Category Archives: Planning

Do you dream of a winter wedding? Getting married in the colder months can seem like a complete adventure in shaping the details. Although the main piece of any bridal look is wedding dresses, there are other essentials that, thanks to their presence, will culminate in a perfect bridal wardrobe: we are talking about bridal bouquets. Likewise, they will do so thanks to the flowers that make it up, their colors, and the style with which the bouquet is made. 

Read on and find the best bridal bouquets for a marvelous winter wedding. As you may already assume, winter brings unique and spectacular flower arrangements. This time of the year allows us to play with several elements, as we will see below, to create the most original bouquets. 

1. Winter wedding bouquet and your wedding theme

Even if you want a winter-season wedding, that doesn’t automatically mean cold and snow. Many of the winter weddings take place in exotic destinations, perfect for escaping the frosty weather in Romania. Therefore, the flowers for your big day depend primarily on your chosen location. Find below inspiration for the wedding bouquet, depending on where the ceremony takes place. Winter wedding fairytale themes are the best ones to choose from now. 

Winter bouquets for beach weddings

If you dream of a winter beach wedding, you must first decide on the magic location. You can choose a snowy beach in Romania or an exotic one in Thailand or Bora-bora. Regardless of the selected destination, ensure your bridal bouquet matches the decor. Choose diaphanous roses or traditional winter flowers such as poinsettia or amaryllis for a snowy beach. 

Your wedding bouquet can also have unusual elements like succulent plants. It will undoubtedly attract attention and will be an extraordinary bouquet. Among the trends for a winter bouquet, we find other features that will make our bridal flower arrangements original, such as pineapples or cotton flowers.

Winter bouquet for a castle wedding

Just saying the word, and you are already there – a castle winter wedding is magical, and every dream you have about it is coming true. If your theme is a wonderful princess and price kind of day, make sure this will reflect in your wedding bouquet and the flower decor you choose. 

If you and your partner love the remarkable history of Romanian castles, then a Bran wedding will be a fabulous experience. You can use all the traditional elements of the season and the place, like fir branches or pine cones. 

Winter bouquet for Christmas wedding

In the bridal bouquet, just as in the decoration, you can include typical elements of these dates. The poinsettia or poinsettia is a safe bet and very easy to get. For a truly festive look, you can also use pinecones, holly balls, or Christmas tree balls. The bride and groom can include the same elements as the bride’s bouquet and make a Christmas wink in their ties, vests, shirts, and socks.

2. Winter wedding flowers for a seasonal bouquet

Whether you choose flowers that go with the cold season or not, these designs in bridal bouquets for winter weddings have decorative elements of the season to give your wedding a unique touch.

In winter, there are also many possibilities to make the bridal bouquet the perfect accessory that will enhance any of the wedding dresses you want to wear and that, at the same time, will combine with those bridal hairstyles that you are looking at. And don’t worry, the bouquet can be in tune with what they choose for their wedding centerpieces or be unique.

Winter is easy when it comes to combining. They usually use 3 to 5 colors to make a good mix. When in the summer, five colors would not be something elegant or pleasing to the eye. Check out this palette with the primary colors and their combinations. Be bold and use metallic colors and glitter! We assure you that it will be a spectacular mix.

Although you can find any flower throughout the year today, we recommend that you choose seasonal flowers, as they will be fresher. Think not only about the components of your bridal bouquet but also about the flowers you will decorate and where the ceremony and party will take place. Remember the godmother or the witness flowers, depending on the type of ceremony you choose. 

A handy thing to remember is that brides fall in love with their bouquets so much that they no longer want to give them to a bridesmaid at the end of the party. If you keep this tradition of throwing the bridal bouquet, ensure you have prepared a smaller one, especially for this practice. 

3. Winter wedding flower ideas for your bouquet

A bridal bouquet is not composed in the same way in winter, summer, or spring. Winter even has its varieties that will delight you. Choose the beautiful anemones that we suggest are white with a dark blue heart, a splendid plant for your floral wedding arrangements for this winter.

Know that you can easily order a beautiful bouquet of roses; this flower is available in wide varieties throughout the year. This option is ideal for brides looking for a small bouquet for a civil wedding in winter with ease. 

Buttercups are also an exciting option, as are succulents, blue thistle, Craspedia, or mimosa for lovers of yellow and pink wax flowers and all species of wild mountain flowers for a beautiful rustic bouquet. Finally, be aware that despite their somewhat fragile appearance, it is quite possible to consider a bridal bouquet with orchids in the heart of winter.

Experts assure you that it is best to opt for seasonal flowers to get a beautiful bridal bouquet that will last in perfect condition throughout the ceremony. Hydrangeas are not the best choice for the warmer months, but they do well in cooler temperatures.

You can bet on a bouquet of perfect white flowers for a wedding set worthy of the Snow Queen. White is a safe bet and a great classic for winter weddings. Roses, ranunculus, edelweiss, or clematis will allow you to display a magnificent white ball scented as desired. In winter, we like to bet on light and softness, particularly pastel tones, with a slight preference for pink. 

If you want a bouquet with more sustained tones, you can choose your plants from among the different shades of blue or even purple. Your wide range of possibilities also includes original and straightforward bridal bouquets. Usually smaller or elaborate compositions with fewer flowers, but just as impressive as the others. 

Without forgetting the corsages, the flower bracelets that the bridesmaids typically wear. It is an original alternative chosen by some brides who consider the classic bouquets impractical. And although they lack the symbolism associated with the bridal bouquet, they are comfortable and light options that are just as valid.

4. Winter wedding flowers and your decor

Winter, synonymous with transformation, shows another beautiful face of nature due to its colors, settings, and long nights. Just as wedding dresses can complement the most elegant coats and capes, you are surely wondering how to wrap up your winter ceremony and reception. If you’re planning to get married this season, take advantage of that winter-evoking homey romance that wraps around your big day. Attend every celebration detail so your guests are also impressed with that magic. 

Even if you choose the same color or the same type of flower for your wedding bouquet and the decor, or you choose to combine more, think of your magic day as a whole one. You will have to decide if, with the decoration, you want to reinforce that feeling of being in winter or if, on the contrary, they want to mitigate its effects. 

The magic of winter begins in the colors. Opt for cool tones like blues, purples, greens, grays, and black. It is advisable to combine at most three. White, like the one you will surely choose for your princess-cut wedding dress, is also ideal for imprinting light and recalling snow.

As it is a time when cold and night reign, the trend is to use crystal, glass, and acrylic that gives the impression of ice and granite stone for decorative elements, as well as steel and silver wood for furniture. Thick cardboard with a wrinkled or snowy effect will be perfect for invitations. Concerning the fabrics, you can use silk for its elegance and shine, followed by cotton and polyester for table linen and curtains. The leather, fur, and canvas would look good in armchairs and cushions.

Since you are looking to pay tribute to winter and romance, accents in white light that imitate snow, ice, or stars are an excellent option, but without going overboard, so that the environment does not become too cold. Some soft shades of violet will also be perfect for creating the best atmosphere and will create subtle nuances on the elegant updo during the married couple’s first dance. 

White or pastel flowers in cool tones will add a special touch to the celebration, even if they are dried or accompanied by still life. Some species are bells, orchids, pansies, violas, wallflowers, hydrangeas, and Christmas roses, whose natural colors will achieve the desired effect. Take care that the green stems shine because they will give a lot of life. Another option is moss, branches, trunks, dried flowers, and natural fruits such as natural pine cones or with a snowy effect. 

Regardless of the inspiration received in this article, do not forget that your dreams can come true, even if they are not the ones that couples have in general. Choose a professional organizer for your wedding, and allow yourself to see your dreams come true.

Be innovative! You already know that any detail, no matter how small, will help make your wedding unique and special, so take advantage of your original wedding ideas. Yours will be fantastic for everyone!

Photos: Pexels.com, Unsplash.com, Pinterest.com.

Christmas is a special and a lovely holiday that many people love, due to the fact that, during those days, love is in the air and meeting loved ones becomes the most important thing. Joy is the main emotion present in everyone’s soul, and the lights, the Christmas tree, the carols, the gifts and the snow are truly wonderful and lovely. If you have thought of organizing a marriage proposal on this occasion, you should know that this is a great idea, because the magic is already guaranteed! There are several ideas that you can take into account and you will surely discover the right place, the right time and the right way to create a special and memorable moment!

1. Christmas proposal ideas – What location to choose?

The location is very important when it comes to a special moment like the proposal. You have many options available, and therefore it can be difficult to choose the right one. But in order to really enjoy the spirit of Christmas, you need to choose a location where this atmosphere can be truly felt. So, you can opt for both indoor and outdoor locations, depending on your preferences. Here are some ideas worth considering:

• Indoor 

If you want to select an indoor location, there are several options that you can consider. Here are some special ideas:

At home

Home is where you feel cozy and comfortable – so it can be the perfect location if you want an intimate and quiet setting. You can give the engagement ring under the Christmas tree, or you can create a special story. For example, you can cook a tasty dinner and wait for your girlfriend with a bottle of wine and delicious food, and, at the end of the dinner, you will give her the engagement ring. If you want something simple and natural, you can do this thing in a quiet and simple way – maybe while watching a movie or reading a book. If you want to plan an event that includes your family or close friends, you can organize a dinner together with them. That way, the most important people in your life will be there and they will enjoy the moment with you.

At the restaurant

If you are looking for an indoor location that is different from the space you have at home, you can choose a special restaurant. Whether you choose to go to your favorite restaurant, or you want to impress your girlfriend and make a reservation at an elegant and refined restaurant, it is important that the chosen location is one of a kind. You can select a unique restaurant with an incredible view or you can choose an intimate restaurant, perfect for an romantic evening for two.

• Outdoors

Here are some outdoor locations that you can take into account before choosing the right one:

At the ice rink

At Christmas, the ice rink is a perfect place for some fun. If you both know how to skate and if you like this activity, you can organize a proposal on the ice rink. The moment will surely be unforgettable and will turn into a happy memory for both of you.

A walk together

You can go out with your girlfriend for a romantic walk through the park or through the city. Even if you don’t have a free day or the time to get out of town, you’ll find that winter is wonderful everywhere, if you know how to find the perfect spot. If you’re lucky enough to have a snowy Christmas, you will find an ideal spot for a special walk and a special moment.

In the mountains

Winter in the mountains is really special because everything looks like a fairytale. Maybe you want to go skiing, or maybe you want to retreat to an intimate, secluded cabin where you can sit by the fireplace and connect with each other. The mountain is an ideal setting in winter, and the glistening snow on the fir trees and on the mountain ridges creates extraordinary scenery that takes your breath away. Therefore, such a location can be an excellent choice when you want to opt for a unique place, enriched with the magic of winter.

At the sea

If you are one of those who love the sea regardless of the season, you can select this location for your marriage proposal. Even though the temperatures are low and the breeze may not be as pleasant as in summer days, the scenery offered by the sea is unique even in winter. But if you want an exotic getaway, you can go to the beach without worrying about the cold! There are a lot of exotic destinations that you can opt for and which can be the ideal choice for this special moment. You can collaborate with an experienced team, which will provide you with all the resources you need to prepare everything in the smallest details. A beach proposal can be customized exactly as you wish – you can choose the setting, you can direct the moment as you imagine, you can choose a theme or you can have the most daring ideas. For example, you can make a big proposal on the beach at sunset, on a yacht, in the air, underwater or wherever you want. With the help of the team of planners, you will be able to set everything up – engagement rings, photo-video services, private beach, etc.

2. Proposing on Christmas day – Why is it the perfect moment to do it?

There are several advantages that are worth considering when it comes to organizing an engagement proposal around Christmas:

The ring can be given as a gift

You can give the engagement ring as a Christmas gift – the surprise can be even bigger in this case, because your girlfriend will definitely expect a regular gift. But, the moment he opens the gift placed under the tree, the joy will be boundless!

Enchanting setting 

The holidays come with a special setting anyway, but you can add a touch of extra magic by choosing to organize the marriage proposal during this period. Whether you want to choose an outdoor spot to enjoy the snow, or choose an indoor location next to the tree or over a glass of mulled wine, you certainly have plenty of options when it comes to selecting the perfect frame. The magic of Christmas is everywhere during those days and therefore it is the ideal time for such an initiative! The festive lights, the carols, the hot chocolate and the fireplaces are just a few of the best things about Christmas.

Harmonious and peaceful atmosphere

Compared to other times of the year, Christmas is characterized by quietness, peace and harmony. Thus, the stress level is much lower and the everyday hustle and bustle disappears in these free and carefree moments. So, the marriage proposal can be made quietly, without haste and without any additional responsibilities.

3. Christmas day proposal ideas – TIPS & TRICKS

If you want your marriage proposal to be like a fairytale, Christmas is the perfect setting! Christmas day is the most popular time to make a romantic proposal – there are many reasons behind this trend. First of all, Christmas is a sentimental holiday, because you have more free time to spend with your loved ones, while you feel the festive spirit and all the love around you. Second of all, you are probably free a few days before and after Christmas, so there will be no hurry to get back to work and you will have all the time in the world to enjoy the post-proposal feeling. However, not only the period is important, but also how you choose to do it! So if you’re looking for the best way to propose on or around Christmas, you have to check out a few interesting ideas:

Christmas morning can be the perfect time for the proposal – for example, you can prepare a breakfast in bed that will include not only some delicious food, but also a little surprise! 

If you want to organize the marriage proposal under the Christmas tree, you can hide the ring in a special tree decoration. You can create the decoration by yourself or you can put the ring into an already-made one. 

If you want to hide the ring in an original place, you can opt for a candy box or a bouquet of flowers. You can replace a candy with the engagement ring or you can buy a bouquet of roses

You can organize a treasure hunt, building clues and challenges that must be solved to discover the treasure. Even if it could be a little difficult to create it, the result will be really special, and your girlfriend will be delighted, especially if she likes to solve tasks.

If you like to follow the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, this may be the perfect time to propose. Your girlfriend will be surprised by the fact that the kiss will not be the only proof of love placed under the mistletoe! She will surely be amazed and delighted – so don’t hesitate to choose this option!

If you want something simple and you’re out of proposal ideas, you can insert the engagement ring into an advent calendar. You can also make a personalized advent calendar – you can do it yourself or you can talk with an artist who can create a unique object. Also, there are customized advent calendars that you can buy. Maybe you want to propose on Christmas Eve, or maybe you want to wait for Christmas Day – whatever you choose, an advent calendar will give you the perfect solution for a double surprise!

You can opt for a unique experience that comes together with the actual proposal. For example, you can choose a winter sport or a Christmas themed experience. Maybe you’ll choose a fun carousel or a dog sled trip. There are a lot of possibilities that you can try – all that matters is to make sure that the moment will be truly special and unique.

If you are not very good at speaking, you can choose other types of ideas that involve writing. For example, you can write Will you marry me? in the snow, or you can place a note in the Christmas tree. You can also prepare a delicious dessert that you can decorate accordingly by writing the marriage proposal on it, or you can create your own Christmas decoration that you can secretly put somewhere in the house.  

Regardless of the method you choose to propose in marriage, you can also add a Christmas card that will be emotional and special. You can write some words or you can write a romantic poem – you have complete freedom to be creative and write something that will impress your girlfriend. Be honest and write something that comes from the heart – you won’t make a mistake!

In conclusion, it is your decision if you choose to propose around Christmas or even on Christmas Day. There are multiple advantages that are worth considering, but also creative ideas that you can implement. Think about whether such a moment would please your partner and, if the answer is yes, organize everything carefully in the smallest details. You will definitely be able to create a unique setting and you will be able to create special and unforgettable memories, which you will remember forever as the moment when your relationship went to another level. Christmas is a wonderful holiday, full of magic, love and peace, and during this time everyone feels happiness and joy  – therefore, there is no better time than this to make an original and unique wedding proposal!

Photo source: pixabay.com.

Boho is a bohemian style that developed as a result of the impoverishment of artists after the French Revolution. Before that, all painters, sculptors and artists were under the protection of the nobility and the bourgeoisie. After 1789 and subsequent events, there was no one to sponsor their activities and lives, and this contributed to the creation of a new style of clothing. Initially, it was closely intertwined with gypsy clothes: as a rule, they wore things 1-2-3 sizes larger, that were worn and sloppy. At the end of the 20th century, it mixed with the hippie style, and now such a bohemian style has been ennobled and made neater. 

Nowadays, boho weddings have become especially popular, because this style perfectly conveys the naturalness of the newlyweds, their love, lightness and happiness. There are a lot of wedding styles, and each of them is unique in its own way. But, if some styles are directly related to the design, such as rustic, then there are styles that are associated, first of all, with the character and worldview of the couple. That’s what boho style is all about. Boho style wedding: the choice of free personalities!

1. The Aesthetic and Style of a Boho Wedding

Despite the fact that boho is the direction of the counterculture, weddings in this style turn out to be unimaginably gentle and beautiful. There are a few main points that must be taken into account:

•  natural fabrics in décor and outfits;
• simple flowers and an abundance of greenery in bouquets and décor;
• layering and abundance of accessories;
• rustic elements;
• color details of deep shades;
• vintage;
• patterns on tablecloths, napkins, dining sets.

Boho aesthetics suit creative, artistic and free spirits. This is not a cheeky hippie or gaudy gypsy, but bohemian-style jewelry tells about the skillful combination of these trends with the addition of ethnicity and vintage. It is worth noting that the main thing in boho is moderation and impeccable taste. It is important to skillfully distribute all the elements, creating a single picture of the entire celebration. If you choose dishes with patterns for table decoration, then the tablecloth and napkins should be harmonious in color. Vintage porcelain and lace are welcome. 

In classic weddings, flowers in pastel colors are used in bouquets, table decorations and arches for painting or weddings. Boho uses all the riot of colors that nature can give. A large amount of greenery, bright noble and wildflowers, dried flowers – all this can be safely used in decoration. If in doubt about whether to make additional drapery on tables or chairs, do it, and the use of contrasting colors is welcome. Tables can also be decorated with candlesticks, vintage vases, trays and other accessories. If the wedding dinner is held outside, place glass jars with candles directly on the grass, and hang low lamps on the trees.

Because the bohemian style started to be associated with something already dull and even commonplace after years of great popularity, several bridal industry experts think it has grown outdated. This is not true at all. For many people, this is a way of life rather than just a design trend. If you want to understand the complete history of how this fashion emerged, you should start with the word “bohemian.” This is the ability to honestly express your emotions (many talented artists, actors, and musicians led just such a lifestyle), to think deeply, to combine different textures (wood, metal, fur, flying fabrics, and at the same time complex prints), in other words, to shatter stereotypes while remaining approachable and charismatic. 

Boho fashion goes beyond mere fashion. This is a mental state. You may immediately claim that you are a creative, exceptional, and freedom-loving person if you decide to decorate your wedding in this manner. The bohemian style is distinguished by these characteristics.

2. The Place for a Boho Wedding

The wedding site doubles as decorations for the design concept as well as a place to celebrate. According to experts, nature makes for the best bohemian decor. However, it is frequently not practical to hold the wedding entirely outside. As a result, attempt to pick a suburban region with lots of interior wood and a good surrounding area. It will set the mood and enable you to produce a stunning themed photo shoot or on-site registration that both you and your guests will cherish.

Boho can be combined with baroque and slightly magical characteristics to create a truly unique vacation ambiance. If the weather cooperates, you may claim that the couple is exceptionally lucky because everything could happen in a genuine forest. The picture would not be complete without a variety of vintage couches and chairs, a collection of vintage candelabra and vases, which fit perfectly into the style and offer that very charm. You may decorate the clearing in the forest with garlands for the celebratory supper and bring wooden tables.

But if you are not a forest lover, don’t worry! There is also the alternative of a beach boho wedding. A Greece wedding will be an absolute dream for the spouses. The enormous sea and the infinite sky will create the idea of freedom and wilderness, which are the main characteristics of a boho wedding style. Furthermore, such a wedding landscape will allow the spouses to choose more comfy outfits and walk barefoot on the sand of the shore.

3. The Decor for a Boho Wedding

Boho is an exceptional fashion trend because it has rules. The Californian boho, which is more like hippies, will be very different from the Balkan bohemian, as seen, for instance, in the films of Kusturica, because of the plot, the landscapes, the dramaturgy, and the nature of creation. The current restriction of this notion in the wedding industry is obviously erroneous because there can be a very, very large number of such sub-directions. Weddings in the outdoors, well, there are light fixtures, poufs, various prints, a basic dress, and wine and wood tones. Boho is that.

Boho also incorporates gypsy elements, which gives the look of its naturalness, originality, and recognizable qualities. Feel free to combine various materials and textures in your attire and décor. Natural colors, quiet but rich shades, and a range of color combinations make up the decor. The pinnacle of style combines various prints and accessories. Elements that are simple to picture in the hands of nomads are appropriate for setting the mood. As an illustration, consider a bouquet that appears to have recently been picked from a field that has been burnt by the sun. Among the handmade goods are dream catchers, scarves, candles, dried flowers, and macramé. Connect with nature with boho wedding decor!

4. The Flowers for a Boho Wedding

As you probably know, floristry is one of the key elements in the design because the boho style encourages naturalness and natural influences. The aesthetic encourages unusual combinations. The floral design must resemble a wild forest, complete with ferns, various greens, and bright highlights of burgundy (popular red charm peonies) and rich blue (eryngiums, which are also well liked by people), but not without the peony roses that all brides adore. But don’t worry, your wedding planner will handle every aspect of the wedding services.

5. The Image of a Boho Bride – Dress, Hairstyles etc.

Freedom is the main principle of a boho style. Your image should be ethereal, mysterious, a little wild, independent and absolutely airy. Boho style wedding dress is simple but tastefully decorated with lace, embroidery and all sorts of ethnic elements. 

Suitable fabrics: linen, silk, cotton, chiffon. 

Color: natural shades – cream, ivory, delicate sand, pink or olive. Here you can move away from the traditional white color. 

When choosing shoes, give preference to low heels, wedges or woven sandals with flat soles. And real connoisseurs of style will most likely prefer to be barefoot. 

Your hairstyle should be slightly disheveled and careless, as if you took a walk in windy weather. Flowing curls, loose buns and all kinds of weaving – “fishtail” or small pigtails. 

Accessories play a key role, pay special attention to them. Here’s what will look impressive:

• large unusual jewelry;
• multilayer beads; 
• leather bracelets;
• pendants on long chains;
• ethnic brooches;
• massive earrings.

Boho is a mixture of styles and cultures, so experiment with your original look. And at the same time, emphasize your charm and natural beauty! And complete your stunning bohemian look with:

• a wreath of spikelets, berries, flowers;
• lace headband;
• unusual hairpin;
• tressoir (this is such a headband: chain, leather or beaded).

6. The Image and Suits of a Boho Groom 

It can be said that the groom will be lucky at such a wedding, since he will not have to wear a formal suit and uncomfortable new shoes… A vest, a shirt made of natural fabrics, comfortable suede boots and to complete the look – suspenders, butterflies, hats. This choice should be guided by the groom. 

The groom can choose a democratic style without a costume – the image should resemble a peasant in disguise – a set of shirts, trousers and a vest. Particular attention should be paid to the material of clothing. Cotton, linen and tweed are better. No dark colors – just pleasant natural tones. 

The groom’s wedding hairstyle is simple and carefree. Slightly disheveled hair and a well-groomed beard don’t require much effort. Suede moccasins and other eclectic shoes will suffice. He can wear leather boots, but the surface should not be too shiny. It is important that the man does not look like a serious businessman who has come to sign a contract with a business partner. Some details can be replicated in the bride’s attire, giving the couple a single image.

To conclude, be careful, because in such permissiveness it is easy to turn the decor into a flea market. It is important that the details are chosen with taste and do not burden the interior. Boho can be part of your wedding if you want to add interesting accents. For example, your wedding can have a lounge area that is decorated in a bohemian style. Hammocks can be hung, rugs with ethnic ornaments can be laid out, on which cozy pillows can be laid out. And to add atmosphere, put beautiful floor lamps with candles and place light bulbs with warm lights on the trees. As you already understood, boho is a multifaceted and complex style that can be rediscovered over and over again, coming up with different interpretations. It is advised to contact professionals who can create a stylish and harmonious story in the boho style, because the line is very thin!

Photo sources: Unsplash.com, Pinterest.com

Crete is the southernmost Greek island and it is the largest island in Greece. It is a gorgeous island, perfect for a wonderful vacation, but also for a lovely wedding. Whether you want to organize a party on the beach, whether you want to choose a luxury resort or a picturesque and traditional place, here you will find exactly the locations you need. But not only the location is important – there are also other things you need to do in order to organize everything exactly as you wish.

1. Wedding in Crete – What do you need to know about Crete?

Crete is very popular among tourists from all over the world, thanks to its wonderful beaches and beautiful landscapes. Its unique and special vibe comes from the rich history that this unique island has. Crete belonged to the Roman Empire, then came under Byzantine rule, and then came under the control of the Republic of Venice until, in 1913, when Crete became part of Greece. So, all these influences have left their mark on the atmosphere of Crete, giving it its own charm.

Crete is divided into four regions: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, Lasithi. Each region is characterized by certain details, but in order to choose the right place, you must first imagine what kind of location you would like to find for your wedding in Greece. For example, in Chania you can find beautiful landscapes thanks to the White Mountains and you can also find wonderful beaches, such as Falassarna, Balos or Elafonisi. The White Mountains of Crete have about 300 caves, peaks, waterfalls, beaches and mountain lakes. Therefore, you can also find cool and isolated mountain areas. There is also an Old Town, Chania Town, which is characterized by narrow cobbled streets and by special buildings built in the Venetian style. If you are looking for villages or smaller towns, you will find plenty of options in Chania, in towns like Kissamos, Sfakia or Paleochora.

In Rethymno you can find the Ideon cave, which is very popular because it is said that Zeus lived there during his childhood years. And in Rethymno you can find traditional villages, such as Agia Galini or Plakias, but also Rethymno Town, where you will find stunning  medieval architecture.

In Heraklion you can find imposing mountains, but also traces of the Minoan civilization – here you can discover the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaestos. Heraklion is also known for its active nightlife – so if you want to enjoy parties before or after your wedding, this may be the perfect region for you.

In Lasithi you won’t find as many mountains, but you can discover windmills, long beaches and attractive towns like Neapoli, Sitia or Nikolaos. There are many picturesque villages here, but also some Minoan ruins.

2. Crete Weddings – Locations and venues, traditions, themes

When you start looking for the ideal location, there are several things to consider. First of all, you have to think about whether you want an indoor or an outdoor wedding, or a combination of the two. 

To make sure that everything is well set up, it is recommended to collaborate with an experienced wedding planner who knows Crete and has professional contacts and relationships with suppliers in the area. That way, you won’t look for everything on your own and you will have help all the way.

Wedding on the beach

If you want a wedding on the beach, you definitely want to find a special beach, just like in a fairytale. To choose the ideal one, you need to decide whether you want it to be a larger and more luxurious beach, or a small, secluded and intimate beach. Thus, you will be able to make a list of all the available options. A beach wedding is an excellent choice especially in a beautiful land like Greece. Surely this event will remain in everyone’s memory as a unique and special event that brought the sea closer to the souls of all those invited. Crete is said to have the most beautiful water in the Mediterranean, due to the fact that it is very clear and turquoise. Crete has a multitude of beautiful beaches, which you can transform into the perfect setting for your wedding. If you want an organized party on the beach, Crete is the right destination, because it offers you many opportunities and options. Most of the beaches received the Blue Flag, because they are very clean and well-maintained.

The wedding on the beach has countless advantages that you can enjoy. First of all, the beach is a special place that offers you the chance to organize your event by the sea. The breeze, the salty air, the sand and the vegetation are just some of the elements that can help create a unique and romantic setting. Thus, a beach wedding is an excellent choice, especially for those who want to be original and want to create unforgettable memories. Do not forget to take into account the season in which you choose to organize the wedding (spring, summer or autumn) because each season brings with it new aspects that you must consider. In Crete you will find secluded beaches, but also bigger beaches – therefore, you have many possibilities. Your wedding planner will help you create the right set-up, based on your requirements. There are couples who want to hold the entire party on the beach, but also couples who want to organize their civil or religious wedding in such a space, and the actual party in a venue specially created for such occasions. Regardless of the category you belong to, it is important to know what you want and to be able to get the result you imagined. Nothing is impossible, and Greece offers you truly beautiful landscapes, special beaches, crystal clear and turquoise sea, delicious food and unique and spectacular places.

Cretan wedding venues

If you want to choose a specific venue, first of all you have to research the available options. You have plenty of options – you can even find venues that have a private pool or a private beach, in case you don’t want to opt for an indoor party. Make a list of all your preferences and then, together with your wedding planner, start the research. Crete is the biggest island in Greece, so you surely will find many possibilities. Whether you want to go somewhere luxurious, sophisticated and elegant, or you want to have an authentic Greek wedding, you will surely find suitable locations and wedding venues in Greece.

Cretan traditions

There are even some Cretan traditions that you can make part of your wedding. For example, in Crete, a white scarf is worn around the neck or on the head, throughout the wedding. This is worn not only by the bride and groom, but also by the guests. You can also try various Cretan dishes, such as Gamokoulouro (bread) or Gamopilafo (pilaf), which is eaten at traditional weddings. If you want to borrow some of the Cretan customs, you can do so as a gesture of appreciation towards the places where you have chosen to organize your wedding. For example, a party is organized before the wedding, as a kind of bachelor party. At the end of the wedding, the gift is offered on a tray held by the bride. At sunrise, a dish called pasta with Cretan gruyère is served, and at the end of the party, mantinades (Cretan songs that are sometimes improvised on the spot) are sung.

However, you don’t have to implement these traditions unless you want to. Take into account the customs that come from your culture and integrate into the wedding program only activities that are to your liking. The party must be exactly as you imagined, from all points of view. Therefore, you don’t have to make compromises or satisfy the wishes of others. All that matters is that the bride and groom are satisfied and happy with the choices they have made!

Themes

If you want to organize a themed wedding, you can do so regardless of the location you select. For example, if you like everything related to Greece, you can organize an authentic Greek wedding, both in terms of food, menu and decorations, as well as in terms of colors, music or other similar elements. You can also choose a marine theme, especially if you opt for a location on the beach. You can decorate everything in white and blue stripes, but also in attractive colors such as navy blue or other shades of blue and turquoise. Such a theme would fit perfectly on the beach, because the natural setting is already provided! The creative concept is up to you and the artists you choose to collaborate with – they will create an aesthetic concept that complements the one already offered by nature. Of course, you can choose multiple unique themes, depending on your preferences. Maybe you are passionate about a certain story, a movie, a book or a historical period – all these possibilities are valid and can be highlighted easily, without effort, with the help of your wedding planner. So, if you and your partner have a common passion that you would like to celebrate at your wedding, don’t be afraid to include it in your wedding story, regardless of where you choose to organize the party – you surely will find in Greece wedding venues perfect for your own original fairytale!

Color themes

If you don’t want a specific theme, you can choose only a color theme that you like. For example, if you want the location to express purity, elegance and sophistication, you can decorate everything in white, and if you want to include the sea in your aesthetic concept, you can add shades of blue and turquoise. If you choose, for example, a location where the mountains are the main character of the scenery, you can choose green and brown tones, in order to match the surrounding nature. If you love multiple colors, you can choose to organize a colorful and cheerful wedding that will stand out through its originality and creativity. Also you can have a solar decoration, vivid and ideal for summer, opting for colors such as yellow, orange, red or gold, but you can also opt for a silver-gold wedding, that will truly impress all of your guests!

In conclusion, to find out how to get married in Crete, you can ask your wedding planner. He will guide you in the right direction and he will give you all the advice you need in this process. Don’t be afraid to have as many ideas and wishes as possible – write them on a list and communicate them to your wedding planner. Together with the team, you will be able to set up everything, in order to get what you want. Crete is an island full of magic, which can become the perfect setting for your wedding. All you have to do is find a place or a venue that you like and then organize everything just as you imagined. Crete beach weddings are increasingly popular due to the beautiful scenery and the fact that it is a destination that can be easily reached from any European country. Regardless of the country you come from, you must check options of transport and accommodation, and, of course, all the other things that will have to be established in order to be able to organize the wedding. Everything will be wonderful if you trust in your intuition and your creativity and, above all, in your love story that will be taken to the next level, in a wonderful place on the Cretan land of Greece! Trust the team you choose to collaborate with and things will definitely turn out exactly as you wanted!

Photo source: pixabay.com.

Corfu is a special island, being one of the most beautiful Greek islands. So, if you want to find a destination in Greece that is perfect for your wedding, you should definitely consider this wonderful place. Whether you want a wedding on the beach, by the sea, or if you prefer the old center of Corfu or other small towns on the island, you surely will find many great possibilities. But in order to make the best decision for you, it is necessary to find out everything about all the options you have, but also about the steps you need to take to organize such a special wedding.

1. Wedding in Corfu – Why is Corfu so special?

Corfu (in Greek – Kerkyra) is part of the Ionian Islands and is one of the most loved and appreciated places in Greece. It is often said that this island is the most beautiful Greek island. It has a rich history, and it appears often in literature and art – Odysseus is said to have stopped in Corfu before returning to Ithaca and Homer described this land as beautiful and rich. The place is also said to have been the inspiration for Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and in recent years it has gained even more popularity thanks to The Durrells TV series, which has brought the gorgeous images and scenery of Corfu to the public. Also, due to the beauty of these places, the well-known Empress Sissi chose this island to build the Achillion palace – an elegant and luxurious construction with gorgeous gardens, which still exists on the island today.

Corfu is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and more and more tourists are eager to discover the mysteries and wonderful landscapes of this island. The place itself has a special vibe, being loaded with olive trees, cypress trees, mountains and amazing beaches. So, here you will find a unique natural setting, perfect for your event. 

It is known as the Emerald Isle due to its attractive and lush vegetation. Corfu has a unique spirit, which was created thanks to the civilizations that passed through this island in history. The Venetian spirit has remained strongly present in the vibe of Corfu, and this can be seen especially in Corfu Town. Due to the Venetian occupation, Corfu became the only Greek island to resist the Turkish invasion. Corfu is also known for its traditional villages and towns, bordered by hectares of olive groves. There are couples who want to have a ceremony in a central square in a traditional small town, but also couples who want to include some activities in the days before and after the wedding. Regardless of the category you belong to, Corfu offers you multiple possibilities, which you can explore anytime.

Corfu is also a place where there are many local philharmonics. There are many small towns that have their own philharmonic, made up of ordinary citizens who love music and who are not professional musicians in their everyday life. They organize small concerts in the central squares and perform in front of relatives, friends and other citizens of the village. So, if you want a special musical wedding, you can have this wow element into your love story. It will definitely be something out of the ordinary and you will manage to have a truly authentic Greek wedding!

2. Wedding venues in Corfu – Locations and places

There are many locations in Corfu that are worth exploring when you start looking for the perfect wedding venue. Here are some locations you can consider if you decide to organize your wedding in Corfu:

Corfu Old Town

Corfu Old Town is a very special place – it is defined by a Venetian architectural style, which makes its presence felt not only in the buildings, but also in the atmosphere and the vibe of Corfu. There are couples who love such historical places – if you are one of them, you can choose to have your wedding on the streets of the city or at a specific church.

Wedding on the beach

There are plenty of beautiful beaches and seaside venues that you can turn into the perfect place for your wedding. For example, Sidari is one of the most popular destinations in Corfu, thanks to the beach called Canal d’Amour. It is located in the north of the island and stands out due to the perfect combination of the imposing rocks and the turquoise sea. It is said that Canal d’Amour is a beach for lovers and that those who go there will stay together forever. Sea water is also said to have healing and detoxifying properties, thanks to its rich clay deposits. The special landscape is full of wonderful cliffs and rocks that create unique lagoons and canals, and that’s why the photos taken there are so spectacular. There are plenty of weddings organized here – so you will find many photos and reviews for this place!

There are other beaches that you can explore on the island and you can find various beaches that have received the blue flag. Whether you want to find a more secluded beach with beautiful pine trees or golden sand, or you want a more grand place, luxurious and lovely, you will surely find the ideal beach for you in Corfu. Here you will also discover numerous places full of taverns, fig trees, pomegranates, but also more secluded places where you can find the authentic Greek charm.

You can choose a beach that can only be reached by boat – even if such an option requires more attention and a much better organization, nothing is impossible if you really want it to happen! Corfu has a lot of such beaches, which can become the perfect setting for your wedding party.

• On the green hills

If you want a truly special wedding, you can opt for a location on a hill or a mountain. In Corfu you can find unique and original places that offer a superb view of the sea, from a high point that gives you a panoramic view of all the beauties that the island has. There are also places where the sea meets the mountain in an overwhelming way – so if you can’t decide between the sea breeze and the spectacular mountain scenery, you can have both if you find the right place! All you have to do is to think about it and to research various possibilities until you discover the best option for you. When you will find it, you will imagine, in a second, the whole event, in a wonderful way.

3. Getting married in Corfu – How to find the perfect Corfu venue for your wedding?

Corfu is a popular and exclusive destination, especially for those traveling from Poland or other European countries. It is accessible because it has an airport and can be easily reached by plane. Another advantage is that it has about 57 beaches full of olive trees, sun, sea and hot sand, from which you can choose the one you imagine as the right place for your wedding. Of course, there are other sights and attractions on the island that you can include in your wedding story. So, you have plenty of options to choose from. But, to be able to select the ideal place, there are several aspects that you have to consider.

• How to get there

Before choosing the final location, you must also think about how to get to the venue. This is important for both you and your guests. Even though Corfu town can be reached by plane, the distances can be quite long if you want to reach the beaches in the north or south of the island. So, pay attention to this aspect and don’t forget to take care of it. You can opt for car rentals or for bus options, as a way of transport.

• Accommodation

Guest accommodation is another thing to consider. It should be accessible, comfortable and preferably as close as possible to the chosen location. If you prefer a more secluded place, you can opt for apartments, villas or cottages. If you prefer a more populated and luxurious place, you can turn to luxury hotels or resorts.

• The theme

The theme of the wedding can influence the choice of  the venue, especially if you imagine a certain landscape that you would like to have in the background. In principle, any theme can be brought to any kind of space, but if you choose to have an outdoor wedding, you definitely want to take into account the natural decor, which must be complementary to the creative concept that you will create. If you want to have, for example, a marine theme, it can be done on any kind of beach in Corfu, because you’ll have everything you need – sea, sand, shells, rocks, etc. There are many themes that you can opt for and it all depends on your preferences. With the support of your wedding planner, you will succeed in making your dreams come true!

• Services

If you choose to work with a team of professionals who have experience in organizing a wedding in Corfu, the part of getting quality services is almost solved, because they will have all the necessary contacts to be able to give you what you want. The wedding planner will advise you in this regard, depending on your wishes. For example, if you value certain special services that are not available in every location, you may need to review your plan and move to a location where those services can be obtained. Talk to the team of wedding planners and tell them the ideas you have, and they will give you all the information they have about it. Together you will manage to find the best options for an authentic greek island wedding.

• The season

The season in which you choose to organize your wedding in Greece is an important element, as it influences both the availability of wedding venues and other essential factors (such as weather, tourists, etc.). If you consider getting married in the summer, you have to take into account the fact that Corfu, especially from June to September, is quite crowded and full of tourists, who come to visit all corners of the island. Also, it is recommended to take into account the high temperatures, especially in July and August. In the spring or in the autumn, the temperatures are more pleasant and the island is less populated by tourists. This means that you will find more accommodation opportunities, but also more available venues. So, it is worth taking into consideration all these aspects and you will manage to choose the right season for the type of event you want to organize.

In conclusion, the island of Corfu can offer you many advantages when it comes to organizing a wedding. Here you will find wonderful landscapes, olive trees, kumquat liqueur, narrow streets, Venetian buildings, small churches, a lot of taverns, very good food, quality services and, above all, welcoming and wonderful people. Corfu is a very special island that has an atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. Its special vibe is one of a kind, thanks to all the details specific to this historical place. So, if you want to organize your wedding on a Greek island, don’t hesitate to choose Corfu! Find the right spot on the island and customize it the way you want. You surely will manage to create a truly special event, for you and your loved ones. Stay close to your wedding planner and every dream will come true! Trust your team, your loved ones and, of course, yourself – trust your creativity, find wonderful ideas, and, above all, have trust in the lovely, unique and special charm of Greece!

Photo source: pixabay.com.

If you are ready to organize your wedding, you must decide when to make it. The season you will choose is very important, because it influences many aspects, such as the outside temperature, the natural setting, the availability of locations, and other essential factors. Even though some couples prefer spring or summer because it’s warmer outside and there’s less chance of precipitation or cold temperatures, don’t be afraid to consider the possibility of a fall wedding. Autumn is a gorgeous season that offers you not only sensational colors but also a special vibe. So, discover more details about the reasons why it is worth organizing such an event.

1. What are the advantages of an autumn wedding?

There are several advantages that you can enjoy if you choose to organize a wedding in the fall. If you consider them, you will surely be convinced that autumn is a wonderful season for a memorable party. Here are the most important things when it comes to organizing an autumn wedding:

The nature

Even if you will decorate the location with the help of those you will choose to collaborate with, the natural setting has its own unique magic. Nature is the perfect setting for a special moment, because it enhances the atmosphere. Autumn is special and it has an unique chromatic variety – shades of yellow, orange, copper or red truly stand out and can transform any location into a real fairyland.

The temperatures

Even though many people fear rain or cold temperatures, it is actually much more comfortable to have a pleasant climate that is neither too cold nor too hot. Summer weddings, for example, can be uncomfortable, as summer days can be hot and humid. In autumn, however, you can enjoy the specific scent of autumn nature and, if it rains, you will certainly have some wonderful memories. You can choose to organize an outdoor party if you are bold and brave enough, but it is recommended to have a back-up plan in case of rain. If you want to be fully prepared for anything, you can choose indoor locations that will provide you with shelter regardless of the weather. In September, October and November, the weather is extremely changeable and even if the forecast looks good, you can have surprises along the way. Therefore, it is better to be prepared ahead of time and take into account all these details, whether you choose an indoor or an outdoor autumn wedding.

Party theme

If you want to organize an autumn wedding, you can also choose an autumn theme. Thus, you will be able to use many elements like pumpkins, apples, grapes, leaves, delicious fruits and a lot of other details that can make a difference. You can be inspired by nature or you can come up with your own ideas – to organize a special autumn wedding from all points of view. An autumn wedding theme will impress everyone.  If you’ve decided that fall is the perfect season for your wedding, don’t be afraid to bring its spirit into all aspects of your wedding and celebrate the beauty of nature. Try to celebrate the wonders of autumn by bringing them closer to you and your guests. Your wedding party can become a wonderful fall story.

The budget

The budget is really important for any wedding. Even if you have a low budget or a high one, you need to make a list of all the things you want for your wedding. With the help of the wedding planner, you will, of course, manage to put all the details in order. However, the advantage of an autumn wedding is that the prices are lower, considering that everyone generally prefers to organize the party in spring or autumn.

2. Autumn wedding ideas – Locations

The location is the most important element when it comes to organizing a wedding. To find the perfect location, you need to pay attention to the details and take into account as many aspects as possible. Autumn is a beautiful season, and it can offer you extraordinary landscapes, if you select the right place. Here are some location ideas you can consider:

• At the Bran Castle

Bran Castle is a very popular place due to its history and wonderful scenery. Tourists from all over the world (from Europe, from USA, etc.) come to visit this special castle in Romania, wanting to see the place where the well-known legends about Count Dracula were born. You can have a unique wedding at Bran Castle, in the heart of Transylvania. If you are passionate about the legends of Count Dracula or if you want to organize your wedding in a noble place, full of history, then this castle is perfect. You can choose a medieval theme, a royal theme, or even a Dracula’s wedding theme – whatever you choose, the atmosphere will surely be special and unique at your Bran wedding! The castle looks amazing during the day and also during the night, because the natural setting surrounding it is truly unique (with trees, rocks, leaves, etc.). The fortress has been known since 1377, so it has a wonderful architecture and historical vibe. 

• In the mountains

In autumn, the mountains are spectacular and unique, thanks to the multitude of colors nature offers us. The smell of autumn leaves is very special, and the landscape is truly one of a kind. If you love mountains and if you dream of organizing your wedding in such a place, don’t hesitate! Your dream can come true with a little help from a wedding planner. Whether you want to opt for a cozy, isolated, rustic and welcoming cabin in the woods, where you can find blankets and fireplaces, or whether you want to choose a luxurious wedding venue placed in the heart of the mountains, you will surely find all these options together with your wedding planner. The landscapes will take your breath away, and your guests will remember these unique and unrepeatable moments for a lifetime.

3. Autumn color wedding – Decorations & Design

Decorations and design are essential elements for any wedding, regardless of the season in which it takes place. If you like autumn and you want it to become part of your wedding, you can choose unique decorations that will stand out. Here are some great ideas you can try for a fall-autumn themed wedding:

Table decorations

If you want to decorate the tables in an autumn spirit, you can use specific flowers, but also fruits or other aesthetic details. For example, you can use grapes, autumn leaves, tree branches, natural tree bark or any other elements that you can find in a fall-like natural setting. You can decorate each table in a different style – perhaps one table will be decorated with seasonal fruits, another will be decorated with autumn vegetables, and another one will be full of colorful leaves, arranged in a creative way. Be free and creative –  think that you have complete freedom to do whatever you want. You can also choose wooden tables, which give the feeling of a natural setting, or you can choose classic tables, which you can decorate with autumn details.

Colors

Colors are very important when creating a decoration, because the color schemes that you use must be harmonious and special. Autumn gives you many colors to play with – yellow, copper, red, garnet, orange, etc. These can also be used for creating the decorations, but also for tablecloths, napkins, and other details. Fall colors can bring freshness, richness and abundance to any space – so don’t hesitate to use them at your wedding!

The invitations

Wedding invitations can be made in accordance with the autumn theme. You can collaborate with specialists who will help you create an original autumn design. If you don’t have any ideas, you can find your inspiration in designs made by other creators – research several options and, by combining them, you will find the perfect option for you.

Favors 

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your autumn wedding favors. These will be taken home by your guests and will remain a pleasant memory for all of them. So, you have to think of some beautiful objects, easy to make and simple to keep. You can choose to create small and special objects that will surely stand out or you can choose objects with a meaning. You will surely find incredible ideas if you are looking for inspiration everywhere you can (in art, design, etc.). 

Walking down the leaves 

If you want to do something really special and unique, the aisle can be full of autumn leaves. The result will be gorgeous, you will be walking on a natural colorful carpet, and all the photos taken will be great and wonderful. The richness of colors, the sound of autumn leaves under your feet and the wonderful design and the moment itself will be special, and walking down the aisle will definitely become a long lasting and lovely memory that you will keep close to your heart forever.

Candy bar 

The candy bar is a place that everyone loves. Here you can find the most delicious desserts, which everyone is waiting to try. If you choose to organize an autumn themed party, it is a must to have a matching candy bar. You can choose to have seasonal fruit tarts, autumn colored cookies, caramelized apples, pumpkin or apple pie and other tasty desserts. All guests will appreciate it and they will really enjoy your unusual candy bar!

All these things can be easily obtained if you choose to collaborate with a professional wedding planner. If you want a special wedding, it can be a real challenge to organize it on your own. But, with the right support, you will be able to use all the ideas you have. A wedding planner will advise you throughout the process, providing you with different types of wedding services. He will ensure that all your requirements are met and he will take care of the actual planning and everything else (food, set-up, accommodation, documents, transport and other elements that need to be managed, especially if you choose a special location). The expert will also provide you with personalized services to suit all of your needs and wishes. For example, if you want to organize a cultural wedding, with customs and traditions that are important to both of you, this can be achieved regardless of the location where you choose to organize your wedding party. Even if your wishes may seem impossible to achieve in the first place, communicate with your wedding planner and you will see that everything is possible if you have the necessary resources at hand.

In conclusion, if you are looking for great ideas for an autumn wedding, research as many options as possible to see what your preferences are. Take your inspo from everywhere and talk to your wedding planner and analyze various options, from several points of view. Thus, you will be able to create a plan and you will be able to start all the necessary actions. Choose a special location that gives you the atmosphere you want, and after selecting the ideal place, you will be able to start imagining more and more things that you can create in that particular space (ideas of decoration, theme, etc.) . An autumn wedding party is a daring choice that has a truly special charm. Your love story can be celebrated in such a unique setting, in connection with nature and the wonders it offers you. The wedding is an extraordinary event, which must be exactly as you imagine it. You don’t have to make any compromises – everything has to work out perfectly! You will surely manage to organize a gorgeous wedding, which will bring you unforgettable moments to share with your loved ones, on a wonderful autumn day!

Photo source: pixabay.com

Although Romania has many other things to offer tourists, it is first seen as the land of Dracula, especially since the story of Vlad Ţepeş the Impaler and the vampire invented by Bram Stoker superimposed. So, might as well take advantage of it, says a Romanian monthly. The vampire Dracula and Prince Vlad Ţepeş left people a legacy that they still don’t know how to grow: Dracula! The best label in the field of tourism that Romania can benefit from at the moment. What do foreigners associate Romania with? First to Dracula, and only then to Nicolae Ceauşescu, Nadia Comăneci (gymnast), Gheorghe Hagi (footballer) or Ilie Năstase (tennis player). Foreigners want Dracula, want to know more about Dracula, see the places where Dracula lived, eat garlic while visiting Bran Castle, buy Dracula souvenirs, party in Dracula atmosphere bars. “Dracula” themed tourism began in Romania unofficially during the 1950s-1960s. Of course, Bram Stoker’s novel had not yet been translated into Romanian, so the guides of the national Carpathian tourist office, which had been completely reorganized in the early 1970s, only came into contact with the story imagined by the Irish writer only through what could be said by Western tourists (mainly Americans and British) who asked questions about the “castle of the Bârgău pass” (Pasul Bârgăului) described in the book.

1. Mountain Weddings and the Myth of Dracula

Even though Dracula was still unknown to most Romanians, authorities at the time did not hesitate to use the myth for publicity. In 1983, a hotel in the form of a castle (with towers, an interior courtyard accessible by a single entrance) was built between Bistriţa (city in Transylvania) and Vatra Dornei (city in Bukovina, in northern Romania). Since the two towns are connected by the Bârgău pass, the hotel was supposedly built on the approximate location of the castle described in the novel. Until 1990 it was called Tihuţa (another name for the Bârgău pass), although another hotel invented by Stoker, The Golden Crown, had been built in the town of Bistriţa (in the northwest of the Romania) precisely to serve as a point of reference for foreign tourists. In 2006, the hotel renamed Dracula unveiled a bust of Irish writer Bram Stoker.

Even if in Romania the myth of Dracula is better known through cinema than through literature, the opportunity for cultural tourism is immense. With or without a theme amusement park, places related to Vlad the Impaler and Count Dracula are numerous and interesting. In a world dominated by advertising, Dracula would have helped a crisis-prone economy immensely. There are already tours offered by various agencies, the best blending history with literary and cinematic myth. Thus, following in the footsteps of the favorite literary character, tourists can visit Curtea de Argeş (first capital of Wallachia, which also houses a famous monastery), Suceava )capital of Moldavia from the 14th to the 16th century), Snagov (monastery near Bucharest where Vlad’s body is supposed to be buried) or Târgovişte (capital of Wallachia from the 14th to the 18th century, where the Ceausescu spouses were shot during the Romanian revolution of 1989), in addition to Sighişoara (historic city, birthplace of Ţepeş), Braşov (big city of Transylvania, near Bran Castle, known as “Dracula’s Castle”), all these places being linked to the medieval voivode and the modern vampire. The myth has become so popular that foreigners come to Romania and choose to have a Dracula inspired wedding in the mountains, a celebration that overshadows everything with royalty and fresh air. The theme of the cultural wedding gives spouses the chance to relive the past for a single night, while being the main characters of a fantasy and royal story.

2. How to Organize a Mountain Wedding

Do you dream of a setting full of charm and authenticity? So why not get married in the mountains? Summer or winter, you benefit from a unique and authentic landscape, the perfect setting for your ceremony. Expanse of fir trees or snowy peaks, you commune with nature in a magical environment. Here are some ideas to help you organize your wedding in the mountains in summer and winter.

Getting married in the mountains is choosing a place that will delight you. Summer and winter, you have access to a whole host of places at altitude, each as charming as the next: chalet, hotel, reception hall. Be careful, however, not to choose a date during the winter school holidays. You could see accommodation prices skyrocket and put your guests in endless traffic jams. One of the most popular locations for a mountain wedding is the Bran Castle from Romania. A Bran wedding will overshadow not only with the magnificent landscape, but also with the history and myths related to Count Dracula, one of Romania’s most significant characters.

Think about your different reception venues, their accessibility and the possibility of parking for you, your guests and your service providers (don’t forget that if you only have one or two suitcases to carry, your florist will have a flower truck to manage). It is in your best interest to recommend carpooling to your guests. As for the end of the evening, providing buses, mini buses or shuttles is the ideal solution to avoid trips to the resort for your guests who would not sleep there.

Also, think about the weather. No matter the time of year, it can be capricious. Plan for the worst in logistics and everything will turn out for the best. And then finally, doesn’t a little snow during a winter mountain ceremony make the moment magical?

The particularity of a wedding in the mountains is that your guests will certainly come from afar. It is therefore necessary to anticipate the possible accommodations for, at least, the weekend of the union. They can arrive earlier or leave later in order to take advantage of the exceptional setting you have chosen. The best thing is to select the list of hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts or short-term rentals in advance in order to do the work for them. Make life easier for your guests, they will thank you. In addition, it will be necessary to think about the management and accommodation of the children during the various moments of the wedding (ceremony, cocktail party, evening).

Often, the reception venue offers/imposes certain service providers such as the caterer and the DJ. It’s a good way to simplify the organization of your wedding in the mountains. Most of the time you are not there. This makes preparation easier for you. For other professionals, select them as close as possible to your site: hairdresser, make-up artist, florist… And then if you want to completely delegate the preparation, including logistics, of your wedding, call on a wedding planner! They will present you with all their wedding services.

A wedding in the mountains opens all the doors of the local terroir. Choose a stone grill or a giant barbecue in summer with good blueberry tarts for dessert. As for a wedding in the mountains in winter, opt for a mulled wine cocktail, a tartiflette, Savoyard fondue or giant raclette for the dish and a chocolate and chestnut dessert. And if you prefer more refined dishes, you will find local fish such as perch or arctic char that will delight the taste buds of your guests.

Taking the time to offer your guests an activity they will never forget will make your wedding unique, original and memorable. For a Dracula’s wedding theme, try to wrap the entire wedding evening around a royal story, where every guest has a special role and everything is surrounded by mysticism and elegance.

3. Important Elements of a Royal Wedding in the Mountains

Between dreamy settings, breathtaking costumes and the 19th century, the universe of Dracula is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for your wedding theme. You could not have missed the novel of Bram Stoker or the myth of Vlad Tepes. Beyond the plots and the narrative interest of the story, what particularly is of interest here is the quality of the artistic direction and the details of the photogenics. These elements are a gold mine to draw inspiration to organize your wedding!

Let’s start with one of the key elements of the ceremony: your costumes…well, your outfits! For gentlemen, the groom or his guests, here are some examples of wedding accessories for men to remember to compose the Victorian costume: tailcoat, velvet, tailored trousers, silk waistcoat encrusted with semi-precious stones, cufflinks, silk scarf, Persian motifs, ascot… 

Who has never dreamed of carrying out a photo shoot whose imagination allows you to escape for a few hours? In keeping with your wedding theme, this is the perfect opportunity to think about organizing an engagement session, an official photo shoot before the wedding or after it, on Dracula’s wedding theme. Studio sets, props, lighting, beautiful gardens… present the universe of the myth to your photographer, so that he can design the perfect photo shoot.

As for the decoration part of the wedding, use plenty of fresh flowers, candles and period candlesticks of different sizes. Orient the selection of decorative objects according to a predefined color palette that can inspire you: pastel and cold, warm and sensual. Prefer round tables with white tablecloths and lace napkins. For the service, choose dishes with flowers, golden borders, and crystal to bring this chic and royal side very characteristic. For the reception, offer light hors d’oeuvres, verrines with combinations of fresh products, preferably small so that your guests can help themselves and refill easily. A champagne fountain is also worth remembering. For the wedding cake, it is advisable to bring a touch of lightness, originality and a touch of modernity, by choosing a fruity nude cake with layers and garnished with beautiful flowers! Finally, to stand out, offer a tea corner with English-inspired service. 

All in all, just listen to your heart and your desires: if you love the Dracula universe and dream of it for your wedding, don’t hesitate to follow these pieces of advice. All that’s missing is your guests, and all the elements will be in place to make your Dracula wedding a real success!

Santorini is one of the most extraordinary places not only in Greece, but throughout the world. Looking at the photos taken on this island, it is difficult to believe that it exists in reality. Everything is heavenly in this place: magnificent weather, gentle sea, excellent hotels and an atmosphere full of sincere friendliness that attracts young people to perform a wedding ceremony.

In ancient times, Santorini was one of the centers of the Cretan-Minoan civilization, the end of which was put by a volcanic eruption in 1500 BC. A cloud of ash covers the entire island, but under it are perfectly preserved palaces and houses, which are still opened during archeological excavations. 

There is a legend that the dead Atlantis was on this island in the Aegean Sea. The name Santorini comes from the name of the holy martyr Irene of Macedon – “Santra Irini”. On the island, a large number of churches are dedicated to it, and there are about 330 of them, in total. Each snow-white church is crowned with a blue semicircular dome. There is an absolutely fantastic beauty of the panorama: snow-white buildings against the background of a bright blue sky, ledges descending to the azure transparent waters, and between them domes of gentle cornflower color, as a symbol of the unity of earthly and heavenly life. This place was created by Providence itself in order to unite the hearts of lovers and overshadow them with heavenly blessing. You can organize a wedding in Greece on your own. However, it is advisable to consult a professional so that you do not have to endlessly solve small annoying problems yourself.

1. Wedding in Santorini – What Documents are Needed for a Wedding in Greece

In this earthly paradise, all conditions have been created to hold an unforgettable wedding ceremony and a magnificent civil or symbolic wedding ceremony. In order for the sacrament of the wedding to be successful and not cause any difficulties, you need to prepare the following documents:

• birth certificates of future spouses (notarized copies);
• passport (photocopies of the first page and a valid visa);
• copies of all pages with marks on the national passport;
• a marriage certificate or a notice from the registry office that there are no obstacles to its conclusion in the event that there has not been yet an official registration;
• certificate of ecclesiastical celibacy (issued in the Diocese at the place of residence, certified by the Metropolitan);
• baptismal certificate. If one of the spouses does not adhere to the Christian faith, his notarized consent to the rite of baptism of future children is necessary;
• a wedding permit issued at the country’s consulate.

All documents, with the exception of the passport, require translation into Greek and certification with an apostille, a sign that is put on official documents that are not commercial. It certifies the signature of the person who signed the document, as well as the authenticity of the seals and stamps.

For the civil marriage registration ceremony, the same documents are needed, with the exception of a baptismal certificate and a certificate of church celibacy, and instead of a wedding permit at the country’s consulate, you need to obtain a registration permit. 

The preparation process should be treated very carefully. In the absence of any document, the ceremony itself and the issuance of a wedding or civil registration certificate will not be possible. It is best to prepare a package of necessary documents in advance and, 40 days before the expected date, send it to the receiving party for detailed verification. All certificates must be received no earlier than 3 months before the scheduled date, otherwise they will be considered invalid. On the island you need to be 2 days before the wedding or registration to sign the necessary papers. It is worth spending a little time then to enjoy the exciting, unforgettable ritual that takes place on the open terrace with a magnificent view of the sea and is accompanied by a delightful sunset, if the ceremony takes place in the evening.

2. Wedding in Santorini – Where is the Ceremony Going to be Held

Most of the couples choose the Metropolis Cathedral, the bell tower of which rises above the entire city of Fira, the capital of the island. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with excellent frescoes, and a quiet courtyard creates a special and romantic atmosphere. 

Another favorite place for a Santorini wedding is the Church of the Ascension of the Lord. However, any church in Santorini is worthy of becoming for you a special place for this joyful and significant rite. If your plans do not include such serious preparation for the organization of the ceremony, the best way out is to hold a symbolic wedding in Greece. In this case, the marriage is registered at the place of residence, and the holiday takes place in Santorini. The very course of the wedding celebration will not differ from the real one, except that the certificates issued to you will not have legal force. 

Another beautiful tradition for which married couples come to this romantic island is the ceremony of exchanging vows of love. The wedding celebration itself is followed by anniversaries, the number of which depends on the strength of your feelings. The atmosphere of Santorini or any other Greek islands wedding, like a wedding in Thassos, is amazingly conductive to your hearts once again opening towards each other, and the sincere words spoken here, where the sea and the sky merge into one, have gained strength and were heard.

3. How to Organize a Santorini Wedding Step by Step

Step 1. Set a spending limit and a headcount. The most crucial step, however cliché it may seem, is to establish your budget. This can help you decide how many guests to invite, the place to pick (costs vary), the number of hours to reserve a photographer etc. Another consideration is the number of attendees; some locations can only hold 7–10 people, so if you want a more extravagant wedding, you should select a larger location. Similar rules apply if you reserve an eatery. The number of attendees also affects how much the wedding ceremony will cost.

Step 2. Find a wedding planning company. It is doubtful whether it’s possible to organize a wedding remotely, in another country, without resorting to the help of an agency. If in your country you can do everything yourself (find a restaurant and, if you wish, order a toastmaster), then it’s not possible the other way around. Plus, your organizer can ask 100 or 500 questions: where, how and why. There are two options here:

1. visit a travel agency or a wedding planner that coordinates international weddings. The ability to personally discuss is the key benefit;
2. If a grandiose wedding is planned, you can go to Greece to discuss everything in person. The drawback is that all issues will have to be handled over the phone or email. To locate a wedding planner in Santorini, search online.

Don’t be afraid of the language barrier. All agencies speak English perfectly.

Step 3. Pick a location and a time. Santorini has a lot of wonderful locations for a Greece wedding. Picking just one is incredibly challenging. Most of the sites are on villa grounds and differ in dimension based on the views that can be observed from each position. Rent varies depending on the region. Usually, tinier areas are less expensive. Also, feel free to reserve a room at the property that will host the wedding. Due to the ease of the transfer, this is mainly helpful if there are many guests. Choosing whether the ceremony should take place during the day or at sunset is a crucial decision. As soon as the site reservation and check-in time are complete, this time must be made public on the internet and at the registrar, so the sooner the better.

Step 4. Continue the banquet. If after the ceremony you plan to go on a boat trip on a yacht or for dinner in a restaurant, this should also be taken care of at one of the first stages. You should not worry – the organizers will also help you here. They will offer a lot of options and price ranges.

Step 5. Photographer. Obviously, a wedding wouldn’t be complete without a photographer! Since photographers from all over the world visit Santorini in the summer, the selection of photographers is higher. October is a popular departure month. There are numerous photographers in general; look for, select, and concentrate on reviews.

Step 6. Choosing a hotel. The first question is where to stay (for the bride and groom and, if available, for guests). The choice of places to stay in Santorini is huge. First of all, you need to understand whether you want to live on a caldera overlooking the blue-blue sea and an extinct volcano, or you just need a hotel room. 

4. Wedding in Santorini – Organization of the Video and Photoshoot

Nature appears to ensure that this Greek island makes the ideal scenery for wedding celebration photos. Snow-white buildings against the background of the blue sea and blue sky create the impression that you, in the full sense of the word, got married in heaven. The organization of the filming process can be entrusted to the agency through which you will arrange the wedding.

What could be more pleasant than having a wedding in Santorini, because the agency is almost entirely in charge of organizing it: bouquets, church reservations, payment of taxes and fees, a stylist for the bride, wedding car rental, sweets, fruits and alcohol, rose petal baskets, musical accompaniment, photographer services and videographer. If you want to make some adjustments to any of the points, then you should inform the agents about this in advance, and preferably immediately during the first visit. 

Every year, traveling abroad is becoming more accessible, and therefore you have a great chance to fly to Santorini as a tourist and get acquainted with the life of the island. This will help you better prepare for the future solemn event, as you will be able to accurately choose the place you like for the ceremony, hotel, temple and other related conditions. In addition, if you plan to spend your “honeymoon” right there on the island, then this will also be an advantage: you will already know exactly which hotel to stay in.

Photo sources: unsplash.com