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

The Budgeting Bride - Minimoons

I don't know if you've heard, but the economy is pretty dire the world over. We're currently knee deep in a recession, but why should we let that kill any hope of romance? We shouldn't. Exactly. Because some famous band once said 'All you need is love...love is all you need.'
If that is the case, then save your cash by taking a 'Minimoon' instead of adding thousands to the budget by going abroad. There are some stunningly romantic places to be found wherever you are; in this instance, I will base that theory on the UK, but I am sure this is also the case for my Bride-to-be readers in other countries including Russia, Japan, Germany, Australia (G'day!), South Africa and Canada.

1.Cost
A major reason to consider the Minimoon is of course the cost. No flights, airport taxes, parking, luggage fees, travel insurance transfers and EVERYTHING else that leaving the country entails, your trip will be a lot less bank breaking and a lot more pocket friendly.

2. Less Hassle
Let's face it; you've been checking daily for the appearance of grey hairs and frown lines since the planning commenced, and to add planning a holiday on top of that could have you rocking in a corner and singing your 'Happy Song' repeatedly. Booking a cute cottage in the country will be less time consuming and less stressful, leaving you free to focus on the intricate details of your big day.

3. Passport Confusion
With the aforementioned hassle comes the fun of rushing to get your passport sorted. Do you travel in your maiden name? Of course you want to travel as the new Mrs, it IS your Honeymoon after all, and why wouldn't you want to make your first holiday together as a married couple 'official' on your passport?
Well, the beauty of taking a Minimoon means you don't have to worry about changing your passport on top of all of the other little things that will be niggling weeks before the big day.

4. No Delays
There's nothing worse that checking the departure board to see the word 'DELAYED'. You've barely slept from excitement and nerves about the wedding, barely slept from the buzz of the Wedding Day and now you're stranded at the airport indefinitely with a long flight ahead of you. Paradise? Not so. No ash clouds or curtailment can keep your from enjoying your Minimoon!

5. £s
No fumbling with a calculator to figure out conversion rates and foreign currency; you know right away whether you're buying a bargain or not! Who really needs to be doing math calculations when all you want to do is relax with your new Husband?

Check out some of these gorgeous Minimoon ideas!


The Old School House, Cornwall

Built in 1876, this attractive cottage has a plethora of rustic charm. Huge shuttered windows, a log burner, the beach as your garden and a local pub not too far away, this gorgeous little place could be perfect for a romantic minimoon.

Prices start from £331 for a week - click here for more information

Nant Las - North Wales

This small, comfortable cottage lies in a secluded woodland setting on the National Trust's Dolmelynllyn estate within the Snowdonia National Park. A bijoux little cottage ideal for romantic getaways, it was built in the 19th-century as an observatory, housing a telescope for nearby Dolmelynllyn Hall. The scenery is spectacular and varied; nearby and easily accessible by footpath, is Rhaiadr Ddu, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wales

Prices start from £353 for a week - Click here for more information

Tintinhull House - Somerset

How about being Lord and Lady of the Manor for the week?

An elegant 17th century house that overlooks the most delightful formal garden. Part of the house has been used to create a four bedroom holiday property which retains much of its original features, such as leaded windows. You can explore the rest of the house during the opening hours. The kitchen is dominated by a huge Aga and an open fire is the centre piece of the sitting room.
Tintinhull Gardens is available as a venue for civil wedding ceremonies. They offer a picturesque setting alongside the intimate Summer House which overlooks the peaceful Pool garden.

Prices start from £1019 - click here for more information

With all these gorgeous gems nestled in our beautiful countryside it's easy to understand why more and more couples are opting for a homestay honeymoon instead of leaving Old Blighty! For tonnes more beautiful holiday cottages, head to www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk.

Until Next Time...

Search for hidden and unexpected gems!

The Enchanted One xoxo 

The Beginning and the Budgeting Bride

I've been a qualified Wedding Consultant for about a year now, but my planning days started long before then. I helped a colleague plan her Wedding when I was just 17, rescued a Bride a year later following a hair and make up disaster and Bridesmaid dresses that didn't fit on the day, and pacified a very nervous Bride marrying her Policeman fiancé just after I turned 20. It was only when I brought the first of my two gorgeous children into the world that I started looking at Wedding Planning as a full time profession. Armed with passion, determination, dedication and a willing to work my slightly-larger-than-desired post-baby bum off, I made it my mission to build up my very own company. Alas, Enchanted Occasions was born, but before it managed to take it's very first wobbly steps, there was another special delivery from the Stork and I recently welcomed Baby Enchanted number two into the world. Whilst I enjoy these precious few months with my newest addition, I have decided to keep in touch with my beloved Wedding Industry by writing this blog, and hopefully providing answers and offering advice for those burning questions and niggling situations.
So, here goes nothing. Hopefully a witty and well-rounded nothing...

Cut your wedding budget without cutting corners

The question I am most frequently asked, and most enjoy answering is "How do I keep my Budget low without compromising the overall quality of the day?"
Answer: Easy.
Everyone has a creative friend, and this is the time to exploit her (or his!) talents! With a bit of love, and DIY, it's very easy to keep costs low whilst adding the bonus of lots of beautiful and personal details to your special day. Combine this with the ability to beg, borrow and steal, barter like a professional and compromise in a few places, your dream Wedding can cost a lot less than you'd expect.

1) Don't choose the obvious.
Getting married from late spring through to early autumn will automatically mean higher prices as this is 'Wedding Season' so prices peak. A hearty banquet and roaring log fire can make a November wedding just as romantic as a Sultry Summer Soiree. Choosing to get married off peak can save you above and beyond fifty percent.

2) Don't use the 'W' word!
As soon as you mention the word Wedding to suppliers, the rule of three comes into play; the price triples on everything. It's worth avoiding the W word until you have a price agreed; instead say celebration, event, gathering, soiree etc.

3) Haggle.
Remember the above rule and you will remember that suppliers have got plenty of room to give you a good price and still make a profit. If you are booking a venue, mention that the price they are offering might stretch your budget a bit too much and ask if that is their very best deal. If there is absolutely no wiggle room, ask instead if they might include extras in the price; think spa treatments, canapes, guest rooms, welcome drinks for free, a waived corkage fee etc. Then, depending on the answer you get, tell them you'll have to go away and think about it as you can't be sure your budget will allow. Nine times out of ten, a supplier or venue would rather get a sale than not. The same goes for Dress shopping; once you've found your dream dress, take note of the designer and style. Shop around. When you know the lowest price, you can go back and haggle. Again, it's worth asking if shoes / veil / alterations can be included in the price. If you aren't very good at haggling, you are bound to know someone who is. Take advantage of a pushy Mother-in-law or forceful Aunt. You probably wont have to see these people again post wedding, so you've nothing to lose and pennies to save!

4) Get Creative.
Table centrepieces needn't be expensive; for example there is a million possibilities for the humble mason jar. Even with a simple tealight inside, a group of mismatched mason jars on an outdoor buffet table can add a touch of magic to an evening reception. Google others a plethora of ideas from lanterns to vintage style vases, all incorporating this simple idea. The beauty of it is, if you ask well enough in advance, people can save you their jars and so your centrepieces can often be close to free!

                                                           Image courtesy of Weddings.craftgossip.com


5) Ask about corkage.
A lot of venues don't charge corkage and it works out a whole lot cheaper to take full advantage of this. It means you can provide your own alcohol for the meal; work on the ratio of 60:40 of white wine to red, half a bottle per person, and a glass of bubbly each for the toast. A standard bottle will serve six glasses, and a good Cava will often stand up just as well as Champagne.
Instead of serving welcome bubbly, Bucks Fizz will allow alcohol to go further. Equally, a refreshing cocktail like Pimms means bulking out the booze with lemonade and fruit. It's just as classy, and a British classic, so no one will ever suspect it as a cost cutting strategy! Sangria is another refreshing drink and works all year round.

Sangria recipe:
1 part red wine
1 part orange juice
3 parts lemonade
Slices of orange, lemon and lime and fresh mint leaves to garnish

Pimms Classic recipe:
1 part Pimms or alternative
3 parts lemonade (depending on strength preference...I think four parts lemonade is gentler on taste buds!)
Chopped strawberries, apple, and cucumber, slices of lemon and lime and fresh mint leaves to garnish


Come back again soon for more budget saving tips!

Stay happy, stay savvy, stay tuned.

- The Enchanted One xoxo