Attendance and RSVPs

1. What is the RSVP deadline?

Please let us know if you are coming to our big day by 27 May 2023 (Saturday). It will help us plan better and make sure we have enough food and drinks for everyone.

2. Can I bring a plus one?

If your invitation says “and guest,” feel free to bring your favourite dance partner! If not, we hope you’ll understand that we have limited seating and can’t accommodate everyone’s plus-one.

3. Are children welcome at the wedding?

We love kids, unless they are included in the invites, our wedding is a strictly 18+ affair. Grab a babysitter and enjoy a night off from parenting duties!

4. What is the dress code for the wedding and other events?

While we don’t have a strict dress code, we encourage our guests to dress in formal or semi-formal attire to celebrate our special day in style. For gentlemen, we recommend wearing a suit or a Barong, while ladies can opt for a morning dress or a cocktail dress. Feel free to accessorise with a hat or fascinator if you’d like!

We have included our wedding colours in the formal invitation as a reference, but please don’t feel limited to these options. We want you to feel comfortable and fabulous while celebrating with us. Can’t wait to see you all dressed up and ready to party!

 

5. What if I can’t make it to the wedding?

We’ll definitely miss you, but we understand that life happens! If you can’t make it to our big day, please still RSVP on our website and select “Regretfully Declined.” This way, we can send you some virtual hugs.

6. What should I do if I feel unwell on the wedding day, but I’ve already RSVP’d?

First and foremost, your health and well-being are our top priority! Even though COVID is behind us, we still need to be mindful of our health and the well-being of others. If you’re feeling unwell on our wedding day, please prioritise taking care of yourself and seeking medical attention if necessary. While we’ll certainly miss your presence at the celebration, we completely understand that unexpected situations can arise. Kindly let us know as soon as possible if you won’t be able to make it so we can send our best wishes for a speedy recovery and adjust any last-minute seating arrangements. Take care, and we hope you feel better soon!

 

Food and Drinks

1. What kind of food will be served at the wedding reception?

Get ready to feast on a carnivorous delight! We’ll be serving trio of meats at our reception. Don’t worry, we’ll also have plenty of scrumptious sides and vegetarian options for our non-meat-loving guests. Bon appétit!

2. Will there be any dietary restrictions or options available at the reception (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.)?

We’ve got you covered! Our menu includes delicious options for all dietary needs. Just let us know your preferences when you RSVP, and we’ll make sure your taste buds are just as happy as ours.

3. How do I RSVP and indicate my meal preference, including any allergies?

We’ve made the RSVP process easy-peasy! Just visit the RSVP section on our wedding website and fill out the required information, including your attendance status and meal preference. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please make sure to mention them in the designated field, so we can ensure that your dining experience is both enjoyable and safe. We’re excited to share this special day with you and want to cater to everyone’s needs, so don’t hesitate to let us know about any special requirements. Cheers to good food and good times!

4. Will there be a bar at the wedding reception?

Yes, we’ll have a bar available at the reception for all you thirsty party animals! Feel free to purchase your favourite drinks and toast to our new adventure. Just remember to bring your wallet, drink responsibly, and show off your fabulous dance moves. Bottoms up!

Logistics and Transportation

1. When and where is the wedding taking place?

Our love extravaganza will take place on 6 August 2023 at Tullyglass Hotel and Residences in Ballymena Northern Ireland BT42 1HJ. The ceremony begins at 1:30 PM, so don’t be late, or you’ll miss our grand entrance!

2. What are the timings for the ceremony and reception?

Great question! We can’t wait to see you there. Our love story unfolds as follows:

• Ceremony: The ceremony will begin promptly at 1:30 PM, so please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to find your seat and settle in. We want to ensure everyone is present for the moment we say “I do!”
• Reception: The celebration continues with our reception kicking off with speeches at 5:00 PM. Join us for delicious food, drinks, dancing, and lots of laughter as we embark on this incredible journey together.

Remember to save the date and set your alarms – we’re looking forward to sharing our special day with you!

3. What is the best way to get to the wedding location (for out-of-town guests)?

For our jet-setting guests, the nearest airport is Belfast International. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to your accommodation. Make sure to check out our website for more detailed directions.

4. Will transportation be provided going to the wedding venue?

Yes, indeed! We’ve arranged a snazzy shuttle bus to transport guests staying in Belfast to Tullyglass, our wedding venue. If you would like to avail this, please don’t forget to include in your RSVP form.

5. What is the parking situation at the venue?

No need to worry about parking wars; there’s plenty of space for everyone’s ride. Just follow the signs and park your carriage with ease.

6. What if I’m running late to the ceremony?

If you’re running fashionably late, don’t panic! Just slip into the ceremony as discreetly as possible. Our love story will still unfold beautifully, even if you miss the opening scene.

7. What time does the reception end?

While we wish we could party forever, the reception will come to an end at midnight. But don’t worry, we’ve planned a night filled with laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories!

8. Will there be a shuttle provided after the party from the venue back to Belfast?

Unfortunately, we won’t be providing a shuttle service after the party from the venue back to Belfast. We kindly ask that guests arrange their own transportation home or back to their hotels (if not booked in Tullyglass), whether it’s by carpooling with fellow guests, or hiring a taxi. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but we hope that everyone can still enjoy the celebration to the fullest and get home safely afterward. Let’s make some unforgettable memories together!

9. Is smoking allowed at the wedding venue?

Our wedding venue is a non-smoking property. Therefore, we kindly ask that you refrain from smoking within the premises. Your understanding and cooperation in keeping the venue smoke-free is greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us maintain a comfortable and healthy environment for all our guests to enjoy our special day!

10. Can I bring my well-behaved pet to the wedding?

Just like with the kiddos, unless they’ve received a personal invitation, please leave your furry babies at home. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating with you – and hearing your best pet stories – at the reception!

11. Are there any special accommodations for guests with disabilities?

Our venue is fully accessible, and we want everyone to feel comfortable. If you have specific needs, please let us know, and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.

Accommodations and Local Attractions

1. If I need a hotel room for the wedding, can I book one at the venue?

Yes, indeed! If you require accommodations for our wedding, you have the option to book a room directly at the venue. There are limited rooms to be publicly available from 27 March 2023. We recommend making your reservation as early as possible to ensure availability and secure the best rates. You can either contact the venue’s reservations team or book online through their website. We look forward to celebrating with you and making it a memorable experience for everyone!

2. Can you recommend nearby hotels or accommodations?

Of course! We’ve listed a few of our favourite hotels and Airbnb options on our website. They’re close to the venue, and some even offer special discounts for our wedding guests. Sweet dreams guaranteed!

We also suggest that guests look into accommodations in Belfast, as there are a variety of hotels and lodgings to suit different budgets and preferences. Staying in Belfast will provide easy access to local attractions and amenities during your visit too!

To make transportation to the wedding venue more convenient, we will be providing a shuttle service to pick up guests in the morning. When you RSVP, please make sure to indicate whether you plan to use the shuttle service. This will help us coordinate the shuttle pick-up time more effectively. Further details regarding the shuttle service will be shared closer to the wedding date. We hope this helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone attending our special day!

3. Are there any local attractions or activities you recommend for guests visiting from out of town?

Absolutely! Northern Ireland is a beautiful and vibrant region with plenty of amazing attractions and activities to offer. In fact, we have a dedicated page on our wedding website with more detailed information and suggestions for you to explore.

Some of our top recommendations for our out-of-town guests include Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Titanic Belfast, The Dark Hedges, Belfast Castle. and Game of Thrones tours. These are just a few highlights of what Northern Ireland has to offer.

We encourage you to check out the “Making it a Weekend” page on our wedding website for a more comprehensive list, descriptions, and insider tips. We hope you have the chance to explore and enjoy some of these fantastic attractions during your stay, and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions or provide additional recommendations to help make your visit extra special!

Wedding Day Events

1. Are there any special traditions or customs that will be part of the wedding ceremony?

We are blending both of our English and Filipino wedding traditions and throwing in a few surprises. So, buckle up for a unique ceremony filled with love, laughter, and a touch of the unexpected. No spoilers, though – you’ll have to be there to see it!

2. What is the plan in case of inclement weather?

Our wedding ceremony and reception will both be held indoors, so no need to worry about the unpredictable Northern Irish weather playing a part in our big day! However, since we all know that rain can still be a guest in August, we suggest being prepared, just in case. Fingers crossed, the sun will grace us with its presence and bless our entire wedding weekend with beautiful weather. Here’s to hoping for sunshine and clear skies!

3. Can guests take photos during the ceremony, or do you prefer an unplugged wedding?

We’re happy for you to capture our special moments during the ceremony, but we do have one important request: please refrain from using your mobile phones or cameras when Des is walking down the aisle. We want everyone to be fully present during this magical moment, and it also ensures our professional photographer and videographer have a clear shot. Once the bride has reached the altar, feel free to snap away, but always be considerate of our photography team’s view. Thanks for understanding!

4. How will the seating be arranged at the reception?

Our seating chart is designed with love and a dash of magic. Trust us, we’ve got you paired up with some fabulous tablemates. Prepare for delightful conversation and a night to remember!

5. Will there be dancing at the reception?

Oh, yes! We’re ready to boogie the night away. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to show off your best moves. Our DJ is prepared to keep the party going all night long!

6. Will there be a place for guests to leave cards and gifts at the wedding?

Absolutely! We’ will have a charming UK post box at the reception for you to send us your heartfelt cards and greetings.

While gifts are not required, we know some of you may still want to shower us with your generosity. In that case, we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing large gifts, as we will be heading back to London with limited luggage space. Instead, please check out our wedding registry for gift ideas that we can easily have delivered to our London love nest. Remember, your presence is the greatest gift of all, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

7. Do you have a wedding registry, and if so, where can I find it?

Yes, we’ve set up a wedding registry at www.hitchd.com/housepowell. As we are moving into a new (empty) flat in London, we’d appreciate any cozy and stylish touches to help transform our space into a warm and inviting home. Our registry includes a variety of furniture, decor, and practical items that we’d love to incorporate. If you prefer, cash contributions are also welcome to help us kickstart our married life.

Remember, gifts are not required, and your presence at our wedding means the world to us. Thank you for your love and support!

8. Do you have a wedding hashtag for social media?

Hopefully! We are still working on finding the perfect wedding hashtag, and we would love to hear your suggestions! If you come up with something creative, please share it with us. We are excited to see everyone’s ideas and choose a hashtag that best captures all the special moments from our big day on social media!

That’s it folks! If you have any burning questions or need more info, feel free to send us an email at wedding@housepowell.co.uk or slide into our DMs on social media. We’ll get back to you faster than you can say “I do!”