Getting Married at Christmas in Ireland | A Guide to December Weddings

Bride and groom walking out of the church after their wedding ceremony in December

There’s something incredibly special about a December wedding in Ireland. The air is crisp, the candles glow brighter, and everything feels intimate and celebratory. Whether you’re planning a church ceremony followed by a castle reception or a full venue wedding, winter weddings have a magic all of their own.

Why Couples Love December Weddings in Ireland?

• The Atmosphere Is Unmatched

Christmas décor, candlelight, fireplaces, twinkling trees, mulled wine, fireworks - most Irish venues lean into the season with cosy interiors and warm lighting making the day feel festive.

• Cosy, Intimate Energy

Guests naturally stay close, mingle indoors, and settle in for long dinners and packed dance floors. Winter weddings often feel more immersive and relaxed.

• Styling Works Beautifully

Velvet bows, black tie dress codes, long sleeves, faux fur wraps, rich florals, heirloom details - winter fashion photographs beautifully.

• Supplier Availability

December (outside of the two weeks around Christmas Day and New Year’s) can offer more flexibility with suppliers and sometimes better venue availability.

The Realities of a Winter Wedding in Ireland

Winter light in Ireland is VERY different from summer. In December, sunset can be as early as 3:45pm depending on location.

That means couple portraits should ideally happen before 3pm. If your ceremony is at 2pm in a church, or you are facing a long drive to your venue, you will lose natural light for portraits.

Indoor ceremony spaces need good window light or thoughtful lighting design. That’s why we need to plan portraits strategically around the winter sunset and incorporate some indoor flash portraits when guests are being seated for the meal. Winter weddings allow for dramatic night portraits, which feel very festive and cinematic.

December and January in Ireland are also quite cold, stormy months. You might get a gorgeous sunset, but realistically plan for all the photos to be taken indoors.

Church Ceremony in December

• Traditional, beautiful atmosphere.

• Churches often look stunning decorated for Christmas.

• Ceremony times are usually fixed (often 1pm - a bit too late).

• It can be quite cold inside.

If your ceremony runs late, you may lose daylight for portraits. Travel time between church and venue eats into available light.

If having a church ceremony, consider doing a “first look” earlier in the day to guarantee daylight couple/family portraits.

Bride and groom walking to the venue during a rainy wedding day in December

Venue Ceremony in December

• Flexible timing (you can schedule earlier, like 12pm or 1pm).

• No travel time = more light preserved.

• Cosy candlelit ceremonies feel magical in winter.

• Indoor light quality becomes very important, venue balrooms can be quite dark.

• Outdoor ceremony options are limited due to weather.

When venue hunting look for examples of winter weddings in their brochure. Venues ideal for winter have large windows, elegant interiors, and fireplaces that create warmth in photos even when it’s dark outside.

Winter & Christmas Wedding Timeline Example

7-8am - Getting ready

12pm - Ceremony (1pm venue ceremony), no greeting line

1:30pm - Drinks reception starts, Family Photos, Portraits

3:30pm - Sunset

4:30pm - Dinner call - indoor couple photos (bar, staircase)

5pm - Speeches (30 min)

7:30 or 8pm - Evening guests arrive, Cake cutting, Mingling

8:30 or 9pm-ish - First dance & party time!

Things to Consider for a December Wedding in Ireland

• Have umbrellas on hand (clear ones photograph best).

• Plan transport carefully. Snow, icy roads or a storm can really slow things down.

• Build in buffer time for travel between locations.

• Candlelight and moody interiors are your friend, embrace that darkness.

• Encourage guests to dress warmly (especially if you want outdoor confetti).

• Plan for the photography to be done inside, family photos at the church altar, portraits with flash, bridal party bar shot and so on.

A December wedding is perfect if you:

• Love cosy, candlelit atmospheres

• Want a black tie or elegant dress code

• Prefer intimate energy over sprawling outdoor timelines

• Don’t mind planning around limited daylight

As an Irish wedding photographer who works across both Northern Ireland and Ireland, I absolutely love December weddings — they feel emotional, atmospheric, and deeply romantic when planned well.

Tankardstown House Wedding: Stunning Irish Wedding Venue for a Rainy Summertime Celebration

Grace and Jamie’s wedding at the stunning Tankardstown House was a day full of warmth, love, and unforgettable moments. Even with rainclouds hovering overhead, nothing could dampen the joy that radiated from this incredible couple and their guests.

Set in the heart of Co. Meath, Tankardstown House is one of the most sought-after Irish wedding venues for couples looking to blend timeless elegance with modern style. Grace and Jamie's celebration was no exception, with every detail thoughtfully planned to create a day they and their loved ones would cherish forever.

The morning was filled with excitement as Grace got ready alongside her bridesmaids, with hair by @leahbyrnehair_ and makeup by @makeupbyannemarie. Her stunning gown from @airebarcelona, sourced at @dresscodeltd, was a showstopper — a perfect choice for their black-tie wedding. Meanwhile, Jamie and his groomsmen brought plenty of style, looking sharp and sophisticated in their formal attire.

Their ceremony took place at the stunning St Anne's Catholic Church, Baileborough. This stunning, ornate church provided the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt ceremony, which felt deeply meaningful. The rainy weather made for some memorable moments too — guests hurried inside under umbrellas, and Grace arrived in style, sheltered by loved ones as her dad dropped her off in his vintage car. These candid moments added a charming touch to their wedding story.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a lively drinks reception filled with laughter and conversation. The rain may have kept everyone indoors at times, but the atmosphere remained warm and joyful. Thankfully the rain stopped just in time and we were able to take the couple for photos outside. After the reception the guests entered the Orangery, a stunning light filled room where they listened to hillarious speeches, ate the wedding breakfast and danced the night away. The evening entertainment by @bentleyboys kept the dance floor buzzing all night.

Their day was filled with thoughtful touches, from delicate floral arrangements to a stunning cake by @primrose_lane_bakery. Every detail reflected the couple's personalities and their love for their family and friends.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!! These photos are just incredible and you captured all the amazing memories of our special day.”

— G&J

As a wedding photographer in Ireland, capturing these special moments was a true joy. Grace and Jamie’s celebration embodied everything wonderful about an Irish wedding — warmth, laughter, unforgettable memories, and plenty of Guiness.

If you're searching for your dream Irish wedding venue or planning your own celebration, Tankardstown House offers an incredible blend of charm and elegance. For couples planning a destination wedding in Ireland, this breathtaking venue truly delivers an unforgettable experience.

If you're looking for wedding photography in Dublin, across Ireland, or for your own celebration at Tankardstown House, I would love to hear from you!

Irish-American Farnham Estate Wedding in Co Cavan

Meghan & Paul’s Black Tie Wedding at Farnham Estate

Few wedding venues in Ireland are as effortlessly elegant as Farnham Estate, and Meghan & Paul’s celebration was nothing short of spectacular. With a stunning display of white flowers, a candlelit reception, and an international crowd of loved ones, their wedding was a dream from start to finish.

Meghan and Paul chose Ireland to tie the knot, together with their friends and family from across the world. The day began with a relaxed morning prep at Farnham Estate, followed by breathtaking ceremony, set against the backdrop of a floral arch by The Flower Barrow, transforming the church entrance into a fairytale scene. Meghan walked down the aisle in an exquisite Milla Nova gown—dramatic, voluminous, and utterly regal.

Emerald Aisle Events orchestrated every detail seamlessly, ensuring the day unfolded flawlessly. From the perfectly timed ceremony to the elegant dinner setting at Farnham Estate, their expertise was evident in every moment. Guests were greeted with a lively drinks reception, where The Blackwater Céilí Band set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

Dinner was a feast of flavors, followed by heartfelt speeches that had the room laughing and wiping away tears in equal measure. As night fell, Harlequin Band took over, and the dance floor quickly filled with energy. Meghan later changed into a sleek and modern second dress—ideal for dancing the night away. The atmosphere was electric, with guests singing along, twirling under the lights, and celebrating as the night drew to a close.

From the exquisite florals to the flawless planning, every detail reflected Meghan & Paul’s vision of an elegant and joyous celebration. It was a wedding to remember, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

Relaxed & Elegant Wedding Day at Darver Castle, County Louth

Alannagh & Killian’s wedding at Darver Castle was a classic black tie affair with lots of personal touches and relaxed atmosphere.

The couple said "I do" at the stunning St. Joseph's Church in Ballymartin, followed by a reception at the beautiful Darver Castle. Alannagh wore a timeless off-shoulder wedding dress from @castlecouturegalgorm and Killian chose a classic black tie from @sd_kells. The bridesmaids looked lovely in cream dresses, and caring flowers from the super-talented @ditsyfloraldesign.

Congratulations to the newlyweds and thank you for having me!🥂❤️

Team on the day:

Wedding Reception - Darver Castle - @darver_castle https://www.darvercastle.ie/ Drinks Reception, Band & DJ - The Nooks - @thenooksmusic Videographer - Acushla Wedding Cinematography - https://www.facebook.com/acushlaweddingcinematography/ Wedding Cars - Bentley Wedding Cars NI - http://bentleyweddingcarsni.co.uk/ & Courtyard Classic Car Hire - @ccourtyardclassiccarhire Wedding Dress - Castle Couture - @castlecouturegalgorm Wedding Suits - SD Kell's Belfast - @sd_kells Bridesmaids Dresses - Emma Murnion Design - @emmamurniondesign Wedding Cake - Helen Quinn, Cakery NI - @thecakeryni Wedding Mass Music - Niamh McDowell - @niamhmcdowellmusic Wedding ‘sRings - Murray & Co Jewellers - @murrayandco Wedding Flowers - Disty Floral Design - @ditsyfloraldesign Make up - Carly Proctor Makeup - @carlyproctormakeup Hair - Caoimhe, Chameleon Hair Dressing - @chameleonhairdressing

Caterina and Caolan's Grand Castle Leslie Wedding

Embark on the enchanting love story of Caterina and Caolan wedding day as they exchanged vows in a classic ceremony at Armagh Cathedral & celebrated with drinks reception, dinner and dancing at Castle Leslie.

If you are getting married at Castle Leslie have a look at the gallery below. All day photography packages available, please enquire by clicking HERE

Photography by Hello Sugar

Venue: Casyle Leslie https://www.castleleslie.com/weddings/

Caterina, a vision in her classic wedding gown, radiated grace and elegance. The bridesmaids, dressed in stunning white gowns added an extra touch of glamour to the ceremony. Caolan and his groomsmen looked sharp in their dapper suits, a perfect match for the grandeur of the cathedral setting.

Following the heartfelt ceremony, guests were transported to the opulent Castle Leslie, a majestic backdrop that echoed the timeless romance of Caterina and Caolan's love story. EP Design's expert touch continued to shine through in the event decor, transforming the reception space into a fairytale wonderland with lush florals and fine details.

House of Elliott's floral arrangements created an atmosphere that was nothing short of magical. Hello Sugar photography beautifully captured every moment, ensuring that the lush florals and exquisite details of their wedding day were forever immortalized. As the rain added its own poetic touch to the day, the limousine from Mid Ulster Limo ensured that Caterina and Caolan arrived dry and in style!

The Bentley Boys and DJ Magiggs continued the celebration with an electric mix of tunes, creating a wonderful atmosphere that had everyone on the dance floor. Despite the rainy day, the Castle Leslie provided a shelter of warmth and joy, creating a sense of intimacy in the grand surroundings.

Sophie Rose's delectable cake became a focal point, while a champagne reception added an extra layer of sophistication to the festivities. The second dress, a sparkly number, made its debut as the evening unfolded, completing Caterina's already stunning bridal look.

As Caterina and Caolan celebrated their big day surrounded by loved ones, the magic of Castle Leslie, the talent of each vendor, and the sheer joy of their union created a wedding that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Northern Ireland Couple's Photoshoot at the Dark Hedges, Giant's Causeway and White Rocks Beach

If you are looking for a photographer in Northern Ireland and would like to explore the Causeway Coast with them while taking stunning photos, you're in the right place.

Today's couple, Kate & Gus, travelled from the USA to Ireland and wanted to visit iconic Northern Irish locations and take their engagement photos. We visited the Dark Hedges, Giant's Causeway, Dunseveric Castle and White Rocks beach. The photoshoot took approximately 4 hours with sightseeing, photos, and driving there and back from Belfast.

I collected them from their Belfast hotel at 6 am, and an hour later, we started our photoshoot at the Dark Hedges. It's best to arrive there as early as possible to avoid crowds and have beautiful scenery, just for yourself. The first photoshoot didn't take long, we finished after 20 min, and we could head to another location.

The second location of our engagement photos in Northern Ireland took us to Dunseveric Castle. We took photographs at the castle viewpoint and then hiked up past the ruins. There's a stunning coastline view of the cliffs and sea, and it's one of my favourite locations to take couples visiting North Coast of Ireland.

Next, we headed to Giant's Causeway to explore an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns - the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption.

The couple was travelling to Ireland with the bride's parents. They all received some fantastic photos from their holidays and had a blast on their private mini-tour of the Causeway Coast.

The last stop on our itinerary was at the White Rocks beach. It was such a beautiful, clear day and the photos look stunning. The reflection of the clouds in the shallow water looks like the couple is walking in the clouds! We had an absolute blast! It was wonderful to meet Kate & Gus and their family.

If you are looking for a photographer on the North Coast of Northern Ireland, don't hesitate to get in touch. All shoots can be customised, and I'd love to capture your love and help you create memories in our beautiful wee country.

Elegant Killeavy Castle Wedding, Ireland Castle Wedding Venues

If you’re searching for a beautiful, elegant Irish castle venue for your wedding day you have to take Killeavy Castle near Newry into consideration. Located in the countryside near the border with Ireland, this stunning castle offers beautiful background for a wedding celebration, big or small. Beautiful staterooms, extensive gardens for photographs, a marquee and a newly built hotel attached to the castle make a perfect solution for the couple and their guests.

I had the pleasure of visiting this Irish castle in the summer while photographing one of my couples and their tiny picnic wedding celebration. Killeavy castle is such a picturesque wedding venue - it is both elegant, with the grand castle in the backdrop, and relaxed, with an abundance of greenery and paths in the woods. We were able to take time with the photographs and I posed them a little more than usual. On a typical full day wedding, the couple and I often take 15 min out of the day for some romantic portraits, which are mostly unposed, relaxed and natural with a little guidance. Then we focus on the guests, the couple is spending time with friends and family, chatting, drinking and I’m photographing candid shots of guests enjoying the day. Here at Killeavy, we had the venue to ourselves, an abundance of flowers and a picnic to eat so naturally we took it easy and focused on creating lots of elegant wedding portraits.

Recommended Wedding Suppliers:

Photography @hellosugar_photography
Venue @killeavycastle https://www.killeavycastle.com
Dresses @ivyandwhitebride https://www.ivyandwhite.com/
Flowers @honeybeebloomsuk https://honeybeeblooms.co.uk/
Makeup @maidbysineadbridalmakeup https://www.maidbysinead.co.uk/
Hair @ayshelturnerhairdressing (Instagram only)
Stationery @paperdotni https://www.paperdot.co.uk/
Calligraphy @lenkacalligraphy http://www.lenkacalligraphy.com/
Headpieces @deborahkdesign https://www.deborahkdesign.co.uk/

This mini wedding has now been featured in the One Fab Day wedding blog.

Relaxed and Romantic Summer Lockdown Wedding in Ireland

All of 2020 Covid weddings have been so incredibly special and personal, all planned under difficult circumstances, all absolutely stunning and worth mentioning. Today I’m showing you one of those lockdown weddings where the couple had to push their original April date to August and get married at home. Planning a wedding during a pandemic is incredibly difficult, it’s hard to get excited and motivated, there’s just so much uncertainty it’s difficult to know what to do and say. Cutting down your guest list, having no music or first dance, no venue of choice is all incredibly upsetting to think about but I want you to know it won’t take away from your day.

You will be married and the day will be amazing and it really is all that matters. You will be relieved and you will be able to call him your husband(or wife)! 4, 15 or 80 guests, you will absolutely not regret going ahead! You will love the feeling of being married, the feeling of not having to worry about it ever again.

Today’s wedding shows how beautiful and elegant a simple tipi in the garden can be - an abundance of wildflowers, simple decor, bunting, fairy lights - it all can be so magical, personal and simple! There’s no need to complicate, every singe bride is already having enough to worry about, there’s no need for extra stress. It might not be the wedding of everyone’s dreams but it is still significant, memorable and the feeling of being married is universal. It’s all about perspective and making the best of the situation.

Photos courtesy of my associate shooter Hannah for Hello Sugar

How To Plan Your Relaxed Wedding Day Timeline

Planning your wedding day ahead as much as possible is the key to having a relaxed day focused on spending time with guests and celebrating.

Focus on the timeline early on. You will need this for the caterers, photographer, church, celebrant and your guests. No matter how casual and informal your day is going to be, people should know what’s happening and where.

I have been to many well-planned weddings and it makes such a difference for you to have lots of time to chat with guests and create memories, time for photos and a relaxed getting ready experience. At those weddings, you can feel the difference immediately, as a guest, vendor and as a couple. The key to success is location and ceremony time. If you want your wedding to be the most relaxed experience I recommend getting ready (whole bridal party + parents), ceremony & reception in the same place. No driving between venues, no driving away for photos. This is one of the best things you can do to have lots of time for everything. Obviously, it’s not going to be feasible for everyone, so I’m here to help you plan it all for the best possible day.

Firstly, I will give you some tips on how to improve each aspect of the day and why it’s important.

Secondly, you will find a wedding timeline for WINTER & SUMMER weddings. I will also add notes on travelling and church weddings.

The perfect morning

Running late in the morning will create a domino effect on the whole day. You might want to start getting ready a little earlier than you think necessary. Set up your hair and makeup in a well lit, clutter-free area. Have all your details ready laid out - perfume, earrings, stationery, ring, ribbons, boxes, any sentiments. Have another clutter-free room ready with a dress out of the bag and on a nice hanger. This is where you can get dressed too.

Hair, makeup and photos take time. Especially recently with Tiktoks and Reels, makeup and hair artists will try to carve out time to create their content. Make sure you let them know - if there’s any photo/video they need to take, they have to start earlier because you’re working on a strict timeline and your photographer and videographer have the priority.

Make sure you are not the last person for makeup/hair! You will be needed for photos with your bridal party, details like putting on earrings, perfume, dress and veil photos and first look. This all takes time and planning. You will need to be finished with all makeup and hair at least 1 hour before leaving. Start getting dressed at least 45 min before you’re due to leave - tags, fashion tape, corsets, underwear, it all takes time, and you want to make sure bridal party photos and family photos are captured before you leave. This applies to the groom as well, and dads too.

Reserve about 15 min before you leave for the ceremony for photos only - mum and dad, siblings, bridesmaids, pets and your own portraits.

All about your ceremony

Ideally, you’d have your ceremony at the venue. That way it’s short and sweet and also entertaining. Churches are important for many reasons (faith, tradition, family history) and getting married at the venue is not always what you want. Please keep in mind photographers are treated differently with every parish - sometimes we are welcomed to walk and take snaps, sometimes we are required to stay still. That will affect your photos too, so please have realistic expectations.

Keep things moving and don’t wait too long to arrive at the church. When you’re late for the ceremony it will mean you will have less time for the reception with your guests. It will make things way more stressful trying to play catch up on family photos, which will eat away at your reception time.

Please also note church weddings in the Republic of Ireland tend to always start late. The latest I’ve experienced was 1,5 hours! The bride and her party were ready, it was actually guests who were still arriving. It’s a good idea to put on the invites the start of the ceremony 30 min earlier than actually planned. Some guests will be late, there is no doubt about it.

Have your family photos immediately after the ceremony - nominate one person who knows them and get them to help the photographer gather the family members. Receiving line can take about an hour so keep that in mind, it’s not something I’d advise doing, especially at winter church weddings. Have your confetti as one of the first things when the ceremony is finished.

Please avoid driving for more than 1 h from the ceremony to the reception, there’s too much that can go wrong - you will get bored in the car, the drivers get lost, the traffic can be horrendous and you might waste precious time. When booking your reception venue please choose one that has some type of photo opportunities to avoid having to go elsewhere for photos.

Reception fun, speeches, cake

Having all your family photos swiftly done you can relax and chat with your guests, there’s plenty of light for the photographer to capture natural images, candid, unposed moments. Ideally, you’d cut the cake now, everyone is looking forward to eating it.

You can have your speeches during the drinks reception or while seated at the tables before the meal, but keep them short. No one likes long speeches, 10 min is an absolute max. If there are few speakers that’s an hour of your time while everyone sits at the table hungry, looking for bread and butter and needing the bathroom.

Dancing & Sparklers

Short speeches + cake cut already = less time sitting at the tables = party and dancing well underway!

Get everyone excited and start dancing as soon as the band is ready. Don’t delay the first dance, get the bridal party to join soon if you’re nervous. Everyone wants to dance, hang around with drinks and relax now that the formalities are done.

Please keep in mind bands are notorious for taking their time to set up. If your first time is scheduled for 8:30 it will happen at 9:30, because the band arrives at 8:30

I’ve put together a timeline for weddings in different seasons below.

These timelines are focused primarily on having a relaxed wedding day, spending more time celebrating with your guests and starting the party early. These are guidelines only - every venue and church have their own policy according to their own experiences.

Spring & Summer

April - end of September

Humanist (or other non-religious) ceremony at the venue. For church services start getting ready and have your ceremony an hour earlier.

8 or 9 am - Getting ready (7 or 8 am Church wedding, driving) this also depends on the number of people getting ready

1 or 1:30 pm - Ceremony (12 or 12:30 no later Church wedding, driving)

1:30 or 2 pm - Drinks reception starts, Family Photos, Portraits, Cake cutting

5 pm - Dinner call

5:30 pm - Speeches (30 min max, if longer dinner call has to be earlier)

8 pm - Evening guests arrive, Dinner finished

8/8:30 pm - Golden hour photos, Mingling, Cake cutting

9 pm-ish - First dance

Party time!

Autumn & Winter

October to March

7-8 am - Getting ready

1 pm - Ceremony (12 pm Church ceremony, no later)

1:30 pm - Drinks reception starts, Family Photos, Portraits (sun goes down at 3: 30 pm)

4:30 pm - Dinner call

5 pm - Speeches (30 min)

7:30 or 8 pm - Evening guests arrive, Cake cutting, Mingling

8:30 or 9 pm-ish - First dance

Party time!

Extra tips

• The best time for portraits is in the ‘golden hour’, the sun is starting to set and the light becomes softer, warmer in colour and gives a glow. If your reception/dinner falls on this hour before sunset I recommend taking 10 minutes out of the reception to get portraits.

• Winter weddings are beautiful, the light is softer and they always have this magical, Christmassy feel. Remember to plan the ceremony earlier to leave plenty of time for your photographer to capture your portraits.

• Consider traffic and driving to church and venue, when planning your day. Major events, accidents, traffic jams on a Friday afternoon, country roads and diversions might give you less time for photos and enjoying the day with guests.

These timelines are focused primarily on having a relaxed wedding day, spending more time celebrating with your guests and starting the party early. These are guidelines only - every venue and church have their own policy according to their own experiences.

If you know someone who is recently engaged and may find this useful, feel free to forward them the link!

Tips For Planning A Small Wedding Guestlist. Elopement Planning Tips For Intimate, Non-Religious Weddings

Small, intimate weddings might become a new normal in the post-Corona times, but how do you decide who gets an invite and deal with upset family and friends? How to trim off that large, summer wedding guest list without hurting anyone’s feelings? Or perhaps you’re planning an elopement since that big wedding is no longer on the cards, you would still like to do something meaningful on your original date and have a party later?

I wrote a quick guide for you on how to do all that! I photographed weddings anywhere from two people to three hundred, I’ve seen small clifftop ceremonies, 30 guests weddings in Northern Irish venues, massive parties in big castles and helped lots of brides in the planning process.

The Important Ones

The first step of planning a guest list is to divide your guests into 3 groups, immediate, non-immediate and the rest. You are allowed to be picky and a little selfish here. A small wedding might mean only immediate family and friends can attend. It’s important to also understand that inviting your auntie you never speak with over your good friend might be the choice you make here. Ask yourself honestly who is your immediate family and don’t be forced to invite family you have no interest in talking to, just because they are family. Trimming away cousins you’re not speaking with or your friends from school you speak to once a year, or your best man’s new girlfriend, might mean you can get married sooner.

They will see it on Facebook and Instagram, but will hopefully understand. It is what it is, everyone lives in the same reality.

Parents & In-Laws

Might want to contribute to your wedding financially, therefore you might feel cornered when thy ask to invite their friends. You have to remember, you might not feel comfortable to share your vows and romantic moments in front of strangers, therefore setting the boundaries early is essential. An honest conversation with them will help, giving them a few invites to use as they wish might solve the problem too. If you’re rescheduling your wedding and aren’t sure what the numbers will look like you might have to cut out those people too. A good idea is to give them a call and be honest what you’re allowed and not allowed to have guest wise. Chances are they will offer to back out themselves - as I did for my friend’s postponed wedding!

Eloping Together

Take your wedding out of town, or even the country if possible. This will naturally reduce the numbers because of time and financial commitment. You might want to elope just the two of you and skip the big destination party altogether, organise one when you’re back home and big parties are allowed. This will ensure no feelings were hurt and you still celebrated the day in a way.

If travelling isn’t something you consider these days, a small City Hall wedding can be a great option. It can still be as exciting and celebratory as a big wedding!

Children, Plus Ones

Tale as old as time, not inviting children or plus-ones to the wedding to keep the numbers down. I see a few problems with that, first off the couple might have children already and wouldn’t imagine their day without them. Secondly, children are fun at weddings, a joy to photograph and have around. There might be an additional cost to it if you’re hiring entertainment or babysitter for them, but their meals are often simple and cost-effective.

I’d say it all depends on your situation and now many children you have in your closest family. For plus-ones, it’s safe to stick to invites for long term relationships. No plus one on the family photos tho, remember you might end up cutting them out (like my auntie once did!).

Dealing With Hurt Feelings

If you find yourself being talked about amongst the family, try being as gentle as possible and explain you needed to keep the numbers down. Pick up the phone and speak with them directly. It won’t be an easy chat but try explaining it’s nothing personal, the circumstances are not letting you go ahead with the original date and guestlist. Don’t feel pressure to add someone in last minute, they can tell and often feel more hurt. Don’t send an invite counting on them saying no, because they might just RSVP yes.

Be gentle towards yourself too! You deserve a fun, worry-free day with your loved ones and if that means somebody you don’t talk to will think bad about you - well then you know they didn’t have your best interest at heart.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer for your small wedding in Ireland or abroad - get in touch today.