The Wedding. What next?

ShaShaBear

Right - I figured instead of making a post every few weeks, I'd just get all my questions out there now!

Myself and himself got engaged, and we're hoping and planning (provisionally) for September 2014, with the intent of booking and confirming a date ideally before Valentine's Day coming (but not a necessity). We've our hearts set on the Errigal in Cavan, and the price per head for the package is €44. We've worked a list of around 170 people, clocking the reception in at €7200. We're also planning to have a civil wedding in the hotel itself.

So, questions:
1. Who do we go to first with dates? The registry wedding site was very unclear, but seemed to suggest I had to book the venue and then see if the solemniser was available? Seems a bit risky to me! Is it possible or doable to go to both with dates and check for availability first?
2. I know the hotel will look for a deposit, and we're not quite to that stage yet - but we were wondering roughly what percentage of the total price do they look for as a deposit to secure the date? Also, the registry site says that it is €150 for the civil wedding, with "additional charges" for a venue other than the registry office. Anyone got any experience with the extent of these charges?
3. Do we have to do a marriage course for a civil wedding?
4. And finally, does anyone have any experience with weddings in the Errigal itself? I was at one about 6 years ago, but I only remember enjoying my meal Also, does anyone who has had their wedding here have any experience with haggling with them? We're happy with the price per head and most of what it entails, but a lot of people have suggested we try to baggsie extra rooms on the night other than the three we're getting (numerous travelling guests).

Thanks in advance!

Senna

1. Your problem will be; if you want to set a date, you have to have the deposit ready to confirm. If you wont be ready till February 2013, then there isn't much you can do now.
Most couples will get a list of dates available at the hotel and a list of dates available from the registrar. If your happy with the hotel you can provisionally book a date with no deposit, the hotel will normally hold this for 10-14 days.
Within these 10-14 days, you can then book registrar etc.

2. You would need to ask the hotel how much the deposit is, it may say on their website (or in the brochure).
The extra costs from the registrar are for travel to the venue, but it works out at very little. Allow about €50 extra and that will more than likely cover it. They will let you know the cost when you enquire/book.

3. No marriage course required for a civil ceremony.

4. I've no experience of the Errigal, someone else might be able to help. As for haggling, you should never be happy with the price before paying the deposit. Ask for;
More complimentary bedrooms,
Extras on arrival, finger sandwiches, cocktail, etc
Extra choices on the menu,
More wine,
Cut corkage costs,
extra on the buffet,
and probably loads more.

The worse they can say is no and the more you ask for the more chance you will ware them down and they'll throw in something just to shut you up:D

ShaShaBear

Thanks

Im a terrible haggler, I might have to take my mother

clint_silver

everything senna said is right. dont go near them until you have your date set. You can confirm the deposit rate with a quick phone call. 20% wouldn't be unusual.

170 invites might get you back 140-150 acceptances. Cater for this.

44e per head is on the lower end of things so don't expect too much off. Not saying quality will be worse off but they may have lowered things enough just to give you the 44e.

They will expect you to haggle, everyone does it. Lots of people learning this. While you dont have to take no for an answer you may have to accept that youre not going to get more.