Across the world, a wedding is a universal celebration of love, commitment, and the union of two people. Yet, how we celebrate this momentous occasion varies widely across cultures, offering unique customs, symbolism, and traditions. Wherever you are across the world, these time-honoured rituals have been passed down through generations, bringing depth and meaning to the wedding day and offering a reflection of heritage, family values, and personal beliefs.
At Virginia Park Lodge, we believe your wedding day should represent you entirely, blending the beauty of tradition with modern, contemporary design and elegance. Whether incorporating a beloved family tradition or embracing something entirely new, wedding traditions from around the world remind us that love, in all its forms, is something to be celebrated.
Start With Your Vision
Before reaching out to any suppliers, take a moment to define your overall wedding style and the kind of ceremony, party and theme you want. Are you dreaming of a rustic, elegant ceremony, something luxurious and grand, or perhaps an intimate, nature-inspired celebration? Having a clear vision will make it much easier to communicate your expectations and ensure every supplier is aligned with your aesthetic and values from the very start.
Your vision should act as a guiding light for every decision, from your floral arrangements to your photographer’s editing style. It’s the thread that ties everything together. At Virginia Park Lodge, our historic architecture, sprawling gardens, and serene lake views provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of styles - from timeless and traditional to chic and contemporary. With your dream clearly in mind, choosing suppliers who can help bring it to life becomes much more straightforward and will naturally help you filter out the ones who won’t work for you.
Research & Reviews Matter
Once you’ve got your vision in mind, it’s time to begin your research. Look through supplier portfolios, browse wedding directories, and read real reviews and testimonials to get a feel for each supplier’s style, professionalism, and attention to detail. Real wedding galleries and videos are especially helpful as they offer insight into how a supplier operates on the day and how their work translates in a live setting.
Don’t be afraid to ask your venue for recommendations. At Virginia Park Lodge, we’ve had the pleasure of working with a wide range of exceptional wedding suppliers, from florists and stylists to photographers and musicians. Having seen them in action, we’re more than happy to suggest those who consistently go above and beyond to deliver something truly special. It’s an easy way to narrow down your list and feel confident in your choices.
Prioritise Key Categories First
When booking your wedding suppliers, timing is everything. Start by making a list of everything you’ll need and prioritise based on availability and notice periods. Some suppliers get booked up a year or more in advance. Key services like your caterer (if not provided by the venue), photographer, florist, planner or coordinator, entertainment, hair and makeup artist, and celebrant should be at the top of your list. It’s always worth reaching out early to ask about availability and lead times so you can plan accordingly.
At Virginia Park Lodge, we’ll take care of some of the big decisions for you. With on-site coordination and world-class cuisine led by Michelin-starred Chef Richard Corrigan and his expert team, your food and day-of logistics are in the very best hands. It’s just one of the many ways we help make the planning process smoother, and let you focus on the fun parts.
Meet or Speak with Your Suppliers
Once you’ve shortlisted your favourite suppliers, take the time to meet or speak with them directly. This is the best way to get a feel for whether they’re the right fit. Chemistry is always key. A good thing to keep in mind is: are they responsive, helpful, and aligned with your energy? Do they make you feel like they’re confidently taking the lead, while still welcoming your input? Most importantly, do you come away from the interaction feeling excited, reassured, and a little bit lighter? That’s the sign of a great match.
At Virginia Park Lodge, many of the suppliers we recommend have worked with us time and time again. They know our venue inside out, from how the day flows to where the best photo spots are, and that familiarity means a more seamless, stress free experience for you. When your suppliers understand both your vision and your venue, everything just clicks into place.
Check Their Familiarity with Your Venue
For the guarantee of a smooth wedding day, having suppliers who are familiar with your venue can make a tremendous difference. Those who know the layout, timing, and flow of the day can work more efficiently and confidently, anticipating key moments and navigating the space with ease.
At Virginia Park Lodge, we’ve seen firsthand how much easier things run when suppliers know the grounds. Whether it’s florists who understand how to style the Lakeview Pavilion, or photographers who know exactly where to catch that golden hour glow by the lough, familiarity breeds finesse, and that shows in every detail of your celebration.
Review Contracts and Timelines Carefully
Before confirming any supplier, it’s essential to review contracts and timelines in detail. Make sure everything is clearly outlined, from what’s included in their service to payment schedules, cancellation policies, and responsibilities on the day. This avoids surprises later and ensures everyone is on the same page.
At Virginia Park Lodge, our experienced coordination team can help you stay on top of timelines and supplier logistics, so you’re never left chasing details or double checking bookings. We’ll help ensure everything is aligned, giving you the peace of mind to enjoy the planning process and the big day itself.
Trust Your Gut and Your Venue
When it comes down to it, choosing your wedding suppliers is a blend of logic and instinct. While experience, reviews, and portfolios matter, it’s just as important to go with people you trust and click with: those who make you feel heard, understood, and excited. If you come away from a conversation feeling confident and at ease, that’s usually a good sign you’ve found the right fit.
At Virginia Park Lodge, we’ve built strong relationships with a range of tried and tested partners who not only know our venue inside out but also bring the same passion and professionalism we pride ourselves on. Whatever your style, our team is always happy to recommend trusted suppliers who we know will deliver something truly special.
To begin discussing your wedding day at Virginia Park Lodge, please get in touch with us directly and allow our team to walk you through the initial stages.