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

Taking Shape - The 411 on Wedding Dresses

Whilst I am aware that I promised I wouldn't leave blogging so long in my last post, I have been ridiculously busy this month...'tis the season after all! (For weddings, not Christmas, naturally.) So, I make my apologies, beg forgiveness and cut to the chase. It is, after all, the reason you have found your way here in the first place. Tonight I give you the 411 on Wedding Dresses where the silhouette is concerned. The key to looking absolutely stunning in your gown has nothing to do with the cost, it's all about the shape. So here goes nothing.

The Ballgown / Princess
Exactly as the name describes, and most likely the first image one's imagination conjures up when uttering the words 'Wedding Dress'. Think Disney Fairytales and you've got it. This style is great for nipping in the waist thanks to it's signature corset style top and full skirt. A great look for pear shapes, but can overwhelm the petite. Curvalicious ladies beware; adding tonnes of fabric to curves may leave you looking reminiscent of the Wedding Cake.

Selina - Maggie Sottero - www.maggiesottero.com

The Fishtail / Trumpet
Also known as the Mermaid, this style of dress is classic Hollywood glamour, and follows the contours of the body before flaring below the hips - normally mid-thigh for the Trumpet or knee for the Fishtail. This dress is perfect for Ladies with an hourglass figure, confident curves or a slender frame. Lace will be generally more forgiving on less that perfectly toned bums, tums and thighs than shiny satin; bear this in mind when hunting your dream dress.

Style 8605 - Justin Alexander www.Justinalexanderbridal.com

A-Line

This dress has a silhouette that is narrow at the top and gently flows to gradually widen at the bottom to create an 'A' shape. It is ideal for the bottom-conscious as it skims over hips without adding bulkiness and also for apple shapes as it creates balance at the waist.

Ronald Joyce - Barcelona - Ronaldjoyceinternational.com

Column

The Column is a slim fitting silhouette that follows a stright line from the neck to the hem, making it ideal for tall, lean and petite figures due to it's figure hugging qualities. Be aware though that this style will show every lump and bump so will require completely seamless bridal undergarments.

Marchesa Silk Column - www.Marchesa.co.uk

Tea Length

Think 1950's prom dress; the hemline falls between the knee and the ankle and is flattering for most body types, especially for ladies with gorgeous pins! It's perfect for a vintage themes too; wear statement shoes to make the most of the length.

Jane - Cutting Edge Brides - www.cuttingedgebrides.co.uk

Now you're all clued in on the silhouettes, it's time to go and find that dream dress!

Happy hunting!

Until next time...

Show love, show patience, show understanding.

The Enchanted One

xoxo

Beat the Budgeting Blues

I'm such a bargain hunter; You will usually find me hunting for treasure in Charity shops, Car Boot Sales and on Ebay. I once picked up a vintage Laura Ashley tea dress for about two pounds, and from that moment I was completely hooked.
With my passion for all things Bargain and Bride, I am going to share even more money saving tips and tricks to help you on your way to your dream Wedding. (Check out my posts The Beginning and the Budgeting Bride and Cheap vs Cost Effective first!) The smaller your budget, the more fun you can have brainstorming creative ways to keep costs minimal. Read on to be inspired...

11) Be Spontaneous
If you can hold your nerve, are incredibly organised or have the assistance of a Planner, you can grab a bargain last minute package deal on your dream venue and save a fortune. For example, my beautiful September Bride got a massive £7,000 saving on her Wedding Package by booking just nine weeks in advance. Make lists, get help, write EVERYTHING down. It can be done!

12) Print your own Invitations
Long gone are the days where you have to allocate hundreds of pounds to your Wedding Stationery. Providing you have a big pack of quality card stock, a decent ink jet printer (or know someone who has) and a couple of hours to spare, you can very easily print absolutely beautiful invitations in the comfort of your own home. Etsy is an encyclopedia of fabulousness; just type in 'Printable Invitations' and be prepared to be 'wowed'.

This gorgeous set includes everything you see in the picture and is fully customisable for a bargain £16.97 Shop Here at LilyCielBridal



13) Altar in the Afternoon

Choose the latest available time (Usually 4pm in UK) and you can then avoid having to have a Wedding Breakfast and a Buffet. This way, you can eliminate one or the other; a BBQ option or Hog Roast could have both bases covered here.

14) Budget- No Budging!

It might sound obvious, but make a budget and stick to it. Make a list of necessities and another list of extras - Sit down with your fiance and rank your priorities. Don't forget that you will need to allow for Giving Notice of Marriage (currently £35 each payable at the registry office) and the Registrar (around £350-£400) if you are planning a civil ceremony.

15) Making Up

Bag a free makeover at a department store or beauty counter and then buy the products. Not only will you then have the tools to recreate the look on your big day, but you'll also know how to apply them like an expert and avoid being made up in a way that just isn't you. The best part? You'll have gorgeous products you can use again and again.

16) Highstreet Honey

I've said it before and I'll say it again; hunt the highstreet. Just look at some of the accessories New Look has to offer! These beautiful 'bits of bling' as my Mum would call them start from as little as £2.99...Loose change in the grand scheme of things!

Shop New Look

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

Go treasure hunting!

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