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Olivia Buckley International, the luxury wedding and event planning agency, shares expert advice for hosting a sustainable wedding this year, ahead of World Earth Day on Saturday, 22nd April. Founded by Irish entrepreneur Olivia Buckley in 2013, Olivia Buckley International has created one-of-a-kind celebrations for a global clientele of A-list celebrities, Forbes Rich-List and Fortune 500 CEOs. From pre-loved wedding dresses to eco-friendly décor, making small sustainable changes this year can have a big impact.

Olivia Buckley
 

Wear Pre-Loved Wedding Attire

Choosing pre-loved or vintage wedding attire is a wonderful way to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Opting for previously owned pieces helps to decrease the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new garments. Not only is this a more environmentally friendly choice, but it also allows the bridal party to incorporate unique and timeless pieces into their wedding look. Olivia’s client Brandy Dallas, founder of the sustainable fashion brand Sans Faff, looked stunning in her pre-loved Monique Lhuillier gown on her wedding day. Her choice not only reflected her personal values but also served as an inspiration for others to make more sustainable choices of their own.

Olivia Buckley International
 

Eco-Friendly Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations set the tone for the big day ahead, but they don't have to come at the cost of the environment. By choosing eco-friendly wedding invitations or e-vites, the bridal party can make a positive impact on the planet. Eco-friendly paper options include recycled, tree-free, and vegetable-based inks. For those who prefer a digital option, e-vites are a great choice, as they eliminate paper waste and can easily be customized. Choosing an eco-friendly option showcases the bridal party’s commitment to sustainability and protecting the planet.

Olivia Buckley International – photographed by Shane Shepherd
 

Choose a Green Wedding Venue

A green wedding venue is another way to be more sustainable in wedding planning. To identify a green venue, look for places that practice eco-friendly habits such as recycling and composting, using renewable energy, and sourcing local products. Outdoor venues can also be a great option, as they can reduce energy use and take advantage of natural lighting.

Ballyfin Demesne – Photography by Ciara Cassidy
 

Use Eco-Friendly Décor

Look for decor made from recycled, biodegradable, or sustainable materials, such as bamboo or organic cotton. Avoid materials like plastic and Styrofoam that can take hundreds of years to decompose. Choose centrepieces that can be repurposed or donate them to a local shelter or nursing home after the wedding. Opt for LED lighting to reduce energy use and create a romantic ambiance.

Olivia Buckley International – photographed by Shane Shepherd
 

Eco-Florists and Repurposing Flowers

Selecting an eco-florist and repurposing flowers is a great way to ensure that the wedding celebration is environmentally friendly. Eco-florists prioritize the environment by using sustainable materials, composting, and minimizing waste. They also source their flowers locally and seasonally, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Repurposing flowers can also help reduce waste. For example, ceremony flowers can be repurposed and introduced into the dining space or used as centrepieces.

Olivia Buckley International – photographed by Shane Shepherd
 

Reduce Transport Emissions

Consider holding the ceremony and reception at the same location to reduce the need for transportation. If that's not possible, choose a venue that's easily accessible by public transport or encourages carpooling. Brides and grooms can also opt for eco-friendly transportation, such as a bicycle or a horse-drawn carriage. Encourage guests to carpool or use public transportation by providing information on local transit options.

Vintage Ring – Photographed by Ciara Cassidy
 

Recycled Metals, Ethical Gemstones & Vintage Jewellery

By opting for a wedding band that uses recycled metals and ethical gemstones, or opting for vintage jewellery, supports sustainable jewellery practices. Recycled metals and ethical gemstones are mined and produced in ways that minimize harm to the environment and human rights violations. Vintage jewellery is a unique and eco-friendly option, as it allows the wedding party to wear a piece of history while also reducing waste. To find these items, look for jewellers who specialize in sustainable and ethical practices, or search for vintage and antique jewellery at second-hand stores, online marketplaces, or family heirlooms.

Olivia Buckley International
 

Donate Leftover Food

Donating leftover food is an ideal way to reduce waste and support those in need. To achieve this, work with the venue or wedding planner to identify a local food bank or charity that accepts donations. Coordinate with them beforehand to ensure that the food is properly stored and transported to the organization. Choose to serve buffet-style meals to avoid over-ordering and minimize food waste. Inform guests ahead of time that you'll be donating the leftover food and invite them to participate in this meaningful act of giving.

For more information, visit www.oliviabuckley.com.

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Your bestie is tying the knot and has asked you to be maid of honour.

First of all, congratulations. It's a major deal and it means they cherish your friendship very much.

However, with the title comes a lot of responsibility, and if you feel like you haven't a notion where to begin, this list will guide you along the way.

From the moment she's engaged, to the Big Day, this is what will be expected of you in the run up to the wedding.

The Planning

The bride will no doubt have a million things on her mind, so your maid of honour duties will start by helping her in the planning process.

Make lists of everything you'll need for the day (and day after, etc), and start to wrangle up the other bridesmaids to make sure they're on board with everything.

You're basically in charge of the bridal party, and you can ease the bride's mind by setting up dates to go dress shopping and making sure all of her bridesmaids are available for fittings, make-up consultations and everything in between.

Also, be prepared to be a consultant for the next few months. There's no doubt your bestie will have a ton of ideas, so be prepared to consult on everything from colour schemes to food.

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The Hen

Even though it's the bride's hen party, Hitched.ie notes that this is really your moment to shine.

You will take the lead on planning the hen party, but make sure to include the other bridemaid's ideas too. And obviously, consult with the bride. There's no point planning a huge overnight trip if all the bride wants is a day in the local spa.

Once everyone is settled on the type of party they want, then it's time to really start grinding. You'll need to make sure everyone has the date secured and be aware of everyone's budget.

And don't be afraid to delegate. Someone can confirm dinner, another can create party games, and someone else can organise the draaanks.

The Run Up

As the Big Day approaches, it's your job to make sure the bridesmaids are all certain of the dates, times and arrangements (final dress fitting, make-up, etc).

You also need to think of any useful things to have on hand on the day such as umbrellas, plasters, small cans of hairspray and deodorant (yes, it'll be your job to carry these around in case the bride gets too sweaty or her feet start to hurt – the joys!).

If anything has been hired for the reception, ask the bride and groom if you can pick them up as we're sure the bride will be running around like a headless chicken the day before.

The Big Day

As hithced.ie explains, you will need to be on TOP form on the day of the wedding. You will need to make sure everything runs smoothly the morning of (make-up artist turns up, the flowers are on time, everyone is present) and before the ceremony.

The bride will no doubt ask you to help her get ready too. Don't dare touch the dress without washing your hands first! You should also have a good breakfast that morning, because believe us, with all the running around you're going to do, you're going to be hungry before the ceremony even ends.

When you arrive at the church, make sure the bride is picture perfect before she walks down the aisle. Her make-up, hair and veil are all perfectly intact. Don't forget that during the ceremony you will need to hold the bride's bouquet, so have your hands free.

As the day goes on, just look out for small things. Your BFF basically needs to be camera-ready all day, so fix lipstick smudges and mascara stains (because let's be real, there will probably be tears).

And last but not least, have fun! You have been waiting for this day just as much as the bride, so take it all in and have an absolute ball.

Image result for maid of honour

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Anyone getting ready to get married knows that picking where to go on the hen party is important.

It needs to be cheap, have a selection of bars and restaurants, good weather and a party buzz.

Can you guess where the top destinations are?

Mecca Bingo ranked them and the first is…the gorgeous city of Prague. 

1. Prague

The Czech capital is good for nights out and cheap food, with the average price of a meal around a fiver. 

It has an enormous 620 bars and clubs, making it an excellent night out. 

You could have a spa weekend and choose from one of Prague’s 161 establishments.

2. Barcelona 

The Spanish city is good for sunny weather, relaxing spas a there is also a beach nearby.

With 531 bars and clubs, and the average price of a bottle of wine is just five quid, so it’s also a great night out.

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3. London

It is chock-a-block with bars, clubs, and restaurants as well as many spas.

However, meals, taxis, and bottles of wine could really chip into your bank balance. 

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4. Madrid

This city is good for bars, clubs, and cheap taxi fares.

The city boasts 613 bars with cab prices starting at just three Euro and a good choice for sun-worshipping hens too.

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5. Budapest

This Hungarian city is great for cheap food and alcohol, with the average cost of a bottle of wine just five quid and main meals around the same.

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6. Sofia

This Bulgarian city is home to outrageously cheap taxis and eating out is affordable also.

Image result for sofia bulgaria

7. Berlin

The German city is good for cheap booze and nights out.

Berlin has 515 clubs – what more could you want?

 

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We love a good wedding.

You'll expect to indulge in a sit-down meal and gorge on wedding cake whilst everyone wears their finest attire.

You just can't help but gush over the blushing bride and dapper groom. 

The wedding trends, however, may be an element of the day that you might raise an eyebrow, or you might even copy them for your own big day.

Every year, the Internet seems to churn out weird and wonderful wedding 'must-dos'.

A lot of them catch on like wildfire, and here's are the ones to avoid according to the experts. 

Speaking to Independent.co.uk wedding planners dished-up the most overdone wedding features.

Over-the-top cakes are the statement that towers half way to the ceiling and takes up a whole corner in the room.

However, it's time to channel your inner minimalist as OTT cakes are no longer unique.

Hamish Shephard, the founder of Bridebook.co.uk told the paper:

“The humble iced fruitcake wedding cake is long gone due to Instagram wars for that perfect cake shot.

"From drip cakes and naked cakes, then onto doughnut walls and eight-foot macaroon towers, and recently even Meghan Markle’s 154lb deconstructed lemon and elderflower wedding cake!

 

A post shared by Sarah Kate (@sarahkatephoto) on

"The cake is now an iconic trend that is becoming increasingly competitive," he added.

We don't really care as long as there is cake and we get a slice.

Flower Walls skyrocketed centre stage by Kim Kardashian, however, they've now seen better days as an original feature. 

Robin Weil of weddingplanner.co.uk, reports to the Independent, that “both doughnut walls and flower walls seem to be everywhere!”

On the plus side of the trend dying out, you will save yourself a pretty penny by excluding this floral arrangement. 

Remember the good old days when brides just rocked up to the church in a car? Yeah we've forgotten too – cue the helicopters, donkeys and balloons.

According to Shephard, dramatic bridal entrances are completely overdone as they've "seen it all".

“From a bride literally being ballooned into the ceremony to being walked in by a dressed-up dinosaur, the bride’s entrance has become yet another aspect of the wedding that can be blown up to unimaginable heights.

“We are all for breaking tradition, like the growing trend of brides walking themselves down the aisle (as eight per cent of UK brides did in 2017), but maybe save the dinosaurs for the amusement park,” he said

It's time to leave some of the girls at home, or at least out of your “bridesmaid army.”

Having more bridesmaids than you can count on one hand has officially been worn out.

Shephard weighed in and said:

“The ‘bridesmaid army’ trend swiftly came over from the US and has taken hold of wedding parties everywhere in the UK. Gone are the days of one or two bridesmaids, or even flower girls, as the more the merrier mentality has been the preferred choice.”

Remember ladies, less is more!

To bring the list to an end, the experts are turning off the light-up letters.

 A firm favourite feature for newlyweds, we for one, won't miss this trend.

They seemed to be at almost every wedding in some form, from congratulations to spelling out the couples name. 

Do you agree with the wedding planners on the overdone trends?

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We can all admit we’ve daydreamed of being a bridesmaid one day.

Playing such a special part in your sister or best friend’s big day is the ultimate honour, however, it will set you back quite a lot of money.

Weddings are certainly a pricey affair, even for the regular guests. However, when it comes to the bridal party their big role in the wedding sees them spending an extortionate amount of money.

The Vow has conjured up just how much money the average bridesmaid is spending. Those of you with upcoming bridesmaids duties may want to close your eyes.

They revealed that the average bridesmaid spends a whopping €500.

24 percent of women involved in their study said they spend €500-€800, however, 17 percent admitted they have spent an eye-watering €1000 on the nuptials.

Others (8 percent) even admitted to spending over €1500 on their friend or family member’s big day. Ouch!

The bride and groom tend to look after the bridesmaid's outfit and all things beauty, but what’s really costing bridesmaids a small fortune is the little things.

Things like decorations for hen parties, alcohol, and engagement gifts are costing a pretty penny.

Being a bridesmaid may be a huge honour but you’d certainly want to start saving straight away if you’ve got a big wedding coming up.

It’ll cost a few bob, but there’s no doubt in our minds that it’ll be worth every penny.

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Diamonds are a girl's best friend, right? Traditionally, most women go for a gold ring with a clear white diamond setting as an engagement ring.

But things have changed – women want a ring that reflects their style and personality. Listen, if it's going to sparkle on your finger for life, it better suit you

One trend that looks like it is here to stay is the coloured rocks; and we are HERE for it! 

Coloured engagement rings are perfect for the quirky bride who wants to give her rock an edge, and make the diamond (or emerald) pop.

It's a edgier alternative to more traditional white diamonds, and it's so different, which we really love.

We decided to do a bit of a round up of our favourite coloured engagement rings, direct from social media (of course).

1. Serious mermaid vibes here. 

I would literally DIE if someone gave me this, but with a sapphire in the middle instead. LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

2. Nothing beats a yellow diamond. 

3. Our inner goth is in LOVE. 

modern engagement ring with black diamond

4. What girl doesn't love some pink?

You're going to be popping champagne on your wedding day, so consider a champagne colored stone for your engagement ring! It'll be a constant reminder that every day with your true love is something worth celebrating!

5. We're green with envy.

Gorgeous emerald ring                                                                                                                                                                                 Mehr

6. This antique peach diamond ring is stunning. 

sapphire engagement rings round vintage peach sapphire

7. This reminds us of unicorns. 

Heavenly Opal Halo Ring

8. There is something so ethereal about a purple engagement ring.

Tanzanite and rose gold engagement ring | EidelPrecious/Etsy

9. We're actually overwhelmed.

Awesome 52 Stunning Stone Engagement Rings

10. Navy rock, say no more. 

Engagement ring. Tanzanite ring. Blue Tanzanite by EidelPrecious

 

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Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock has announced her engagement to footballer Andre Gray. The couple were celebrating their four year anniversary when her beau popped the question.

Andre confirmed the news by sharing a photo of Leigh-Anne showing off her engagement ring, which is too beautiful, and another of the moment he popped the question. It’s safe to say the Black Magic singer didn’t suspect a thing as she looked as shocked as ever with her head in her hands.

He wrote alongside the photo, “Let the caption speak for itself this time.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ANDRE GRAY (@andregray_) on

The singer marked their anniversary with a romantic beach snap. She couldn’t help but gush about her beau, “Happy Anniversary baby… how has 4 years gone so fast! All I know is I'm another year more crazy about you. I couldn't love you harder if I tried.”

The couple first started dating in 2016.

Huge congratulations to the love birds.

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Weddings may have come to a halt during lockdown, but that hasn't stopped Deliveroo from celebrating love. They are offering one lucky couple the chance to win a virtual wedding breakfast.

Following Minister for Health Simon Harris’ latest update which outlined that smaller weddings could only take place later this summer, Deliveroo is looking for any Irish couples letting love prevail by preparing to make their vows virtually via video conference.

Deliveroo is offering one lucky couple, who are planning a virtual wedding celebration with their loved ones, €1,000 Deliveroo credit to go towards catering the special day.

Deliveroo will credit the lucky couple with the funds, which can be used to put towards cake, chef-cooked food and drinks for them and their guests, to help compensate for their big day taking a digital turn. 

Arabella Jenkins at Deliveroo, said, “We want to celebrate love during lockdown, so we’re looking for couples whose big day is going digital. 

“Just because your wedding day might be postponed doesn’t mean the date shouldn’t still be celebrated. We’re here to deliver the ultimate wedding breakfast for one lucky couple who’ve decided to host a virtual wedding ceremony, which they can spend all on themselves or share amongst close friends and family.”

Prospective couples can tag @DeliverooIE on Instagram or @Deliveroo_IE on Twitter, using the #SayIDoWithDeliveroo hashtag sharing their virtual wedding plans for the chance to have Deliveroo cater their ceremony. 

Full T&C’s for the competition can be found here

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex celebrated their two year engagement anniversary this week and we can’t believe two years have already passed since that special day.

In honour of the milestone, Harry and Meghan posted a never-before-seen photo from their wedding day. The candid snap is truly breathtaking. 

The photo was taken after their ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor last May.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

They also shared a photo from the day they announced their engagement and when they introduced their son Archie to the world.

The image was captioned ,”On this day, two years ago:

"27th of November 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced the news of their engagement, later becoming Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex! They have since celebrated their wedding anniversary and welcomed their son, Archie, into the world.”

The parents are set to head to the USA for their first Thanksgiving as a family-of-three. It is believed they’ll celebrate the holidays with Meghan’s mum Doria.

They will not be spending this Christmas with the Royal Family at Sandringham. Earlier this month, royal officials revealed they will be spending the holidays with Doria.

There’s no doubt Harry and Meghan are looking forward to their first Christmas with little Archie.

And it’ll be extra special as they head back to Meghan’s home for the festivities.

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Love is in the air!

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom are set to tie the knot this December after the actor popped the question on Valentine’s Day.

2019 has been quite the year for celebrity weddings with Katy’s close friends marrying their beaus over the past few months. The Firework songstress and Orlando attended the wedding of Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling last month in England. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on

Just this week, Katy attended the second wedding of Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin, so there’s no doubt the Never Really Over is feeling loved up.

According to US Weekly, the couple will say ‘I do’ this December, however, the couple are planning a private and intimate ceremony.

Their nearest and dearest friends and family will attend the ceremony.

“They are using a planner to finalise all the wedding details. Katy seems in charge, but Orlando is involved with the planning, too. They don’t seem stressed about it though. It will be a fun celebration with family and friends,” an insider told People magazine.

Katy and Orlando got engaged on February 14, 2019. 

The lovebirds confirmed their engagement by posting a selfie to their Instagram accounts.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Orlando Bloom (@orlandobloom) on

Katy showed off her beautiful engagement ring in the snap. She captioned the image, 'full bloom' while Orlando simply captioned it 'lifetimes.'

We cannot wait to see Katy’s wedding dress. The Part of Me singer will make the most beautiful bride.

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Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand are officially husband and wife. The couple shared the first photo of their wedding, simply captioning it, ‘Mr and Mrs Ferdinand 27/9/19’

In an interview with OK! Magazine, the newlyweds gushed about their special day.

The couple tied the knot in front of their closest family and friends in lavish ceremony in Turkey.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kate Wright (@xkatiewright) on

Kate looked as beautiful as ever in her fishtail gown. The stunning bride said Rio’s daughter Tia was the first person to see her wedding dress. The former reality star wanted to ensure that Rio’s three children were a big part of their wedding day.

She told OK! “Tia has said for so long that she wanted to be the first one to see me in my dress and she was. She was so happy – she was nearly crying.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kate Wright (@xkatiewright) on

“Then she introduced me to my mum and my bridesmaids in the dress and she loved it. It meant everything to her and it was so special for us to share that moment before the madness of the day.”

Rio’s sons, Lorenz, 13 and Tate, 11, also played a big role in their dad’s wedding day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kate Wright (@xkatiewright) on

Kate shared, “Having the boys walk me down the aisle was just amazing. It was a hugely important moment for me and they did so well. Seeing Rio at the altar made me feel so happy, I couldn’t wait to get to him.”

Rio added, “Seeing Tate and Lorenz walk Kate down the aisle was particularly poignant and we wouldn’t have wanted to do it any other way. They were so proud and they couldn’t wait to do that, they felt important.”

Congratulations to the happy couple.

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Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling tied the knot at York Minster on Saturday morning and it looks like their day came straight out of a fairytale.

The lovebirds looked as happy as ever as they left the church and headed to Castle Howard for a festival themed celebration.

The couple reportedly invited 300 guests to their nuptials, including Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Sarah Ferguson, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom and Sienna Miller.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Caspar Jopling (@casparjopling) on

Following the celebrations, Caspar shared a series of photos from their special day and we can’t quite cope with how stunning Ellie looks.

The art dealer simply captioned the photos, ‘Thankful for everyone and everything, especially you’.

Caspar posted four photos, including a closeup of Ellie in her bespoke Chloé gown. 

Guests were quick to comment on the post and couldn’t help but gush about Caspar and Ellie’s big day. It certainly sounds like it was the wedding of the year.

Cassandra Gracey wrote, ‘Best wedding ever’.

‘Oh it was just so f**king fun!! Thank you xx’ said photographer Louie Banks.

There’s no doubt their guests were pleasantly entertained at Castle Howard. 

According to reports, guests enjoyed vegan dishes, champagne and could unwind in VIP pods for guests.

Musician Serpentwithfeet also performed at the lavish celebration. He posted a photo of Ellie, in her second wedding gown, to Instagram.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by serpentwithfeet (@serpentwithfeet) on

He thanked Ellie for asking him to perform on her special day, “Thank you @elliegoulding for asking me to perform at your wedding!! I am still in disbelief, but incredibly honored that you would invite my melodramatic self to sing at a celebration of love.”

Congratulations to the newlyweds. There’s no doubt their wedding day was as magical as it looked.

Feature Image: Instagram

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