Planning an August Wedding? Here’s Your Summer Wedding Inspiration
Welcome to another month of real wedding inspiration!
In this guide you’ll discover:
- Real August weddings in Ireland
- The wedding tips brides wish they knew sooner
- Photography advice you’ll never regret
- Whether a videographer is worth it
- Budget priorities from real brides
- Guest experience ideas
- Wedding inspiration from five beautiful venues
If you’re getting married in August, you’re in great company. August has long been one of Ireland’s most popular months to get married, thanks to warm summer days, longer evenings and beautiful outdoor celebrations.
This month, five wonderful August brides are sharing their favourite wedding photographs and, more importantly, the advice they wish every bride knew before saying “I do.”
Whether you’re finalising your plans or just beginning your wedding journey, these real experiences are full of practical inspiration.
What Wedding Photos Should Every Bride Plan For?
This was, without question, the most repeated piece of advice.
Both Edel and Brian and Abs and Rich recommended creating a photography shot list before the wedding.
Why?
Because once the day begins it moves incredibly quickly.
Having a list means you won’t accidentally miss photographs with grandparents, friends or family members you’ll treasure forever.
Edel also recommends giving your photographer the list before the wedding day so everything runs smoothly.
Abs & Rich in Lyrath Hotel
On a personal note, I was so sleep deprived at this wedding as Seán was only 6 weeks old! Niall was in the bridal party so my parents came to give me a hand! We did get our first professional photo as a family of three as Edel had kindly organised this with the photographer (it was the same photographer we had at our wedding too!).
What Jobs Should You Delegate on Your Wedding Day?
One of Edel’s biggest regrets?
Forgetting to ask someone to pass around the guest book.
The result?
Only a handful of signatures.
Her advice is brilliant.
Delegate the little jobs.
Ask someone outside the bridal party to look after things like:
- Guest book
- Sparklers
- Cake knife
- Cards
- Personal belongings
Your bridal party already have plenty to do.
Edel & Brian’s Special Wedding Day
Should You Hire a Wedding Videographer?
Aisling’s answer is simple.
Absolutely.
She explains that while the photographs were incredible, receiving a highlights video just days after the wedding allowed her to relive the emotion almost immediately.
It’s advice echoed by many modern brides.
Photos capture moments.
Video captures emotion.
What Should You Spend the Most Money On?
Several brides shared similar advice.
Invest in the things your guests will actually experience.
Aisling recommends spending more on entertainment because it’s one thing guests still talk about years later.
Sarah agrees.
She says to prioritise whatever matters most to you as a couple, whether that’s your venue, food, music or photography.
Aisling and Ronan’s Wedding Day
How Can You Make Your Wedding Feel More Personal?
This month’s brides shared some wonderful ideas.
Barbara replaced the traditional photo booth with instant cameras, giving guests fun keepsakes while creating an unforgettable guest book.
Aisling created a signature wedding scent by filling the venue with the fragrance of Yankee Candles, allowing the smell to bring back memories long after the wedding. (PS. Have a read of my blogpost on the “Jo Malone Scented Wedding Experience” as I talk about wedding scents on your special day)
Barbara and Jason had a 90 minute drive to the venue from the church so they included the bridal party in the limo and had so much fun (I love this idea – good tip!)
Aisling and Ronan originally wanted fireworks but decided to do sparklers instead and were so happy they chose this option. Fireworks can be so expensive and most packages only last about 3-4mins. Instead they opted for sparklers for each guest she thinks it cost them about €50 in total and the impact was amazing . The photo speaks for itself!
Barbara and Jason did a round top table for just the two of them, their bridal party and their partners. (Doing the top table can be so tricky so this is a nice alternative to the traditional wedding top table. One of my best friends did this as it was lovely having Niall with me at the top table too!)
These are the kinds of thoughtful touches guests remember.
What Wedding Advice Do Real August Brides Give?
Despite every wedding being unique, their advice was remarkably similar.
✔ Create a photography list.
✔ Trust your suppliers.
✔ Delegate jobs.
✔ Spend time together as newlyweds.
✔ Invest in entertainment.
✔ The week before the wedding is a bit mad but Sarah advises to try spend some alone time with your partner and try not to leave any big jobs until the last minute!
Sarah & Kevin’s Big Day
✔ Don’t sweat the tiny details.
✔ Enjoy every second.
✔ Aisling advises on sending out your invites early so you can plan your numbers well in advance and have a good idea of who is coming to your wedding as August is peak family holiday season so it is good to give your guests lots of notice
Barbara & Jason’s Wedding Day
Key Takeaways for August Brides
If there’s one lesson these wonderful August brides all shared, it’s this:
Your wedding day won’t be remembered because every tiny detail was perfect.
It will be remembered because of the people, the laughter, the emotion and the memories you create together.
So take the photographs.
Trust your suppliers.
Delegate where you can.
Pause with your new husband for a quiet five minutes.
And most importantly…
Enjoy every single second.
💕 May’s Wedding Tip
Every single August bride featured this month mentioned either photography or taking time to enjoy the day.
If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this:
“Stop for five minutes during your reception. Walk outside together. Take a deep breath. Look around the room.”
You’ll remember that moment forever.
If you’re putting the finishing touches to your big day, explore my collection of wedding keepsakes and personalised bridal gifts designed to help you stay organised and create memories that last long after your wedding day.
Related Wedding Planning Guides
-
Wedding Planning Affirmations to Reduce Stress and Feel More Confident
-
July Wedding Inspiration: Real Bride Advice, Summer Wedding Ideas & Planning Tips
Founder, My Wedding Shop
Leave A Comment