Breaking with tradition – alternatives to the white wedding gown

Dita Von Teese in her Vivian Westwood wedding gown

No Shrinking Violet

When burlesque superstar Dita Von Teese and controversial shock-rocker Marilyn Manson announced they were tying the knot, no one was surprised to learn their wedding was less than traditional. 

Instead of wearing white, in true burlesque style, gorgeous dancer/actor/model Von Teese 

chose this  luscious, deep violet Vivian Westwood designed gown for her wedding day.

She would have been a breathtaking sight as she passed through the gothic arches of Castle Gurteen Le Poer in Kilsheelan, an Irish castle owned by a friend of the couple. 

A harp played and they wed at midnight. The wedding was officiated by  Chilean friend, underground film director and comic book writer Alejandro Jodorowsky.

Fate and destiny
One of my favourite and most beautiful non-traditional wedding gowns is this one worn by Caitlyn (below). Her wedding took place in New Zealand’s breathtaking Queenstown against a backdrop of picture perfect snow capped mountains.

As I discovered after asking her what made her choose a red wedding gown, Caitlyn had not actively sought out a non-traditional dress. Rather, she’d happened across a wedding store and, without an appointment, reluctantly decided to go in and take a wander around. “It was found by accident hidden between rows of traditional dresses” she told me. “The staff at Astra Bridal managed to squeeze me in to try it on briefly and I was hooked!!”. It was the first wedding dress Caitlyn had ever tried on so she went on to try two other more traditional ivory dresses for peace of mind, but nothing felt quite the same as her perfect red dress.

I really love Caitlyn’s story. It just goes to show that sometimes fate and destiny can step in to make decisions for you.

Pinks and purples are hugely popular non-traditional colours:

   

 Here are some other colours to consider:

  

Poinciana Red
This next red dress made for an extra special pairing with a Poinciana tree in full bloom on a beach on beautiful Hamilton Island in Australia. I just love the colour energy and synergy with the backdrop. 

Something Blue
Although Michael Buble’s bride wore a traditional white dress at their Vancouver wedding, she wore this cute little blue number for their civil ceremony in her home town of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bewitching in Black 
Vera Wang sent shockwaves through the bridal fashion world when she sent her very black wedding dress collection down the runway at her recent fall bridal show.

Images from New York Times

Speaking to the Bee-Shyuan Chang for the New York Times, Mark Ingram, owner of the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier in Manhattan described the collection as "... shocking and outrageous, but it was also fabulous”. See more of the collection at Fashionologie. 

With the trend for non-traditional wedding gowns growing, what colour will you wear on your wedding day?

Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is available in paperback and digital formats at Amazon (UK), Amazon (USA) and from www.destination-wedding-book.com.

Getting Married In... Munich!

Here's the first of a regular Getting married in: series where I'll be posting about various destination wedding locations around the world. Perhaps you'll find a post about a location not too far from you, or on the other side of the globe. I'll be sure to include as much information as possible about local culture, wedding customs, venues, romantic places to stay, what to eat and more! 

Neuschwanstein Castle

Munich is the capital of Bavaria, one of Germany’s most charming provinces located in the south east corner of the country. One of the biggest draw-cards to the region is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration behind Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built in 1869 by then King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is easily accessible from the city of Munich in a day trip by car, train or bus tour. Although you can’t marry at the castle, it makes a beautiful backdrop for your post-wedding photography, or you can take a guided tour of this magnificent castle for a fascinating pre or post-wedding activity. When visiting the Castle, be sure to grab a serving of fresh cream cheese balls (3 balls for 2 euro) from the stall in front of Zur-Neven-Burg restaurant near the top of the hill - divine!

From the town of Hohenschwangau below, you can take a rustic horse and carriage ride right up to the castle passing through the surrounding forest with glimpses across the valley back to Ludwig’s childhood castle, Hohenschwangau Castle and the spectacular snow-capped mountains and lakes that surround. Close to the Bavarian-Austrian border, the entire region is watched over by the spectacular Alps which can only be described as breathtaking. What  better setting for a destination wedding?


Where to stay
By far the most desirable location to stay while visiting Munich is the Hotel Königshof, one of four hotels owned by the family-run Geisel Hotel group. The group’s luxurious Hotel Königshof provides commanding views of the old city and features its own Michelin Star restaurant. The Hotel Königshof also enjoys a premium location right near the Central train station making it an ideal base for exploring everything the city and surrounding region has to offer.

Hotel Königshof, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

The Hotel Königshof is experienced in hosting weddings from the most intimate elopement for two, through to the most extravagant celebration for up to 180 guests. Staff from the hotel can help you create a wedding to remember from start to finish or if you prefer, can arrange certain elements as requested. With five banquet and function rooms to choose from, the hotel’s experienced, dedicated staff are able to design an event that will inspire fond memories for years to come. 

Justizpalast (Palace of Justice), Munich

Some of The Hotel Königshof’s rooms overlook the beautiful neo-Baroque Justizpalast (Palace of Justice) which is just across the street, another great backdrop for pre or post wedding photos. One of the Hotel Königshof's special features is its Michelin star restaurant and impressive wine cellar perfect for hosting your special event breakfasts, lunches, dinners or drinks. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of Marienplatz and the impressive gothic architecture of Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall) famous for its Glockenspiel clock tower which puts on a captivating show daily at 11 a.m. (as well as 12 noon and 5 p.m. during the summer months).


In addition to the Hotel Königshof, the Geisel Group also owns/runs the Bavarian Hotel Excelsior, and the funky designer anna hotel both of which are located just down the street making them equally accessible to the old town.

anna hotel, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

The anna hotel's tower suite provides sumptuous accommodation for wedding couples with it's unparalleled views of the old city skyline and spacious, ultra modern facilities including a full size flat screen TV at the bathtub.

Hotel Excelsior, Munich - Images courtesy of Geisel Privathotels

At the Hotel Excelsior, you'll find a fantastic rustic vinothek and restaurant along with a demonstration kitchen big enough to host a pre or post wedding cooking demonstration/class. The demonstration kitchen can host up to 40 people for a fun and memorable experience where you can learn to prepare Mediterranean cuisine from a top chef and enjoy the fruits of your culinary labour afterwards - Guten Appetit!


Wedding venues

The most popular wedding ceremony venues in and around Munich are the many beautiful churches including the landmark, twin-towered Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Lady), eclectic Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church), baroque Theatinerkirche (Church of the Theatines) and the spectacular Roccoco styled Asamkirche (The Asam Church). Munich also boasts some gorgeous palaces which make for wonderfully romantic wedding locations including Dachau Palace, Blutenburg Palace, and Nymphenburg Palace to name just a few.

Images courtesy of Seh-Stern Fine Art Photography

Local customs and traditions The Bavarian tradition of Hochzeitslader sees an official “Inviter” dressed in fancy clothes adorned with ribbons and flowers going from door to door to perform a rhyming invitation to the invited guests. Guests show their acceptance by pinning one of the ribbons to the Hochzeitslader hat and by offering the Inviter a drink.


In keeping with tradition, some Bavarians still choose to wear the southern German ethnic costumes known as the Dirndl and Lederhosen. The woman’s Dirndl consists of a closefitting bodice, apron and hat. The men’s Lederhosen consists of knee-length trousers made from leather worn with rustic shoes and wool socks. The addition of leather breeches, jacket and hat completes the traditional men’s Bavarian wedding outfit. 


Of course, the wearing of the Dirndl and Lederhosen is a personal preference and many modern couples choose to wear typical western style wedding gowns and suits on their wedding day. Hochzeitssuppe (Wedding Soup) made from vegetables, dumplings and meats is typically served at a traditional Bavarian wedding. After the ceremony, an old Bavarian custom is for the couple to cut a large log in half to symbolise that they can get through tough problems by working together.

Legalities
Getting married in Munich is much like anywhere else in that you will need to provide sufficient identity documents and proof of non-impediment to the marriage to the local Standesamt (Registry Office). It’s a good idea to make contact with the Standesbeamter (Registrant) as soon as possible once you have decided to marry.


You will generally be required to have all your documents translated into German which can take some time and expense. As an alternative to marrying in the registry’s own office, for an extra fee, the Standesbeamter can also perform the wedding ceremony in a number of selected locations including a nearby wedding hall, the City Hall’s own meeting rooms, or at Nymphenburg Palace. A religious ceremony can take place after the official marriage but has no legal standing.


I hope you've found this post helpful in providing information about getting married in Munich. Stay tuned for our next instalment. You never know where I'll turn the spotlight next! 

Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is available in paperback and digital formats at Amazon (UK), Amazon (USA) and from www.destination-wedding-book.com.

Tips for Transporting Your Wedding Dress

It's a good idea to hang your wedding dress as soon
as you arrive at your destination 

Here are some practical tips on how to successfully transport your wedding dress ahead of your destination wedding.

Often transporting a wedding dress or gown is a dilemma realised last minute during a destination wedding bride’s planning schedule. Planning ahead not only reduces pre-wedding stress but can also save you time and money.

There are a number of considerations when preparing to transport your wedding dress to your destination wedding location. How will you transport it (eg. with you, by courier or with someone else)? When will you transport it (at the same time you travel or before)? How should you handle your wedding dress before and after your wedding ceremony?

OPTIONS FOR TRANSPORTING YOUR WEDDING DRESS

• Travelling with your dress

Given that a bride’s wedding dress is one of the key elements of the big day, many brides prefer the sense of security gained from personally transporting their dress to the wedding location. The challenges faced depend on the mode of transport. Destination wedding brides often fly to their wedding locations which can pose a problem. 

It’s recommended you contact your airline/s to check their policy regarding the transporting of a wedding dress as hand luggage.  Some will allow you to bring a suitably packed wedding dress on board and stow it away safely during the flight for no extra charge. Others may demand that the dress travel as checked luggage which may or may not incur extra costs.

If you’re travelling to your wedding destination by car, pack your wedding dress in its own box or suitcase using the packing guidelines below. Just be sure that the box or suitcase is out of the way of heavier items and that there is no chance of anything spilling or leaking onto it. Alternatively, you can simply leave your wedding dress in its bag and either hang or drape it loosely over the top of all other luggage in the car for the journey.

Travel by ship to your wedding location is relatively easy since you’ll have less space restrictions than air or car travel. Either pack your dress into its own suitcase or carry it on board in its protective bag following the packing guidelines that follow. If your wedding will take place aboard the ship, or in port en-route, you can utilise the ship’s own dry cleaning services to have your dress prepared for your ceremony. It’s a good idea to book this service prior to travel so that dry cleaning staff can include it in their work schedule.

• Shipping your dress

Shipping your dress to your wedding location ahead of time can be a great alternative to taking it with you on your journey. The most important things to keep in mind when shipping your wedding dress are:

·         ship your dress well ahead of time, being sure to allow for any extra time required for possible customs inspection, public holidays and transport delays;

·         have your wedding dress insured so in the event of it being lost, you can be compensated and;

·         ship your wedding dress to a responsible person who will care for it ahead of your arrival, and deliver it to you safe and sound in time before the ceremony.

• Sending your dress with someone else

With a trusted friend, family member or member of your wedding party taking responsibility for transporting your wedding dress, you can have peace of mind that it will arrive at your destination in safe hands. Be sure to brief them on any special instructions on handling the dress after arrival.

PACKING YOUR WEDDING DRESS

By far the best way to transport a wedding dress is in the protective gown bag it comes in. To further protect the dress and any delicate embellishments, it’s a good idea to place uncoloured, acid-free tissue paper around key areas such as the bodice.

If you need to pack the wedding dress into a confined space such as a box or suitcase, place layers of uncoloured, acid-free tissue paper in between each fold and around all embellished areas. This will reduce the formation of wrinkles and protect delicate embellishments.

Check with your wedding dress retailer or dressmaker if they are able to pack the dress for you since they will have expertise in how to protect any vulnerable areas. If they don’t offer this service, ask if they can at least provide guidance on how to best pack and transport your wedding dress since special fabrics and materials will need different treatment.

PREPARING YOUR DRESS FOR THE CEREMONY

Once your dress is safely at your wedding location, it’s time to get it ready for the main event, the wedding ceremony. As soon as the dress arrives on location it should be hung to help relax any wrinkles. If you can arrange a professional dry cleaning service to press the dress once it arrives this is ideal and frees you up for other pre-wedding activities.

Alternatively, you can hang your dress in a steam-filled bathroom (simply run a hot shower for a few minutes until the room is very steamy) being sure the dress is clear of any puddles of water, bathroom products etc. The success you will have will vary depending on the fabric, but many brides have been successful using this method. If wrinkles persist, you can also use a portable steamer (either brought with you or borrowed from hotel reception if they have one) to gently ease out any creases. Be sure to use a clean cloth in between the steamer and your dress to avoid any possible damage to the fabric, especially if your dress is made of delicate satin for example.

AFTER THE WEDDING

Since your attention will have been on how to get your wedding dress to your wedding location, you may not have considered what needs to be done after your wedding day. Here’s a step by step procedure you can follow post wedding ceremony:

1. If time permits, send your dress for professional dry cleaning
2. If dry cleaning must wait until you return home, attend to any spills or stains that may have occurred during your wedding day, being sure to follow professional fabric care guidelines
3. Hang your dress in a well-ventilated area to air.
4. Pack your dress back in the same way you packed it for its journey to your destination.
5. Either arrange for it to be shipped back home or otherwise transported.
6. Once your dress has arrived back home, have it dry cleaned as soon as possible. If you won’t be home until some time after your dress arrives, ask someone to take care of this for you.

  

Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is available in paperback and digital formats at Amazon (UK), Amazon (USA) and from www.destination-wedding-book.com.

For free tips and advice, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up-to-date with everything destination wedding!

Destination: Wedding eBook now available on Amazon

We're very excited to announce that the eBook version of Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is now available at Amazon.

For those who prefer to read books on portable devices such as e-readers, tablets and smart phones, eBooks are the answer. At the Amazon Kindle store you can dowload the eBook version of Destination: Wedding for your Kindle device, PC, iPhone, Blackberry, iPad and for Android.

Not only is buying the eBook version of Destination: Wedding an eco-friendly option, you can also enjoy the extreme portability eBooks provide. With an eBook, you can spontaneously read the book on the train or bus on your way to work, on your lunch break or anywhere you find you have some spare time without having to physically drag a hard copy book around. 

The other advantage to an eBook is that you can quickly and easily visit websites listed in the book straight from your internet enabled device. This is great if you want to research destination wedding locations for example since the book provides up to date web links to every location listed. 

So what are you waiting for? head to Amazon and grab your eBook version of Destination: Wedding today!

Top Tips for Outdoor Weddings

Many destination wedding couples choose an outdoor location to exchange their vows, and while this is by far one of the most beautiful ways to be married, there are some things to be aware of.

Photo courtesy of Hamilton Island Weddings

Choose a sheltered location

If possible, choose as sheltered a location as possible to avoid heavy winds that can wreak havoc with ceremony decorations, hairstyles and acoustics. If you’re having your ceremony out in the open, consider erecting gazebos to protect you and your guests from the hot sun. I once attended a summer garden wedding in Australia where guests were left to sit out in the hot sun in searing 40 deg c (104F) heat, it was completely unbearable. It’s also a good idea to have a back-up location set aside in the event of bad weather setting in. Keep an eye on local weather reports (or nominate someone to do this for you) so any changes to the ceremony setup or location can be made if it becomes necessary.

Select an appropriate hairstyle

Select a hairstyle appropriate to your outdoor setting. In a hot, humid climate it’s wise to choose an up-style to keep you cool. A windy location can also pose a problem for certain hairstyles so be sure to consider this when deciding on your wedding day hair. If you’re marrying on a hilltop for example, you don’t want to spend the entire ceremony brushing hair out of your face and eyes. Likewise, think about hair pieces that might be affected by wind, heat and humidity. A hairpiece fashioned from delicate orchids might sound like a good idea for a beach wedding, but flowers can quickly wilt if exposed to direct sun and humidity. Not the best look for your wedding photos!

Choose suitable wedding wear

It seems like a no brainer but you’d be surprised how many people neglect to properly consider how their wedding wear will cope during an outdoor wedding. Rather than looking at the average temperature for your location at the time you will be married, also take into account the typical highs and lows. Prepare for weather extremes such as heat and cold, rain and sunshine. This goes for the men too, not just the women in the bridal party. Fabric selection is important since you’ll want to be wearing outfits that will either breathe to keep everyone cool or be heavy enough to block out the cold.  Choose the wrong type of fabric for your circumstances and you will regret it within minutes of arriving for your wedding ceremony.

Make sure the site is accessible

Site accessibility is important, particularly if you’ll have guests attending your wedding with disabilities. A wheelchair-bound guest will find it impossible to manoeuvre themselves across beach sand or up stairs. Elderly or physically impaired guests will also be unable to access certain sites that you and others may find perfectly accessible. Think about who will be attending the ceremony and what, if any, special needs they might have.

Have ushers keep uninvited guests at bay

Weddings naturally attract the attention of passersby, but it’s likely you’ll want to retain some sense of intimacy during your outdoor nuptials. If marrying on a beach, you will want to make the most of the gorgeous ocean backdrop minus curious onlookers. Have a couple of ushers on hand to shoo people away when necessary and to ensure that your photographer and videographer get optimum shots without strangers lurking in the background.

You’ll find more great tips and advice related to outdoor and destination weddings in Destination: Wedding – A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams. Order from www.destination-wedding-book.com also available to order from your local bookstore in Australia and the UK.


Feel free to share your own tips in the comments below we'd love to hear them!

The Top 5 Places To Tie the Knot in 2011

If you’re looking for the hottest places to tie the knot this year, here are my top picks for 2011:

1. Bora Bora

Famous for its overwater bungalows that hover above ridiculously gorgeous coral reefs, Bora Bora is a heavenly island just perfect for a tropical destination wedding. Recent changes to Tahiti and French Polynesia’s marriage laws means it’s now easier to get married there.  Previously, the law required couples to reside in Tahiti for 30 days prior to getting married, which made it difficult for foreigners wishing to be legally married there.  Not that most people would mind spending 30 days in paradise, but it could become quite costly to stay in luxury surrounds for an extended period.

Image courtesy of InterContinental Tahiti

2. Venice

Anywhere in Italy is perfect for a destination wedding, but Venice is an especially romantic spot to tie the knot against a backdrop of renaissance splendour. A must-do is to be expertly manoeuvred around the city’s famous canals in a Venetian gondola passing by countless centuries-old palaces and villas. Venice has an array of reception venues perfect for hosting a lavish reception or, if you’re arranging more intimate nuptial celebrations, you’ll have no shortage of traditional Venetian restaurants to choose from.

Image courtesy of Venice Events

3. Great Barrier Reef

One of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing on earth visible from space. Choose from secluded Lizard Island, beautiful Hayman Island or take a sea plane out to marry on the reef itself. A post-nuptial flight over Heart Reef (the heart-shaped reef that Oprah fell in love with on her recent tour) to admire its awesome beauty from above is the perfect way to end the day. No matter which location you choose, a Great Barrier Reef wedding is guaranteed to be one you’ll never forget.

4. Paris

Image courtesy of Rendezvous in Paris

Paris has become a popular romantic rendezvous point for destination wedding couples due to its central location. Elopements in Paris are all the rage or you could marry at home and have a symbolic ceremony in France.  Although you can’t marry inside or atop famous Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame or the Sucre Coeur, it’s possible to have photos with them in the background. While in Paris, be sure to take a cruise down the Seine, visit some of the city’s famous sights and kiss under the stars on the steps of Montmartre.

5. Cook Islands

For the ultimate island paradise wedding, head to the Cook Islands.  Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa in Rarotonga is one of the most romantic places to say "I do" on the planet (click on the link to view videos).  The resort’s own onsite wedding coordinator becomes your personal wedding consultant, ensuring your wedding day is perfect in every way. The luxury, 'romance beachfront villas' provide an idyllic pre-wedding and honeymoon accommodation that will make you feel like a Polynesian princess.  

Image courtesy of Edgewater Resort and Spa, Rarotonga

Stay tuned for my list of the top 5 destination wedding locations for 2012!

Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is available in paperback and digital formats at Amazon (UK), Amazon (USA) and from www.destination-wedding-book.com.

For free tips and advice, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up-to-date with everything destination wedding!

Ten great ways to save money on your destination wedding

1. Tag your destination wedding on to an already planned holiday

If you’ve already planned a dream getaway, why not get married en-route or at your holiday destination? It can be expensive to travel and getting time off from work can be an extra hurdle. The cost and time effectiveness of combining a holiday with a wedding makes it the ideal solution for many couples.

2. Have your ceremony, reception and honeymoon at the same location

By combining the ceremony and reception locations you save by eliminating the often complicated logistics involved in getting everyone one venue to the next. Honeymooning at your wedding location means even more savings and many resorts will provide complimentary upgrades to honeymooning couples and/or include special celebratory items such as champagne, flowers and chocolate.

3. Negotiate group discounts

If you have a medium or large sized group attending your destination wedding, check to see if you can negotiate group discounts on travel, accommodation, activities and meals. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save yourselves and your guests by negotiating a discounted group rate. It’s quite common for the savings to be in the order of 10% to 50%.

4. Consider an alternative to a traditional wedding gown

There are so many more cost effective options to the traditional wedding gown. Gone are the days where you had to spend thousands of dollars on a dress you will wear for just a few short hours. If you’re marrying overseas, check out what the local brides wear or consider dressing down for a more casual affair. If you are getting married on the beach for example, a tropical dress rather than an elaborate white wedding gown could not only be more suitable, but cheaper too!

5. Do your own hair and makeup

Doing your own hair and makeup is a great way to save money on your destination wedding. It can also be fun especially if you enlist the help of a willing wedding guest. If the thought of doing your own hair and makeup is daunting consider having only your hair done professionally and doing your own makeup. There are loads of books and online beauty sites with step by step instructions on how to achieve perfect wedding day makeup.

6. Buy local wherever possible

By choosing local you’ll save money on everything from food to flowers. Find out which flowers are local and incorporate them into your wedding flowers. Selecting local produce for your wedding menu will not only save you money but add to the experience for you and your guests as you eat like the locals do. Locally bought souvenirs can make delightful wedding favours which can work out much cheaper particularly if you’re marrying in another country with a favourable exchange rate.  

7. Set up a destination wedding wishing well

Instead of guests dragging gifts along with them to your destination wedding, suggest instead that they donate the funds they would have spent on gifts to your destination wedding wishing well. These funds can be used to pay for elements of your destination wedding, activities or honeymoon.  Your destination wedding gift fund can include things like airfares, dinner for two, couples massage and tours. There are companies like Wedding List Co. that specialise in managing your wishing well.

8. Send e-invites

Traditional wedding invitations are no longer the only option when it comes to inviting guests to your wedding. Consider instead the e-invite that you can design on any number of available design programs. Convert the invitation to portable document format (PDF) and email to family and friends. Most brides find that guests will RSVP via email anyway – it makes sense to save on expensive invitations and postage and take advantage of email instead. 

9. Plan your destination wedding for a non-peak period

Substantial savings can be made by booking your destination wedding outside of peak tourist times. You’ll find that transport, accommodation and even activity prices are lower in non-peak times.

10. Elope!

Perhaps the biggest cost saving action you can take is to elope. Eloping (the two of you running away to be married) will reduce costs dramatically as you won’t need to host and entertain guests.

Do you have any other ideas on how to save money on a destination wedding?

Destination: Wedding - A guide to planning the destination wedding of your dreams is available in paperback and digital formats at Amazon (UK), Amazon (USA) and from www.destination-wedding-book.com.

For free tips and advice, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to be kept up-to-date with everything destination wedding!