Michael Flatleys Reception & Honeymoon Tips
By Chris Morton
Actors and musicians aren't the only celebrities who can have lovely weddings we can learn from as we plan our own. The fall wedding of a famous dancer can make our own big events a little more special.
Dancing Down the Aisle
On October 18, 2006, the man best known as the Lord of the Dance, Michael Flatley, exchanged vows with fellow performer Niamh O'Brien at St. Patrick's Church in County Cork, Ireland just a short trip from Flatley's home. Michael and Niamh had known each other and worked together for more than a decade before finally tying the knot. And their big decision drew large crowds – thousands of people from the area gathered outside the church to see or shake hands with Michael as he made his way inside the church.
The enormous guest lists – more than 250 friends and family members packed the church – found themselves later enjoying a seafood (including oysters, fresh salmon, and lobster) and beef buffet until six o'clock in the morning the following day.
Unlike Tom and Katie Cruz who left early the morning after their wedding for a honeymoon, Michael and Niamh headed back to work in order to prepare for a new dance tour. They decided to put off their honeymoon until later in the year.
Key Tips from Michael
While it's not likely that a huge group of well wishers will be gathered outside of your ceremony location on that big day, you can take some of Michael and Niamh's experience into consideration as you plan your own matrimonial celebration.
For starters, the buffet is a great idea. There a couple of advantages to having a buffet at your reception. First, you will save money. Because your guests actually serve themselves, you won't have to pay extra for servers. The money you save can allow you to provide better quality food or, if you're on a tight budget, maybe to get something else you really want for your wedding. Second, you can provide more options. If you have a formal sit-down meal with only the choices of beef or chicken, then you're not giving your guests many options. After all, there may be some people who'd prefer fish or who are vegetarians. Keep in mind that your buffet doesn't have to be packed with seafood – although it could be. You can choose the entrees and sides you think will appeal to your guests, which fit your budget, and which also reflect your tastes.
Another idea is the delayed honeymoon. While Michael and Niamh chose to wait because of work, there are other reasons to do so. For example, if you've paid for the wedding, you may not be able to afford the honeymoon you want, so why not keep saving your money for a few months until you have enough to take that great trip? Some couples are also delaying their honeymoons until their first anniversaries or until they want to start their families – a romantic getaway for just the two of you makes a great backdrop for either event.
In the end, it's these decisions that are going to make your special day uniquely yours.
About the Author: Chris Morton ran hotels and restaurants for 17 years - catering for 100's of weddings. His wife Sue is a wedding planner with 10 year's experience. Together they have established http://www.TheWeddingWizards.com to provide unbiased help for brides and grooms.
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