Confetti

Confetti Bride of the Year 2010

Irish brides-to-be have lots of questions and little time.

You have the final say on lots but that doesn't mean you have to go it alone.
We went to those in the know to bring you practical advice to help you make your decisions.

Search the Expert Answers From the Categories Below

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We'll talk to the best and get you an answer!

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Q: I was at a wedding, the couple getting married organised for everyone in the church to have their own candle for when they lit their candles in the church. I'm having a big wedding (about 250 people) and would love to do something like that to involve everyone in the ceremony, but obviously I don't want to just copy them. Do you have any ideas to include everyone in my wedding ceromony? Thanks for your help!

A: What a nice idea! Why not have baskets of bubbles available for your guests to take and create a bubble arch for you and your husband when you exit the church after the ceremony? It gets the party started in a playful way.

To keep all your guests included till the very end, put sky lanterns out on all of the reception tables with along with markers or little tags. These are Chinese paper lanterns that can be set off at the end of the night by each table at your wedding. Traditionally known as Khom Fay or Khom Loy in China it was believed that wishes written on the lanterns would rise up to the heavens and come true. They are a great way of getting your guests involved and look really beautiful. You can get them online at www.SkyLanterns.com.

Sky lanterns are more guest-involved and just as dazzling as fireworks. In fact, Grant Barry at SkyLanterns.com said they used to offer to light them for guests but they stopped since guests always want to set them off themselves!

To get an idea of how the sky lanterns will look, keep your eyes peeled for the latest Snow Patrol music video where they set off 200 lanterns on a beach.

Q: I want my day to be remembered for being a little bit different. Do you have any ideas for a less formal, unique type of wedding reception?

A: In terms of finding a venue try thinking outside the box. For instance, you could hold a less formal reception in a country pub with a gorgeous scenic view. Many pubs have made fabulous outdoor additions due to the smoking ban, with canopies, gas heaters and designer seating all part of the deal.

Do you know anyone with a country cottage or farm? If so - you could go for a really different type of wedding. Look for a hay barn or stables, glasshouses or conservatories with big gardens. String fairy lights everywhere and use bales of hay as outdoor seating.

To cater for a wedding like that, simply hire tables, chairs, plates, linens, catering heaters and champagne flutes for the event. They often deliver and collect!

Again for less formal weddings you could look at having a summer BBQ or buffet instead of a sit-down meal. Everyone gets to mingle, eat their fill and not be beside the same person for hours.

Q: My husband-to-be and I want to ensure our reception begins and finishes on a high. We have chosen our first dance song, but what about the last?

A: With so much emphasis on the first dance as a married couple few brides and grooms spend enough time considering what the last song of the day will be. The last song of the day is just as important to consider as the first song, after all it's the final dance of the day. The last dance is the song that you will have in your memory forever with all your friends gathered around.

In the past the traditional end to the day was to play 'Congratulations' followed by the 'National Anthem,' but nowadays couples are opting for something more personal. Some couples have a specific song that is sentimental to them both but may not be appropriate as the first dance, as it may be too fast to dance to. These songs however can be great for the last song of the night.

Here are a a few popular choices for the last dance that will end your special day: You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker Celebrate - The Stunning Dirty Old Town - The Pogues Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis Suspicious Minds - Elvis Good Night Sweetheart - The Spaniels I've Had The Time Of My Life - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes My Way - Frank Sinatra That's Amore - Dean Martin Never Forget - Take That

Q: How do I satisfy my guests with the choice of music when everyone has such contrasting tastes?

A: What you want is a mixed bag of the contemporary, and to make the decision between the classics and the overplayed. But where do you start? There is a multitude of bands, DJ's, an assortment of jazz ensembles and string quartets on offer, which in itself is daunting. Why not start by asking your nearest and dearest for suggestions?

Catering to everyone's taste is not impossible, so why not indulge in some professional help? Just as a wedding planner saves you time, stress and even money, so too will a music planner.

Starting with a one-on-one consultation, the music planner will get an overall brief as to how you see the event and get to know the personalities involved. A good music planner will usually have qualifications in music and years of practical experience in producing music for weddings and other events and so will know all the protocol for the service, and what is expected of the reception. Getting the music right really does make a difference.

Q: I would love a wow factor to get people talking at our wedding reception. Any suggestions?

A: What better way to break the ice, than have a dramatic ice sculpture at your reception? A popular choice for cool couples is to get the wedding date carved into a block of ice. The only limit is your imagination when it comes to what can be done. In addition to free-standing sculptures you can also choose impressive ice and candle table centres, perfect for winter weddings or hot summer soirees.

Quirky touches previously only found at carnivals are now appearing weddings near you. Real Wedding couple Edelle and Ronan rode a merry-go-round on their big day. Other Real Wedding couples have arrived by boat and helicopter or entertained their guests with some after-dinner fireworkds. Popcorn booths, bouncy castles and photo boothes will all get the conversation going. Marcia Cross of Desperate Housewives had an understated yet fun confectionary table at her wedding to stockbroker Tom Mahoney.

Q: How can my new husband and I arrive at our wedding reception in style?
	A: Being stuck in traffic is a waste of precious wedding-day time. That is why a helicopter service is the only choice for highflying couples that want to make a dramatic and quick arrival to their reception venue. Peter Kelly of Weddings by Franc says that taking to the skies is the mode of transport du jour for sophisticated couples. Just make sure you hold onto your veils, ladies!

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