Tag: wedding

Posted on by — 1 Comment

How to plan a wedding abroad in 10 easy steps

Getting married abroad is becoming an increasingly popular option for many people.  If you live in a country where the weather is notoriously unpredictable then the call of warmer, drier climates is often irresistible.  Getting married in a particularly beautiful or exotic location also further adds to how special and exciting your big day is.  If you’re not convinced yet then here’s the deal breaker, it can often mean less stress and lower costs, what more could you ask for?  Many couples are now choosing to turn their wedding into an extended holiday with all the most important people in their lives invited.

If you’re tempted by the idea but still worried about how you’d go about planning such a monumental event then you’ll be relieved to know it’s not all that difficult, it’s a lot like planning a holiday!  Here is my guide on how to plan a stress-free wedding abroad.

1)      Find a location and check out the legalities attached to getting married there

Depending how soon you want to get married you could even take a holiday out there first to scout out the best locations and accommodation.

2)      Work out a budget and make sure it is definitely realistic.

If you are taking guests with you, work out early on what you are going to pay for and what they need to pay for themselves, speak to them early on as well so that you can gauge interest and have an idea of numbers.

3)      Documentation and forms

If documentation and forms are needed then get them filled out and sorted straight away to avoid wasted time if it falls through later down the line.

4)      Book your wedding package/wedding planner

When you know the numbers for your wedding start looking for your ideal wedding package and accommodation and get it booked. If you book a wedding package you will usually have a wedding planner that comes with it who can sort everything out in your chosen location for you.  Make sure that you get their details so that you can start communicating with them straight away.

5)      Passports

Make sure that you and your guests all have valid passports; some countries require you to have them for at least 6 months in advance of when you’re due to travel.

6)      Wedding dress and groom’s suit

Start looking for your wedding outfits as early as possible, when getting married abroad this can be one of the most stressful parts of the planning!  Sometimes it can take a long time to get wedding dresses fitted and altered so make sure that you’re getting your requests in plenty of time as there’s often a waiting list.

Sophia Tolli Bridal Gown

7)      Organise/book your honeymoon

If you’re going somewhere separate for your honeymoon then make sure you get this planned and organised early on.  Make sure that it is going to be a smooth transfer from your wedding destination to your honeymoon.

8)      Take out insurance

Put your mind at rest by taking out wedding insurance to cover you for your big day.  Make sure you have travel insurance arranged as well to cover you if anything were to happen to your flights or your luggage.  Then if the worst case scenario actually happens and you lose your luggage, wedding outfits and all, the fact that you’re covered by your insurance will take at least a little bit of the sting out of last minute shopping for wedding dresses in Gauteng, South Africa or for the Groom’s suit in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

9)      Invitations

It’s usually best to get invitations out for weddings abroad at least 6 months in advance.  This might seem like a long time ahead, but remember people will want to book accommodation and flights at the best prices possible and book time off work.

10)   Organise the finer details with your wedding planner

Find out what your wedding package includes and decide anything that you want to take yourself, e.g., wedding cake.  If you want to get your hair or make-up done professionally before your wedding then make sure that you’ve booked these kinds of appointments in advance as well.

Author Bio

Sarah Hewitt is a new blogger who blogs about anything and everything. You can contact her via her Twitter page

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Cost of Popular Wedding Locations

dest

Every bride has an image of what her perfect wedding day will be since the minute she understood what the concept of marriage meant. While some women are content with their wedding taking place in a Pancake Parlour or backyard, most women want their childhood dream transformed into reality. A recent article revealed that the average Australian couple spends over $36,000 on their wedding, not including the honeymoon. While important aspects of the wedding like bands, caterers, flowers and dresses cost a substantial sum of money, the most significant amount of money is spent on the venue.  The cost of the venue will depend on lots of different things but today we are going to have a look at the location of the venue.

Happy couple on their wedding day.

HAWAII

A common cliché for weddings is by the beach. Hawaii offers a vast range of exquisitely beautiful islands with locations like sunset boats, volcanic tops and beach fronts. Hawaii is a tropical paradise designed for any dream wedding with a range of companies offering packages for Hawaiian weddings. The ease of having the venue, photographer, band, hotel stay and transportation all covered prompts an additional bonus attraction for Hawaii as a popular wedding destination.

Cost Rating: 7/10

FRANCE

The tranquil and lush countryside of France is another sought after wedding destination. Complete with French chateaus, country retreats, magical lakes and of course, the city of love, Paris. Many couples are drawn towards this location. French weddings generally take place within an old church with overflowing flowers and incense with a silk canopy hanging above the newlyweds. A tradition carried on from the Middle Ages consists of each wedding guest bringing a small cake and stacking them in a pile as high as possible in the center of a table. If the bride and groom can kiss over them without knocking them over, it symbolizes a lifetime of prosperity.

Cost Rating: 9/10

Bridal Shop in Toronto

ITALY

Italy is a consistent attraction for brides and grooms across the world. With it’s historic villas, unique old towns and stunning countryside. Deep in the heart of Tuscany lies an elegant twentieth century demure villa named Villa Magi. Villa Magi holds an elegant combination of the beautiful Tuscan landscape and an Art Nouveau style to provide a perfect destination for weddings. Lucca is another prime location in Italy sought after by brides and grooms worldwide. Lucca is situated on the River Serchio near Tuscany. Lucca holds a vast array of historical gardens, buildings and churches such as the Church of San Michele in Foro and the Romanesque church of San Giusto. Wedding goers looking for a more traditional wedding often head to Italy.

Cost Rating: 8/10

INDIA

While initially India doesn’t seem like a contender for a popular wedding destination, it is surprisingly appropriate for those looking for a bright and cultured wedding. Beach retreats and palaces are the wedding trend in India. There is a vast range of places such as the HariMahalJodhpur which imitates the shapes and colors of the TajMahal and provides services for wedding functions as well as providing accommodation for the guests.

Cost Rating: 5/10

Author Bio:

Jessica Josh is a freelancer and blogger from Sydney Australia.  For the past 5 years she has made a living writing about weddings, wedding photography, and articles for companies like J.Crew Photography.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Enjoy the Beauty of our New Alfred Angelo Bridal Designs

wedding dress

We’re proud to announce that Best for Bride now carries exquisite bridal designs from Alfred Angelo and Alfred Angelo Disney. These fashionable wedding dresses evoke the fairytale beauty that our brides-to-be really crave, so we know that both collections will get rave reviews from our customers.

If you’ve always loved Disney’s, The Little Mermaid, the Ariel gown shown above (from our Alfred Angelo Disney Bridal Collection) will be sure to inspire you and to thrill you.

From classic to romantic to drop-dead glamorous…this stunning assortment of bridal gowns truly has something for everyone.

To give you a sneak peak into the collections, we’re showcasing a few dazzling choices, and we know that you may fall in love with one of these unforgettable frocks. You may find our Alfred Angelo Bridal and Alfred Angelo Disney Bridal collections at our retail outlets (bridal shops in Toronto, wedding dresses in Barrie, wedding dresses Mississauga), or you may order them from our online bridal store (right from the comfort and privacy of your home).

Whichever option you choose, you’ll find that we back up our high-quality, expertly-tailored wedding gowns with the ultimate in caring, experienced service. Our team of bridal specialists will be there for you (on or offline) as you begin to make your fairytale dreams come true. When you choose Best for Bride, you’ll be in good hands.

Now, let’s look at some exceptional gowns from the new collection…

Alfred Angelo Disney Collection

wedding dress

Could anything be more romantic than the frothy, light-as-air wedding dress shown above? Your fairytale prince will swoon as you walk down the aisle in this delicate and feminine showpiece. Designed to give you the authentic Disney princess look, this Alfred Angelo gown will fulfill your romantic fantasies beyond your wildest dreams. If you grew up watching Sleeping Beauty, you’ll adore this gown, which echoes the fancy dress of the cartoon’s lovely and endearing heroine, Aurora.

Alfred Angelo Bridal Collection

bridal dress

If you prefer simplicity, you’ll appreciate the clean lines and elegant details found in the Alfred Angelo bridal gown we’ve featured above. This strapless stunner features a flattering high waistline that gives you the willowy silhouette you want for your wedding day. Refined embellishments and fluid draping will make you feel like a goddess as you walk down the aisle, and this gown is perfect for casual or formal weddings.

If you like, treat yourself to a headpiece or veil to accessorize the look; however, the simple, yet striking beauty of this signature design needs little adornment. To play up the sophistication of this gown, wear your hair down, and put on some sparkly drop earrings.

Now that you’ve gotten a taste of these new collections, it may be time to visit us on or offline. Once you’ve tried on a gown from the the Alfred Angelo collection or the Alfred Angelo Disney collection, you’ll find that few other bridal gowns really compare. These designs are surprisingly affordable, and their quality is unsurpassed.

To find out more about our bridal gowns, wedding cakes, wedding invitations, engagement rings, and wedding favours, please contact us today.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Beat the January Blahs with Proper Diet and Exercise

wedding dress

All brides-to-be want to look stunning during their upcoming spring or summer weddings; however, holiday eating and cold weather conditions tend to pile on pounds and inhibit workouts. If you’re susceptible to the dreaded “January Blahs”, there are some ways to make this month more stimulating, invigorating, and beautifying. By planning ahead and adopting a healthier lifestyle, you’ll be ready for your close-up when your wedding day rolls around.

Use this month to become your very best self! Remember that results from dieting and exercise take time – therefore, it’s much better to start a few months in advance of your very special occasion. Of course, the bonus of eating correctly and working out is that you will feel amazing and handle stress much more effectively. There is no downside to taking care of your body – the work you do will always pay off in a big way.

Here are some tips on lifestyle changes that will help you look fabulous in your white wedding dress…

Eating Correctly Will Slim You Down and Make You Feel Better 

bridal dress

Cutting excess “bad” fats, sugars, and white flours out of your diet is the best way to provoke the kind of weight loss that also makes you feel healthier (rather than tired or deprived) and gives you a glamorous look in fashionable wedding dresses. After all, these empty calories do nothing for you, and they tend to wreak havoc with your metabolism, your complexion, and your moods. Processed foods are always a poor choice – instead, treat yourself to whole grains, lean proteins and sauces in the correct portion sizes. In time, you’ll feel confident enough to begin shopping for wedding dresses in Mississauga or wedding dresses in Barrie.

If you’re having trouble losing weight and you’re not a big junk food eater, it’s pretty probable that you don’t understand what a typical serving size is. A cup of grains (brown rice, spinach pasta, couscous, etc.), 2/3 cup of topping (such as lean chicken, tofu or tuna), and a tablespoon of sauce or condiment (for example – olive oil, hot sauce, low-fat mayo, or fat-free salad dressing) should form the basis for most meals – then, you should augment with lots of pure water, veggies, and fruit. Next, imagine a typical Lean Cuisine microwave meal container – this is correctly portioned, and, as you’ve probably noticed, there isn’t a great deal of food on the plastic plate! Salads and fruit will fill you up if you’re still feeling hungry after consuming your “portioned” meal. You should also drink five big glasses of water or herbal tea every day.

Eating smaller portions is challenging at first, but your body will soon adjust, and you will definitely lose weight. Cutting out the wrong foods and portioning the right foods is the best strategy for New Year’s weight loss. It takes discipline, to be sure – but you can do it.

If you are planning to lose weight for an important event, why not make your skin look fantastic in the process. Many diets will help you take off some pounds and increase the collagen cells in your body, and you can read this article from Proper Good to learn more.

Find Joy in Exercise This January

 bridal gown

Healthy lifestyle choices don’t have to be a chore – in fact, you set yourself up for defeat when you hate what you’re doing; therefore, exercise that is fun to do should always be the goal. To choose the suitable activity for your personality and fitness goals, do a little self-analysis…for example, if you’re quiet and bookish, home fitness equipment will be a perfect choice. You can read a great novel while you ride an Exercycle or use an Elliptical machine, and you won’t have to bother fighting the crowds at a gym.

If you’re social and extroverted, fitness classes that feature Zumba exercise may be ideal – Zumba offers a great workout system that tones your body. All of the action is set to lively Latin and international music. Other great options include swimming at a gym, Pilates, or hiking. Mixing it up is a good strategy – balance indoor and outdoor exercise for the best results. Getting fresh air – even in miserable weather – is very healthy, as long as you’re bundled up…

Reward Your Successes By Choosing the Perfect Wedding Gown and Accessories

 wedding tiara

In order to stay on track, you need to plan rewards – treating yourself is truly the best way to stay motivated. Instead of focusing on sweet treats or salty potato chips as rewards, why not plan your rewards to make your upcoming wedding even more special? For example, if you lose five pounds, give yourself permission to choose a stunning wedding tiara, wedding shoes, or bridal rings. Since you need these items anyway, choosing them as “milestones” along a New Year fitness program can be great fun. Of course, choosing your bridal dress will be the most important milestone of all…begin looking early in the New Year, so you know exactly what you want when you’re at peak fitness in a month or two. Create a shopping calendar that gels with your fitness goals – and beat the January blahs as you get ready to walk down the aisle.

Happy New Year from Best for Bride!

This New Year, our Best for Bride team will be there to help you find perfect wedding dresses, cheap bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, and everything else you’ll need to plan the wedding of your dreams. We offer a variety of services, from wedding dresses in Toronto to a fully-stocked online bridal store that lets you shop from the comfort of your own home.