The ceremony is such an important part of the wedding day and is often the wedding day highlight for a lot of couples! Because you’re there for a short space of time in comparison to the reception, couples often forget about the decor side of things but if you are looking to make it extra romantic or create a super pretty setting for your ‘I Do’s’, there are some gorgeous bits and pieces you can pick up to make it extra special. From adorable signs and the cutest accessories for your flower girl or page boy (everything from page boy security badges to wands for the little ladies) to cute flags or bubbles for your big exit, today’s edit will give you lots of inspo and ideas for your own ceremony. Or if you’re looking to liven up your aisles, be sure to check out our latest pew end inspiration article – Aisle Style – 30 Incredibly Pretty Pew Ends.

Another lovely way to make the ceremony extra meaningful is by having your candles personalised. WeddingCandles.ie specialise in personalised wedding candles where you can have your own names personalised on them or you can get candles made up to remember lost loved ones. Another gorgeous idea lots of couples are opting for in place of the candle lighting ceremony is a sand ceremony which allows you to pour two (or more if you want to include kids or other family members) different colour sands together to symbolize the new union – check out one such kit you can get online below! For more great ideas for your ceremony including some awesome song suggestions for your entrance and exit songs as well as cute booklet ideas, be sure to pay our Wedding Ceremony section a visit where you’ll find lots more gorge ideas and useful advice!

20 Brilliant Songs for Your Walk Down the Aisle

Credits:

1. This Way To I Do Sign, €7 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique | 2. Giant White Rose Prop, €44 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique | 3. Athena Fairy Wings, £12 from Monsoon | 4. I Do Ring Dish, €7.50 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique | 5. Ivory & Gold Hooray Wedding Flags, €5.60 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique | 6. Ring Bearer Security Badge, €7.30 from Etsy | 7. Uncle Tommy Last Chance to Run (Custom Rectangle Sign), €35 from WeddingCandles.ie | 8. Heart Bubble Wands, £8 from Paperchase | 9. Today Two Families Become One Sign, €8.75 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique | 10. Silver Wedding Wands, €9 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique | 11. Here Comes the Bride Sign, €18.50 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique | 12. Boho Tissue Confetti, €4.19 from Woodies | 13. Here Comes the Bride Sign, €25 from WeddingCandles.ie | 14. White Moroccan Lamp, €8 from Penneys | 15. Ring Box, €24 from Lantz | 16. Hession Cushion, £9.99 from Ginger Ray | 17. Sand for Ceremony Sand Set, €6 from MyWeddingStore.ie (various colours available) | 18. Fairy Dust Flower Dress Up Set, £5.70 from Monsoon | 19. Ceremony Sand Vase Set, €49 from MyWeddingStore.ie | 20. Personalised Wedding candles available from WeddingCandles.ie | Main photo: Rustic Ring Bearer Pillow, $35 from 4LovePolkaDots

The post 21 of the Best Ceremony Decor Buys for Your Big Day appeared first on weddingsonline.

From honouring lost loved ones and personalised candles to cute signs and tears of joy tissues, there are lots of gorgeous ways to personalise your wedding ceremony and make it extra special. Check out 18 of our favourite ways to make your ceremony even more memorable below…

1. Get Everyone Mingling

Photo from Tara & Fionan’s real wedding by DKPHOTO

Couples are shaking up the seating arrangements and are encouraging guests to mingle! This cute idea is becoming quite the trend with lots of couples forgoing traditional ‘sides’ and letting guests simply sit where they like using cute signs like the one above and ‘We’re All Family Now, Pick a Seat Not a Side’ to get the message out there.

2. Choose Meaningful Readings, Prayers and Sentiments

Photo by Ten21

Most couples rate the ceremony as one of their favourite parts of the day and that can be down to little meaningful touches like readings, cute signs and of course the fact that you’re exchanging vows with the love of your life! Ensure the ceremony is super special with some carefully chosen readings, blessings or Prayers of the Faithful – and pop some awesome personalised signs around your space to make it extra romantic.

3. Opt for Personalised Candles

Candles by WeddingCandles.ie

Candles are a big part of wedding ceremonies with lots of couples choosing to have a candle lighting ceremony. One way to make this part of ceremony extra memorable is by having your candles personalised with your names, the date or an inscription. Another beautiful option is to have candles made in honour of lost loved ones as a special tribute. FYI: WeddingCandles.ie specialise in designing and creating personalised, bespoke wedding candles – check out their beautiful work here.

4. Get Friends & Family Involved

Photo from Ruth & John’s real wedding by Emma Russell Photography

One way to make sure your ceremony is as personal as can be is by getting family and friends involved – make a fuss out of the mums by having them walk up the aisle together (if they’re not already walking you up the aisle), if you’re having a Catholic ceremony have friends and family bring up the gifts, ask siblings and close friends to get involved in readings, the Prayers of the Faithful or blessings and if you’ve anyone that is musically gifted, make sure to ultilise their talents.

5. Kit Your Flower Girls & Page Boys Out with Cute Signs & Accessories

Photo by Ashleigh Jayne via Southern Weddings

We love seeing photos of the flower girl or page boy making their way up the aisle with a sign in hand announcing the bride’s arrival! There are so many different styles out there from ‘Last Chance to Run’ and ‘Ring Security’ to more traditional ‘Here Comes the Bride’ or ‘Daddy Here Comes Mammy’ signs. For ready to go wedding signs, pop over to WeddingCandles.ie who have some gorgeous options or check out some great ceremony sign ideas over on Irish site Printpoint.ie. For more fun entrance ideas for your little ones, check out 11 of the Cutest Entrance Ideas for Flower Girls & Page Boys.

6. Choose Songs that Mean Something

Photo by Moat Hill Photography

Your song choices are another way to make your ceremony extra personal – choose songs you both love or that mean something to you. Be sure to take a look at 20 Beautiful Songs for Your Walk Down the Aisle and 20 Brilliant Songs for Wedding Ceremony Exit for some beautiful inspiration.

7. Honour Lost Loved Ones

Photo via 100 Layer Cake

Weddings are gorgeous, happy occasions but they can be tinged with sadness if you’re missing someone special whether it’s a beloved parent, grandparent or friend. But there are lots of lovely ways to include them in your day and remember them including a candle or sign in their honour, a vacant seat as a touching tribute or even a beautiful memorial tree with a heart inscribed with each lost loved one’s name.

8. Leave Out the Tissues for Happy Tears

Photo by Leah McCormick via Style Me Pretty

It’s an emotional day and you can be pretty much guaranteed there will be tears, particularly during the ceremony. Make it easy for everyone to shed a few happy tears by leaving ‘Tears of Joy’ tissues or hankies on each pew, at the back of the ceremony or a super cute touch – have your Page Boy on hand with a box of tissues so that everyone can nab one when they arrive.

9. Have a Personalised Cushion for the Rings

Ring Pillow, $30 available from 4 Love Polka Dots

Your rings play a big role in the wedding ceremony so make sure they arrive in style with a special ring box or pillow. We love this personalised knitted heart from 4 Love Polka Dots but they’ve some great wooden boxes in their online store as well that you can easily use after the Big Day by your bedside locker, to store your rings and jewellery.

10. Get Guests Involved with a Ring Warming Ceremony

Photo via The Broke-Ass Bride

A ‘Ring Warming’ ceremony is a fab way to get guests involved – it’s really easy, your rings are passed around to your guests (so might be better for smaller crowds) so that they can make a silent wish or say a prayer for you as you start this lovely new chapter together.

11. Give Your Ceremony Booklets that Personal Touch

Photo from Ciaran & Fionnuala’s real wedding by Kathy Silke Photography

They can be an absolute nightmare to make (between fonts, staples and keeping everything aligned!) but ceremony booklets sure do look pretty and are a great way to give guests an insight in to your ceremony. You can list the order of events, everyone who is involved and things like songs, readings or blessings. And you can give your cover that personal touch from your names and the date to cute little motifs or even an illustrated caricature. Check out 30 Gorgeous Ceremony Booklet Ideas for some inspo for your own programmes!

12. Write Your Own Vows

Photo by B Schwartz Photography by Style Me Pretty

Your vows are some of the most special words you’ll ever speak and some couples opt to make them extra meaningful by adding in some words of their own. If you’re having a civil or humanist ceremony, it can be a lovely way to make it extra personal. Not sure what to say? Check out some handy tips in our feature, How to Write Your Own Wedding Vows.

13. Have a Handfasting Ceremony

Photo by Chris Isham via Style Me Pretty

While a traditional candle lighting ceremony is super popular, there are some other beautiful ceremony ideas if you’re having a civil or humanist ceremony. Couples are going for everything from hand-tying ceremonies to sand or wine ceremonies. A hand-tying or handfasting ceremony is a Celtic tradition where ribbons are draped over the couple’s hands and then tied to symbolize their new commitment. A sand ceremony allows you to pour two different colour sands together (or more if you’re looking to include kids) to symbolize this new union while couples share a glass of wine at a wine ceremony, the reason being a good wine like marriage is the result of many years of hard work.

14. Include a Time Capsule

Photo by Hollydaze Photos

Another gorgeous way to make your ceremony extra special is with a time capsule. The idea is that you each write a letter about how you’re feeling on this momentous occasion and place it in the box (pop a bottle of your favourite vino in with if you fancy). Fast forward to your next anniversary (or a future wedding anniversary) – you open it up and read all about how you guys were feeling on your special day, reliving those amazing feelings once again.

15. Get Creative with your Ceremony Exit

Photo by Jen & Chris Creed via Southern Weddings

Confetti was traditionally used to shower the happy couple as they make their Big Exit and that iconic shot was on most couples wish list! Although it looks the business, it can however be on the messy side and some places have banned it as a result. But worry not, there are lots of other amazing ways to have a really fun and upbeat exit including streamers, flags, pom poms, wedding wands, paper planes and bubbles. Check out some of them in action here!

16. Leave Out Ribbons

Photo from Ross & Amy’s real wedding by DKPHOTO

Make sure your guests don’t have to worry about getting lost with this cute little idea! Leave out baskets of ribbons and maps at the back of the venue so guests can help themselves. Or if you’re looking to keep it on the QT, enlist a team of helpers that can sneak out before the ceremony ends to tie streamers to everyone’s cars as a gorgeous surprise! It’s a lovely way to get the celebrations started and guests will be able to follow the ribbons and get to the venue hassle free.

17. Say a Big Thank You! 

Photo by Jessica Williams Studio via My Wedding

The ceremony booklet or programme of course guides you through the ceremony but couples are also using it as a space to say a big thank you to family and friends, popping a little message on the back page! Pair it with a Coat of Arms in honour of your families for an extra special touch.

18. Spruce Up Your Getaway Car

Photo from Aisling & Michael’s real wedding by ATL Photography

The last leg of the ceremony will end up with you and your new hubby or wife hopping in to your getaway car (if you ceremony is separate from your venue space of course) before setting off on your first journey as newlyweds! Make it as awesome as can be with some personalised number plates to really kick off the celebrations. Irish company Printpoint.ie specialise in wedding signage and number plates for wedding cars including brilliant personalised Mr & Mrs number plates – Check them out here!

11 Gorgeous Ways to Decorate your Wedding Getaway Car

The post 18 Gorgeous Ways to Personalise Your Wedding Ceremony appeared first on weddingsonline.

If you’re having a flower girl or page boy at your wedding, let us warn you the following post will have you pinning like mad! There are SO many adorable ideas for the little guys out there, particularly when it comes to the big entrance. Creative couples have come up with all manners of cute and fun ways to announce their arrival and ensure their mini bridal party is suitably adorable from fairy wings and wands for the girls to keys and ring security badges for the boys. Today we’ve rounded up some incredibly cute inspiration that’s sure to be a big hit with both guests and the flower girls and page boys themselves…

1. Petal Baskets

This tradition never gets old and is one that is still really popular with flower girls. They love the idea of scattering petals from a basket and it leaves a gorgeous trail for the bride too. Of course, as traditional as it is, you can still shake things up a bit and have your flower girl hold on to a little tin pail (or plastic colourful bucket if you’re having a beach celebration) and scatter everything from petals to starfish and even pom poms if you’re after a fun alternative.

2. Giant Flowers

If you like the idea of flowers but don’t want to go the petal route, give your little lady a statement making oversized flower. It’ll look adorable on the day and she can keep it in her room afterwards as a gorgeous reminder.

3. Wedding Signs

One of our favourite options for the little guys has to be a wedding sign. They come in so many different styles from banners and chalk boards to flags and even wooden tree slices for those looking to bring  a rustic touch to their day. And if you’re going the DIY route, you can add absolutely any message you like to them from a simple ‘Here Comes the Bride’ to ‘Here Comes Mammy’, ‘And They Lived Happily Ever After’ and ‘Last Chance to Run’. Check out some more brilliant sign ideas here.

4. Kissing Balls/Pomanders 

These pretty posies are another cute alternative for brides that love the romance of flowers but don’t want to have worry about an upturned basket of petals! They look the part, you won’t have to even think about spillages and you can incorporate your wedding colours in to it while you’re at it.

5. Love Letters

Oversized letters are all the rage (the bigger the better – check out the very cool ‘Light Up Letters‘ if this is your thing) and can be a great little addition to your ceremony. Have your flower girl or page boy carry some letters up the aisle spelling out your names, initials or simply what the day is all about – love!

6. Key to Heart

This is a super cute one for the romantics! If you’re looking for something a little bit different for your flower girls or page boy to have in hand as they make their journey up the aisle, a key to the bride or groom’s heart is the sweetest. He or she can hand it your partner at the altar as a little symbol of your promise and you get to have it as a special keepsake afterwards too.

7. Bridal Balloons

Does it get any cuter than this??! We love the fun, celebratory feel balloons bring to any occasion so we think they’re just perfect for your little guy or girls walk up the aisle. They’ll get the celebrations off to an amazing start and if you’re looking to personalise things, you could add a cute message or a simple ‘Here Comes the Bride’ with a Sharpie marker to them. It’s sure to be a big hit with the kids and they get to play with it afterwards – a great distraction for that post-ceremony lull.

8. Flower Girl Wands

If you’re looking for something girly and pretty for your ladies, think wands! They’ll have a ball twirling them as they walk up the aisle and they’ll look ridiculously cute in photos. Opt for everything from streamers in your wedding colours to stars, hearts or a mix of flowers and ribbon.

9. ‘Here Comes the Bride’ Cart

If you’re looking for the serious ‘aw’ factor, this will get it in spades! This showstopper is quite the entrance and is a great option for couples looking to bring some fun to their ceremony.

10. Flower Girl Fairy Wings

Another adorable touch for the little ladies, wings will bring a magical air to your ceremony and it goes without saying the girls will love them too.

11. Security Badge for Ring Bearer

It’s an important duty so make sure the little man feels very special with his own ring security badge to accompany the rings as he walks them up the aisle! Guests will get a great laugh and he’ll love all the responsibility.

Credits:

1. Photo by Harrison Studio via Style Me Pretty | 2. (Left) Photo by KT Merry Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Right) Photo by Belathee Photography via Style Me Pretty | 3. Photo via The Ritzy Rose on Etsy | 4. (Top) Photo by Kate Headley Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Bottom Right) Photo by Matt Haines Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Bottom left) Photo by Jennifer Miller Photography via Ruffled | 5. Photo by Liz Banfield via Style Me Pretty | 6. (Left) Photo by Tana Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Right) Photo via Junebug Weddings | 7. Photo by Teale Photography | 8. (Top Left) Photo by Rebekah J Murray via 100 Layer Cake | (Top Right) Woodland Photo by Kat Mervyn via Whimsical Wonderland Weddings | (Bottom Right) Photo by One Love Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Bottome left) Photo by Ryan Ray via Southern Weddings | 9. Photo by Brett Heidbrecht via Wedding Chicks | Photo by | 10. (Top) Photo by Jerry Yoon Photographers via Green Wedding Shoes | (Bottom Right) Photo by Amanda McKinnon via Green Wedding Shoes | (Bottom Left) Photo by Jacquelyn Poussot via Wedding Chicks | 11. (Top) Photo by Jagger Photography via Green Wedding Shoes | (Bottom) Photo by Zac Wolf Photography via Style Me Pretty

The post 11 of the Cutest Entrance Ideas for Flower Girls & Page Boys appeared first on weddingsonline.

Earlier in the week, we showcased some adorable gúnas for your little flower girls (if you haven’t seen it yet, check it out here – cuteness overload) so today we’re all about the accessories with some super pretty ring pillows and boxes for your ceremony. Your wedding rings are a really important part of your Big Day so if you want them to arrive at the altar in style, there are some gorgeous ring boxes and pillows you can pick up to ensure they look the part and get there safely. From hand-crafted pillows and pouches to rustic wooden boxes and pretty porcelain dishes, there are lots of lovely ways to get them up the aisle.

The great thing abut a cute ring dish or box is that they’ll definitely find a home after the celebrations as well – pop it on your bedside locker or dresser and use it to store your rings and jewels on a daily basis, plus it’s a gorgeous little reminder of your amazing wedding adventure! If you’re looking for that personal touch, online store 4 Love Polka Dots have a seriously impressive range of pillows and boxes, all of which can be personalised, making them extra special. Check out some of our favourites below…

18 Gorgeous Ways to Personalise Your Wedding Ceremony

Love Birds Pillow, $35 from 4 Love Polka Dots

Heart Ring Pillow, $30 available from 4 Love Polka Dots

Lace Pillow $28 from BHLDN | Photo by Katie Grant via Style Me Pretty

Every Love Story is Beautiful Ring Box, €36.67+ from Etsy

Box with Wooden Hearts, $50 from 4 Love Polka Dots

Gold Calligraphy Wedding Ring Bag, €7 from Print for Love of Wood on Not on the Highstreet 

Personalised Wooden Box, $35 from 4 Love Polka Dots

Custom Calendar Ring Pillow, €34.84 from Giggle Room on Etsy | Photo by Gina Cristine

Personalised Mr & Mrs Ring Box, $45 from 4 Love Polka Dots

Hessian Ring Pillow, £9.99 from Ginger Ray | Photo by Sophie Delaveau via Style Me Pretty

Ceramic Ring Dish, €14.61 from Not on the Highstreet | Photo by Insight Photography

Heart Box, $44 from 4 Love Polka Dots

Tree Stump Box, €20.63 from Bragging Bags on Etsy

Glitter Personalised Pillow, $40 from 4 Love Polka Dots

Personalised Heart Ring Dish, €33.93 from Pottery Lodge on Etsy

I Do Ring Dish, €7.50 from Pearls and Lace Bridal Boutique | Photo by Wedding Storytellers

The post 16 Incredibly Pretty Wedding Ring Pillows & Boxes appeared first on weddingsonline.

Wedding signs are one of the easiest ways to bring some fun and personality to your Big Day! One trend that has really taken off is the bridal entrance sign, although they’re far from just simple ‘Here Comes the Bride’ wording any more. Creative couples have come up with lots of fun ways to announce the bridal party’s arrival and ensure the little flower girl or page boy looks ridiculously cute while they’re at it. We’ve seen everything from carts carrying the little ones make their way up the aisle to flags, balloons and bubbles (see some great entrance ideas here). But we never tire of the more traditional sign! Defo one of the most popular options, there’s some really fun ways to make it suit you and your style of day with some simple wording. Create a super romantic entrance with a sign saying, ‘Here Comes the Love of Your Life’ and ‘They Lived Happily Ever After’ to fun (or funny) little touches like ‘Ring Security’ or ‘Last Chance to Run’. Check out 15 great options for your ceremony signs below…

18 Gorgeous Ways to Personalise Your Wedding Ceremony

1. Here Comes the Bride

Photo via Lakeside Garden Events | Photo by Leo Patrone via Style Me Pretty

2. Last Chance to Run

Photo by Rhythm Photography via Style Me Pretty

3. Uncle, Here Comes Your Girl

Photo by Hello Studios via Ruffled | Photo by Erin Hearts Court Photography

4. Here Comes the Love of Your Life

Photo by Ashleigh Jayne via Southern Weddings | Photo by This Love of Yours via Style Me Pretty

5. Here She Comes

Photo via Wedding Wonderland

6. Just Wait Until You See Her

Photo via Castle Inn Designs

7. Don’t Worry Ladies, I’m Still Single

Photo by Sam Stroud Photography

8. Hey Daddy, Here Comes Mammy

Photo via Pinterest | Photo via Etsy – Daddy Here Comes Mammy Sign, €25 from WeddingCandles.ie, Ireland

9. Hurry Up I Want Cake

Photo by Eternal Light Photography

10. Ring Security

Photo by Jada Poon via Style Me Pretty

11. You Think I’m Cute, Just Wait for the Bride

Photo via Ritzy Rose on Etsy

12. Spell Out LOVE

Photo by Mariel Hannah Photography

13. Has Anyone Seen the Rings

Photo via Etsy

14. And They Lived Happily Ever After…

Photo by Disney Fine Art Photography & Video | Photo by Jake & Necia

Main photo by Bryan Jean via The Wedding Scoop

The post 15 Adorable Bridal Entrance Sign Ideas appeared first on weddingsonline.

Your wedding ceremony can be one of the trickiest parts of the planning process – paperwork, readings, poems – there can be a lot to get your head around. Catholic weddings in particular can come with a few more hurdles – we’ve already covered all the documents you need and how to go about your Catholic wedding ceremony in our Guide to Planning Your Wedding Ceremony (and if you’ve any questions, be sure to check out 16 of Your Most Popular Wedding Ceremony Questions – Answered) and we’ve also rounded up some beautiful and popular Prayers of the Faithful ideas so you can include loved ones easily in your Big Day (it can save you a couple of hours on Google as well!). Today we’re tackling the communion reflection, a few words that a friend or family member can read as people have a few quiet moments after communion (might be best to check with your priest or parish if the readings and reflections are suitable in advance as some churches will have rules and regulations). The weddingsonline forums are full of couples exchanging ideas so today we’ve rounded up some of the most popular and romantic ones we’ve come across and are sharing them with you – of course, they don’t have to be used just for communion reflections, if you’re having a civil, humanist, spiritual or alternative/independent ceremony, these readings could come in handy as well!

30 of the Best Ceremony Booklet Ideas

Scaffolding by Seamas Heaney

Masons, when they start upon a building,
are careful to test the scaffolding:
make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points,
secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints.
And yet all this comes down, when the job’s done,
showing off walls of sure and solid stone.
So if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be
old bridges breaking between you and me,
never fear. We may have let the scaffolds fall,
confident that we have built our wall.

Hands

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

What is a Soulmate by Emily Matthews

If you have found a smile that is the sweetest one you’ve known.
If you have heard, within a voice, the echoes of your own.
If you have felt a touch that stirs the longing of your heart,
And still can feel that closeness in the moment you’re apart.
If you are filled with wonder at the way two lives can blend,
To weave a perfect pattern that is seamless end to end.
If you believe some things in life are simply meant to be,
Then you have found your soulmate, your hearts own destiny.
If you can always be as close and happy as today,
Yet be secure enough to grow and change along the way.
If you can keep for you alone your love as man and wife,
Yet find the time to share your joy with others in your life.
If you can be as one and walk through marriage hand in hand,
Yet still support the goals and dreams that each of you have planned.
If you can dare to always go your separate ways together,
Then all the wonders of today will stay with you forever.

I’ll Walk Beside You

I’ll walk beside you through the world today
While dreams and songs and flowers bless your way
I’ll look into your eyes and hold your hand
I’ll walk beside you through the golden land

I’ll walk beside you through the world tonight
Beneath the starry skies ablaze with light
Within your soul love’s tender words I’ll hide
I’ll walk beside you through the eventide

I’ll walk beside you through the passing years
Through days of cloud and sunshine, joys and tears
And when the great call comes, the sunset gleams
I’ll walk beside you to the land of dreams

Traditional Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you;
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

Excerpt from The Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach

A soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise. Our soulmate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we’re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we’ve found the right person. Our soulmate is the one who makes life come to life.

Maybe (Anonymous)

Maybe… We are supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one, so that when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.

Maybe… it is true that we don’t know what we have got until we lose it, but it is also true that we don’t know what we have been missing until it arrives.

Maybe… the happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of
everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.

Maybe… the best kind of love is the kind where you can sit on a sofa
Together never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.

Maybe… you shouldn’t go for looks; they can deceive. Don’t go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.

Maybe… you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.

Maybe Love is not about finding the perfect person; it’s about learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. When you do what you can, love will do what you can’t.

Love by Roy Croft

I love you,
Not only for what you are,
But for what I am when I am with you.

I love you,
Not only for what you have made of yourself,
But for what you are making of me.

I love you
For the part of me that you bring out;
I love you
For putting your hand into my heaped-up heart
And passing over all the foolish, weak things
that you can’t help dimly seeing there.
And for drawing out into the light
all the beautiful belongings that no one else
had looked quite far enough to find.

I love you
Because you are helping me to make
Of the lumber of my life
Not a tavern but a temple;
Out of the works of my every day
Not a reproach but a song.

I love you
Because you have done more than any creed
Could have done to make me good,
And more than any fate to make me happy.

You have done it
Without a touch,
Without a word,
Without a sign.
You have done it
By being yourself.

These I Can Promise by Mark Twain

I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;
I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;
I cannot promise you an easy pathway
That leads away from change or growing old.
But I can promise all my heart’s devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that’s ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.

And now as Gaeilge…

Geallaim Iad Seo

Ní féidir liom saol lán le gréine a ghealladh duit,
Ní gheallfaidh mé saibhreas, maoin ná ór,
Ní féidir liom bealach éasca a ghealladh duit,
A cheallaigh athrú nó éirí sean.
Ach geallaim dúthracht mo chroí duit,
Miongáire a shaorfaidh tú ó do dheora,
Geallaim grá síoraí i gcónaí duit,
Mo lámh i do lámh go deo.

Your Name by Jessica Blade

I wrote your name in the sky,
but the wind blew it away.
I wrote your name in the sand,
but the waves washed it away.
I wrote your name in my heart,
and forever it will stay.

The Art of Marriage by Wilfred A. Peterson

A good marriage must be created.
In a marriage the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say ‘I love you’ at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted.
The courtship should not end with the honeymoon.
It should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is a standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife the wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner.
It is being the right partner.

Heaven Sent Poem by Lexi Davis

Love ruled the day, when the angels came to meet,
sweeping them up and off of their feet.
Neither of them knowing what the future
would bring, two hearts together and one diamond ring.
Today it’s a promise, so sweet and so pure.
Together forever, for love to endure.

A blessing from above, this story is told,
a love to last a lifetime and a hand to hold.
It was no accident, that this came to be, now you must
realise that it really takes three.

So go hand in hand to a future unknown,
knowing that with the Lord, you will never be alone.
With the angles still near and dear to heart,
this couple shall prosper and never grow apart.
For it’s not always the eye that is the first to see,
what really matters in life and what is meant to be.
So remember that to love is time well spent, what
brought you two together was heaven sent.

True Love (Author Unknown)

True love is a sacred flame
That burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow
Or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones
And hears with a gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart
And true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands
It neither rules nor binds,
And true love holds with gentle hands
The heart that it entwines.

I Carry Your Heart with Me by E. E Cummings

I carry your heart with me (I carry it in
my heart) I am never without it (anywhere
I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) I want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)

Eskimo Love Song (Author Unknown)

You are my husband, you are my wife
My feet shall run because of you
My feet dance because of you
My heart shall beat because of you
My eyes see because of you
My mind thinks because of you
And I shall love, because of you.

I Promise by Dorothy Colgan

I promise to give you the best of myself
and to ask of you no more than you can give.

I promise to respect you as your own person
and to realise that your interests, desires and needs
are no less important than my own.

I promise to share with you my time and my attention
and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship.
I promise to keep myself open to you,
to let you see through the window of my world into my innermost fears
and feelings, secrets and dreams.

I promise to grow along with you,
to be willing to face changes in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting.

I promise to love you in good times and in bad,
with all I have to give and all I feel inside in the only way I know how. Completely and forever.

Dove Poem (Author Unknown)

Two doves meeting in the sky
Two loves hand in hand eye to eye
Two parts of a loving whole
Two hearts and a single soul

Two stars shining big and bright
Two fires bringing warmth and light
Two songs played in perfect tune
Two flowers growing into bloom
Two doves gliding in the air
Two loves free without a care
Two parts of a loving whole
Two hearts and a single soul.

I Belong in Your Arms by Deborah Bridea

Finally I have found a place
Into which I fit perfectly, safely and securely.
This place is filled with happiness and laughter,
Yet it is spacious enough, to allow me the freedom to move around,
To live my life and be myself.
This wonderful place, I have found, finally,
Inside your arms, inside your heart, inside your love.

The Promise by Eileen Rafter 

The sun danced on the snow with a sparkling smile,
As two lovers sat quietly, alone for a while.
Then he turned and said, with a casual air
(Though he blushed from his chin to the tips of his hair),
“I think I might like to get married to you”

“Well then, she said, “Well there’s a thought,
But what if we can’t promise to be all that we ought,
If I’m late yet again, when we plan to go out.
For I know I can’t promise, I’ll learn to ignore
Dirty socks and damp towels strewn all over the floor.

So if we can’t vow to be all that we should
I’m not sure what to do, though the idea’s quite good”.
But he gently smiled and tilted his head
Till his lips met her ear and softly he said

“I promise, to weave my dreams into your own,
That wherever you breathe will be my hearts home.
I promise, that whether with rags or with gold I am blessed
Your smile is the jewel I will treasure the best.

Do you think then, my love, we should marry – do you?”
“Yes” she said smiling “I do”.

The Apache Wedding Blessing

Now you feel no rain,
for each of you will be a shelter to the other.
Now you feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness,
for each of you will be a companion to the other.
You are two bodies,
but there is one life before you and one home.
When evening falls,
each will look up and the other will be there.
He’ll take her hand; she will take his
and you’ll turn together
To look at the road you travelled to reach this:
the hour of your happiness.
It stretches behind you, even as the future lies ahead,
a long and winding road, whose every turning
means discovery.
Old hopes, new laughter, shared fears.
Your adventure has just begun.

Shorter Version

Now you will feel no rain,
for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness,
for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons,
but there is only one life before you.
May beauty surround you both in the
journey ahead and through all the years,
May happiness be your companion and
your days together be good and long upon the earth.

Photo by Clane Gessel Photography via Wedding Wire

The post 20 Beautiful Readings for Your Communion Reflection appeared first on weddingsonline.

We’re all about the personal touches here in wedingsonline HQ and your ceremony is one part of the day where you can go all out. From gorgeous signs to sweet readings, our real wedding couples always rate it as a highlight. The wedding booklet can be a nightmare to put together but it can also be a lovely little keepsake and reminder of the special vows you’ve taken afterwards. We rounded up some gorgeous booklet ideas for couples looking to get creative with their programme in the past and today we’re taking it one step further with some seriously romantic details, sure to make it that bit extra special. From beautiful and fun illustrations of everything from the couple and bridal party to the church/ceremony space itself and heartfelt quotes to stylish monograms and family crests, these 13 sweet ceremony booklet details will be a gorgeous addition to your ceremony!

16 of Your Most Popular Wedding Ceremony Questions – Answered!

1. Make it look like a romantic book cover

Photo by Assassynation via Rock My Wedding

2. Give the Bridal Party a Special Mention

Photo by Lizzie Photo via Something Turquoise

3. Give a Nod to Your Family Crest

Photo by Aaron Delesie via Martha Stewart

4. Pop an Illustration of Your Church or Venue on the Front

Photo by Moat Hill Photography

5. Include a Cute Personalised Illustration

Photo from Sharon & Tadhg’s real wedding by Eden Photography

6. Or a Sweet Sentiment

Photo by Ameris Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

7. Display Your Booklets in a Personalised Box

Photo via Conde Nast

8. Make a Feature Out of Your Names

Photo by The Robertsons via Hello May

9. Or Surround them in Hearts

Photo from Ciaran & Fionnuala’s real wedding by Kathy Silke Photography

10. Illustrate the Bridal Party 

 Photo by Amelia Lyon via Style Me Pretty

11. Incorporate a Cute Heart Cut Out

Photo by Clane Gessel Photography via Wedding Wire

12. Or an Adorable Winnie the Pooh Illustration with Love Quote

Photo by Ann-Kathrin Kotch via Rock My Wedding

13. Create Your Own Monogram

Photo by Cristina G. Photography via Nico and Lala

The post 13 of the Sweetest Wedding Ceremony Booklet Details appeared first on weddingsonline.

Certain topics pop in our forums and on our HIGM Facebook group again and again and one of them is readings for your Catholic wedding ceremony. A Catholic wedding ceremony isn’t the most straight forward in terms of paperwork and it can be difficult to get your hands on suggested readings so we’re making life a little bit easier and have rounded up some of the most popular choices for the first reading, second reading and The Gospel to give you some ideas and to get you started! We’ve already tackled wedding readings for non-religious weddings, Prayers of the Faithful options for church ceremonies and Communion Reflections for a Catholic wedding mass so be sure to click on the links if you’re in need of some inspiration and if you’re having trouble with the legal side of things, pop over to our Guide to Getting Married here where you’ll find everything you need!

16 of Your Most Popular Wedding Ceremony Questions – Answered

FIRST READING

Some suggestions for the First Reading from the Old Testament…

A reading from the Book of Sirach (26: 1-4)

A loving partner is a safe shelter, whoever finds one has found a rare treasure. A loving partner is something beyond price, there is no measuring their worth. A loving partner is a life-saving remedy, and those who respect their Lord find true love. For as a person is, so is their loved one.

The word of the Lord.

A Reading from the Book of Ruth (1:16-17)

Wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you live, I will live. Your people shall be my people and your God will be my God too. Wherever you die, I will die and there will I be buried beside you. We shall be together forever and our love will be the gift of God.

The word of the Lord

A reading from the book of Genesis (1:26-28. 31)

God said, ‘Let us make man in our own image, in the likeness of ourselves, and let them be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven, the cattle, all the wild beasts and all the reptiles that crawl upon the earth.’

God created man in the image of himself,
in the image of God he created him,
male and female he created them.

God blessed them, saying to them, ‘Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and conquer it. Be masters of the fish of the sea, the birds of heaven and all living animals on the earth.’ God saw all he had made, and indeed it was very good.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the book of Genesis (2:18-24)

The Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helpmate.’ So from the soil the Lord God fashioned all the wild beasts and all the birds of heaven. These he brought to the man to see what he would call them; each one was to bear the name the man would give it. The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of heaven and all the wild beasts. But no helpmate suitable for man was found for him. So the Lord God made the man fall into a deep sleep. And while he slept, he took one of his ribs and enclosed it in flesh. The Lord God built the rib he had taken from the man into a woman, and brought her to the man. The man exclaimed:

‘This at last is bone from my bones,
and flesh from my flesh!
This is to be called woman,
for this was taken from man.’
This is why a man leaves his father and mother and joins himself to his wife, and they become one body.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the book of Genesis (24:48-51. 58-67)

Abraham’s servant said to Laban, ‘I blessed the Lord, God of my master Abraham, who had so graciously led me to choose the daughter of my master’s brother for his son. Now tell me whether you are prepared to show kindness and goodness to my master; if not, say so, and I shall know what to do.’

Laban and Bethuel replied, ‘This is from the Lord; it is not in our power to say yes or no to you. Rebekah is there before you. Take her and go; and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has decreed.’ They called Rebekah and asked her, ‘Do you want to leave with this man?’ ‘I do,’ she replied. Accordingly they let their sister Rebekah go, with her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men. They blessed Rebekah in these words:

‘Sister of ours, increase
to thousands and tens of thousands!
May your descendants gain possession
of the gates of their enemies!’

Rebekah and her servants stood up, mounted the camels, and followed the man. The servant took Rebekah and departed.

Isaac, who lived in the Negeb, had meanwhile come into the wilderness of the well of Lahai Roi. Now Isaac went walking in the fields as evening fell, and looking up saw camels approaching. And Rebecca looked up and saw Isaac. She jumped down from her camel, and asked the servant ‘Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us? The servant replied, ‘That is my master’; then she took her veil and hid her face. The servant told Isaac the whole story, and Isaac led Rebecca to his tent and made her his wife; and he loved her. And so Isaac was consoled for the loss of his mother.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the book of Tobit (8:4-8)

The parents meanwhile had gone out and shut the door behind them. Tobias rose from the bed, and said to Sarah, ‘Get up, my sister! You and I must pray and petition our Lord to win his grace and his protection.’ She stood up, and they began praying for protection, and this was how he began: ‘You are blessed, O God of our fathers; blessed, too, is your name for ever and ever. Let the heavens bless you and all things you have made for evermore. It was you who created Adam, you who created Eve his wife to be his help and support; and from these two the human race was born. It was you who said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; let us make him help mate like himself”. And so I do not take my sister for any lustful motive; I do it in singleness of heart. Be kind enough to have pity on her and on me and bring us to old age together.’ And together they said, ‘Amen, Amen’,

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the Song of Songs (2:8-10,14,16; 8:6-7)

I hear my Beloved.
See how he comes
leaping on the mountains,
bounding over the hills.
My Beloved is like a gazelle,
like a young stag.
See where he stands
behind our wall.
He looks in at the windows,
He peers through the lattice.
My beloved lifts up his voice,
he says to me,
‘Come hen, my love,
my lovely one, come.
My dove, hiding in the clefts of the rock.
In the covert of the cliff,
Show me your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is beautiful.’
My beloved is mine and I am his.
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal on your arm.
For love is strong as Death,
Jealousy relentless as Sheol.
The flash of it is a flash of fire,
a flame of the Lord himself.
Love no flood can quench, no torrents drown.

The word of the Lord.

A Reading from the Song of Songs (2:10-14, 16)

My beloved lifts up his voice,
he says to me,
‘Come then, my love,
my lovely one, come.
For see, winter is past,
the rains are over and gone.
The flowers appear on earth.
The season of glad songs has come,
the cooing of the turtledove is heard
in our land.
The fig tree is forming its first figs
and the blossoming vines give out their fragrance.
Come then, my love,
my lovely one, come.
My dove, hiding in the clefts of the rock.
In the covert of the cliff,
Show me your face,
let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet,
and your face is beautiful.’
My beloved is mine and I am his.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the prophet Jeremiah (31:31-34)

See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and the House of Judah, but not like the one I made with their ancestors on the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. No, this is the covenant I will make with the House of Israel when those days arrive – it is the Lord who speaks. Deep within them I will plant my law, writing it on their hearts. Then I will be their God and they shall be my people. There will be no further need for neighbour to try to teach neighbour, or brother to say to brother, ‘Learn to know the Lord!’ No, they will all know me, the least no less than the greatest – it is the Lord who speaks.

The word of the Lord.

SECOND READING

Some suggestions for the Second Reading from the New Testament…

A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians (12:31-13:8.)

Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them. If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but

without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever. Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans (8:31-35, 37-39)

With God on our side who can be against us? Since God did not spare his own Son, but gave him up to benefit us all, we may be certain, after such a gift, that he will not refuse anything he can give. Could anyone accuse those that God has chosen? When God acquits, could anyone condemn? Could Christ Jesus? No! He not only died for us – he rose from the dead, and there at Gods right hand he stands and pleads for us.

Nothing therefore can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or attacked. These are the trails through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us.

For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans (12:1-2,9-18)

Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.

Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care.

Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them. Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow. Treat everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real friends with the poor. Do not allow yourselves to become self-satisfied. Never repay evil with evil but let everyone see that you are interested only in the highest ideals. Do all you can to live at peace with everyone.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians (5:2,21-33)

Follow Christ by loving as he loved you, giving himself up for us as an offering and a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God. Husbands should love their wives, just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her to make her holy by washing her in cleansing water with a form of words, so that when he took the Church to himself she would be glorious, with no speck or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and faultless. In the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies; for a man to love his wife is for him to love himself. A man never hates his own body, but he feeds it and looks after it; and that is the way Christ treats the Church because we are part of his Body. This is why a man leaves his father and mother and becomes attached to his wife, and the two become one flesh. This mystery has great significance, but I am applying it to Christ and the Church. To sum up: you also, each one of you, must love his wife as he loves himself; and let every wife respect her husband.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians (3: 12-17.)

You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you, and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as the quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them. Put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body.

Always be thankful. Let the message of Christ, in all it’s richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the first letter of St John (3: 18-24)

My children,
our love is not to be just words or mere talk,
but something real and active;
only by this can we be certain
that we are children of the truth
and be able to quieten our conscience in his presence,
whatever accusations it may raise against us,
because God is greater than our conscience and he knows everything.
My dear people,
if we cannot be condemned by our own conscience,
we need not be afraid in God’s presence,
and whatever we ask him,
we shall receive,
because we keep his commandments
and live the kind of life he wants.
His commandments are these:
that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ
and that we love one another
as he told us to.
Whoever keeps his commandments
lives in God and God lives in him.
We know that he lives in us
by the Spirit that he has given us.

The word of the Lord.

A reading from the first letter of St John (4: 7-12)

My dear people,
Let us love one another
Since love comes from God
And everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Anyone who fails to love can never have known God,
Because God is love.
God’s love for us was revealed
When he sent into the world his only Son
So that we could have life through him;
This is the love I mean:
Not our love for God,
But God’s love for us when he sent his Son
To be the sacrifice that takes our sins away.
My dear people,
Since God has loved us so much,
We too should love one another.
No one has ever seen God;
But as long as we love one another
God will live in us
And his love will be complete in us.

The word of the Lord.

THE GOSPEL

Some suggestions for The Gospel…

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark (10: 6-9)

Jesus said: “From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (5:1-12)

Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up to the hill. There he sat down, and was joined by the disciples. Then he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
How happy are the poor in spirit;
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
They shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
They shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
They shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
They shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
They shall seek God.
Happy the peacemakers:
They shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (5:13-16)

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill-top cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lampstand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (7:21,24-29)

Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. ‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.

And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell – and great was its fall!’

Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (19:3-6)

Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and to test him they said “Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext whatever?” Jesus answered: “Have you not read that the creator from the beginning made them male and female and that he said: This is why a man must leave his father and mother, and cling to his wife, and he two become one body. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (22:35-40)

A lawyer, to disconcert Jesus, put a question, “Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?” Jesus said, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole law, and the prophets also.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (2:1-11)

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the wedding was all finished, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said, “Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” There were six stone jars standing there, meant for the ablutions that are customary among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”, and they filled them to the brim. “Draw some out now,” he told them, “and take it to the steward.” They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it turned into wine. Having no idea where it came from – only the stewards who had drawn the water knew – the steward called the bridegroom and said: “People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort till the guests have had plenty to drink; but you have kept the best wine till now.” This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (15:9-12)

Jesus said to his disciples;
‘As the Father has loved me,
so I have loved you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments
You will remain in my love,
Just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
And remain in his love.
I have told you this
So that my own joy may be in you
And your joy be complete
This is my commandment:
Love one another,
As I have loved you’.

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (15:12-16).

Jesus said to his disciples,
‘This my commandment:
love one another,
as I have loved you.
No one can have greater love
than to lay down his life for his friends.
You are my friends
if you do what I command you.
I shall no longer call you servants,
because a servant does not know
his master’s business;
I call you friends,
because I have made known to you
everything I have learnt from my Father.
You did not choose me,
no, I chose you;
and I commissioned you
to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last;
so that the Father will give you
anything you ask him in my name.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (17:20-26)

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said:
“Holy Father,
I pray not only for these,
but for those also
who through their words will believe in me.
May they all be one.
Father, may they be one in us,
as you are in me and I am in you,
so that the world may believe it was you who sent me.
I have given them the glory you gave to me,
that they may be one as we are one.
With me in them and you in me,
may they be so completely one
that the world will realise that it was you who sent me
and that I have loved them as much as you loved me.
Father,
I want those you have given me
to be with me where I am,
so that they may always see the glory
you have given me
because you loved me
before the foundation of the world.
Father, Righteous One,
the world has not known you,
but I have known you,
and these have known
that you have sent me.
I have made your name known to them
and will continue to make it known,
so that the love with which you loved me may be in them,
and so that I may be in them.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (17:20-23)

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘I pray not only for these, but for those also who through their words will believe in me. May they all be one. Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. I have given them the glory you gave to me, that they may be one as we are one. With me in them and you in me, may they be so completely one that the world will realise that it was you who sent me and that I have loved them as much as you loved me.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Main photo from Tara & Gearoid’s wedding by DKPHOTO

The post 26 Readings for Your Catholic Wedding Ceremony appeared first on weddingsonline.

The wedding ceremony is one of the big highlights of the day and it goes without saying that you will be on an absolute high as you make your way back down the aisle as newlyweds to the applause of family and friends! If you’re looking to make this moment extra meaningful or fun, there are lots of cute ways to really celebrate. Traditionally, confetti was used to shower the happy couple but although incredibly pretty, it can be on the messy side and some churches and ceremony spaces have as a result banned it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a fun, upbeat exit! There are lots of other cute ways to have a memorable ceremony exit including flags, wedding wands and bubbles. Check out some fab ideas below…

Balloons are an awesome way to add a pop of colour and fun to your wedding! Plus they’ll get everyone in celebration mode straight away – get your guests to surround you with a bunch of balloons and create some magical shots when they release them.

Photo by Alison Davis Photography via Groom Sold Separately

If you want something fun to celebrate with after the ceremony, wedding wands are a great alternative to confetti. Guests will have a bit of craic waving these about and they can be easily made in your wedding colours to tie the day together nicely.

Photo by Josh Gordon Photos & Cinema via Style Me Pretty

If you’re looking to create a cheery, colour-filled exit, these little guys will work a treat! Pop poms are lots of fun and the photographer will have a ball capturing shots of everyone throwing these about.

Credits: 1. Photo by Amelia Lyon via Style Me Pretty | 2. Photo via Southern Weddings

If you and your new hubby or wife love your travel or have a bit of a jet-setting history, paper planes would make a great ceremony exit idea! Easy to make and great in photos, guests will have so much fun throwing these at the happy couple post-ceremony as well.

Credits: 1. Photo by Corbin Gurkin via Southern Weddings | 2. & 3. Photo by Lili Durkin via Style Me Pretty

If you’re looking to create a fun and uplifting exit, streamers will do the job brilliantly! These party faves look amazing in photos and they’re sure to add to the celebratory atmosphere.

Photo by Bryan Miller Photography

Like wedding wands, flags are another really fun option for venues that have banned all things confetti-like. Get creative and have your names or initials printed on them or cute slogans like ‘Yay’ and ‘Hooray’ or even little love hearts in honour of the romantic occasion.

If you’re looking to create a bit of a party atmosphere, this cute little idea will work a treat! Have your guests greet you with mini tambourines for a fun, festive vibe. Check out the tutorial for these lace tambourines here.

If you’re having a summer wedding, you might like the idea of making your ceremony exit to lots of bubbles bobbing in the air! You can be guaranteed your guests will love a bit of nostalgic fun with their bubbles too.

Credits: 1. Photo from Maeve & Dylan’s real wedding by Tomasz Kornas Photography | 2. Photo by Clean Plate Pictures via Wedding Chicks

If you’re a fan of hurling, this could be a brilliant way to make your big exit. Get your pals to create an arch with hurls as you make your first journey as newlyweds! And as you can see from Laura and Graham’s Big Day, the pics are epic too.

Photo from Laura & Graham’s real wedding by Paul Kelly | Studio 3

If you’re looking for a romantic but eco-friendly alternative to confetti, flower petals and lavender would make for a fab exit. Plus they’ll smell gorgeous too! If you’re not keen on a flowery option, dried herbs or bird seed (pair it with a love bird sign for extra cuteness) will work a treat as well.

Credits: 1. Photo via SustyParty.com | 2. Photo by Nina Clarke Photography via Rock n Roll Bride

If you’re tying the knot in autumn, make use of natures offerings and have your guests shower you with leaves in gorgeous rusty tones as you leave the ceremony. Or if you’ve opted for a fairytale winter wedding, fake snow would be equally as gorgeous.

Credits: 1. Photo via Sorta | 2. Photo via Mavora on Etsy

The post 11 Creative & Fun Ceremony Exit Ideas appeared first on weddingsonline.

We’ve covered the most reviewed wedding venues, wedding bands, hair stylists and makeup artists so today we’re shining a spotlight on the people that create a beautiful atmosphere at your wedding ceremony – your wedding musicians and singers! Your music will bring so much emotion to the occasion so it’s worth spending some time listening to samples or watching supplier videos to get an idea of their style and checking reviews. Whether you’re looking for a beautiful singer, harpist or a whole group of musicians for your wedding ceremony, you’ll be spoilt for choice with some incredibly gifted wedding musicians and singers in our supplier directory. We’ve rounded up the 11 most reviewed wedding musicians on weddingsonline – check them out below…

Looking to see what other couples are saying about your wedding suppliers? Pop over to their profile page to check out their feedback or leave a review!

Something Blue Acoustics | View Profile

“Damien and Kelly were fantastic. They were a joy to work with both in the run up to our wedding and on the day. They were so helpful with picking our music and nothing was too much trouble. Tons of our guests remarked how great the music was. We would have no hesitation in recommending them to friends and family. We’d be eager to book them for any future family events or celebrations. Thank you both so much!!”

Steve & Sean – Married June 2017

Lucy Kavanagh Singer & Pianist | View Profile

“Lucy played at a friend’s wedding a few years ago… her voice gave me goosebumps and had such soul that I knew when I got married there was no way she wasn’t going to be singing at my wedding! Dealing with Lucy from afar (Oz) was so easy, she was so helpful and responded to every question so quickly, nothing was too much trouble. After selecting the songs, I couldn’t wait to get married just to hear her voice! The service was filled with the most beautiful singing you’ve ever heard, her voice has so much emotion, and will make every hair on your body stand to attention! So many of our guests have been asking who that girl was with the voice! To any couple looking for a wedding singer, I highly recommend Lucy.”

Tracey – Married March 2017

Nicola McGuire – Church Singer & Wedding Band | View Profile

“I would highly recommend Nicola as a singer for your wedding. She was very professional to deal with and when she sang ‘O Holy Night’ you could hear a pin drop in the church! All our guests were and are still commenting on the music. Her voice is amazing. We booked Nicola for the church and her band ‘The Cosmonauts’ for our reception. The dance floor was packed all night! Booking Nicola for the church, band and DJ ensured the music ran seamlessly for the day.”

Susan – Married December 2016

Brenda Grealis – Harpist, Pianist, Singer | View Profile

“Brenda is a joy to deal with. Her musical talent on the harp, flute and piano and singing at our wedding in Ballintubber Abbey ensured there was not a dry eye in the house. A wonderful and exceptionally talented woman and we cannot recommend her enough.”

Oliva & Ben – Married April 2017

Grainne & John – Harpist & Wedding Singers | View Profile

“Just a mini message to thank Grainne and John enormously for participating so beautifully in our marriage ceremony! They were a huge hit with our guests and really gave the ceremony a special edge that people weren’t expecting! Even some of our friends that would pay no heed to the ceremony not to mention the music were commenting on how amazing and talented they both were! In summary and in a fair and balanced way, the service provided by Grainne and John was sensational! I can’t recommend them enough!”

Celine & Alan – Married February 2017

Rachel Reid –  Soprano Sounds | View Profile

“Rachel played at our wedding in Kilcock, Co. Kildare. She was absolutely amazing! She has a beautiful singing voice and is a fantastic harpist. Many of our guests commented about how lovely the music was at the church. I would highly recommend Rachel – you will not be disappointed.”

Orla and Alan – Married April 2017

John Walsh Guitar | View Profile

“John Walsh can only be described as a creative musical genius!! He is absolutely gifted. He flawlessly played guitar for our Catholic Church ceremony – he played a mixture of classical, traditional and contemporary. He also played at our drinks reception, setting the relaxed and chilled out tone for the day! Everyone commented on the music! It went down a treat! He provided us with lasting memories of the best day of our lives. John genuinely cares about the happiness of the bride and groom. He is down to earth and so interested in what he does. Have him at your wedding, and I promise he won’t disappoint.”

Fiona & Ross – Married April 2017

Craddog – Contemporary Trad & Ceili/Pop/Rock’n’Roll | View Profile

“We got married in June 2016. Craddog performed the music for the church ceremony and at the drinks reception. They are absolutely amazing musicians. We had guests from all over the world at our wedding and they certainly loved the music – the mixture of slow airs, reels, jigs. The music in the church was exactly what we wanted and certainly enriched the ceremony. We would highly recommend Craddog for any wedding. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Craddog.”

Una & Dave – Married June 2016

Una Predeschi – Wedding Singer | View Profile

“Una, I want to thank you so much for your beautiful singing at our wedding ceremony, your voice was magical and you made it so special for us. You have such a lovely tone and you put emotion into every word. Everyone commented on your beautiful voice and wanted to know all about you. Thanks so much again Una, it means so much to us both. I would highly recommend you to anyone, you have such a talent and are so professional.”

Miriam & Richie – Married May 2017

Sinead Nic Gabhann – Ceremony & Drinks Reception Singer | View Profile

“I don’t normally leave reviews but I just had to for Sinead because she is so amazing! Her voice is unbelievable, she is a joy to deal with and she has such a wide range of music to pick from. The church was the highlight of our day and this is due to the atmosphere that Sinead created. So many people asked us who she was. Even my husband turned to me during mass and said ‘Jesus, she’s good’. Believe me, that’s a huge compliment. Thanks again Sinead, you are amazing!!”

Annie – Married April 2017

Nikki Kavanagh – Wedding Singer | View Profile

“Nikki was incredible on our wedding day, both in the church and at our drinks reception. Her voice is amazing and the atmosphere she created was just gorgeous. All of our guests were blown away by her and her musician and they really added to the magic of our day. Thanks Nikki!!”

Sarah & Paudie – Married December 2016

Main photo by Moat Hill Photography

The post The 11 Most Reviewed Wedding Ceremony Musicians on weddingsonline appeared first on weddingsonline.

A lot of our real wedding couples pick out their wedding ceremony as a wedding day highlight – it’s such a special part of the Big Day. And if you’re looking to have a romantic and fitting setting, there are some gorgeous items you can pick up to make it extra special. From the cutest signs and adorable accessories for your flower girl or page boy (you can find everything from wings for your little ladies to awesome security badges for the page boys) to bubbles, flags and tambourines for your big exit, today’s edit will give you lots of lovely ideas for your own wedding ceremony. Another popular idea is to have some personalised wedding candles for your lighting ceremony or in honour of lost loved ones – check out some beautiful candles over on WeddingCandles.ie and Wogansecrets or if you’d like a remembrance sign, River Lane Memories and Jazzy Creationz have some lovely options. Check out more fab buys and inspo below…

1. ‘Pick a Seat, Not a Side’ Sign

Photo from Sinead & Erich’s real wedding by Linda Clarke Photography

‘Today Two Families Become One’ Sign, €8.75 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique, Ireland

2. Personalised Wedding Signs

Signs by River Lane Memories, Ireland

3. ‘Daddy Here Comes Mammy’ Sign

Photo via Etsy | ‘Daddy Here Comes Mammy’ Sign, €25 from WeddingCandles.ie, Ireland

4. Oversized Flower

Photo by Belathee Photography via Style Me Pretty

Similar Giant White Rose Prop, €44 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique, Ireland

5. Ring Security Badge

Ring Security Badge, €6.98 from ZCreate Design on Etsy

6. Flower Girl Wings

Photo by Nikki James Photography via MisManos

Similar Glitter Wings, €9.99 from Claire’s

7. Hessian Love Birds Flower Girl Basket

Flower Girl Basket, $35 from 4 Love Polka Dots

8. Giant Balloon

Photo by Suzie Lawrence Photography via French Wedding Style

Giant Balloons (set of 3), €7 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique, Ireland

9. Hessian & Lace Ring Pillow

Photo by Sophie Delaveau via Style Me Pretty

Hessian Ring Pillow, €13.50 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique, Ireland

10. Hessian Love Birds Ring Pillow

Love Birds Pillow, $35 from 4 Love Polka Dots

11. Mr & Mrs Ring Dish

Photo by Katie Lopez Photography

Mr & Mrs Ring Dish, €12.50 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique, Ireland

12. Personalised Wooden Ring Box

Personalised Wooden Box, $35 from 4 Love Polka Dots

13. Personalised Knitted Heart Ring Pillow

Heart Ring Pillow, $30 from 4 Love Polka Dots

14. Wedding Tissues for ‘Tears of Joy’

Photo from Maeve & Dylan’s real wedding by Tomasz Kornas Photography

Wedding Tissues available from Amazon

15. Lace Tambourines for Ceremony Exit

Photo via Honestly

Mini Lace Tambourines (Set of 5), €9.50 from Paperchase

16. Bubble Wands for Ceremony Exit

Photo from Maeve & Dylan’s real wedding by Tomasz Kornas Photography

Bubble Wands (set of 24), €9.95 from Paperchase

17. Hooray Flags for Ceremony Exit

Photo by Ricon Fotografie via Wedding Chicks

Ivory & Gold Hooray Wedding Flags (pack of 10), €5.60 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique, Ireland

18. Wedding Wands

Photo by Ashley Ludaescher via Style Me Pretty

Silver Wedding Wands, €9 from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique, Ireland

19. Remembrance Sign

Remembrance Sign by Jazzy Creationz, Ireland

20. Personalised Wedding Candles

Personalised Candle by WeddingCandles.ie, Ireland | Our Wedding Day Candle by Wogansecrets, Ireland

The post 20 Brilliant Ceremony Decor Buys for Your Big Day appeared first on weddingsonline.

Ireland boasts some incredible wedding venues with beautiful spaces for your civil or humanist ceremony, perfect for couples looking to have their wedding all in the one place! Here’s our list of Irish civil ceremony venues for all four seasons and all types of tastes, from country rustic to urban chic. Scroll below and see how the registry office isn’t the only place to say ‘I do!’

St Peter’s Cork

For a civil ceremony and reception in Cork, consider a venue that will impress and astound every guest in equal measure: the former medieval church of St Peter’s Cork. The combination of contemporary design and ancient architecture is truly unique, and they accommodate weddings between 4 and 300 guests, thanks to a variety of spaces. Civil ceremonies, civil partnerships, humanist and spiritual ceremonies are all welcome.

Cork City Gaol

Just minutes from Cork city centre you’ll find the Cork City Gaol. Built in the 1800s, it has a striking appearance of a castle, complemented by all the modern amenities for the perfect wedding ceremony for up to 150 guests. You won’t be exchanging your vows in a nondescript room, but in a dramatic space with tall windows, a striking mezzanine and a stone floor fit for royalty to walk on. Fabulous photos guaranteed, indoors as well as on the lovely grounds.

The Stone House at Moyvalley Hotel

Style, opulence, exquisite elegance – the Moyvalley Hotel & Balyna House in Kildare is for couples who want a real show-stopper of a ceremony and reception. The civil ceremonies take place in the Stone House, a period building on the estate. Dramatic chandeliers, wood beam ceilings and stone walls are an unusual backdrop to vows and photos. There’s room for up to 100 guests to share your special day. See more photos from Sharon & Jamie’s real wedding by Konrad Kubic Photograpy.

The Old Mill at The Millhouse

The Millhouse in Slane has something very special for your vows: the Ceremony Room in the Old Mill. Originally an old Georgian industrial space, it’s been transformed into a character-full interior that beautifully combines double-height ceilings, exposed brick walls and twinkling chandeliers. It’s large enough for 200 guests, and believe us when we say, they will all rave about it.

The Old Turntable at The Station House Hotel

What if you want to say your vows outside? Just 20 miles from Dublin, you’ll find The Station House Hotel, a site of a former railway station. It features a civil ceremony venue you won’t find anywhere else – in the original old turntable, revealed among the trees after a short walk through the garden. Prepare to hear the gasps of delight from the guests – up to 70 in the circle, plus more seated or standing around the turntable. The couple step onto the elevated stone plate for their vows. Expect beautiful and unusual pictures!

The Chapel at BrookLodge & Macreddin Village

The secluded Wicklow Valley feels like you’re no longer in Ireland, but in fact, it’s just an hour away from South Dublin. There, you’ll find BrookLodge & Macreddin Village. It looks like a film set, but has wonderful rustic intimacy ideal for your special day. The ceremonies take place in Macreddin Chapel, or just outside among the old trees. You’ll walk across a bridge to see up to 150 guests seated in a truly enchanting space.

The Orangery or the Mill, Cliff at Lyons

There are two ceremony spaces to delight you at the Cliff at Lyons, in Celbridge, Kildare. The first is The Mill, where up to 160 guests will hear you exchange your vows while a cascading waterfall tinkles romantically in the background. The second is the beautiful Turner-designed Orangery, featuring glass walls and domed ceiling, letting in plenty of light. After your civil ceremony, enjoy drinks and canapes in the 17th century courtyard.

No. 25 Fitzwilliam Place and Suesey Street Restaurant

When in Dublin, you don’t have to go to the registry office for your civil ceremony – choose the wonderful No 25 Fitzwilliam Place, or its sister venue, Suesey Street Restaurant. They’re ideal for couples who want a chic city wedding with style, character and incredible photo opportunities. Tell up to 100 of your friends and family to come to Dublin’s famous Georgian Mile, to see you exchange vows and then dine on wonderful cuisine.

The Tin Chapel at Mount Druid

Quaint and nestled among the trees, the Tin Chapel at Mount Druid in Castletown Geoghegan is perfect for couples who love simplicity. Although it’s an unconsecrated space, its design echoes a church, with a slanted roof, high ceilings and peaked windows. Neutral interior colours of gray and brown lend themselves beautifully to personalising with colourful decorations. Best of all, the Tin Chapel accommodates up to 200 guests, so there’s no need to exclude anyone between your ceremony and reception at Mount Druid. See more photos of the Tin Chapel in Roseanne & Emmett’s real wedding by David Maury Photography.

The Victorian Chapel at Markree Castle Hotel

Freshly reopened in March 2017, Sligo’s Markree Castle Hotel wows with 17th century charm in beautiful surroundings. Its Victorian chapel lends a true sense of occasion and grandeur, with blue walls, elegant wood panelling, gorgeous stained glass windows, and an original church organ. It’s intimate yet impressive, with capacity for up to 190 guests. If you want the ‘wow’ factor, this splendid civil ceremony space has it.

The Rooftop Terrace at The Marker Hotel

Make the breathtaking Dublin skyline the backdrop for your ‘I do’s’ by holding your civil ceremony at The Marker Hotel’s rooftop bar and terrace. Whether it’s middle of the day, or at twilight with the city lights twinkling as far as the eye can see, it will be a memorable day! You’ll walk in over a gold carpet with up to 70 guests witnessing your vows. This is an excellent civil ceremony venue option if you want a warm yet contemporary celebration.

The Magical Woodland or the Orchard Room at Clonabreany House

At Clonabreany House in Kells, County Meath, you have a choice of two civil ceremony venues. The first is the Orchard Room, featuring stunning views over Sliabhna Caillighe and the mystical Loughcrew Cairns. Or if you envision a magical woodland event, then their Tunnel Wood will give you that outdoor perfection. Invite up to 220 guests to celebrate together; they’ll love the beautiful grounds, interiors and menus.

The Gardens at Beaufield Mews

Just four miles from Dublin city centre you’ll find your ideal location for outdoor ceremonies. The gardens at Beaufield Mews Restaurant & Gardens aren’t your ordinary green spaces – they have to be seen! We’re talking a secret garden with rose-covered walls, flowers wherever you look, reached by following a line of olive trees. A white canopy will add even more sense of the occasion, and of course the photos will be spectacular. This haven is as romantic as it gets.

Main photo via Cliff at Lyons

The post 13 Magnificent Civil Ceremony Venues in Ireland appeared first on weddingsonline.

Music plays a big part in your wedding and really brings some emotion and personality to your day. Picking your songs can seem easy in theory, but when you get down to it, inspiration can be a bit of a problem. So to help you fly through your decision, we asked ceremony musicians what songs they would recommend for the Bridal Entrance, Lighting the Candles, Signing the Register and the Ceremony Exit. They’ve come up with some gorgeous ideas – check them out below…

Irish Music Weddings – Uilleann Pipes, Flute and Whistles | View Profile

Bridal Entrance: It’s funny, but almost any piece of music will work for the bridal entrance as it all comes down to the day itself – the strangest choice in the world just seems to be perfect on the day! That said, I think that Gabriel’s Oboe (Nella Fantasia) is really gorgeous. And what I often suggest to clients is that I play the piece on tin whistle for the bridal procession of flower girls and bridesmaids, switching then to the pipes for the bride herself. This makes for a lovely bit of understated drama as people anticipate the arrival of the bride, and then the switch to the pipes lets them feel that the big moment has arrived!

Lighting the Candles: A short happy piece is lovely here for both candle ceremonies. I often suggest Sí Bheag Sí Mhór on low whistle for the individual candles. You can then use the same piece after the marriage vows but this time on the flute. The flute has the same basic tone as the low whistle but with a lot more power – perfectly congratulatory…!!!

Signing the Register: A mix of background music is best here I find. People have been well behaved for so long and they need to let off steam. Better not to expect quiet attention at this point!

Ceremony Exit: Again, something celebratory is perfect here. My two favourites are Carolan’s Concerto and Haste to the Wedding.

Weddings by Laura O’Neill | View Profile

A Bridal Entrance should make a statement for your big day… this is the first piece of music people will hear on your wedding day. You’ve three style options that work well here:

Classical Instrumental Style – Canon in D

#TotesEmosh, get them crying style – A Moment Like This or First Time Ever I Saw

Easy Going/laid back – Thinking Out Loud or How Long Will I Love You

Lighting of the candles is literally 30 seconds and sometimes rolls into your first song so don’t get bogged down on this. Something like Nella Fantasia works well or else an instrumental continuation of your first song.

Claire Malone Church Singer | View Profile

Some popular songs lately for bridal entrance have been: How Long Will I Love You, A Thousand Years and I Wanna Grow Old With You. Canon in D is always a popular and traditional one. I recommend to have an instrumental for the candle lighting as it’s so quick here and I feel sounds nicer. For signing of the register, The Voyage, Song Bird, Somewhere Over the Rainbow are beautiful. If you’re in a church, you can sing modern songs here. I always say think lively for ceremony exit – People are clapping and cheering. Pick something fun such as Signed, Sealed, Delivered., It Must Be Love, Greatest Day, You’ve Got the Love, Happy Days etc.

Michele Feeney Wedding Singer | View Profile

Bridal Entrance: Canon in D by Pachelbel (Instrumental) or A Thousand Years (Sung))

Lighting the Candles: The Water is Wide (Instrumental)

Signing the Register: This I Promise You by Ronan Keating, Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis

Ceremony Exit: Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder, Happy by Pharrell Williams.

Church on Time Wedding Music | View Profile

Bridal Entrance: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, Feels Like Home by Randy Newman -Edwina Hayes version, The Wedding (Ave Maria-Julie Roberts), You’re My Best Friend by The ONCE/Queen

Lighting the Candles: 1 verse of Kentish Town Waltz by Imelda May, Songbird by Fleetwood
Mac, No Frontiers by Jimmy McCarthy

Signing the Register: If You Were To Fall by Christy Hennessey, The Voyage by Christy Moore

Ceremony Exit: Flowers in the Window by Travis, You’re My Best Friend by Queen (The ONCE version).

Cadence Music | View Profile

My personal choice as to what is most popular would be:

Bridal Entrance: Pachelbel’s Canon in D or Raglan Road

Lighting the Candles: Ag Criost an Siol or Gabriel’s Oboe

Signing the Register: Generally it’s the couples choice as mass has officially ended. If the couples prefer contemporary music I would choose: Sigur Ros, Hippopola or if Traditional Irish – She Moved Through the Fair, Tabhair Dom do Lamh, if we haven’t already played it during the Sign of Peace

Recessional: One Day Like This by Elbow, or Traditional Irish – O’Carolan’s Concerto or a good set of Reels or Jigs.

Bow Musique | View Profile

Bridal Entrance: Traditional: Canon in D by Pachelbel, Bridal Chorus (Wagner), Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke). Modern: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.

Lighting the Candles: Air on a G String (Bach), Gabriel’s Oboe (Morricone), She Moved Through the Fair.

Signing the Register: Songs associated with love and happiness are played here such as All You Need is Love by The Beatles, Portuguese Love Theme from Love Actually.

Ceremony Exit: Traditional: Wedding March (Mendelssohn). Modern: Here comes the Sun by The Beatles and I’m Yours by Jason Mraz.

Emma Reynolds Music | View Profile

Ideally the songs that I would recommend for the different parts of the wedding ceremony are the songs that mean the most to the couple that are getting married. I am always available to help you choose something special. For a Bridal Entrance, lovely choices include She Moves Through The Fair, From This Moment On, Songbird and Ave Maria. There are also some beautiful instrumental pieces.

For the Lighting of the Candles, here are a few suggestions: How Long Will I Love You?, Make Us One, Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace and Only A Shadow. It is a short part of the ceremony and often an instrumental can suit better.

For the Signing Of the Register there are many very suitable choices. Here are some songs to consider: Amazing Grace, A Thousand Years, This I Promise You, The Voyage, May It Be, You Are Mine and Fields Of Gold.

For the Ceremony Exit, here are a few song options: At Last gets a great reaction. Other songs that are good for the recessional are These Are The Days, Bless The Broken Road, I Choose You, Feels Like Home, The Wind Beneath My Wings, Ave Maria, Beautiful Day and Greatest Day.

Nicola McGuire, Church Singer & Wedding Band | View Profile

I always encourage couples to choose music that will reflect them as a couple. I have a large repertoire of music and songs to choose from. Of course, I have some favourites. For Bridal Entrance, I love The Book of Love, A Thousand Years, How Long Will I Love You and the song I walked up the aisle to myself, Songbird.

For lighting of candles, I recommend an instrumental piece as the candle lighting itself is quite quick. My favourites are: For the Love of A Princess (Braveheart), The Feather Song (Forest Gump) and A River Flows in You (Yiruma)

Signing of the Register, again it should reflect the couple and their own personality. I recently had a Metallica mad groom so we included Nothing Else Matters. If you love a traditional Irish feel, perhaps Bright Blue Rose, She Moved Through the Fair and an instrumental version of Erin Shore. I had a bride recently who’s Father loved Elvis Presley so we included Love Me Tender and Can’t Help Falling in Love at the register signing.

For leaving the ceremony, I always suggest something fun and up tempo. Your guests are cheering wildly as you walk down the aisle and the song should reflect this. It sets the tone for the afternoon ahead. Some of my favourites are: Ho Hey by The Lumineers, Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson, Best Day of Our Lives by American Authors, All You Need is Love by The Beatles, You’ve Got the Love by Florence & The Machine.

Sonya Grimes – Wedding Singer | View Profile

Some of my ceremony music recommendations are:

Processional: Jonathan Cain’s Bridal Chorus (Instrumental), Twilight Saga’s Turning Pages or Nella Fantasia

Candle Lighting: J. Horner – A Gift of a Thistle (Instrumental) or Bocelli – The Prayer

Register Signing: Lilly Allen – Somewhere Only we Know or Des’ree – Kissing You

Ceremony Exit: Elbow – One Day Like This or Stevie Wonder – Signed Sealed, Delivered.

Weddings by Aisling Connolly | View Profile

For civil and church weddings I feel the entrance of the bride and her bridal party is the most important part of the ceremony. Most women dream of this moment since they are little girls so it is very important to choose the right song! I recommend choosing a song that represents the couple. Maybe a song that was played when you first met or maybe a song you both just really like. It’s a moment you will remember forever so don’t hesitate to ask your church singer or ceremony singer to learn a song they are not yet familiar with. This should never be a problem. Some of my favourites are:

Bridal Entrance: Perfect by Ed Sheeran, This I Promise You by Ronan Keating/Donna Target, Feels Like Home by Chantal Kraviask

Lighting the Candles: Glasgow Love Theme, Pachebel’s Canon in D, Nella Fantasia, Gabriel’s Oboe

Signing the Register: How Long Will I Love You by Ellie Goulding, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, All You Need is Love (my own version), Just like Heaven by Katie Melua

Exit: I would recommend something upbeat such as For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder and Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder and I’m Yours by Jason Mraz.

Niamh Murphy – Wedding Singer | View Profile

For the bridal entrance, I’m loving Turning Page by Sleeping at Last (The Twilight Series wedding song). I recently sang it for a wedding and I enjoyed learning it so much. Other songs I would recommend would be Ellie Goulding’s version of How Long Will I Love You?, Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years never fails to make the hairs stand on the back of your neck! Of course, depending on what the couple want, you could have something a bit more quirky like In My Life by The Beatles. Cat Power’s version of The Sea Of Love is one I’m asked for a lot also.

For the lighting of the candles, I generally advise to keep it instrumental as short pieces are best for the individual and unity candles. She Moves Through the Fair can be lovely here. I love that I’m always being asked to learn new pieces for weddings so while many of you (like me!) may not have heard of this, it’s definitely worth checking out Sugar Cane by Ana Olgica. Absolutely beautiful piece of music, can work really nicely for exchanging of vows in secular ceremonies also.

Signing of the Register: I recorded a version of Ingrid Michaelson’s I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You and I have been asked to sing it so many times. I never tire of it. Bright Eyes First Day Of My Life is one I love doing also. James Vincent McMorrow’s Higher Love can be great here too.

For the ceremony exit I usually recommend a lively, upbeat song which is what the couple usually want also. Bill Withers Lovely Day, Florence and the Machine You’ve Got The Love, Stevie Wonder Signed, Sealed,Delivered, Here Comes The Sun or All You Need Is Love by the Beatles and for an unusual one Be My Baby by The Ronettes.

Catherine Heffron Wedding Music | View Profile

I always recommend a simple piece for the entrance as a bride will feel less pressure to have to walk a ‘certain pace’ to keep time with the music or if she speeds up it’s not a problem, the most popular I’ve done is Pachelbel’s Canon in D, my favourite to play would be The Secret Wedding from Braveheart.

For lighting of the candles, I love the synchronicity of using a simple piece to tie both the lighting of the individual candles then the marriage candles together, like using an instrumental version of She Moved Through the Fair for the first and singing it for the second. This has been a popular idea among my previous couples.

The Signing of the Register, I believe should be a sentimental piece to the couple, the last I played was Nothing Else Matters by Metallica.

The Exit, I always recommend using a song that was a runner up for the couple’s first dance! It obviously means something to them and can set the tone for the party!

Grace Dunne Professional Vocalist | View Profile

Songs that I can suggest for your Entrance are:  A Thousand Years, How Long Will I Love You, From this Moment, In a Country Churchyard, She Moved Through the Fair, Marry Me, All of Me, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.

Beautiful instrumentals are Canon in D, Nella Fantasia or the Bridal Chorus. These can also continue to play if you are lighting your candles before you sit down. If not, songs that I can suggest are: One Hand, One Heart from West Side Story, Christ Be Our Light (hymn), Gabriel’s Oboe, Air on a G String, Canon in D. Please bear in mind this only needs a short 20 – 30 second piece of music.

Signing of the register: Clouds Veil, For Once in My Life, Feels Like Home, Come Away With Me, The Rose, All I Want is You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Still the One, Time after Time, You Light Up My Life, More than Words, Falling Slowly, The Dance, Say a Little Prayer, Songbird, Fields of Gold.

Recessional: Love is All Around Us, Perfect Day, Walking on Sunshine, One Day Like This, Crazy Love, At Last, I Won’t Give Up on Us, Rule the World, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Next to Me, Higher Love, Feeling Good, Amazed.

Brenda Grealis – Harpist, Pianist, Singer | View Profile

I recommend slow and elegant music for walking up the aisle. I can perform instrumental or vocal. My recommended instrument would be the harp but I can also play piano or flute. I regularly perform Pachelbel’s Canon In D on harp or Game Of Thrones Theme Tune (Classical), 1000 years or Perfect by Ed Sheerin and either can sound beautiful as harp instrumentals or can be sung. Nella Fantasia, Sally Gardens are other popular choices. The music during the ceremony should be meaningful and personal while suitable for the type of ceremony. If a song is deemed unsuitable, it can easily be performed as a harp or piano instrumental. The recessional music should be happy and upbeat to represent the moment.

Karin Professional Singer | View Profile

For the Bridal Entrance, normally a slow song, something meaningful to the couple is chosen, it doesn’t need to be something religious, a song that will set the tone for your special day. Popular choices are At Last by Etta James/Beyonce, Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, The One by Kodaline.

Typically, music during the Lighting of the Candles is Instrumental as this is usually about 30 seconds in duration, alternatively a chorus from your favourite song can be sung, whether slow such as What The World Needs Now Is Love or upbeat like This Little Light Of Mine.

Music for the Signing of the Register can also be secular as the Mass has ended. Something slow and meaningful such as Make You Feel My Love or upbeat and celebratory such as Signed, Sealed, Delivered goes down a treat.

Recessional – It’s party time! Let’s celebrate! You’ve just tied the knot, married your true love and are ready to celebrate with your loved ones, something upbeat and fun is most appropriate! Oh Happy Day, You’ve Got The Love, The Greatest Day are all popular choices.

Fiona Kennedy – Singer & Guitarist | View Profile

Bridal Entrance: The One – Kodaline, How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding, Wherever You Will Go – Calling, Songbird – Eva Cassidy, Wings – Birdy

Lighting the Candles: Nothing Else Matters – Metallica, You Are a Shining Light – Ash, All of Me – John Legend, All I Want is You – U2

Signing the Register: Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran, God Bless the Broken Road – Rascal Flats, Crazy Love – Van Morrison, To Make You Feel My Love – Adele

Exit: All You Need is Love – Beatles, One Day Like This – Elbow, L.O.V.E. – Sinatra, Higher & Higher – Al Greene

WAVE – Acoustic Duo | View Profile

Usually I recommend music in some or all of the following places in the ceremony:

Entrance: Usually something personal to the bride
Candle Ceremony: (I usually recommend an instrumental here)
Psalm: Eagles Wings, Be Not Afraid, You Are Mine
Gospel Acclamation: Hallelujah, Seinn Alleluia
Candle Ceremony: (Again an instrumental)

Offertory: Ag Criost an Siol, Down In The River to Pray
Communion: Amazing Grace, Ave Maria, A Mhuire Mhathair
Signing of the Register: Usually something personal to the couple
Exit: Again, something personal to the couple

Carys Ann Evans – Harpist | View Profile

Popular Bridal Entrance choices at the moment are anything and everything from the classical Canon in D, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri or even something very different such as the Game of Thrones Theme Tune which one bride wanted as a surprise for her hubby-to-be!

Lorraine Galvin – Soprano & Wedding Soloist | View Profile

Popular Bridal processional pieces that I have tried and tested after nearly 20 years of performing for weddings are Nella Fantasia – Ferrau/Morracone, How Long Will I love You – Ellie Goulding and A Thousand Years – Christina Perri.

Lighting of the Candles: I Giorni – Einaudi, The Secret Garden – Horner (Braveheart), Feather Theme – Silvestri (Forest Gump).

Signing of the Register: O Mio Babbino Caro Puccini, All I Ask of You – Llyod Webber, To Make You Feel My Love – Dylan/Adele, All of Me – John Legend

Bridal Recessional: Here Comes the Sun – Beatles, Take My Hand – Picture This or Il Mondo e Nostro AKA Rule the World by Take That sung in Italian with a classical twist.

Olivia O’Hanlon Music – Wedding Singer | View Profile

Its hard to recommend certain songs as a wedding ceremony is so personal to each couple but here is this year’s top 5 in each category.

Entrance: A Thousand Years, This I Promise You, Canon in D, How Long Will I Love You and Songbird.

Lighting of the Candles: Lake Isle of Inisfree, The Rose, Ave Maria, Groovy Kind of Love (always instrumental music used here).

Signing of the Register: Feels like Home, Raglan Road, I Get to Love You, With or Without You, Caledonia.

Ceremony Exit: Ain’t Nobody, Signed Sealed Delivered, From this Moment, You Got the Love, Higher & Higher.

Main photo from Blathnat & Alan’s real wedding by Ebony & Pearl Photography

The post Expert Advice: Song Suggestions for the Bridal Entrance, Signing the Register and Ceremony Exit appeared first on weddingsonline.

For touching, romantic and sweet non-religious wedding readings, look no further! Here’s our selection of some of the best passages and poems about love and marriage.  These can be read by the bride, the groom, or specially chosen members of the wedding party.

Excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

What is REAL?’ asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. ‘Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?’

‘Real isn’t how you are made,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘It’s a thing that happens to you. When someone loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.’

‘Does it hurt? Asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. ‘When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’ ‘Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,’ he asked, ‘or bit by bit?’

‘It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.’

‘I suppose you are real?’ said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse only smiled. ‘Someone made me Real,’ he said. ‘That was a great many years ago; but once you are Real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.’

A Red Red Rose by Robert Burns

O my Luve’s like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve’s like the melodie
That’s sweetly played in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry:
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.

Union by Robert Fulghum

You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks — all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will and you will and we will” — those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” — and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed — well I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another — acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you two. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, “this is my husband,” “this is my wife.”

 The Art of Marriage by Wilferd Peterson

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things…
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.
It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.

Excerpt from Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity – in freedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern. The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now. Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits – islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides.

All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum

Most of what I really need
To know about how to live
And what to do and how to be
I learned in kindergarten.
Wisdom was not at the top
Of the graduate school mountain,
But there in the sandpile at Sunday school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don’t hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.

Remember the little seed in the styrofoam cup:
The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody
really knows how or why, but we are all like that.

Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even
the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die.
So do we.

And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books
and the first word you learned – the biggest
word of all – LOOK.

Excerpt from The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches… I have stayed these years in my hovel because of you. I have taught myself languages because of you. I have made my body strong because I thought you might be pleased by a strong body. I have lived my life with only the prayer that some sudden dawn you might glance in my direction. I have not known a moment in years when the sight of you did not send my heart careening against my rib cage. I have not known a night when your visage did not accompany me to sleep. There has not been a morning when you did not flutter behind my waking eyelids…

I love you. Okay? Want it louder? I love you. Spell it out, should I? I ell-oh-vee-ee why-oh-you. Want it backward? You love I…

I’ve been saying it so long to you, you just wouldn’t listen. Every time you said, ‘Farm Boy, do this’, you thought I was answering, ‘As you wish’, but that’s only because you were hearing wrong. ‘I love you’ was what it was, but you never heard.”

To My Dear and Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me ye women if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold,
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay;
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let’s so persever,
That when we live no more we may live ever.

Excerpt from Anne’s House of Dreams by L M Montgomery

It was a happy and beautiful bride who came down the old, homespun-carpeted stairs that September noon – the first bride of Green Gables, slender and shining-eyed, in the mist of her maiden veil, with her arms full of roses. Gilbert, waiting for her in the hall below, looked up at her with adoring eyes. She was his at last, this evasive, long-sought Anne, won after years of patient waiting. It was to him she was coming in the sweet surrender of the bride. Was he worthy of her? Could he make her as happy as he hoped? If he failed her – if he could not measure up to her standard of manhood – then, as she held out her hand, their eyes met and all doubt was swept away in a glad certainty. They belonged to each other; and, no matter what life might hold for them, it could never alter that. Their happiness was in each other’s keeping and both were unafraid.

On Your Wedding Day by unknown author

Today is a day you will always remember
The greatest in anyone’s life
You’ll start off the day just two people in love
And end it as Husband and Wife
It’s a brand new beginning the start of a journey
With moments to cherish and treasure
And although there’ll be time when you both disagree
These will surely be outweighed by pleasure
You’ll have heard many words of advice in the past
When the secrets of marriage were spoken
But you know that the answers lie hidden inside
Where the bond of tru love lies unbroken
So live happy forever as lovers and friends
It’s the dawn of a new life for you
As you stand there together with love in your eyes
From the moment you whisper ‘I do’
And with luck, all your hopes, and your dreams can be real
May success find its way to your hearts
Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys
But today is the day it all starts.

Maybe by Anonymous

Maybe, we are supposed to meet the wrong people before meeting the right one so that, when we finally meet the right person, we will know how to be grateful for that gift.
Maybe, it is true that we don’t know what we have got until we lose it, but it is also true that we don’t know what we have been missing until it arrives.
Maybe, the happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way.
Maybe, the best kind of love is the kind you can sit on a sofa together and never say a word, and then walk away feeling like it was the best conversation you’ve ever had.
Maybe, you shouldn’t go for looks; they can deceive. Don’t go for wealth; even that fades away. Go for someone who makes you smile, because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.
Maybe, you should hope for enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy.
Maybe, love is not about finding the perfect person, it’s about learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

Us Two by A.A. Milne

Wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,
There’s always Pooh and Me.
Whatever I do, he wants to do,
“Where are you going today?” says Pooh:
“Well, that’s very odd ‘cos I was too.
Let’s go together,” says Pooh, says he.
“Let’s go together,” says Pooh.

“What’s twice eleven?” I said to Pooh.
(“Twice what?” said Pooh to Me.)
“I think it ought to be twenty-two.”
“Just what I think myself,” said Pooh.
“It wasn’t an easy sum to do,
But that’s what it is,” said Pooh, said he.
“That’s what it is,” said Pooh.

“Let’s look for dragons,” I said to Pooh.
“Yes, let’s,” said Pooh to Me.
We crossed the river and found a few-
“Yes, those are dragons all right,” said Pooh.
“As soon as I saw their beaks I knew.
That’s what they are,” said Pooh, said he.
“That’s what they are,” said Pooh.

“Let’s frighten the dragons,” I said to Pooh.
“That’s right,” said Pooh to Me.
“I’m not afraid,” I said to Pooh,
And I held his paw and I shouted “Shoo!
Silly old dragons!”- and off they flew.
“I wasn’t afraid,” said Pooh, said he,
“I’m never afraid with you.”

So wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,
There’s always Pooh and Me.
“What would I do?” I said to Pooh,
“If it wasn’t for you,” and Pooh said: “True,
It isn’t much fun for One, but Two,
Can stick together, says Pooh, says he.
“That’s how it is,” says Pooh.

Excerpt from Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

The future belongs to hearts even more than it does to minds. Love, that is the only thing that can occupy and fill eternity. In the infinite, the inexhaustible is requisite.

Love participates of the soul itself. It is of the same nature. Like it, it is the divine spark; like it, it is incorruptible, indivisible, imperishable. It is a point of fire that exists within us, which is immortal and infinite, which nothing can confine, and which nothing can extinguish. We feel it burning even to the very marrow of our bones, and we see it beaming in the very depths of heaven…

What a grand thing it is to be loved! What a far grander thing it is to love! The heart becomes heroic, by dint of passion. It is no longer composed of anything but what is pure; it no longer rests on anything that is not elevated and great. An unworthy thought can no more germinate in it, than a nettle on a glacier. The serene and lofty soul, inaccessible to vulgar passions and emotions, dominating the clouds and the shades of this world, its follies, its lies, its hatreds, its vanities, its miseries, inhabits the blue of heaven, and no longer feels anything but profound and subterranean shocks of destiny, as the crests of mountains feel the shocks of earthquake.

If there did not exist some one who loved, the sun would become extinct.

I Like You by Sandol Stoddard

I like you and I know why.
I like you because you are a good person to like.
I like you because when I tell you something special, you know it’s special
And you remember it a long, long time.
You say, ‘Remember when you told me something special?’
And both of us remember
When I think something is important
you think it’s important too
We have good ideas
When I say something funny, you laugh
I think I’m funny and you think I’m funny too
Hah-hah!
…And I like you because when I am feeling sad
You don’t always cheer me up right away
Sometimes it is better to be sad…
I like you because if I am mad at you
Then you are mad at me too
It’s awful when the other person isn’t…
I like you because I don’t know why but
Everything that happens is nicer with you
I can’t remember when I didn’t like you
It must have been lonesome then
I like you because because because
I forget why I like you but I do.

Marriage Joins Two People in the Circle of Its Love, by Edmund O’Neill

Marriage is a commitment to life, to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal; a joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life’s most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other’s best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. There may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent for a child. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller; memories are fresher; commitment is stronger; even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing love through the seasons of life. When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential, made in the hearts of two people who love, which takes a lifetime to fulfill.

Foxtrot From a Play by W H Auden

The soldier loves his rifle,
The scholar loves his books,
The farmer loves his horses,
The film star loves her looks.
There’s love the whole world over
Wherever you may be;
Some lose their rest for gay Mae West,
But you’re my cup of tea.

Some talk of Alexander
And some of Fred Astaire,
Some like their heroes hairy
Some like them debonair,
Some prefer a curate
And some an A.D.C.,
Some like a tough to treat’em rough,
But you’re my cup of tea.

Some are mad on Airedales
And some on Pekinese,
On tabby cats or parrots
Or guinea pigs or geese.
There are patients in asylums
Who think that they’re a tree;
I had an ant who loved a plant,
But you’re my cup of tea.

Some have sagging waistlines
And some a bulbous nose
And some a floating kidney
And some have hammer toes,
Some have tennis elbow
And some have housemaid’s knee,
And some I know have got B.O.,
But you’re my cup of tea.

The blackbird loves the earthworm,
The adder loves the sun,
The polar bear an iceberg,
The elephant a bun,
The trout enjoys the river,
The whale enjoys the sea,
And dogs love most an old lamp-post,
But you’re my cup of tea.

Main image from Isobelle & Edward’s real wedding by DKPHOTO

The post Non Religious Wedding Readings appeared first on weddingsonline.

From choosing songs and readings to filling out lengthy documents, it can be hard to keep track of all that needs to be done when planning your wedding ceremony. The ceremony is such a special part of your day but getting to the altar can seem like a mammoth task so we’ve rounded up some useful articles we’ve put together to help you with everything from paperwork to the pew ends.

Main photo from Julie & Scott’s real wedding by The Fennells

Choose Your Ceremony Type

Photo from Suzie & Eoin’s real wedding by Tomasz Kornas Photography

One of the first things you’ll need to do is decide on the type of ceremony you want whether it’s religious or spiritual ceremony, civil, Interfaith, humanist or independent/alternative ceremony (independent/alternative ceremonies are completely flexible and personal and are normally a non-legal ceremony – couples would complete the legal papers separately in Ireland or overseas). You can read about these ceremony types in more detail in our ceremony article here. We’ve also got two really helpful articles to hep you navigate your wedding ceremony planning journey from what documents you’ll need to who to contact. Check out A Complete Guide to Planning Your Catholic Wedding Ceremony, Civil Wedding Ceremony or Humanist Wedding Ceremony here and we’ve answered 16 of Your Most Popular Wedding Ceremony Questions here.

Finding a Celebrant or Solemniser

Photo from Miranda & Matthew’s real wedding by DKPHOTO

Once you’ve decided on the ceremony type, you will need to choose a celebrant or solemniser. If you are having a church wedding, you will need to find a priest willing to officiate. If you are having a HSE/Civil Ceremony, you can find a list of all registered solemnisers here. For Spiritual weddings, you can find a full list of registered solemnisers here, for humanist weddings, you can contact registered solemnisers here and you can find a list of Interfaith Ministers here.

Independent/alternative ceremonies (which is normally a non-legal binding ceremony – couples need to book a date with the HSE for the legal part of the wedding first) are super popular with couples looking to create a unique and personal ceremony tailored to their exact requirements, when and where they want. You can find a list of Wedding Celebrants and Registered Solemnisers listed in the weddingsonline directory below (please note, only registered solemnisers can conduct legal ceremonies):

Rev Karen Dempsey – Registered Solemniser | Yes I Do Ceremonies | Enda Harte – OSUI (Spirtual Union of Ireland) Registered Solemniser | It’s Your Day – Wedding Celebrant | A Beautiful Ceremony | Yvonne Cassidy Celebrant | Jo McAteer Wedding Celebrant | Michelle Feeney Celebrant – Celtic Soul Ceremonies | The Roving Rev – Wedding Celebrant | Maria Sheehan – Wedding Celebrant | Wedding Celebrant – Brendan Needham | Wicklow Wedding Celebrant – Mary Grant | Ceremonies by Sorcha

The Legal Requirements

Regardless of the type of wedding ceremony you opt for, you must give at least three months’ notice to the state of your intention to marry – you can read all about what’s involved here from what to bring to your appointment to how much it costs. To give your notification of your intention to marry, you must book an appointment with your local registrar office (you can do it online here). You can find a list of Registrar Offices and telephone numbers here.

You will also need to give plenty of notice to the organisation who will be officiating your ceremony whether it’s a church, civil, humanist, spiritual or Independent/Alternative ceremony so that you can secure a date and arrange a celebrant or solemniser. There’s also paperwork involved plus dates fill up fast so if you want to pencil in your preferred date and venue, the more time you have the better.

Your Song Choices

Photo by Moat Hill Photography

Music is a gorgeous way to personalise your day and make it meaningful to yourself and your partner, but choosing songs can be on the tough side. If you’re getting married in a church, there may be some restrictions on the songs you choose so be sure to have a chat with your priest/parish in advance for some guidance. Typically, you will have more freedom when it comes to the Bridal Entrance, Exit, and Signing the Register and if you’re choosing to get married outside a church, you will have free reign to choose any songs you wish (however, if you have opted for a Humanist ceremony, your song choices shouldn’t include any religious references). You can find an amazing list of talented wedding singers and musicians here and for some fab song inspo, be sure to check out our recent ceremony music article.

Readings, Poems & Prayers

Photo from Ruth & John’s real wedding by Emma Russell Photography

Like your music, your readings are a beautiful way to make the day more personal and can be a lovely way to get family and friends involved. When it comes to choosing readings for a Catholic ceremony, we’ve made life easy and have put together a list of Readings (First Reading, Second Reading and The Gospel), Prayers of the Faithful options and 20 Beautiful Readings for Your Communion Reflection, some of which would be perfect for other ceremony types as well. We’ve also compiled some romantic and touching Non Religious Wedding Readings with everything from poems and excerpts to wise words.

Your Ceremony Booklet

Photo by Ann-Kathrin Kotch via Rock My Wedding

The wedding booklet can be a total nightmare to put together between spacing and fonts (which is why some people choose to do scrolls) but it can also be a gorgeous keepsake and a reminder of the special vows you’ve taken. If you’re looking to make your booklet extra pretty, you can check out some gorgeous booklet ideas here and we’ve also compiled some seriously romantic details you might like to include here.

Pew Ends & Decor

Photo from Elizabeth & Nigel’s real wedding by David Maury Photography

When it comes to decorating your ceremony venue, you can keep it as simple as you please or add some sweet touches to really add to the occasion. If you fancy sprucing up the aisles with some pretty pew ends, you can take a peek at some gorgeous inspo in our round up here or if you’re looking for some beautiful ways to honour lost loved ones, you’ll find some fitting ways to remember them here. Candles are another beautiful way to remember lost loved ones or bring a personal touch to your ceremony. There are some great Irish companies that specialise in personalised candles including Wogansecrets, WeddingCandles.ie and Wedding Candles Ireland.

Cute Ideas for the Little Ones

Main photo by Bryan Jean via The Wedding Scoop

Another lovely way to make your ceremony extra special is with some signs whether it’s a beautiful sign at the back of the venue stating ‘Choose a Seat Not a Side, We’re All Family Once the Knot is Tied’ or a cute prop your little flower girl or page boy can wave as they make their way up the aisle. Irish company River Lane Memories specialise in wedding signs and can whip up something gorgeous for you – if you’re looking for some ideas when it comes to the wording, be sure to check out this adorable round up with signs saying everything from ‘Ring Security to ‘Don’t Worry Ladies, I’m Still Single’. We’ve also got some more seriously cute ideas for the little folks here (we’re talking fairy wings and balloons) plus some lovely ring boxes you can pick up here.

18 Gorgeous Ways to Personalise Your Wedding Ceremony

The post A Handy Guide to Organising Your Wedding Ceremony appeared first on weddingsonline.

Music is a huge part of your wedding ceremony and choosing the right songs is really important so that it feels personal and special to you as a couple. Ceremony Singers and Musicians have amazing repertoires with songs you may not even have thought of but what if a song you have your heart set on isn’t on their list? Can you ask them to learn it for you? We put it to the ceremony musicians themselves who gave their advice below…

Expert Advice: Song Suggestions for the Bridal Entrance, Signing the Register and Ceremony Exit

Irish Music Weddings – Uilleann Pipes, Flute and Whistles | View Profile

Yep, I sure can, and I often do – it keeps me fresh and in-the-know! A listen to the music player on my website  www.irishmusicweddings.com will show you many pieces I learned for clients, which later became part of my repertoire! Basically, almost any piece which has a ‘real’ melody can be learned. That’s most U2 songs out, I’m afraid!

Jenny Dowdall Cello | View Profile

I love when couples ask me to learn new songs and as long as I have enough notice to find the sheet music, it is never a problem!

Veronica Tadman – Wedding Singer | View Profile

I always recommend that we meet to get to know one another and to select the music together. I am always willing to learn new music; in fact I encourage it as I love expanding my repertoire.

Grace Dunne Professional Vocalist | View Profile

I work closely with pianists Carl Banks and Darren Walsh and if you don’t see your chosen song on my website we can learn it for you and can provide additional musicians if required. I am here to help you every step of the way!

Weddings by Laura O’Neill | View Profile

We will learn two new songs that aren’t on our list per couple. We perform at over 80 weddings per year so we have worked hard to put together an amazing repertoire for our clients to choose from. It is a very wide list to suit all musical tastes.

Claire Malone Church Singer | View Profile

Yes of course. We do have our own list that we send on to couples to give ideas but we always learn whatever is important to them. We have a huge repertoire to offer.

Weddingvoice.ie – Laura Kelly | View Profile

I’m always happy to learn new songs for a wedding ceremony, it’s very important that your chosen songs hold meaning for you and it makes your ceremony all the more special and memorable.

Lorraine Galvin – Soprano & Wedding Soloist | View Profile

Absolutely!! It’s the couple’s day and it’s important they put their own musical stamp on such a special occasion. I am more than happy to accommodate learning a special song where I can.

Olivia O’Hanlon Music – Wedding Singer | View Profile

Absolutely, this is not a problem at all. I’m learning new songs all the time.

Nikki Kavanagh – Wedding Singer | View Profile

Of course! I add new songs to my repertoire all the time, just give me a month’s notice so I can be sure to have it perfect.

Church on Time Wedding Music | View Profile

We tell our couples that if they have a song or two in mind we will try  to learn it, provided that adequate time is given to learn the song and it fits with our vocal range and style.

The Gospel Project | View Profile

Yes, we create all of our own arrangements in 6-part harmony and are happy to learn two new songs for each ceremony, in addition to our large existing repertoire. Because our arrangements are bespoke, any songs we learn for your wedding will be absolutely unique to you as a couple.

Bow Musique | View Profile

Yes! Very occasionally we are asked for songs that we are unfamiliar with. As long as sheet music is available we can learn the songs. If sheet music is not available, we can have string arrangements done (at a further cost).

Emma Reynolds Music | View Profile

Yes of course and this is something that I really enjoy. My voice is very versatile and it suits many song choices.

Nicola McGuire, Church Singer & Wedding Band | View Profile

Yes, even though I have a massive repertoire of songs to choose from, there may be a song you love that I don’t already know. In that case, I am happy to learn a new song for you.

Sonya Grimes – Wedding Singer | View Profile

Adding to my music repertoire’s important and I’m happy to learn and perform a new special piece for you both.

Niamh Murphy – Wedding Singer | View Profile

Yes this is my favourite part. Discovering and learning a new song that I love is what it’s all about, there’s so much enjoyment in that!

CK Ceremonial | View Profile

I’m happy to learn songs as required, but I do require 6 weeks’ notice for any new songs to make sure we can cater for any special musical arrangements or learn something new as needed. We’ll always accommodate special requests, and are happy to offer alternate arrangements to traditional songs.

Karin Professional Singer | View Profile

Absolutely, while my repertoire is vast and varied, your favourite tune may be missing. I’d be delighted to learn and perform it for you and your guests on your big day!

Fiona Kennedy – Singer & Guitarist | View Profile

I’ve learned specific songs for many brides so I can accommodate any requests.

WAVE – Acoustic Duo | View Profile

Yes, absolutely! Over the years we have been asked to sing many different kinds of songs that have personal meaning to our couples; some we have loved, others not so much, but that’s not the point! The point is they mean something and are much beloved by the couple getting married because they are either moved by the music or the lyrics or it reminds them of a loved one, maybe a relative who has passed and is sadly missed on such an occasion, and it’s when I see the emotion and actual tears in people’s eyes, that’s when I love my job.

Music is such an emotive thing, we can all think of a song that reminds us of something or someone and hearing that song is like a portal, we can jump back in time to relive a moment which can bring either great joy or sadness, whichever it brings you, go with it, laugh, dance, cry… Better out than in I say!!

Carys Ann Evans – Harpist | View Profile

Of course – but mostly my couples find such a great range of music that I already have ,they don’t need to choose any more!

Photo by Moat Hill Photography

The post Ask the Experts: Can You Learn Songs for Our Ceremony? appeared first on weddingsonline.

If you’re having a flower girl or page boy at your wedding, let us warn you the following post will have you pinning like mad! There are SO many adorable ideas for the little guys out there, particularly when it comes to the big entrance. Creative couples have come up with all manners of cute and fun ways to announce their arrival and ensure their mini bridal party is suitably adorable from fairy wings and wands for the girls to keys and ring security badges for the boys. Today we’ve rounded up some incredibly cute inspiration that’s sure to be a big hit with both guests and the flower girls and page boys themselves…

1. Petal Baskets

This tradition never gets old and is one that is still really popular with flower girls. They love the idea of scattering petals from a basket and it leaves a gorgeous trail for the bride too. Of course, as traditional as it is, you can still shake things up a bit and have your flower girl hold on to a little tin pail (or plastic colourful bucket if you’re having a beach celebration) and scatter everything from petals to starfish and even pom poms if you’re after a fun alternative.

2. Giant Flowers

If you like the idea of flowers but don’t want to go the petal route, give your little lady a statement making oversized flower. It’ll look adorable on the day and she can keep it in her room afterwards as a gorgeous reminder.

3. Wedding Signs

One of our favourite options for the little guys has to be a wedding sign. They come in so many different styles from banners and chalk boards to flags and even wooden tree slices for those looking to bring  a rustic touch to their day. And if you’re going the DIY route, you can add absolutely any message you like to them from a simple ‘Here Comes the Bride’ to ‘Here Comes Mammy’, ‘And They Lived Happily Ever After’ and ‘Last Chance to Run’. Check out some more brilliant sign ideas here.

4. Kissing Balls/Pomanders 

These pretty posies are another cute alternative for brides that love the romance of flowers but don’t want to have worry about an upturned basket of petals! They look the part, you won’t have to even think about spillages and you can incorporate your wedding colours in to it while you’re at it.

5. Love Letters

Oversized letters are all the rage (the bigger the better – check out the very cool ‘Light Up Letters‘ if this is your thing) and can be a great little addition to your ceremony. Have your flower girl or page boy carry some letters up the aisle spelling out your names, initials or simply what the day is all about – love!

6. Key to Heart

This is a super cute one for the romantics! If you’re looking for something a little bit different for your flower girls or page boy to have in hand as they make their journey up the aisle, a key to the bride or groom’s heart is the sweetest. He or she can hand it your partner at the altar as a little symbol of your promise and you get to have it as a special keepsake afterwards too.

7. Bridal Balloons

Does it get any cuter than this??! We love the fun, celebratory feel balloons bring to any occasion so we think they’re just perfect for your little guy or girls walk up the aisle. They’ll get the celebrations off to an amazing start and if you’re looking to personalise things, you could add a cute message or a simple ‘Here Comes the Bride’ with a Sharpie marker to them. It’s sure to be a big hit with the kids and they get to play with it afterwards – a great distraction for that post-ceremony lull.

8. Flower Girl Wands

If you’re looking for something girly and pretty for your ladies, think wands! They’ll have a ball twirling them as they walk up the aisle and they’ll look ridiculously cute in photos. Opt for everything from streamers in your wedding colours to stars, hearts or a mix of flowers and ribbon.

9. ‘Here Comes the Bride’ Cart

If you’re looking for the serious ‘aw’ factor, this will get it in spades! This showstopper is quite the entrance and is a great option for couples looking to bring some fun to their ceremony.

10. Flower Girl Fairy Wings

Another adorable touch for the little ladies, wings will bring a magical air to your ceremony and it goes without saying the girls will love them too.

11. Security Badge for Ring Bearer

It’s an important duty so make sure the little man feels very special with his own ring security badge to accompany the rings as he walks them up the aisle! Guests will get a great laugh and he’ll love all the responsibility.

Credits:

1. Photo by Harrison Studio via Style Me Pretty | 2. (Left) Photo by KT Merry Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Right) Photo by Belathee Photography via Style Me Pretty | 3. Photo via The Ritzy Rose on Etsy | 4. (Top) Photo by Kate Headley Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Bottom Right) Photo by Matt Haines Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Bottom left) Photo by Jennifer Miller Photography via Ruffled | 5. Photo by Liz Banfield via Style Me Pretty | 6. (Left) Photo by Tana Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Right) Photo via Junebug Weddings | 7. Photo by Teale Photography | 8. (Top Left) Photo by Rebekah J Murray via 100 Layer Cake | (Top Right) Woodland Photo by Kat Mervyn via Whimsical Wonderland Weddings | (Bottom Right) Photo by One Love Photography via Style Me Pretty | (Bottome left) Photo by Ryan Ray via Southern Weddings | 9. Photo by Brett Heidbrecht via Wedding Chicks | Photo by | 10. (Top) Photo by Jerry Yoon Photographers via Green Wedding Shoes | (Bottom Right) Photo by Amanda McKinnon via Green Wedding Shoes | (Bottom Left) Photo by Jacquelyn Poussot via Wedding Chicks | 11. (Top) Photo by Jagger Photography via Green Wedding Shoes | (Bottom) Photo by Zac Wolf Photography via Style Me Pretty

The post 11 of the Cutest Entrance Ideas for Flower Girls & Page Boys appeared first on weddingsonline.

When it comes to decorating on your Big Day, the reception space usually gets a lot of attention. While the party is great fun and you do spend the majority of the day there, the ceremony is such a special part of your day so it can be nice to give it some TLC as well. There are two main areas to focus on for the ceremony – the altar and the aisle. Floral arrangements work beautifully as altar decorations while personalised candles bring that personal touch. Pew ends are another fab way to brighten up your ceremony space, create an incredible walkway for the bride and of course they look uber romantic too (if you’re after a quick and glamorous way to mark out the aisle, a red carpet runner can look amazing too – check out Irish suppliers here).

The options are endless when it comes to pew ends from simple bows and hand tied posies to birdcages filled to the brim with the prettiest blooms. If you are opting for pew ends, bear in mind some churches don’t allow Blu Tack or Sellotape if you’re having a church ceremony so you’ll have to rely on the likes of ribbon and twine to hang your creations. And if your ceremony is outdoors, make sure your pew ends are attached properly in case it’s a windy day. Check out 30 pretty ways to brighten up your aisles below…

Looking for a florist? Browse the wedddingsonine supplier directory!

Photo from Niamh & Sean’s real wedding by Michelle Prunty Photography

Photo from Maria & Sean’s real wedding by Tomasz Kornas Photography

Photo by Danielle Poff Photography

Photo from Kate & Alan’s real wedding by Michelle Prunty Photography

Photo by Taylor Barnes Photography

Photo by Brea McDonald Photography

Pew End from Julie & Scott’s real wedding by The Fennells

Photo by Judy Pak Photography via Style Me Pretty

Photo by KT Merry Photography via Style Me Pretty

Photo by Michelle Lange via Style Me Pretty

Photo by Blue Dandelion Photography via Wedding Chicks

Photo by Closer to Love Photography

Photo by Katy Lunsford Photography via Bridal Musings

Photo by David & Tammy Molnar via Inside Weddings

Pew Ends by Frog Prince Weddings & Events

Photo from Tara & John’s real wedding by Insight Photography

 Photo via Style Me Pretty

Photo by Kate Podjan Photography via Wedding Day

Pew Ends by Frog Prince Weddings & Events

Photo by Sidney Morgan via Style Me Pretty

Photo by Jasmine Lee Photography

Photo by Julie Roberts Photography

Photo by Jonathan Ong via Style Me Pretty

Photo by Mustard Seed Photography via Brides

Photo by Fill in the Blank Wedding via Style Me Pretty

Photo via Rock My Wedding

Photo by Heather Forsythe Photography

Photo by Laura Novak Photography via Style Me Pretty

Photo from Suzie & Eoin’s real wedding by Tomasz Kornas Photography

Photo by Michael & Anna Costa Photography

The post Aisle Style – 30 Incredibly Pretty Pew Ends appeared first on weddingsonline.

You wedding ceremony is such a special part of the day so if you want to make sure your space is as romantic as it gets, you can pick up some beautiful decor and personalised accessories. From adorable signs to the cutest accessories for your flower girl or page boy, personalised candles for your lighting ceremony and fun flags for your big exit, today’s edit will give you lots of gorgeous inspo for your wedding ceremony.

And if you’re looking for some bigger pieces to give your ceremony space the wow favor, Irish company I Do Candle Lighting is a decorating service that can work their magic on your Church or Civil Ceremony supplying everything from candles and candelabras to lanterns, fairy lights, blossom trees and red carpets. They offer hire packages to suit all budgets and will do all the work for you! Find out more here.

1. Mr & Mrs Ring Dish

Photo by Katie Lopez Photography 

Mr & Mrs Ring Dish is available from Not on the High Street

2. Hession Ring Cushion

Photo by Sophie Delaveau via Style Me Pretty

Hession Ring Cushion is available from Favour Lane

3. Oversized Flower

Photo by Belathee Photography via Style Me Pretty

Similar Giant White Rose Prop is available from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique

4. ‘Choose a Seat Not a Side’ Sign

Sign available from River Lane Memories

5. Ring Security Badge

Top photo via ZCreate Designs on Etsy | Bottom Photo via River Lane Memories

Ring Security Badges are available from River Lane Memories

6. ‘Here Comes the Bride’ Banner

‘Here Comes the Bride Sign’ is available from River Lane Memories

7. Fairy Wings

Photo by Maile Lani Photography via The Knot

Fairy Wings are available from Claire’s Accessories

8. Hooray Wedding Wands

Photo by Daffodil Waves 

Hooray Wedding Wands are available from Favour Lane

9. Bubble Wands

Photo from Maeve & Dylan’s real wedding by Tomasz Kornas Photography

Heart Bubbles are available from Favour Lane

10. Hooray Flags

Photo by Alex Wysocki Photography via Love My Dress

White & Silver Flags are available from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique

11. Confetti Filled Balloons

Photo via Southern Wedding Magazine

 Confetti Balloons are available from Pearls & Lace Bridal Boutique

12. Personalised Ring Box

Personalised Wooden Ring Holder from River Lane Memories

13. Sprinkle the Love Confetti Pouches

Confetti Pouches are available from River Lane Memories

14. ‘This Candle Burns in Loving Memory of’ Sign

Sign available from River Lane Memories, Ireland

15. Personalised Wedding Candles

Candles by Wogansecrets

Candles by Wedding Candles Ireland

The post 15 of the Best Wedding Ceremony Decor Buys appeared first on weddingsonline.

We’re all about the personal touches here in wedingsonline HQ and your ceremony is one part of the day where you can go all out. From gorgeous signs to sweet readings, our real wedding couples always rate it as a highlight. The wedding booklet can be a nightmare to put together but it can also be a lovely little keepsake and reminder of the special vows you’ve taken afterwards. We rounded up some gorgeous booklet ideas for couples looking to get creative with their programme in the past and today we’re taking it one step further with some seriously romantic details, sure to make it that bit extra special. From beautiful and fun illustrations of everything from the couple and bridal party to the church/ceremony space itself and heartfelt quotes to stylish monograms and family crests, these 13 sweet ceremony booklet details will be a gorgeous addition to your ceremony!

P.S. Looking for a hand putting your wedding booklet together? Check out these talented stationery designers (On Silver Pond have just launched a handy wedding ceremony or mass booklet service too)!

16 of Your Most Popular Wedding Ceremony Questions – Answered!

1. Make it look like a romantic book cover

Photo by Assassynation via Rock My Wedding

2. Give the Bridal Party a Special Mention

Photo by Lizzie Photo via Something Turquoise

3. Give a Nod to Your Family Crest

Photo by Aaron Delesie via Martha Stewart

4. Pop an Illustration of Your Church or Venue on the Front

Photo by Moat Hill Photography

5. Include a Cute Personalised Illustration

Photo from Sharon & Tadhg’s real wedding by Eden Photography

6. Or a Sweet Sentiment

Photo by Ameris Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

7. Display Your Booklets in a Personalised Box

Photo via Conde Nast

8. Make a Feature Out of Your Names

Photo by The Robertsons via Hello May

9. Or Surround them in Hearts

Photo from Ciaran & Fionnuala’s real wedding by Kathy Silke Photography

10. Illustrate the Bridal Party 

 Photo by Amelia Lyon via Style Me Pretty

11. Incorporate a Cute Heart Cut Out

Photo by Clane Gessel Photography via Wedding Wire

12. Or an Adorable Winnie the Pooh Illustration with Love Quote

Photo by Ann-Kathrin Kotch via Rock My Wedding

13. Create Your Own Monogram

Photo by Cristina G. Photography via Nico and Lala

The post 13 of the Sweetest Wedding Ceremony Booklet Details appeared first on weddingsonline.