Have Groom, will Travel...

I've been considering doing a piece on Destination Weddings for a while now; after all, with some very clever planning and budget savviness, a Wedding abroad can save you a fortune.

Hosting your Wedding in another country means obvious cuts to your guest list; ideal if you'd prefer an intimate gathering to an all-out BWW (that's Big White Wedding to us insiders!), and this is becoming increasingly popular amongst Brides and Grooms to be, instead choosing to hold a reception on their return for absent guests. 

Here are a few of my favourite Destinations; prepare to get bitten by the travel bug!

Vegas

Honestly, what kind of Wedding Planner would I be if I didn't mention the obvious choice?

Vegas is the ultimate place to tie the knot and it can be done on a very modest budget. Cliche though it may sound, getting married in Vegas doesn't always mean Elvis and a drive-through ceremony.

For the Fun Factor, think Circus Circus; a hotel and casino on the Vegas Strip which houses it's very own indoor theme park! As do many of the big hotels in Vegas, Circus Circus has a Wedding Chapel inside which is licensed for civil Ceremonies. Wedding packages at Circus Circus start from just $325.

Chapel of the Fountain, Circus Circus Hotel

                                                   Image courtesy of Equallywed.com



New York
Central Park is a beautiful location to hold an intimate and elegant ceremony. From the Cop Cot to Belvedere's Castle, there are lots of different settings for the perfect 'I Do' moment. Beautiful all year round, Central Park is an iconic New York location where a piece of paradise can be found in the middle of a concrete Metropolis.
Alternatively, you could chose the 'When in Rome' approach and marry in true no-nonsense New Yorker Style with a quick and simple ceremony at the City Clerks office. Other New York locations include the Top of the Rock, the Brooklyn Bridge, and even Times Square. American Sky offer Wedding Packages from £650.

Times Square

                                          Image courtesy of American Sky


Belvedere Castle, Central Park

Image courtesy of www.powertripberkley.com

South Africa
So what about an African Safari? It's certainly got the 'wow' factor. Known as the 'Rainbow Nation', it boasts a plethora of different cultures and stunning scenery; making it the perfect place for adventure loving couples.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is ideal for an intimate Wedding Ceremony, the hotel offers one of the most romantic and memorable locations in the world to get married due to it's position nestled beside the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and Table Mountain.
With exclusive Spa facilities and an in-house cinema, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind before the big day.
A Wedding Package at this stunning resort can be added as an addition to your holiday booking from £370 when booked directly.

                                       Images courtesy of the Twelve Apostles Hotel


Things to consider when choosing to Marry abroad
It's worth checking out the minimum residency period that applies to the country you've chosen as your destination. This can vary from 1 to 7 working days, so bear this in mind when budgeting for your trip. The residency period is a basic requirement that states how long you must be in the country before you can marry there.
The legalities can also be a factor; in some countries, couples are required to take a blood test to prove they are not related (yes, really!). Also, sometimes an Affidavit is required; this is a document that is obtained through a notary public that confirms your marital status. You will usually be advised of how to obtain any essential documents when booking your Wedding, but it's always worth double checking just to be sure.
Also ensure that provision will be made for transporting your Wedding Dress; the last thing you want is to be forced to pack it into your hold luggage. It will not only end up creased, but there is always the possibility that your luggage might get lost and you definitely don't want to be seperated from your gown for your Big Day.

Until next time...
Dust off your passport and book your flights!

The Enchanted One
xoxo

TREND ALERT: Roaring Twenties

With the Art Deco period gaining increasing popularity thanks to TV shows such as Downton Abbey, Boardwalk Empire and the release of Hollywood blockbuster The Great Gatsby, it's no wonder the Roaring Twenties is quickly becoming a trend amongst Brides and Grooms-to-be.
With a passion (or obsession, whichever which way you choose to look at it) for all things vintage and retro, I couldn't resist putting together a little 20's inspired Bridal look.

 

 

Dizire Cinder Dress - Bl^nk London
Original Ruby Deco Ostrich Feather Headband - Notonthehighstreet.com
Mimi Satin T Bar Peeptoe Sandals -  Notonthehighstreet.com
Embellished Wrist Strap Clutch - Accessorize
Baroque Stud Earrings - Accessorize
Zigzag Chain and Brooch Collar - Accessorize
Bespoke Ostrich Feather Deco Heirloom Bouquet - Judi B's Flowers

I absolutely adore this dress; it is a direct reflection of designer Diana Irani's love for 1920's Hollywood Glamour, with an essence of contemporary wearability. At just £179, it is an absolute steal, but don't be fooled; this gown is 100% Silk Chiffon, so the quality hasn't been compromised. To. Die. For.
I fell a little bit in love with the Ostrich Feather Headband, despite the budget-busting price tag at a hefty £348. However, there are lots of more subtle headbands out there in varying designs for a fraction of the price.
The Bag, Earrings and Collar Necklace are all from Accessorize, and are very purse friendly with prices ranging between £8 and £15. The embellished clutch is a stunning statement piece, and the beauty of highstreet accessories is their wearability. In this day and age we are all about recycling; even the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan, and these particular accessories I have chosen because they are wearable and affordable, so you definitely get your money's worth! Well, what's good enough for the future Queen...
The T-bar shoe is making a big comeback with this trend, so once again they are a multi function fashion investment. At a slightly more costly £155, they are certainly not an expense to be sniffed at, but the beautiful Deco diamante detail works perfectly with the 20s theme and compliments the look. Life is short; buy the shoes!
The crowning glory of this look is the Bespoke Ostrich Feather Deco Heirloom Bouquet. It has been lovingly crafted using artifical foam roses, which unlike silk will maintain their shape and will last forever. This crowd pleaser will surely be a talking point and is guaranteed to create some serious Bouquet envy! Each Bouquet by designer Judi B is a completely unique commission and is finished with thoughtful details such as a 'something blue' ribbon bow hidden underneath the Bouquet and a sterling silver 'made with love' charm. This particular Bouquet features ostrich feathers, a pearl wrapped handle and a plethora of beautiful jewellery and brooches. What's not to love? Prices are on application, with a guide price for this style of Bouquet around the £75 mark.

Hopefully this has given all the Brides-to-be considering a Deco theme plenty of food for thought!

That's all from me...until next time

Be inspired, be desired, be yourself!

The Enchanted One xoxo