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This week Sara is coming to you from The Grand Hotel Malahide. This is part two of the Money talks, you asked for it and here it is! Sara tackles the wedding money questions she gets flooded with in her DMs — the ones everyone wonders about but rarely asks out loud. From how much to put in the card, to what’s appropriate when you’re attending a wedding abroad, and even what it means when a guest gives nothing at all, Sara breaks it all down with clarity, honesty, and zero judgement! If you’ve ever second-guessed a gift, felt awkward about expectations, or just wanted straight answers without the stress , this episode is for you. Practical, reassuring, and long overdue, Sara solves the wedding money mystery once and for all. 🎧 Listen now and go into every wedding feeling confident, informed, and drama-free.

This week, Sara takes us inside the newly refurbished Grand Hotel Malahide—and trust us, seeing is believing when it comes to those phenomenal coastal views. (For the full effect, check out Sara’s Bridal Suite videos on Instagram!) In this episode, Sara dives into one of the most talked-about and often avoided topics in wedding planning: money. 💸 From navigating budgets to understanding why prices have skyrocketed, Sara breaks down the myths, norms, and honest conversations around funding your big day. She also shares smart tips for handling financial disagreements with your partner, deciding whether to save or borrow, and understanding the true value behind one of the most important days of your life. It’s the first conversation on a much-requested topic in this series! Grab a cup of coffee and join Sara as she helps couples turn financial stress into confidence—because planning your dream day shouldn’t break the bank or your relationship!

Sara is back with the next episode of The Bridal Suite Series, coming to you from The Station House Hotel, Meath, a boutique luxury wedding venue where charm, character, and romance meet at every corner. This week’s guest is well-known content creator and journalist Éadaoin Fitzmaurice, who got engaged last year to her long-time partner John — fellow presenter, content creator, and fun fact alert… the voice of the Irish version of SpongeBob SquarePants (an-mhaith!). Éadaoin brings Sara up to speed on her wedding planning journey so far, sharing insights from the venues she’s explored (and documented for her Instagram followers), plus some refreshingly honest advice. One standout tip? Don’t overload yourself with venues — pick four or five and stop there. Decision fatigue is real! A natural planner, Éadaoin already has most of her 2027 to-do list mapped out (we’re impressed), but she also reflects on the balance that comes with having a more Type B partner, and how John reminded her to pause, enjoy the engagement, and savour the moment before the spreadsheets fully take over. A must-listen for anyone recently engaged, deep in planning, or simply dreaming of the big day!

Real Weddings with Sara – The Bridal Series | Episode 2: Fionnuala Jones ...Celebrate Your Own Way! In this episode, Sara is coming to you from the beautiful Station House Hotel in Meath, an award-winning boutique hotel, as part of The Bridal Suite Series. ✨ Be sure to check out more about this stunning venue on https://www.stationhousehotel.ie Sara is joined by broadcaster and podcaster Fionnuala Jones (aka Fionnuala Jay), who shares the story of her twice-as-nice wedding celebrations with her partner Cian Roche. 💍💍 Fionnuala takes us behind the scenes of saying “I do” not once, but twice, from thoughtful decision-making to choosing sustainable venues including Fernhill House in Cork and Fallon & Byrne in Dublin. She opens up about embracing eco-conscious choices, how to avoid stress and truly enjoy the day, and why it’s all about having your people around you. No notions! Just doing things your way! This episode is a reminder that weddings don’t have to follow a rulebook, it’s about doing it your way, whether that’s once or twice. A feel-good, refreshing listen for anyone planning a wedding, rethinking traditions, or looking for permission to make it meaningful. 💫

Sara Kennedy from The Aisle by Sara Kennedy — your go-to wedding planning destination and expert with nearly two decades in the industry — is back with a must-listen podcast series for all newly engaged couples! In Episode 1 of the Bridal Series, Sara walks you step by step through her signature PLAN method to help you get organised, feel confident, and kick off your planning journey the right way. Think of her as your fairy godmother — equipped with checklists, templates, wisdom from years of real weddings! Recorded in the stunning Station House Hotel in Kilmessan, Meath — a boutique wedding venue full of charm — this episode will give you a fantastic head start and keep you on course as you move from “just engaged” to “let’s plan!” 💍 Want more expert guidance? Check out The Aisle for planning tips, timelines, downloadable planners, inspiration and more at theaislebysarakennedy.ie.!

This week Sara talks to newly weds Jess Collins and Ger Lynch who have a very interesting back story! If you are a fan of the TV show First Dates, you may very well have watched he beginnings of their romance. They both applied for the show pre covid and had very different expectations of what might happen!Jessica Collins who also works as a comedian was signing up to the show thinking - will be good for her profile and maybe she might get some extra work, she openly admits she was not looking for a partner! Little did she know Ger was going to be matched with her and go on to get married. Ger said he was tired of the dating apps and said he would just go for it and try something different . So the big question, was there chemistry? They both said they knew they liked each others company and wanted to see each other again. They went for a second date to Dublin Zoo and ended up talking for hours - they ended up developing a close friendship when COVID hit Ireland and the world changed. Jess and Ger ended up making the decision to move in together, they grew even closer and ended up having the best lockdown because they fell in love! A year later - back to where it all began , Ger proposed in the Gibson Hotel where First Dates is filmed. Just back from their wedding now Sara gets the lowdown on how it all went and what's next for the First Date success couple!

This week Sara answers the many DMs that she receives on wedding pain points, issues and dilemmas. She is joined by two experts in the wedding business to boot to tackle the problems head on! Siobheal Nic Eochaidh founder of online accessory brand "Rosie & Dott" and Laura Downes CEO of digital wedding planning platform "Everly". They waste no time and my goodness can weddings bring out some opinions and attitudes! The girls end up given some quality advice in here for some problems that are probably more common than you think - so if you have some bridesmaid trouble, supplier problems, or if you are a bridesmaid who has a problem with the brides decisions! ( WOULD YOU DARE!) this is the episode for you. Sit back and prepare to get the wisdom of the wedding pros!

This week Sara chats to the morning Queen of breakfast radio in Dublin Rebecca Shekleton as she celebrates her one year wedding anniversary. Rebecca met Nathan at Forbidden Fruit Festival back in 2016, they had a random encounter , got chatting , Rebecca said "lets go for a drink" and they have been together ever since! She said it was the ease of being with him that made her know he was the one, she describes it as a feeling of coming home...oh YOU GUYS!. She knew that one day they would wed but was not expecting the proposal! It was a sweaty day for Nathan in Adare Manor as he plucked up the courage to ask his love to marry him! Rebecca lets Sara know that once wedding planning mode was in full swing, it was Sara`s guidance on Instagram that led her to pick the venue they ended up getting married in! Rebecca shares all the details and helpful tips from her big day and her parting advice for couples on the road to I do!

This week Sara chats to the ever entertaining Darren Conway and his fiancée Amy Corcoran as their upcoming wedding is right around the corner! Darren ( who listeners will know as one half of podcast duo Darren and Joe)and Amy host also host their own wedding podcast "The Conways" where they talk all things relationships, weddings, hens,stags and marital dilemmas galore! Here they take us all the way back to when they first met and how they have been inseparable since those first days of getting to know each other. They knew quickly that there was going to be no one else but each other for them. While they may have always known they would marry, Amy said she had no idea when it was going to happen and when it did - she thought the surprise was going to be a new mattress! They have gone into planning mode over the last three years (Darren admits its not as stressful as people make it out to be, while Amy looks on in disbelief!), They reveal some details of the big day but are keeping some all important details for themselves. We cant wait to see all when they tie the knot in May, the big question Darren wants to know - will Picture This make the day? That`s the real cliff hanger....

This week Sara chats to one of Limerick`s leading ladies Sinead O `Brien. Sinead is founder and owner of the very successful Irish brand Vacious Shapewear. She can be found on the gram sharing her fashion and lifestyle content tips on Sinead Curvy Style where you will also see she tied the knot recently to her partner Simon. Sinead thought she would be getting married in Ireland but said when she dipped her toe into getting married abroad there was no turning back! She is no stranger to planning events so she went full steam ahead when it came to her own wedding in Portugal. This episode is a masterclass in all you can put in to your wedding from top to toe to make moments stand out. If you want some tips and advice not only for getting married abroad - but also for how to make the moments count in the wedding day then grab the headphones and take a half hour for yourself for this!

This week Sara chats to the fabulous, funny cookbook author and content creator Gina Daly ( Yer wan with the Airfryer!) AKA The Daly Dish on Instagram. Gina is one of the most authentic, funny and heart warming guests to grace RWWS podwaves. She talks to Sara about her non conventional road to romance with her husband Karol Daly who co-wrote their first cook book together "The Daly Dish". The book was a massive success and is a book that adorns many a kitchen shelf in Ireland and abroad. The story behind Gina and Karol`s story to marriage is just a delight and a treat to hear Gina tell in her own witty and wonderful way. You will laugh, you will cry , you will probably think about making fajitas! Grab the headphones - this is a great story!

Sara is back with a whole host of new episodes of RWWS. Hold on to your diamonds because our guest for the new season is a lady who kicked off the very first episode of Real Weddings". She is the very talented and delightful entrepreneur, founder and owner of Chupi Jewellery - Chupi Sweetman. Chupi fell in love with the idea that jewellery is a piece of the future. Each piece is about the moment it will mark, how we commemorate those moments in our lives.” This episode is perfect for anyone who is daunted by the idea of picking an engagement ring , how, when and why. The main thing Chupi says to remember when picking the ring is your "why" , when a ring is going to be part of your future , how would you like it to feel, look? This episode is packed with advice on what not to worry about , the budget doesn't have to be blown! There are some mind blowing facts about the sustainability and ethics of diamonds, the fits and what it takes for something to be really "Irish Made". Have you ever wondered what the difference between a Lab grown diamond and a real diamond? You should! Get your headphones..this is a good one!

Sara spoke to Lisa last year and she was an instant hit with Real Weddings listeners. Her sheer no frills and no fuss advice that cuts straight to the tools that will work in your relationship ( once you commit!) is a breath of fresh air. She did also divide the nation with her statement that every couple should be kissing for at least 6 seconds a day! This caused quite the ruckus online and Lisa has an alternative for us that feel that this act alone might get us into some trouble time wise! There are more words of wisdom here for all couples, especially those who are entering into marriage. Lisa shares details of her new online course "Start Strong" that is now available for those who think this all makes a heck of a lot of sense to do! It certainly makes sense in Real Weddings Headquarters so we hope you enjoy another great episode from Sara with Lisa!

Sara is back! After a short hiatus in "Real Weddings With Sara" on the airwaves , she is back with an amazing guest Julianne Meade from Barbells and Babies. Julianne is an online fitness coach but as you will hear from the podcast , gives a completely different approach to female health and fitness depending on your own personal journey in life. Whatever you are looking to achieve in health and fitness, Julianne can work with you to achieve realistic goals and make sure you are feeling and looking your best! This is something Sara finds brides to be (including herself!) got very wrong and ended up not feeling good in her health and fitness on the run up to her wedding as a result of simply overdoing it. Julianne looks at every client differently and makes sure she tailors a fitness and nutrition programme specifically for you that will work. This is a great listen for brides or non brides who want a no nonsense simplistic approach to getting on the road to feeling their best inside and out for the long run!

The Bride of The Year Show is taking place on the 27th and 28th of January at the RDS.  This is Ireland's largest, most exciting and diverse Wedding event. If you're recently engaged and at the beginning of your wedding planning journey or even further down the line of the planning phase, The Bride of the Year Show provides you with the perfect opportunity to chat with over 150 wedding experts in every category imaginable from cakes to décor, bridal to entertainment, Irish and destination Venues and all things Honeymoon all under one roof.  ​With catwalk shows, I do! schools hosted by our very own Sara Kennedy! There is also thousands to be won in prizes, The Bride of The Year Show is your one stop Wedding Show! If you want a taste of what to expect take a listen to some of the great suppliers we bumped into back in September when the Wedding and Honeymoon Show took place there in September, it basically is your one stop shop and inspiration all wrapped up!