2016 brides!

ShaShaBear · 03-06-2015 9:04am

Finally looking at the probability of a 2016 wedding! Just waiting on our passports to get back so we can get the ball rolling! Very small affair of about 60 (but could get wild at the drinks reception :P ). Have managed to source the videographer, photographer, cake, cars, DJ and venue provisionally (all services I have used before for other events). All we're really stuck to find on a budget now is the band. I've priced a few localish and they all seem to be about the 1800-2k mark! :eek: If that's the standard we'll have to go without, not really down with paying the same for music as I am for 60 people to have a 3 course meal!
We're in Monaghan, anyone know of any lively bands (we love 80s rock) that might work a bit under this budget? As I said, we don't need a DJ and would actively prefer to use the one we are getting as he has performed at all my family events and is a trusted entertainer (but wouldn't be suitable for the whole reception).

andreac · 03-06-2015 10:20am

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Finally looking at the probability of a 2016 wedding! Just waiting on our passports to get back so we can get the ball rolling! Very small affair of about 60 (but could get wild at the drinks reception :P ). Have managed to source the videographer, photographer, cake, cars, DJ and venue provisionally (all services I have used before for other events). All we're really stuck to find on a budget now is the band. I've priced a few localish and they all seem to be about the 1800-2k mark! :eek: If that's the standard we'll have to go without, not really down with paying the same for music as I am for 60 people to have a 3 course meal!
We're in Monaghan, anyone know of any lively bands (we love 80s rock) that might work a bit under this budget? As I said, we don't need a DJ and would actively prefer to use the one we are getting as he has performed at all my family events and is a trusted entertainer (but wouldn't be suitable for the whole reception).

Try The Rubix Band. We booked them and they are based in Drogheda and i think one or if not two are from Monaghan. They are fairly reasonable and should be a bit cheaper if not getting a DJ too. Def go and see them play live as their website doesnt do them justice at all!!

ShaShaBear · 03-06-2015 10:32am

andreac wrote: »

Try The Rubix Band. We booked them and they are based in Drogheda and i think one or if not two are from Monaghan. They are fairly reasonable and should be a bit cheaper if not getting a DJ too. Def go and see them play live as their website doesnt do them justice at all!!

Already priced them, they were looking 1800 with DJ or 1600 without. Probably the most reasonable, but still we were hoping to get a bit cheaper considering the size of the wedding. Probably won't have much luck with that, though

emzibob · 03-06-2015 1:32pm

I could resist the DIY craft itch no longer and have started on the decorations and accessories better to be early than late right? haha

andreac · 03-06-2015 3:13pm

ShaShaBear wrote: »

Already priced them, they were looking 1800 with DJ or 1600 without. Probably the most reasonable, but still we were hoping to get a bit cheaper considering the size of the wedding. Probably won't have much luck with that, though

Ah no prob. Yeah they were 1800 with the DJ which i thought was very good. A lot of the quotes i got were over 2000.

andreac · 03-06-2015 3:14pm

First dress shopping appointment this weekend, cant wait!!

Going to Fiona Todhunter as my Mam lives right beside it which is handy. Have a few other appointments booked in other places in the next few weeks too.

stargazer 68 · 03-06-2015 4:47pm

andreac wrote: »

First dress shopping appointment this weekend, cant wait!!

Going to Fiona Todhunter as my Mam lives right beside it which is handy. Have a few other appointments booked in other places in the next few weeks too.

Ooh let me know what you think of it. It's on my shortlist!

andreac · 03-06-2015 5:04pm

Dovies wrote: »

Ooh let me know what you think of it. It's on my shortlist!

I sure will!!

fits · 03-06-2015 5:44pm

I think if you get a good band for under 1600 you are doing well.

ShaShaBear · 03-06-2015 6:25pm

fits wrote: »

I think if you get a good band for under 1600 you are doing well.

It's not really me, more the OH. Hes involved in the music industry with a lot of friends and was telling me of an alternative international band that was booked in Dublin for 1200. Hes reluctant to spend more on someone for a wedding. I really like Rubix though and they are playing a gig very local at the end of the month so I'll drag him along!

fits · 03-06-2015 6:27pm

ShaShaBear wrote: »

It's not really me, more the OH. Hes involved in the music industry with a lot of friends and was telling me of an alternative international band that was booked in Dublin for 1200. Hes reluctant to spend more on someone for a wedding. I really like Rubix though and they are playing a gig very local at the end of the month so I'll drag him along!

I used to be involved in promoting gigs as well. Its a totally different ballgame. If he can use his contacts, he should. I did but am still paying around that level with the discount.

andreac · 03-06-2015 7:37pm

ShaShaBear wrote: »

It's not really me, more the OH. Hes involved in the music industry with a lot of friends and was telling me of an alternative international band that was booked in Dublin for 1200. Hes reluctant to spend more on someone for a wedding. I really like Rubix though and they are playing a gig very local at the end of the month so I'll drag him along!

Trust me they are worth going to see. I didn't think much of them by their website promo but because they were local we went along. They were class. Really good singers and people of all ages up dancing in the pub so I thought that was a good sign too.
Plus the 90's medley really sold it for us. It was class! !

etymon · 03-06-2015 9:06pm

June 2016 here! was not bothered about wedding at ALL but kind of excited now. Been v easy to organize. Have humanist, ceremony, reception venue sorted. Dress not too pushed about, will prob get online and have a good seamstress who will fit me into it! Just need a band. Don't want to spend more than 2k on band and DJ but hopefully will find one. Absolutely not doing crazy bridesmaids dresses (ASOS here I come), stationery, favors, candy carts, photographers etc. Brother will do photos and brother in law will do cake. Wedding bands will most defo be Argos.

All in Dublin City and not one person will have to pay for transport or accommodation bar taxi home. A few from UK who have family to crash with.

I say all this after being at a wedding for 200 where I heard the bride greet people on the way out of the church (AFTER being married) saying 'lovely to meet you'. We had to travel 5 hours and pay a fortune to stay there. The whole thing cost a fortune (for us AND her poor Da), everything was pristine and Pinteresty and it was honestly one of the most boring weddings ever.
None of that at our wedding!

It's a bit like organizing a surprise party without the trepidation.

ShaShaBear · 04-06-2015 10:21am

andreac wrote: »

Trust me they are worth going to see. I didn't think much of them by their website promo but because they were local we went along. They were class. Really good singers and people of all ages up dancing in the pub so I thought that was a good sign too.
Plus the 90's medley really sold it for us. It was class! !

I played the promo video for my mum and sister (bridesmaid) and they were both swooning :pac: Both are very musical and good vocalists and I am tone deaf so I just wanted to be sure. But they loved them and we've all been working on my OH from the rafters. I pointed out that I am buying a second hand dress, making my own invitations and crocheting my own bouquets so the least he could do is let me have a nice band

andreac · 04-06-2015 11:30am

ShaShaBear wrote: »

I played the promo video for my mum and sister (bridesmaid) and they were both swooning :pac: Both are very musical and good vocalists and I am tone deaf so I just wanted to be sure. But they loved them and we've all been working on my OH from the rafters. I pointed out that I am buying a second hand dress, making my own invitations and crocheting my own bouquets so the least he could do is let me have a nice band

Deffo, well if you think they are good on the video, wait until you hear them live!!

I would def spend money on a band, within reason of course. I got about ten or twelve quotes from bands, all ranging from say 1500 up to 3600!! The Rubix were one of the cheapest and i thought they might not be as good as the other ones for that reason, but i was wrong. We viewed 3 bands and they were by far the best, and yes, quite swoon too ha ha.

ShaShaBear · 04-06-2015 11:35am

andreac wrote: »

Deffo, well if you think they are good on the video, wait until you hear them live!!

I would def spend money on a band, within reason of course. I got about ten or twelve quotes from bands, all ranging from say 1500 up to 3600!! The Rubix were one of the cheapest and i thought they might not be as good as the other ones for that reason, but i was wrong. We viewed 3 bands and they were by far the best, and yes, quite swoon too ha ha.

I made two stipulations, I want guests to be well-fed and entertained. Not really much point in having a reception if guests are going to be bored or hungry! After that I'm not hugely bothered :pac:
He agreed to come and see them play and I told him he was under no obligation and if we weren't happy we could just leave the gig like everyone else - not like it's a private show!
If you don't mind me asking, how much of a deposit did they look for?

andreac · 04-06-2015 11:47am

ShaShaBear wrote: »

I made two stipulations, I want guests to be well-fed and entertained. Not really much point in having a reception if guests are going to be bored or hungry! After that I'm not hugely bothered :pac:
He agreed to come and see them play and I told him he was under no obligation and if we weren't happy we could just leave the gig like everyone else - not like it's a private show!
If you don't mind me asking, how much of a deposit did they look for?

I had to give €300.

Yeah everyone has said to me, make sure you spend money on the food and the band.

Shybride2016 · 04-06-2015 1:23pm

Hey everyone,

Looks like all the planning is well underway. 10 months to go here & have all the major things sorted (I hope!). Venue, humanist, photographer, singer for ceremony, DJ for afters and my dress, all done. Also made our appt with hse for notification of intention for November, just need to get his birth certificate stamped as he was born in UK.

I've researched all the other bits & bobs but not really much to be done for the next few months so taking a much needed break from Wedding planning for a while!

Thumby · 04-06-2015 3:20pm

Well that's photographers deposit paid now too. Not sure i have anything else that needs to be planned for a while. Thankfully because all these deposits have me skint now lol

andreac · 08-06-2015 9:53am

Well, i think i may have found my dress!! Had my first appt on saturday and it was the very first dress i tried on!! Surely it cant be that easy??

Abrean · 08-06-2015 11:47am

andreac wrote: »

Well, i think i may have found my dress!! Had my first appt on saturday and it was the very first dress i tried on!! Surely it cant be that easy??

Mine was the very first dress I tried on! It can happen

I tried on a load of dresses in that shop after the first one just to be sure but they just weren't right so I bought the first one that day, my first day of looking! I just knew I'd keep thinking about it.

I think if you know you know so go for it:)

andreac · 08-06-2015 12:17pm

Abrean wrote: »

Mine was the very first dress I tried on! It can happen I tried on a load of dresses in that shop after the first one just to be sure but they just weren't right so I bought the first one that day, my first day of looking! I just knew I'd keep thinking about it.

I think if you know you know so go for it:)

Yeah i cant believe it. Im going to try on a few more with my other bridesmaids in a couple of weeks, so will just try on a few others and see how i feel.

But it really did feel like the one and my mam and 2 of my bridesmaids were there and they thought it was amazing too!!

Shybride2016 · 08-06-2015 1:03pm

andreac wrote: »

Yeah i cant believe it. Im going to try on a few more with my other bridesmaids in a couple of weeks, so will just try on a few others and see how i feel.

But it really did feel like the one and my mam and 2 of my bridesmaids were there and they thought it was amazing too!!

Happened to me too! Went to a sample sale a few weeks ago not expecting to find anything, tried on the first one, loved it, tried on around 10 or so other ones but when I tried the first one on again everyone loved it so its in my bridesmaids house now until I need to get the alterations done next year!

shortstuff! · 08-06-2015 6:50pm

Haven't been on in ages! Congrats on the big purchase Andreac, I got mine the 1st day I looked too, was only going for a look;) was afraid Id go off it but tried it on again recently (got it in sample sale but shop are storing for me) & love it, does need a lot of alternations though!

Booked our videographer today, Cathal Farrelly, love his work! Bit more than I wanted to spend but he seems to be cheaper than a lot for cinematic style.

Next thing we really need is the band, tried Rubix but they are booked for our date:( any other recommendations around that price level? Have gone way over budget on photo & video so can't go crazy here!

Thinking of getting a fancy executive mini bus instead of a wedding car, that way he lads can be collected, then the girls & we'll all fit in afterwards, what do you's think? Working out at 325 for a 19seater (though there's only 9in the bridal party) for 4hours.

lovelystuff · 10-06-2015 2:05pm

Hi all, Just looking for feedback to see if what's going on with my venue is the norm. We were about to sign contract and pay deposit, but they have now said that prices are subject to increase. So the package we are signing a contract for could become however much more expensive they want next year. I assumed that once a package was agreed and contract signed that would have to be honoured, and not that it could increase however much they want it to? Is this normal for a venue? Thanks guys, head wrecked by them at this stage

westernlass · 10-06-2015 3:04pm

lovelystuff wrote: »

Hi all, Just looking for feedback to see if what's going on with my venue is the norm. We were about to sign contract and pay deposit, but they have now said that prices are subject to increase. So the package we are signing a contract for could become however much more expensive they want next year. I assumed that once a package was agreed and contract signed that would have to be honoured, and not that it could increase however much they want it to? Is this normal for a venue? Thanks guys, head wrecked by them at this stage

Yes the norm you pay for contract price. That's why its a contract

lovelystuff · 10-06-2015 3:52pm

westernlass wrote: »

Yes the norm you pay for contract price. That's why its a contract

That's what I thought. This venue are driving me mad we're about to walk altogether

Shybride2016 · 10-06-2015 6:04pm

lovelystuff wrote: »

That's what I thought. This venue are driving me mad we're about to walk altogether

In the contract we have it sets out the price per person and the details of our package. Then in the T&Cs it says may be subject to change due to to increase in tax rate, intro of govt levy. Apart from that there's nothing to say the price can be increased by the venue.

If you don't mind me asking, is this still the venue you were having problems with a few weeks ago? They sound like a nightmare if so. Sorry to hear you're having all this hassle.

Faith · 10-06-2015 6:09pm

I would just walk away. No venue is special enough to cause you this much hassle. Imagine how bad it will be in the manic weeks before the wedding, if this is what they're like now.

lovelystuff · 10-06-2015 7:35pm

Thanks everyone for the reply, I thought that maybe it was normal in a wedding contract, but from what I see it's like signing a blank cheque. It's the same venue shybride, they've been horrible to deal with so we're moving on now. They could easily add 5 grand onto our bill, it's not worth it, even though it looked beautiful!

Shybride2016 · 10-06-2015 7:43pm

lovelystuff wrote: »

Thanks everyone for the reply, I thought that maybe it was normal in a wedding contract, but from what I see it's like signing a blank cheque. It's the same venue shybride, they've been horrible to deal with so we're moving on now. They could easily add 5 grand onto our bill, it's not worth it, even though it looked beautiful!

That's dreadful carry on on their part lovelystuff. I know it's hard when you have your heart set on somewhere but seriously not worth
The heartache and you haven't even signed anything yet?! They should be doing everything they can to get your business, not stressing you out.

The nosy part of me would love to know what venue it is as I've a few friends looking for venues at the moment & would obviously not be recommending it to them. Otherwise if you're back to the drawing board yourself I'd be happy to
PM you my venue if you want.

Mind yourself.

stargazer 68 · 11-06-2015 11:31am

andreac wrote: »

First dress shopping appointment this weekend, cant wait!!

Going to Fiona Todhunter as my Mam lives right beside it which is handy. Have a few other appointments booked in other places in the next few weeks too.

How did the shopping go? I was at Kleinfelds at the weekend - oh la la get me- they are so OTT it was hilarious. Great fun but I didn't say yes to the dress!

andreac · 11-06-2015 12:10pm

Dovies wrote: »

How did the shopping go? I was at Kleinfelds at the weekend - oh la la get me- they are so OTT it was hilarious. Great fun but I didn't say yes to the dress!

It was amazing, think i may have found my dress!! Plus it was the first one i tried on too. Will go to a few others salons just to make my decision 100% but it looked amazing on.

stargazer 68 · 11-06-2015 12:11pm

andreac wrote: »

It was amazing, think i may have found my dress!! Plus it was the first one i tried on too. Will go to a few others salons just to make my decision 100% but it looked amazing on.

Ooh so worth my while going then?

Pistachios & cream · 11-06-2015 12:26pm

Dovies wrote: »

How did the shopping go? I was at Kleinfelds at the weekend - oh la la get me- they are so OTT it was hilarious. Great fun but I didn't say yes to the dress!

Oh Dovies please tell us about Kleinfelds. Was it like the TV show? what are the dresses and consultants like?

stargazer 68 · 11-06-2015 12:38pm

ahayes84 wrote: »

Oh Dovies please tell us about Kleinfelds. Was it like the TV show? what are the dresses and consultants like?

Lovely. Very OTT - yayy lets give 'OH name' a cheer because without him you wouldnt be here etc etc!! They have interns in at the moment so I had 2 consultants. Each Consultant has their own little room and yes you do get the satin robe to wear!! Even hand out bottles of water! Lots of buzz around and you can hear whats going on in the other rooms.

You don't actually get to go to the dresses - they go 'shopping' for you and you try them on in the room - only when you have picked your favourite and have it on again then you go outside to the 'showroom' to a bigger mirror. Dresses are lovely - lots of false tan and makeup on them but they are just the trying on ones. And they fit!!! As in they aren't all a size 8 which I found was a problem in a lot of the shops here so I could try them all on with no problem.

Really enjoyed my appointment. They were all lovely and very kissy when you are leaving lol.

Pistachios & cream · 11-06-2015 12:43pm

Dovies wrote: »

And they fit!!! As in they aren't all a size 8 which I found was a problem in a lot of the shops here so I could try them all on with no problem.

I know it's crazy how the average woman is a size 14 yet most bridal stores carry size 8-10! its the most expensive dress i'll ever buy and im expected to know how it will look by squeezing into a dress thats 3 sizes too small.

Have to say i bought from Lilac rose in Limerick and all her dresses were size 14ish, I even had to have them clamped. Such a nicer experience.

Sounds like Kleinfelds is a fab experience alright the real fun part of wedding planning!

stargazer 68 · 11-06-2015 12:47pm

ahayes84 wrote: »

Sounds like Kleinfelds is a fab experience alright the real fun part of wedding planning!

It was. Had no intentions of buying anything but as we were in NY my OH decided I had to go and try anyway as I make him watch the programme all the time lol

Pistachios & cream · 11-06-2015 12:49pm

Dovies wrote: »

It was. Had no intentions of buying anything but as we were in NY my OH decided I had to go and try anyway as I make him watch the programme all the time lol

Was he part of your entourage:D

stargazer 68 · 11-06-2015 12:56pm

ahayes84 wrote: »

Was he part of your entourage:D

lol nope it was just me - felt a bit odd going in but I wasnt the only one on my own. There were a couple of people with an entourage. One girl had 8 people with her! They say max is 4 but they did accommodate her.

emzibob · 12-06-2015 1:44pm

Dovies I'm very jealous I love that show did you see randy?? best of luck with the dress hunt

curlywurlyash · 13-06-2015 3:50am

Katniss everMean wrote: »

@fannymagee we finally found someone thanks to you! We were able to find an Interfaith Minister! Thank you!!

@katniss everMean @fannymagee

I have found myself in the same situation a Saturday wedding in August 2016 and all the humanist celebrants are booked out. I have been looking at the interfaith website but am a little more nervous about this as it is a new concept to me. What was it like meeting your celebrant katniss everMean. @fannymagee can you tell me a little bit more my mother is not overly happy about it.

Any advice is much appreciated

michellie · 13-06-2015 7:21pm

Eeek Dovies you are so lucky, love that show!!

Katniss everMean · 15-06-2015 12:30am

curlywurlyash wrote: »

@katniss everMean @fannymagee

I have found myself in the same situation a Saturday wedding in August 2016 and all the humanist celebrants are booked out. I have been looking at the interfaith website but am a little more nervous about this as it is a new concept to me. What was it like meeting your celebrant katniss everMean. @fannymagee can you tell me a little bit more my mother is not overly happy about it.

Any advice is much appreciated

Hi! I've not actually met our celebrant yet as she is to busy until July. I've chatted to her on the phone and she seems really nice and happy to accommodate us for what ever type of ceremony we would like. She didn't mind that I personally am not a spiritual person which is something I was worrying about.

fannymagee · 15-06-2015 1:20pm

curlywurlyash wrote: »

@katniss everMean @fannymagee

I have found myself in the same situation a Saturday wedding in August 2016 and all the humanist celebrants are booked out. I have been looking at the interfaith website but am a little more nervous about this as it is a new concept to me. What was it like meeting your celebrant katniss everMean. @fannymagee can you tell me a little bit more my mother is not overly happy about it.

Any advice is much appreciated

Hi Curlywurlylash sorry I'm only seeing this now! Yes of course I can, I'll PM you now and see if I can help address your questions & your mother's concerns.

laneyk3 · 16-06-2015 4:46pm

Hi All , newly engaged 2016 bride just wondering if anyone had any recommendations good or bad experiences for wedding dress shops in dublin,

andreac · 16-06-2015 4:49pm

laneyk3 wrote: »

Hi All , newly engaged 2016 bride just wondering if anyone had any recommendations good or bad experiences for wedding dress shops in dublin,

Ive only been to one so far and it was Fiona Todhunter at Old Bawn. I found her great and she has some lovely dresses. Felt very comfortable around the girls too.
I think i even found my dress there too, first one i tried on!! Going to go to one or two more just to make sure im definite with my choice, but i would recommend her.

laneyk3 · 16-06-2015 4:51pm

thanks Andrea yes friend got her dress in fiona todhunter where else are you trying?

emzibob · 16-06-2015 4:52pm

laneyk3 wrote: »

Hi All , newly engaged 2016 bride just wondering if anyone had any recommendations good or bad experiences for wedding dress shops in dublin,

I found the bridal corner in phibsboro great the will try every style on you and have a great selection. Its a very relaxed atmosphere too.

andreac · 16-06-2015 4:56pm

laneyk3 wrote: »

thanks Andrea yes friend got her dress in fiona todhunter where else are you trying?

Im actually going to Sligo and Enniskillen as 2 of my bridesmaids are from there. But its more for them to see dresses on me and to try on bridesmaid dresses with me there too as they cant always make it to Dublin.

Im also going down to Smart Brides in Portlaoise. Check them out. I met them at a wedding fair in Punchestown a few weeks ago and the girls were just lovely and i know a few people that have been there and found them great and got their dresses there too.

2016 brides!

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