So, how do you set the date of your wedding when you’re not going down the traditional route? In our case we had Summer 2010 in mind and taking the World Cup into consideration (I was deeply concerned about same, as you can imagine) we decided that late July/early August would be best. Then we spoke to the manager of the venue and found out that July is their quietest month so she advised us that we could have any Friday or Saturday in July 2010. After that we had a look at the calendar and decided on 23rd/24th July.
Next step was making it official. I checked the website groireland and got the number for the registry office in Limerick. If you’re looking for a Civil Ceremony you will be put through to the Registrar and he/she will go through the process with you. But basically it’s like booking an appointment with the hairdresser.
Him: When were you thinking?
Me: July 2010, do you do Saturdays?
Him: No, only Monday to Friday?
Me: Would you be able to do the ceremony in our reception venue?
Him: Only on Wednesday.
Me: Oookay then, what about Friday 23rd July 2010?
Him: No problem, what time would you like?
Me: How about 1pm?
Him: Ah sure we’ll be on lunch at that time, we can do 12.30.
Me: OK, see you then.
And just like that I’d arranged the date and time that we would sign our lives over to each other. Whether you’re doing the Civil or Religious ceremony you still need to give three months notice in person of your intention to marry so I also made that appointment for later in the year. The registrar sent out all the forms that day and also the list of documents that we need to bring with us. I’ve filed these away in my new accordion file devoted to the Big Day (I seriously recommend one of these files to keep all your bits and pieces together, I got mine in Easons for €10). I would also recommend that you get two notebooks, one small one that will fit in any handbag for jotting down things on the move and one larger one to take to meetings with vendors etc.
Another organisation tip is google documents. I’ve done out our budgets (one for the party and one for other stuff like rings, outfits etc) and our guestlist on a google spreadsheet with a seperate sheet for the three things I mentioned above. I’ve shared this with my SO so that both of us can access and make changes to things at any time and of course we can access the info anywhere in the world (made all the easier by my SO’s iphone).
PS: I have a few crafty projects on the go so it should be business as usual here in the next few days and you’ll have a break from the wedding stuff.
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Sounds like the registry office in Limerick are a lot more civilised than the one in Nenagh anyway.
And, I’d like it known that you stole the google docs idea from me!
By Margaret on 04.09.09 9:46 am | Permalink
Elly used google docs back in 2007 for guest lists, gift lists etc. Since I was in NI and she in Dublin we both had access to it, I was able to fill in addresses for her and update it when we got invitation acceptances (some to her and some to me) I also listed any gifts delivered here to me.
NB - Once you have selected a colour scheme and fabrics for your outfit make little sample swatches, one to go with the little notebook in your bag and one for each of the mothers and the Bridesmaids/witnesses. It saves colour clashes and makes getting shoes the correct tone easier. Carrying a colour in your head is not a good idea!
Tip about Hats for the mothers- Make them small and off the face unless they want to spend the day holding on to or chasing them across the grass every time they are hugged or kissed!
By Grannymar on 04.09.09 9:25 pm | Permalink
Margaret, in fairness the lady who answered the phone was far from civilised, she basically gave out to me for ringing too early, but the registrar himself was lovely. Looking forward to meeting him in person.
Grannymar, thanks for the tips. Am veering towards purple but waiting to see what flowers are in season (wild) in July.
By Marian on 04.09.09 9:43 pm | Permalink
Sweet Pea?
By Grannymar on 04.10.09 10:49 am | Permalink
Wow, you seem v organised already - hope you enjoy all the planning. Mine is a dim distant memory (nearly 17 years ago - I was a child bride
) but as I was in the UK, those google docs sounds like they would have been invaluable.
By Lorna on 04.13.09 12:59 pm | Permalink
Hey! Congratulations on getting engaged! I know it’s a while ago at this stage, but I’ve not checked in with your site for a few months. Best of luck with the planning.
By Kee on 04.13.09 7:41 pm | Permalink
Lorna and Kee,
Thanks for stopping by, I’ll keep you posted.
By Marian on 04.13.09 10:28 pm | Permalink
Yay! It’s all very exciting! Best of luck with the planning. It’s a lot of fun
We got married during the World Cup three years ago. By the time we got to the reception, England were playing Portugal and it was a critical point in the match. Seeing as my half of the contingent were English, I just said I was happy enough if people wanted to wander off and check the scores/have a pocket radio with them. But most people were pretty good about it
However, we got married in Edinburgh, on the Grassmarket, near a lot of pubs showing the match. So when an almighty roar went up from the street during one of the speeches, we knew for certain that England were beat!
And you’ve reminded me that Barry had to provide evidence from the Irish government that he was legally free to wed in the UK. We only found out about that in the nick of time…
By jen on 04.15.09 7:31 pm | Permalink
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