Farewell Wedding Fairs, The Butler House Experience Has Arrived
BUTLER House & Garden in the shadow of Kilkenny Castle was recently at the centre of an exciting new venture into wedding planning. Say farewell to the usual wedding fairs filled with a myriad of suppliers from bridal wear to floral bouquets and cakes.
The main private function room at Butler House & Garden, suitable for up to 60 guestsThe intimate private function room at Butler House & Garden comfortably seats up to 20 guests
Photographer Ben Power and Wedding Workshop host, Trisha Archer
Instead, say hello to a real chance to gain real understanding of every memorable wedding detail a bride and groom could wish for by getting to know some of the best in the business of weddings. In just a few short hours over scrumptious Afternoon Tea prepared by Butler House Head Chef Gerard Dunne and his team behind the scenes in the kitchens of the renovated Dower House in the heart of Kilkenny City, brides to be along with their families and friends gained all the tips from a panel of experts to coordinate a flawlessly beautiful big day.
Annette Walsh, sister-in-law to be Linda Morris and bride to be Jenny Walsh at the Afternoon Tea and Wedding Workshop in Butler HouseBride to be Gemma Butler (left) and her sister Louise had a look at rings by bespoke jeweller Ger Hall while at Butler House
Wedding Workshop host Tricia Archer (left) and the panel of experts at the Wedding Workshop in Butler House, Orla Clear, Vicky St John, Elaine Murphy and Rita Shanahan
“The idea was something a bit different than a wedding showcase,” said Butler House Sales & Marketing Manager Anne Marie Hallinan about the recent unique afternoon. “People come in, look at the venue and then leave again. We find that a lot of people who come to the House already have a wedding booked. What we have is all encompassing, a smaller, bespoke idea for the Irish market and the international visitors who stay with us.”
Instead of the usual bridal wear fashion show along with photographers, jewellers, cake bakers, hairdressers and makeup artists all plying their wares in hope of striking a chord with just one couple out of the whole showcase, the event at Butler House brought a panel of seven experts together to talk about everything the wedding couple needs to know before the big day.
Guests at the Butler House & Garden for the wedding workshop enjoyed a sample of Afternoon TeaButler House & Garden Head Chef Ger Dunne spoke about food he and his team prepare for every celebration
Afternoon Tea at Butler House & Garden can be tailored to most of the main food allergies
“We recommend the bride to make her appointment 12 to 15 months out from the wedding,” said bridal wear consultant Caroline Rooney. “Don’t do more than two boutiques in a day and no closer than a couple of weeks apart. Above all be open-minded and true to yourself.”
Only minutes from the city centre and offering the Kilkenny Civic Trust sister property for larger celebrations at the Medieval Mining Museum, the entirety of Butler House & Garden, including all 14 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with three more to be added in the next 12 months can be reserved for the wedding day itself as well as the engagement party and when the time comes, the baby shower.
Butler House Sales & Marketing Manager Ainne Marie Hallinan, Events Coordinator Mary-Aine Casey, staff member Aisling Smith, Operations Manager Noreen Sweeney, staff member Laura Ale and Digital Marketing Manager Sarah GossWedding Workshop host Trisha Archer (left), interviewing panellists Ben Power, Caroline Rooney and Rachel Walsh for tips and advice about planning the perfect wedding
Afternoon Tea and the Wedding Workshop at Butler House & Garden attracted around 40 ladies, all with weddings in the future
“We had a whole host of experts to get you thinking about your perfect day,” said Wedding Workshop host Trisha Archer. “We hope that by the end of the day you had everything needed to make the day unique and complete.”
Wedding suppliers in and around Kilkenny City can be contacted through Butler House & Garden by email at res@butler.ie or phone +353 567722828, or through the website at www.butler.ie.
- TASTE the Butler House Afternoon Tea experience, Downton Abbey style at the Savour Kilkenny Food Festival from Friday to Sunday, 25th-27th October from 12 noon to 4pm each day. Book online for €32 per person at butler.ie or by email at res@butler.ie, or phone +353 567722828.
