Romantic Destinations | Special Occasions | My Romantic Travel
Dream Wedding in Maldives

 

If it’s magical island romance and beachside bliss you want for a wedding, you can’t beat the Maldives! Here’s more to help you plan your special day.

wedding in maldives
wedding in maldives | Image via Pixabay

Legalities of the Wedding

You should know that for non-residents, a wedding here will not be legally binding. Because of this, many couples opt to get legally married in their home country and celebrate it with a symbolic ceremony here or vice versa. When it comes to a renewal of vows, Maldives is an ideal destination for it too and you will not need any legal documentation for such ceremonies either.

Resort & Location

Be it for a wedding or a renewal of vows, choosing the right private island resort is important. Ideal options include properties like Kandolhu Maldives that provide sublime coastal backdrops, bespoke planning and the services of a wedding coordinator. For the ceremony location, a secluded beach is always a popular option, though you can even consider a private yacht at sunset!

Package Inclusions

Ideally, check to see if the resort offers a special wedding or renewal of vows package that will feature not only the planning and coordination aspects but other additions too; these can include a decorated beach venue, a master of ceremonies, a cake and bottle of champagne, photography session and even local ‘bodu beru’ drummers who will add a Maldivian touch to the event.

Best Period

The good news is that there’s no bad time to have your Maldives wedding! That said, the peak season from November to April is when you can experience the best weather with plenty of sunshine; bear in mind rates will be higher too. The off-peak season from May to October sees the arrival of rains though not all the time so you can still host your ceremony, while rates will be less too.

  

Are you a trendsetter? Is hosting an exotic destination wedding in the books for you? The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, can be considered as one of your top picks to host that enchanting eve when dreams come true, and here’s why.

The Location

The city boasts a landscape so varied that a destination wedding of your choice can become a reality with the many options of wedding venues in Abu Dhabi. You will be at the advantage of residing at a luxury hotel like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara which will guide you through the wedding ceremony preparations that can take place in the secluded desert dunes, pristine beaches or even at the hotel premises.

Wedding Planning

As destination weddings call for lands unknown, requesting assistance from a local wedding planner will surely make your day as magical as you imagined it would be. The growing popularity of Abu Dhabi as a prime wedding destination has made space for expert wedding planners that even offer initial consultations to hear you out. These professionals have built vast networks within the country that allow them to plan the perfect wedding from a splendid acrylic backdrop to the most fragrant floral arrangements.

Image via Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Accommodation

Accommodation for a destination wedding is never a pressing concern in the UAE. Abu Dhabi provides the perfect setting for luxury and comfort filled hotels and resorts where your guests will be at an advantage to reside. The city offers a range of lodging options to fit your wallet. Therefore, do not fret as most of your guests are highly likely to make it to your special day as they discover a recreational haven in Abu Dhabi.

Cuisine

The UAE is known for serving authentic global cuisine in its most original form. Therefore, selecting a menu that fits your preference will not be a hassle. Additionally, Abu Dhabi hotels are known to serve freshly crafted dishes that leave guests in awe. You can also consult your wedding planner for a caterer recommendation to suit your needs.

Thailand is a hotspot for any kind of romance: married partners wanting to escape the city, honeymooners in need to unwind, and couples looking to tie the knot. Here’s a guide to planning your wedding.

Pick the destination

With its breathtaking mountain views and lush greenery, Northern Thailand is an ideal option to have your wedding ceremony. Between June to February will make it look amazing for a celebration outdoors. A beach wedding fits perfectly in cities like Phuket, Hua Hin, or one of the many southern islands in Thailand.

Image via Anantara Golden Triangle

Book your stay

Before starting your initial planning for your destination wedding, the first thing to consider is the selection of a venue. The rest of the planning procedures lies upon the venue that you select. For instance, when it comes to an unforgettable Lanna wedding in Thailand, you can consider a resort like Anantara Golden Triangle offering an exceptional oceanfront setting to bring your most awaited beach wedding to life.

The kind of ceremony

The most common and popular option will be to consider doing a traditional Thai Buddhist-style wedding. It is held in a local temple, led by monks in the early hours of the morning. Any other kind of non-religious or religious ceremony can be arranged with the help of the venue you choose.

Find the right wedding planner

When it comes to planning a memorable wedding in Bali, it seems like an uphill task. In order to give you more confidence throughout the planning process, it is recommended to get help from the right wedding planner.

Poruwa Ceremony

Traditional Sri Lankan weddings are quite a grand affair and in no way is it easy to prepare for. Nonetheless, the locals take great care in the details from the best time to begin the ceremony to the luxurious looking attire.

Nekatha

This is the Sinhala term for an auspicious time. The horoscopes of the bride and groom are examined by an astrologer and the best date and time is selected for the wedding. This special day is said to bring blessings for the couple.

The Poruwa Ceremony

This is the part where the immediate family of the bride and groom along with the astrologer shower their blessings upon the couple. It is usually held at Kandy wedding hotels the likes of Hotel Topaz or event halls in other locations.

Traditional wedding outfits

Wedding Outfits
Wedding Outfits | Img via Hotel Topaz Kandy

The bride and groom dress in truly royal fashion when it comes to a Buddhist wedding in Sri Lanka. The bride is dressed in a white Kandyan saree adorned in gold sequins and beads. They also wear heavy jewellery. The groom too wears a grand kit which consists of a sarong, a jewelled cap, jacket and shoes.

Homecoming ceremony

A few days after the wedding, the groom’s family welcomes to bride home. At the poruwa ceremony, the groom’s mother gifts’ the bride a red saree which she will wear for the homecoming ceremony.

 

Although a wedding is just a matter of one day or even a few hours, this event needs a lot of pre-planning! Plan your big day in Singapore and make some amazing memories to cherish for a lifetime.

The budget

First, decide what’s your basic idea of the budget? All elements including the guest list, menu, and other expenses such as decor are based on your wish to splurge or to save. Talk with your partner if he/she would like to share the costs (which happens most of the time).

The theme

Wedding Venues for Themed Weddings  in Singapore | Image via PanPacific Singapore Official Website

Thematic weddings are trendy nowadays! So, why not choose one of the best wedding venues in Singapore the likes of  Pan Pacific Singapore, and make your wedding a dream-like one? These properties support you to make your thematic wedding even more amazing, no matter what your chosen theme is.

Pick the right vendors

Make-up artists, musical bands, photographers, and rent-a-car services are all vendors. Make sure you pick the right ones to serve you. Always, negotiate the prices with them.

Planning period

Start your planning at least 6 months before the wedding. In Singapore, you also have wedding planners to support you with this. They may charge an additional amount for their service but will make sure your day is well-planned and everything goes off smoothly on the big day.

outdoor wedding

Say bye to the traditional wedding concepts and discover new wedding themes that are increasingly becoming popular in the world. One of the latest trends is the ‘beach wedding concept’.

Beach weddings in Malaysia

Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding| Img via Pixabay

This is a new wedding concept for Malaysia as well. Properties such as Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa are just awesome for hosting beach weddings in Malaysia. Other popular destinations include Langkawi, Penang, and Sabah.

Wedding packages

Generally, beach wedding packages offered by resorts include pre-ceremony refreshments, welcome signage, decorated altar, petal aisle, and the wedding cake. Some resorts also go the extra mile to offer a romantic dinner for the couple.

Wedding planners

Getting the support of a wedding planner or not is a decision that the couple should make. If more decorations and other additional items are needed, a wedding planner can help you out. But the couple will have to pay a fee for his/her job.

General costs

In addition to the basic requirements, there can be other necessities such as sounds and lights (if it’s an evening function). Serving liquor to the guests also will be charged separately.

 

Beach Wedding

If you are looking for a romantic destination to sweep that special someone off their feet, your search is at an end; here’s why the Maldives is ideal for another chapter of your love story!

Celebrate a Beach Wedding

Romantic Wedding
Romantic Wedding | Image via Unsplash

Wind-swept romance and a ceremony on the beach with a petal-strewn aisle of sand awaits at a magical beach wedding in Maldives! Island resorts offer special packages for couples looking to tie the knot or renew their vows and can include a ceremonial pavilion, traditional Bodu Beru drummers, wedding cake and more.

Indulge in Spa Treatments

spa treatments
spa treatments | Image via Unsplash

For something truly relaxing and rejuvenating you can look forward to enjoying spa bliss together from massages to full body therapies that combine Maldivian traditions with modern healing techniques. Some resorts offer unique settings too like Huvafen Fushi Maldives with its underwater treatment rooms for couples!

Embark on a Dhoni Cruise

A dhoni is a traditional boat and certain resorts have modified such vessels ideal for romantic cruises with a private crew to take care of your needs. You can catch a gorgeous sunset or spend time stargazing while sharing wine or champagne and even spend a night aboard, dreaming amidst the rhythmic songs of the sea.

Enjoy Romantic Dining

There are plenty of idyllic backdrops in which to enjoy an intimate meal with the one you love. Private dinners on the beach or by the pool overlooking the Indian Ocean are not to be missed; for something different, you can savour dinner on a secluded sandbank for two or aboard a dhoni as you sail into the horizon.

Planning the perfect Chinese wedding is just like any other wedding, there is so much to do and not enough time to keep track of it all. So, we have made a list and divided it by the number of months in a countdown to your wedding. Let’s take a look.

1. 6-12 Months Until the Day

Have a meeting with your parents and the parents of your partner. You can start discussing the plans for the wedding in sweeping strokes. Book your stylist, hire a wedding planner and consider where you hope to hold the wedding, for example, a popular choice is Xi An China. Hotels in this city are popular for weddings and some of them, like Grand Park Xian, will be more than happy to arrange a wedding planner for you.

2. 4-5 Months Until the Day

Finalise your guest list now and also go shopping for your wedding dress or tux. Select the outfits for your wedding party. Book your wedding car, florist, wedding entertainment, shop for your wedding bands and start planning your honeymoon.

3. 2-3 Months Until the Day

Plan the itinerary as well as religious ceremonies etc. Do a hair and makeup trial, this is a great time to book a photographer as well. The bride’s family should prepare the Jia Zhuang and the groom’s family should prepare the guo da li. Send out your invitations.

4. 1 Month Until the Day

Divide your responsibilities between the organisers, confirm your wedding programme with the hotel, caterers and musicians.

Grand Park Xian
Wedding Venues| Img via Grand Park Xian

 

Apart from the usual culture, heritage, and food tours, Sri Lanka has now become a great honeymoon destination as well. Newlyweds can enjoy the rich wildlife in the country during their romantic escape, while also admiring nature together.

Bentota – a beach getaway

If you are looking for some great coastal spots to visit during your honeymoon, particularly near Colombo, you can always choose the option ‘Bentota’. Your question of ‘where to stay in Colombo?’ is answered bygreat hotel options such as Cinnamon Red Colombo that is already popular among honeymooners.

Ella – filled with serenity

Ella is a mountain village in Sri Lanka that has wonderful cool weather. Honeymooners will just love gazing at the Ella Rock through the Ella Gap and other attractions such as the Ravana’s Cave will make their days blissful.

Kandy – a cultural atmosphere

Kandy is a beautiful ancient town surrounded by mountain ranges and it truly provides a very different vibe. During your days in Kandy, you may visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic as well as the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

Hikkaduwa – days by the waves

The adventurous couples out there can, of course, try some surfing together on the Hikkaduwa Beaches in Sri Lanka. It is a fun-filled experience that has some excitement too.

 

Img via Pikist

 

 

Isurumuniya is a beautiful and enchanting Buddhist temple constructed in ancient times in the kingdom of Anuradhapura.

The Carving

Yasasuru, Lovers of Isurumuniya, CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the carvings that call a lot of attention is known as the Isurumuniya lovers and features a woman seated on the lap of a man, holding up a finger as if in admonishment.

Flawless and Beautiful

There are no flaws in the carving and it is carved entirely of one rock face. It is mentioned often in travel guides such as Truly Sri Lanka thanks to its uniqueness.

History

There may be a romantic story behind the carving as it is said to depict King Dutugemunu’s son Prince Saliya who fell in love with a low caste maiden named Asokamala and left the throne for her.

An Ardent Love

It is a love story that has survived for centuries depicted in a place considered holy to all Buddhists and draws visitors on their Sri Lanka sightseeing tours. Be sure to visit if you are in the area and take a picture of the lovers for yourself.