Perfect Spanish Weddings
A Wedding Planners Blog
We pride ourselves in working with the best suppliers in Spain and have built up a reliable, professional datebase of suppliers who not only do an excellent job but we also have a great working relationship with them.
We feel that it is important for our customers to also get to know our suppliers and our relationship with them, hense why we have now introduced Guest Blogs.
Today's guest blog is one of our talented wedding photographers - Pierre Richardson.
Pierre Richardson Photography
1) a photo of your company team, bit about the company and your services in Spain
My name is Pierre, I am a full-time professional wedding photographer based in Tarifa, just south of Gibraltar where the Costa del Sol meets Africa. This is where I have made my home, and where I have established my studio for the last 14 years.
I am often asked what it's like to live here, and do what I do, and the short answer is I believe I have the best job in the world: I am permanently surrounded by happy people in beautiful settings, who invite me to the happiest day of their lives to help them remember it forever. And all this in guaranteed sunshine..!
Fun and light-hearted as all this may be, it is also for me a great responsibility, as your wedding photographs are the foundation for preserving all those wonderful memories, which you and your loved ones will cherish for years to come.
I always feel very honoured when couples entrust me with photographing their wedding day, and it really inspires me to capture it in a way that reflects their vision, with all the love, the joy, the beauty, and the sacredness of such a special occasion. So to all you lovely happy people, a genuine and heartfelt "thank you"!
2) how long have you been working along side Perfect Spanish Weddings? Your experience in working with them?
I have worked with Perfect Spanish Weddings for a couple of years now, and I have found Moira and all her team to be very professional, easy going and just great to work with.
3) what is your favourite wedding trend? and Why?
The vintage-glamour look, as much for the couples' outfits as for the settings and decorations, I like this new classy trend of mixing old and new, it's fresh and makes for great photos!
4) if you could recommend a place to visit whilst in Spain to our couples where would it be and why?
It has to be Tarifa, my home town, with its 7 km of white sandy beaches, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic ocean, and Africa is just a short hop across the strait. It is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, perfect for wedding photography, especially "trash the dress" shoots!
5) What is your favourite Spanish Dish?
Tapas, tapas!
6) what does 2018 wedding season have in store for you?
It's already shaping up to be a very busy season here in Spain, but I have established a base in Dublin this year, so I hope to develop more business opportunities there for 2018.
Some FAB examples of Pierre's work:
If you would like to book Pierre as your Wedding Photographer then feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to help
This venue is simply stunning....... A restored Boutique Hotel situated in the Spanish Countryside surrounded by natural beauty. It is only 30 minutes from Malaga Airport and Torremolinos beaches making it a perfect location for your wedding in Spain and then to explore and enjoy the Spanish beauty.
There are 8 bedrooms at this venue, all with en-suites and the interior is beautifully decorated.
The outside boasts 7 individual gardens providing plenty of space for you and your guests to enjoy the views and the Spanish sunshine, plus the perfect opportunity to get some amazing wedding photos.
There is a large Morcoccan inspired courtyard in the centre of the hotel, which includes a lovely tiled fountain and chimaera and orange trees - this location is ideal for your wedding banquet.
There is also a perfect walled Alhambra garden which has a central waterway and fountains which is perfect for your wedding ceremony.
This hotel has so much to offer and it is one of the most stylist wedding venues in Southern Spain. You can see why people choose to make this their Wedding Venue, with the stunning views, intimate location and stunning interior and exterior of the Hotel.
A few helpful facts:
- Location : Inland
- Suitable for Wedding Ceremony : Yes
- Suitable for Wedding Reception : Yes
- Near to Church : Yes
- Accommodation Availability : 8 Rooms
- Nearest Airport : Malaga
- Distance from Airport : 30 minutes
- Closest Towns: Antequera
Further information on Antequera which is the nearest town to this venue
If you think that this beautiful Boutique Hotel is your dream wedding venue in Spain then drop us a message and we would be happy to provide you with further information
We work with so many amazing suppliers in Southern Spain that all help create your dream wedding in Spain. Today's guest blog is about one of our lovely Wedding Singer's Amanda Rosa. We asked Amanda a couple of questions both Business and Personal related so you can find out more about her services and also a bit more about Amanda herself.
Amanda Rosa - Wedding Singer
- A photo of your company team, bit about the company and your services in Spain
Amanda Rosa Classically Trained Wedding and Event Singer.
Amanda offers music for your Wedding Ceremony and or for your Drinks Reception (Cocktail hour).
Whether you are having a Church Ceremony or Wedding Blessing, Amanda´s repertoire is extensive and she is a very versatile performer. She is happy to help you tailor your music to suit your special day. The music you choose is important and should reflect you both and highlight the love you share.
For your Drinks Reception (Cocktail hour) Amanda can offer either a chill out theme or perhaps you´d prefer a mixture of styles that will keep you and all your guests entertained while you begin the celebrations of your big day. Amanda´s repertoire includes many different styles such as Ballards, Jazz, Blues, R & B, Motown, Swing, Pop and Rock.
Sometimes couples who are fans of the Westend Musicals or Opera Classics choose to include a few Showstoppers mixed into their Wedding day music. It is your day and the music should be the type and style that suits you personally.
Your Wedding day is such an important occasion and Amanda is always dedicated to ensuring that your Wedding music will be nothing but perfect!
- How long have you been working along side Perfect Spanish Weddings? Your experience in working with them?
I have been working alongside Perfect Spanish Weddings for the last 8 years and I have always found the company to be reliable and efficient. They are always pleasant to work with and have a very professional manor. This all helps to make each couples day nothing but perfect.
- What is your favourite wedding trend? and Why?
N/A
- If you could recommend a place to visit whilst in Spain to our couples where would it be and why?
Nerja. It is just the most lovely place to be with stunning coastline.
- What is your favourite Spanish Dish?
Probably tapas as you can try many different varieties of Spanish cuisine at once. It´s also a fun way to eat and socialise.
- What does 2018 wedding season have in store for you?
The honour of being involved in plenty more happy days for some very special couples to be. Can´t wait!
Here are a few more photos of Amanda Rosa.
If you would like to book Amanda Rosa's services then just drop us a message and we would be happy to arrange this for you
Where will you be buying your wedding dress from? and How much are you willing to pay?
There is a mixed opinion about wedding dresses some brides say its only a dress you wear for one day so they wouldnt spend too much on it, but then others say you its a big part of the wedding and they would spend a couple of thousand pounds for the right dress..... where do you stand?
Its seems to be a growing trend that more and more people buy their wedding dresses online, and if im honest I can see why they do, with the cost of some wedding dresses today.
But would you risk buying your wedding dress online??
I can honestly say when I got married it never even crossed my mind to buy my dress online, and I am a bargain Queenbut I loved going from bridal shop to bridal shop and having the experience of trying all the different styles on, and I was on a budget too. I was very lucky to find my dream dress for £550…. yes this was 12 years ago but I do believe you can still snap up a bargain from a bridal shop.
Having worked in the Bridal Industry it does seem that more and more Brides are looking for a bargain and Iam fully with them on this, you dont need to spend thousands of pounds on a dress you can still finda stunning dress for £600 and under depending on what style of dress you are looking for. This does however mean some people looking at purchasing online but it is so risky and it is something you really need to consider. Its great getting ideas of dresses online and getting a feel as to what you like but just really think long and hard about buying online. There are so many horror stories where Brides have brought online, their dress arrives and it is nothing like the original photo.
At least buying from a shop you can
1) try it on
2) get the whole “bridal” experience
3) have somewhere to go if there are any problems – security
So with all of this is mind there are many other ways of being able to get your dream wedding dress at a more affordable price.
- Check out your nearby Bridal shops as they may have Sale dresses or discontinued dresses where you can snap up a BARGAIN
- Look on Facebook at your local wedding sale pages as loads of shops and people sell dresses on there
- Larger department shores with have a range of dresses at reasonable prices
- Have a look around for lower cost wedding dress shops, there are a few around where you can grab yourself a good deal. Wholesaler, discontiued dresses warehouse
So please just think before you go buy that cheaper dress online – as you only plan to get married once and it is YOUR wedding dress you are buying and not just an evening dress
Happy Shopping
Wedding Cakes In Spain
We are pleased to be introducing guest blogs from all our lovely supppliers. Today's blog is from Wedding Cakes In Spain.
1) A photo of your company team, bit about the company and your services in Spain
Wedding Cakes In Spain was started in 2003 and has gone from strength to strength. We specialise in designing and create bespoke wedding cakes for your special occasion. Two years ago we opened our own wedding cake and decoration showroom to showcase our designs and wedding ideas.
2) How long have you been working along side Perfect Spanish Weddings? Your experience in working with them?
Wedding Cakes In Spain has worked alongside PSW since 2009, I remember the first cake I made for PSW, it was a 4 tier creation decorated with lots of lemon coloured sugar roses for a wedding at the Villa Padierna Hotel. My experience working with PSW has always been positive and enjoyable.
3) What is your favourite wedding trend? and Why?
I think all weddings are beautiful, but if I were to pick a favourite trend I would choose the 20’s 30’s vintage look, inspired by a favourite TV program of mine Downton Abbey. I love the fashion of this era and the influence it has had on many weddings I have worked with over the past year or so.
4) If you could recommend a place to visit whilst in Spain to our couples where would it be and why?
As a huge skiing fan I would have to recommend a trip to Sierra Nevada. The scenery is breathtaking whether you visit to ski in the winter months or walk in the summer months, I absolutely love it up there.
5) What is your favourite Spanish Dish?
This just has to be gambas pil pil, spicey and hot with lots of garlic.... to die for!
6) What does 2018 wedding season have in store for you?
Busy... but to be perfectly honest I would just like to focus on getting to the end of the 2017 wedding season before I can give any real thought to next year!
A few examples of their work:
If you would like to know more about Weddings Cakes In Spain and would like to book their services then please feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to help.
Have you decided what type of wedding cake you would like for your wedding in Spain? With so many different options to choose from it can be a hard decision. Do you have sponge or maybe chocolate or do you stick with a traditional and go with fruit?....
Here at Perfect Spanish Weddings we are hear to help with all your wedding planning needs including arranging your wedding cake. We work with a range of local cake makers that create the most amazing wedding cakes. They will discuss with you all your requirements and any dietary needs and then create the perfect cake.
Here are a few examples of our Cake Suppliers creations:
As you can see from our pictures there is a huge range of wedding cakes that we can offer you for your wedding in Spain, from our more traditional tiered cakes, to cupcakes, to the popular naked cake (last photo).
If however you do have another idea for your wedding cake then please feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to discuss this with you and see whether it is something our suppliers can arrange for you.
A few ideas for what is in trend for 2017 that might also be of interest to you:
This venue is simple stunning and has so much to offer making it perfect for your wedding in Spain. It is set inland with amazing views of the Spanish Countryside but only a short drive to the coast. Only 7km from the Southern Spain Coastline situated between Marbella, Ronda and Estepona.
It has a large banqueting room that can accomodate up to 330 guests or you can use their amazing terrace if its a more intimate wedding, this can accomodate up to 90 guests.
The terrace takes in the lovely views whilst sipping your reception drink and watching the Spanish sunset.
This 4 star hotel also has beautiful landscaped grounds perfect to capture some amazing wedding photos.
A few facts:
- Location : Inland
- Suitable for Wedding Ceremony : Yes
- Suitable for Wedding Reception : Yes
- Near to Church : Yes
- Accommodation Availability : 95 Rooms
- Nearest Airport : Malaga
- Distance from Airport : 1 Hour
- Closest Towns: Marbella
If you think this stunning rural 4 star Hotel is the Spanish Venue you have been searching for then please feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to help plan your wedding in Southern Spain.
A bit more information on the surrounding areas of this lovely Venue
Choosing the right centrepiece for your wedding tables can be hard word as there are so many different options out that that offer so much. Here are Perfect Spanish Weddings we here to help with all your wedding decoration needs. We work closely with some FAB Spanish Florists that create the most amazing centrepieces and also we have a very talented venue decorators which work their magic and can transform any of our Venues into your dream wedding.
So with this in mind this blog is all about some ideas and inspiration for your wedding centrepieces.
Flowers:
Having flowers are always a popular choice, you can add you colour scheme into them and they do look so pretty. With so many different flowers to choose from too you can create the most amazing looking centrepieces. You can use flowers in glass jars, bottles, wooden boxes and tin containers for a few examples. Below are a few photos of our work.
Candles:
Candles create a very romantic atmosphere to a wedding table. You could have a tall candelabra or small tea lights in a tea-light holder. You can also add petals to the table to add a little bit more, or flowers or stones/pebbles, these are just a few ideas for you there are many more you can find on our pinterest page or google. Here are a few examples of candle centrepieces.
Tall Centrepieces:
Having a tall centrepiece can make a real impact on the table and works really well if your in a grand building or maybe outside in a grand garden. You can use tall glasses for this and add flowers or maybe feathers. Or you could have a large candelabra and then add decorations to this. A large wishing tree also looks lovely and by adding some hanging crystals and maybe candles in glass jars also looks beautiful. A few pictures below of some examples.
Lanterns:
When using lanterns for your centrepieces you can add many different things to them to create different looks. They do look stunning just with a candle in them however you can also put flowers in and around them to create a different look. A few pictures to show you some of our past couples and their lantern centrepieces.
Long Centrepieces:
If you choose to have a long table you can always add a long centrepiece onto the table rather then a few individual ones. It adds the look of a table runner but with a use of different things from wood, leaves, candles to name a few it can really make a table stand out. A few ideas for you.
I hope this blog has given you a few ideas and some inspiration with your centrepieces. Hope you have a lovely wedding day.
If you would like to discuss your table decorations for your up and coming wedding with us then please feel free to get in touch.
This stunning venue is perfect for your wedding in Spain. It is a large 4 star Hotel situated in Estepona. This area is known for is gorgeous coastline. This venue has so much to offer:
You can have your ceremony on the beach or on one of the terraces that takes in the lovely views.
With 7 function rooms to choose from you will not be disappointed with this venue for your wedding.
This hotel can accomodate up to 200 guests for your wedding banquet and has plenty of cuisine options to meet all your requirements.
There is a large terrace that is perfect for your reception drinks, whilst sipping those drinks you can take in the amazing views of the Mediterranean sea, Africa and Gibraltar
A few useful facts about this Hotel Venue
- Location : Coastal
- Suitable for Wedding Ceremony : Yes
- Suitable for Wedding Reception : Yes
- Near to Church : Yes
- Accommodation Availability : 237 Rooms
- Nearest Airport : Malaga
- Distance from Airport : 1 Hour
- Closest Town : Estepona
Estepona is a beautiful resort, just one hour from Malaga Airport. It has been awarded blue flag beaches, has plenty of lovely restaurants and lots of shops to browse if you want to take yourself away from the Spanish sunshine and beaches for a while.
If you feel that this venue is the perfect place you have been looking for, for your wedding in Spain then please feel free to drop us a message and we would be happy to help with further details.
WOW... how do you decide what to have in your hair on your wedding day with so many things to choose from!
Veils
Birdcages
Tiara
Hairpieces
Flowers
I suppose it all comes down to what type of wedding you are planning on having and your hairstyle as to what will look amazing in your hair.
The Veil - a tradition that has been around for hundreds of years and as we see many wedding traditions change over the years this is one tradition that has always stuck. Many brides these days still do choose to wear a veil and its not always if they are getting married in a Church. Veils vary from length from a shoulder length to a cathedral veil which is to the floor and the detail in the veils can be very plain and simple to lace or diamontes.
A birdcage is a trend that has come in over the past few years and it fits perfectly with your vintage themed weddings which are still a big trend. Its a lovely hairpiece that adds that slight tradition of your face being covered but is still modern.
Tiara or Headband - most brides always want a bit of sparkle in their hair and tiaras or headbands are still very popular. You can have something thats quite small and delecate or something that really stands out. A tiara works lovely if you have a simple elegant dress as it just makes it pop out. Having a tiara or headband can also work well if your having a veil. Every bride can enjoy being a princess for one day :)
Hairpieces are a big trend and there are so many different styles and designs you can choose from. You can have pearls and/or diamonds in them they can be side clips, back clips, pieces that run around the back of your head and also run around the front of your head. Hairpieces work well with all dresses and all types of weddings its a great way to add a bit of sparkle to your hair but it doesnt have to be huge.... some of the smaller pieces can also work well with a veil.
Floral hair - a big trend if your having a boho style wedding. Having just flowers in your hair can look lovely. You can have flowers just put through your hairstyle, or have a floral headband or maybe just simply have a large flower tucked behind your ear. This look also looks beautiful if you having a beach wedding.
I hope this has given you a bit of inspiration as to what you would like to have in your hair on your wedding day. Just remember to try things on as part of your wedding dress shoppping experience as you will probably find that the one thing you said you didnt really want you end up buying and to be honest it is amazing how a dress tranforms once you accessory.
Happy shopping and I know whatever you decide to have you will look stunning on your wedding day.
Today's blog is about a lovely 2015 wedding which was held at the stunning 16th Century Spanish Castle Castillo De Santa Catalina.
Barbara and Paddy choose this stunning venue for their wedding in Sunny Spain. Their day was surrounded by their Family and Friends and the Spanish sunshine. It was a wonderful day filled with many memories and will be remembered by all for many years to come.
They had the Ceremony over looking the sea which was truly breathtaking.
After a lovely ceremony Barbara and Paddy plus their guests then got to enjoy a cold drink, and take in the castle surroundings and it was the perfect opportunity to get some photos.
Are you the one who will be booking their Honeymoon as one of the first things on the list or will you be leaving it until the last minute once everything else is paid for?
Having chatted to a few couples there really is a mix of opinions with regards to a Honeymoon..... some say they are getting it booked straight away as its an important part of the wedding planning preparations and then others have said they hadn't even thought about it yet and that they will look into into once everything is paid for.
A honeymoon is not just a holiday it is the first time away as Husband and Wife, a time to relax after all the stress of planning your wedding and also having the opportunity of maybe visiting somewhere you have always wanted to go but would never really do it as just your normally annual holiday.
Then its deciding what type of honeymoon to have..... do you go with Beach, City, Adventure, Ski or maybe even a Road Trip.
Beach - A perfect way to unwind, chill in the sunshine and basically not do much. With so many places to choose from this. You could go with an All Inclusive Hotel or maybe just a small island bungalow. With your days spent relaxing by the pool or beach, maybe a bit of sightseeing and then watching the sunset with a cocktail in your hand. A few location ideas for you Thailand, Fiji, Bali, Seychelles to name a few..... Is this your type of Honeymoon?
City - If you are not a beach bum and enjoy the city life and exploring then this could be the honeymoon that is perfect for you. You can spend your days walking, cycling or maybe bus tours around the stunning city sights then come the evenings visit the restaurants, Bars or maybe even the theatres. A few ideas for you New York, Boston, Rome, Paris. Is this your type of Honeymoon?
Adventure - for all the adrenaline junkies out there, if your an active pair and love trying new things then this is an great honeymoon option for you. Spend your days jumping off cliffs, scuba diving into the lush turquoise seas, spend the day with the orangutans or if your feeling really tough then climb a mountain. A couple of location ideas for you Killimanjaro, Red Sea, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica...... So is this your type of Honeymoon.
Ski - So a snowing break is more what your looking for. Hitting the slopes by day, feeling the fresh air against your face and then by night cosying up by the fire with a glass of wine with your loved one. Sounds lovely doesnt it. A few location options for your France, Bulgaria, Italy, Canada.... Is this your type of Honeymoon.
ski
Road Trip - for the explorers at heart. Touring from place to place, exploring new things and getting to see everything from mountains to beaches to national parks. You can do this with a campervan or grab a convertable and stay in hotels for a bit more luxury. A few ideas for this USA, Australia, New Zealand, Europe... Is this your Honeymoon.
We would live to hear what type of honeymoon you plan on having?
Enjoy your honeymoon together and make many memories :)
This stunning Beachfront Hotel Venue situated on the beautiful Andalusia coastline is perfect for a Spanish Wedding. The Venue itself is simply breathtaking with elegant and modern decor inside and out. With excellent indoor facilities to hold your wedding inside if you desire or you can of course make use of the beachfront location, the poolside area and the stunning grounds to hold your ceremony and reception.
And the views are amazing - Beach, Mountains and all panoramic!!
There is also a private beach club which is open in the summer months which has the most amazing atmosphere making it one of the top wedding venues in Marbella
A few Facts:
Location : Coastal
Suitable for Wedding Ceremony : Yes
Suitable for Wedding Reception : Yes
Near to Church : Yes
Accommodation Available : Yes
Nearest Airport : Malaga
Distance from Airport : 45 Minutes
Closest Town : Marbella
You can see why this Venue is so popular with many couples wanting to tie the knot in Sunny Spain. It is modern, fresh and sophisticated.
If you feel that this Spanish venue is your wedding venue then please feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to help plan your dream wedding in Spain.
There are so many different wedding traditions all around the world, some people stick with their own countries wedding traditons others take on other traditions from other countries. This might be because......
you just like the tradition from the other Country,
the Country means something to both of you and you wanted to include it into your wedding,
maybe a family or close friend is from that country and you wanted to bring their traditions into you wedding celebrations.
or perphaps you are getting married in that Country and would like to take on some of their wedding traditions
With this in mind I have found 20 wedding traditions from around the world that you may like to use as part of your Wedding Day:
Armenian: Before the bride dons her veil she circles it above the heads of the single ladies in her dressing room to bring them luck in finding a husband. Then a happily married woman will place the veil on her head to bring the marriage luck.
Australian: Guests are given stones and asked to hold them during the ceremony. At the end, guests place the stones in the unity bowl that the couple will keep and display afterwards to remind them of the support and presence of their friends and family
Chinese: During a traditional tea ceremony, the bride serves tea to her parents and her new in-laws as a symbol of respect. To update the tradition, the groom can serve tea with his new bride
Czech: Traditionally the bridesmaids make a wreath of rosemary for the bride to wear, it symbolizes the wish for wisdom, love, and loyalty. Not only is this sweet, but super cute!
Dutch: At the reception a tree branch of any type is placed near the sweetheart table, and guests are provided with paper leaves/tags attached to ribbons to write their special wish for the happy couple. The bride and groom can then read and hang them on the tree
Filipino: At traditional Filipino wedding receptions, the bride and groom release two gorgeous white doves to represent a long, peaceful, and harmonious life together.
French: The widely known layered wedding cake originated in France, but less well known is the croquembouche, a pyramid of crème-filled pastry puffs covered in a caramel glaze. If the bride and groom can kiss over the pastry tower without knocking it over, then they would have a lifetime of prosperity.
German: Before the wedding day the friends and family of the bride and groom create a wedding newspaper that is filled with pictures, articles, and stories of the engaged couple. The paper can be used in many sorts of ways from wedding programs to guestbooks, they can even be sold for honeymoon funds!
Greek: The bride and groom are basically queen and king of their universe for the day. During the ceremony they wear crowns made of either gold or orange blossoms that are connected with a ribbon to signify the union.
Indian: Indian weddings are traditionally multiple day affairs, and involve numerous intricate ceremonies. The painting of the hands and feet of the bride, called a mehndi, is one of our favorites.
Irish: The brides typically wore beautiful wildflower wreaths in their hair and maybe even in their bouquet, and they braided their hair to symbolize feminine power and luck.
Italian: The groom's tie is cut off and then cut into pieces of different sizes. Afterwards the pieces are collected and the friends "sell off" the pieces as souvenirs. Any collected money is then handed over to the bride and groom, and traditionally is used to pay the band.
Japanese: The crane is a symbol of longevity and prosperity. 1,001 gold origami cranes are folded to bring luck, good fortune, longevity, fidelity, and peace to the marriage.
Mexican: A lazo is a large rosary, a ribbon or a flower cord that is symbolically draped around the necks or shoulders of the bride and the groom. It symbolizes their union and their commitment to always be together side-by-side
Norwegian: Kransekake is a cake made of concentric rings stuck together with white icing. The bride and groom lift the top layer of the cake at their wedding. The number of cake rings that stick to the top one is said to be the number of children they will have.
Pakistani: After a Pakistani wedding, the couple returns home for the "showing of the face." The bride will remove her veil and, while the newlyweds are busy gazing at one another, the bride's female relatives make off with the groom's shoes and ransom them.
Peruvian: Charms attached to ribbons are tucked between layers of the wedding cake. Each woman grabs a ribbon and pulls. At the end of one ribbon is a fake wedding ring. Whomever receives the ring is said to be next in line for marriage.
Spanish: Orange blossoms are the flowers of choice for Spanish brides because they symbolize happiness and fulfillment. They can be seen in the bouquet, decorations, and even in the bride's hair.
Scottish: The Scottish like to tie the knot in a literal way. The couple participates in a hand-fasting ceremony where their wrists are bound together by a cloth or string.
Swedish: A Swedish bride gets to wear three bands, one for her engagement, one for marriage, and one for motherhood. A tiara is also worn to symbolize her virgin status. In the past crowns made of myrtle leaves were worn instead.
I think this is such a lovely idea and it is something a bit different to add to your ceremony
So....Do you think you will be adding any of these wedding traditionals from around the World to your Wedding Day?
Hayley and Shane had a stunning Wedding Day at one of our beautiful venues. They decided that Hotel Cortijo Bravo was the perfect venue for them to have their dream Spanish Wedding and you can see why they choose it.
Their day was surrounded by their Family and Friends and it was truly a day to remember.
Hotel Cortijo Bravo is a beautiful venue with amazing views of the sea and mountains and is perfect for holding your wedding there.
Ruth and David had an amazing wedding shared with their Family and Friends.
Their day started at our beautiful Church of San Antonio where they had a lovely service. The Church is set in a small Spanish Village and was built in the 17th Century. It is a beautiful Church inside and out.
They then went onto one of our popular venues Casa De Los Bates.
Feeding your guests is a big part of the day otherwise you will end up with unhappy guests :( not a good start to a wedding day. But deciding on what type of food you want for your wedding day can be a big decision.
Deciding on what style of food comes down to:
1) Style of wedding - rustic, garden, beach, highend hotel
2) Budget
3) Time of Wedding - as this may decide whether you have just the main meal and then not have an evening buffet
There are so many different options for your wedding reception food for example:
1) Sit down meal
2) BBQ
3) Canapes
4) Buffet
5) Food Carts
6) Food Bars
A sit down meal tends to be the more traditional way of serving food but tends to be the more expensive one. Normally looking at 3-4 courses and you have more of a formal sitting plan for everyone.
BBQ is a great option if your on a smaller budget and having an outdoor wedding. Its a lot more relaxed and you can then opted for a seating plan or just let people get comfy where they please. You could also have a Hog roast as an option too.
Canapes can be nice for your guests once they arrive at the venue, if your wedding food isnt going to be for a few hours its a good way of keeping your guests happy until the main food comes out. Some canapes can be pricey depending on your venue and what you have.
Buffet is a another great option if your on a tighter budget. You can use the buffet for your main meal or for your evening guests when they arrive. Its a good way of letting your guests have a range of food and they can help themselves. Again adds a more relaxed atmosphere to the wedding.
Food Carts/Trucks are a great alternative to wedding food and adds something different to your wedding. There are many options out there from A Fish and Chip Van, Mexican Van, Jacket Potato Van for example. I think this sort of food works perfect if your having a garden wedding or a festival themed wedding. Creates a lovely relaxed wedding feel perfect for a couple that isnt looking for your traditional wedding.
Food Bars/Carts are great. Mainly tend to be more for your desserts but thats fine as everyone loves a good dessert. You can have a Candy bar, Popcorn Bar, Icecream Bar or maybe a Cake Bar. Really ends a FAB twist to serving your desserts.
So a few different ideas there for your food at your up and coming wedding. I hope this has given you a bit of inspiration and maybe made you think more about what food you want to eat at your wedding.
Would love to hear what you went for in the end............. I had your traditional sit down meal but did have a chocolate fountain for the evening...yummy.
Happy Wedding Planning
Jessica and Dean had a wonderful Wedding Day shared with their close Family and Friends. It was truely a day to remember and enjoyed by all.
They choose one of our stunning Venues - DSV Villa Collection. This Venue is 2 villas on the same complex, both villas offer amazing facitlities and accomodates up to 20 guests so perfect for a lovely intimate wedding.
With so many wonderful wedding venues in Costa Del Sol its hard to choose your perfect venue. We have so many amazing venues to offer that will meet everyones requirements.
However today's blog we are going to focus on this beautiful venue in Vinuela. It is a boutique hotel set in one of the most beautiful natural areas in Andalucia. Plus situation on the stunning Lake Vinuela by the National Park of Sierra Tejeda you can see why this venue is popular to get married at.
The Hotel has lovely landscaped gardens that surround the property perfect to grab some amazing wedding photos and also as the sun sets to walk around them in the night time is definately memorable.
The property has a range of suitable areas within its grounds to hold your ceremony and wedding reception from a choice of restaurants, function rooms to gardens spaces. All perfect to take in the stunning views. Guests can stay onsite or with only a 15 minute drive to the coast there will be other accomodation available.
Lake Vinuela has a range of small beaches great for chilling out and enjoying the spanish sunshine and if your feeling adventureous then there is also a range of non motorised watersports to have a go at. The Village is a typical spanish village and its known for its fabulous wine.
Torrox is your costal resort near by and its definately your pretty spanish resort with white washed houses, many restaurants to dine in plus a lovely coastline.
A few facts about this Venue:
Location : Inland
Suitable for Wedding Ceremony : Yes
Suitable for Wedding Reception : Yes
Near to Church : Yes
Accommodation Availability : Yes
Nearest Airport : MalagaDistance from Airport : 50 Minutes
Closest Town : Viñuela and Torrox
If you think this could be the Spanish Wedding Venue you have been searching for then feel free to get in touch for more information
With outstanding views of the Spanish countryside, rolling hills and mountains you can see why people choose Costa Del Sol to have their wedding.
This is one of our lovely venues just 30 minutes from Malaga airport and and beaches of Torremolinos. Set in the Spanish mountains surrounded by natural beauty this 7 bedroom boutique Hotel is perfect to hold an intimate wedding in Spain.
With gardens all around the property covered in Orange and Chimera trees it is truely perfect to caputure some amazing wedding photos.
It also has a large morrocan inspired courtyard with a fountain which is where your outdoor wedding reception will be held.
You will not be disppointed if you chose this venue to celebrate your special day with all your Family and Friends.
So If you can see yourself getting married here then please feel free to get in touch for more information.
We would love to help plan your dream wedding in Spain
Nikita and Paul came all the way from Australia to celebrate their wedding day in sunny Spain with their Friends and Family.
They chose to get married at our stunning Frigiliana Church in Nerja. This is a beautiful church inside and out and is set in a typical Spanish Village. Their 74 guests sat waiting for them to say I Do.
They then went onto our lovely Casa De Los Bates venue to continue their celebrations.
Francesca and Luke got married at the beautiful Nuestra Senora De Encarnancion Church in Marbella and then their wedding reception was at the stunning beach front Salduna Beach Restaurant. Their day was shared with their loved ones and the warm Spanish sun, it was just perfect.
Nuestra Senora De Encarnancion Church is such a beautiful church to get married in, set slightly inland not far from Marbella makes it an idea location to have your church weddding here and then onto one of our many beautiful Venues in Marbella. As you can see from the picture below the details and gold colouring in the church is just breath taking.
This is a beautiful traditional that has been around for many years. By adding these 4 things onto the bride they say it will not only bring you good luck on your Wedding Day but also it will help with fertility and prosperity.
The Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a sixpence in your shoe has come from an Old English Rhyme. Something Old represents continuity; Something New offers optimism for the future; Something Borrowed symbolises borrowed happiness; Something Blue stands for purity, love, and fidelity; and a sixpence in your shoe is a wish for good fortune and prosperity, although this remains largely a British custom. These 4 things are usually something that is given to you by a family member or a guest, although there is no harm in you buying any of them yourself.
There are so many different ways of including these things into your wedding attire, from jewellery, shoes, pins for your bouquet, garter, blue writing inside your dress, small tokens added to your bracelet or bouquet, a vintage piece of clothing or an underskirt or veil borrowed.
I would love to hear if you followed this tradition and how you incorporated them into your wedding attire.
I had as my...... something old - a pearl necklace I got as a gift for my 18th birthday something new - was earings and a bracelet something borrowed - was my underskirt something blue - was my garter And i didnt do the lucky sixpence as I wasnt aware of that one.
Find our Pinterest board for some more ideas
More and more people are getting married abroad and you can see why. With the average cost of a UK wedding around £18-20k compared to a destination wedding costing around £7-8k there is a big difference. Figures show that 1 - 4 couples now decided to get married abroad.
But why else are people choosing to get married abroad.
1) The Weather
2) Less hassle with all the planning
3) Amazing locations
4) Great Photo opportunities
5) Honeymoon combined
6) More Intimate
to name a few.
Of course Costa Del Sol, Spain is one of the most popular destination to get married, with wonderful weather all your round, only a short flight from the UK so easy for guests to travel too, excellent value for money, great food and so many amazing venues to choose from - from beach to countryside.
And this is why we love planning weddings in Costa Del Sol, Spain.
It also has so much to offer you and your guests before or after the wedding day - from amazing beaches, ancient buildings to explore, watersports, shopping, FAB restaurants and much more.
Great link here for more information on Costa Del Sol
So if your thinking of making Spain your dream wedding destination then get in touch and we would love to help
Check out our Website for more information on our Venues, Packages and about us
Sinead and Shane had a wonderful wedding day shared with their Family and Friends. Their day started at Frigiliana Church, Nerja where their 200 guests sat in this beautiful church waiting for them to say I Do. It was a lovely service and this church is truly beautiful.
They then moved onto our stunning popular venue Casa De Los Bates for their wedding reception.
Natalie and Michael shared their wedding day with Family and Friends at our stunning Casa De Los Bates Venue. The day was perfect.
Casa De Los Bates is one of our popular venues and you can see why people choose to get married here. Not only is the wedding venue stunning but it also has breathtaking views of the Spanish Countryside and the Mediterreanean Sea.
This venue is simply stunning. Set in a breathtaking location with the spanish countryside around you whilst overlooking sea views of Rincon de la Victoria you can see why people choose to get married here.
This hotel is family run and has so much to offer. With beautifully landscaped gardens perfect to get some amazing photos. You can have your ceremony in the gardens if you wish and then your wedding reception outside too, to make use of the wonderful backdrop. You guests will enjoy a scroll around the property whilst taking in the views with a drink in their hand.
It can accomodate small intimate weddings or large weddings. And has many bedrooms to look after your guests.
Rincon de la Victoria is on the east coast of Costa Del Sol. It has 9km of glorious beaches to make us of plus a large golf course if you fancy it. With plenty of restaurants to choose from you will be spoilt for choice.
If you would like more information about this venue then please get in touch
More information on this venue
We look forward to planning your wedding in Southern Spain
We have so many wonderful venues that offer so much. Here is some information on one of our very popular venues - Casa De Los Bates.
Casa De los Bates has stunning landscaped gardens perfect for your wedding photos plus with views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and Mediterranean Sea its location is breathtaking. There is a lovely terrace where you can have your wedding reception and then dance the night away under the Spanish stars. The house has 5 double bedrooms including the honeymoon suite which all have en-suite facilities which makes it perfect for some of your wedding guests to stay onsite.
If you would like more information about this beautiful Venue in Spain then drop us an email and we would be happy to help.
As we start to get close to the end of 2016 its time to think about those amazing colours that will be on trend for your up and coming 2017 wedding. It is exciting times ahead for all you lovely couples that will be tying the knot next year and I hope your wedding planning is going well.
Here is what you have to look forward to for Spring colours 2017
Here are a couple examples of some moodboards using these beautiful colours
There is some lovely colours for next year and combining a more vibrant colour with a softer shade seems to work so well and offers a real WOW factor.
Here is a sipet into what else is to come for the other seasons
Happy Wedding Planning for 2017 :)
Wedding dress shopping is something a Bride cant wait to do or dreads. Having experience in the Bridal Industry I see many Brides coming in who know exactly what they are looking for but others that are terified and dont know where to start. I have a few helpful tips to help all you future brides out there with you dress shopping.
1) Have a budget in mind and stick to it – it is so easy to go to a shop and get side tracked and you know that if you just try that £5k dress on just for “fun” you will not find anything to beat it
2) Only take a few people with you, mum, best friend, sister for example – if you have too many people with you, there will be many opinions bouncing around and it will make it harder for you to make a decision
3) Have a look in bridal magazines or online at what styles you like and you can even print them off to help your wedding dress consultant find that right dress – but also be open to try different styles if you find your not “feeling it” a lot of the time the dress you choose will be completly different to what you thought you would go for.
4) If buying from a Bridal Boutique then they say allow 6 – 8 months, this gives you time to get it ordered and have any alterations. However if your buying from a Bridal Outlet store then you can walk in 2 weeks beforehand but be aware that you may still need alterations with the dress and steamstresses do get booked up quickly. Alterations is normally done 6-8weeks before your wedding.... of course this doesnt always happen due to time scales so just bare in mind you may need to ring around a few places to get an appointment.
5) And lastly have fun….. this is suppose to be an enjoyable experience and if you starting to get stressed then maybe you need to call it a day and arrange another appointment – the last thing you want is to be stressing about your dress.
So the 5 most common styles of wedding dresses are
The Fishtail Wedding Dress
popular style for hour glass and rectangle shaped ladies
The A-Line Wedding Dress
is a popular dress for all body shapes.
The Empire Wedding Dress
another great style to suit all body shapes
The Column Wedding Dress
popular with rectangle shaped ladies and also suits the petite lady
The Ball Gown Wedding Dress
popular with the pear shaped figures, but it is great for all body shapes
so I hope this helps all you beautiful brides and I know you will all find your dress and look amazing in it
Happy Shopping
Choosing the right wedding venue in Spain can be hardwork as after all there are so many lovely options over there. We have many different types of venues from Spanish Countryside to Castles to restaurants, all offering something different.
Todays Blog is all about a stunning typical Spanish Hacienda Venue, this beautiful venue is beachfront so you have the option of getting married on the beach or on the venue grounds.
This Boutique Beach Hotel is 30 metres from the beach, so sea views all around you. With 9 bedrooms to choose from it makes it perfect for your guests to stay onsite but also being close to Torre Del Mar where there are many other hotels for other guests if need be.
Torre Del Mar, Malaga is a popular tourist destination on the East coast, It has plenty of bars and restaurants and with a stunning esplanda that follows the coast to the Marina of Calenta de Velez.
The hotel has large landscaped grounds that are perfect to have your wedding reception in and can accomodate over 100 guests.
This is truely an amazing beachfront venue and you can see why our customers choose to have their wedding in Spain here.
If you think this could be your wedding venue you have been looking for then please feel free to drop us a message for further information
More information on this Venue
We look forward to planning your wedding in Southern Spain
Naomi and David celebrated their wedding day surrounded by Family and Friends on a beautiful sunny day in Spain. They chose the amazing venue of Casa De Los Bates.
Casa De Los Bates is truly a beautiful place to have your Spanish Wedding.
Michelle and Cian has a wonderful wedding day in Sunny Spain. Filled with laughter, happy tears and memories to last a lifetime.
Their day started at our stunning Frigiliana Church, this church is set in a typical Spanish village with amazing views. The interior and exterior decoration of the church is beautiful and you can see why Michelle and Cian chose to have their wedding ceremony there.
Michelle, Cian and their wedding guests then continued the celebrations at our very popular Cortijo Bravo Venue for the wedding reception and to dance the night away.
As young girls many of us dreamed of our wedding day, being a beautiful princess and getting married in a fairytale castle just like you read in the books and saw on Films? Well...... with Perfect Spanish Weddings that dream can come true.
Our stunning venue Castillo de Santa Catalina is a beautiful 16th Century Spanish Castle which is now a luxurious hotel overlooking the bay of Malaga, perfect to hold your Spanish wedding.
With its beautiful landscaped grounds perfect to capture your wedding photos. With plenty of terraces to hold your wedding reception and the interior decor of the Castle is simple stunning. Of course we can not forgot those amazing views... they will take your breath away and Im sure will make you go "WOW"
It is truly a fairlytale venue.
If you would like more information on this venue then please feel free to get in touch and we would be happy to help.
Check out our video on Castillo de Santa Catalina
We look forward to planning your fairytale wedding in Spain
It seems to be a growing trend of brides trashing their wedding dresses in a photo shoot. But will you be doing it?
I have to say I still have my dress in my loft 11 years later - yes it just sits there but I do sometimes think about maybe should I do a trash the dress photoshoot for one of our big anniversaries. As it does make some AMAZING photos and you can be so creative with it.
It is a growing trend all around the world now and started back in the USA in the late 90s. With so many different ways of trashing your dress and it doesnt always have to be that you ruin your wedding dress as it depends on how wild you want to be, from inwater/underwater photo shoots, to paint fights or a photo shoot at a muddy farm you can be so creative and its a lovely way to show yours and your partners personality.
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The trend has got that big that back in September 2009 they staged a huge Trash the Dress event on a beach in the Netherlands and this then happened in 2010,2011 and 2012. Now I think this would have been a great experience and so much fun.
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So in the name of Art - will you be Trashing Your Dress??
We would love to hear from any brides that are or have trashed their dress, send us in a photo and a brief on where and why you chose that type of shoot and we will share it on our Facebook page and into our Trash the Dress Photo Album
So it seems to be a growing trend that more and more people buy their wedding dresses online, and if im honest I can see why they do, with the cost of some wedding dresses today. Many Brides I have spoken to say it is only for one day and I cant afford to spend £1-2k and upwards for a dress when you have some many other things to pay for, weddings are not cheap.
But..........
I can honestly say when I got married it never even crossed my mind to look at dresses online, and I am a bargain Queen. I loved going from bridal shop to bridal shop and having the experience of trying all the different styles on, and I was on a budget too. I was very lucky to find my dream dress for £550…. yes this was 10 years ago but I do believe you can still snap up a bargain from a bridal shop. A few pictures of my dress
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I recently worked at a bridal shop and having chatted to the Manager she had said that in the past 18 months – 2 years the bridal shop industry has dropped and so many brides now buy their dresses online as they are so much cheaper but should we not be supporting our local businesses? At least buying from a shop you can:
1) Try the dresses on and find out what style you like and dont like - 90% of the time you alway pick something you never thought you would wear.
2) You get the whole “bridal” experience, most women love wedding dress shoppping, its all part of getting married and sharing the experience with people close to you
3) You have somewhere to go if there are any problems – sometimes problems do occur so by buying in a shop you can always go back and discuss the issue and it should be easier to resolve the problem.
You read so many horror stories of people buying their “dream” dress online and it not looking like its suppose to in the picture. Here are a few pictures I have found from an article from the Daily mail. These 3 ladies saw their dream dress online and of course at the fracture of a cost and decided to buy it..... and now they are stick with a horrible dress, they lost their money and the whole wedding dress experience dampened.
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I can only imagine how these poor brides must have felt
So with all of this is mind there are many other ways of being able to get you dream wedding dress at a more affordable price without having to run the risk of this happening to you….
- Check out your nearby Bridal shops as they may have Sale dresses or discontinued dresses where you can snap up a BARGAIN
- Look on Facebook at your local wedding sale pages as loads of shops and people sell dresses on there
- Larger department shores with have a range of dresses and reasonable prices
- Search for wholesaler shops – there a few shops around that offer either new dresses or discontinued dresses at half the price so you will definately be able to grab yourself a good bargain there
So please just think before you go buy that cheaper dress online – as you only plan to get married once and it is YOUR wedding dress you are buying and not just an evening dress
Happy Shopping
Karen and David chose our beautiful Casa De Los Bates Venue for their Wedding Day. It was a lovely day shared with their Family and Friends.
Casa De Los Bates its a beautiful Venue, with breathtaking views of the Spanish Countryside and the Mediterranean sea.
