Big Day - Big statement!

In Belgium weddings are now getting political.... so 700 couples are getting "married against Racism" not quite "Rock against Racism" but I suppose everything else had been tried!

The people are symbolically getting married because three couples previously refused to be married by an official, who is Belgian but just happens to be black....

Anyway since there's 700 of them holding the reception- it shouldn't cost that much per couple though the cake will probably be quite big!

Just for the record - I really enjoy multicultural events, especially weddings - there's ALWAYS great photo opportunities!

First Dance gets serious....

You don't have to get the whole Riverdance crew in to entertain - why not do it yourselves? I've been looking at a few videos of first dances that are worth seeing - we've all seen the whole wedding party approach and we've seen the quaint couple approach which didn't quite pull it off while others probably should have worked on the routine for a little longer.

If both of you don't quite feel up to the job - why not go it alone? The bride can step out with her bridesmaids or even the groom can just strut his stuff to audience approval....

Of course if you're the more traditional types - and all of this terrifies you as a prospect you can always just do some lessons - call Michelle Alonzi (086 - 3038593) the dance instructor I met at the RDS - she will sort out your Quickstep from your Slow Waltz - making it a Foxtrot Oscar moment in your Wedding day!!!

Quaiche and easy gifts....

I got a gift from a client recently and on the label saw this website address and was hugely impressed with it's range of gifts - who wouldn't be up and jumping around after one of those A Get Well Soon Gift Packs????

Under "Weddings" they sell a Sterling Silver Large Quaiche Bowl with Celtic Handles for €520.00 (€429.75 ex. VAT), while its supposed to be a Scottish drinking bowl - I have my doubts with that "Quaiche" bit - it looks suspect..... I doubt too many homes are so incomplete that they need one either.

I figure if you're thinking flowers for someone who really doesn't "do" flowers - say just the Dad - a Coffee Brewer's Basket for €42 is probably certain to hit the right spot!

Restaurant Food

There is a very special place in West Wicklow just outside Dublin, on past Poulaphuca. This is a special retreat for many couples at weekends and isn't well known for its weddings because they're only available mid week - making it ideal for Monday weddings and those long weekend weddings!

The beautiful House is filled with old world charm and it is a proper Country house; complete with stables, golf course and wonderfully warm homely welcome - Rathsallagh House Hotel just outside the lovely village of Dunlavin off the M7 at Kilcullen or beyond Blessington if you're coming from Dublin.

What is particularly different is that they offer proper Restaurant meals, not "function" food, the meal is cooked and served when the guests and you are ready, not when it suits the kitchen. The menu for your reception is exactly the same as the menu for restaurant and not a special selection.

If you do drop in, don't forget to ask Catherine to show you my sample album there!