Social media is part of most people’s everyday life today. Whether it be “checking in” on Facebook or having a topical discussion on Twitter, a lot of us spend quite a considerable amount of time on social media platforms.
When it comes to a wedding, perhaps one of the most important days of a person’s life, people will often have different opinions on social media use. Some prefer the unplugged version while others like to embrace social media. Our infographic provides an overview of both options and offers some interesting statistics on the topic of social media use at weddings. What’s more, the graphic offers some really helpful tips from the experts on social media etiquette. Do enjoy!
Everybody has their preference when it comes to the ring they choose to spend the rest of their lives wearing. Like most of us, this means something kind of simple with a diamond in it that’s nice to show off from time to time. However, every once in a while, we come across some seriously awesome rings that, had we known about them, would have changed the tan line on our fingers forever.
1. A Lager Ring at its Best
For the lady that wants to propose to her man (and pretty much guarantee a “yes”), this Heineken ring is an absolutely brilliant choice.
2. Getting… Screwed
Okay, we’ll not go into much detail about screw and nut puns, but the symbolism behind this ring set can actually be kind of cute if you look at it as though the wearers are a perfect fit for each other, right?
3. Cuffed, for Life
Other than the obvious handcuff motif of this particular ring, there are some very cool design elements going on here. First, that diamond looks like it could fall out at any moment, giving it a neat floating look. Second, the ring itself looks like it should have articulating joints, but the ring is actually solid in construction.
4. The Fixer
Nothing quite says a woman can fix a man up right like a permanent piece of jewelry that looks like a wrench!
5. MARRIAGE.proposal = “Robotic Ring”
This ring concept is one of the coolest pieces of digital art we’ve seen in ages. This is the kind of aesthetics that would actually prompt a man to switch out his current ring for something new, even if his original ring looked like a Heineken bottle cap.
6. Plugging In, For Life
This ring pair is especially nice for couples who have a shared love of all things electronics (and each other).
7. Hello Ring-y
Especially after the recent revelation that Hello Kitty is actually a human being, we have a very hard time taking this ring seriously. I mean, if the character couldn’t even be honest with us, why should we thing the person giving us this ring is honest, either?
8. Have a Cat 5 Jacked Marriage
Even geekier than the plug extension rings posted at #6, these Cat 5 network male and female rings are pretty good signifiers of a perfect couple. Honestly, who’d wear these together except for a couple who was truly made for each other?
9. I Choose You!
As one of the popular catchphrases that’s come from the Pokemon franchise is, “I choose you,” this pokeball diamond and ruby (we’re guessing on this one) ring looks like it has both has enough carats and cultural referencing to make it the most amazing ring of all time.
Which of these rings is your favorite? We’re particular to 1, 5 and 9!
Married in 1940, James and Margaret Hurley’s 74-year marriage is the longest marriage in all of Ireland. He was 18 when they married, she was 20 years old and they had five children over the course of their marriage. At this time, they have seven great grandchildren and 12 grandchildren.
The 91-year-old James and 93-year-old Margaret were discovered in a nationwide search for the longest-married couple in Ireland after their granddaughter Sophie Fitzpatrick (24) submitted their names to the contest.
On their longevity, Margaret said, “It’s easy to live a long and happy life when you marry your best friend and I always tried to mind it.” She added, “We are extremely close and have always enjoyed each other’s company.”
And James seems like he will never get his fill of Margaret. He said, “She is a very gentle, extremely caring woman. I always loved her sense of humor, too.”
After the countrywide search for Ireland’s longest-married couple, the Catholic Grandparents Association of Ireland held a ceremony in Knock for three longstanding marriages, including that of James and Margaret. The other couples in the celebration included the 70-years married Ned and Eileen Cusack as well as the 68-years married Eileen and Michael Walsh.
Granddaughter Sophie reported that during the Hurley’s 70th wedding anniversary, James said to his beloved wife, “I hope we will never part.” Considering how strong their love seems to be, we’re sure the happy couple will be together forever, even after departing their Earthly bodies. Their spirit seems far too strong not to.
From this incredible couple’s tender words about each other, it is easy to see why they have lasted so long. They truly seem to care for, love, and respect each other in a way that defies words, and defining love has been a task people have attempted for generations.
Music is everything at a wedding. For guests it makes the difference between a day out with some free food or a party they won’t forget. As the music comes after the dinner and the speeches, guests will be physically at a low by the time the band starts. Often they will have eaten too much and drank too much and feel tired and uncomfortable. That’s why the band can make or break a wedding at this crucial stage. We have provided some tips for you to get great bands and music for your wedding.
Find out what you want
Everyone has different taste so figure out if you want 60s, 70s, 90s, rock or heavy metal. Be careful with techno, industrial metal or anything that’s hard on the ears. It may be your wedding day and your favourite music, but you have older relations and friends who probably won’t appreciate it. Find a middle ground and take it from there. Though make sure not to veer too much in the direction of the cruise chip DJ, everyone’s heard ‘Its Raining Men’ a million times so be a little bit more choosy.
Band or DJ or both
Bands are generally a lot more expensive than DJs, which cost between €200 and €300 a night. You won’t get a band for less than €1500- while there is no upper limit. If you have the money you can get Beyonce, Kylie Minogue or Rod Stewart to perform at your wedding, but they can cost up to €1million so chances are most people use a local band. If you do choose a band, go see them play first. Find out what kind of music they play. Bands can be great to get people going, but make sure you have an interesting front man, who has some personality who can entice your guests into making some shapes. The last thing you want is an empty dance floor. A great DJ can be enough, but make sure you sit down with him first and discuss a potential playlist. In most cases, people get a band and a DJ, but know who you are hiring. Give them a list of your favourite songs and see if you can perform something with them that you may have rehearsed earlier. It always gets a bit of a buzz going.
Ask around
Before you start booking bands and DJs online, ask friends and family if they know of anyone. In most cases, people will have a friend who is a DJ or been to a wedding where they heard an amazing band. Chances are you can get a cheaper deal too. It’s important to spend some time looking for music. Most people go for a band and then a DJ. It’s expensive, but without them your wedding is a lame, wet handshake of an affair and that’s the last thing you want. You’ve come this far, so spend some money on them. People will be talking about the entertainment a lot longer than they would about a wedding cake.
You want your nearest and dearest around you on your wedding day and none are dearer than your bridesmaids. In many cases it can be difficult to ensure that you don’t upset anyone if you don’t ask them to walk down the aisle with you. Some of us have lots of really close friends so picking your bridesmaids is tough. We decided to make your life easier by coming up with a few top tips.
Work out your budget
Your budget comes first. If you can afford to have 4 girls, fire ahead. But if not, then get two- perhaps your sister and closest friend. The bride generally pays for the bridesmaids dresses so if money is an issue you can’t have an army of girls with you. Weddings are pricey and if you add 4 or 5 outfits, girls’ days out and lunches etc it can cost an extra few thousand euro, which you may not have budgeted for.
What sort of a role do you want your bridesmaids to play?
Being a bridesmaid involves helping organise the hen, helping out with the wedding, wedding dress shopping, music, photos, emotional support and more, so its important to pick someone who is geographically nearby. Also pick someone who is available- not someone who lives miles away. That said there’s nothing wrong with picking a friend from afar or someone who just had their fourth child to be bridesmaid, but needless to say you can’t lumber them with endless tasks.
Prepare for a “no”
If your friend says no, don’t be offended. There’s a chance your friend just has other things going on. Maybe she just broke up with her boyfriend and can’t face someone rubbing their joy in her face. Maybe she’s having a bad time in work or not enough time to dedicate to your wedding. Though it’s the most important occasion to you, for others it can be an inconvenience if they have other things going on in their life. Pick the person who wants it the most and is great at organising things, has good connections and is a good laugh.
Who to invite and who not to invite is possibly the greatest source of confrontation between the groom and bride to be. Is it really necessary to fly all the great aunties over from abroad or invite all your work colleagues to the sit down meal? What about your partners ex? Is it really necessary to invite them to your wedding? Here are some answers to some difficult guest list questions.
How many people do we invite?
This comes down to budget, personal preference and time. So once you’ve decided to plan your wedding, come up with a number and stick to it. Your list should include people you want to invite, not your mother in law’s neighbours and their children. Try to keep it to friends and family and people who have been a part of your life in recent years. The ones you haven’t seen since you were a toddler should be kept to a minimum. When you compile your list of nearest and dearest, think about the people who have been there for you and will be there for you in the future.
Children or no children
It’s a tough one. Do you want the church and reception hall to resemble a crèche or do you want to play scrooge and not let your best friends brand new baby come to the party even though its still being breast fed. Obviously there are difficult choices to make here. In most cases your friends won’t force their children on you as they might want a day off, so see who can’t organise baby sitters and who has brand new babies and take it from there. Try to be diplomatic and everyone will be happy. Also set aside a separate area at your reception for a children’s’ party. Hire a babysitter and the kids will have an amazing time.
The tough calls
Do you invite the couple you just starting hanging out with? What about your ‘best friend’ from school you haven’t seen in years? When trying to make these tough decisions think about whether or not these people will be in your future. Will it be awkward if you don’t invite them? Trust your instincts. Also think about inviting plus guests. It can get pricey and you don’t really know who your other’s half’s friends could bring. It can be risky. In terms of bringing an ex, make sure its discussed and there is no residual anger, hurt on either side. It can be strange to have an ex at a wedding so unless there is mutual friendship and trust, stay away. It’s your special day so bring the people you love and trust. As for work, don’t feel obliged to bring everyone. If you feel comfortable enough to let your hair down in front of your colleagues then fire ahead, but if you don’t you can be yourself, then don’t. It’s your wedding day after all.
Your wedding photos document your wedding day for eternity. For the rest of your lives you will look back at the wedding album and remember your special day. It’s pertinent that you pick the right photographer for the right price. Often photographers can be way overpriced and may not deliver what you want. So we have a few tips for would be wedding couples on how to find the ideal photographer.
Establish what style you want
There are so many photographers now offering wedding packages its important to establish what kind of style you want. Do you want a photographer to have a quirky style or more traditional, do you want a classic wedding photographer or a photographer who takes mood and atmospheric shots. Also find out if you want the photographer to stay for the church and post church shots, the reception and/ or for the entire night. Maybe you want to hire two photographers and a photo booth. Also discuss in detail what
Ask friends who got married
Word of mouth is always best when it comes to photographers. With social media being as prevalent as it is, its always best to have a look through friends photos online and see what kind of style of photographer you want for your wedding. Then find out from friends what they cost, how long it took to get the photos and albums and how they were to work with. It’s always important to get someone who is friendly and amiable and fun to be around as it ensures a more natural photo.
Look online
Spend a few hours trawling the internet for nice wedding images and read testimonials from people. It’s important to know that the photographer will be reliable, on time and have the right equipment. That’s why testimonials are key. Then look up wedding websites and magazines and create a list of photographers to call. Always meet with a few photographers and get them to bring an album of past weddings so you get a good idea of what they have to offer. It’s a big part of the day, so take your time making the right choice.
If you’re currently in the planning stages for a wedding, there is some interesting news out of the United States that you might want to pay close attention to. A study conducted at the University of Virginia in the United States recently revealed that large weddings are an influencing factor in the longevity of a marriage. As a portion of a continued research project in the US called the National Marriage Project, various institutions around the country have studied different aspects of nuptials since 1997.
Nonetheless, no concrete causation has been determined thus far, it’s assumed that the stability seemingly borne from big weddings comes from the notion that marrying in front of more people shows a stronger commitment to one’s partner.
Lead study author Dr Galena Rhoades said, “We try to keep our present attitudes and behaviours in line with our past conduct. The desire for consistency is likely enhanced by public expressions of intention.” Therefore, this means that the more people you say your vows in front of the more likely you are to maintain a marriage.
On the other hand, as pointed out by Brad Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project, “Couples with larger networks of friends and family may have more help and encouragement in navigating the challenges of married life.
The study itself surveyed 418 people from a random sampling. From those who had 50 or fewer wedding guests in attendance, 30 per cent perceived their marriages to be highly successful. Conversely, those who reported in excess of 150 guests were found to have positive marriages at a rate of 47 per cent.
While the divorce rate is currently around 20 per cent lower than it was just over a decade ago and still dropping, the current estimate is still that an abysmal 42 per cent of marriages will end in divorce.
Maybe it’s about time we do something about these painful statistics and start throwing the biggest weddings possible: The benefits would be twofold. First, marriages would be statistically more likely to be considered “highly successful” and, second, big weddings are an absolute blast to attend.
Picking a venue is paramount to a great day out. There are so many beautiful places to have your wedding its easy to get carried away. Do you have it in the romantic castle down the country? In a city restaurant where everyone can have access? Is your favourite holiday destination aboard? Or do you just have it in your own back garden? The choices are endless but there are many things to take into account before you plan your wedding. We’ve listed a few pros and cons to each.
Marquee / Home wedding
It sounds wonderful- having your friends and loved ones gathered in your back garden in the sunshine enjoying canapés and drinks. You can get caterers in and get your wine yourself so you don’t have to pay corkage. It’s more personal than a hotel or a castle and certainly more unique. As well as that you are allowed more freedom. If you invite the neighbours you can party all night long with music and drinks flowing. You can do different deals to get cheap marquees and recruit friends to help you decorate it. On the con side it can be pricier with lots of hidden costs. Also what if the weather isn’t great? Will there be enough room for people to roam around. You may find yourself working much harder than you thought too. Event management for 100 people or more can be very stressful and leave you exhausted on your big day.
It’s the most obvious of all wedding venues and the easiest. In most cases the hotel will event-coordinate for you. Everything will be looked after and all the facilities are there. They already have a PA system, a stage and staff who will serve the meal and prepare everything. You can avail of a wedding package, which also makes budgeting much easier. Guests have somewhere to stay after a night’s revelling and if you know the hotel and have heard good reports then you shouldn’t be in for any last minute glitches. On the downside you may not be the only wedding at the venue taking place. You may also find that there is not much flexibility in changing the wine list or the décor. Hotels can also be quite bland and your wedding may not stand out the way you would like it to…pending on the hotel of course.
Creating your own venue
Whether it’s a beach, a pub or a favourite spot where you met or something quirky- more and more people are choosing to custom-make their own venue. Where it’s a great idea and certainly different its important to factor in such things as toilets, accessibility to accommodation and parking, food delivery and also how difficult it will be to get a band, DJ, guest etc. Also weather needs to be factored in. Where a beach in the Aran Islands may sound wonderful on a beautiful sunny day, it could be an altogether different experience if rain, win and cold get in the way. Limited transport and facilities could hamper the experience.
Ballyfin is one of Irelands most elegant destinations. A byword for grace and luxury since the eighteenth century, it offers a magnificent state dining room, which opens out onto a beautiful terrace offers seating for up to 60 guests, while parties of up to 130 guests can avail of the ballroom, which is adorned with giant mirrors and spectacular views of Ballyfin lake. Besides all the festive activities, guests can avail of falconry, boat trips, picnics, horse riding, archery, fishing and more. From the food, to the spectacular art collections and impeccable service, Ballyfin is the stuff of dreams. A wedding wonderland. Ballyfin, County Laois, Ireland, tel: +353 (0) 5787 55866, www.ballyfin.com
Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo
One of Ireland’s most famous castles, Ashford Castle and its idyllic surrounds offer one of the most romantic settings in Ireland. An unparalleled wedding venue, the enchanting estate has 2 churches on its grounds, a beautiful lake, woodland, a Victorian walled garden and view of the castle to ensure timeless wedding photos. The character and charm of this magical Five Star castle are world-renowned. The award winning chefs and kitchen & service teams ensure the best in Irish hospitality for your special day. The attention to detail and luxury will make your wedding difficult to surpass. For more information visit www.ashfordcastle.com. Ashford Castle, Cong, Co Mayo, Ireland, tel: +353 94 9546003.
Castle Leslie, County Monaghan
One of the finest castles in Ireland, Castle Leslie encapsulates old world glamour with modern luxury. A private retreat free from the intrusions of the outside world, Castle Leslie offers individual guest rooms- homage to its wildly interesting past. Romantic boudoirs, flamboyant bedrooms and rooms of calm with baths for two or Jacuzzis are available to guests. Still in the hands of its founding family, the 1000-acre estate with private lake is steeped in history and full of character and charm. The magnificent Castle is full of old-world grandeur and character and can accommodate wedding parties with up to 70 guests, while the pavilion can accommodate up to 260 guests. Tailor made menus and excellent staff and facilities ensure the wedding of a lifetime. Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, County Monaghan, Ireland, Tel: +353-47-88100, email: events@castleleslie.com
Visit: www.castleleslie.com
Merrion Hotel, Dublin
Set in the heart of old Dublin, the Merrion Hotel eclipses all city hotels to offer a magical wedding experience. Enjoy a special day in beautiful Georgian surrounds, high ceilings and breathtaking tapestries. The hotel houses Ireland’s only 2 Michelin Star restaurant, Patrick Guilbauds, while the wedding menus is second to none. Holding up to 90 guests for your wedding reception, the hotel with its marbled hallways, landscaped gardens and terrace offer breathtaking views for photographs. Enjoy this charming city hotel in all its glory with top quality service, excellent spa and swimming pool, food and tranquil surrounds for your city wedding. 21 Upper Merrion St, Dublin 2, tel: (01) 676 4192. www.merrionhotel.com
Tankardstown House, Co. Meath
For a very special wedding day, Tankardstown house is just a 40-minute drive from Dublin City. Comprising of an 18th century Manor House and Orangery, 80 acres of parkland, woodland, courtyards and walled gardens as well as the famous gardens by the Yew Tree, the estate offers a fantastic backdrop for your special day. Inside, the Orangery offers chandeliers, gilt edged mirrors and beautiful décor, while the terrace and gardens beyond it are the stuff of dreams. Your wedding will receive the greatest of attention and care from the excellent staff. The food is spectacular. The venue is second to none. Rathkenny, Slane, Co. Meath · 041 9824621, info@tankardstown.ie. www.tankardstown.ie
