Looking at wedding related websites and from my own knowledge of the business, I see some wedding car suppliers have disappeared, leaving couples wondering if their bookings and deposits are secure.

One explanation for this is that new rules with regard to licensing of wedding cars and a clampdown on people operating car hire businesses, while claiming Social Welfare, are driving illegal operators out of the business. The new Taxi Regulator requirements include a stricter vetting of operators and an enforcement of the regulations for PSV vehicles. On the other arm of this is an attempt to weed out those exploiting Social Welfare while operating as car hire suppliers. A new law allows the Taxi Regulator share information with the Department of Social Welfare regarding who holds PSV licenses.

Enforcement Officers from The Taxi Regulator make unannounced visits to the addresses of wedding car suppliers to check on regulatory and licensing matters and if need be, order them to cease operating if all is not in order.

While there are extensive rules and regulations concerning the operating of PSV vehicles, the main points for the consumer to look out for are listed below. Do remember that if your wedding car supplier does not conform to the items listed below, you will travel in an uninsured, unlicensed and untested vehicle on what is the most important day of you life. Of less importance is the fact that you are being ripped off by unscrupulous suppliers who only care about lining their own pockets.

Please keep these 9 items in mind when choosing your wedding car:

1. Two door cars are not allowed to be offered for hire.

2. Vans or other commercial vehicles as above.

3. Receipts must be provided for deposits.

4. Vehicles must be licensed by the Taxi Regulator. The car must have a SILVER disc attached to the windscreen containing the cars details.

5. The driver MUST hold a PSV License, this must be displayed on the dashboard, and it shows the driver’s name and a photograph of the driver.

6. The vehicle MUST have Commercial/PSV insurance, covering it for public hire. The insurance/tax disc should usually show ‘LIMO’ printed on them.

7. You can phone the Taxi Regulator to check out your potential supplier.

8. Go and see the car before you book if possible.

9. Vehicles rented from Northern Ireland or Great Britain cannot operate wholly within the Republic of  Ireland, ie; the trip must either start or end in Northern Ireland.

You may be told something like ‘those rules don’t apply to vintage cars/vans’, if you are then walk away, these rules apply to ALL vehicles for public hire, regardless of age or location.

About Getaway Wedding Cars:
Getaway Wedding Cars are suppliers of prestige vintage and modern wedding cars in Ireland. Based in Galway, they cover the whole of Ireland, and provide an elegant fleet of cars for your special day.

Web: www.getawayweddingcars.com
Email: info@getawayweddingcars.com

Contact: Anja Watermann / Pat Feeney
Phone: 091-506896
Mobile: 087-9902294

Getaway Wedding Cars are suppliers of prestige vintage and modern wedding cars in Ireland. Based in Galway, they cover the whole of Ireland, with an elegant fleet of cars, including a 1920 Buick, a 1923 Ford Model T, a 1925 Dodge Brothers, a 1930 Packard and the modern Chrysler 300c Lux.

Click here to view Getaway Wedding Cars on our mrs2be Supplier Directory.

It’s a great resource for Brides and Grooms to see which suppliers are using social media to promote their business. Many wedding suppliers regularly run competitions and offer discounts for Facebook fans or Twitter followers. This is a great way to find relevant wedding suppliers to keep an eye on!

It’s free for suppliers to get listed and they don’t need to be existing mrs2be advertisers.

Based in Dublin, White Orchid offers a wide range of wedding dresses. Designer bridal labels include: Tara Keely, Blush, WODA by Jesus Peiro, Mikaella, Art Couture, Bellice and Linea Raffaelli.

They also stock an extensive collection of bridesmaids’s dresses, bridal veils, fascinators and wedding accessories.

Click here to view White Orchid Bridal Boutique on our mrs2be Supplier Directory.

Roly Smythe, from Music In Mind, is a pianist, guitarist and vocalist. Ideal for both church and civil wedding ceremonies, he will play the most memorable songs and hymns during your ceremony.

Roly is also available to play at your reception, and offers a tailor made pre-dinner music set to suit you and your guests.

Click here to view Music In Mind on our mrs2be Supplier Directory.

Based in Cork, Butterflies offers a range professional treatments, including Bridal Make-up application, Spray Tanning, Manicures, Pedicures and 3 Week Manicures.

The salon is also available to reserve for hen nights.

Click here to view Butterflies Make-up, Tanning and Nail Bar on our mrs2be Supplier Directory.

I assumed a relation was going to photographer for me so didn’t book it – then I started to panic and thought what if he can’t do it. After a few phone calls from my sister to him we eventually found out that he couldn’t do it so I thought I better ring around and see could I get one. Thankfully all three I rang were available so it was just a matter of arranging a meeting with them and deciding which one to go for. They were all roughly the same price wise and all had good experience so in the end we went with Thomas Sunderland Photography. He made us feel most comfortable as in the end once you are relaxed the photos will look better.

Next thing to book was the band and church music. One of my bridesmaid’s boyfriend is a musician so I asked him to do the church music and he agreed so another thing ticked off the list. Then he recommended a few bands to me and we went to see them and loved one of them so we booked it. We are having the Black Knights Band – can’t wait until the wedding so I can get out onto that dancefloor!!

I was trying to price a few places to do hair and make up at home. A girl in the hairdressers I go to recommended Leavern Oman, she used to work with them that has now set up from home and does mobile hairdressing so I rang her and she put me in her book. Actually that reminds me I must give her a buzz and make sure everything is still OK. I have to admit I did price a few places for make up but then just forgot about it – time flies – must get organised again!!

The search for THE dress took a little while. I went with my Mum to a lovely bridal shop, Fairytale Moments in Carlow and tried on some lovely dresses and found a fabulous dress that I thought was it but there was just something about it that was holding me back. Then I went with my sister to Your Perfect Day in Castlebar and again found a dress. Then I was all confused – as I loved certain things about both of them and I couldn’t decide between them. So I decided to go back and try on the first dress again. I brought two of my bridesmaids with me. I still wasn’t 100% sure and decided to try on a few more dresses in the shop. I spotted a dress on the hanger that just caught my eye and I said I wanted to try that on. I can’t describe the feeling I got when I saw myself in the dress for the first time – but all of a sudden I was in tears and the girls – including the shop assistant – were over hugging me. So that was it. I had decided. And you know what it combined what I loved about the first two dresses and there is nothing I would change about it. Then it was a matter of bringing my Mum and my sister and thankfully they loved it too so the dress was ordered. I would like to thank the missies for all the help on my dress dilemma!!

I better go here or I will have nothing to talk about in the next blog. Well except for one thing if you are engaged and thinking the wedding will never come well believe me it does – we are engaged twelve months and it feel likes yesterday and now less than six months to go!

Until the next time here on Mrs2be…

So next step after that is to set the date. About a month or so after we announced the engagement I was itching to get the wedding booked so we went looking at hotels – h2b said we were looking too soon but I couldn’t help it!! We found a hotel that we both liked and we were just looking at what dates they had free – I was initally thinking about the October bank holiday weekend but my best friend is getting married in September and I am her bridesmaid (yes if you are reading this Septemerbride that is you!!) so thought it would be too close together so my h2b suggested New Year’s Eve and was thinking yes that sounds good – big party and give everyone something to do on NYE. Anyway the hotel, Lord Bagenal Hotel had the date free so looking good.

Next we tried to ring the priest of the church where we wanted to get married but he was away on holidays. We picked the church as it links to both families – my brother lives in that village and his two daughters got christened in it, and also my h2bs Mum is from there too and his parents got married there too. So we asked the hotel to keep the date for us provisionally which they did. Then once the priest came back we booked the church and went back and paid the deposit on the hotel. So that was the date set!!

We then had to decide on bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen. I am having four bridesmaids – my sister, three really good friends and h2b has his cousin as best man (no brothers) and then three friends as groomsmen. We also have a rough idea of the guest list but we need to sit down soon and go through it again.

Next time on mrs2be – booking my wedding suppliers….

They are introducing a brand new collection with a fantastic sale which runs for 7 days only.

Below are a small example of the favours on sale.

Starting at just 90 cents, fully assembled and with a choice of confectionary fillings wrapped in tissue paper, you won’t do DIY favours cheaper.

This little butterfly comes in a wide choice of colours. Please contact Do Me A Favour about your specific colours.

View it here: http://www.domeafavour.ie/shop/item-355 … i-astuccio

Featuring embellishments you won’t find anywhere else Do Me A Favour has a favour box to suit every budget, theme or colour.
This summery box features a lovely satin daisy with a rhinestone centre and costs only €1.40. Again, both daisy and box are available in a wide variety of colours.

View it here: http://www.domeafavour.ie/shop/item-341 … atin-daisy

This little handbag features a colour of the minute – lilac. The rose is a very delicate satin and organza duo and is matched with lovely satin ribbon. At just €1.10 you will still have change in your handbag!

View it here: http://www.domeafavour.ie/shop/item-349 … -tone-rose

To view the entire collection, please click here:
http://www.domeafavour.ie/shop/category-40/summer-sale-favours

All are available through the site, but if you need any more information, or want to enquire about specific colours or just want to chat please contact info@domeafavour.ie or phone 071 9130959 or 071 9118860 for best response time.

As always, for those of you getting married within the next 12 months, please feel free to order this week but postpone delivery to closer to your delivery date to ensure the freshness of your favour fillings.

Do Me A Favour
Wedding Favour Specialists

Web: http://www.domeafavour.ie
Email: info@domeafavour.ie

Office:    071 9130959
Dora:     087 7561936
Sinead:   086 8125004

Amy’s wore a beautiful off-white strapless dress from Myrtle Ivory, designed by Stephanie Allin, while her bridesmaids wore different styled pale pink knee length dresses, designed by Fiona Heaney of Fee G.

Crowds of onlookers gathered in the small village and cheered the couple as they kissed outstide the church after the ceremony.

The guests were then transported to the reception at Lough Rynn Castle in Mohill, Co. Leitrim. The castle had been preparing all week for the event. The Late late Show House Band, The Camembert Quartet provided the entertainment for the evening. But the celebrations did not end last night. The couple have planned a BBQ and entertainment by The Coronas for their family and friends for today.

They are due to to head off to Africa on their honeymoon on Monday.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said ‘it was one of the most important human rights pieces of legislation the House had dealt with.

Announcing the publication of the bill last summer, he said: “As well as providing for Civil Partnership Registration for same-sex couples, it will also provide certainty as to the status of cohabitation agreements, and a legal safety-net to people living in long term relationships who may otherwise be very vulnerable at the end of a relationship, whether through break-up or through bereavement.”

It creates a legal relationship for same-sex couples, covering registration of civil partnerships, property and financial matters and dissolution of the partnership.

It also offer financial protection for co-habiting heterosexual couples with the safety net of a redress scheme in the event of economic vulnerability at the end of the relationship.

The bill will ensure that those in civil partnerships are entitled to the same benefits as married couples based on the fact that they are in long term relationships, though civil partnership is not the same as marriage from a legal perspective.

Labour’s Brendan Howlin, said the bill gives real, practical benefits to thousands of people and brings the country further along the road to equality.

Civil rights groups have said it will transform the lives of thousands of couples.

The bill will go before the Seanad next week.

Love to be Slim are independent distributors of Herbalife, which offers a large range of weight management products and weight loss programmes. Daniel and Wendy can help brides-to-be lose weight for their wedding.

Click here to view Love to be Slim on our mrs2be Supplier Directory.

The wedding is over, the honeymoon is over, I am back in work after 5 glorious weeks off and the dream is over. The team at mrs2be have asked me to give my last and final update – post wedding, so I am happy to linger in the happy place once more! After initially being delayed flying out to Sorrento because of the volcanic ash, we were lucky to get a flight from Dublin to Naples on Wednesday two days later than scheduled, with our wedding taking place on Saturday. Panic stations for 2 days praying we would make it but all worked out in the end.

What a really amazing day we had in Positano and Sorrento – the sun was out, the rain held off and we celebrated in style with our family, close relatives and friends. The wedding ceremony was beautiful, the church was decorated with white roses and looked wonderful, and the setting beside the sea made it perfect. We took lots of lovely photos outside of the church and on the beach. We had to walk through the narrow cobble stone streets on our way to the church with my Dad and the bridesmaids and on the way back as a married couple.  All of the locals and tourists who were out and about were clapping and congratulating us in Italian (“Auguri, Auguri”), it was really unusual and funny!

The reception in Villa Le Palme worked out brilliantly. It is difficult to find a venue in Sorrento that will let you play music and party after 12 o’clock unless you have a private villa or restaurant and that was an important factor for us.  We had loads of nibbles for starters with prosecco & mimosa (prosecco with fruit juice) when all the guests arrived.

Our tables were nicely laid out and we had famous race horses as our table names, with jockey jackets on our table plan for everyone’s names (lots of racing fans in the audience appreciated this). The chair covers had ribbons to match the bridesmaid dresses too. The meal itself was scrumptious (melon & parma ham and bruschetta, Neapolitan lasagne, sea bass or steak, and fruit flan for desert.  Needless to say our guests had full bellies afterwards. We had dinner downstairs in the villa, and then moved upstairs after dinner where we had use of the terrace and the room inside for dancing.

The DJ played a great playlist too which had everybody up dancing.We danced and drank till around 2.00pm in the Villa before all getting on the bus back to the hotel where we had arranged for the bar to be open to finish off the night. Believe it or not it was practically 7am when the groom and I headed to bed, we were having such a good night chatting to everyone. Everyone was in great spirits; it really was an exciting and enjoyable day.  Our celebrations started on Wednesday and lasted till we flew home on Monday morning!

The honeymoon was brilliant too; we started off in Vegas (cleaned up on blackjack), hired a convertible then and drove to San Francisco for a couple of nights where I got to catch up with my aunt too.  Then we headed down the West coast Highway 1 – a stunning costal drive along the Pacific Coast.  We stopped off in Monterey, Pebble Beach, Santa Barbara, Hollywood, LA, Long Beach, San Diego and then finished up for a few nights in New York.  It was the trip of a lifetime!!

For all you budding Sorrento brides out there, I will put up a post soon on everything I learned about getting married in Sorrento/Positano so watch this space.  In the meantime sadly I am forced to go back and do some work.  Good Luck!

Getting married in Ireland was always on the cards for Mr Mc and me. We wanted to get married at home to ensure that as many of our friends and family as possible could make the day. Also, I don’t think you can beat the sense of occasion, tradition or celebration that comes with Irish weddings. That said, I love hearing about wedding traditions from other cultures and I think you can find some lovely ideas that could seamlessly be woven into an Irish wedding.

Yichud: After a Jewish wedding ceremony, the bride and groom step over a silver spoon ( supposed to bring wealth) and enter the Yichud room. This is a room in the synagogue which nobody else is allowed enter while the couple spend some time alone and enjoy the first few moments of married life together. (I know what you’re thinking but trust me it’s not like that). It’s simply a way to ensure that the newlyweds have at least a few uninterrupted minutes together to soak up the enormity of the day and the commitment they have just made to one another.

I don’t think Mr Mc and I will be locking ourselves into the church sacristy or anything like that I really like the idea of having some alone time after the ceremony. We definitely want to have at least five minutes away from guests, photographers etc to just enjoy the fact that we have become Mr and Mrs.

Wedding Beads: In Mali in West Africa, it is traditional for the bride’s family to present her with beads to wear on her wedding day. The beads are normally a bulb shape, multicoloured with lots of different strands. My Dad was in Ethiopia recently and bought some Mali wedding beads. One in particular is a beautiful deep blue in colour. My sister is going to use them to make an anklet for me and I’ll be wearing it as my ‘something blue’. A beaded anklet is far more me than a blue lace garter and I think this is a really thoughtful present from my Dad and my sister. Now if Dad can just remember where he left the beads….

Ditch the Orangina Look: Far from piling on the fake bake Japanese brides cover their skin white pale white make up, a sign of beauty, purity and wealth in Asia. Okay I’m not saying you should turn up to your wedding with make-up suggesting you are a die hard Cure fan, but if you are going to use fake tan, aim for the sunkissed look and not the ‘you’ve-been-tangoed’ end of the spectrum.

Wardrobe Change: Another lesson from our Japanese sisters is to really milk the retail therapy potential of your wedding. Japanese brides often have three different outfits to wear during the course of the day – a white kimono for the ceremony, a red kimono for the reception and a western style outfit the evening time. Not sure I’d be on for spending my wedding day changing clothes every two hours but then again what a fantastic excuse to shop till you drop!

Wedding Trousseau and a Hope Chest: A wedding trousseau is basically a fancy French term for what my Nana referred to as a ‘bottom drawer’ – a collection of things to be carefully stored away until you were married. Traditionally young French women and their families collected fine clothes and jewellery, toiletries and bed linens to see her through her wedding celebrations, honeymoon and the first few weeks of her married life. These were stored in a heavy wooden box called a hope chest, often ornately engraved that provided storage for the woman’s most precious belongings once she was married.
Now as many brides move out of home long before they get married, I think trousseaus have become irrelevant but what I like about this tradition is the hope chest acting a safe for a bride’s treasured posessions. I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for an usual wooden box in which I can store mementos from our engagement and wedding like my planning notebook, ring box, invites and menu, cards etc. I would love if my Mum had kept the bits and pieces from her wedding packed away safely somewhere for me to rifle through when I was older.

Make a Quick Exit: We’ve all been at breakfast the morning after a wedding when the newlyweds get a good slagging for sneaking off together the night before. Well now you have the perfect response if the same happens to you. In Venezuela, it is traditional for newlyweds to sneak away from their own wedding reception without saying good-bye. It is considered to bring good luck to their marriage!

I am getting married on New Years Eve this year – and I can’t wait to marry the love of my life. We are together for nearly three years at this stage – and living together for half of that. If you want to hear the story of how we met you will have to read my story on the thread – “how did you meet h2b and was it love at first sight“. I have to say it was quite a funny story

So I bet you all want to know the big question – how did he propose? Well as my name suggests we got engaged in July last year – but that was just the day we announced it offficially. We got together in November 2007 and on the June bank holiday weekend 2008 he says to me if we are together this time next year we will get engaged. I thought nothing of it as we weren’t together long at that stage. So I moved in with him in February last year and things were going well – apart from the two hour commute I now have to do each way every day (instead of the 10 minute walk to work – it must be love!). We were at home on Easter Sunday and I looked around and he was down on one knee in the kitchen and asked me to marry him – not a big romantic gesture but it was just the way I wanted it. We were building a house and money was a bit tight so he had to save up to buy the big rock!! So we held off announcing it until we got the ring.

Then one weekend in July he said do you want to go ring shopping – he didn’t have to ask me twice! So off we went to look for the ring and the jewellers (Fields Jewellers Kilkenny) was closed – due to an electrical fault the doors wouldn’t open – my life is never simple! So we were out that night and after a few drinks he let it slip to one of his friends that we were getting engaged. So we decided we better make it official before half the world knew before we told them officially. We went the next day to the same jewellers and it was open and I found a fabulous ring (similar to my avatar picture). Then followed a phone call to tell my family – I wanted to tell my Mum first and she was out – but I talked to everyone else but I couldn’t say anything and it was so hard. I finally got hold of my Mum later and was able to tell her and then all my family and friends. The phone was hopping all night!!

Well, I hope that has enticed you enough to keep reading my new blog!

My next instalment tells of how we started planning the wedding – setting the date, and choosing some of our suppliers.  Coming soon…