pretty silver tins, tied up in ribbons and bows. Bubbles might be served up in heart-shaped bottles.

14. Bathroom Extras

Instead of leaving the bathrooms out of your decorating scheme, add a few decorative touches to the lavatories at your venue. Just a few little touches here will go a long way. Put out a few pretty bottles of soap, lotion, and hand sanitizing gel. You might also include some first aid items, or stain-removal supplies.

15. Advice for Bride and Groom

Set up a pretty station next to your guestbook or gift table, which will invite guest participation. You could have a box, pen and paper and invite guests to share marriage advice. Or, put out a blank journal and ask guests to share a memory of you and your partner.

16. Cake Table Signage

What are you going to include on your cake table? Of course, you’ll need space for the cake (or alternative), plus a cake cutter,  and perhaps a bouquet of flowers and a candle or two. How about also including a framed saying or quote? This can be a really beautiful touch, and will stand out in your wedding photos for years to come.

17. Unexpected Decorative Lighting

One last decor detail to consider is unexpected, extra lighting. Think outside of the box. Maybe you’ve already lit up your outdoor seating area, but could you also string little lights around a pretty bench that’s sitting in the shadows, off to the side? How about floating votive candles in the pool?

I hope you loved this list of wedding decor touches!  Little details can go a long way toward making your big day a dream come true. Create a joyful atmosphere, delight your guests, and create memories that will last a lifetime by paying attention to these thoughtful extras. Which one was your favorite? Leave a comment below.

The villa captures the essence of your own home by the sea with the event-sized social spaces, infrastructure and impeccable service of a small luxury boutique hotel. Each of the rooms is slightly different though they all have ocean views and private baths, and are all so stunning it makes me want to pack my bags and leave tomorrow!

You can check out 360 degree views of the estate before you go, and we highly recommend taking a moment to put up your feet and watch this gorgeous video about Villa Punto de Vista.

Weddings at the Villa are nothing short of magical. See a behind the scenes video of a real wedding at the Villa here.

Photos courtesy of preferred Violet Vendor, Villa Punto de Vista

Wagner Cove, Central Park

How did A Central Park Wedding come about?
I first learned about weddings in Central Park from working at an event firm in New York City. During my time there, I coordinated a number of weddings in the park and I loved working in nature and the ever-changing scenery of the park. I decided to start my own business specializing in Central Park weddings with a strong focus on providing each couple with high-quality photography and a personal wedding planning experience.

What inspires you?
I love reading wedding blogs for new photo and flower ideas, especially those that feature outdoor weddings. Since decorations are not permitted in Central Park, our photographers rely on using natural light and scenery to showcase each wedding. Wedding flowers are our chance to play up different colors and styles.

Cop Cot, Central Park (Johnny Foto Photography)

Central Park Weddings are for couples who?…
Are easy going, love the outdoors and don’t mind having their photo taken by and with strangers!

What is your favorite Central Park wedding venue?
This is a tough one because each venue has its own unique characteristics and charm. However my favorite is Ladies Pavilion, which is one of the most popular venues for good reason. Tucked away yet easily accessible from the park entrance, it’s located on the lake with great views of the cityscape. The gazebo’s distinctive blue design provides a pop of color against a natural green setting.

Conservatory Garden, Central Park (Christa DeHuff)

Conservatory Garden, Central Park (Yun Gen Yang Photography)

Can the venues in Central Park handle large weddings or are they just for small gatherings?
Most venues in Central Park are ideal for groups of 30 or less but we’ve planned wedding ceremonies for up to 100 people! Larger weddings can take place on grassy open spaces such as Cherry Hill and Summit Rock or at The Conservatory Garden, Central Park’s only formal garden.

What are the three most important things to keep in mind when planning a Central Park wedding?
The biggest and most obvious consideration is the weather.  As with any outdoor wedding, ceremonies in Central Park call for a backup plan – either an alternate, covered location within the park or the reception venue or hotel. However sometimes couples choose to brave the weather with umbrellas, which make for gorgeous Central Park wedding photos.

The venue’s location within the park is also important. Some venues are in the middle of the park and are a bit of a walk. Lower heels or flats are definitely recommended for the ladies!

And the most important thing to keep in mind when planning to get married in Central Park is to expect the unexpected. Prepare for congratulatory comments from strangers and for tourists to snap your picture. Onlookers will usually clap and cheer at the end of your ceremony and try to take part in the festivities. Just remember to go with the flow and enjoy your day!

Cherry Hill, Central Park Engagement (Entwined Studio)

Cherry Hill, Central Park (Jumped the Broom)

What is your favorite part about being a wedding Planner?
Many of the weddings I plan are destination weddings – couples traveling from another state or overseas to get married in Central Park. After communicating via phone or email for many months, I love meeting each couple for the first time and seeing everything that we’ve planned come together on their wedding day!

Central Park Wedding Couple (Jessica Schmitt Photography)

For more info and more photos of these pretty Central Park venues, head over to A Central Park Wedding