Donegal wedding celebrant Catriona Doherty shares her top tips for planning your big day

Firstly, congratulations! If you’re reading this, then perhaps you received a sparking surprise under the tree this Christmas. 

After celebrating your exciting news, thoughts naturally turn to wedding planning – where to start is the question.

THE VENUE

Begin by looking up venues online and visiting some, either by arranging a private viewing or attending an open day, where the wedding co-ordinators will be on hand to talk you through what a wedding at their venue would look like, and answer any questions that you may have.

When it comes to local options, you really and truly are spoilt for choice in this county. Whether you’re looking for a five-star castle, luxury hotel, classic country house, or a quirkier choice like a lighthouse, rustic barn, or historic fort – you’ll find it here in Donegal.

SUPPLIERS

What suppliers you need really does depends on your personal preference, your budget, and the type of wedding you envision. 

Popular options include a photographer, videographer, florist, transport provider, hair stylist and makeup artist, and that’s just scratching the surface. 

In addition to cakes, music, venue styling and entertainment, there are businesses providing everything from a wedding morning dressing service, to content creation for social-media-loving couples. 

Make a ‘must-have and maybe’ list; figure out your non-negotiables and source those suppliers first. 

Attending wedding fayres is a fantastic way to get an overview of what’s on offer because of the sheer variety of suppliers you’ll encounter. Coming up, the Silver Tassie’s fayre takes place on 5th January, and An Grianán Hotel’s one is on 23rd February.

Another top tip is to join the Facebook group Donegal Bride. This page is a wealth of information and you can post questions anonymously to seek recommendations.

THE DRESS

Typically (but not always) boutiques recommend brides start shopping at least year before their wedding because dresses can take up to six or eight months to arrive, and you’ll also need to allow time for alterations and fittings. 

If you have less time, don’t worry as you can also buy some samples off the rack, and certain designers offer rush order options. WED2BE, Belfast, customers can buy and take home their dress on the same day.

THE CEREMONY

Carefully consider who you want to plan and deliver your ceremony. Whether that’s a priest, minister, wedding celebrant, registrar or other – it’s so important to reach out to them early on to ensure you have booked the right person for your big day. 

Your ceremony sets the tone for your wedding, so it’s vital to collaborate with the person who you most resonate with.

Civil marriage ceremonies led by a registrar are usually only available Monday to Friday, and do not take place at weekends or on public or bank holidays (with some regional variances), whereas celebrants are generally available seven days a week. 

If opting for a celebrant, my advice is to talk to a few before deciding on one, and have some questions prepared in advance of the call; for example, if you’d know you’d like to have religious content such as a prayer or hymn incorporated into your ceremony, ask if that can be facilitated.

Happy planning!

For more from Catriona, see @catrionadohertycelebrant on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, or email catrionadohertyfreelance@gmail.com

Inishowen-based Celebrant Catriona Doherty officiating a wedding ceremony at An Grianan Hotel