Weddings Autumn/Winter 2019 by southernstarIRL

Weddings Autumn/Winter 2019

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Romantic & Unique With its riverside location and laid-back charm this hotel remains the wedding venue of choice in West Cork since 1902. Catering for wedding parties up to 350 guests. Call us now on 028-21277 or email weddings@westcorkhotel.com to book your appointment with our Wedding Co-ordinator www.westcorkhotel.com

Dresses to impress ...

Irina from the Romantica Collections.

Symphony from the Romantica Collections – voted Bridal Buyers' Wedding Dress of the Year 2019.

Madonna from the Romantica Collections. Quincy from the Romantica Collections.

Style 1819 by Kenneth Winston.

Style 1831 by Kenneth Winston.

Weddings | The Southern Star | Autumn/Winter 2019 Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Be true to yourself

Happy kids, happy adults!

Award-winning hair salon Luca from the Gilded Rose owner Simone Best, collection (Fox Bridal). originally from Skibbereen, shares her top tips for the perfect hair on your big day Remember to be you! The bigger picture What’s most important for brides to keep in mind is that they need to be true to themselves and remember that fashion will fade. So it’s about being conﬁdent in yourself and not looking like a completely different person on your big day. In other words, if you never wear your hair down – don’t start doing it on your wedding day!

It’s not just about your hair on the day. You need to have a six-month game plan so you can get top shine and great colour. Preparation is key!

Don’t get ﬁxated on growing your hair Sweet Thing from the Gilded

Weddings and children can be a tricky combination. While they are excited to be a part of the big celebrations the reality is it’s a long day for them. Creating a kid-friendly day can be made easy by adding a few fun activities, writes Paula Burns

Lots of brides spend ages growing Rose Bridal). their haircollection for an 'up(Fox do' when it’s not really necessary to go to such an effort – there are great hair pieces, padding Consultations are really important but and techniques available now. it’s more than just about the hair trial. It’s Besides, it’s just as important for the about building a relationship between bride to think about her after-party on the bride and the stylist who has been day two and how she wants her hair invited to bePremier part of the special day. of Kenneth Winston, stockist to look that day; most likely she won’t Who knows what’s going to happen on needand super-long for that occasion . Romantica Collections Fox hair Bridal the wedding morning? You need to feel comfortable with each other.

Talk it out

Brides of Éire

Relaxed boho waves look good if you're having an informal ceremony.

Games Table

Choose a table that is a little out of the way of waiters and dancing etc. and ﬁll it with board games for the kids to choose from. You can range it from games such as Guess and Operation fordictate the younger ones. Formistake the pre-teens Monopoly The biggest I see brides makThese twoWho things will very much and Cluedo should have them entertained for a couple of hours. ing is leaving their hair to last on the your style of hair (and everything else).

Season and locations

Falling for a dancer

Gamescrowns like these are a great way to get the kids mingling, making new morning – and getting the restfriends. of the Flower look great in the sumbridal party done ahead of them. mer but not so much in winter when Outdoor Games They need to focus on themselves and more structured looks work best. allow timespace for any adjustments. If the rain holds boho off and there’s obstacle-free green setting up a fewAlso, outEqually, relaxed waves look remember that photographers door games a lovelyanalternative guests. Garden games usually such good if you’reishaving informal for the younger arrive it’skids important to be as twister, outdoor and are sure toearly keepso the occupied. Add ceremony. But don’tJenga be put off skittles wearing forIfthem. hula hair hoops or ajust hopscotch for a bit ofready variety. it’s a private venue there may your down becausemat it’s damp even be scope for a small bouncing castle.

In terms of trends, ballerina length dresses are very big news right now and so are puff sleeves. For hair that means we’re seeing lots of ballerina buns and lots of relaxed hair styles with little pieces falling down, nothing stiff or crunchy.

Messy, dressy

Messy pony tails are divine and as popular as ever. It’s all about that relaxed, done-but-not-done look. Brides want to look like they haven’t been to the hairdressers at all; it’s a messy, dressy look.

Accessories

Common pitfalls

The professionals

Less is more

Brides shouldn’t over-think If your budget can stretch to it, professional entertainers guaranteed to keep theirare hair – less is usually the young ones entertained for at least a couple of hours. is thewhat spice of more.Variety Very often they life here – think magic tricks, party games, balloon making painting. see inand the face mirror is different to what everyone else sees Movie room so I often advise them to Ask the venue beforehand if they can provide a smalltake conference a photo room to getwith the real a projector or TV for a couple of hours so the kids canpicture. watch movies. Throw in some cushions, beanbags and of course popcorn and the scene is set. Besides when you’re happy that just shines through. No Photo booth one is going to focus on hair but will see While most weddings have proven that adults love anjust oleyour photo booth, kids can the whole get equally if not more entertainment time from the booth. Jazzpicture up yourwhich propsis a happy you. with cheap dress-up pieces from the discount shops. hopefully Pick up feather boas, hats in all shapes and sizes, tiaras, big plastic jewellery – all the bits that a dress-up box needs! or drizzly and you fear the dreaded • Simone Best Hairstyling, Beaumont, Cork city, frizz – that’s part of the stylist’s job. Piñata has been nominated in the Hair and Beauty Anything is apossible there Trendsetter of 2019Usually categorythey in thiswork year’s best A piñata is fun wayand for kids toare play and win some treats. wonderful products now or have Graham Norton outside butanti-humidity if you clear enough space it on theInspiring dance Awards. ﬂoor a piñata can that hair from swelling. Seeenjoying inspiring.ie for more.together! be aprevent way of having both the adults and kids a game

You need to have a six-month game plan so you can get top shine and great colour. Preparation is key!

Clips, clips and more clips are where it’s at for hair accessories in general, including brides. Hair bands are also really popular and so is the simple ribbon. A veil doesn’t Tel: 023 883 5566 mean you can’t wear any of these – or if Email: info@bridesofeire.com you’d prefer you can always add them 'Messy' pony tails are divine and as www.bridesofeire.com afterwards at your reception. It’s a no popular as ever. It's all about that Convent Road, Conakilty, Co.Cork. Ireland to tiaras though. relaxed done-but-not-done look.

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Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Be true to yourself Award-winning hair salon owner Simone Best, originally from Skibbereen, shares her top tips for the perfect hair on your big day Remember to be you! The bigger picture What’s most important for brides to keep in mind is that they need to be true to themselves and remember that fashion will fade. So it’s about being conﬁdent in yourself and not looking like a completely different person on your big day. In other words, if you never wear your hair down – don’t start doing it on your wedding day!

Talk it out

Consultations are really important but it’s more than just about the hair trial. It’s about building a relationship between the bride and the stylist who has been invited to be part of the special day. Who knows what’s going to happen on the wedding morning? You need to feel comfortable with each other.

It’s not just about your hair on the day. You need to have a six-month game plan so you can get top shine and great colour. Preparation is key!

Don’t get ﬁxated on growing your hair

Lots of brides spend ages growing their hair for an 'up do' when it’s not really necessary to go to such an effort – there are great hair pieces, padding and techniques available now. Besides, it’s just as important for the bride to think about her after-party on day two and how she wants her hair to look that day; most likely she won’t need super-long hair for that occasion .

Relaxed boho waves look good if you're having an informal ceremony.

Season and locations

These two things will very much dictate your style of hair (and everything else). Flower crowns look great in the summer but not so much in winter when more structured looks work best. Equally, relaxed boho waves look good if you’re having an informal ceremony. But don’t be put off wearing your hair down just because it’s damp

Falling for a dancer

Common pitfalls

The biggest mistake I see brides making is leaving their hair to last on the morning – and getting the rest of the bridal party done ahead of them. They need to focus on themselves and allow time for any adjustments. Also, remember that photographers usually arrive early so it’s important to be ready for them.

Less is more

Messy, dressy

Accessories

'Messy' pony tails are divine and as popular as ever. It's all about that relaxed done-but-not-done look.

You need to have a six-month game plan so you can get top shine and great colour. Preparation is key!

Clips, clips and more clips are where it’s at for hair accessories in general, including brides. Hair bands are also really popular and so is the simple ribbon. A veil doesn’t mean you can’t wear any of these – or if you’d prefer you can always add them afterwards at your reception. It’s a no to tiaras though.

or drizzly and you fear the dreaded frizz – that’s part of the stylist’s job. Anything is possible and there are wonderful anti-humidity products now that prevent hair from swelling.

Brides shouldn’t over-think their hair – less is usually more. Very often what they see in the mirror is different to what everyone else sees so I often advise them to take a photo to get the real picture. Besides when you’re happy that just shines through. No one is going to focus on just your hair but will see the whole picture which is hopefully a happy you.

• Simone Best Hairstyling, Beaumont, Cork city, has been nominated in the Hair and Beauty Trendsetter of 2019 category in this year’s Graham Norton Inspiring Awards. See inspiring.ie for more.

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Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Preparation is essential West Cork make-up artist Stacey Egan shares her top tips to help brides be the best version of themselves ... Good foundations

Preparing your skin is important for your big day. Increasing your water intake alone can make a huge difference. Depending on how problematic your skin is, three to six months before your wedding day is a good time to start. Facials are great and a nice relaxing treat during the busy task of wedding planning. If your skin is trickier, I would recommend a consultation with a skin specialist. If you are unsure, at the very least ﬁnd out what skin type you have. The better the base, the better the make up.

Inspiration

Some brides know exactly the kind of make up look they want to tie into their wedding. But there are lots of brides who might not have that vision and that’s where a make-up artist comes in. Working together, we can take different aspects of the wedding into consideration – like the time of year; venue; dress and hair style; bridesmaids etc. All that information helps to create the perfect make-up look to suit you.

Trial and error

A trial is vital when it comes to your wedding make-up. For me, it involves make up, a chat and getting to know my client. Specifically, I like to know what the bride definitely does not like about make-up. The most important things to take from your trial is how the make up feels on your face, the longevity of the make up, the finish and tone. Eyes and lips can be easily tweaked. It’s also a good opportunity to push your boundaries

Here comes the bride!

a little and try the things you are not sure you want, e.g. false lashes, a bold lip etc. If you can, wear a white top similar to the neckline of you dress and a little false tan if you will be wearing any on the day. Having your hair trial on the same day is handy but not essential. Do some research and bring pictures of make up looks you like (ideally real people, not photoshopped ones!). Give your artist feedback and take photos of your make-up throughout the day. If you’re getting married abroad and won’t meet your artist until the day, make sure to do your research and push for a video/phone chat just to make sure you are both on the same page.

On the day of your wedding, designate a bridesmaid to pack some make up essentials – eg your lipstick/ lipliner and/or a bb lip balm to keep lips hydrated throughout the day. Setting powder is also useful but only dust with powder when you really need to and use sparingly. If you are starting to shine a little, a bare brush on its side gently pressed into the skin will help settle it. A concealer and a little blush can bring make-up back to life in the evening. A compact with a mirror is very handy and don’t forget cotton buds, tissues and mints! The most important thing of all about your wedding make-up is feeling totally comfortable and

Trends

conﬁdent in your look on the day. Listen to your artist’s advice but do what feels right for you. Be the most beautiful version of yourself.

Favourite products

Some of my bridal kit favourites are: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, Armani Luminous silk foundation, Charlotte Tilbury lip cheat, Bobbi Brown eyeshadow primer, Chanel tan de soleil, Charlotte Tilbury ﬂawless ﬁlter & beauty wand; Urban Decay setting spray. • Stacey Egan worked in the fashion industry in Cork and London before returning to West Cork and qualifying as a make up artist in 2016. Based at High Street, Bantry her passion is bridal make up. See her on social media.

There is deﬁnitely a shift in bridal make-up trends this year. They are becoming a little more subtle in comparison to the more sculpted and deﬁned looks of last year, which I love. The ‘solid’ brow is leaving us, a more natural hair stroked brow is taking its place. In general, trends only work if they suit the person. You can’t go wrong with enhanced beauty. Style beats trend every time.

Pitfalls to avoid

One of the biggest pitfalls I see brides fall into is wearing false tan that is way too dark for them. The further away you go from your natural skin tone, the heavier the make-up will look. Also semi-permanent lashes are wonderful but worn too thickly they close down the eye completely.

Trends only work if they suit the person – style beats trend every time.

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Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Groomed to perfection Dunmanway twins Dermot and Daniel Milner designed the best-dressed men’s look at both the Galway and Killarney races this summer. When the West Cork-based teachers aren’t in the classroom, they’re creating unique ensembles which they say you’ll never ﬁnd on the rack Here are their top tips for style-conscious grooms…

All about the ﬁt

A well-ﬁtted suit that compliments the individual’s frame while also giving that freedom of movement is all the rage at the moment.

Stand out from the crowd

The outﬁts of the groom and groomsmen should be in harmony in terms of their colours and styles. But a different colour/texture waistcoat for the groom creates that immediate contrast allowing him to stand out on the day.

Have a bit of neck

Whether it’s a tie, cravat or bow tie you’re looking to wear, think about it well in advance and see which one suits the waistcoat and overall look.

For everything there is a season

What you’ll wear for a winter wedding may well differ from you wear for a summer wedding. Fabrics for winter weddings are heavier including tweeds, velvets and wools whereas for summer weddings it’s about lighter fabrics like linens. Grooms can experiment with seasonal colours like burgundy, green, rustic oranges and even a herringbone pattern right now during autumn and winter.

Have fun with the accessories

This isn’t just for brides. Accessories will transform your look and will set your look apart from the others. Things like cuff links, pocket squares, pocket watches, tie pins, braces or even a statement tie or bow tie are accessories need to be considered for the big day.

All white on the day

A crisp white shirt nearly always creates a perfect stark contrast to whatever suit is chosen.

Best foot forward

Appropriate footwear allows functionality while simultaneously injecting that touch of class. For example a nice brogue and sock during the winter or a nice loafer (with or without a sock) during the summer. Regardless of what shoe you wear, its colour/material needs to match with the belt i.e. brown shoes, brown belt.

Don’t be afraid to be you

Express your individuality! In the copycat culture we live in today don’t be afraid not to conform to the conventional and express your individuality when it comes to your big day. Stay true to your own style and be proud of what you wear.

Weddings | The Southern Star | Autumn/Winter 2019

Special memories

This page, clockwise from top: Sharon Kingston, Clonakilty and John Clancy, Rossmore were married in Kilgarriffe Church, Clonakilty on 27th April 2019 followed by reception in Dunmore House Hotel, Clonakilty. Ann-Marie Bambrick & Seamus Kelleher, both from Schull, were married in the Church of the Seven Sacraments, Lowertown, Schull on 15th March 2019 followed by reception in Inchydoney Island Lodge, Clonakilty. The couple are now living in Limerick. Mark Foley & Carol Ann Gaffney of Coolkellure, Lehenaghmore were married on 16th August 2019. They held their Humanist ceremony and reception at Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty. Tina McSweeney from Cork & Killian Brennan from Kilkenny who were married in St. Patrick’s Church, Bandon on 19th July 2019 followed by reception in the Kinsale Hotel & Spa. The couple met on a skiing holiday in Andorra.

All photos on this page by Clonakilty-based photographer Dermot Sullivan. See www.dermotsullivan.com for more.

Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Above left: Rachel Kingston from Drimoleague and Dominic Norberg from Germany were married in St. Matthew’s Church, Drimoleague on 31st May 2019. Their photographs were taken at Liss Ard Estate, Skibbereen and they enjoyed their reception with family and friends at the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen. Above right: Annette O'Donovan from Derrygrea, Drimoleague and Kevin O'Donovan, Coronea, Skibbereen married on the 25th of May 2019 in the Sacred Heart Church, Drinagh followed by reception in the Celtic Ross Hotel, Clonakilty. (Photos by Baltimore-based Ayna O'Driscoll. See Facebook @aynaodriscollphotography)

Left: Bernadette O’Sullivan from Glengarriff and Adrian Sullivan from Eyeries were married in the Sacred Heart Church, Glengarriff on 15th March 2019 and held their reception in the Kenmare Bay Hotel. (Photo by kornelphoto.com)

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Weddings | The Southern Star | Autumn/Winter 2019

Rings & things Weddings and jewellery go hand in hand – from engagement rings and wedding bands to earrings, necklaces, pocket watches and cuff links, writes Niamh Hayes IT all starts with a ring, so it’s no wonder that jewellery is such a big part of the wedding experience. From engagement rings, to wedding rings, what to wear on your big day and gifts for the bridal party, wedding jewellery is so important as it is something that you will have and hold for the rest of your life.

Engagement rings

Some people choose to buy an engagement ring as a surprise, while other couples pick the ring out together. The staff at John Lowney Jewellers in Clonakilty have been helping people pick out the perfect engagement ring for over 30 years. John himself thinks the surprise element can be very romantic. ‘I think it’s nicer if it’s a surprise. It’s a real testament to the man who comes in and picks the ring himself’, says John. When shopping for an engagement ring, remember the four C’s – colour, carat, clarity and cut. Diamonds come from range D which is colourless, to Z which has a strong yellow tint. The less colour, the more expensive the ring. The carat relates to the weight of the diamond. The heavier it is, the more expensive it is. Clarity ranges from 'Flawless' to 'Heavily Included'. Most diamonds have clarity characteristics that were created when the diamond was being formed millions of years ago. Cut refers to how well the diamond was crafted from its rough state. The cut grade scale is Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. It is recommended to pick a diamond

that has an Excellent or Very Good cut. Sapphire, emerald or ruby rings make nice alternatives to diamonds. When picking an engagement ring, the wedding ring should be considered. ‘If the man is picking out the engagement ring, I always advise him to pick one that ﬁts with a wedding ring. If it doesn’t ﬁt with one easily, you may have to get one custom made and that can cost a lot more’, adds John. A promise ring can make a nice alternative. ‘For gentlemen who want to make a

surprise proposal, we offer the promise ring. These continue to be treasured jewellery into the future, and it allows the bride-to-be to make a personal choice for her engagement ring later,' says John.

Wedding Rings

Many grooms won’t be used to wearing jewellery, especially rings. Choosing a style that is comfortable (for both the bride and groom) is important. Try on the many different styles and widths to see what ﬁts and feels good. It is also important to keep in mind the

‘I think it’s nicer if it’s a surprise. It’s a real testament to the man who comes in and picks the ring himself'

type of wear the ring will get. Having a desk job or doing manual work will affect the ring differently but certain metals will wear better than others. ‘I recommend palladium rings for men. They are low maintenance, and the matte ﬁnish works well as it won’t show scratches’, says John.

Jewellery for the bride

Jewellery can either make or break an outﬁt. This is especially true for a wedding dress. Minimalistic and simple jewellery will let the dress do all the talking. A simple diamond or pearl necklace with stud or drop earrings is a great choice. Good bridal and jewellery stores will advise on what will work best with the chosen dress.

For the groom

Not forgetting about accessories for the groom, cufﬂinks are a staple and can be found in both classic and whacky designs. A matching tie bar will add sparkle to the suit if the groom is wearing a tie rather than a dickie bow. Finish off the look with a classy wristwatch or a pocket watch.

The bridal party

For the bridesmaids and ﬂower girls, pick something that will go with their dresses, but also something that they will get more wear out of. Earrings, pendants and bracelets make great gifts, and can be got to complement the bride’s look. Hilser Bros Jewellers, based in Bandon and Cork City, will be in business 160 years next year and in that time, they have welcomed many couples through their doors,

Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

many of whom look for special gifts for their bridal party. ‘The most popular would be either pearl or clear gemstones for the bridesmaids but these can also be got in colours to suit the dresses’, says Miriam Hilser Foley of the Bandon store. And don’t forget about the men when thinking of gifts. ‘For the best men and groomsmen, the current trend is pocket watches to wear on their waistcoats. Cufﬂinks, hip ﬂasks or wrist watches are all popular gifts’, adds Miriam.

Clockwise from above: A pocket watch is a classy addition to any groom's outﬁt; simple jewellery can add a little splash without distracting from the bride's dress; cufﬂinks are a great way to add fun and colour to a suit.

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Credit Union

Kent Street,Clonakilty T: (023) 88 33842 E: info@clonakiltycreditunion.ie W: clonakiltycreditunion.ie

Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Credit Unions in the Republic of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

RING OF KERRY WEDDINGS

Wedding Stationery &

SIDES

Hold your dream wedding under the Kerry stars with the stunning backdrop of the Beara Mountains and Kenmare Bay. Large outdoor marquee and full catering service. Licensed venue for Civil Ceremonies. Smaller weddings catered for in the Clubhouse

Accessories

Clogheen Industrial Park, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 W303 Tel: +353 (0)23 8833425 Email: info@walshprint.ie BACK FRONT

www.walshprint.ie

RING OF KERRY GOLF CLUB, TEMPLENOE, KENMARE, CO. KERRY 064 664 2000 | guestservices@ringofkerrygolf.com www.ringofkerrygolf.com/weddings

Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Bags of thought ... By Paula Burns

Traditionally Irish

The 'welcome' or 'goodie' bag trend is gaining traction in the wedding scene. The reason? They’re a thoughtful way to say thank you to your guests for coming to celebrate your big day. With weddings stepping away from the traditional and sometimes being abroad, a wedding welcome bag is something that can be both bespoke and practical. As they say in the music industry it’s all about the ‘merch’. The goodie bag is your way to create some swag your guests will love and will remember long after the last dance. Here are just some ideas of how to create a memorable and personalised goodie bag:

Destination Wedding

For a wedding abroad giving your guests a touch of practicality in their goodie bag will be welcomed. Choose a pretty bag like a canvas tote that can be personalised with their names.

Map of the area

If it’s a destination wedding or you have a lot of friends and family coming from abroad or even if you’re just proud to be Irish, choosing Irish-made gifts is a lovely way to inject some of the Emerald Isle into the day. Here are just a few to choose from:

Irish whiskey or gin

Who doesn’t love a miniature bottle of special potion? You can send your guests down their own Alice-inspired rabbit hole with a ‘drink me’ miniature of a traditional Irish whiskey. Or embrace the current craze of craft gins. If the bridesmaids are wearing pink then a pink gin will complete the overall look.

Irish-made candles

The Hangover Kit

Bullet points aren’t really needed for this one, as each item is very much self- explanatory when it comes to dealing with a hangover. This is the beauty of the goodie bag. There is no ‘right’ thing to ﬁll it with. It’s all about creating a gift that is unique to you and your friends. A hangover kit will probably be the most useful and memorable. To add a bit of fun create a personalised stamp on the front like a red emergency kit with your names and date of the wedding. Inside bag it up with the essentials such as: Painkillers, water, Berocca, eye mask, crisps, can of Coke (best hangover cure ever!), voucher for an all-day breakfast at a local café or for the hotel restaurant.

A candle is always a welcome gift as most our living rooms are adorned with the wax-infused scents. With a locally made candle you can create a scent of your own. Fill the reception space with the same scent as that of the gift. Every time your guests light their candle they will inevitably be transported back to your big day … just make sure it’s a good one!

It may sound extremely practical but a bespokemap of the area would be greatly appreciated by your guests. You can have fun putting it together by Artisan foods The humble wedding favour had its beginnings colour co-ordinating it with your wedding colours as a simple chocolate. With artisan hand-made Irish and adding little points of interest – for example your chocolates you can hark back to the original while favourite restaurant etc. adding a touch of decadence. Other foods such as Irish seaweed or jams and marmalades will no doubt keep your guests sweet. Sunscreen Again practical but if it’s a sun destination best your guests are UV-protected. Nobody wants to endure a hangover and sunburn the next day.

Flip-ﬂops

Flip-ﬂops have a dual purpose especially for the female guests. Great for the beach if they are staying on after the nuptials and of course will be needed for dancing the night into the early hours.

k n a h T

Postcard or fridge magnet

Pop in a little memento from the destination of the wedding. You can even add a personalised note on the postcard thanking your guests for being a part of your big day.

THEATRE VISUAL ARTS MUSIC LITERATURE DANCE CINEMA

! u yo

WEST CORK

WEDDING

Carnegie Arts Centre Kenmare, Co Kerry

CAR HIRE

Visit our website or follow us on Facebook for programme details

Travel in style on your big day

Our first class cars and drivers are here to chauffeur you anywhere you desire on that all important day. We cater for all events and are happy to provide only the best service.

The Perfect Wedding Venue www.carnegieartskenmare.ie 19

Tel: William (087) 2900836 Email: wmbuttimer@gmail.com

Say 'I do' to the Eccles Hotel THE stunning Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff is one of Ireland’s most charming hotels and one of Cork’s most iconic wedding destinations – the perfect blend of tradition and class in a truly timeless venue. Famous guests of note over the years include WB Yeats, silver screen star Maureen O’Hara, writer Maeve Binchy and Pippa Middleton. if you’re planning to say ‘I do’, a visit to Eccles Hotel to meet the wedding team and experience the charm and character the Eccles Hotel offers in abundance, is a must-do. From your first enquiry to when the final guest departs and everything in between, Rose O’Sullivan, the wedding co-ordinator, is there to ensure that your special day runs smoothly. The Eccles can welcome up to 250 guests, and are on hand to organise everything from flowers to fizz, music to menus, all in the magnificent setting of the Ilnacullin suite, overlooking Bantry Bay. The hotel underwent an extensive refurbishment with the new Spa at Eccles opening last August. Look forward to a red-carpet welcome and a sparkling toast for the happy couple. Renowned head chef Eddie Attwell has created a sumptuous wedding menu where guests can enjoy the finest West Cork produce that always celebrates the best of

ADVERTORIAL

The newly opened Spa at Eccles completes the hotel's major refurbishments, winning the Eccles a prestigious Gold Medal Hospitality award in September 2019. what’s fresh and in season on your big day. With 57 rooms and suites, you can book out the whole hotel and party the night away. And for the happy couple, there’s the Yeats Suite with its own balcony overlooking Bantry Bay, a sitting area and a large bathroom that features a bubbling jacuzzi bath. Glengarriff and the Ring of Beara is a place of total serenity, which means all the more time and space for you. With

stunning photo opportunities, you can really capture that cool calm feeling and treasure it for years to come. There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful part of West Cork. Enjoy a round of golf, go kayaking in the harbour, go fishing in the rivers or lakes, stroll the spectacular Garinish Island Italian gardens, or try one of the hikes around the stunning surrounding countryside.

Just ask and Rose and the wedding team to make it happen. The Eccles Hotel has selected dates available for 2020 and is taking bookings for 2021. Wedding packages start from just €58 per guest. To arrange a showaround or chat about your individual wedding needs, contact Rose and the weddings team by email on weddings@eccleshotel.com or call 027-63003.

A WEDDING

VENUE THAT’S TIMELESS ELEGANT, CLASSIC CHARM IN AN ICONIC WEST CORK VENUE Whether your dream day is an ‘all out’ vintage themed affair or a classic celebration in traditional style, The Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff is the perfect setting for your wedding day.

  Eccles Ad 239 x 150.indd 1

TO MAKE YOUR BIG DAY FEEL TRULY TIMELESS Contact Rose our wedding co-ordinator on 027 63003 or email weddings@eccleshotel.com 20

21/02/19 12:15

Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

Stylish guests By Paula Burns

There’s no denying that choosing a wedding outﬁt can ﬁll many of us with a feeling of trepidation. We tend to fall into the trap of opting for what we think we should wear rather then what we would really like to wear, so keeping in mind your own sense of style is a must. This way you lessen the chances of the dress being only worn once. Here are some ideas to get you thinking!

The Midi-Dress

When choosing a dress opt for a style you know you will wear again. With a seventies vibe coming from the Hedi Slimane at Celine the midi-dress remains a wardrobe staple. This is a style that has captured our hearts over the past few seasons making it one that will bring you through more than just one event. This is an easy length to wear and is not just for those blessed with longer limbs. For those like me who are more pocket size, choose a softer fabric like silk. Stay away from anything with too much material and remember to avoid pleats. The beauty of the midi-dress is that opting for bare

legs means less fake tan maintenance all the while creating an elegant look perfect for the reception. Match with a platform sandal for comfort and in keeping with the seventies inspiration, or for a sleeker look with a spiked heel. The midi also works for a mother of the bride look. While the shift dress has become synonymous with the mother of the bride there’s no harm in throwing in a touch of your own style.

The jumpsuit

The jumpsuit has never been far from the centre of the catwalk stage. It was brought to life during the era of disco in the seventies, now ﬁnding itself revamped with a modern twist for this century. If dresses aren’t your thing the jumpsuit is an ideal alternative for occasion wear. With sleek silhouettes – think Bianca Jagger at Studio 54 – the jumpsuit can create an unexpected elegance. Stay clear of print; instead embrace this seasons dramatic pink to make a statement. A jumpsuit should always be worn with heels to elongate the look. For the mother of the bride looking for something different, the jumpsuit ticks all the boxes. As weddings are moving away from the traditional why shouldn’t you?

Headwear

Before we proceed; headwear does not equate to fascinator. In fact forget that fascinators ever existed. When it comes to headwear, crown like headbands are very in vogue. Think a dark velvet headband adorned with pearls. They are regal-like while adding a touch of drama to an outﬁt and work well with the midi hemline. If a headband feels too girly why not take a step back in time to embrace some classic style with a hat? To keep with the seventies vibe, choose a wider, slouchy type fedora in the deepest burgundy. This is the perfect autumnal tone. A beret creates a simple sophisticated look and is easy to hide in a coat pocket once the festivities start. For mother of the bride a personalised piece would create a more dramatic and original look. In Ireland we are blessed with an array of innovative milliners. Look to designers such as The Seasons Hats or Kinsale milliner, Elizabeth Christina Design, for inspiration and bespoke pieces.

The coat

There’s something about an Irish wedding that makes us forget to wear a coat. For a summer wedding it’s kind of

understandable though we have all been there shivering under an Irish summer sun. Keeping this in mind, a winter wedding is made for concentrating on our entire ensemble. A beautifully structured coat can be the pièce de résistance to any outﬁt. While I wouldn’t ordinarily advocate taking style inspiration from the Windsors, it is fair to say that the Royals know how to do coats. Following from our love of the midi-length, coats are also embracing the longer hemline. Cinched in at the waist with a belt and a touch of shearling on an oversized collar creates a dramatic yet elegant winter look.

Vintage

Sustainability is currently at the centre of the fashion zeitgeist. With that in mind being frugal could result in the most stunning of bespoke outﬁts. Charity and vintage shops such as Miss Daisy Blue in Cork are a treasure trove for sustainable shopping. If you fall in love with a piece that is a couple of sizes too big, don’t be afraid to grab it. With a little stitch here and there your local alteration shop can easily bring it back to life and for half the cost of something from the highstreet.

Autumn/Winter 2019 | The Southern Star | Weddings

An environmental approach A sustainable, eco-friendly wedding isn’t going to solve all the world’s problems, but it can make a positive mark and in turn, you will give your guests a day that will long stay in their memories, writes Niamh Hayes (Photos: katebeanphotography.com) YOUR wedding day is the one day in your life when you can go above and beyond without anyone frowning on you. As well as the dress, the suits, the ﬂowers, the photographs, the video, the music and the venue, all the optional extras that come with a wedding can be endless. And while you should absolutely create a day that will be remembered forever more, it is possible to do this while being a little environmentally conscious. You do not have to go fully green on your big day, but by being open to going slightly against the norm and making simple choices, you can do your bit to help the environment. Plus going against the norm and doing things a little differently will ensure you and your guests have a day nobody will ever forget.

The clothes

You could easily spend much of your wedding budget on the wedding dress of your dreams but if you want to keep the environment in mind on your big day, you could consider locating a vintage or second-hand dress. This can be done for the bridesmaids too. You could also re-wear a dress belonging to someone in your family. With a few adjustments you might be able to turn it into the dress you’ve always wanted. Buying dresses that the bridesmaids and ﬂower girls can wear again is another eco-friendly choice, rather than them only being suitable for one day. Or if you have your mind made up that you want brand-new dresses, look for designers that use sustainable fabrics. For the men, hiring the suits is an easy win.

The venue

By taking careful consideration when choosing your venue, you can make a huge impact environmentally. Destination weddings abroad or somewhere far away from where you live are popular, but they involve a lot of carbon dioxide emissions from the plane, train or car that everyone must travel in. Picking a location that is convenient for the majority of your guests will save on those extra emissions.

The food

Whether your venue is providing the food, or you are hiring caters, ensure the food you and your guests are going to be eating is sourced locally, and where possible, organic and fair-trade. Including vegetarian or vegan options on your menu will also reduce your carbon footprint.

paper and card invitations are traditional and often sentimental, digital invitations can work just as well. Not only are you saving a lot of trees and money, you can stylise your e-invitations however you like, including adding your favourite music or creating a little video clip to personally invite your guests to your wedding. If paper invitations are something you can’t live without, ask for recycled paper and minimise the number of pages and inserts included.

The extras

Your guests have put in a lot of effort

to be at your wedding and you want to give them something back. While favours are a lovely gesture, there can be a lot of waste associated with them. Avoid things that are wrapped in lots of plastic and instead you could give your guests a packet of seeds or a potted plant that they can grow at home and so remember your wedding day forever more. Or rather than buying everyone individual wedding favours, make a difference in the world by making a donation on their behalf to a charity, better again if it is a charity that is trying to make a positive impact on the environment.

Flowers & decorations

When it comes to ﬂowers, make a more sustainable choice by choosing ones that are locally grown and in season. If you want some greenery in your centre-pieces and around your venue, use potted plants and blooms, as you will be able to take them with you after the wedding and grow them at home. Use decorations that are made of recyclable materials or reuse some that other couples have used. You can also hire decorations from party companies or ﬂorists.

The invitations

We spend so much of our time online these days that it makes sense to use the internet to our advantage when it comes to our wedding. While

Kate Bean, is a photographer based in Skibbereen. She recently organised a wedding photoshoot, showcasing some local sustainable wedding suppliers. ‘I wanted to bring together some incredible West Cork suppliers and showcase how talented they are. The shoot was eco-friendly, which was important to me and kept everything local to West Cork.’ she says.

One of Ireland’s best wedding venues

as selected by Confetti, RSVP, Image Brides magazine and more.

Clonakilty, West Cork Tel: 023-8833258

Since 1935 Fields of Skibbereen Bakers & Confectioners have been making high quality cakes to suit all types of weddings. We offer traditional, contemporary and novelty wedding cakes tailor made to order to suit your wedding day. We cater for all shapes, sizes & themes according to your budget. Special Dietary requirements such as Gluten Free & Spelt can also be catered for. Traditional royal icing, roll-on & almond pasting is a speciality. We can also provide dummy display cakes in line with your chosen wedding cake. Also available: An assortment of cake stands & full range of cake accessories.

A wide variety of cake flavours & fillings includes Madeira Toffee Real Belgian Chocolate Red Velvet Chocolate Biscuit Lemon Carrot Traditional Fruit Coffee And many more Or an alternative cake idea - cheese cake made with layers of your choice of delicious cheeses, decorated with fresh fruit, crackers, berries, leaves etc.

Call Kevin on 028 23040 to discuss your ideal wedding cake or email us at fieldskibbereen@supervalu.ie