Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Wedding Wednesdays with weddingsonline

In this episode, I’ll talk you through what changes - and what doesn’t - when you plan a wedding without bridesmaids or a traditional wedding party.

I’ve planned weddings for other couples, and I’ve planned my own - so I’ve seen both sides. And I can tell you: there are a few things I really wish every couple knew from the moment they got engaged.

In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each option - eloping, registry weddings, and big weddings - and give you some questions to ask yourselves to help make the decision confidently.

Planning a wedding can feel like juggling 47 to-do lists at once… while also being emotionally invested in every decision. So today, I’m going to walk you through a calm, practical, and totally doable wedding planning timeline for 2026.

Written checklist link: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/your-12-month-wedding-planning-checklist/

Weddings are emotional and personal - but they’re also a big financial decision. So I’ll walk you through a few key areas of the day and share my honest, practical advice on what’s worth the splurge, what’s not, and how to save smart without sacrificing the experience.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical ways to manage family expectations, protect your boundaries, and keep your wedding your day - while still keeping the peace.

A few weeks ago, I asked a question in the ‘Help, I’m Getting Married’ Facebook community. With over 73k members - most of whom are engaged couples in Ireland, and lots who are already married - I knew I’d get some good answers!

Here’s what I asked: For the newlyweds, is there anything you’d do differently if you could plan your wedding all over again?

And today I’m sharing the common responses so that you can learn from other people!

A link to the 'Help, I'm Getting Married' group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpimgettingmarried

If you're considering traveling to Ireland to tie the knot, then take a listen to this episode! I was joined by special guest, Howard Corscadden of the Romantic Castles of Ireland.

In this episode, he answered common questions that couples have about planning a destination wedding in Ireland... such as "How far in advance should we start planning?", "Can we plan an entire destination wedding remotely or do we need to visit the location?" and more!

Find out more about the Romantic Castles of Ireland:

Ballyseede Castle Hotel - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/venues/ballyseede-castle-hotel

Bellingham Castle - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/venues/bellingham-castle

Cabra Castle Hotel - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/venues/cabra-castle-hotel

Markree Castle Hotel - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/venues/markree-castle-hotel

In a world where smartphones are practically glued to our hands, the idea of an “unplugged wedding” might sound radical… but it’s becoming a meaningful choice for many couples. In this episode, we’re diving into what an unplugged wedding actually is, why you might want one, and how to make it happen without stepping on any toes.

Whether you’re dreaming of a tech-free ceremony, hoping to avoid a sea of screens as you walk down the aisle, or simply want your guests to be fully present, this episode is packed with practical tips, kind wording, and creative ways to set the tone. We’ll also chat about how to manage your own phone on the big day… because yes, even the couple needs a digital plan!

Download the free weddingsonline wedding planning app: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/content/app

The trend that’s quietly reshaping the wedding industry in Ireland: midweek weddings

Yep, you heard that right, couples are saying “I do” on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, even Thursdays. And today, we’re going to break down why this is happening, how to make it work, and what you should consider if you’re thinking about breaking up with the traditional Saturday wedding.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lauren from The Bridal PA to break down everything you need to know about planning the perfect wedding reception timeline. From dinner timelines and speech scheduling to tips for getting the dance floor going, we’re diving into all the key details to help your celebration run smoothly. Let’s get into it!

The wedding ceremony is more than just a formality, it's the heart of the day, where couples make it official and share their vows in front of loved ones. But with so many elements to consider, planning the ceremony can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. In this episode, I’m joined by Irish wedding solemniser and all-around wedding expert Romy McAuley. We’re walking through how to build a ceremony timeline, and trust me, you’ll come away with a clearer vision and plenty of inspiring ideas.

Congratulations on your engagement and welcome to the world of wedding planning! This is an incredibly special and fun season of life, but before you get carried away with hiring a horse drawn carriage and a pair of flying doves, we’re here to share what you should consider before you start planning your wedding. Wondering where to start? Then this is for you!

 If you're feeling a bit anxious about your upcoming wedding, you're not alone! We know it can be overwhelming to balance the excitement of your Big Day with all the stress that comes with it. In this episode, we’ll be diving into practical tips and techniques to help you stay grounded, present, and calm on your wedding day.

Today, we’re diving into something that often gets overlooked but is SO important: your wedding stationery timeline. From save-the-dates to thank you cards, we’re talking about how to manage all the paper pieces that will make your wedding experience complete—and stress-free! And if you’re planning a wedding here in Ireland or across Europe, I’ve got some tips that are especially relevant to your needs.

So, grab a cuppa (or whatever you’re sipping on today), and let’s get into it.

Welcome to Wedding Wednesdays with weddingsonline! In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most common struggles couples face during wedding planning: sticking to your budget. We know how easy it is for costs to spiral out of control, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Tune in as we walk you through 6 simple yet effective steps to help you stay on track and make your dream wedding a reality, without the financial stress. Let’s dive in and take the first step toward a budget-friendly celebration!

Episode 81: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/wedding-wednesday-wedding-expenses-couples-always-forget-to-plan-for-episode-81/

Free wedding planning app: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/weddingsonline-ie/id6503473769

“Having a personal wedding planner is a complete waste of money, I can do it all myself” - this statement couldn’t be more wrong.

In today’s episode, we’re tackling some of the most common misconceptions about hiring a wedding planner—things you probably didn’t know! 

We’ll be busting myths like they cost too much money, they take away control, and they only make things look pretty. If you’ve ever wondered if a wedding planner is right for you, this episode is a must-listen! Get ready for some eye-opening truths and helpful insights to make your wedding planning journey a little easier.

This week's guest experts:

Everita Kenny - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/suppliers/everita-kenny-weddings

Lena Freitag - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/suppliers/lena-freitag-weddings

Julaursa Weddings - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/suppliers/julaursa-wedding-planner-in-france

Emerald Aisle Events - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/suppliers/emerald-aisle-events

If you’ve got a dog who is also your bestie, then you’ve probably already started thinking about how you can include them in your Big Day! There are a few things to consider before making this decision… and then, if you decide to go for it, then we’ve got some logistics and things to help make this experience really special for your pup.

This week's guest - Paula from Dogs Trust: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/suppliers/wedding-favours-dogs-trust-ireland

Episode 36, How To Plan A Wedding That's Accessible and Disability-Friendly: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/wedding-wednesdays-how-to-make-your-wedding-accessible-and-disability-friendly-episode-36/

Dog-Friendly Wedding Venues in Ireland: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/our-favourite-dog-friendly-wedding-venues-in-ireland/

We’re not talking about big expenses and extravagant purchases, but the little touches that help your guests to feel cherished. These are charming ideas that add a little bit of luxury without overdoing it and going over budget! 

We’re saving the best one for last, and it won’t cost you anything!

If you’re engaged and planning your wedding this year, then I’ve got a few simple but life-changing New Year’s Resolutions for you! These will help you stay focused, within your budget and sane throughout your wedding planning journey. 

Congratulations on your engagement!! This is a very exciting time and worth celebrating. You might be feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure of what to do first, so I’m breaking it down for you with a short list of things to do first. 

If you are engaged over the Christmas holidays, you’ll probably be spending lots of time with friends and family! And they will have lots of questions about your Big Day. Many of them will be asking how they can help… well, with so many decisions to be made, it might feel overwhelming deciding what to delegate. So take a peek at our list!

It’s no surprise that weddings cost a lot of money. And while there are some really creative and clever ways to save LOTS, there are also some money saving ideas that can totally backfire! 

In this episode, I’m listing a few ways that you might be tempted to save money that can backfire on you. The outcome will depend largely on your priorities and the things you want to focus on, so not all of these scenarios will be a total disaster – but they might be!

While planning your wedding, there will be plenty of big wedding decisions to make. We’re talking about the big hitters - your venue, your photographer, the legal stuff. But there will also be things that pop into your mind, things that aren’t quite as important but you may struggle to find a straight answer for. 

So in this podcast episode, we’re covering the 6 things you definitely haven’t thought of yet… but you will at some point. I’ve got the answers for you!

If you are a sustainability-conscious couple looking to limit your carbon footprint with eco-friendly wedding practices and partnering with suppliers who have ethics at the heart of their business… then you’re in the right place!

This week’s guest experts are Hazel from Coill Design, Joanna from SIÓG Botanicals and Joe from Rathsallagh House!

How many couples enter into their wedding planning journey with zero experience and no clue what to do? Most of them! So if you’re feeling completely clueless and overwhelmed, you aren’t alone. As a former wedding planner, there were a few lessons that even I had to learn by planning my own wedding. So, to prevent you from the stress of figuring it all out on your own, here are 5 things I wish I knew before planning my wedding.

Every week, suppliers and venues attend and host wedding showcases across the country. But what's all the fuss about and should you attend a wedding showcase? If you do, what can you expect to experience and how can you get the most out of your time? We're covering it all in this week's episode!

No matter what happens on your wedding day, something will go wrong. It’s just science. 

The good news is that if you end up legally married to your partner at the end of the day, you can consider it a success! So no matter what happens, your wedding will be awesome. 

But, if anything goes wrong, there's something you can do!

You may be in an awkward situation where people closest to you just don’t understand what’s important to you. Maybe your bestie keeps recommending suppliers she used for her wedding but just don’t match the style you’re after. Or maybe your mom keeps overwhelming you with ideas and suggestions that you don’t love. 

Either way, it’s time to advocate for your wedding vision and priorities! In this episode, we're sharing how to do it.

Today, we’re having a little bit of fun! I asked you to share your wedding icks with me, and boy, you delivered. I got so many responses from people who have experienced some truly icky things at weddings.

I’m joined by a special guest, my husband Glen, and we’re chatting through some of the wedding icks you sent in. Along the way, we’ll drop some pearls of wisdom and some creative ways to avoid giving your guests – and yourself – the ick.

Before we begin: there’s no judgement here. We’re having a little bit of fun and seeing what people love and don’t love about weddings they’ve attended.

This week we're talking about major wedding timeline mistakes. We're not looking at the timeline for the day (although there is a link to an episode all about that right at the end). Instead, we're looking at the timeline of how you plan your wedding and when you make certain decisions. I promise, this will make wedding planning much less stressful for you!

Wedding traditions aren’t for everyone. In fact, if you are feminist, a modern couple or same-sex, some of these traditions simply won’t work.

So in today’s episode, I’m breaking down 7 wedding traditions, why we do them and what you could do instead. If any of these traditions give you the ick, you can just ditch them.

Note: if you embrace any of these traditions (I did!), no judgement here either. Your wedding, your way.

There are a few steps to finding the perfect wedding dress! From understanding your silhouette to having a realistic wedding dress shopping timeline and everything in between, we’re covering it in this week’s podcast episode.

A special thank you to this week’s guest expert: Dawn from Lamelia Bridal Studio.

There are three groups of people who need to get to your wedding on time: the suppliers (you don't have to worry about them), your wedding party and your guests. Today we're talking about practical things you can do to make sure everyone gets to the wedding on time and there are no delays or hiccups to your schedule.

While planning your wedding, there are several hundred tasks to be done! Getting the timing right is the secret to remaining sane. I’ve shared many times before that there are some tasks that you must leave for the home stretch (things like creating a seating chart). But there are also tasks that couples tend to put off… today I’m sharing a list of tasks that you absolutely can’t leave to the last minute!

If you’ve ever started creating a wedding budget or enquired about prices, you’ve probably asked: Why are weddings so expensive? And you’re not alone! In fact, you might be tempted to think that suppliers are just adding on the 0000s because you’ve uttered the word ‘wedding’.

Today, joined by two fabulous guests – Caroline and Elaine from HIGM! Help I’m Getting Married – we're going to break it down for you. By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly why suppliers charge what they do, how to prioritise the wedding day elements that mean the most to you, and how to save money if things are tight!

Join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpimgettingmarried

When booking your dream wedding venue there are a few questions you probably have, and some you might not know you should have!! I’m going to list a few questions that you should ask when talking to prospective wedding venues and then I’m going to hand over to three wedding coordinators who are going to share common questions that they are asked (as well as the answers). 

A HUGE thank you to this week's wedding experts:

The Grayson, Silver Tassie Hotel & Temple House Estate

If you are booking wedding venue site visits, then I've got something very special for you! Whether you have already secured your venue and you want to book in another visit, or you're on the hunt for your dream venue and you're booking visits, then this is for you. I've got 7 guest experts joining me today! They are wedding venue coordinators who really know their stuff and they are helping me to answer your questions about how to nail your wedding venue site visit.

This week's guest experts are:

Julie from Cloughjordan House, Mary from Diamond Coast Hotel, Tee from Arklow Bay Hotel, Leone from Castleknock Hotel, Raina from The Johnstown Estate, Denise from Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo, and Lynn from Springfield Hotel. 

In this week's podcast episode, I'm breaking down EXACTLY what a wedding MC is, what they do and whether or not you need one.

Spoiler: it's more than just making announcements.

With just one week to go, your head is probably spinning! Take a listen to this episode, where I'm breaking down EXACTLY what you need to be thinking about, which tasks to do and what you can delegate.

You'll breeze through your final week with as little stress as possible.

Cocktail hour or pre-drinks is that period of time between your ceremony finishing and your reception beginning. During this time, you’ll be taking photos with your wedding party and photographer, videographer and content creator… and your guests… well that’s up to you. 

This week’s guest experts: 

Lena Freitag: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/suppliers/lena-freitag-weddings

Jeff Stanford Typewriter Poet: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/suppliers/jeff-stanford-typewriter-poet

Alex The Great Hypnotist: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/suppliers/alex-the-great-hypnotist

If you are trying to decide between assigned seating or letting guests choose where to sit, you’re in the right place! By the time it comes to this part of your wedding planning, you’ve already made hundreds of other decisions. We don’t blame you if you’re feeling a bit confused and unsure of what to do. In this post, we have cleared defined assigned seating vs no assigned seating, we’ve listed pros and cons, and offered some helpful alternatives.

Once you’ve selected your wedding venue, your next task is to consider how you can bring everything together beautifully. This is where wedding table shapes come in!

You may be asking yourself:

• Who is going to sit where?
• How many tables can we fit in our venue?
• How many people can fit at each table?

I’ve made a list of 10 things that everyone forgets to plan for their wedding. And when I say they are make or break, I’m not exaggerating! The great news is that most of these won’t cost you anything extra, but will help you to plan a stress-free wedding that’s enjoyable for everyone.

Dates for 2025: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/important-irish-dates-for-2025/

I'm using my experience as a wedding planner, blogger and podcaster to share the 7 things I'd do before booking any wedding suppliers... as well as which suppliers I'd book first!

Helpful links:

Sign up with weddingsonline - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/planner/register

Download the weddingsonline app - https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/weddingsonline-ie/id6503473769

Join the 'Help! I'm Getting Married' Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/helpimgettingmarried

Free 12 month checklist - https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/your-12-month-wedding-planning-checklist/

If you’ve ever had a question about wedding ceremonies in Ireland, this is for you! Join us for the final part in this series, where guest experts are answering your most common wedding ceremony questions. This week’s theme is all about the legal side of things! 

THANK YOU to this week’s guest experts:

Keane Harley, Brenda O Grady, Lorraine Walker, Brian Twomey, and Steve Rawson! 

If you’ve ever had a question about wedding ceremonies in Ireland, this is for you! Join us for part 2 of 3, where guest experts are answering your most common wedding ceremony questions. This week’s theme is all about wedding ceremony content! 

THANK YOU to this week’s guest experts:

Soulful Ceremonies, Catherine O Connor, Pat Clarke-Browne, Celebrancy by Rebecca, and Celebrant Lisa

If you've ever had a question about wedding ceremonies in Ireland, this is for you! Join us for part 1 of 3, where guest experts are answering your most common wedding ceremony questions.

Visit weddingsonline.ie/blog for a written version of this podcast episode, along with links to the guest experts.

Your guests’ first glimpse of your wedding is through the invitations! Just like your personalities and style, as a couple and just like your wedding theme, your invitations can be as unique and personalised! 

In fact, there are a few elements in each wedding invitation which provide opportunities for couples to add their personal style. A big thank you to Donna from Amore Stationery and Hazel from Coill Design for sharing their expert advice in this episode! 

I had the privilege of interviewing the fabulous Catherine Casey of The Marketing Club. She recently got married and we chatted about her wedding, including some very special personal touches, her horrific wedding dress experience and a piece of advice I’ve never heard a bride give before (it’s good).