And they're off!

Hello, brides and grooms.

Congratulations if you’ve just become engaged, it’s such a special time.

This is our last wedding feature of the year and it’s beginning to look up for the wedding industry as, hopefully, restrictions will be fully lifted at the end of the October.

Is that the light at the end of the tunnel, I'm seeing?

You’ve heard me harp on about my own postponed wedding enough on these pages, but the wedding industry is vital to our economy. Hotels need it, hairdressers and beauticians get that extra income injection, florists benefit from them as well as bands and entertainment industry which is one that has suffered so much during Covid-19.

There’s photographers, suits, barbers, videographers, nail salons and bridal boutiques – whatever you chose it’s helping another business and in turn helping to put food on the table for a family and a roof over their heads.

It’s not just my own wedding on the calendar; I’ve three to go to before the end of the year.

It’s so great to see those invites coming through the post box again and I cannot wait to go to weddings again.

Another thing back on people’s agendas is foreign travel and my first wedding is combining the two. I’m heading off to one of my bridesmaid’s own wedding in London soon. I’ve known this woman since we were 15. There is something so wonderful about seeing one of your best friends take such a special step in her life and I wish her all the best.

As I said, it’s so great to have weddings back and I hope you get some inspiration in this feature. There’s wedding dresses, gift ideas, flower arrangements and more to gaze upon.

Whether it’s your own wedding or it’s one you’re going to as guest, we’ve something for you in this feature.

Happy planning your big day or if you’re heading to a wedding as a guest, enjoy the day - it's been a long time coming.

Bye for now,

Niamh Áine