Archive for the ‘Weddings Abroad’ Category
Tuesday, January 7th, 2014
The London Wedding Show takes place on 11th and 12th January 2014 at ExCeL and it is a wonderful opportunity to consult with the experts We Do Weddings Abroad by A&J and plan the wedding you have always wanted.
For couples dreaming to get married abroad, bespoke London based wedding planning company We Do Weddings Abroad by A&J, stand 210, will exhibit a portfolio of beautiful venues for weddings in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malta, Cyprus, Sanotirni and Caribbean. Do not miss your chance to meet one of the company owners and wedding planner, who will be offering a 10 minutes consultation to couples dreaming of a wedding abroad, as well as special discounts for 2014 and 2015 bookings.
Tags: wedding destinations
Posted in Wedding shows, Weddings Abroad | No Comments »
Saturday, June 29th, 2013
What’s more romantic than an extended honeymoon, when you’re newly married and free of the stresses of everyday life? Make the most of the start to your new life together and take a few weeks out to truly explore a new place. For many of us, when we consider a honeymoon destination we think of somewhere tropical with a beach, but what about Australia?
Australia is a brilliant choice for an extended honeymoon. Not only is it a once in a lifetime destination for many because of the distance, it’s also got so many different options to enjoy. From city visits and the major festivals, cultural attractions and restaurants, to Aboriginal history in the Outback, Australia is a truly amazing and unique place. You won’t have to worry about arguing about what to do; both of you will find something that takes your fancy.
A fun and spontaneous idea is to book a hotel for the first week in one location, and leave the rest of the itinerary wide open for you to decide once you arrive. There are loads of websites, like Cheapflights, that let you find the best-priced domestic flights, so you can easily explore many popular locations like Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, or even enjoy a trip to the Outback. If you’re feeling brave, maybe you and your partner can each choose one secret location and create an itinerary? Australia’s official tourism website has a number of three-day journeys that will give you inspiration!
This country is a place where you’ll really enjoy making memories, relaxing with your new spouse. We’ve picked out some of our favourite, most romantic and fun locations for you to think about when deciding on a honeymoon location.
For food and culture lovers. Australia has some of the best restaurants in the world, and you’ll also discover that there’s no shortage of arts or food and wine festivals for you to enjoy. Enjoy the sunshine and glorious weather of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and take in an event like the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival or the Long Weekend Festival. We can think of few things that are more romantic than enjoying new music or discovering new dishes together. Take advantage of the wealth of shopping and cultural activities this location has to offer and enjoy walking around this unique city.
For rest and relaxation. Spend some time in Western Australia and soak up some sun while swimming in the Indian Ocean. There are a number of smaller islands like Monkey Mia that are perfect for a lazy day away from the main beaches. You’ll find a turtle sanctuary that has to be explored, either by diving or snorkelling. Stay in Coral Bay, a small town that’s noted for regular visits from humpback whales between June to October, if you enjoy discovering new sea life.
For adventure seekers. Exploring this vast country in a few short weeks might seem impossible. If you’re happy to spend time travelling between destinations, consider taking the train as you’ll experience many of the stunning views that this country is known for. The Ghan is a train that operates across the country from North to South. Running between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin, it takes 54 hours to travel the full distance. If you don’t fancy that long on the train, consider a shorter journey from Darwin to Alice Springs which, is famous for its Aboriginal heritage. There are a number of sites in the town that maintain their traditional importance.
Tags: honeymoons, wedding destinations
Posted in Weddings Abroad | No Comments »
Monday, April 15th, 2013
Your honeymoon should be a beautiful and relaxing time helping you start your married life somewhere stress free and romantic. A popular location for a honeymoon is the Maldives, where you can bask in the beauty of the Indian Ocean. All of the resorts are enchanting and you’ll be able to enjoy the days with your new spouse without worrying about anything other than which activities to enjoy.
Where to Stay and What to Do
The Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands, and around 100 of these islands are used exclusively for tourism. Each resort is the only one on its island, surrounded by a beautiful beach, coral reefs and shallow waters. Flights to the Maldives take roughly 5 hours from London to Malé and it’s worth spending some time to compare flights on a site like CheapFlights to get the best deal.
The Baros Maldives Resort is a 25 minute speedboat journey from the Maldives International Airport with a choice of beautiful villa accommodation from beach front huts to a villa on stilts over the ocean, private swimming pools, wonderful food and drink and stunning views.
Anantara Kihavah Villas offers the same picturesque setting with the addition of an onsite spa so you can be pampered whilst relaxing to the sound of waves in the background. Alternatively, you could choose to take a cooking, yoga or tennis lesson, or choose a book from the library. This resort also has the amazing exclusive Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky dining room, where you can enjoy your meal in an underwater room or drinks on the rooftop bar.
The Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru resort is another luxurious option with restaurants and bars and the opportunity to enjoy an intimate in-villa dining experience. This resort is unique in that it has a Marine Lab where guests can join trained divers to learn more about the amazing ecosystem this area enjoys, as well as providing sailing, wake boarding and canoeing activities.
Where to Eat
The Maldives, being separate island resorts, are slightly different to other locations where guests can easily move around from place to place. All of the resorts offer their own restaurants which typically have a number of cuisines for guests to enjoy, but we suggest asking about the particular types of restaurants at each resort when making a booking to ensure that you will be happy with what is available. There are a number of restaurants in Malé, the country’s capital, if you’re interested in visiting the main island, and the variety of seafood and fresh fish on offer is definitely something not to be missed.
Things to Keep in Mind
The Maldives is a Muslim country, and as such, you’ll need to act accordingly. On the resort islands, your dress code and behaviour can be more relaxed; however, when visiting the main islands, you should cover-up and avoid displays of drunken or very obvious displays of affection. Alcohol isn’t available at the airport or on the main island, but is readily available at the country’s resorts.
Quick Facts
Top temperature: the average temperature is 30°C all year round.
Best months to go: January to March is the dry season and mid-May to November is the rainy season. The sun shines most days, so these seasons will not have much impact on your holiday.
Nearest Airport:MaléInternationalAirport(MLE)
Distance from Airport: Dependant on your resort; speedboats and sea plane transfers are available.
Local Language: Maldivian
Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (1 GBP is roughly 23 MVR)
Time Difference: 5 hours ahead of the UK
Flight Duration: Approximately 10 hours
Did you honeymoon in the Maldives? What is your favourite part of the region? Would you consider the country as a potential honeymoon destination? Please add your comments!
Tags: honeymoons, wedding destinations
Posted in Wedding Plans, Weddings Abroad | No Comments »
Friday, April 5th, 2013
A honeymoon guide to Sharm El Sheikh
The time you spend on your honeymoon should not only ease you and your new spouse into your married life, but also help you relax from the stress of the wedding you’ve just celebrated. One place that isn’t often associated with honeymoon destinations is Egypt. However, flights to Sharm El Sheikh, situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, take a little over five hours. You will arrive in a destination like no other, ready for the honeymoon of your dreams.
Where to Stay
This beautiful region caters for all kinds of tastes and it knows how to treat tourists. Some of the most beautiful and romantic places to stay offers top class amenities, like lounge chairs on the beach, beautifully appointed rooms, fine dining, spas and spectacular views.
Concorde El Salam is one of the leading hotels in the region. As well as having the opportunity lap up some much-needed sun on the beach, newlyweds can make use of five pools, three restaurants and eight bars. Concorde El Salam offers diving and snorkelling, as well as boasting its own spa and fitness centre.
The Savoy Group boasts four beautiful hotels to choose from, so whether you want to treat yourself to the honeymoon suite at the Royal Savoy & Villas Sharm El Sheikh Hotel, or enjoy the buzzing atmosphere of the pedestrian areas in the Soho Square Sharm El Sheikh, this hotel group will make your stay perfect.
Hilton Hotels are famous the world over for their luxury, standards and their quality. Fayrouz Resort is no exception. With a number of gorgeous suites and rooms, you’ll find a beautiful room here for you and your partner to both enjoy on your honeymoon.
Relaxing and Romantic Activities
One of the most beautiful ways to relax in Sharm is by taking a camel ride, followed by a Bedouin dinner and star gazing. You’ll appreciate the adventure of the camel ride, but the real magic happens when you’re staring up at the sky above you next to your sweetheart.
You can also spend an evening dining at On Deck, a floating restaurant which specialises in fresh seafood and classic Middle Eastern and Egyptian dishes. You’ll both appreciate the amazing views and the peaceful location where you can just enjoy each other’s company.
If you’re looking for a romantic way to explore the history that Egypt has to offer, take a tour from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo, with your own private guide. You and your new spouse will be alone for your excursion and you’ll be free to decide what you see and you’ll be able to enjoy the day just as you want to.
What to Keep in Mind
Sharm is a beautiful and historic area, but you have to keep a few things in mind while you’re there. As Egypt is a predominately Muslim country, alcohol can be expensive so you might want to pick up your own at the duty free or plan for that in your holiday budget.
You’ll also have to bear religious traditions in mind; it is inappropriate to act drunk in public. Also, you shouldn’t show too much bare skin outside the walls of your hotel.
Quick Facts
Top temperature: 35°C in the summer, but between 20°C - 25°C in the winter
Best months to go: Spring to autumn as these months are the most temperate
Nearest Airport: Sharm el Sheikh (SSH)
Distance from Airport: 20 km
Local Language: Arabic, but English is widely spoken
Currency: Egyptian Pounds (EGP), and 1 GBP is approximately 10 EGP
Time Difference: +2 GMT
Flight Duration: 5 hours 30 mins (Approx)
Did you honeymoon in Sharm El Sheikh? Would you consider the city as a potential honeymoon destination? What is your favourite part of the region? Please add your comments!
Tags: honeymoons
Posted in Weddings Abroad | 1 Comment »
Monday, March 25th, 2013
As the ringing of the wedding bells fade into the distance, Mr. and Mrs. Newlywed have an altogether new challenge: where to go for the honeymoon? The tried and tested island paradise honeymoon is always an option, but why not do something different, something more adventurous and unusual like a honeymoon on ice?
When you think of honeymoons, you think of romantic walks along warm coastlines, lounging by sunny beaches and sipping wine in street side cafes. But a honeymoon on ice promises a lot more fun with as many opportunities for romance and life altering experiences. Imagine whale watching with your partner in the North Atlantic, horseback riding through dense alpine forests and sleeping in Ice hotels in Sweden. A honeymoon on ice would be unlike any holiday you’ve ever had.
The Scandinavian countries Sweden and Iceland are the preferred destinations for couples looking to spend their honeymoon in powdery snow and frosty ice. If you decide to head north for your honeymoon, here are a few things you can do.
1. Stay in an Ice Hotel in Sweden
What better way to turn on the heat post-wedding than a stay at the world famous Ice Hotel in Sweden? Located in the northern reaches of Sweden in Jukkasjarvi, the Ice Hotel remains frozen throughout the year. Some of the finest ice sculptors in the world were involved in creating the hotels rooms. The wedding suite made of ice is an exhilarating experience that will delight any adventurous couple. (http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk)
2. Relax at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Only a 30 minute drive from Reykjavik lies the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular tourist destinations. The lava heated waters of the lagoon remain warm at 37-39 C at all times of the year, regardless of the temperature outside. Honeymooning couples can relax in the therapeutic waters, watch the Aurora Borealis in the distance, and seek beauty treatment at the Blue Lagoon spa. (http://www.bluelagoon.com )
3. Whale Watching in Iceland
No holiday in Iceland would be complete without a whale watching tour around the country’s whale-rich waters. The North Atlantic ocean is home to some of the largest whales in the world, including humpback whales, finback whales, the mighty blue whales and Orcas. The sight of a gigantic whale breaching the ocean’s surface is an experience unlike any other. (http://www.gentlegiants.is)
Skip the traditional island honeymoon and start your married life with an adventurous honeymoon on ice, for an experience you will remember for the rest of your life?
Tags: honeymoons
Posted in Weddings Abroad | 2 Comments »
Friday, February 22nd, 2013
Our guest blogger today is Claire, who plans weddings in Las Vegas . She often hears from couples who know they want the glamour and glitz of a Vegas wedding, not to mention the guaranteed sunshine, but they find that they are overwhelmed with the choice of wedding location in the city.
Las Vegas is the wedding capital of the USA, if not the world. The state of Nevada issues an average of 120,000 marriage licenses each year, so it is not surprising that there are so many wedding options to choose from!
Almost every hotel and casino on the Strip in Las Vegas has a wedding chapel inside, and quite a lot of them have pretty pagoda-style areas in their gardens for weddings too. If you have guests accompanying you for your wedding, often the hotels will offer a wedding package that includes all the rooms that you need, often with a suite for the bride and groom. Having everyone stay in the same hotel will be handy if the groom needs to sleep in a different room from the bride the night before the wedding.
Many people come to Las Vegas with the idea of a classic old-school Downtown wedding chapel in mind. There are lots to choose from, and some are nicer than others. These chapels are where couples can explore the true diversity of Las Vegas weddings. You can have as much romance, as much glitz and as much fun as you like, and many of these smaller chapels can give you a completely personalised ceremony if you are creative enough. Everyone knows about the possibility of having an Elvis impersonator perform the ceremony, but there are lots of other impersonators in Las Vegas, and many of them are licensed to perform wedding ceremonies, and they can serenade you with your favourite singer’s songs during the ceremony. The smaller chapels can be set up to your taste and in some cases, decorated just as you wish, although it is likely that there will be a charge for this. Of course, if you are in a rush, there is always the option of the drive-through wedding!
Las Vegas is in the heart of the Nevada desert, and less than an hour’s drive away is some of the most breathtaking scenery you will see this close to such a metropolis. Weddings can be performed in Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire, two outstanding areas of beauty near to Las Vegas. If you like the idea of getting married outdoors in the desert, choose the time of year carefully. July and August will be uncomfortably hot in the middle of the day, but almost any other time of year a wedding in these areas would be spectacular.
There are some lovely parks and preserve areas in and around Las Vegas where couples can get married. There are some parks close to natural springs and lakes, and are the sort of green and lush areas that you would never expect to see in the middle of the desert! Many of these places were ranches many years ago, so are set up to take groups of people – ideal for a wedding. Afterwards, couples can return from making their union with nature as a beautiful backdrop, to party in the fabulous city of Las Vegas.
Contact Claire for more information on Las Vegas wedding location suggestions at [email protected] or visit her website for more Las Vegas wedding tips.
Tags: honeymoon, wedding ceremonies, wedding destinations
Posted in Wedding Ideas, Weddings Abroad | No Comments »
Monday, November 5th, 2012
As an award winning wedding planner who has had plenty of practice (she said she “stopped counting” when she hit a thousand ceremonies) Beverly King, the resident wedding planner at Antigua’s Jolly Beach Resort and Spa, is source to be trusted when it comes to wedding advice. Here she shares her top ten tips.
1. Be the Early-Bird. Make sure you book early as everything is subject to availability, and your preferred date may be taken by someone else.
2. Learn from the scouts; be prepared. Find out what documentation is required for the specified country and the length of time you as a couple need to be there before you can wed. Legal requirements vary worldwide. InAntiguait is extremely easy. There is no residency policy e.g. you can go to the Legal Office at 9am and be married by 4:30pm the same day. On arrival to the resort you have an appointment to meet with the Wedding Co-coordinator where all final plans are made for your special occasion and the legal forms are filled out for the Registrar and Legal Office.
3. Dress to chill – your wedding attire should be cool and light coloured, nobody wants to see the bride and groom sweating down the aisle!
4. Don’t burn – a strapless wedding dress does not look good with a sunburnt back, and a suit doesn’t go particularly well with a lobster red face.
5. Don’t forget – who’s got the rings? Tie them to something immovable, like the best man.
6. Bless ‘em – blessings are available atJollyBeach.
7. Think twice – always request a copy of the marriage certificate before leaving the resort.
8. Believe! – trust your wedding co-ordinator; she is there to do the thinking for you!
9. Family ties –JollyBeachhas family and friend deals available.
10. Smile! –remember you are saving an average of £20,000 on a UK wedding, which leaves plenty of cash for a few extras like flight upgrades and several dozen bottles of champagne!
For more information on the various wedding packages available at the Jolly Beach Resort and Spa, please visit http://www.jollybeachresort.com/weddings/ or get in touch with [email protected]
Tags: honeymoons, wedding destinations
Posted in Weddings Abroad | 1 Comment »
|
