‘Irish weddings are evolving’
Leading Midlands wedding co-ordinator shares tips and insights ahead of annual Wedding Fayre
The Bridge House Hotel, a beloved wedding venue in the Midlands, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Wedding Fayre, taking place on Sunday, January 19 from 12-4pm. Ahead of the event, the hotel’s weddings co-ordinator, Colleen Goulding, has shared her expert insights into Ireland’s evolving wedding trends—and how the Bridge House Hotel is adapting to meet the needs of Irish couples planning their big day:
“Couples are prioritizing smaller, more intimate celebrations over traditional, large-scale gatherings in recent years,” she explains.
Colleen has also observed a sharp rise in civil ceremonies, with couples opting to host everything in one location.
“Our Millennium Suite is a popular choice for this, as it lets couples have the ceremony and reception in one elegant space. It’s especially practical for families with children,” she continued.
"Your wedding day isn’t just another date—it’s everything to us. The Bridge House Hotel is a long-standing family-run hotel, celebrated for their warm and welcoming atmosphere and going above and beyond to provide a personal touch,
“We build relationships with our couples. Our staff’s friendliness and attention to detail make the Bridge House a true home away from home. We strive to think of the smaller details and make sure our couples have everything they want and need for the biggest day of their lives,” Colleen concluded.
Colleen’s Top Wedding Tips for 2025 couples:
*Arrival Entertainment for a great opening: Having entertainment during the arrival drinks sets the tone and creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
*Embrace the Aesthetic: Balloon walls and photo opportunities are becoming increasingly popular for creating Instagram-worthy moments.
*Food is Everything: Our chef’s creations never fail to impress, and couples should focus on making food a highlight of the day.
*Personalisation is a Must: Couples are investing more in bespoke details, from signature cocktails to unique ceremony elements.
Adapting to Financial Pressures Without Sacrificing the Dream
Colleen acknowledges that the cost-of-living crisis has made wedding planning more challenging for many couples:
“Couples are being forced to balance saving for a mortgage with their dream wedding. We’ve worked hard to create all-inclusive packages that make planning easier and more affordable while still delivering a magical day.
“We can help with every step of the wedding planning process – from booking the band, the photographer to creating bespoke wedding packages and everything else in between, our team are always on hand to support our couples and make the experience as seamless as possible to ensure the only thing they have to concentrate on is saying I do.”
What to Expect at the Midlands Wedding Fayre
The Bridge House Hotel Wedding Fayre is designed to inspire and provide couples with all the tools they need to create their perfect day. Centrally located at the heart of Ireland, it’s the perfect location for destination weddings as it’s suitable for guest travelling all over the country.
Highlights of the event include:
*A tour of the newly refurbished Millennium Suite, ideal for civil ceremonies and receptions, with its stunning high ceilings and sophisticated décor.
*A chance to experience the hotel’s renowned vintage arrivals reception in the beautifully refurbished lobby and foyer, guaranteed to provide the “wow” factor for guests on arrival, with the hotel’s iconic staircase modelled on the famous Titanic staircase.
*Attendees will also have the chance to take a tour of the Hotel’s rooftop secret garden, with access to beautiful local gardens and the picturesque Charleville Castle all within five minutes of the hotel to help couples create picture perfect moments.
*An opportunity to meet over 25 top wedding suppliers, from florists to photographers, all under one roof.
*A taste of the award-winning cuisine crafted by Head Chef Tony, who ensures that “no one goes hungry” at a Bridge House wedding, with options to cater to all dietary needs.
*The exclusive launch of new all-inclusive wedding packages, designed to take the stress out of planning and focus on what truly matters.
*Couples can also take advantage of exclusive offers available on the day, making the Wedding Fayre both inspirational and practical.
Save the Date
The Midlands Wedding Fayre of the Year is a must-visit event for anyone planning their big day. Join us on Sunday, January 19 and take the first step toward making your dream wedding a reality.