Posts Tagged ‘Weddings’

Cayman Islands Holidays – Weddings

You’re looking for the ideal tropical location to get married. So this destination has to have the right weather and the wedding itself must be simple enough to manage while hundreds, or even thousands of miles away.

The Cayman Islands, which are a trio of small islands south of Cuba and to the North West of Jamaica is that location. They combine Caribbean paradise with USA efficiency.

Despite the time difference, the Cayman Islands are easy to communicate with by telephone, fax or email. Some companies may also have Skype. As English is the main language none of your wishes will get lost in translation. There are many professionals who can take all the stresses in planning your big day away from you, so that you can arrive in the knowledge that it will all go like clockwork.

The main choice for a wedding is Grand Cayman. This is the social and economical centre of the three islands. If you have a large group travelling with you, then this is the best location as there will be something for everyone to do before and after the big event.

Most of the hotels can plan a ceremony for you, whether on Seven Mile Beach or at the eastern end of the island. Or if you prefer an independent planner can handle it all for you and you can have the ceremony close to a top class restaurant. My wife and I used a planner when renewing our wedding vows. The service was on the beach close to the Wharf Restaurant. The service from the Wharf was outstanding, as was the food. We used a wedding planner from Celebrations to take care of everything. Although we did arrange the menu direct with the restaurant as we wanted vegan food.

If you want a more tranquil setting, then look at holding your wedding on Little Cayman. Its very peaceful, and afterwards the is not much to do except relax or go diving. It is not the ideal location for a long stay if you are have loads of children in your party, They will probably get very bored after a few days. As the island is only a short hop from Grand Cayman, your friends and relatives could always limit their stay to a few days, and then return to Grand Cayman.

Due to its proximately to the USA, you could even combine a tropical wedding followed by a shopping trip in New York!

Visit the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism for more information on the legal requirements for your wedding at www.caymanislands.co.uk.

For help in planning your Cayman Islands holiday or wedding, contact John Guinn at Holiday Hut. As a trained Cayman Specialist he will ensure that you get the most from your time there.

Moving Memories Through Cruise Ship Weddings

Every couple wants an exceptional wedding experience. Some may opt for a solemn church wedding; others may seek a colorful garden wedding, while others may decide on setting their vows in extreme and extraordinary ways. But whatever you like your wedding event to be, nothing compares to the exceptionally that cruise ship weddings offers.

With its growing popularity for the past decades, many couples choose this special experience to tie their knots, because of its grandiose arrangement, and its evenhanded outlays. That is why many wedding planners in cooperation with cruise ship agencies are offering such a package at a reasonable price.

But even if the meaning of having a reasonable price is still hundreds of thousands, the package being presented for this type of marriage celebration is complete and can be enjoyed both by the couples and their guests. Your wedding will only be for one day, but memories that you and your partner, as well as all of your guests have carved on board will be considered everlasting.

The reason why there are a lot of couples choosing to get married aboard a sea vessel and not on the Holy church at a dry land is the fact that the uniqueness of the destination and of the experience getting to wed while riding the waves is a big advantage for such a memorable celebration. It’s simply a matchless way to celebrate love!

Moreover, having a wedding on the ship while overlooking a breathtaking degree of ocean view will create a feeling of like “all of the heaven’s eyes are on you and your partner”. Nonetheless, it is also very instrumental in creating wonders and awe in each of guest witnessing this memorable event.

Taking the waters for exchanging of vows will also fashion a hushed and tranquil atmosphere that will provide a beautiful setting for “I do’s” and other intimate talks.

In addition, what sets this type of wedding scene apart from the traditional ones celebrated inside cathedrals, is that you can opt to have your marriage ceremony done while you are on board the ship , or you can also have a cruise around the crystal blue waters surrounding the different islands of the Caribbean, and after the voyage, you can stopover at a beautiful spot and exchange your vows on the shore.

The latter option is usually what every bride calls a “dream wedding” set on white sands and unruffled waves. Moreover, the majestic open space that nature offers is also quite impressive for wedding receptions compared to having the party set on hotels where there is much restrictions for fun and actions.

Getting wed on a cruise ship will give you a chance to let the natural world decorate your wedding day. That is, you will be witnessing birds chirping along as you switch vows. You will also feel the refreshing cool breeze of the wind, and the solemnity that the clear blue sky gives.

Many couples have also been impressed with the smell of fresh flowers and trees, and the unexpected natural light that illuminated the whole event, such as the romantic sunrise and sunset, as well as the enchanted beam that the moon and twinkling stars bring.

The World’s Top Places for Destination Weddings

Planning a wedding is hard enough in your own home town, but pulling off an event out of town is a true challenge. You barely know your own way around, and now you have dozens if not hundreds of people to account for. But the perks of a destination wedding (and planning one) truly outweigh the negative elements – you experience the romance and mystique of another location while having a wedding/honeymoon/getaway all at the same time.

Many couples choose certain locales because they cater specifically to destination weddings and hosting numerous guests; they are the places that everyone on your list wants to go to and may not have had a chance before, but now have an iron-clad reason to make the trek. Here are the most popular spots for destination weddings – as well as what you can do while you’re there! (Just remember to choose a locale that suits you both; if you love water, a beach wedding is best, but if you would rather have a more rustic affair, opt for the mountains!)

Five of the Best Destination Wedding Planning Picks

Italy: There’s nothing more romantic than Italian destination weddings. Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan – you name it; this is the ultimate getaway for many couples and their families. But going overseas also has a lot of challenges. As part of your destination wedding planning, you’ll have to ensure that all guests have or acquire a passport well in advance, and you’ll be responsible for finding suitable accommodations and transportation to and from the events. Your guests will want to do a little sightseeing while in town, so creating a list of places to visit and how to get there is a must. Fortunately, there are many destination wedding planning specialists who cater to foreign couples, so use their abilities fully. And the true perk of destination weddings: you can honeymoon right where you got married! Hawaii: This tropical island is a mecca for couples who want a relaxed beach wedding with little fuss. And hundreds of thousands of couples flock here to celebrate their nuptials Hawaiian-style. Many airports in the U.S. have direct flights to Honolulu, but if you decide to get married on another island, your guests can easily catch a flight the same or next day, giving them time to explore. And whether you choose to have an impromptu, informal affair or a giant, tropical bash, there are many knowledgeable destination wedding planning companies that can help you decide where to have your event, what to serve, where to spend your honeymoon, and much more. The Bahamas: One of the top destination wedding locations, the Bahamas truly evokes the Caribbean spirit in more ways than one. If all of your guests are U.S. citizens, then you’re in the clear (though, based on recent legislation, you are required to have a valid passport to enter). Citizens of other countries are advised to check entry requirements before booking tickets, and you can make it easier on your guests if they are flying from another country by verifying the requirements beforehand. Many couples choose to have their destination weddings take place among the centuries-old cathedrals or fortresses or at the famed city harbor in Nassau. And once the wedding is over, you and your guests can experience the best seafood, golfing, shopping, and casinos available! Napa Valley: For couples who love wine and/or the idea of getting married in a vineyard, Napa Valley is a great choice for destination weddings. Proximity to the big city – San Francisco and all of its unique sights – and the pastoral beauty of countless vineyards lure thousands of couples here each year to tie the knot with the help of a destination wedding planning specialist. From Spring to Winter, the change in seasons provides a new and different look to the Napa Valley countryside. Some wineries even host on site and have event planners at your disposal who specialize in destination weddings! And what would be more fun than touring the Wine Country on The Napa Valley Wine Train for your honeymoon? Lake Tahoe: For many years, the scenic charms of Lake Tahoe have routinely been voted one of the top spots for destination weddings. And it’s no wonder why this vibrant city appeals to so many different people. There’s biking, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, golfing, and skiing, all right there for you and your guests to enjoy. If you choose a wedding resort, which not only takes care of the accommodations for you and your guests, you’ll be provided with a dedicated destination wedding planning guide who will see to all of the details.

Destination Weddings: a Break from the Norm

Many couples think destination wedding planning is an outrageous expenditure. While this belief is true in some instances, you’re actually saving yourself from many hassles. Wherever you choose to have your ceremony and reception, you’ll be matched with event planners skilled at making sure that the tiniest aspects of destination weddings flow smoothly. And, you’ll also have your honeymoon built in to the cost. The best part you ask?…experiencing a brand new place with your family, friends, and loved ones.

Fabulous Options For Romantic Weddings Abroad

There are plenty of fabulous options for romantic weddings abroad, although what is classed as abroad depends on where you normally live.

Jamaica sounds a wonderful destination, with miles and miles of lovely white beaches making a fabulous backdrop for your wedding photographs, or how about that fantastic red and orange Caribbean sunset? You might prefer the romance of Paris or Rome, or be married against the backdrop of the pyramids of Egypt or the romantic glens and towering highlands of Scotland. Some brides prefer the oriental magic of a Thai or a Korean wedding, but the whole world is open to you that was not available in the past, even for your parents.

There are wedding organizers in almost every country in the world to help you with the legal problems you might face, since marriage laws will not be the same as you are used to. In Greece, for example, interfaith marriages are prohibited, and each of you has to provide proof of your religious allegiance before the license is granted. You have to be aware of these anomalies, and professional help is advisable in a foreign country.

Nor should the fact that your destination might suit few of your relatives make a difference. It is your day, so you should have what you want even it means being married in front of only a few very close relatives and friends that can make the journey with you. You can arrange something for everybody else back home later. Right now, it is about making you and your groom happy, nobody else, apart, perhaps, your parents.

If you can make a quick decision on the venue for your romantic wedding abroad, then you will give the maximum possible notice to the friends and relatives you would like to travel with you. They will have more time to arrange their own vacation to coincide with your wedding if they want to. They will appreciate the notice, and you might even be able to arrange special terms for your whole wedding party at the hotel or resort you will personally be based in. Normally couples have their honeymoon in the area they marry when they opt for a wedding abroad.

You will also need plenty of notice because the more popular venues for weddings abroad are usually booked well in advance, a year not being unusual. You will need at least that for Niagara Falls, though you could always have an Elvis Wedding in Vegas then splash out on a fantastic honeymoon!

You have the whole of the Caribbean, all Asia and Europe, South America and even Africa. Other than that, people get married while skydiving, scuba diving and on hot air balloons. Take your choice. Your romantic wedding destination is limited only by your imagination and creativity.

Many couples want to have a beach wedding and generally go to California or Florida. Others who want to be married abroad opt for the Caribbean where they have Jamaica, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and over 100 other islands to choose from. However, if you prefer something really different for your beach wedding get married right on Copacabana Beach. There are lots of possibilities in romantic Rio and you can get married on the beach for around $1000 including flowers, cake and champagne, and less than $20 a guest for the reception dinner.

There are many factors to take into consideration before you decide where your dream wedding is to be. What type of wedding do you want? Is it a tradition full white gown wedding or something less formal? Do you want to be married in a church or chapel, or by the captain of a cruise ship? Do you like hot weather or do prefer something more temperate – or perhaps even colder. If you have very fair sensitive skin that burns easily, or if you come out in blotches in really warm weather, then a beach wedding on a Pacific island might not be right for you.

You must also consider how much money is available, and whether you want all your family and your friends to be there when you get married. If money is short for you or your family and friends, you might be restricted in where you can travel. However, you can get some very inexpensive wedding deals in different countries, so do not apply American prices to European destinations, although the weakness of the dollar at the moment is not doing much to help you to get value for money abroad where it is worth less than 80% in the UK than two years ago.

That is good news for British brides that want to be married in the USA, and the same is true for the most of Europe. So don’t forget the currency exchange rates since they can make a difference to the destination you choose, especially now.

Check out as many wedding books and magazines as you can find and determine what your various options are. You might have some country in mind, but are unsure exactly where you want go. Magazines can frequently point you in the right direction and highlight any offers that can be taken advantage of. Although a professional wedding planner or organizer can help you, it is also possible to do it alone and save the money for a reception back home after your honeymoon for the family and friends that could not travel.

There are many fantastic options for romantic weddings abroad, and when choosing the one right for you it should be kept in mind that this is a time when you are allowed to be selfish and choose what you want, not what you think others might like.

Catalina Weddings, The Island of Romance is Just an Hour Away!

When l first made the decision that the LA wedding I had been planning just wasn’t fitting the quaint “dream wedding” picture that my fiancé and I had been picturing in our minds, I decided to start the process all over. We wanted something close, but just far enough away so that our family and closest friends could feel that they were getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Something reasonably priced, yet sweet, classy, romantic and special.

We had gone for a weekend to Catalina Island the year before and had a an amazing and romantic time. So, I started researching Catalina Island weddings to see what the island had to offer. The more I found out, the more it sounded perfect and I began pouring my heart into the idea of a Catalina wedding. The more I discovered, the more Catalina Island felt like it might be the right decision for us, and for our families. Even though the island is just a short trip on a Catalina ferry, It feels like a world away from busy Los Angeles.

Here are the highlights of my findings – I will try to leave out the less exciting details- so you don’t have to make all the phone calls, emails, and spend the countless hours researching that I did. When you add it all up, a Catalina Wedding has a lot going for it, and is relatively easy to plan, with all of the infrastructure and services already in place.

First of all, there are quite a few different variations for Catalina Island Weddings. You can purchase basic wedding packages starting at 225.00! Not bad I must say. Considering the small size of Avalon (Catalina’s commercialized part) I was surprised to learn of venues, like the Catalina Casino, that cater to up to 1000 people! Our wedding will be a much smaller venue, so far it looks like a 63 headcount.

Even the transportation to Catalina can be romantic. You can cross the channel via one of the Catalina Island Ferry companies like the Catalina Flyer – out of Marina Del Rey, or Catalina Express, leaving from Long beach and San Pedro. My fiancé have decided to go in style with Island Express Helicopters, which he has always wanted to so, and luckily the helicopter trip to Catalina Island is very reasonably priced. Expect to pay anywhere for $60 on one of the Catalina ferries, or in the $200 range/per passenger if you do the trip via helicopter.

There are private beaches that are frequently used for weddings in Avalon. The idea that I absolutely loved was this; there is no sunset in Avalon, only a sunrise… and a magnificent one at that. So, I’m thinking a morning wedding. Yes, your guests will have to get up a little early – we will have everybody travel to Catalina on a Friday and have a fun night of dinner and drinks at one of the more casual, lively waterfront restaurants – and then after the ceremony we will have a large selection of activities arranged for our guests throughout the day. Some that looked especially perfect were, Catalina Adventure Tours (if you don’t have time to go check this out yourself, look them up! your guest will have a ball!) Catalina Snorkel and Scuba Adventures, Ocean Sports, Para sailing (for the really brave ones!), Catalina Kayak adventures (my future in-laws loved this idea!) and the Catalina Island Golf Course (the first golf course in California). Now these examples are the more pricey options. Again, whether you choose to cover costs of these activities or not is entirely up to you and your budget. The other wonderful thing about Catalina is that there are many inexpensive activities as well like nature hikes, botanical garden tours, Wrigley Estate tours, Casino Theatre first run movie nights, bike riding, and more.

The town of Avalon on Catalina Island offers several options for your wedding reception. The Landing is at the top of our list right now, but we also considered the Catalina Country club and Armstrong Seafood. Casino Descano Beach Country Club is another popular wedding venue that many people have written excellent reviews for. Avalon Magical Melodies & Weddings offer wedding planning help and access to all of the services that are required to execute a successful Catalina Wedding. Photographers and videographers are also available on the Island, however, we are lucky enough to have enlisted our friend who is an accomplished LA photographer, who has kindly offered his services for the day.

So, after checking out all of our options, we are finally settling into the idea of a Catalina Island Wedding as our final decision. The prices, the venues – including our secluded beach wedding destination, and the wide range of activities for guests, have made us feel confident that this will be a wedding everyone will love and remember, especially us. Planning the event has been a breeze, and with just four months to go until the big day, we already can’t wait to get on the helicopter and fly away!