Vanuatu
Wedding Requirements
"Tips and Advice"
"Tamanu"
2007, Port Vila - Vanuatu
Vanuatu
has long been a popular wedding destination for couples on a budget
and people marrying for the second time round. These days, there is
an ever-increasing trend for couples, who prefer smaller, more intimate
weddings, to choose Vanuatu as the location for their wedding. Vanuatu
is very much the preferred choice for many couples wanting to find
inspiration away from home or simply to escape the stress and expense
of planning such a significant event themselves.
A Vanuatu
Wedding also involves a bit of fantasy. Marrying your true love in
exotic Vanuatu IS different AND unbelievably romantic!
It provides couples with a unique setting and brings something extra
and special to a wedding that just isn't available at home. An overseas
island wedding in Vanuatu is an event that the bridal party and guests
will never forget!!
Vanuatu
is fast becoming THE ultimate wedding destination, particularly for
many Australians and New Zealanders - perhaps partly due to the close
geographical proximity of both countries to Vanuatu. Of course, Vanuatu
also boasts some spectacular wedding venues, all with unique, breath-taking
backdrops.
Everyday
life in Vanuatu is friendly and relaxed. Couples who marry in Vanuatu
or renew their vows here readily take in the ambience of this beautiful
paradise and frequently choose to honeymoon here as well. Either way,
more time tends to be set aside by couples to enjoy this special event
- it's a wedding and holiday all rolled into one!
BUT
be warned - If you plan to organise your Vanuatu Wedding all by yourself
from home, you'll only have yourself to blame if everything goes south!!
Instead, we recommend that you follow the essential guidelines set
out below to ensure that your tropical island wedding turns out just
the way you want it to!
Essential Tips and Advice - The Guidelines
Enlist the services of a local wedding planner. Planning a
wedding is always a lot of work, let alone planning one away from
home. You'll need an experienced Wedding Coordinator who will be with
you throughout the planning process to ensure that your vision of
your wedding day is something that can realistically be delivered
on in Vanuatu. When choosing such a person or company, look for testimonials
from their past customers.
The Wedding Venue, Reception and Ceremony. Discuss all your
requirements and options with your wedding planner so that everything
comes together the way you want it AND within your budget! This includes
the Marriage Celebrant and the legal
requirements.
Budget. Consider selecting an existing Wedding Package. To
keep your budget in control, go for a Package and stick to it. Don't
start requesting foods that may not be readily available in Vanuatu,
as this may result in additional cost to you in having to transport
it in (and keeping it fresh in the process)!
The Photographer. It is extremely important for you to book
your photographer at an early stage. If this is not done, you can
very easily find that there isn't one available. At Events Vanuatu,
we use our own professional wedding photographer, Mr. Andrew Read.
Andrew has worked as a freelance photographer for many years and his
skill is such that The Age newspaper has described him thus: "Andrew
Read is one of the most innovative and prolific photographers of his
time. He is a �photographer�s photographer�. To read more about
Andrew's achievements and to view examples of his award-winning photography
- CLICK HERE.
Invitations. Give your guests as much notice as possible. This
means sending out the invitations early or at the very least, sending
out a "Hold the Date" notice. Make sure you include details
of the destination! It's also a good idea to give them the names and
contact details of Travel Agents who can assist with guest accommodation
- ones that may be able to give your guests a better deal or upgrades
for group bookings.
Hair and Makeup. Qualified Hair and Makeup Stylists are few
and far between but there's none better (in our opinion) than Chris
H, proprietor of PLATINUM Hair &
Beauty. She's always in demand so it will be important for you to
book appointments well in advance. This is also something that's worth
letting your intended guests know about - otherwise you may all find
yourselves looking less than your best! To
read more - CLICK
HERE.
The Wedding Cake. Judi Clelland makes the most beautiful wedding
cakes. She can do almost anything. Winning the
Vanuatu Chefs Association's "Gold Medal
Award" (in the Salon Culinaire Category
2006) reflects the exceptional quality and originality of Judi's cakes.
To view Judi's winning entry and her wide variety of single, 2 tier
and 3 tier cakes - CLICK HERE.
Flowers. At Events Vanuatu, we will put you in touch with Annie
Tehai, a international florist chosen by Lady Di herself for her ability
to create the most spectacular, flower arrangements and bouquets.
and table decorations. Just remember that your flower selection will
largely be limited to what is available locally (although Annie does
also bring flowers in from overseas). For samples of Annie's work
(including a flower bouquet for Lady Di) - CLICK
HERE.
Table Settings. To some extent, this goes hand in hand with
Flowers but don't overlook accessories such as table runners, chair
sashes, candles, napkins, shells, river pebbles, fire lanterns, amplifier
or even tents. They are available for hire through Events
Vanuatu so don't panic! Just talk to us and we'll let you
know how we can help you out in this regard. To check out examples
of the sort of table settings available - CLICK
HERE.
Transportation. You'll need to discuss with your wedding coordinator
any necessary arrangements for getting you and your guest to the ceremony
and reception.
Weather - Climate. The beauty of Vanuatu is that it has a tropical
climate. This means that it is seldom cold but you should check with
your dedicated wedding coordinator that your proposed wedding date
DOESN'T fall smack in the middle of the cyclone season! As experienced
wedding planners, we also recommend that you make sure you're covered
- just in case it rains.
Gifts. Your wedding guests are expending
their own money (in airfares and accommodation) to come to Vanuatu
to share and celebrate your tropical island wedding so it is a nice
gesture to give them a small gift in appreciation. Ideally, these
gifts should be distinctly "Vanuatu". Volcanic
Earth is a Vanuatu-based skin care manufacturer who can
readily supply small, low-cost gift items that your guests will love.
To check out their gift packs - CLICK HERE.
For more expert advice and information
on planning your Vanuatu Wedding, simply email
us and we will then contact you to discuss any options you may have in
mind
Events
Vanuatu
Tel: +678 25800
Fax: +678 25984
Email: eventsvanuatu@vanuatu.com.vu
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