Wedding Fair list update

Hey all,
Just updated Wedding Fair list for 2010, new fairs are popping up everyday so keep your eyes on the list, I am trying my best to keep it as upto date as possible. Feel free to email me the details of any I have missed.
alan@idealweddings.ie
Thanks !
Alan

IdealWeddings.ie to Support the ISPCC

Today Galway company IdealWeddings.ie proudly launched Ireland’s first and only Wedding Broker Service which will benefit the ISPCC, Ireland’s leading children’s charity. IdealWeddings.ie helps couples nationwide better afford the wedding of their dreams by sourcing Wedding Service Providers across Ireland willing to extend special offers, discounts and incentives to couples.



Speaking at the launch Alan Fahy, Director of IdealWeddings.ie said, “To date IdealWeddings.ie services have mainly been available on-line. However July 1st sees IdealWeddings.ie inviting couples to visit our premises in Galway to discuss their requirements and see what special offers and discounts are available to suit their needs. In line with our aim of providing low cost weddings, IdealWeddings.ie will be offering this service free of charge - all we ask in return is that the couple make a donation to the ISPCC, IdealWeddings.ie affiliated charity.”



Carmen Taheny, ISPCC Community Fundraiser said of the partnership: “We are delighted to have the support of IdealWeddings.ie and the funds raised will help the ISPCC reach out to and support some of the most vulnerable children in Ireland. Every euro raised helps us work with more children to build better, brighter futures.”



With a client list of over 300 businesses nationwide covering all aspects required for your wedding, IdealWeddings.ie will assist couples in choosing suitable services and helping them make an average of 10% saving off the cost of their wedding service needs.

Bridal Beauty

Bridal Beauty - 20 great make-up tips

Waterproof It



Choose a mascara that's waterproof; it lasts longer and withstands tears. If you really don't like the look or feel, use one coat of regular mascara, then follow up with a light coat of waterproof mascara.

Bonus Tip: If your veil needs to be removed after the ceremony, make sure your hairdresser shows your mom or maid of honor how to do it without mussing your 'do.


On the Line


Charcoal, navy, or mahogany are your best options for eyeliner. Black or brown may look too severe, especially if your wedding will be held during the daytime and/or outdoors.


Lighten Up


Use a white shadow as a highlighter on your brow bone if you have light skin; a warmer light peach or vanilla shade will suit deeper complexions.


Give Them Shape


Do contour your eyes, but avoid using color that's too dense (it can detract from your eyes themselves).


Shade Your Brows


Define your brows with a pencil or shadow that matches your hair color.


Get the Red Out


Pop an eye drop if your eyes look red or tired, but stick with a brand you've used before to avoid unwelcome surprises (irritation or worse!).


Sweet Cheeks


Don't forget your blush! A pop of color on your cheeks is like an instant facelift. For fairer skin, a pink tone will work; those with deeper skin tones can choose a rosier hue.


Zap a Zit


If you have a blemish or breakout just before your wedding day, keep your hands away from your face -- the spot will heal more neatly if you leave it alone. In the case of a sudden monstrous pimple, see your dermatologist, there are some great creams on the market now (i.e. J&J / Dermalogica)


Blend, Blend, Blend


Blend well all over, especially at the corners of your eyes, since cameras pick up visible makeup lines.


Get a Good View


For your makeup application, natural light is best. If possible, set up an application table near a window. If there's no natural light available, use a superbright lamp -- halogens work best.


Sit Up


If you're getting ready at a hotel, ask for a high bar stool so you can be at eye level with your makeup artist. If you can't get a stool, simply prop yourself up on pillows.


Even It Out


Use bronzing powder on your chest and neck if you need to even out your skin tone -- it will make your skin more luminous and ensure that your face doesn't look too different from your body.


Watch That Gown


Don't, however, use foundation on your decolletage -- it can stain your dress.


Carry Protection


Use a moisturizer that includes SPF 30 or higher, especially if you are getting married outdoors! You may be getting more sun than you think you are, and you will definitely look pinker in pictures.


Brighten Up


Choose a lip color that's a bit bright. Pale nude or brown lip hues can make you appear washed out in photos, particularly since you'll be wearing white. If you normally wear a neutral hue, wear it as your base with a pink or rose color on top. If you normally wear dark lipstick, use that as your base and apply a lighter sheer pink on top to give you a lift.


Keep It With You


Even if you mix various lip colors when applying your makeup, be sure to have one great lipstick to carry with you for touchups.


Greet 'Em With a Grin


You can have the softest lips and the perfect lipstick, but if your teeth are yellow, you won't want to flash a smile. There are lots of safe, reliable over-the-counter teeth-whitening systems, which all whiten teeth by a few shades.


Prepare the Area


When you're getting your hair styled, a low counter with a mirror -- like a vanity table -- will work best. Check to see that your chair has a low back, so your wedding hair stylist will have easy access to your head. And make sure there are electrical outlets nearby for appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, and electric rollers. For extra insurance, bring a few extension cords.


Turn On the Heat


If your wedding is early, or if time is of the essence, plug in your rollers, curling iron, or straightening iron before your stylist arrives to save time.



Refresh Your Tresses


Head to a local spa and have a professional scalp massage (which not only feels good, but stimulates the hair follicles and adds body) and deep conditioning treatment the week before your wedding.

Fantastic competition

Check out this fantastic competition to win the greatest holiday in the world....

365 hotel nights. 5 years to spend them. In 200+ Radisson Blu Hotels.

This is how it works:


It’s a simple question: Who deserves to win The Greatest Holiday in the World?

Anyone can submit him or herself, and anyone can vote for their favourite once a day.

The candidate with the most votes on July 24th, 2010 wins 365 hotel nights and 5 years to spend them at any of 200+ Radisson Blu hotels.

Check it out and enter NOW..

http://www.greatestholiday.radissonblu.com/


                                                GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY!.

Summer Wedding ideas 2010

May through August is the number one most popular time of year to get married, and for good reason too. Summer weddings are full of sunshine and warmth, and allow you to get married outside in good weather. Take full advantage of the season and all it has to offer you when planning your summer wedding with these tips and ideas.
The Setting for Your Summer Wedding

Summer weddings are ripe for an outdoor setting such as a beach, a garden, or a beautiful yard. Take advantage of the long days with an afternoon wedding, or highlight the glorious sunsets by saying your vows as the sun goes down behind you. Use fresh fruits and vegetables to decorate -- perhaps including clementines and cumquats in your flower arrangements, or simply filling a large vase with bright yellow lemons. Bring light to an evening wedding with torches and strings of lanterns in the trees. An extra-summery idea is to use gingham tablecloths with a few sunflowers in metal watering cans as centerpieces.

Summer Wedding Dresses and Attire for the Bridal Party

The bride who marries in the warmth of May, June, July or August is a lucky one; over 75% of dresses that you'll find are sleeveless and/or strapless, making them perfect for the season. Look for light fabrics such as organdy, linen, chiffon, crepe, georgette, and other light weight silk, so as to not add too much bulk.
At a beach wedding, look for an easy and elegant slip dress such as Carolyn Bissette wore when she married John F. Kennedy Jr. in Hyannisport. The bridal party can all go barefoot, and the men can wear dress shirts with slacks, or linen suits. For a garden wedding, ; consider big straw hats, either for just you or for all the bridesmaids. You might choose brightly colored dresses or short floral cocktail dresses for the bridesmaids to really evoke the season. The men in the bridal party can go for the classic navy blazer with khaki slacks, or beautiful suits. For a more formal affair, there's no reason not to choose morning suits or tuxedos (depending on whether it's an evening or daytime wedding) but give a nod to the season by replacing the black tuxedo jacket with a natty white dinner jacket.

Of course, for all the women in the bridal party (and some of the men!), you must think about what heat, humidity and moisture will do to your hair. Most importantly, don’t try to fight your hair in the summer: straight hair will get straighter and limper, and wavy hair will get wavier and frizzier. Updos by a professional who will design a long-lasting style are one of your best bets. A crown of flowers, or a single large flower tucked into your hair will look summery and beautiful.

Food for Your Summer Wedding

Celebrate the bounty of the season by filling your menu with fresh fruits such as watermelon, and berries, and fresh vegetables such as corn. Between courses, or as an additional dessert, offer refreshing granitas and sorbets. An elegant summer wedding menu could include a bevy of fresh seafood, including lobster and oysters. For a more casual affair, consider a backyard barbecue, or traditional picnic food including potato salad.


Wedding Favours

Send your guests home with a taste of the season: in August, a fresh pear, or earlier in the summer, a ripe peach. For a beach wedding, you might consider giving out perfect sand dollars, seashells, or beach-themed candles. Summer weddings are is also perfect for seeds or small pots of flowers as favors. If it will be warm or extra sunny, give out beautiful wooden fans or paper parasols to use during the ceremony and then take home.

Summer Wedding Flowers

You can't go wrong with an abundance of flowers at a summer wedding. There are so many varieties in season, you may have a tough time narrowing your choices down! Fill the scene with bright and cheerful flowers such as roses, sunflowers, red and yellow calla lilies, dahlias, gerber daisies, cosmos, mums, and zinnias. Bright purple dendrobium orchids are much less expensive during the summer months, so you can feel like a queen without the budget of one.

An alternative idea is an airy summer look with mostly white and light colored flowers such as roses, stephanotis, white phlox, elegant white calla lilies, huge and fragrant casa blanca lilies, hydrangea, snowball mums, and daisies (also known as Shasta daisies).
 

 

Wedding Fair with a difference - Inis Mor, Aran Islands.

                                           Carnival Marquees

                                   Blue skies and sunshine in Aran for the week-end.

                                                                                
Vogue Events once again outdid themselves with the interior decor looking so stylish.

Mystic Force Dancers entertained with some spectacular Irish dance steps.

                                                                       
     Sandra from Camelot Beauty, Oughtearard made up the models for the fashion show and gave tips to up and coming brides on the day.
  

                                                                                 
  Ocaidi Florists, An Spideal showed a lovely display of roses and lilies.

                                        
 Yummy Cakes displayed some delicious cakes on the day with plenty of nibbles for the crowd.

                                                                    
  For something different - a tour of the Island is a must.

                                                                               

   Safire Band belted out the tunes & entertained the crowd.

                                                                         
  A beer garden with sea view - that's a change!.

                                                                             

Created blog to keep everyone up to date on new wedding fairs

I have put together a blog to keep everything wedding fair realated in the one place and to have one main reference point when considering attending a fair. I will have contact details for organisers, number of exhibitors, etc ......

This is my new wordpress page

I created this a few weeks ago but managed to lose it, but here it is back safe and sound.

All set for the Aran Islands Wedding Fair this Sunday. Marquee up and looking good.

Fair play to the lads of Carnival Marquees not only did they do a great job setting up the marquee in record time also brought the sun with them ... Cheers Guys !

An amazing setup by Carnival Marquees

Wedding Fair in Kettles Country House Hotel in Swords with Anne Marie Gannon from Ireland AM.

Idealweddings attended the Wedding Fair organised by Anne Marie Gannon in Kettles Country House Hotel, Swords yesterday 25th April and met loads of bride & grooms-to-be browsing the stands for ideas and information to make their special day even more special.

Celtic Rhythm Dancers put on an excellent show and nearly raised the chandelier off the ceiling with their high clicks! (literally) They had a very small stage to work with and danced brilliantly.

Anne Marie compared a fashion show and had Assets Model Agency strutting their stuff on the catwalk showing off all the lovely bridal gowns & the men weren't forgotten either with formal menswear being showcased also.

All in all a good day out & well worth our trip from Galway and we even had the sun shining all the way to the West.

Choosing a hairstyle for your wedding.

Tousled by relatives, nuzzled by the groom, immortalized in family photo albums, the bride's 'do plays a starring role in the nuptial festivities. Don't know a French twist from French toast? Read on!



Make a Match

A bride's hair should complement her gown, not compete with it. The formality of your outfit is key and should dictate the direction you go with your hair. For a chic, modern ensemble like a pant suit or a simply cut dress, either slick back hair or wear it in a sleek blow-out. For country wedding-type looks -- peasant dresses, high-waisted frocks, or any other period-influenced cut -- either wear your hair in loose curls-- maybe sprinkled with small flowers take well to curly hair -- or tied it back. Big ball gown style dresses look best with dramatic updos.


Use Your Head

Be sure to find an effective way to attach your headpiece -- if you have one -- to your hair. Wide-toothed combs just aren't going to cut it with straight and fine hair; have the store replace them with finer combs. Wavy and curly hair are more suited for headpiece staying power -- use bobby pins, barrettes, or combs, whatever works for you. Unless you have the budget to have your hair styled twice (and quickly, the second time!), make sure the 'do you choose goes well both with your headdress and without.


Shine On

The number one most important aspect of a bride's hair is shine. Straight hair by nature tends to look glossier, but any flyaways will automatically ruin the effect. To combat this common dilemma -- especially prevalent in the winter -- rub a sheet of Bounce directly on your hair, or simply spraying it with an anti-static spray. For wavy and curly hair, which are prone to brittleness and dullness, slather on a moisturizing conditioner before you begin styling, and then use a shining serum to add gloss.


Length Matters

Obviously you're limited by the length of your hair, but then again, biology is there to be conquered.
If you have short locks: There are some seriously sexy and glam looks for short-haired brides. The mini barrette look is a sweet option for a twenty something bride; use gel to slick the front of your hair down, fastening one or two barrettes in strategic places. Tousle the hair on the back of your head for a wild contrast. An elasticized, fine-toothed headband is another simple-but-chic look. Just pull one through your hair and -- voila -- the pixie look.

If you have long locks: If you decide to wear your hair up -- a wise choice in the summer or if your hair is prone to frizz or mood swings -- there are many wonderful 'dos you can do. Scour fashion magazines, consult with your hairdresser, and ask friends for help with trying styles out.


Petals, barrettes, buns or wigs -- whatever you decide, find something that suits you and the overall style of your dress and the wedding.

Check out our Promo Video on Animoto

Found this site one day on me travels, great fun ! You can put together promo videos for half nothing, what more could You want ? Well worth a try to make you stand out from the crowd.

Yasni.com - Yet another networking site !

http://person.yasni.com/alan+fahy+1056399
Just one of many social networking sites that I am finding everyday, sure it can only be a good thing to have a presence everywhere possible, just means that I'll have to hire a team just to keep them all updated.

Tips when booking your honeymoon

Decide if you want to travel in your married or maiden name. Remember if you are going to be travelling overseas before the wedding, - change your name after the honeymoon. Airlines charge quite hefty admin fees now for changing a name on a ticket, so be sure you select the best option for you. My advice – travel in your maiden name, you have so much to organise before the wedding, without form filling and expense of a new passport.


Be realistic with the budget..... Staying in an expensive 5* hotel, generally means, 5* expensive prices for food and drink, so make sure you take spending money into consideration.

Let everyone know it's your honeymoon!! Contact the hotel about 6 weeks prior to your travel date, to remind them that it is your honeymoon, as well as record the information with the tour operator. But, do let the airline check-in staff know.... free upgrades are unlikely, but you might get better seats, or a glass of champagne on-board.

Take a few of your wedding pictures with you – as you probably have not had much time to look at any.

Treat yourselves to breakfast in bed, if not included as part of the honeymoon package. Do something different – it's your honeymoon.

Consider private transfers to your hotel – it might not be as expensive as you think.

Why not put spa treatments or excursions on your wedding list – better than another toaster!

Book the airport lounge prior to flying – escape the mayhem of the departure area. Relax in a quiet lounge, with soft & alcoholic drinks, as well as snacks, internet access – great way to start your honeymoon

Don't plan to do too much – you will be tired from the wedding day, make sure you plan in relaxation days - your chance to chill out by the pool or take in a spa treatment.

It's never too early to plan and book your honeymoon. By booking early, you are likely to get the room type and hotel you want, and will not have to compromise.

Pack your suitcases before the wedding day – one last thing to rush around and do. Keep your tickets and passports in a safe place!

Our latest addition to idealweddings.ie family of Wedding suppliers in Ireland

                           Link to The Hit Connection page

                          Link to the henweekend.ie page

                          Link to the Glendale Limousines page

                          Link to the Brian Duignan page

Our latest addition to the idealweddings.ie family of wedding suppliers in Ireland

With Years of experience in the field of make-up, Pat of Mobilemakeup.ie will create the look you require guaranteed to last all day and night. You will have her undivided attention making sure you feel you are the only and most important bride in the world.

Pat clients include FÁS, TV3 and City Channel TV to mention a but a few.....

We had the great pleasure of meeting with Pat at The Hotel Kilmore wedding fair in Co.Cavan last Sunday, she is such a lovely lady and an absolute star to deal with.

A picture taken by Joe of McHugh Photography at a wedding fair in The Menlo Park Hotel, Galway - Josephine, Alan and of course Franc, he asked so nicely if he could have his picture taken with us how could we refuse . There was a great turn out on the day, naturally they all came to see the idealweddings.ie stand.

Hotel Kilmore Spring 2010 Wedding Fair

Well a huge thanks to Pauline Belton of Grafters and all at the Hotel Kilmore, Co.Cavan for an amazing show yesterday, thanks to new motorway I was the first to arrive to setup, made it in record time from Galway ( 2 hours ). The turn out was great on the day and everybody was in top form. Stands representing all aspects of the wedding sector were there such as Fiona from Cascading Chocolate Fountains, Maria Ames of O'Connor's Florists, Pauline Belton and Co. from Grafters Hair Company and of course who could possible forget the amazing footwork from Celtic Rhythm the Irish dance troupe to name but a few. Well done Pauline you can relax for bit now.