Weddings can be stressful enough without adding the pressure of a traditional ceremony and reception. That said, it's still important to keep things lighthearted and intimate—and make sure your guests feel like they're part of the party too! Here are some ideas for setting up an affair where everyone feels at home:

Backyard Wedding

A backyard wedding is a great way to save money, and it doesn't have to be cheap. You can throw an event that rivals the glitziest affairs in town with just a little creativity.

If your wedding venue is outdoors, you only need a little for decorations. A few strategically placed plants and flowers are more than enough to set the tone of your event—and they'll probably cost less than renting tables and chairs!

Consider investing in some festive lighting for this type of event. String lights make any space look instantly romantic.

Beaches and Barbecue

There's something about a beach wedding that makes it feel so casual and easy, even if you're still planning all the details. The location is usually pretty straightforward—a beach! The theme is often tied to its place or season, which can also make things easy for you. You don't have to worry about whether or not your guests will be able to find accommodations nearby; tell them where they're staying and give them directions on how to get there!

For your wedding day, keep things simple with a few items that tie into the general theme of your event (think shells or seashell motifs). Choose cute decorations like paper lanterns and enjoy setting up everything yourself. It may take longer than hiring professionals would take but hey: it's free!

Casual Chic

Casual Chic is a wedding theme that's relaxed but still elegant. It's typically held during the summer and can be formal or informal, depending on how you tailor it.

​Destination Casual

A casual wedding can be held at a friend's house, in the backyard of their home or apartment, on a boat or yacht, at the beach, or under the stars. Even if you don't live near any of these locations, it's easy to rent them for an afternoon!

Casual weddings are intimate and relaxed; they feel more like a party than a stressful event. They're also much more affordable than traditional ceremonies since you're cutting out unnecessary frills and extras.

Here are some of the best casual/elopement wedding locations in Ireland:
Dunluce Castle, Co Antrim.
Kinbane Head, Co Antrim.
The Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare.
Menlo Castle, Co Galway.
Murlough Bay, Co Antrim.
Hamiltons Seat, Co Antrim.
Killarney National Park, Co Kerry.
Dunseverick Castle, Co Antrim.

A casual wedding is an excellent option for couples who want something more low-key. If you're looking to save money, this theme can help you do that too! A relaxed theme is also perfect if you want your event to be as formal or informal as you like.

No matter what your wedding style is, we hope these ideas can help you plan a casual celebration. Remember to keep it fun and simple so that your guests will have a great time at your wedding!

If you’re considering adding wedding videography services to your casual Irish wedding, be sure to check out Reel Irish Wedding for all your videography needs. 

When you're planning your wedding, there are a lot of things to worry about. You have to make sure that all of the details are taken care of and that everything is perfect, from the ceremony space to hiring a wedding videographer or photographer down to the decorations. 

However, there's one thing that can help keep your guests happy and make their stay at your wedding more convenient: reserving hotel blocks. What is a hotel block? And how do you reserve one? 

Deciding if a Hotel Block Makes Sense for your Wedding

When you reserve a block of rooms at one or more hotels, you're essentially reserving the right to block out some rooms at specific prices. The hotel will try to fill those rooms with guests who pay full price, but your guests will have first come, first serve access to a reduced rate.

Getting a hotel block makes sense if you are having a destination wedding in Ireland or if you have guests travelling from a distance to attend your big day. Vendors, like your wedding videographer, can also use this discounted block rate!