If you're looking for the 'something new' when walking down the aisle, the services of wedding planner Sharon McMeel may be the answer to your prayers.

Ms McMeel's business—Fusion Weddings—is dedicated to making special days run smoothly and is helping to break the myth that wedding planners are just for Hollywood.

"I can get involved in all aspects of the wedding, from choosing the suppliers to organising a venue to running the main event for maybe 10 hours on the day. I sometimes work with people for over 12 months to plan every aspect of their wedding and then make sure everything goes according to that plan," said the Ballysheedy native.

Fusion Weddings offers three different packages available to suit every client's needs and budget. "There is a full wedding package where people come to me at the start. They might have some things organised or just have a few ideas but I then help them to find suppliers—florists, photographers, car hire right down to wedding dresses if needs be. I help put together timelines and schedules and help them to get the most from their budget. I deal with various different companies and will find the best for the couple's needs," she explained.

"Some people have ideas and just don't know where or how to get what they want. Some don't even know what's out there or what's a good price so I help with everything. I can also run the rehearsals and wedding day itself so everyone can concentrate on relaxing and enjoying their day. I organise everything right down to having a sewing kit in my pocket"

She also offers a package where she simply runs the wedding day itself.

"The client will have already organised everything but I take over so that they are not under pressure if the flowers are wrong or if the cake doesn't arrive. I meet with them around three weeks beforehand and find out what they envisage for the day and get details to liaise with suppliers." Ms McMeel's third package involves her becoming "like an impartial friend".

"The third package is just a consultation service where we sit down for at least two hours and thrash out ideas or I recommend suppliers that they can contact themselves. I can help with issues with tableplans or wedding etiquette. They can ask anything they want."

After getting a degree in computer programming at UL, she worked in that area in Dublin before returning to Limerick to do a diploma in business and e-commerce.