Nuptials for Brunch

Shooting in swanky new Dublin hotel The Dean, yesterday, I was wooed (by the buzz of trendies just hanging out for breakfast) into the idea of a wedding brunch. I fluctuate between thinking it’s a step too far – to pull off another event, the day after your wedding and drag your hungover guests out of their beds to celebrate the happy couple, again – to loving the laid-back vibes a brunch offers, after the high-energy day is done? or even as the sole celebration, following intimate morning nuptials. Either way, the key to making a wedding brunch successful is combining as little effort as possible on your part, with ultimate craic for your guests. Follow these five simple steps and you’re set.

STEP 1 Book your brunch into a venue that’s ready-made-cool, with great food, gorgeous d?cor and hip vibes, as standard. Given today’s thoughts, I heartily recommend checking out The Dean as the ultimate box-ticker. Book the private dining Blue Room for a meal for up to 60 guests, or a stand-up shindig for up to 120.

STEP 2 Send out e-vites via Paperless Post, who have a great selection of designer wedding brunch invites, available to customize and email to your guestlist, for cheaps.

STEP 3 Don’t go wild searching for Another Bespoke Handmade Designer Bridal Dress. Shop at your leisure and pick up something cheap and oh-so-cheerful, for you and the hub, on ASOS – their Salon collection (for gals) tends to have perfect fancy brunch wear.

STEP 4 Since you’ve chosen a venue with readymade celebratory flair, there’s absolutely no need to stress about doing lots of decorating. If you’d like to add some personal touches, why not pick up a load of these cute putted cacti in IKEA to use instead of floral centerpieces.

STEP 5 Take inspiration from daylight party maestros The Gentleman’s Academy and bring Disco Brunch-style craic to your event. Skip the formality of a formal speech schedule and enroll the skills of a good-times DJ, instead. Shout out to your guests that should anyone have heartfelt words to say (or sing), they can grab the wireless microphone as it makes its way around the room. Make post-food dancing compulsory.

Follow Kate on Twitter @kateodowd

For more truly celebratory wedding ideas, see BASH Volume Five, on shelves now