Weddings FAQ’s
THE BASICS
If there is a coordinator, will they be there for the duration of the reception?
Yes, they will be present until on the day and if unavailable, another representative from the Sales Team whom you will
have already met and spoken with, will be there in her place.
Do you have a one wedding policy?
Yes.
Is the venue available for exclusive use?
No.
What’s included in the packages?
Included in all of our packages is everything from Food, Décor and even entertainment on arrival.
How flexible are your packages?
While you can always add in extra’s we are always happy to make the packages as personal to you and what you want. You are not stuck to everything that’s in the package of your choice.
Do you have a wedding car at the hotel?
Yes, we have a wedding car available. To add the wedding car to your package its 300 euro. The car will pick the Bride or Groom (just one) up from the hotel or from the house, and take to the church and then take you both for pictures and back to the hotel.
CEREMONY
Do you have allocated spaces for Civil Ceremonies?
Yes, for bigger ceremonies we hold them in the second half of the Ballroom. We can hold ceremonies on the rooftop but it is weather dependent and can also hold only about 50 guests in total.
What is the changeover plan for converting from ceremony to reception?
Our events team will discreetly transform the ceremony space into your reception room. This is done while guests enjoy the drinks reception, ensuring a seamless transition without interruption.
Are we allowed to have pets?
With the exception of service animals, pets are not permitted inside the hotel. However, they are welcome for outdoor
photographs or in rooms that are pet friendly with supervision.
FOOD & WINE
Is a complimentary menu and wine tasting included?
Yes, tasting will take place about three months out from the wedding. We hold tastings Monday to Thursday from about 5pm onwards. You will also taste and try your wedding wine this night. The tasting is complimentary for the wedding couple. For additional guests they are charged 35 euro per person.
Wine choices – what are the win choices and what are the upgrade costs?
We offer a carefully selected house red and white wine as part of your package. If you would like to upgrade, we have a wine list available with a wide range of wines. Upgrade costs vary depending on your selection, and our team will be happy to provide options and pricing.
Do you do corkage? if so what is the charge?
Yes, corkage is available upon request. The charge is €15 per bottle of wine and €20 per bottle of sparkling wine or champagne. Beer bottle corkage is €2.50 per bottle – max 72 bottles.
What time is the meal served?
Depending on the timing of your ceremony and drinks reception.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements? Coeliac? Vegan?
Yes, as long as given the appropriate notice, the chef will amend the menu to cater to any guests’ dietary restrictions.
What are our options For Day 2?
We can host BBQ and Finger food on the rooftop, Brasserie Garden or Lir Bar. If the Piano Foyer is free (no wedding or conference the day after) you are also more than welcome to use this area again. Menu prices are in the brochure. You can also have a one-man band/Dj on the rooftop etc. They can play until 11pm on the roof.
Is there late-night food option, what time is it served?
Yes, we provide late-night food options such as sandwiches, finger food, or hot snacks. These are generally depending on the timing of your evening entertainment.
Where is the cocktail hour or drinks reception served?
Your drinks reception is hosted in the Piano Foyer. For smaller wedding of 20 people or less, we can also offer the Rooftop Garden Bar.
Can we serve signature cocktails?
Yes, however there may be an additional cost depending on ingredients/garnish/preparation requirements
THE RECEPTION
What crockery/linen/cutlery is provided as part of the package?
All. Our house set of crockery, linen and cutlery will all be available to you on the day. If you prefer something different, please bring this to our team at the time of your wedding detailing.
Is any décor/stationary provided (menus, centrepieces, red carpet, flowers, cake stand)? Are there alternatives available?
Yes, we provide table menus, a red or a cream carpet arrival, a cake stand and knife, and a selection of centrepieces. Couples are welcome to bring their own décor or work with external suppliers if they prefer a different look.
If you want to set up and decorate the venue the day before the wedding, can we gain access, what time?
Yes, access can usually be arranged the day before your wedding, subject to availability of the ballroom. Times vary depending on events, but we will do our best to accommodate your preferred set-up schedule.
THE WEDDING PARTY
Where does the band set up? Where is the dancefloor, how big is it? Does anything to be moved to create the dancefloor?
The band sets up on the stage after the top table is removed after the meal. The dancefloor is a permanent feature, how ever if tables are set on dancefloor for meal, these will be removed/moved to the side during band set up to create space.
Does the venue have a sound system, or does it have to be rented?
We do not own a full PA system at the hotel, we strongly recommend that all entertainment provide their own as our in-house system is only compatible for speeches and background music.
Do you have microphones in the venue for speeches?
Yes.
Can I hook a phone or laptop to your sound system?
Yes, you can connect via AUX cable or HDMI for background music or slideshows. Please let our team know in advance.
Is there a late bar? Is there a charge for a bar extension?
Yes, the late bar is moved to the Lír Bar after 1.30am. Bar extension is included in all our packages at no extra cost.
What is the capacity of the ballroom?
Our ballroom can fit between 300 and 350 guests on round tables, and 350 plus using long tables.
When do you need the final numbers and table plan?
We require your final numbers to be given one week before your wedding along with your table plan. After this, your table plan can still be changed if required as we do not print the Final Plan until the morning of the wedding to accommodate changes. You will however still be charged the final numbers given a week in advance as this is what we would have been prepping for.
ACCOMMODATION
Is the bridal suite included in the price? Are complimentary rooms provided for the parents or any of the wedding party?
Yes, the bridal suite is included, along with additional complimentary rooms for the night of the wedding depending on your package.
What accommodation does the venue offer, will there be discounted rates for guests at the wedding?
Our hotel offers 92 bedrooms in total. For your wedding, we will reserve a block of 30 bedrooms at a special wedding rate, along with 3 complimentary rooms — the Bridal Suite plus 2 additional rooms for the night of your wedding. Wedding room rates vary throughout the year and are always lower than our standard leisure rates. Should you wish to reserve more than 30 rooms, additional bedrooms can be held at a slightly higher rate. Please note, we do not allocate all 92 rooms for weddings. Any rooms not named 6 weeks prior to your wedding date will be released back to the public. We will notify you before this happens, and you may request your rooming list at any time.
Are there B&Bs and other hotels in the area for guests? Can you provide a list?
Yes.
Are there reliable taxi companies in the area?
Yes, there are several local taxi services we work with regularly. We can provide contact numbers in advance, and our reception team will also be happy to assist guests on the night.
What time is Check in/ Check out?
Check in is from 3pm onwards, and check out is from Midday. Breakfast 7am – 10:30am.
FACILITIES
Can the bridal party get ready at the venue?
Yes, many couples choose to get ready in our suites on the morning of the wedding. Early access can be arranged if required.
Is the venue child friendly? What facilities are available for entertaining children?
Yes, we are child-friendly. We can provide children’s meals, highchairs, and have family rooms available. Babysitting services can also be arranged with advance notice.
Is there a lift/facilities/access for elderly guests or those with a disability?
Yes.
Is there enough parking for my guests and is it free?
Yes.
Is there somewhere secure to store wedding gifts?
Yes, we can provide the Wishing Well that is securely locked and it will be added to the Bridal Suite after the Wedding.
Does the venue have public liability insurance?
Yes, the hotel holds full public liability insurance.
FINANCIAL
Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?
You will see the payment plan at the bottom of your contract. You calculate the price of your package x by the number of guests attending. We ask for 80% of the overall bill (based on minimum numbers) before the wedding day. The payments begin 6 months out from your wedding, then 3 months and finally 1 month. However, if you want to pay more/ before that’s completely up to you. You can pay by bank transfer, pay by link, or by cash at reception.
When does the deposit need to be paid?
You can provisionally hold a date for 2 weeks without payment. To confirm the date we ask for a 1,000 euro deposit which officially holds the wedding. To confirm, we draw up the contracts, once they’re signed the wedding is officially confirmed. The deposit is non-refundable.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You will find all details of our cancellation policy in the ‘terms and conditions’ you will receive along with your contract.
What costs are incurred if the numbers on the day differ to the final numbers?
Once your final numbers are confirmed (one week before your wedding), this is the figure our chef prepares for and the amount charged. If guest numbers drop on the day, we cannot reduce the cost. If additional guests arrive, they will be charged at the agreed per-person wedding package rate. Nothing will be added on your bill unless previous agreed.
If you have any further questions or queries. Please feel free to Aoife (091) 880 088 or email weddings@loughreahotelandspa.com