Posts Tagged ‘Wedding Day’

 

With more and more couples opting to escape the high costs and stresses of a large and elaborate wedding, which is often expected, particularly in families that come from an Afro Caribbean background, the trend of getting married abroad is an increasingly popular one – with the Caribbean still topping the list as one of the most popular locations for an overseas wedding.

Many fall in love with the idea of the tropical setting and backdrop, which make for the most romantic of wedding photos, but on investigating the possibilities further, find they are overwhelmed on where to start in trying to arrange the kind of wedding they envisaged.

Traditionally many of the couples who travel to the Caribbean to get married have come from a European background, and have opted to travel alone or with just a couple of additional guests to accompany them, and therefore their requirements have been met perfectly by the set wedding packages that many hotels offer. These wedding packages tend to be fairly inflexible offering a set itinerary, location or menu. However, with more couples of color also wishing to join the throngs of couples marrying in an exotic Caribbean location, the wedding packages arranged through most holiday companies do not generally cater for their needs. They are looking for something a little different and more personalized.

This need has been recognized by one travel company. Culsen Travel is an independent travel company that specializes in Caribbean villa holidays. The company is owned by a couple who have had firsthand experience of marrying in the Caribbean. Two years ago they traveled to the island of Tobago along with 40 guests and enjoyed not only a wonderful wedding day but a memorable large family holiday. “Having experienced getting married in the Caribbean ourselves, we appreciated that it can be very difficult to find anyone who caters for this kind of specialist area. Many couples would like the option of taking a large number of guests with them and perhaps having the kind of wedding they would have had here, but in a Caribbean setting, and at a fraction of the cost, but most holiday companies do not cater for this kind of wedding party”, says Director of Products & Sales, Stephanie Morson.

Culsen Travel have therefore established themselves as a travel company who can recommend the perfect alternative accommodation on the island of your choice for any number of persons within your group – specialising in villas which range from 2-9 bedrooms, and having viewed each on of them personally. As a fully bonded operator, they can also take care of your flight and transfer arrangements too, but they are also able to take care of all your wedding arrangements, from the ceremony, right through to the reception – complete with all the trimmings with the assistance of their on-island personal wedding co-ordinators. “The weddings we arrange are many and varied, therefore we do not offer any set packages. Unlike most hotel wedding packages, we aim to offer a more tailor-made wedding so couples feel that their wedding day is unique and special. We also aim to cater to all budgets.”

Giving some examples of some of the types of weddings they can arrange:

For those on a more limited budget they recommend a stay in Tobago at one of their Seashell Villas. This collection of villas each sleep up to 6 persons and have their own swimming pool and daily housekeeper, and are the ideal option for accommodating wedding guests who travel out to share the couples special day. Costs start from around £658 per adult for a 7 night stay inclusive of flights and transfers for 6 persons sharing a villa. For a low key wedding, the gardens of the villa can provide the perfect setting for a private ceremony performed by a minister, followed by a barbecue or buffet reception with a selection of local dishes provided by a caterer. Or for a more formal affair, the couple can hold their wedding ceremony and reception at one of he island’s most popular seafront restaurants, The Seahorse Inn. A beachside ceremony can be followed by canapés & champagne whilst photographs are taken at sunset. Guests can then move up to the restaurant to enjoy a private reception party where a menu of their choosing is served for larger wedding groups, or for a smaller wedding party tables can be booked and guests can select from the A la carte menu. Entertainment can be provided in the form of a local band or DJ.

Based on a Wedding Packages with ceremony inclusive of all the legal arrangements, minister’s fee and services of the personal wedding co-ordinator, with extras such as a bouquet, groom & bestman’s buttonholes, photographer, and reception party for 20 guests inclusive of 3 courses and a two tier wedding cake, wedding costs start from approx £1,200.

For a more private and elaborate wedding, how about getting married in your very own villa surrounding by acres of tropical gardens. Culsen Travel have a range of villas in Jamaica that provide the most idyllic venue for a large wedding. Many of these villas permit a high number of guests for weddings, but charge a small per additional wedding guest fee for those attending wedding but not residing at the villa to compensate for the additional work that the villa staff will do, and wear and tear on the villa & grounds. Spyglass Hill is a popular choice for a villa wedding. Accommodating up to 19 persons in a beautiful property that is spread over 9 acres of lawns and tropical gardens, and has a main house with 4 bedrooms, and 4 additional bedrooms divided between two cottages situated within the grounds, the villa is fully staffed and well equipped to take care of the needs of a wedding party who wish to be accommodated together in a spacious deluxe property with a large private pool and separate plunge pool and staffed with cook, butler, maids & night watchman.

The wedding, with up to 75 guests permitted, can take place in the villas’ own bridal gazebo located within the gardens set against a backdrop of a stunning ocean. Guests staying at this villa can expect to pay from £933 per person for flights, accommodation & transfers, inclusive of staff gratuities. A budget of around £4,000 can cater a wedding for up to 40 guests inclusive of location fee, decoration of venue, floral bouquet for bride & bridesmaid, set up for sit down reception including waiting service, a 3 course meal, a local bar & DJ for the evening, plus the services a minister & photographer for the ceremony, all legal fees and the services of the wedding co-ordinator to oversee all events. However, weddings can be catered for considerably less for a more casual buffet style reception, depending on the couple’s wishes and guest numbers.

For those desiring something a little different they can also arrange wedding ceremonies in the rainforest or by the waterfall in St Lucia, at a beachside chapel in Barbados, or on top of a world heritage site in St Kitts. With 10 Caribbean islands to choose from, whatever the size of your wedding party or your vision for an idyllic tropical wedding day, Culsen Travel can recommend the island, property and ideal wedding venue to suit, and put the arrangements in place for your special day. They also have a selection of villas and hotels which they recommend for a Caribbean honeymoons. Check out their website on www.culsentravel.com, or call them 01582 729333

Is July 10 Carrie Underwood’s Wedding Day?
The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that July 10 might be the date of Carrie Underwood’s top-secret nuptials to Ottawa Senators player Mike Fisher. The newspaper says July 10 “makes sense because it’s a week after Underwood takes a break from her North American tour. Her tour resumes July 31 which leaves time for the big wedding and [...]

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While some couples may dream of traveling far, far away to an exotic island for their dream honeymoon, that just might not be possible in today’s economy. A lot of newlyweds-to-be are looking for cheap affordable honeymoons that will still provide them time to get away and enjoy each other without breaking their bank. Well here are some tips for shopping around for a five star honeymoon on a two star budget.

Stay in the U.S. If you are getting married in the United States, you might consider visiting on of the beautiful resorts that are located in Florida or maybe stay in a log cabin on a wild horse ranch in North Dakota. There are just so many great ideas here at home that you don’t have to take a cruise or splurge on a fancy resort in the Bahamas to get the relaxation that you need. Consider traveling in the off-season. Even if that means you have to postpone your honeymoon for a month or two, you will be amazed at how much you will save if you are willing to wait. This is a great idea for couples that are determined to honeymoon in places like Mexico or the Bahamas. You can call the resort you are considering and ask them when their off-season is, so that you can plan to book your honeymoon around that time. Have people donate to your honeymoon as a wedding gift! This a great idea for couples who want to go somewhere above their budget and it’s a creative and easy wedding gift for those who hate trying to figure out the registries at local department stores. If you use a travel agent, you might ask how your wedding guests can give a monetary gift that can go towards your honeymoon. They will probably be able to set you up with a toll-free number people can call or arrange for guests to come by their office to make the donation and pick up some kind of “receipt” they can place in a card to give you on your wedding day. Shop the deals! You can search for your honeymoon last minute, which might save you some money, or you can travel during the week instead of over the weekend, which may save you on your flight. There are so many great deals out there if you are willing to put in the time and search for them. Ask if anyone in your family has a timeshare they would be willing to let you use as a wedding gift. This is a popular option for many young couples and is actually a surprisingly common way of taking your honeymoon. Maybe your great aunt, grandparents, or even your parents have a timeshare, which gives them access to hundreds of resorts all over the world. Don’t be afraid to pipe up and see if they’d be willing to let you use it. All-inclusive resorts are definitely the best way to get the most bang for your buck. For a set price you usually get your room and all your meals, which will save you considerably in the long run. Some all-inclusive resorts even include your alcohol! Just do some shopping around to see what kinds of deals and prices you are looking at for your honeymoon destination. Don’t overlook a cruise which is a lot like an all-inclusive resort, only you get the luxury of visiting more than one destination and they are surprisingly affordable! If you are your honey like the great outdoors, why not consider a camping honeymoon. Camping is an affordable way to get out and enjoy each other and a beautiful location. Just be warned that especially if you camp without a place to shower you are going to get to know each other a little better than maybe you want to for your first week of marriage. If that kind of stuff doesn’t bother you, than by all means, don’t be afraid to enjoy this cheap honeymoon option.

There are few days that compare to your Florida wedding day, especially if you are the bride. Typically, this is the day you have been waiting for all your life and you want to make sure it is an unforgettable experience. To make sure you make the most of this special occasion, take advantage of a Florida beach wedding. Most Florida beach weddings are romantic and they have became a great destination location for beach weddings. Many brides and grooms will travel from many states to have a Florida Beach Wedding in the following locations:

Destin,Panama City Beach,Pensacola,Perdido Key,Sandestin,Miramar beach,Navarre,Seaside,Grayton,Miami,Cocoa beach,Tampa,Sarasota,Daytona,Clearwater,Key West,for beach weddings in Fl, and also in Alabama in:Gulf Shores,Orange Beach,Fort Morgan,Palmetto for romantic sunset beach weddings in Alabama. 

There are several benefits to having Florida beach weddings. No matter how many people you are wanting to invite or how much money you are looking to spend, you can make it work with a beach wedding. So why should you consider Florida weddings for your special date? One is that all beach weddings will have that special feeling of having a wedding that is special. A beach wedding is much different in many ways!

If you are looking to have a smaller beach wedding, you no longer need to worry about being forced to invite certain guests. If there are friends you have not seen for awhile or certain relatives you cannot stand, you will have an excuse for not inviting them. As bad as it sounds, it allows you to invite only your closest friends and family so that you can enjoy an intimate ceremony and celebration. With a smaller beach wedding you will have a photographer that will capture all the wedding ceremony. This will be one of the most magical factors of you wedding knowing that all the time it is being captured by photo’s to enjoy for years to come.

For the guests that do make it to your Florida wedding and Alabama Beach Weddings you can look at it as a vacation with all of the closest people in your life. Instead of spending one day with the people that matter so much like a traditional wedding, you will have far more time to spend with them. There are numerous activities for you to enjoy on the beach with your guests.

Unlike what you may believe, it can actually cost you less to spend a luxurious wedding weekend on Florida beach weddings as oppose to spending on a sit down dinner at a reception hall. There are incredible deals and packages for you to take advantage of. Take the time to pick out the most appropriate package for your wedding.

Not only can it be less expensive, but having a wedding on the beach is a dream come true for most people. There is nothing more romantic than getting married next to swaying waves, a cool breeze, and a warm climate. This truly is a dreamy wedding.

There are few days that match up to your wedding day in regards to importance. This is the day where you and the love of your life will become one. To make sure this is an unforgettable day, make the most of it by taking advantage of one of the many Florida beach weddings.

You’ve waited for it, you’ve imagined it, you’ve planned it: your wedding day! The day when everything should be perfect and nothing should go wrong… but you fear for the worst and you are so worried not to miss something that you may actually forget to enjoy the day! Here are some tips that may help you put everything in order.

The most important is to choose the date, to establish a budget and to try to stick to it. Do have an available marriage license for that day!

Book in advance the church and the party site. Take your time to compare prices and offers and don’t be shy, try to negotiate.

You and your partner will want to look astonishing on your big day, but remember that the suit, the wedding dress and the shoes should also be comfortable. And make sure you also have the rest of bride’s and bridegroom’s attire.

Check carefully the guest list and make sure that everybody’s got an invitation.

If you have some small children in your family (nieces, nephews, cousins) appoint them as flower girl and ring bearer.

Don’t forget to choose the opening dance (it would be better to practice it a bit before – everybody will be watching you). Talk with the band/DJ about what are they planning to play. The music should be as various as possible, to meet almost everyone’s requirements. Talk to the photographer to take pictures with all your guests (not only with the family) and to catch unique and funny moments (they will make you smile latter).

The vow moment is quite emotional! Practice your vows in front of a mirror, just to make sure you won’t get nervous when the moment comes.

Choose carefully the flowers for the bride’s bouquet; they have to match with the colours of the bride’s gown and the groom’s suit.

For the final check make sure that everybody knows their schedule and appointments (the hair stylist, the photographer, the flower and catering firm, the restaurant, the church, the band, the firm that makes the decorations).

If you want to, you may give some small gifts to the guests (a picture of the lucky couple with a funny massage or a classical “thanks for coming”; a deco object; a piece from the wedding cake).

And most importantly don’t forget to smile and be happy!

Vist www.HenWed.com for wedding and hen night articles.

Tips for Honeymoon Travelers

Ah yes, the sweet bliss of surviving months of planning and preparation for your wedding day. It’s not a walk in the park for any couple to have to put a wedding together, which I believe is one of the main reasons we celebrate with a huge vacation after the big day. You both deserve the time together and certainly need a break from the stresses life can throw your way. So here are a few tips for you Honeymoon travelers to help you enjoy yourself on your getaway.

First thing is first, leave everything at home behind. This could be one of the last chances you have to get away in a long time, so it’s very important that you enjoy yourselves. Right now you may have little responsibility waiting for you back at home and that will definitely not be the case down the road. Spend as much time together as you can and do everything you can to leave all of your worries back at home.

Don’t feel guilty for splurging while on your Honeymoon. This is your vacation away from all of your responsibilities, so if you are on a diet or are extremely tight with your budget, let go and cut some corners in the name of fun. Obviously you have to be smart about the decisions you make, but it’s certainly okay to stop and smell the roses sometimes. Your Honeymoon definitely fits within the range of special occasions. So why work if you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Make up your own itinerary. Whether this includes packing in as many things as you can see within the trip, or if it simply includes doing nothing but relaxing, you definitely don’t need to dance to someone else’s tune. This is your time; do whatever it is that makes the two of you happy. If you’re headed to Disneyland and don’t feel like hitting park while you are there, and choose to hit the beach every day, why the heck not; after all, it’s your vacation.

Finally, have the mentality of no regrets. You have spent months planning this trip, so don’t leave the Honeymoon wishing you would have visited a certain place or done a specific activity. If you think that you will regret visiting that location, get up and make it happen. Leave your Honeymoon knowing that you accomplished everything that you had in mind when you were researching the perfect spot to spend some time away with your better half. Honeymoons don’t come around very often so enjoy the time you have with each other and when you come back, have no regrets.

The wedding is the memorial thing of the life and this very important part of the personal life. For the wedding there are so many arrangements are required. The wedding is the beautiful occasion of every person’s life so all of them want to memorize it. The fashion is the most favorite thing of women so they have plan about there weddings dress, jewelry and so more things essential to the her. The men’s are also take about there own hair style, dress, shoes and so many things. The wedding party gives your guests an idea as to the type and formality of your wedding by sending the invitation. There are so many tips are available for the wedding.

Having a consultation with your Dallas, Texas wedding hair stylist and makeup artists can give you a chance to experiment with different looks. The consultant will help you decide which looks will best compliment your face, dress, and accessories. It is helpful if you take in some pictures of styles that you like to give your stylist a sense of direction, and do not be afraid to speak up about looks that you hate and those that you love. This ensures that you get the best look that compliments your style, dress, and face shape.

Want the perfect wedding hair up-do? Learn how to choose the most flattering wedding hair style. Of course, your makeup also has to be flattering, photogenic, and stress and tear-proof. Find out how to apply makeup so that you can feel confidently beautiful in all your wedding pictures. Get inspiration for creating a beautiful “wedding ambience” with ideas from your favorite celebrity unions, present and past. On your wedding day, these stylish tips will help you to sparkle like the “celebrity version of yourself”!

You may also give them option of choosing photographs in color or black and white to commemorate their special day. This not only gives them the benefit of having some spectacular options but makes you look even more professional because you thought of it. Don’t forget to have so black and white portraits in your portfolio if you are going to offer them this option. You can also negotiate for a trial shoot, usually during the engagement party or some other get together. Most photographers throw shoots like that in for free but you want to have a contingency clause in case they take those proofs but don’t hire you for the main event. This is also an excellent chance for you to experience working with the couple, their friends and family so there are fewer surprises in this aspect on the wedding day.

There are many bridal magazines now available, so before you venture out shopping you can browse through their pages to get ideas. This way you will know beforehand some of the designers, fabrics, colors, shapes and styles, so that you can form an opinion about the wedding dress. In the bridal magazines, you will surely come across different hairstyles for a wedding. But keep your expectations as per your individual tastes and how much it will suit you; models in the pages of a magazine look good in whatever they wear, which may not necessarily work for you too.

Preparations for the wedding day can sometimes push preparation for your honeymoon aside but it is important to plan for your honeymoon early. Booking the honeymoon with a travel consultant is the last part of the preparation for the honeymoon but there are other items to consider.