Bright Ideas on Weddings Unveiled at the Fernhill Wedding Fair in Clonakilty

Bright Ideas on Weddings Unveiled at the Fernhill Wedding Fair in Clonakilty

29 March 2010

Bright Ideas on Weddings Unveiled at the Fernhill Wedding Fair in Clonakilty

There was no shortage of ideas at Sunday's Wedding Fair hosted by Fernhill House Hotel in Clonakilty, with over 400 people in attendance.  From magicians, musicians and photographers to cake makers, invitation designers, florists and vintage cars, there was something for every bride and groom to be.  Guests enjoyed champagne and hot and cold canapés in the foyer of the hotel before meeting the exhibitors in the Kilgarriffe suite and the main ballroom.

For over thirty years, Fernhill House Hotel has been at the centre of weddings in West Cork and the venue and the team at the hotel really stole the show at the Wedding Fair.  Their friendliness and attention to detail have been paramount to their success.  The recent renovations at the hotel were shown to visitors who enjoyed guided tours of the new wing of the hotel.  The marquee and landscaped gardens were also open to visitors who enjoyed strolling through the different areas which provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs.  Photographer Marc Coombe has captured the beauty of the gardens, with framed wedding photographs which are on show upstairs in the new wing of the hotel.

Owner Michael O' Neil, who drove people down to the gardens in the "Fernhill Buggy" stated "I'm thrilled with the turnout here today.  While I was driving people around, I could hear that they were genuinely impressed with the location, the gardens and the hotel." His wife Teresa was on hand on the day to talk to guests and welcome them to the hotel.  Their son Neil, who was busy greeting guests in the foyer of the hotel stated that he had spoken to visitors from Cork City to the furthest tip of West Cork, all who had travelled to see the hotel.  Caroline Hayes, Wedding Coordinator was also available for questions from brides to be. Neil was helped by his brothers Gearoid and Michael, as well as all the capable staff at the hotel.

It was a case of "back to basics" for many of the exhibitors, who stated that there has been a return to simplicity for people who are planning their weddings.  Ann O' Neill from the Flower Basket stated "This year flowers are more minimalist, and outlandish decorations have been paired back. Brides and grooms are looking for good value for money. They are letting the flowers speak for themselves, but they are adding pretty accessories to them."  

Jean Moloney and Ann O' Grady of Madison Boutique were promoting Irish fashion brand Fee G, and owner Jean Moloney said that it was a good time to support Irish businesses "People will still spend money when it comes to occasion wear; we sell timeless pieces so that our customers can wear the piece again and again with different accessories."

Louise Manning of Dream Cakes, is in year two of her business and said "Starting a new business in a recession was difficult but we are getting orders and ticking over.  I have noticed that more and more people are ordering cupcakes for their weddings, and I like to personalise them to suit the bride and groom's taste."

For more information on Weddings at Fernhill please call 023 8833258 or see www.fernhillhousehotel.com