A Christmas Wedding

As Christmas fast approaches, it feels the perfect time to write about Christmas themed weddings. Christmas themed weddings were something I hadn't thought about until recently when I saw a Christmas themed wedding dress in a bridal catalogue. This prompted me to set out to learn as much as I could about Christmas themed weddings.

It seems one of the best things about a Christmas wedding theme is that it’s likely the wedding venue will already have Christmas decorations in place. And given that a Christmas wedding takes place around Christmas (go figure!), guests are already filled with Christmas spirit and cheer.

Theme
Choosing between a modern or traditional theme and deciding upon the colour scheme is the first consideration. The most common colours for a Christmas wedding are gold, silver, red, green or any combination of these. Gold or silver themes can be used in a stylish, minimalist way or you can create a lavish look by layering different items and textures. Likewise, with the traditional red and green Christmas colour scheme, you can use it in a simplistic elegant way or opt for a rich, traditional or even cosy rustic style. Modern Christmas colours might include purple, blue or even pink.

Wedding Dress Ideas
Although you might choose to wear a traditional white dress on your wedding day, a Christmas themed wedding gives you permission to choose an alternative. Why not consider a deep Christmassy red dress edged with white faux fur? Or I can easily see how any of the coloured dresses I recently talked about could work beautifully in a Christmas themed wedding.

Photos  © S.A.S.I Corp and www.bridaloriginals.com 

There are so many beautiful gold and silver wedding dresses just perfect for a Christmas themed wedding. Alternatively you could choose a white dress with gold or silver embellishments. 

Decor

Baskets of pine tree cones with pine tree branches, holly, cranberries all provide an instant feel of Christmas. You can also decorate with tinsel, garlands, wreaths, bunches of flowers and foliage.  A gingerbread house, some reindeer, a nativity display or Santa with his sleigh and reindeers can be added to ensure your guests know it’s Christmas. Complete your Christmas theme with a beautifully decorated Christmas tree topped with a bride angel or a bride and groom figurine.

Table Decorations

Crisp white, red or green tablecloths can lay the foundation for your table decorations which might include sprigs of holly with bright red berries, gingerbread men, Christmas crackers, bells and candles. If choosing a silver or gold theme, you can construct a lush, multilayer look by using silver or gold tablecloths dressed with contrasting texture table runners. Use shiny Christmas baubles, garlands and candles along the length of the table or grouped together to provide a beautiful focal point. Try filling a large, glass balloon vases with colour coordinated baubles for showy high-impact table decorations.

Food

For a true Christmas feel you could serve a full traditional Christmas dinner complete with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, baked glazed ham, roasted root vegetables with Christmas puddings and fruit mince pies for dessert. Instead of a traditional Christmas dinner, you could choose a contemporary alternative with the help of a talented caterer or chef.

If your Christmas wedding will take place in the southern hemisphere where Christmas time is hot rather than cold, you might prefer a relaxing Christmas celebration by the sea. Australia and the Pacific Islands (such as Fiji, the Cook Islands and Vanuatu),  are well known for their seafood which typically features on the Christmas menu. A seafood buffet or multi-course meal can include prawns, oysters, mussels, lobster, calamari and fish. Any number of delectable tropical fruits can be made into tantalising desserts and cocktails. 

Treat your guests with a chocolate or egg nog fountain where they can dip skewered marshmallows or festive berries before devouring. A candy cane tower  laden with candy canes can be placed in reach of children to enable them to help themselves.

Favours

Candles make a lovely favour and can be personalised with the date of the wedding and name of the bridge and groom. Personalised Christmas tree decorations are another great idea for favours and something family and friends will cherish year after year as they decorate their Christmas tree. Chocolates either customised or plain, Christmas candies, or little boxes filled with Christmas treats are bound to be received by your Christmas wedding guests.

As you can see, a Christmas themed wedding can be a fun way to combine your wedding with the festive celebration of Christmas. Do you have any other Christmas themed wedding ideas to share? Have you been to a Christmas themed wedding? how was it?

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... Venice!

© Photo courtesy of Venice Events

Venice - One of the World's Most Beautiful Cities
The north-eastern Italian city of Venice has a reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. The millions who visit Venice each year can’t help but fall in love with its striking Venetian architecture, alluring renaissance art and the hundreds of picturesque bridges which straddle a labyrinth of charming canals.

First settled in AD 452, Venice has many captivating stories to tell, particularly those of love and romance. Venice is the birthplace of the infamous master of the art of seduction Casanova, Venice also produced a host of talented and passionate people including renowned adventurer Marco Polo, painters Titian and Canaletto and composer Vivaldi.

Once commonly referred to as the Queen of the Adriatic, Venice is built atop a marshy lagoon, there are no roads only pedestrian ‘streets’ and all manner of boat traffic which navigates the canals. Public transport in Venice is by water and you can also take a water taxi or gondola ride to reach your destination.

© 2011 Photo by Lisa LaRue  

Best Time to Get Married in Venice

To find out the best time to get married in Venice I consulted Jayne Seddon of Venice Events. “I have organised weddings all year round, because each season is wonderful. The backdrop of Venice is beautiful, even in the fog and quieter outside the hot summer season.” she said. Jayne also told me that although the warmer months of May, June and July are most popular, September still offers reasonable weather. She added “I’ve also had some beautiful weddings in January, November and of course close to Christmas for a winter wedding.”

Ceremony Venues
There are many venue options in Venice for your symbolic, civil or religious wedding ceremony including grand palaces (palazzo), lavish hotels, hidden gardens and magnificent renaissance churches. Here’s just a small selection of venues available:

Palaces (civil ceremonies)
The most popular civil wedding venue is the elegant Palazzo Cavalli, a 16th century building in the centre of Venice, overlooking the Grand Canal with views to the Rialto Bridge. Other palaces licensed by the city to host civil ceremonies in Venice include:

• Sala Degli Stucchi at Ca' Farsetti, a 13th century palace facing the Grand Canal near the Rialto bridge. 
• Venice Council Hall at Ca' Loredan, is another 13th Century Palace which also faces the Grand Canal 
• Sala Cuoi d'Oro at Ca' Vendramin Calergi, a stately Renaissance Palace on the Grand Canal that also houses the Venice Casino and the Wagner Museum. 

Hotels (symbolic ceremonies)

• The Westin Europa & Regina has its own terrace with breathtaking views of the Grand Canal and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Salute. 
• Hotel Cipriani boasts its own beautiful Casanova and Antique Gardens for symbolic ceremonies overlooking the lagoon.

Church Weddings (religious and symbolic ceremonies):
With approximately 137 churches in Venice of various denominations, you’re sure to find a suitable church venue for your religious or symbolic ceremony. Apart from consulting a local wedding planner, you can research churches in Venice at the Churches of Venice web site, a fantastic resource loaded with information and wonderful photos perfect for those researching from afar.

© 2011 Photos by Lisa LaRue

For more ceremony venue options, contact a wedding planner who specialises in weddings in Venice.

Reception Venues
With the exception of churches, many ceremony venues also offer wedding reception facilities. In particular, the majority of hotels and private palazzos in Venice will be more than happy to arrange catering for your post wedding reception. If you are using a wedding planner, they will be best able to advise you on your options based upon the number of guests you plan to host and the kind of venue you have in mind.

Where to Stay
Wherever you stay in Venice you’re certain to experience its enchanting ambiance and old-world Venetian charm. Although canal or lagoon front hotels and guest-houses (pensione) are the most popular and can be expensive, more affordable accommodation options can be found away from the water’s edge. Here's just a small selection of accommodation options in Venice:

• Danieli Hotel is made up of three palaces one of which, the 14th century Palazzo Dandolo, was once the home to the Doge Dandolo family. The hotel has 225 luxuriously decorated guest rooms and suites some of which overlook the Grand Canal and lagoon.
• Hotel Monaco Grand Canal overlooks the Grand Canal in San Marco with spectacular views of the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and the island of San Giorgio. It has 100 rooms furnished in grand Venetian style. 
• Hotel Le Isole has just 16 stylishly decorated contemporary rooms each dedicated to different islands in the lagoon. 
• Casa de Uscoli is a hosted bed and breakfast with just four rooms, two of which overlook the Grand Canal. This charming 14th century palazzo is furnished in an eclectic classic Venetian meets modern art-house style.

© 2011 Photograph by Lisa LaRue Author of Destination: Wedding

Local Customs and Traditions
It is local tradition for the bride to walk to the church, usually accompanied by father, mother and bridesmaids whilst the groom waits in the church.

There are four wedding gondolas in the city, which are kept purely for weddings. These gondolas are typically manned by two gondoliers, wearing special wedding uniform with coloured sashes. Couples might choose a singing gondolier to sing as they make their way through the narrow canals after the ceremony.

A Venetian Table, a dessert table laden with Italian desserts is a must if you are hosting a reception. Typical offerings include mini sized tiramisu, Napoleons, cannoli, profiteroles, cream cakes, cheesecakes, fruit log and shell-shaped filled pastries known as Sfogliatelle.

Italian favours (confetti) are small bags with five sugar coated almonds symbolising health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity. The favours are also tied onto gifts for the witnesses and close family members and can be quite important gifts, such as vases or silver ornaments. The guests they may receive a small gift (bomboniere) accompanied by their favour. Favour bags can be made from silk handkerchief, tulle or other materials. The favour bag will usually include a tag with the names of bride and groom and the date of the wedding.

Legalities
The legal requirements vary according to nationality and residence of couples, but Jayne tells me that UK couples require the following:

• No impediment certificates obtained from local registry office 
• Full-length birth certificates 
• Passports 
• If divorced, original marriage and divorce certificates 

All these documents go to the British Consulate in Milan who issues a Nulla Osta, which is required by the town hall. The benefit of using a wedding planner like Venice Events, is they will handle all the documentation and liaise with both offices, pay the necessary fees, deal with any queries and make sure everything goes smoothly.

I asked Jayne about the recommended timeframe for organising a wedding in Venice, “We have arranged ‘last minute’ civil ceremonies within about two months (but you need to allow time for documentation). Generally six months for civil ceremonies, say a year for religious. Most couples start planning a year ahead, particularly with regard to booking ceremony and venue, hotels and flights.” She stressed that if couples are choosing to marry during the high season they may need to allow even more time to get the venue they want.

Venice Events is based in San Marco, Venice Italy

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.

Destination Wedding Make-Up Tips

Image courtesy of  Larsson Photography

Consider the weather

I can’t stress enough how important it is to consider the weather. Depending on the time of year your wedding is taking place, the climate can be very different at your destination to that at home. Summer time in the tropics can be quite a contrast to a chilly winter climate. The skin care products and make-up that suit you perfectly at home won’t necessarily be suitable for hot and humid conditions at your destination. Likewise, if you are heading from a summer time climate for a cooler one, you’ll find your skin care and make-up regime will need adjustment. Even if you won’t be facing such extremes, you will still need to take into account likely levels of dryness/humidity, light/shadows, sunshine/rain, and how these might impact your wedding day make-up.

Every bride is advised to wear waterproof mascara on her wedding day, this will guard against runs and panda eyes should there be tears, rain or high humidity. If you’re new to waterproof mascara or trying a new brand, be sure to trial wearing it ahead of your wedding day to check that you don’t develop a sensitivity or allergic reaction to the product. This is especially important with any products to be used in the eye area such as eyeliners, shadows and false eyelash glues. 

Image courtesy of Esther Marie Make-up Artist

Consult a professional

It’s a good idea to consult a local make-up artist or beautician before your wedding to discuss the best products to use. Even if you aren't able to use their services on your wedding day (due to inability to travel, cost etc), their advice will be invaluable in making sure you choose the right skin care and make-up for your wedding day. If time and budget allow, you should meet with them before the big day for some tips and a make-up trial.

If you are using a make-up artist on your wedding day, it will save you having to buy loads of new expensive products that you may not use again once you return home. This is something worth considering when weighing up the costs of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional.

For those on a tight budget, try visiting the cosmetic counters of your local department store. You’ll often find qualified and experienced make-up artists ready to provide free advice and even complimentary in-store make-up makeovers. In some cases you will need to book these ahead of time so be sure to visit them well in advance of your wedding day.

Choose make-up to suit your wedding day theme and location

The style of make-up you choose for your wedding day will vary depending on your wedding theme and location. An outdoor, beach side wedding for example, will call for lighter more natural make-up than a dimly lit Scottish castle where heavier more dramatic make-up can be more appropriate. Research other weddings that have taken place at your destination wedding location to see what has worked and what hasn’t. If possible, ask brides what they did and what if anything they would change if they had their time over again.

Do a trial make-up session

A make-up trial is essential to ensure your wedding day make-up application goes to plan. If you are doing your own make-up, be sure to trial the make-up at home before you head off for your wedding and again before the big day. Have a special make-up bag prepared with all the essential items you will use on the day of your wedding to keep it separate from your day-to-day make-up. If you don’t wear make-up often, and feel clumsy during your trials, try making a wedding day make-up instructions list which sets out every task you need to complete in order to achieve your perfect look.

If you’re lucky enough to have a professional make-up artist doing your make-up on your wedding day, be sure to arrange a trial session with them ahead of time (check to see if there is an extra cost associated with this). A trial will enable your make-up artist to understand your needs and discover which products will suit best. They should take notes to refer back to on the day and it’s also handy to have a photo taken after the trial to see how the make-up translates through the camera lens. 

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.

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.

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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!