The Fairytale Guide to Planning a Forest Wedding in Ireland
If you’ve been dreaming of a magical and ethereal wedding surrounded by the beauty of nature, look no further than the breathtaking landscapes of Ireland. Indeed, there’s more to the country than its rich stout beer, cheeky leprechauns and long tradition of Celtic music.
With its lush greenery, majestic trees, and whimsical charm, Ireland offers a perfect backdrop for couples seeking an enchanted forest celebration. From the forest venues to consider to the wedding dress, cake ideas, colours, table settings and more decoration inspo, we explore how to create the ultimate fairytale forest wedding in Ireland.
Forest wedding venues in Ireland
Imagine exchanging vows amidst towering trees and dappled sunlight. Depending on the number of guests you plan to host on your big day, there are a number of venues that are best suited to your wedding.
Wicklow Forest
Among these, Wicklow Forest, located in the heart of the picturesque Wicklow Mountains in Ireland, is a captivating venue that offers a truly enchanting experience. With its lush greenery, towering trees, and tranquil atmosphere, the stage is set for a dreamy forest wedding. For small groups and intimate events, consider The Wicklow Escape, a beautiful lodge just 60 minutes from Dublin which contains seven garden rooms with private entrances and ensuites. Elegant and comfortable, Wicklow Escape feels like a home away from home—perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere for a forest wedding.
Glenlo Abbey
For a grander wedding, or if you plan to invite closer to 200 guests, Glenlo Abbey Hotel is perhaps a better venue for your forest fairytale. A five-star property in the heart of the West of Ireland, just a short drive from Galway city centre, majestic cast iron gates invite you in to this enchanting estate overlooking the Lough Corrib. From the Victorian-inspired decor of the beautifully restored stone-cut Abbey, perfect for intimate civil ceremonies, to the sophisticated River Room and the grand Corrib Suite, Glenlo Abbey will bring 18th century grandeur to your enchanted forest wedding.
Forest wedding decor inspo
Bring the enchantment of the forest to your wedding decor with soft fairy lights, moss-covered accents, and organic textures – think hessian placemats and natural linen napkins rather than anything too crisp or starched. Forest-inspired colours such as moss green, soft browns, and hints of gold, with a touch of brighter green in the spring or orange or maroon in the autumn, will add magic to your tablescape and overall ambiance.
Keep your table décor simple: if possible, opt for rustic wooden tables over anything too polished, then add a table runner or decorative elements that evoke the essence of the forest floor: think branches (be sure to clean and trim them!), ferns, and wildflowers as centerpieces, intertwining them with twinkling fairy lights for a touch of whimsy.
Add a touch of glamour with metallic votive candle holders or gilded place cards or table numbers, and for evening or night weddings, enhance the mystical atmosphere by placing candles of varying heights along the table to cast a soft, warm glow. You can even consider incorporating lanterns or hanging tea light holders from nearby trees or branches to enhance the forest wonderland feel, with additional fairy lights above the tables to create a magical, ‘celestial canopy’.
When it comes time to present and cut your wedding cake, incorporate elements like delicate sugar flowers, edible, decorative woodland creatures, or intricate tree bark textures, created using curls of dark and milk chocolate. Alternatively, for a slightly more modern option, a naked cake adorned simply with fresh berries and greenery will perfectly complement the rustic charm of your forest celebration.
Forest wedding dress and attire
Finally, if you fancy taking your magical forest theme to the next level, your wedding gown and bridal party attire should reflect the natural and whimsical setting. Dress the groom and wedding party in earthy tones and natural fabrics like linen and cotton to create a harmonious look, and if you’re the bride, opt for a flowing, bohemian-inspired dress with delicate lace details and floral embellishments.
Finish your wedding look with a sparkling hair crown, jewelled comb or other bridal accessory from Jules Bridal – all designed to enhance your look on the big day so you look and feel nothing short of incredible.
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