Tradition holds a blushing bride pour months of effort into arranging the perfect ceremony and reception. As for the groom; he pours months of effort into arranging a night of booze-fuelled fun with his mates – restricted only to avoiding outright debauchery and any behaviour likely to endanger the marriage. Ladies’ celebrations are of course much more tasteful affairs. Or so we thought.
Last year a blockbuster comedy depicted a new reality. Bridesmaids – described as a ‘raunchy comedy for women with awesome grossout scenes’ – followed the new trend for ‘hen nights’ as hilariously dodgy as any ‘stag do’. This weekend, 14 Clydebank girls have descended on the scenic town of Letterkenny in County Donegal. The people of rural north-west Ireland should be bracing themselves.
As this article goes live, Monique Maxwell is celebrating the end of her bachelorette days. Along with her closest friends, the sports centre area manager from Dalmuir is preparing for a weekend of hair-raising fun across the Irish Sea. Commenting on their plans for the trip, her scheming friends hinted at the shenanigans in store.
One member of the group, who asked us to keep her identity secret, said: “Of course all the girls wish them good luck for a long and happy marriage, but Monique will need extra good luck this weekend. We plan on having a great time and giving her a send-off she won’t forget.
“So much effort goes into planning a wedding, brides definitely need some time off from it. That’s the job of friends really – just to make sure it doesn’t all become too much.
“Monique deserves all the happiness in the world and we’re delighted she is getting married to a great guy. Preparing for a wedding is a really exciting time and trips like these are great ways for friends to share in the build-up. We can’t wait to see her walk down the aisle, but before that we owe it to her to put on a couple of great nights out.”
As Monique’s friends see she enjoys the newest of wedding traditions, her boyfriend Frankie made sure she also got the best of the old-fashioned ones. His proposal, made last year in Venice, ensured they have an incredible setting to accompany the moment.
Frankie, a fellow sports centre manager, met Monique through their work and the pair will tie the knot on July 27 at St Stephen’s Church in Dalmuir. The reception, held at the luxurious Lodge on the Loch, is certain to be a far more tasteful event than the hen trip.
Where couples used to enjoy a not-so-quiet night out on the town, many now head much further afield for long weekends. After the pain-staking process of arranging venues, transport, flowers, dresses, suits, music, food and countless little things; it’s easy to see why pre-wedding breaks with friends are becoming so popular.
Monique and her friends chose a destination familiar to many people in Clydebank. Getting to Letterkenny means crossing not only the Irish Sea but the full width of Northern Ireland, however the town is a popular retreat for Bankies looking for somewhere with plenty of day activities and wild nightlife.
Having spent the better part of the past year buried in the details for their wedding, a getaway with friends is just the thing to ensure Monique and Frankie are relaxed in time for the big day.
When it comes, nerves will of course rise again. Frankie’s job is to wait patiently; hoping his soon-to-be Mrs is traditionally late – rather than in the midst of a runner. We’re sure Monique won’t keep him waiting… too long.
Everyone at Clydebank Live would like to wish the happy couple a terrific time on their wedding day next month. Congratulations!
