Our Wedding Guide 2019

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wedding MALTA’S COMPREHENSIVE WEDDING PLANNER

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MALTESE CELEBRITY COUPLES

share wedding memories and planning tips

Discover YO U R

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WEDDING

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THE WORLD OF WEDDINGS IN 2019

CONTENTS

20. C ONT E NT S Pg20. WRITTEN IN THE STARS

Three well-known Maltese couples look back on their wedding day and share valuable advice and memories from their big day.

2019 WEDDING COLOUR PALETTES

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Pg39. FOR EVERY SEASON

Rich hues, unexpected neutrals, and exciting colour combinations will take the world of weddings by storm this year with a tantalising colour palette for every season.

8 FOOD AND DRINK TRENDS MAKING

Pg46. WAVES AROUND THE WORLD

From mouth-watering vegan delights to next-level after-party bites, we hand-pick the boldest and most exciting food and drink trends this year.

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Pg50.

STEP RIGHT THIS WAY FOR 2019’S HOTTEST WEDDING TRENDS

With the resurgence of classic favourites and some exciting new options for every aspect of your big day, 2019 is set to be a versatile year brimming with details.

Pg56. MEET ME IN THE GARDEN

A lavish, 10-page fashion shoot for all the wedding inspiration you need.

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88.

Pg66. 2019’S TOP BRIDAL TRENDS

Still searching for the perfect bridal gown for your big day? These fabulous trends right off designers’ runways will inspire you.

CONTENTS

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7 IMPRESSIVE VENUES IN MALTA FOR ALL STYLES OF WEDDINGS

We bring you a selection of some of the most distinctive wedding venues across the Maltese islands, ranging from modern to historic.

Pg82. CATERING FOR ALL TASTES

Seven caterers in Malta and Gozo dish out advice on what to look out for when choosing your wedding caterer.

Pg88.

10 HONEYMOON TRENDS THAT GUARANTEE THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Be it an adventure honeymoon or one of sheer relaxation, planning your big break after the wedding offers endless possibilities.

Pg94. OUR WEDDING GUIDE PLANNER

Our detailed planner leaves no stone unturned in ensuring you have all the information you need – from advice and a step-by-step breakdown to useful contacts and more – to plan your wedding.

Pg139. DIRECTORY

The most extensive list of weddings and homes suppliers across Malta and Gozo.

Our Wedding Guide 2019 is the sister brand of www.ourwedding.com.mt, the most popular weddings portal in Malta. The high-end guide is Malta’s largest annual publication that offers couples and their families a unique platform to guide them to their big day.

Our Wedding Guide 2019 is distributed to each and every couple attending the Cana Courses throughout 2019. It is also distributed to a select list of wedding-related shops throughout the year and is sold at all leading newsagents across Malta and Gozo. Futhermore, it is distributed to all leading hairdressers, beauty salons, cafés, dental clinics, hospitals and medical clinics across the island.

Articles appearing in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Content House Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited.

ON THE COVER Dress & accessories: St Patrick Studio Collection, exclusively available at Ivory&Co. Bouquet: By Alistair Floral Design, created using a mix of light pink roses, gypsophila, eucalyptus and beargrass Location: Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar Photographer: Tonio Lombardi Photo shoot coordinator: Martina Said Hair: Lorraine at Alfie’s Hair & Beauty Salon Make-Up: Francesca at Alfie’s Hair & Beauty Salon Model: Merve, Models M PUBLISHER

Mallia Building, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel BKR3000 Tel: +356 2132 0713 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt EDITOR Martina Said DEPUTY HEAD OF PRINT & DIGITAL ADVERTISING SALES Jessica Spiteri Catania SENIOR BRAND SALES EXECUTIVE Jean Mark Meli HEAD OF OPERATIONS & ACCOUNTS Marvic Cutajar CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar 17

EDITORIAL

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E DI TOR ’ S L E T T E R Just when you

the kids, we’ve delved into the top wedding and

think the world

bridal trends expected to rule in 2019, the most

of weddings

anticipated food and drink trends for weddings,

couldn’t

as well as stunning colour palettes for all seasons,

possibly

and rounded up a diverse list featuring some of

continue to

Malta’s most enchanting wedding venues. One of

reinvent itself

our star features this issue is the cover story – Our

– or get more

Wedding Guide reached out to three well-known

exciting –

Maltese couples who recently tied the knot to share

well, it does.

their wedding planning experience, as well as fond

Welcome to

memories from their big day.

the second issue of Our

Once you’re feeling inspired, it’s time to roll your

Wedding Guide

sleeves up and get planning. The Our Wedding

magazine, sister of Malta’s leading weddings portal

Guide Planner on page 94 provides a complete

www.ourwedding.com.mt, which is teeming with

breakdown of where to begin, what to prioritise,

useful information as well as stunning visuals to

and how to go about it, including mandatory

inspire you and help you plan your big day.

documents and useful contacts. And for a wideranging list of wedding and home suppliers, turn

Besides a lavish 10-page fashion spread showcasing

to the extensive Directory on page 139. Enjoy the

gorgeous gowns, sharp suits and cute clothes for

issue!

Martina 19

COVER STORY

Written IN THE

STARS Three well-known, recently-married Maltese couples look back on their own wedding day and share valuable pieces of advice with couples who are gearing up for their own big day.

B Y M A R I E-C L A I R E G R I M A

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COVER STORY

Vanessa and Gianluca WEDDING DATE & VENUE: 5TH NOVEMBER 2017, VILLA ARRIGO

PHOTOS: KRIS MICALLEF

“

Gian and I had been friends for around eight years,” Vanessa Bezzina says of her now-husband, Gianluca Bezzina. “We had tried dating for a very short while towards the beginning of our friendship, but it was not meant to be at the time. Years later, we gave it

another shot, and this time, we knew that this was it. We set our wedding date almost as a joke because it was so early in the relationship, but we actually ended up sticking to it!”

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COVER STORY

Vanessa says Gianluca’s proposal was beautiful, simple and unexpected. “We hiked down to a swimming spot and spent the day there. On our hike back up, I was commenting on the scenery, with no response from Gian. I turned around, almost annoyed that he wasn’t answering me, and I found him on his knees, ring in hand! I was so surprised and happy, and immediately said yes.”

The most difficult part of planning the wedding was budgeting and sticking to the number of guests the couple had planned for, Vanessa says.

“We both brought so many ideas to the table, and slowly started realising that we had to prioritise what was most important. If we overspent in one area, we would have to underspend in another.

Sticking to the guest list was a bit trickier, as we just kept adding people until the very last minute; we just wanted everyone to be there with us.”

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COVER STORY

The couple exchanged vows at the Missionary Society of St Paul’s Oratory in Birkirkara. “It was the only place we ever imagined getting married. Since we started dating, we loved going to mass there, and it became like home. We also became close to the Oratory’s director, Fr Martin, and it was the most obvious choice for us. Gian and I were overwhelmed on the day – not in a negative way, but simply by people’s love for us as a couple and everyone’s joy in celebrating our marriage. It’s such an indescribable feeling, to be able to celebrate such joy with the one you love.”

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Their reception was held at Villa Arrigo, with floral

Looking back a year later, Vanessa says that if

arrangements by Floreal and entertainment by Big

she had any advice to give, “it would be to try

Band Brothers. Villa Arrigo was another obvious

and remain focused on the real reason for this

choice for the couple, Vanessa says. “Villa Arrigo

day – the marriage, rather than the wedding.

gave us so much space and light, which was what we

Sometimes I found myself having to remind

wanted. It was ideal for the temperamental November

myself – and Gian to remind me – what’s really

weather, as it provided space both inside and outside,

important. Once we did that, we could enjoy the

and we were never let down with regards to Osborne

day without focusing too much on perfection,

Caterers.”

but rather on each other.”

COVER STORY

Christabelle and Jordan WEDDING DATE & VENUE: 20TH SEPTEMBER 2018, REEF CLUB WESTIN DRAGONARA RESORT

“

PHOTOS: KRIS MICALLEF

Jordan and I met 10 years ago at St Aloysius College sixth form – he was studying sciences while I was studying maths and accounts. We struck up a friendship in the summer between first and second year, got to know each other, and started dating soon after. We’ve

never looked back,” says Christabelle Borg.

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COVER STORY

Christabelle and Jordan’s relationship took off from there. They knew they wanted a future together, but marriage plans weren’t in the pipeline until they finished their studies. But a few years down the line, in September 2016, Christabelle surprised Jordan with a change in destination for his birthday trip – New York – and he surprised her in turn by popping the question at the Empire State Building.

“The top floor has a stunning view, but since Jordan is shy, he found a quiet spot on one of the lower floors, and popped the question there!”

Settling on a date proved tough for the couple due to their respective hectic schedules. “We originally opted for May, but we didn’t want to rush, so we pushed the date to September,” says Christabelle. It turned out to be a wise decision – she won the Malta Eurovision Song Contest, and ended up heading to Portugal in May to represent Malta on the international stage. “I started planning the wedding properly after the Eurovision, less than four months before the wedding,” she says.

“The months running up to September were mad – besides all the preparations for the Eurovision, I also have a full-time job as a financial controller and often leave work late, so there was very little time left for planning. Adrian J. Mizzi helped us with the logistics of the day and with setting up the venue – his help was invaluable.”

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COVER STORY

Christabelle says that the most stressful part of planning the wedding, hands down, was the guest list. “Not even the weather came close! There were over 2,000 people at our wedding, and even until the day before, I was thinking of people who we forgot to invite. Additionally, we gave out over 1,000 invitations by Concept Creations by hand – we split the job between 10 of us, but it was still rather stressful.”

But the day itself proved to be absolutely magical – from the moment she arrived at the Mdina Cathedral in a vintage car owned and driven by her father, accompanied by a fleet of cars, among them from Meli Car Rentals, to her Cinderella-style dress from Ivory&Co., to some of the gorgeous flower arrangements at the venue by Alistair Floral Design. Looking back, Christabelle says the only thing she would do differently is start earlier. “I was so calm, relaxed and happy. The entire day was unforgettable, and we had such a fun time, surrounded by the people we love. It was a perfect day – I only wish it could have been longer!”

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COVER STORY

Kim and Daniel WEDDING DATE & VENUE: 26TH MAY 2018, POPEYE VILLAGE PHOTOS: ANDREW RIZZO PHOTOGRAPHY

K

im Dalli and Daniel Azzopardi dated for six years after having met on the set of the popular TV comedy Deceduti back in 2010, where they played the roles of two ghosts from different centuries who fall

in love and eventually wed in the afterlife. “It was a bit of a case of ‘life imitating art’ when Daniel popped the question six years later,” Kim laughs. He whisked her off to a trip to Venice and all their friends and colleagues were betting that he’d pop the question there, but it was all a ruse.

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COVER STORY

“I returned without a ring – and soon after realised that

The couple chose to wed at the historic Shipwreck of St Paul

I had lost the one Daniel had given me a while before. It

chapel in San Pawl tat-Targa, Naxxar, for “its sheer beauty

turned out that I hadn’t misplaced it after all – Daniel had

and for the fact that it is steeped in history,” Kim says. “I

nipped it so that he could order the correct size for the

felt incredibly calm and serene, and absolutely thrilled that

engagement ring, since I have inordinately tiny fingers!”

I was about to marry my soulmate.” For the reception, Kim

Kim says. The actual proposal took place over a meal at

and Daniel opted for Popeye Village, which lent itself well

a little Chinese restaurant where they had first dined

to their 1940s Old Hollywood theme. “Ultimately, it was

together officially as a couple at the beginning of their

also a film set, which was a close enough reminder of how

relationship.

we had met in the first place,” Kim smiles.

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COVER STORY

Kim says that the most stressful part was probably exactly a month before the wedding day, when the couple were in the process of re-approaching all their suppliers to make sure everything was in place. “But we had great fun planning our wedding – it was quite particular and, to those who know us, it had ‘Kim and Daniel’ written all over it. If I had a piece of advice to give to couples who are planning their wedding now, it would be this – don’t feel pressured to fit into the norm and to necessarily go with what society, fashion trends or relatives dictate. Plan your unique and special day exactly as you want it to be, and in a way which reflects you fully. And of course, it’s always good to plan ahead if you have specific suppliers, churches or venues in mind, as they tend to be booked pretty early on.”

But the most important tip of all, Kim says, is to just sit back and savour each and every moment as it passes by so quickly. “If you are enjoying your wedding day, I can guarantee that your guests will too!”

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COLOUR PALETTES

for every season

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The top colour choices for 2019 weddings are bold, vivacious and energetic, balanced out by neutral, earthy and moody shades, guaranteeing stunning colour combinations for weddings all year round.

BY MARTINA SAID

SPRING S I L V E R , S A G E D U S T Y R O S E

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PHOTO: LOLA ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY V I A W W W.W E D D I N G-V E N U E S .C O.U K

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Green, in various shades and intensities, has P H OTO:W W W.LU LU S.C O M

been a popular colour for weddings for some time now, and there are plenty of reasons to love it. To begin with, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with any other colour imaginable, and this year, the on-trend shade is sage, complemented by silver and the gentle dusty rose.

There might not be an obvious correlation between them, but there’s no denying that they go incredibly well together, especially for spring weddings, when soft hues tend to work wonderfully against the brightness of beautiful gardens in full bloom that are typical of this time of year. Both dusty rose and sage will work as the main colours in this palette, be it for bridal party gowns, catching linens for reception tables.

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TRENDING

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PHOTO: KAREN SIGLER DESIGN V I A W W W.S E A C O A S T W E D D I N G S.C O M

SUMMER B E R R Y P I N K , B L U S H P I N K & A Q U A Summer time calls for a bright palette, for a selection of colours that won’t be dampened by the scorching sun, and this trio doesn’t disappoint. As light and pale pinks have dominated weddings in recent years, it’s refreshing to see a bolder pink steal some of the limelight.

Berry, magenta, fuchsia and crimson, all of which are strong and daring shades of pink, should be the main colour, complemented by a lighter, softer pink, such as blush, and balanced out by an entirely different colour, such as aqua – a beautiful blue shade that couldn’t be more fitting for a summer wedding. Consider a bright pink as the main colour in your floral arrangements, supported by softer pinks and blues, as well as a bold blue for the groom’s suit, cake table décor, and possibly even the bride’s own accessories.

PHOTO: JAMIE RAE PHOTO V I A W W W.H E Y W E D D I N G L A DY.C O M

PHOTO: ASTRID BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY V I A W W W.C O N F E T T I D AY D R E A M S.C O M

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PHOTO: THE HONEY COMB VIA ETSY

PHOTO: MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS

TRENDING

AUTUMN

P H OTO: W W W.E L L E D E C O R.C O M PHOTO:MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS

PHOTO: NICOLE JANSMA V I A W W W.B LU E FA N C Y E V E N T S.C O M

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S U N S E T O R A N G E , L A T T E & D O V E G R E Y

Couples getting married in autumn tend to opt for a colour scheme that centres on maroon and other dark colours. While we fully endorse such choices, we’re also rather charmed by this earthy colour palette that instantly springs dried autumn leaves, pumpkins and winter sunsets to mind.

The warmth of sunset orange is balanced out by the cooler dove grey, and meeting both shades in the middle is a neutral latte, which works as a beautiful base for making both other hues stand out on their own. This palette exudes warmth, nature and a sense of balminess that we all crave after summer, just before winter sets in. Imagine a grey suit with an orange floral boutonniere for the groom and his men, soft orange bridal party dresses mixed with other warm metallic colours such as rose gold, and a combination of all three colours for your venue dĂŠcor.

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WINTER D U S T Y B L U E , T E A L & C A D E T G R E Y

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TRENDING

Jewel tones – such as sapphire, emerald, ruby and amethyst – have held their own over the past few years, and they’re still a stunning choice for a winter wedding.

However, for those couples after a more toned down selection of colours that is still dreamy and enchanting, consider this range of cool colours, featuring dusty blue, teal and dove grey.

All shades go incredibly well with PHOTO: SQUIB PHOTOGRAPHY

green in wild flower arrangements, and you could add a dash of warmth and winter glitz with metallic accents in bronze or gold, namely for centrepiece décor, for the cake table, and even as a detail donned by the bridal party, in the form of jewellery, shoes or a headpiece. Also, there’s no better way to make a wedding venue feel like a winter wonderland than with fairy lights – lots of them – which will give the entire space a soft and warm glow unlike anything else

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does.

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD AND DRINK TRENDS

making waves around the world

From mouth-watering vegan delights to after-party food to keep you dancing till dawn, these are some of the boldest and brightest in food and drink trends promising to ignite wedding celebrations in 2019.

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BY REBECCA ANASTASI

CROSTINI STATION It’s a fact. We are a nation of bread lovers. So, what better way to make sure your guests leave satiated then offering a stunning spread of crunchy toasts, served with a kaleidoscope of flavours and toppings?

Think roasted tomato and olives, avocado and goat’s cheese, berries and brie, as well as prosciutto, figs and mint for those who need a bit of meat on their plate. You can even experiment with the type of bread on offer - from sourdough to gluten-free options, these mini bites will be the greatest thing.

A VEGAN FEAST With an increased focus on the way in which our diets are having a detrimental effect on the planet, more and more people are switching to veganism, cutting out all animal products (including eggs and dairy) in an effort to minimise their carbon footprint. And, while it may feel

have a healthier and more vibrant spread.

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of spaghetti, and roasted cauliflower, in lieu of heavier meats, and you’ll

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organise. Try zucchini noodles with sweet corn and mint pesto, instead

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with various requirements, vegan options are surprisingly simple to

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MINI CAKES Small is often more. And, this is your wedding day after all, so why not opt for many mini cakes instead of the one? (After all, you’re committing yourself to one man or woman, so there’s no reason to go wild and pledge loyalty to only one type of sponge). Ask your caterer for a range of small delights – you can even request up to 10 variations – with each reflecting a different side of your personality. With more options to choose from, you’ll also be able to offer vegan or gluten-free alternatives, catering to every one of your guests’ needs.

DECONSTRUCTED DESSERTS Pablo Picasso once said that “every act of creation is first an act of destruction” – and these desserts take that axiom to heart. Indeed, art and dessert come together this

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PHOTO: BEL ATHEE PHOTOGRAPHY

year in a trend which might have some scratching their heads, but which sees key elements of your favourite cakes, meringues and pies presented in reimagined designs on the plate or layered in a mason jar. Wedding favourites are set to include lemon meringue pie or strawberry cheesecake, especially in those warmer spring and summer months.

SWEET AND SAVOURY AFTER-PARTY FOOD Sustenance should be high on the priority list when you and your guests want to keep going until the morning dawn. But, inject a twist by incorporating sweet elements into your party favourites such as adding fig on a pizza or focaccia base; mango on your fish tacos; or caramel popcorn on your hot dogs.

PHOTO: MEG SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

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FOOD & DRINK

WHISKY COCKTAILS Do you know the difference between an Old Fashioned and a Whiskey Sour? Between a measure of Yamazaki and one of Glenfiddich? Whisky – like gin – has been high on tipple-lovers’ ‘best of’ lists for many a year now, but 2019 is set to solidify its popularity among wedding organisers and couples preparing for their celebrations. Connoisseurs will tell you to go for a single malt, though you might also want to offer a selection of blends to appeal

PHOTO: MEG SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY

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to all your family and friends.

HERBAL INFUSIONS Whether alcoholic or not, drinks are getting the ecotreatment, with herbal and plant-based infusions making their way into cocktails and teetotaller glasses. This may be nothing new but, now, it’s not limited to basil, thyme and rosemary-based flavourings. Instead, berry leaves will stand tall in lemonades while the already-popular cucumber will be the star of the show in heart-warming toddies.

CHAMPAGNE TOWERS Can the wedding cake actually be replaced? For some, it seems so. Champagne towers – that is, dozens of glasses stacked high and then showered with fizz – promise to make an appearance at weddings in 2019, with some even predicting it will oust the popularity of the softer, less boozy-soaked tradition. We doubt it, but row upon row of sparkling glasses will not fail to impress – and what’s a girl to do when she cannot choose? Nothing but opt for both!

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TRENDING

2019’s

Step right THIS WAY for

HOTTEST

WEDDING TRENDS The 2019 wedding season is looking to be a fabulous one, with the resurgence of classic favourites and some exciting new options for every aspect of your big day.

BY SARAH MICALLEF

2. Coral Every year, we eagerly await Pantone’s announcement for the new colour of the year, and in 2019, it’s a wonderful pinkyorange shade named ‘Living Coral’. This is sure to translate into the world of weddings via flowers, bridesmaid dresses, PHOTO: A TASTE OF HOME

cakes, make-up and colour schemes.

1. Grab-and-go dessert tables Instead of waiters weaving their way through partying guests, a trending new option is to display an array of sweet treats on a dessert table. Guests can take a break from the festivities to delight in a confection (or three) before hitting the dancefloor with renewed energy!

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PHOTO: DEER PEARL FLOWERS

PHOTO: SUZANNE NEVILLE

TRENDING

3. Simple wedding dresses We have Meghan Markle to thank for this one, and we ain’t mad! 2019 is set to be the year of classic and simple wedding dresses, so whether you opt for a bateau or halter neckline, tailoring is key here. Find the best silhouette to suit your shape and you’re all set to be the perfect modern princess bride.

PHOTO: WHIMSICAL WONDERLAND WEDDINGS

4. Foliage An emphasis on greenery and bringing the outdoors in was a standout trend in 2018, and it’s predicted that it will keep going strong this year too. Go for natural, lush and whimsical designs when choosing your flowers and foliage

PHOTO:THE FROSTERY

PHOTO: ARISTO TIES

to really make the most of this gorgeous trend.

5. Regal cakes While wedding cakes have been getting a little simpler of late, 2019 is set to see a new spate of regal wedding cakes featuring everything from decorative icing and metallic finishes to show-stopping sugar work and

6. Three-piece suits

even personalised monograms.

We are SO happy to see the three-piece suit make a comeback! Ok, so

It’s all about creating a cake

perhaps it’s not the best choice for summer nuptials, but in the cooler

that is unique to the couple and

months, it’s impossible for the groom not to look dapper in an impeccably

celebrates their relationship, so

tailored and flawlessly fitted three-piece suit.

go all out!

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PHOTO: NOT ON THE HIGH STREET

TRENDING

7. Scented candles Here’s one to delight the senses. While candles have been big in the wedding world for years, opting for the scented variety, even going so far as to create your own scent, will elevate the

8. Illustrated stationery With a growing number of talented illustrators on the islands, it’s no surprise that more and more couples are opting to commission personalised illustrations for their wedding invitations and stationery. An illustration adds a unique touch and will undoubtedly get your guests very excited about the big day to come!

PHOTO: REBECCA CERASANI

ambience to a whole new level.

PHOTO: CASARA PHOTO

9. Bridesmen and groomsgirls PHOTO: AIMEE WILLOW DESIGNS

Traditional wedding roles are being turned on their heads, with brides and grooms choosing their closest friends and family members – regardless of their gender – to celebrate alongside them on their big day. Don’t think twice about asking your guy bestie to be your bridesman or your soul sister to be your groomsgirl, just do you!

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PHOTO: CATBIRD NYC

TRENDING

10. Coloured stone engagement rings Diamonds may not be every girl’s best friend after all! Princess Eugenie’s blush-pink sapphire engagement ring seems to have given rise to a new trend, with colourful stones like opal and

PHOTO: ALEX GABOURY

sapphires having their moment in the spotlight.

11. Hair bows The bridal runways have spoken, and 2019’s sweetest bridal hair trend has got to be the hair bow. As seen at Lela Rose, models showcased textured low pony tails finished off with a feminine white velvet bow, and

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we’re a little obsessed.

12. Tiaras Another one we can blame on last year’s royal weddings, tiaras are making a comeback as the wedding head gear of choice among modern brides. Think elegant and dainty or all-out regal fabulousness – it all depends on you!

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FASHION

Meet IN THE

GARDEN LOCATION: Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar PHOTOGRAPHER: Tonio Lombardi PHOTO SHOOT COORDINATOR: Martina Said HAIR: Lorraine at Alfie’s Hair & Beauty Salon MAKE-UP: Francesca at Alfie’s Hair & Beauty Salon MODELS: Merve and Ben, Models M Julia, Philippa and Ben (flower girls and page boy)

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FASHION

DRESS & ACCESSORIES: A broken white gown in soft tulle, featuring a bustier in satin weave brocade and a long train with fine details at the edges.

Dress by Nalejo Paris, available at Kenjo Bridal.

SUIT: New blue suit, available at JD Formal Wear.

BOUQUET: By Alistair Floral Design, created using a mix of light pink roses, gypsophila, eucalyptus and beargrass.

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FASHION

DRESS: This charming fitted dress is the definition of effortless elegance with a modern touch. Exclusively available at ArtBridal boutique.

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BOUQUET (THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE): By Alistair Floral Design, created using a mix of light pink roses, gypsophila, eucalyptus and beargrass.

FASHION

DRESS: A stunning gown by Atelier Pronovias, exclusively available at Ivory&Co.

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FASHION

DRESS: The breath-taking Andreana gown with stunning beadwork will create a luxurious aura around you. Exclusively available at ArtBridal boutique.

SUIT (THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE): Morning suit in dark blue, available at JD Formal Wear.

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FASHION

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FASHION

DRESS: Beautiful bridal gown with a high neckline and a detachable train that completes this simple yet stunning dress by Dando London.

Available with matching veil exclusively at WEDDINGBELLS.

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FASHION

DRESS: This trumpet-shaped bridal gown with plunging neckline is classic in appearance but with a modern twist. Available in all ivory or ivory/nude, this stunning gown is exclusively available at WEDDINGBELLS.

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FASHION

DRESS: A soft cream gown in plush tulle with a hand-made guipure bustier and multi-layered full skirt.

Dress by Nalejo Paris, available at Kenjo Bridal.

HAIR COMB: By Alistair Floral Design, created using a mix of light pink roses, gypsophila, eucalyptus and beargrass.

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FASHION

Julia (left) wears Eliza Sequin Cape dress. With its dazzling embellished overlay and gently gathered skirt, this flowing style, with a removable waist sash, is a princess-worthy choice for parties and occasions.

Ben (centre) wears Cosgrove four-piece suit set. The dapper design features a waistcoat and trousers in stylish navy, along with a crisp cotton shirt and bug-print tie.

Philippa (right) wears Cascadia Rose High-Low dress. Decorated with rose appliquĂŠs on a layered high-low skirt, and a lace bodice with a ribbon waist, the Cascadia rose dress is straight out of a fairy-tale.

Clothes, shoes and accessories available at Monsoon Children, Bisazza Street, Sliema.

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BRIDAL TRENDS

2019’s

Top Bridal

TRENDS

REEM ACRA

STILL SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT BRIDAL GOWN FOR YOUR BIG DAY? BE INSPIRED BY THESE FOUR FABULOUS TRENDS STRAIGHT OFF THE RUNWAYS OF TOP INTERNATIONAL BRIDAL DESIGNERS.

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BY JILLIAN MALLIA PHOTOS: BARCELONA BRIDAL WEEK

BRIDAL TRENDS

Plunging V-neckline A bold and daring choice for the unconventional bride, this trend is a real head-turner. Whether adorned with lace, beading, or an eye-catching pattern, and accompanied by a fitted, flared or ball gown skirt, plunging necklines are a sensual choice

CYMBELINE

for the modern-day bride.

Spaghetti straps Skinny spaghetti straps were popular in the 1990s and have clearly found their way back to designers’ runways, and we’re glad they have. The sliver of fabric gracing a bride’s shoulders and exposing her

YOLANCRIS

décolletage is equal parts elegant and edgy.

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BRIDAL TRENDS

High neckline High necklines have been a top choice among brides the past couple of years, and don’t seem to be going anywhere fast. A gown is sophisticated and chic, and a great option for showing off your arms and shoulders, while being highly versatile and flattering for all figures.

CRISTINA TAMBORERO

high neckline on any style of

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BRIDAL TRENDS

Long sleeves Not only is this trend ultra-stylish but it also aces in practicality. Whether as a way to cover up for the ceremony, or to beat the cold if your wedding is taking place in winter, it’s an equally fabulous and classy

CYMBELINE

SOPHIE ET VOILA

option for all brides.

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VENUES

impressive venues in Malta for all styles of

WEDDINGS

Choosing the right venue is an integral part of crafting your dream wedding. From those with a historic background to the more modern and luxe, here are some of the most distinctive and dynamic wedding venues across the Maltese islands.

BY JO CARUANA

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VENUES

1. Portomaso Suite, Hilton Malta A glamorous option with room for up to 480 reception guests or 250 banquet guests, we love the versatility of this exciting venue, which, being indoors, means that you won’t have to worry about the weather.

There’s no restriction on the music too, so you can enjoy dancing until the sun comes up and make the most of every moment with your guests. Speaking of sun, we also love the fact that the Portomaso Suite foyer has plenty of natural daylight, with a gorgeous outdoor terrace and views of the marina. Plus, with the stunning grounds of the Hilton to use as your backdrop, you’re guaranteed amazing snaps of your big day.

2. The Villa, St Julian’s Does anything say ‘style’ like a stately 19th-century villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea? We’re not sure it does! The Villa promises something very special thanks to its history and location, and the grand staircase will guarantee that your arrival is one to remember. Other serious plusses include the fabulous food, which is prepared and served by an awardwinning team (we can’t get enough of their highly sought-after Nori station, for instance). As for weather worries, The Villa itself is cosy, chic and versatile, so you’ll be very well looked after… even if it does rain on your big day.

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VENUES

3. Palazzo Parisio, Naxxar Historic palace? Check. Incredible gardens? Check. Unbeatable style?

Check, check, check. As one of the most distinguished and sought-after venues on the island, Palazzo Parisio has a remarkably rich history – dating back to the Knights of St John, no less. The ballroom is a sight to behold, but it is the baroque gardens that bring people in, not just locally but from around the world too.

This venue promises the sort of fairy-tale wedding that little girls dream of, and the team here pride themselves on creating

4. Bacchus, Mdina

events that are highly-detailed and bespoke. Whether it is a summer wedding in the garden or a winter one in the

There’s something truly special about getting

ballroom, this is a venue with guaranteed

married in Mdina – and Bacchus is a singular

‘wow factor’.

venue within the walls of this historic city.

In many ways, Bacchus – the venue – is an extension of the Bacchus Restaurant, which is known for its strict standards of service and cuisine (and has been since 1976). We especially like the fact that there are stunning indoor and outdoor options available, and the fact that all the catering is made in-house (by chefs who have even cooked for royalty). The views from the garden are pretty spectacular too and provide the ultimate backdrop for photos, while the lawn itself could be a beautiful spot for your ceremony or welcome drinks.

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VENUES

5. Radisson Golden Sands When it comes to truly stunning locations, this chic hotel is hard to beat. The views are glorious – with unobstructed vistas out over Golden Bay and across some of the prettiest parts of the Maltese countryside.

There are a number of venues within the hotel for couples to choose from and plenty of versatility too – although Essence is one of the most popular at the moment, especially for small-to-medium weddings that require the adaptability of both indoor and outdoor options. The terrace there is the absolutely perfect point from which to look out at those unbeatable views!

6. Vilhena Palace, Mdina As one of a number of historic and majestic venues run by Heritage Malta, Vilhena Palace is truly stand-out. Its striking courtyard ensures guests can take in the grandeur of this significant building, while enjoying the versatility of the space too – with options for 400 reception guests or 200 seated guests. Getting married here provides the two of you with the chance to tie the knot in this exclusive medieval city, while also feeling like royalty in a venue originally commissioned by a Grandmaster of the Order of St John.

7. InterContinental Hotel, St Julian’s Sophisticated and adaptable, this elegant hotel is the epitome of modern hospitality. From its city views overlooking buildings that stretch down to St George’s Bay, to the rooftop infinity pool that will make for an unmatched setting for your wedding photographs, there are all sorts of beautiful spots. We love the fact that the sky is the limit when it comes to choosing the catering for your big day too, while the staff on hand are helpful and eager to make all dreams come true.

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WEDDINGS

THE

Wedding DETAIL S HILTON MALTA

THE WOODEN BOX

You deserve the wedding of your dreams and we will help you achieve it through our vast choice of stunning venues. Luxury and weddings go hand in hand and luxury is what makes the Portomaso and Spinola Suites ideal wedding venues. Whether you prefer a stand-up reception or a sit-down dinner, our dedicated team will assist you with all your requirements and needs. Alternatively enjoy a romantic fairy-tale wedding under lit-up olive trees at the Gazebo Restaurant or surrounded by breath-taking sea views at the Merkanti Beach Club for a memorable wedding under the stars!

T: 2138 3383; E: melanie.faure@hilton.com; www.malta.hilton.com

The Wooden Box specialises in creating bespoke commissioned work using your words, ideas and photographs to create a personalised keepsake. As every product is individually hand-made from scratch, no two pieces will ever be exactly the same. The Wooden Box has also recently launched a line of Maltese-themed clocks, ‘kollezzjoni t’arloggi Maltin’. They are all made on a long play and each product is hand-cut, hand-painted and carefully-sanded for an authentic, vintage-style finish.

M: 9928 3663; E: edwin.gatt.twb@gmail.com; Fb: www.facebook.com/Edwin Gatt

GB JEWELLERS

GB Jewellers offers all that you require for your wedding day. We stock a varied collection of wedding rings to choose from in gold and also mounted with diamonds, as well as engagement rings for all budgets and styles.

At GB Jewellers, we also offer the option to produce custom-made jewellery. Contact us or visit our stores for further details.

GB Jewellers, 451, Fleur-de-Lys Road, Birkirkara.

T: 2149 9679; GB Jewellers, 156A, The Strand, Gzira. T: 2132 2889; E: info@kemalta.com; Fb: Facebook.com/GBJewellers

CLAIRE CARUANA

Claire Caruana is a graduate in music education and is qualified in piano performance and voice. Claire is a soprano who also sings at wedding ceremonies, offering different musical set-ups. Claire provides reliable and expert advice on the choice of wedding music, and caters for local as well as foreign couples.

EXCLUSIVE CREATIONS

Our style is versatile and our exclusive creations will match your passion, personality and the theme of your special day or event. At Exclusive Creations, we create wedding and event stationery which are unique, custommade and hand-crafted, as well as souvenirs and additional items. We only use the finest imported papers and embellishments, such as sparkling jewels, feathers, high-quality satin ribbons, lace, leather, velvet, mother of pearl and crystals, among other materials. In our dedication to achieve customer satisfaction, we are available for one-to-one consultations and pre-booking advice.

M: 7984 5555; E: conceptcreations@onvol.net

16, ‘Melodija’, Triq Pietru Caxaru, Tal-Virtù, Rabat. T: 2146 5340; M: 9944 7879; E: claire@clairecaruana.com; www.clairecaruana.com

JOSEPHINE EBEJER GRECH

Josephine Ebejer Grech is a professional singer with over 20 years of experience catering for wedding ceremonies. Her service includes a one hour, free-of-charge demonstration with no obligation to book, all music and singing, professional sound engineer on location and all sound equipment for €200. Couples can also choose all the songs from an extensive list.

M: 7906 6532; E: josephineebejergrech@gmail.com

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WEDDINGS

A L L

THINGS W E D D I N G S

GOODEAR EVENTS & RENTALS

SPITERI LUCAS ENTERTAINMENT

Goodear Events & Rentals has over 20 years’ experience in supplying professional DJs and talented live musicians, as well as industrystandard equipment at affordable prices.

With over 50 local and international live musicians on their roster, you can truly trust the professionals to mix the right tunes and deliver the perfect sound quality for your event.

Spiteri Lucas Entertainment is as reliable, professional and versatile as it gets. Our representatives can help you choose the musicians, vocalists and other professionals for both your wedding ceremony and reception. Live acts vary from a soloist and duo to a trio, quartet, quintet and even ninepiece band. Spiteri Lucas Entertainment can also provide you with a list of experienced musicians and singers to choose from for your special occasion.

M: 9944 2033.

M: 9946 8429/9989 6638; E: info@spiterilucas.net

BG MALTA FIREWORKS DISPLAY – BERNARD CAUCHI

Fireworks are a fantastic way to celebrate special occasions. Many are those who choose fireworks to be part of their celebration, be it for a wedding, a birthday party and also an anniversary. BG Malta Fireworks Display will ensure to make your event a special and memorable one.

M: 7959 5315; E: info@bgmaltafireworksdisplay.com

CANDYLICIOUS

DAMIAN’S COCKTAILS

A cocktail bar is stylish and fun; a centrepiece at your function where guests can socialise while trying out an assortment of colourful and tasty cocktails prepared by highly-skilled specialists. With over 20 years of experience at wedding receptions, Damian’s Cocktails promises to be the detail that makes all the difference between an ordinary event and a memorable occasion that people will remember fondly for years to come. Damian’s Cocktails offers a variety of cocktail bars, wine bars, punch bars, whisky bars, mojito bars, mimosa bars and gin bars, amongst others. Bar rentals are also available.

E: damianscocktails@gmail.com; www. damianscocktailsmalta.com; FB: damianscocktails

Make your wedding a sweet one with a sweet bar or candy cart that will not only make your guests feel like kids again, but will also brighten up the venue. Candylicious has gained a reputation for offering a lavish and unique sweet display for weddings, birthday parties and events. We can create a beautiful display in a particular theme or colour range, and you can take your pick from a rainbow of yummy sweets. Our displays are all designed with you in mind and to suit your budget – something different, unique and unexpected for your guests that will make their lasting impression a sweet one.

Candylicious, 6, St Francis Street, San Gwann.

T: 2702 9117.

OYSTER LOUNGE

Oyster Lounge is a new, fantastic venue in Marsaxlokk, now catering for private events, conferences, weddings and corporate events.

Elevate your event at this well-equipped venue with stunning views, a fully-stocked bar and dedicated kitchen, which can host 400 persons and is outfitted with the latest technology in sound and vision.

Get in touch with Events Manager Michael Cini on M: 9944 2033; E: officetexmexm@gmail.com; FB: Oysterloungemalta

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FOOD & DRINK

catering

all tastes

F O R

Choosing your wedding caterer can be a difficult task, but not if you have some seasoned pros on your side. Seven caterers in Malta and Gozo dish out advice on what to look out for when choosing your wedding caterer.

B Y M A R I E-C L A I R E G R I M A

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FOOD & DRINK

“We, as caterers, meet couples at the earliest stage of the wedding planning process, and it is evident how much communication technology has changed the game. Most of our customers come to us with a bag of ideas and dreams, and most of them, even at an early stage, would have a clear idea of how they want their wedding day to shape up. Our job is to guide them through our experience and help them make the right choices. Uniqueness is the key. Sometimes it is the smallest detail, other times it’s about turning a venue into a fairy-tale dream.”

Pawlu says he always gets to know the couple before they start planning out the wedding catering. “I believe the most important thing is to create an honest relationship between the caterer and the couple. After this rapport is created, one goes through the details; the seasonality, the day, the time of their wedding, the venue, theme and style, what would work for them and what not. There is a lot to be discussed and no detail can be left out. The more we understand each other, the more we can set our minds at rest that the wedding will be successful, and PHOTO: TONIO LOMBARDI, ELIA CATERERS

the menu is the right one for their wedding.”

“A varied and innovative menu makes a wedding memorable,” says Cursty Bugeja Briffa, Senior Sales, Catering and Events Executive at C. Camilleri &

Think about the last wedding you went to. What’s the element that springs to mind first when you recall it? Was it the bride looking resplendent in a magnificent gown?

Sons (Catering) Ltd. “We do our best to personalise each and every wedding based on the couple’s preferences.”

Was it the elegance of the venue, dressed to the nines?

Or was it the impeccable (or otherwise) food? Chances are that the latter ranks towards the top of the memory

P H OTO: C. C A M I L L E R I & S O N S (C AT E R I N G) LT D

stakes. In Malta, the expectations of food at a wedding tend to run high, and the wedding that manages to offer something creative, tantalising and delicious to a broad spectrum of guests is one that can be counted as a definite success. But how to go about choosing the ideal caterer?

“Weddings are always evolving, and customers have become more demanding,” says Pawlu Borg Bonaci, Director of Elia Caterers. “Customers have an open source of information from around the globe in the palms of their hands. Technology has made it very easy to discover new cultures, products and trends, giving those who are planning their wedding more options and inspiration for their big day.”

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FOOD & DRINK

Apart from the number of guests and duration of the wedding, Cursty says that the couple should also take into consideration the age group of the guests because that will influence the choice of food items and beverages to serve. In other words, if your crowd is a mix of hip, younger people with experimental tastes, and older people who tend to stick to what they know and like, make sure you have the kind of food that will satisfy them both.

“The catering company’s guidance and expert advice will help them make the right decisions, in terms of both quantities and kinds of food on offer,” Cursty adds.

“Couples are advised to spend their money wisely – but each person envisions their wedding to be something special, a dream. Who are we to stop anyone from having their dreams come true? That is actually our job – making people’s dreams a reality.”

Over at Caffe Cordina, one-to-one food tastings are offered, where the couple is invited to select 12 items of their choice from their preferred menu. “During this session, one of our events team members sits with the couple to explain in detail what they are tasting. Our Head Chef is also present just in case the clients would like to ask any questions. During these PHOTO: SEAN MALLIA, OSBORNE CATERERS

sessions the couple can bring along two friends or family members. We also offer group tastings which serve as an introduction to our product and service,”

Meanwhile, the key trends in wedding catering currently

says Operations Manager, Gerald Darmanin.

are colours and new ingredients, according to Chef Charlot Agius of Fifth Flavour. “Couples should keep in mind their guest list, the budget that they have per head, and the quality and quantity of food that they’re willing to pay for. We try to be as flexible as possible to please the couple. From this we determine what they are looking for in terms of food quality and budget.”

Veronica Zammit Tabona, Managing Director of Villa Arrigo and its in-house company, Osborne Caterers, says that the company normally meets up with the couple, discusses their wishes and requirements, and tailors the menus accordingly. “We do get many special requests, and most of the time we accommodate them – for example, when they wish to bring their dog!”

PHOTO: JEAN MARC ZERAFA, CAFFE CORDINA

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FOOD & DRINK

“Before coming up with a menu we always ask the couple about their budget and strive to work around it. Depending on the budget that the couple has, one then needs to strike a balance between the cold and hot canapés, desserts and wedding cake, and any additional items such as the flying buffet, tables and food stations.”

“Since we have a list of over 150 items to choose from, we encourage couples to be creative with their menus and to strike a balance between the traditional and the contemporary, Maltese delicacies and other cuisines, the types of meats chosen, and so on, so that they have a nice and interesting mix for their guests.”

As a top tip, AX Catering’s Events Manager, Camille Brincat, tells clients that when a wedding starts during lunch time, one needs to opt for a more generous menu than an evening

PHOTO: AX CATERING

wedding – and not to hold mass too late. “Otherwise the time to enjoy the wedding reception will be very limited! A couple should remember that this is a day for them to enjoy to the full and that it will pass very quickly.”

Camille says that every bride has special requests. “They can vary from a design element to food; we had couples who wanted a fullblown vegan menu. We also meet a lot of foreign couples who, even though they choose to have a destination wedding, still want to maintain their traditions; for example, in the style of reception, or the type of food to serve.

We also receive non-traditional requests for cake designs and flavours, according to the theme of the wedding.”

“In my opinion, nothing is a waste of money when it comes to wedding catering,” says Primavera Caterers Manager Tiziano Cassar.

“Everybody has their own ideas, budget and creations. We give our professional advice on quantities and variation, both of which depend on the number of guests and their age.” How does he handle a crisis cancellation?

“Emergency cancellations will be accepted only in case of death of close family members, as long as it is at least a few days or weeks prior to the wedding date.”

PHOTO: PRIMAVERA CATERERS

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HONEYMOONS

HONEYMOON TRENDS

that guarantee

THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Planning your honeymoon is just as, if not more exciting than planning the wedding – but with the world at your fingertips, where to go? Here are some of the most popular travel trends, and corresponding destinations, this year.

BY JILLIAN MALLIA

1. The Middle East The Middle East has soared in popularity as a region for travellers and honeymooners, and with so many destinations to choose from, it simply can’t disappoint. Consider the lost city of Petra, in Jordan, a famous archaeological site that contains tombs and temples carved into the beautiful red, white, and pink sandstone cliff faces, which was likely used as a temple in bygone eras.

The city sat in near-ruins for centuries, but in 2007, was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. With more than 800 registered sites sprawling across 265 square kilometres, Petra will keep you busy for at least a week! Visit the Royal Tombs, Al Siq (the city’s entrance), Al-Khazneh (a temple known as The Treasury), the theatre, Al-Deir (the monastery), and so much more.

Another top contender in the region is Egypt, and absolute must-sees here are the ancient Egyptian Pyramids, the most famous being those of Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. Experience the mighty Nile, magnificent monuments, beguiling desert, and peaceful temples. The Valley of the Kings in Luxor, the site of royal burials since 2100BC, should also be on your list.

PETRA, JORDAN

2. Europe’s under-discovered lands CYPRUS

Located right at the edge of Eastern Europe, Belarus might seem like a strange choice for travellers, but its isolation is at the heart of its appeal – who doesn’t want to be somewhat cut-off on their honeymoon? With tranquil cityscapes, bucolic frontiers and eyecatching landmarks, Belarus has a lot to offer. Visit the remains of Brest Fortress, a Soviet WWII memorial, and take a trip to Mir Castle, a 16th-century building that rises majestically above Mir town, overlooking a picture-perfect lake and lush green area. Another under-rated, yet equally attractive location is Cyprus. The island provides ample opportunity to experience new, interesting and exciting sites and adventures. Famed for its mild and Mediterranean climate, Cyprus boasts breath-taking natural spots, including golden sandy beaches, diving locations, cycling paths and nature trails.

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HONEYMOONS

5. Winter wonderland Winter wonderland trips have garnered popularity in recent years, S Y D N E Y, AU S T R A L I A

3. Adventure travel Whether it’s adrenaline-fuelled activities that you’re after or experiencing new cultures, adventure travel for couples is certainly on the rise. Australia fits the bill as an exciting destination for a honeymoon with lots of things to see and do, not least for its marine wildlife, iconic cityscapes and unforgettable road trips. Visit the Royal Opera House in Sydney, book a boat trip and scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, and take a hike through the incredible Daintree Rainforest in Queensland. For the adrenaline junkies, bungee jumping in Cairns and experiencing the world’s highest swing in Queenstown are an absolute must. For those after a mix of culture, activities and fascinating history, consider Thailand. This Southeast Asian country is known for its impressive temples, tropical beaches, elephant sanctuaries and wealth of adventurous activities including free diving, white water rafting, off-road motor-biking through a Thai jungle, and of course, scuba diving.

and Finland and Russia are among the top contenders. If you’re heading to Finland, take a tour on the mighty Arctic icebreaker cruise, Sampo, a majestic vessel that breaks through thick layers of ice on the surface of the Gulf of Bothnia – an incredible experience for all the senses. Finnish Christmas Markets are an unmissable sight if you’re honeymooning over the festive season, when beautifully decorated stalls line the streets, and fairy lights and colourful Christmas decorations hang from every corner. Be sure to taste the delicious food offered at these markets – we recommend some hot glögi (Finnish mulled wine) to take the chill out of the cold air! Like Finland, Russia is another go-to destination for a winter wonderland experience, and is no less spectacular! Moscow is the ideal spot for the ultimate snowseeking adventure. Take a tour around

ALASKA

the beautiful city, with its onion-domed cathedral straight out of a fairy-tale. You could also stay in one of the gingerbreadstyle cottages, buried in snow with peaceful surroundings. Sounds perfect!

FINLAND

4. All aboard!

If sheer relaxation is what you’re after for your honeymoon, with everything you need within walking distance and occasional sight-seeing trips, then a cruise is worth considering. A cruise around the Alaskan glaciers will prove to be an unforgettable one.

Experience the cold glacier weather while spending the day whale watching, and stop at the Gold Rush-era town of Skagway, the totem town of Ketchikan, as well as the gorgeous capital of Juneau. Land excursions are optional too, with the possibility of seeing wild caribou, mountain sheep, and brown bears if you’re lucky. If cold winter weather isn’t your thing, you can always opt for a warm Caribbean cruise. Travel to Barbados and visit the stunning beaches and caves, head over to Costa Rica to see the mighty volcanoes and Tortuguero National Park, and to Cuba, to visit the famous town of Havana for some fun summer loving.

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HONEYMOONS

6. Canada Honeymooning in Canada will be the trip of a lifetime as the destination offers something for everyone – be it evening walks along the harbour or experiencing nature in all its glory on a wild, moose-spotting road trip. Canada is more than its maple leaf, hulking mountains and craggy coasts: it also boasts fantastic cuisine, rocks a cool and laid-back culture and, of course, has a long list of must-visit sites. Experience Ontario’s enchanting Niagara Falls, a natural spectacle of unstoppable rushing waters, or pick a trail for an awe-inspiring outdoor hike, such as the Cabot Trail or Vancouver’s rainforest trail that are fascinating in their own right. If you’re not a fan of the great outdoors, visit Quebec’s old city, Montreal’s vibrant sights, and the various and many museums dotted around this vast and enchanting country.

CANADA

7. Wellness trip Wellness trips are budding in the world of honeymoons, and are the ultimate way to connect with your new spouse soon after the wedding is over. The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of an exotic paradise. It’s more than a destination; it’s a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind. With all its natural and cultural features, the peaceful island of Bali is the perfect spot to spend alone time with your new significant other. Bali’s wellness retreats have it all: wonderful nature, centuries-old tradition, ancient wisdom to boost body and mind, spas, adventure walk trails and yoga. We’re feeling relaxed just thinking about it! Another highly sought-after wellness destination is

ETHIOPIA

beautiful Peru, which has recently become a hotspot for such trips. Stay at one of Peru’s finest treehouse lodges for the ultimate Zen experience, or visit one of the spiritual retreat centres that guarantee a peaceful stay.

8. Remote places Remote locations are climbing the popularity ladder

BALI

in the world of travel. Djibouti, on the Horn of Africa, is out-of-this-world beautiful, considered a whale shark haven and a country that’s rich in history and culture. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty – Djibouti is known for its salt lakes, extinct volcanoes, sunken plains, limestone chimneys, basaltic plateaus, majestic canyons and so much more. Just like Djibouti, Ethiopia is an entirely different world waiting to be discovered. It is a beautiful country with an incredible history, fabulous wildlife and some of Africa’s most soulful people. Top experiences include salt-laden camel trains, visiting the giant obelisks and the hidden tombs of the legendary Queen of Sheba, and spectacular castles that would make Camelot jealous.

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9. Desert trips Channel your inner Princess Jasmine and Aladdin with a honeymoon in the desert!

Head to Australia’s Great Victoria Desert, the largest desert in the country, spanning some 570,000 square kilometres in the southwestern area of the continent. A World Wildlife Fund eco-region, the desert has several protected areas including Mamungari Conservation Park, the Great Victoria Nature Reserve and parts of the Aboriginal area. You may be lucky and come across a kangaroo, koala or a dingo! Another popular desert destination is the Sahara. There are very few places on Earth that compare to the impressive and incredible landscape of the Sahara. You can start off your honeymoon in Morocco and venture off into the desert a few days later, spending the days among the sand

SAHARA DESERT

dunes and nights under the stars.

TOK YO, JAPAN

10. Asia The hardest thing about visiting the Asian continent is deciding which country, or countries, to visit. Japan is a top contender among the lot, a country which has sky-rocketed in popularity among Western travellers in recent years. Its vibrant capital, Tokyo, is a sleepless city that dazzles with its traditional culture and passion for everything new. Beyond city life, you can also take a trip to one of the country’s many temples, mountains or hot springs that will have you relaxing in no time. Another obvious choice is China’s capital, Beijing. A city that is constantly reimagining itself as it races towards the future, yet inextricably linked to its intricate past, Beijing is as compelling as it is complex. An absolute must-see is the Great Wall of China, with millions flocking there each year to witness the beautiful surroundings. Another breathtaking site you mustn’t miss is the Forbidden City, China’s best-preserved collection of ancient buildings.

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PLANNER

wedding guide PLANNER

You’re engaged, congratulations! After savouring that blissful ‘newly engaged’ feeling and toasting to your soon-to-be wedding day, it’s time to actually start planning your wedding, at which point you’re likely to ask the same question that all newly-engaged couples ask: Where do I begin? When all you want to do is get married – which should, very importantly, always be at the centre of this celebration – making a million decisions about your wedding day can seem rather overwhelming. But we’re here to break it down for you, making it easy and fun in the process.

The first part of this planner will focus on the nitty gritty and more mundane parts of wedding planning, but they’re the most essential parts, so push through.

You’ll find lots of useful info about choosing a venue, devising a guest list and budgeting, after which is the fun part, which provides all the information you need to plan the rest, including preparations for getting married in church, a step-by-step timeline for reaching out to suppliers, as well as tips for some of the more essential parts of wedding preparations.

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essential DECISIONS THE HARDEST DECISIONS TO BE MADE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING ARE THE FIRST ONES, AND THE MOST CRUCIAL ONES. THE FURTHER YOU GO – AND THE CLOSER YOU GET TO YOUR WEDDING DATE – THE EASIER THE DECISIONS WILL GET, WE PROMISE!

Every couple has different priorities for planning their wedding day. If you’re dead set on a venue, a month, a date or a church that you’re simply not willing to compromise on, then that’s your starting point. Whether you’re thinking of tying the knot in six months or two years, you should start reaching out to the suppliers you’re specific about immediately to secure their availability, and work backwards. If you’re not resolute about particular aspects of the wedding and have an open mind for all the pieces of the puzzle, then it’s time to hammer out the essentials.

THE BIG FOUR There are four central decisions to make, first and foremost, that will have a bearing on your entire wedding: the guest list, budget, date and venue. They’re all intertwined in such a way that you need to think about all four before making any other decisions or bookings related to your wedding.

had in mind, in which case, you need to start trimming.

Number 1: The guest list

To help the chopping exercise, split the guests up into categories (immediate family, close friends, extended family, colleagues, other friends) and chop from the bottom up. Chopping isn’t easy, but ask yourself some questions if you’re having trouble removing people from the

If you know for a fact that you want a small wedding (under 100 people), a moderately-sized wedding (under 300 people), a big wedding (under 500 people), or a huge wedding (over 500 people), then this will dictate the most important decisions, primarily your budget.

If there are no immediate budget restrictions, draw a tentative list that includes all the people you want invited: family, friends, extended family, colleagues, people of respect, etc.

Once you have a rough estimate, decide if your

list: How close are you with this person? When was the last time you saw or spoke to them?

Would having them present on your wedding day make or break it? The answers should help you make up your mind. And although it’s early, it would be wise to start gathering contacts and addresses of those guests that you’re sure you’ll be inviting, namely family and close friends, for when the time comes around to start writing and sending invitations. You can also use the opportunity to inform them of the date you’ve

wedding is looking way bigger than what you

chosen for your wedding day.

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Number 2: The budget If you’ve got a set amount of money to work with that you simply cannot exceed, then this factor should be your number 1. Your budget will then determine your guest list, as the cost of a wedding is directly proportionate to the number of people invited. One of the most expensive aspects of a wedding is the catering (food and drink) – feeding 100 people versus 500 will yield a very different bill. If your budget is flexible, then it would be best to start with the guest list, which will then help determine your budget. Assuming that your budget isn’t limitless, you’d still be helping yourself by having a financial plan, which can be tricky to determine. Flip to the budgeting section of this planner for a breakdown of how to do it.

Number 3: The date Choosing your wedding date depends on a number of factors, including what kind of wedding you want (a Christmas-themed do or spring party wedding?), what sort of weather you’d prefer to avoid (you can never bank on the weather, but if the heat is your biggest enemy then it’s wise to avoid the summer months, and the same goes for winter), whether you want a particular reception venue and church, and whether these are even available.

As a couple, you’ll need to discuss these issues in detail to reach a mutual conclusion, but before you commit to a date, check that there are no major events taking place around that time (World Cup and UEFA European Championship finals, the possibility of general elections, etc), that close family and members of the bride and groom’s parties are available, and that no other relatives or best friends are getting married on the same date.

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The month you choose could also affect your budget – peak wedding months in Malta are May to July and September to October, which means that vendors could charge you more during high season.

Number 4: The venue Your choice of venue will likely be the biggest influence on the rest of your wedding. A grand palazzo will call for a different set of suppliers to a medium-sized villa, but you can help narrow the choice based on location, style, and numbers 1, 2, and 3 above. If a specific venue you want isn’t available on the date you chose, then you need to revisit 3 or 4. Also, a particular venue might be way out of your budget (2) – but if you’re having a small wedding, then the cost could compensate for a smaller guest list (1). On the other hand, the guest list might be too small for the size of the reception venue – you want to avoid your venue looking empty and your guests looking sparse, or too crammed and bumping into each other. So, as you can see, the big four are all dependent on each other, and one cannot be determined without bearing the others in mind.

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LEARN HOW TO REALLY BUDGET PLANNING A WEDDING IS, AND SHOULD BE, A WHOLE LOT OF FUN. MOST COUPLES HAVE LOTS OF IDEAS ABOUT THE WEDDING THEY WANT, AND CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THIS MATCHES THE AMOUNT THEY’RE WILLING TO SPEND. BUT THE TRUTH IS – AND DON’T LET ANYONE CONVINCE YOU OTHERWISE – THAT IT’S VERY, VERY DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE HOW MUCH THE WEDDING YOU ENVISION WILL COST UNTIL YOU START REACHING OUT TO SUPPLIERS FOR QUOTES AND GET DOWN TO THE NITTY GRITTY OF PLANNING IT ALL.

Often, the let-down is that what you thought would cost you ‘X’ amount ended up costing a little bit more, and then a little bit more, until in the end, it ended up costing you double what you had in mind. When you concede on exceeding your budget by a little here and there, the sum of that ‘little bit of overspending’ can amount to a lot.

You’ve probably read and researched tips and tricks on how to save money and how to stick to a budget for your wedding. But how do you figure out that budget in the first place, in a way that’s not going to knock you sideways afterwards? This is how.

Figure out the feel of your wedding Some people have this all figured out from the moment they’re engaged, others have too many ideas to choose a direction. But rather than get bogged down on the finer details (those will come later), think of the overall vibe you want your wedding day to have. For a little help, think back to weddings you’ve attended, or real weddings you’ve seen pictures of, and jot down what you liked about them and the emotions they evoked. Are you after a formal, traditional do? A low-key wedding with an intimate feel?

A fun, party-style reception which still looks fancy and smart? Think about the look, the style, the people and the sentiments you experienced – all these pieces will help shape a wedding that is unique to the two of you.

What can you afford?

This is the part where you and your partner should have a tête-à-tête to discuss and figure out how much you want to spend. Not every couple feels the need to do this, and that’s fine too, but for the most part, setting some boundaries now will help you avoid unnecessary stress later. Here are some factors that will determine your wedding budget: • How much you and your partner earn • How much money you’ve got saved up • How much money you’re willing to spend • How much money you can afford at this point in time • Other big expenses you may have around the time that you’re planning your wedding, such as paying a house loan or doing up a house • How much money, if at all, other people are willing to contribute to your wedding – in which case you need to discuss with them too while determining your own financials.

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Another number which needs to be crunched out at

(if possible, because some venues only use one caterer),

this point is the number of guests. Create an Excel or

or revisiting your guest list altogether. Restrain yourself from going ahead with an ‘over budget’ supplier just

Google sheet and start jotting names down together. No matter what kind or style of wedding you’re planning, the number of guests you invite will be the single most determining factor of your wedding budget. So make a guest list, and stick to it (give or take).

List the priorities During discussions, take some time to list your top three priorities each (separately or together) – the ‘musts’ rather than the ‘wants’. These must be aspects or details of the wedding that you feel really strongly about, and they could be just about anything: lots of flowers, an amazing band, a cocktail bar, a massive cake, an extensive menu or a top photographer. Having your own shortlists will help you focus your money and energy on the things that matter most to you both, and to split your budget accordingly. Be honest about your choices – it could only translate into a better end result!

Face the truth Now that you know how much you’re willing to spend and have a clearer idea of what you want your wedding day to look like, it’s time to find out if the two can come together. Disclaimer: try to avoid feeling disappointed if they don’t – the most important part of this whole day is that you and your partner get married and are happy, and that happiness shouldn’t come down to eliminating some canapés from your menu or ditching the peonies from the bouquets. Keep your feet on the ground from the start of wedding planning and be realistic about what you can achieve with the budget you have. Here’s a practical example: You’ve chosen a caterer, and you’ve decided on the number of people. The caterer should be able to offer you a choice of different packages at

because you envisioned one thing and reality presented itself differently – this will take you back to square one and lead to financial stress down the line, and that’s one kind of stress you want to avoid before even becoming Mr and Mrs.

Adjust the game plan If your vision and your numbers aren’t levelling out, then it’s time to re-evaluate. Can you afford to expand your budget? Do you even want to? Can you change the most expensive parts for more affordable options?

Can you save money by making some things yourself or asking relatives to make them for you? Ask yourself these questions and give honest answers. If your budget and vision are still battling each other, something will have to give, and that’s okay. Your budget must be a little fluid and adjusted as you plan along, but keep yourself accountable. If you go overboard on the band, then try cut down on the décor. And keep a record of everything – including receipts, contracts, quotes and costs, so that you can do your sums properly every step of the way.

NOTES

different prices, but the cost of one menu could vary dramatically between two weddings of different sizes: Take a menu with ‘X’ number of food items at €30 per person for a standing reception. For a wedding of 200 people, it will cost (approx.) €6,000. The same menu for 350 people will cost (approx.) €10,500. Is the latter over your budget? If so, you should consider changing caterer 99

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planning BEGIN THE CHURCH CEREMONY Most couples begin the process of organising a church wedding ceremony in either of two ways: enrolling in the Cana course or booking their favourite church. There’s no right and wrong way, but here’s how we suggest you go about it.

Enrol in the Cana course If you’re reading this planner, you might be in the middle of a Cana session at this very moment. If not, then you should consider booking your places. Cana courses are organised

by Cana Movement, and completing the course is a mandatory step in order to get married in a church in Malta.

The course consists of 10 weekly meetings, during which discussions are held in groups, led by a couple who’ll be present throughout the entire course. A booklet will be provided, together with Our Wedding Guide magazine, and at the end of the course, couples are presented with a certificate of attendance which must be presented to the Curia. It’s widely recommended to attend the course a year and a half to two years before the wedding date.

Two types of courses are offered. The one in Maltese takes place three times a year, in January, April and October, in a number of parishes across the island. Visit the Cana website to find out which parishes will be holding courses during the month that you choose, and book your places through your 100

parish of choice. The cost is €35 per couple for 10 sessions. Visit www.canamovement.org for detailed information about the topics discussed throughout the course.

The second option is the course conducted in English, held twice a year, in April and October.

These also take place over 10 weeks against a fee of €35 per couple. There’s also a fast track course in English ideal for couples living abroad but who are getting married in Malta, which takes place over a weekend.

Book the church If you’re adamant about being pronounced husband and wife in a particular church and put this as a priority when choosing the date for your wedding, then we’re assuming you’ve got this part under control. If not, there’s some paper work to be done.

Once you decide on a church, visit the parish offices for a meeting with the parish priest (il-kappillan). It’s recommended to call the office in advance in case of odd opening hours.

You’ll be asked for the wedding date ceremony time and, if the church is available, you’ll be handed a document which you need to fill out, and which you need to get signed and stamped by the parish priests of your and your partner’s respective localities. Once this is done, return it to the parish priest of your church of choice to secure the booking.

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Publication of Marriage Banns

Useful contacts

Three months before the wedding, couples must contact

CANA MOVEMENT

the Marriage Registry of Malta to make a request for the Publication of Marriage Banns at the Public Registry.

Couples can request an appointment in advance to avoid queues (details below).

Catholic Institute, St Publius Street, Floriana.

T: 2203 9300/2203 9315; E: info@canamovement.org; www.canamovement.org PUBLIC REGISTRY (MALTA OFFICE)

The following should be provided at the meeting: - Birth certificates (in the case of applicants whose birth is not registered at the Malta Public Registry) - Identity cards and their copies - A photocopy of the identity cards of the witnesses.

The Marriage Registrar also needs to know: - The church where the ceremony will be held - The date of the wedding - The name and surname of the priest who will celebrate the marriage ceremony - The surname which the husband/wife will be using after marriage.

Evans Building, Merchants Street, Valletta.

T: 2590 4200; E: pubreg.civilstatus@gov.mt Open: Monday to Friday 7.15am-2pm; Wednesday also 3-6pm; Saturday 7.30-11am.

For more information, visit https://secure2.gov.mt/ certifikati/Department.aspx PUBLIC REGISTRY (GOZO OFFICE) By the Bastion Road, Victoria, Gozo.

T: 2215 6382 Open Monday to Friday 7.30am-12.30pm.

NOTES

Ten days before the wedding, the couple will need to collect three documents (two Acts of Marriage and the Certificate of Banns) prepared by the Marriage Registry, which need to be taken immediately to the parish priest of the church of your choice. An ID card needs to be presented to collect the documents. After the nuptial mass, together with the witnesses and the priest who administered the Marriage Sacrament, the couple will sign the Marriage Certificate.

Maltese nationals who are marrying non-Maltese nationals or nationals who have lived abroad for a period of time should request more information from the Marriage Registrar, since foreign applicants would be required to present a recent free status certificate (that should be dated not more than three months prior to the date of marriage), and other legal documents with their application. Couples getting married in Gozo should apply for their Marriage Banns at the Marriage Registry in Victoria, Gozo.

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BASIC PRIORITY FLOWCHART What follows this section is a detailed, step-by-step checklist in the run-up to your wedding day. If long, detailed lists make you run for the hills, this basic chart should be enough to get you started.

Remember, the order of priority can be shifted around to suit your wedding needs, and you can add or remove suppliers and tasks as you see fit.

S TA R T I N G P O I N T

Wedding Vision | Budget | Guest list | Ceremony & Reception Venues

PRIMARY VENDORS

Catering (food & drink) | Wedding planner | Photographer | Band/DJ

SECONDARY VENDORS

Florist | Attire | Officiant | Rentals (stage, carpet, furniture) | Cake baker |Hair & Make-up | Transport

C LO S E R TO T H E DAT E

Invitations | Programmes | Readings | Rehearsal | Wedding day itinerary | Honeymoon

W E E K S A W AY

Marriage license | Assign ‘day of’ tasks | Hotel | Organise payments

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WEDDING COUNTDOWN: STEP-BY-STEP PLANNER You might be considering starting this process two years before the wedding, or six months before – there really is no rule and it can, and should be, adjusted to your own wedding day.

Take note of the factors that interest you and ignore/cross out the ones that don’t, and use this planner as a guideline rather than a divine set of rules.

We’ve broken down the fundamentals starting from a year and a half before the wedding but, as per the Basic Priority Flowchart, tasks can be shifted around along the timeline according to your needs. Everyone has particular preferences about how to plan their big day – be it through a detailed checklist or a simple breakdown of the basics, there are no rules, but we’ve presented you with both options with the aim of ticking as many boxes as possible.

A year and a half before • Determine the style of wedding you want • Establish a target wedding budget • Narrow down your preferred season/month of the year for tying the knot, and keep your options open for a wedding date • Start jotting down names for your guest list, and ask your parents for their lists too. Open an Excel/Google sheet to start keeping track of the number of guests and of their addresses • If you’re hiring a wedding planner, now would be the right time to search for and hire one who shares your wedding day philosophy • Narrow down the choice of ceremony and reception venues to your favourite options. Start touring the ones you REALLY like and ask for their availabilities 106

• Book your places for the Cana Course if you’ve decided to get married in a church • Set up another Excel/Google sheet to start keeping track of all quotes and costs you’ll be receiving and of all deposits that need to be settled from this point on.

16 months before • Choose your ceremony and reception venues and book them, thereby also establishing your wedding date • If the venue you chose doesn’t come with a caterer by default, then shop around for caterers and book this vendor too • Start looking around for and/or setting up meetings with your photographer and videographer. If you’ve found the right ones, secure their availability • Book music arrangements for the ceremony, reception and after-party (mass singer/choir, band and DJ respectively).

14 months before • Decide on a wedding theme if you’d like to have one • Shop around for and book your wedding transportation • Book any additional stations for your reception that are not supplied by your caterer, such as a cocktail bar, specialised food bar, etc.

One year before • Choose a celebrant for your wedding ceremony • Finalise the guest list • Begin the search for your wedding attire (primarily the bride and groom), and set up appointments at your first vendors of choice

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• Choose the members of the bridal party, groom’s men,

• If you want a wedding day organiser, evaluate the

ushers, flower girls, page boys, ring bearer, witnesses

options

and any other roles you may wish to assign • Design and send out your Save the Date cards if you so wish to • Shop around for and book the florist for all your floral needs, including flowers for the church, reception, bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the groom and his party, and flower arrangements for the bride and bridal party’s hair, and wedding cake.

• Secure your hairdresser and make-up artist • If you’re throwing an engagement party, set the date and send out the invitations.

• Start discussing your honeymoon destination/s and budget • Advise your employer about the date of your wedding, and book your leave in advance to give enough time for work arrangements to be made if necessary.

• Start discussing wedding cakes with your caterer or with your baker of choice, and ask for tastings.

10 months before • Encourage your respective parents to look into their wedding attire • For the bride: If you didn’t find THE dress on your first round of appointments, have another look, consider buying it online, or book a dressmaker. By this point, you should have your wedding dress, veil and accessories sorted, or almost there • Finalise attire for the bridal party members, as well as for the groom and his party • Book venue décor such as carpets for the church and reception, additional furniture such as seating, lighting, tents, umbrellas and any other décor which you desire to dress up your venue.

8 months before • Select a wedding list if you’re having one • If you’re opting for anything DIY, come up with a plan of action, and get started on whatever it is you decide to make yourself • Research wedding invitations and associated stationery such as the wedding mass booklet and thank you cards.

Reach out for design/printing prices, and book your preferred vendor

6 months before • Book your beautician and nail technician • If you still haven’t finalised the guest list, it’s a must that you have by now, and inform your caterer accordingly of any changes • Book the wedding cake • Buy and engrave your wedding rings • If you’re planning to honeymoon right after the wedding, now would be a good time to book flights and accommodation, and look into all the necessary arrangements in terms of visas and vaccines if required.

Also, make sure your passport is not expiring around the time you need to use it, and apply for the European Health Insurance Card if you haven’t already and are travelling to Europe (you can obtain an application form from your local council) • Discuss bachelor/ette plans with your maid of honour, best friend or organiser, and choose a few tentative dates within a month or so of the wedding • If you’d like to have a ceremony rehearsal, book it now. If not, it would still be a good idea to meet with the priest presiding over your wedding mass, to discuss any queries you may have about the day • Schedule hair and make-up trials for around a month’s time • Think about your wedding souvenirs – if you’re ordering custom-made objects, do so now, and if not, narrow down your choices and consider placing your order soon nonetheless, especially if it’s a big one.

3 months before • Request the Publication of Marriage Banns from the Public Registry • The bride and groom (and their respective parties, if applicable) should be getting one of their final fittings done in case of any alterations • Send invitations to overseas guests and create a spreadsheet for RSVPs and addresses 107

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•Ensure that all those who are part of the wedding are

• If you’ve hired a wedding day co-ordinator, meet them

certain of their roles, including all the ceremony readers

for a detailed run-through of your wedding day

• Make sure your best friend has reached out to the attendees of your bachelor/ette party so that they can save the date • Make reservations at your wedding night hotel

• Draw up a honeymoon checklist • Enjoy your bachelor/ette do!

• If foreign guests are coming over, ensure their travel and accommodation arrangements are sorted • If you’ve got any DIY wedding projects going on, start finalising. If you’ve haven’t started yet, eliminate them from your list and buy • Order or buy your guest book if you’re having one (and make sure you buy pens that work if you do) • Assuming you’ve bought your wedding shoes, start wearing them around the house to break them in. If you haven’t, then get on it.

• Make sure you’ve got appetisers and drinks at the ready for guests popping by your house to give you a gift • Draw up a ceremony seating plan – facing the altar, the bride’s side sits on the left and the groom’s on the right – and day-of itinerary. Pass them on to the respective wedding participants (ushers, readers, bridesmaids, best men, close family and friends, etc), and hold a ceremony rehearsal if you’re having one • Go over the choice of wedding music with your band and/or DJ • If you’d like to give a gift to your bridal/groom party members, partner, etc, purchase these now. If you’d like to buy them online, move this point backwards by a few weeks.

1 month before • Make any final alterations to your wedding attire, and if your gown is ready to leave the shop, take it home with you. Wrap it in a white sheet and store it somewhere safe (away from pets, humidity, etc). Ensure you have the appropriate underwear to wear under your dress • Buy/confirm all other jewellery and accessories for the day (jewellery for the bride and bridal party, cufflinks for the groom, veil, headdresses, garter, etc) • Confirm the number of attendees and finalise the menu with your caterer. If you’re having a sit-down meal, devise the seating plan • Start confirming all other arrangements and contracts with your various wedding suppliers, and confirm quantities of all payments • Purchase any ceremony or reception extras you might need, such as the post-wedding mass confetti, confetti cannons for during the cutting of the cake, etc • Apply for parking or special permits at the respective police station, if applicable • Mail or deliver by hand your wedding invitations, and clear your schedules for home visits if necessary • Update your wedding list registry as gifts arrive • By now, you should have your printed mass programmes and all other stationery in hand 108

3 weeks before

2 weeks before • Collect your documents (two Acts of Marriage and the Certificate of Marriage Banns) from the Marriage Registry, and take them to the church of your wedding ceremony • Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d for a more accurate headcount • Confirm the timeline and specific photo requests with your photographer. Also confirm times and details with anyone delivering goods to your home or venue • Send a transport schedule to the transport providers and ensure they confirm it • If you need to exchange currency for your honeymoon, do so now.

1 week before • Ensure that a plan is in place for the set-up and dismantling of the ceremony and reception venues • Pack a bag for the hotel, and include all necessary toiletries, nightwear, and change of clothes for the next day

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• Haircuts for the men and nail and hair-removal

• Take some time to soak in the fact that tomorrow,

treatments for the women need to be sorted around four

you’re getting married! Relax and accept that anything

days to a week before the wedding

that may crop up after this point is simply beyond your control, or in the hands of very capable beings around

• Start packing your bags for the honeymoon, including a change of clothes in hand luggage if you’ve got multiple flights to catch. Pass on your honeymoon itinerary to family in case of an emergency • Prepare final payments for vendors in separate envelopes for dispatching once the wedding is over • Prepare an emergency kit with aspirin, mints, makeup, safety pins, a sewing kit, etc, just in case you need them • If you haven’t engaged a wedding day organiser, assign a trusted friend/member to be a point of contact for vendors should something crop up. Pass on the number to the vendors so that they don’t call you • Pass on all plans, timelines and vendor contacts to your wedding day organiser, and leave things in his or her hands from here on out.

1 day before • If you’re up for it, meet up with your bridal party for a last once-over of their duties, as well as a relaxing drink before calling it a night for some beauty sleep.

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you • Set an alarm (and a back-up alarm, just in case).

The day • Have a good breakfast and lunch – you might eat sparingly throughout the reception unless it’s seated • Get married!

• Take the time to speak to family and friends, and don’t forget to breathe, focus, smile and simply have a great time on your wedding day.

After the wedding • Ensure all vendors have been paid in full • Send out thank you notes to all those who were a part of your wedding and the guests for their gifts • Take your gown and veil for dry-cleaning, and ensure that any rented garments are returned to their suppliers • Head off to your honeymoon and have a great time!

• Within six months of your wedding day, apply for the Government marriage grant (See p130).

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advice ASSIGNING ROLES The bride and groom handle most of the preparations for their wedding day, in the knowledge that, on the actual day, they can trust certain responsibilities to be handled by a handful of dependable individuals.

These are the primary roles you’ll need to assign to those who’ll form part of the wedding party.

who coordinates a number of bridesmaid-related activities, such as organising the bride’s bachelorette party, while also helping the couple with any errands or tasks that need to be done prior to the day. She’s generally also asked to attend wedding gown appointments with the bride.

When it comes to the mother of the bride’s attire, she generally informs the groom’s mother of her choice of outfit (predominantly colour and style), in order to avoid any clashes, and to complement each other on the day. The father of the bride gets fitted for formalwear along with the rest of the groom’s party and, traditionally, escorts his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

The majority of her tasks come into play on the wedding day itself, however. She helps out with any last minute arrangements while getting ready, and arranges the bride’s gown while she readies herself to enter the church. During the ceremony, the maid of honour often gets up to fix the bride’s gown and veil, and may also hold her bridal bouquet. During the reception and throughout the rest of the day, the maid of honour coordinates the bridesmaids to ensure their duties (if any) are carried out, coordinates with the best man, and collects gifts passed on by guests, which she then stows away in a secure room at the venue. She may also need to help the bride change out of her wedding dress and into a more comfortable going-away outfit, and ensures the bride’s belongings are kept safe once they leave the venue.

Groom’s parents

Bridesmaids

The groom’s parents may discuss with the bride’s parents the option of contributing to the wedding or hosting another engagement party. They’ll need to provide a list of guests, based on an agreed number with the couple, and may offer to host a dinner closer to the date of the wedding.

You may choose to have as few or as many bridesmaids as you wish (none at all is fine too, but generally, not many more than 10). Young girls between the ages of eight and 16 are considered to be junior bridesmaids, with far lighter responsibilities than the adults. A bridesmaid should assist the

Bride’s parents Gone are the days when the bride’s parents are expected to foot the bill – although if they want to, it’s something you should be discussing with them directly. Traditionally, however, they host the engagement party or dinner, and offer assistance with certain details of the wedding.

Maid of honour The maid of honour is the bride’s closest and most trusted attendant, typically a sister or best friend,

maid of honour with planning the bachelorette and, during the reception, assists her with any tasks asked of her, such as distributing souvenirs.

Otherwise, mix, mingle and have a good time.

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Flower girl Usually aged between four and eight, a flower girl adds an adorable and innocent touch to a wedding ceremony.

She’s usually responsible for scattering flowers from a basket along the aisle, ahead of the bride walking down, and dons a cute dress that’s age appropriate and in line with the overall wedding theme.

Best man The best man is the groom’s counterpart to the bride’s maid of honour. He’s the groom’s biggest source of support and generally a brother or best friend, responsible for organising the bachelor party as well as coordinating a host of other tasks before and during the wedding day. He’s usually also responsible for organising the groom’s men fittings and for picking up the suits from the chosen supplier.

On the wedding day, the best man ensures that the groom arrives on location on time, and assists the maid of honour with collecting gifts and putting them away safely during the reception. The best man is often required to make a speech before the cutting of the cake, and takes responsibility for prepping and decorating the couple’s car for their grand exit after the wedding.

Groomsmen/ushers The groomsmen, also referred to as ushers, are primarily tasked with helping the best man plan the bachelor party as well as any other odd jobs they can help out with. On the day, they’ll arrive early to the ceremony venue and greet as well as usher guests to their seats until the bride’s arrival. Throughout the reception, they should be available to help the best man should he need assistance with any tasks.

Ring bearer/page boy Just like the flower girl, the page boy, who usually acts as ring bearer, draws admiration from guests for his adorable appearance and attire. Traditionally, the ring bearer carries the wedding rings on a pillow down the aisle, although symbolic rings are often used instead of the real thing for safety’s sake, while the actual rings are carried by the best man.

There are also a number of roles that need to be assigned specifically for the church ceremony.

Witnesses One witness for the bride and one for the groom is typically the norm, although it’s not unheard of for each side to have two witnesses. Their role is to be bystanders during the ceremony, where, during the stating of vows and exchanging of rings, they stand by the couple’s side, on either side respectively. As witnesses of the so-called contract of marriage, they, together with the couple and the priest, will sign the marriage documents at the end of the ceremony, while guests are busy bustling out of the church to prepare for the couple’s exit.

Celebrant The priest you choose to conduct the wedding ceremony doesn’t have to be someone you know, but it’s likely to be more personal and heartfelt if it is. If you’ve got a family member who can celebrate mass, then it’s an obvious choice. If not though, your choice of celebrant is a personal one – you can opt for a priest whose style of preaching you’ve taken a liking to through a wedding you attended, or simply one who comes recommended from other couples who recently got married. Once you decide, approach the priest, get to know each other to make sure you’re happy with the choice, and book him.

Readers A first reading, psalm and second reading are chosen for the wedding mass, usually with the help and assistance of your celebrant, typically read by two individuals (first reading and psalm, followed by second reading).

Bear in mind individuals who can project their voices to a full church and are comfortable reading in front of an audience, and in the language you’ve chosen when making your selection of readers. Towards the end of the ceremony, it’s customary to have a number of short bidding prayers (talbiet tal-fidili) – there’s no limit as such, but between three and six prayers is the norm.

You may assign a different reader for every prayer; this is usually a way of involving close family and friends to be a part of the ceremony.

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WRITING YOUR WEDDING INVITATIONS The right wording Classic wedding invites are shaped like a card, with the bride’s details listed on the left, and the groom’s on the right. Whoever is hosting the wedding is listed first on the invitation, in the style of Mr & Mrs ‘so and so’ request the honour of the presence of ‘so and so’.

Spell everything out, including the time and location of the ceremony, the location of the reception venue, your names, your respective addresses, RSVP details and any other important information. If you, and not your parents, are hosting the wedding, then a single-sided wedding invite will do, typical of modernday wedding invitations, which tend to be minimalist and current in design and style. The latter, however, is totally up to the individual tastes of the couple.

Avoid overcrowding While getting all the information on the invitation is important, avoid overcrowding.

Keep the size of the invitation in mind, and get all the key points in there as mentioned above.

But squeezing too much text into a card can easily render it too busy, making it harder to read and a little less elegant. If you need to add directions or details about wedding gifts, print them on separate enclosure cards. Important – one bit of information that shouldn’t be on your invite is the wedding registry; guests will personally ask you whether you have one or not.

When to send them While not very common locally, Save The Date cards should be mailed around one year before, especially if you’re tying the knot in the midst of wedding season. As for wedding invites, order them at your stationery of choice up to eight months before the date, and have them ready to 114

be mailed four to six weeks before. For overseas guests, invitations should be mailed around three months before.

RSVP RSVP information is generally included on the bottom of the invitation or on a separate, smaller card enclosed within it. Give guests a deadline for getting back, and do not make it longer than two weeks after they’re expected to receive the invitation, otherwise there’s a very good chance they’ll forget to RSVP altogether.

Check with your caterer when they’ll need a final headcount, as well as any other suppliers who need final numbers a few weeks before the wedding.

Pen to paper The handwriting used for your wedding invites needs to be more than merely legible – it needs to be elegant, if not a little artistic. Many people rope in the skills of a calligrapher who can masterfully address your envelopes and invites, and while it’s not a must, it’s certainly worth considering, especially if your own handwriting is a little wild. If your budget doesn’t permit, you’re better off getting everything professionally printed.

The rest of your stationery Don’t forget to order the ceremony booklet, menus for a seated wedding, souvenir tags, reading cards, as well as thank you notes together with your invitations. This will save you time and money, as the stationer will place a single order and probably give you a discount too for ordering in bulk. Also, remember to stick to the theme of your wedding invite – while minor variations are fine, you want your wedding stationery to look and feel cohesive.

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7 THINGS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER BEFORE THE WEDDING You’ve asked around, viewed scores of wedding photos online and finally chosen the photographer whose style aligns with your vision for capturing your special day.

But the conversation doesn’t end there. Discussing your needs, likes and dislikes with your photographer ahead of the big day is crucial for ensuring you’re happy with the results. And the same can apply for your videographer if you’re hiring one for your wedding.

Let them know of any surprises

Are there shots you specifically want?

Is there anything about your guests that the photographer should know about?

There might be particular shots you’d like your photographer to capture – specific set-ups for couple photos, group shots with family and friends, detail shots of the décor you painstakingly prepared for the venue, and any shots that have sentimental value to you and your significant other. If the photographer doesn’t know what you want, she or he won’t be able to capture them, but don’t go overboard – you hired your photographer because you trust their abilities, and they’ll definitely know what does and doesn’t work.

Are there shots you specifically don’t want?

From a facial feature you’re conscious of to an angle that makes you uncomfortable or even a type of shot that will make you break a sweat with nerves, it would be useful for your photographer to know what makes you cringe. Just as above, however, don’t be too demanding and allow them to do their job.

Draft a timetable for the day This isn’t over-planning, but rather a vital task to ensure the day runs smoothly, and everything that you’ve planned takes place. Discuss the order of the day with your photographer to ensure she or he can capture all of the day’s events, and include buffer zones in case you run over schedule at certain points in the day.

“How am I supposed to know if it’s a surprise?” you might ask, and rightly so. You wouldn’t want to spoil any surprises that the best man, bridal party or your parents have in store for you, but perhaps you could advise them to alert the photographer of any impromptu performances or unexpected displays, to make sure the photographer is there to capture the moment.

While sharing sensitive information about your family members may be uncomfortable, it would be better to share it in a private setting alone with your photographer than with a crowd of people at your wedding. Perhaps your parents are separated and not on great terms, or you’ve got a family member who’s sick and frail, and cannot stand for long. Informing your photographer about sensitive issues will avoid him or her from making impossible requests on the day.

Make a member of the wedding party a point of contact Whether a close friend or a cousin you can trust, give your photographer a point of contact who they can get in touch with should an issue arise on the day, for gathering people for group shots and for anything else that the photographer might need.

If you’re up for something different, let them know Photographers relish the opportunity to be creative and experimental, even on a couple’s special day, if the couple is up for it. If you’re the adventurous kind and not afraid to step out of your comfort zone on your wedding day, let the photographer know. It could be all the motivation they need to set up and capture an unforgettable photo.

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PLANNING YOUR WEDDING TRANSPORT

Do the parents of the bride AND groom need a car? How many cars should I book? Do both the bride and groom need a car to get to the wedding ceremony? Read on.

Take a head count

If you’re getting married during peak wedding season, then it’s never a bad idea to book your wedding transport as soon as you decide on the date, venues and of course on your preferred wedding transport supplier following a cost comparison exercise. If you’ve eyed a particular

The main people you’ll need to organise transport for are immediate family and members of the wedding party. Widely speaking, this means the bride and groom, your respective wedding parties, both sets of parents, siblings who are not in the wedding party and potentially any grandparents who depend on parents for lifts, although this would best be discussed with the respective

car you can really see yourself arriving at and leaving the church in, then make the booking with the car rental company, and leave the

parents beforehand. If you’ve got foreign guests over, organise a minivan or bus for them to be collected and dropped off at the same spot,

When to book your wedding transport

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details and logistics for later – so long as the cost is affordable.

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presumably at the hotel or residence they’ll be staying

BONUS TIP: Avoid overcrowding your wedding cars –

at for this trip. If you’re keen to start the party early, you

between large dresses, delicate fabrics and a whole lot of

could join them for the bus ride from the ceremony to the venue.

nerves, every passenger should be comfortable and have enough breathing room.

The routes you need transport for You’ll need to figure out transport for three main trips: from the bride’s residence to the ceremony, from the ceremony to the reception, and from the reception to whatever destination you choose afterwards.

NOTES

The bride and groom travel separately to the ceremony with their respective attendants – the bride typically travels with her father and/or mother, in the same ride that she and her husband will use to get to the reception afterwards, while the rest of the bridal party travel together. Since the groom will be driven to the reception along with the bride after the ceremony, it’s customary that the groom and his best men drive to the church in one of the best men’s cars, who then leave the ceremony a little early to prepare the venue for the couple’s arrival.

If budgets permit, a car can also be booked to take the best men and groom to the wedding ceremony location.

Whoever got driven to the ceremony will need a ride to the reception too. The whole group can either get there in a fun ride like an old bus or van, or in the same vehicles that brought them to the ceremony. The newlyweds may choose to join in the merriment and travel in the same vehicle as the rest of the wedding party, or take a private vehicle for a dream ride to the reception. If budgets don’t permit, advise those who’ll be getting a ride to the ceremony about travelling plans, so that they can make arrangements in advance and plan ahead.

Sealing the deal Once you’ve established the logistics of your wedding transport, get a solid quote of the costs involved followed by a contract containing all the details you agreed upon, including the length of time the company’s service will be rendered for, any hidden costs such as fuel, as well as cancellation and refund policies.

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WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING – A TIMELINE The experience of shopping for a wedding dress is a mixed bag of feelings – it’s exciting, overwhelming, unnerving, emotional and a whole lot of fun. You’ll be asking yourself a bunch of questions like when should I start looking? Where should I go first? And should I buy the one I like even if it’s a year early? Here are some answers, as well as a sample timeline of a typical shopping experience.

One year Shopping around for a wedding dress more than one year before will likely be a waste of time. Trends change, and so might your taste and shape, so contain the impulse to start well ahead (Pinterest can be your best friend in the meantime).

Once the time rolls around, start by setting a budget. With all the beautiful dresses you’ll see and try on, sticking to a budget will be immensely difficult, and you’ll want to exceed your budget at the cost of finding ‘the one’.

While it’s perfectly understandable, try not to get carried away, as your dress is one part of a whole, elaborate affair that doesn’t stop at the dress – there are the shoes, veil, accessories, underwear and jewellery to consider too.

Do your research, and figure out what you might and might not like, keeping in mind the location of the wedding, time of year, and the silhouette that might best suit your shape. A heavy, structured gown will weigh you down at a beachside wedding, while a lightweight, floaty dress might get lost in a grand ballroom. Gather your ideas, but keep an open mind. All too often, lots of ideas end up being confusing rather than 122

helpful, and after trying on a few dresses, you might be surprised to see that what you like on is not what caught your eye in pictures.

Eight months By this point, you should be concluding the purchase of your dress with your supplier of choice, giving you enough time to schedule alterations, which could take weeks of work with months in between, especially if the bridal shop is busy with back-to-back weddings at a peak time of the year.

After trying on lots of dresses, your gut is probably telling you which dress is THE dress.

Although you might find it difficult to believe that now, you’ll realise it when you find the one that makes you feel equally confident and comfortable. You’ll be required to place a deposit for the dress, which generally amounts to half of the full amount. Make sure all the information the supplier jots down is correct before leaving the shop, and ask when your gown should be arriving or ready for another fitting. Also, now is the right time to fire any questions, namely the costs of alterations, when you’ll be required to pay the full amount, and whether there are any hidden costs to avoid nasty surprises further down the line.

Four months With your wedding dress chosen and bought, you should be shopping around for your very important under-the-dress essentials, be they a strapless bra, support bra, form-fitting pants, seamless underwear, tights or stockings.

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The same applies for your veil, which needs to be bought or borrowed with your wedding dress in mind in a style that complements it. There are plenty of styles to choose from and this, together with your accessories and shoes, should be sorted out at least four months before the wedding. Consider the height of the heel when looking for shoes – you wouldn’t want to be looming over your future husband at the altar, or risk tripping on your way into the church wearing heels you can hardly walk in.

Three months You’ll likely have around two to three fittings before taking your dress home with you, and by this point, you should be having your first. Take everything you’ve bought with you to the fitting, meaning your underwear, veil, shoes and accessories, to see a complete look that is as close to your final bridal look as possible. If you haven’t bought your shoes yet, take something with a similar heel height so that the seamstress can gauge the length of your dress hem.

During this fitting, the major alterations will be made, including taking in the bodice, adding sleeves, pinning and tucking. Take the opportunity to move around in your dress to make sure you’re comfortable in it. Take some deep breaths to ensure it’s not too tight around the waist.

One month With one month to go, you should be having your second, and potentially last fitting, depending on the extent of the changes required. You may request another one closer to the date. Bear in mind that requesting another fitting two weeks before the wedding is risky, and chances are alterations will be rushed or not done in time. Best to check with the seamstress at your wedding shop of choice to make sure it’s doable. And, when at home, practice walking around in your wedding shoes to break them in.

One week With your wedding day around the corner, you should be collecting your dress, but not before checking it first to make sure everything is as you want it to be. Once home, you’ll need to find a safe place to store it, away from humidity, excessive heat and prying eyes. Keep it in a breathable bag, and by itself – any accessories including the veil should be kept in the same place, but separate to the dress, to avoid any fabric or beading from snagging. Keep an emergency kit handy, with safety pins, tape, needle and thread, for when you’re getting dressed on your wedding day. Schedule around 30 minutes to get fastened in, and enjoy every moment!

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information CHANGING YOUR SURNAME AFTER MARRIAGE The personal choice of whether or not to change your surname after marriage may be a difficult one as, for some, it means parting with a crucial aspect of their identity. Deciding whether to keep your surname, amalgamate it with your spouse’s or change it altogether is a choice that only you can make and which needs to be given due consideration before taking a permanent decision.

The options under Maltese law are various – spouses may take each other’s surname, keep their birth surnames, or combine both surnames to form one which their children will then inherit. For instance: Sarah Attard and Mark Borg can keep their identity as per their premarriage status, adopt one of the other person’s surname, meaning Sarah and Mark Attard or Sarah and Mark Borg, or combine both, namely Sarah and Mark Attard Borg or Sarah and Mark Borg Attard.

Amid the flurry of preparations you’ll be handling for your wedding day, planning your last night or weekend as a ‘singleton’ is one that you can completely wash your hands of. Typically coordinated by the bride’s and groom’s respective parties, all you have to do here is sit back and enjoy the surprises they have in store for you.

We do, however, recommend that you’re let in on some of the planning to ensure that the events your friends or family have up their sleeves are ones you’ll enjoy, and that won’t embarrass you or make you feel uncomfortable throughout the evening or weekend. As bachelor/ette parties get increasingly elaborate these days – ranging from weekend-long trips abroad to parties, festivals and games intended to make the bride or groom squirm – things could get out of hand, and the last thing anyone would want is to upset the main protagonists of the event.

Also, you can hold on to your passport and ID card after you get married whether or not you change your surname, then update your details accordingly once the documents expire and

Ask your friends to run basic concepts by you to ensure you’re fine with them, and perhaps be clear with them about what you DON’T want on

need to be replaced. Just be sure that, when placing bookings for travel or important events

the day, then leave the rest in their hands, and enjoy counting the days until it arrives!

where your details are required, you use the same surname that’s written on your passport or ID card.

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THE BACHELOR/ ETTE PARTY

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SAMPLE WEDDING DAY TIMELINE • Get up early (do your utmost to sleep!) and have a good breakfast. This will see you throughout the entire morning and possibly even through lunch time when you’ll be too excited to eat • Have a bath or shower, and take your time doing so

• Formal photos are taken at the reception before you start mingling with guests • Begin greeting guests and enjoy it while you do. Food and drinks will be served • The band arrives and the couple share their first dance. The dancefloor is officially open and everyone joins in the fun

• For the bride and her party, hair is done first, followed by make-up • The photographer arrives at the groom’s residence followed by the bride’s, either while she’s done getting ready or during, depending on the agreement with the photographer • Get dressed • Groom arrives at the ceremony location. Bride prepares to leave her residence • The ceremony begins and ends, photos are taken at the altar, and you exit the church to start making your way to the reception venue

• Time for some speeches and cutting the cake.

Couples are increasingly opting to do this before the first dance, to avoid breaking the flow of the party • If you’re planning to stay on till the end, then the after-party soon begins. If not, you’ll be preparing for your grand exit •Get to your hotel and flake out.

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APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE GRANT Did you know?

Useful contacts

Couples who get married in, and are residents of Malta can apply for a marriage grant within six months after tying the knot. The Marriage Grant, paid by the Government, can be a maximum of €277 per person, that is, up to €554 per couple.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY 38, Ordnance Street, Valletta.

T: 2590 3000; E: social.security@gov.mt

Who is eligible?

The Grant is open to Maltese nationals who have contributed at least 26 Social Security Contributions prior to the date of marriage. In the case of a remarried person, 26 contributions are to be paid as from the last date of marriage.

EU nationals with a permanent Maltese residence are also eligible.

How do I apply?

You and your spouse must fill in an application form, which can be obtained from the Department of Social Security, from your district Social Security Office or online. The form must be submitted to the same Department within six months from the date of marriage. Provided that your marriage was registered in Malta, there’s no need to present a marriage certificate to apply for the Marriage Grant. However, when a marriage cannot be verified against official records, the marriage certificate will be required.

The Grant is paid to each eligible spouse on a particular day according to a schedule, which you can view on this site: https://dssservices. gov.mt/Views/PaymentSchedules.aspx For all information about the Grant, the application form and the exact day that you can expect to receive it, visit www.socialsecurity. gov.mt

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NOTES

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Total projected budget:

BUDGET SHEET

Projected number of guests: SUPPLIER NAME & CONTACT

WEDDING PLANNER/CO-ORDINATOR Wedding planner Wedding day coordinator VENUE Ceremony venue Reception venue FOOD & DRINK Food catering (food, service, equipment, crockery) Drinks catering (drinks, service, bar set-up, glassware) Food & drink stations/bars Cake PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY Photography Videography ENTERTAINMENT Band/music for the ceremony Band/DJ for the reception ATTIRE For the bride (dress, jewellery, underwear, accessories, shoes) For the groom (suit, jewellery, shoes) Bridal party (gowns, shoes, accessories) Groom’s party (suits) STATIONERY Save The Date cards Invitations Church programme Menu cards Postage costs

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BUDGETED ESTIMATE

ACTUAL COST

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DEPOSIT PAID

BALANCE DUE

DUE DATE FOR FINAL PAYMENT

NOTES

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Total projected budget:

BUDGET SHEET

Projected number of guests: SUPPLIER NAME & CONTACT

DÉCOR Flowers Lighting Rentals (tables, chairs, church carpet) Accessories (lanterns, confetti, guest book, signage) TRANSPORTATION Cars Flights for foreign suppliers EXTRAS Hair (including bridal party) Beauty & make-up (including bridal party) Souvenirs Wedding rings Photo booth Wedding party gifts Documents & bureaucratic requirements Wedding night at hotel Extra fees CONTINGENCY FUND Set aside 5 per cent over and above your stipulated budget just in case

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BUDGETED ESTIMATE

ACTUAL COST

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DEPOSIT PAID

BALANCE DUE

DUE DATE FOR FINAL PAYMENT

NOTES

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WEDDING KEYWORDS Here’s a list of keywords related to planning a wedding – there are lots of things you probably don’t need, but just highlight the ones that you do, and jot them down on your planner to make sure no stone is left unturned.

After-party outfits Bachelor/ette party Beauty treatments (hair removal, facial, etc) Beverages (alcoholic, nonalcoholic) Bouquets Boutonnieres Bridal gown Bridal jewellery & accessories (veil, shoes, garter) Bridesmaids’ accessories (shoes, jewellery, flower crown) Bridesmaids’ dresses Cake Cake accessories (topper, knife, etc) Catering Centrepieces Ceremony exit toss (petals/ rice/papers) Ceremony officiant Ceremony programmes Ceremony seating plan Chairs & sofas Champagne & glasses

Church Church flowers Comfortable footwear (bride, groom, parties) Confetti Confetti cannon Dance lessons Engagement ring Flowers Flower girls Gifts for the bridal party Gifts for the groom’s party Going-away car Groom’s suit Groomsmen suits (best man/ men, ushers) Guest book & pens Guest list Hair (for the bride, bridal party) Honeymoon Hotel (a bag with change of clothes, essentials for a night’s stay) Invitations Invitation calligraphy Lighting

Make-up (for the bride, bridal party) Marriage license Music (DJ, band, playlists) Page boys Passports Photo booth Photographer Rehearsal Ring bearer Ring pillow Save The Date cards Souvenirs Theme Transport Venue Venue décor (linens, jars, lanterns, etc) Videographer Vows Wedding day co-ordinator Wedding day shoes (bride, groom) Wedding planner Wedding rings

NOTES

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DIRECTORY

HBR HAIRDRESSING

T: 2157 0810 FB: hbr.hairdressing

Directory The Our Wedding Guide Directory is a print version of the digital directory available on our sister brand www.ourwedding.com.mt, Malta’s largest and leading weddings portal.

LA HOUPETTE

T: 2701 4144 www.lahouppette.eu

BEAUTY ALLURE BY RAMONA

M: 7990 8050 FB: AllurebyRamona

MARIAH MAKEUP ARTISTRY M: 9988 3416 FB: mariahmakeupartistry

CLAIRE’S INNER BEAUTY

T: 2143 7766 www.claresinnerbeauty.com

BRIDAL WEAR & GROOM’S WEAR

ELIZIR

ALAMANGO

GEOFFREY NUTRITIONIST

BORTEX

M: 9982 2288 www.gaxiak.yolasite.com

T: 2124 5814 www.bortexgroup.com

HAIR BY ALISON

CAMILLERI PARIS MODE

T: 2143 7115 www.elizirmt.com

M: 9925 8262 FB: hairbyalison

T: 2131 4331 www.alamango.com.mt

T: 2010 2030 www.camilleriparismode.com

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D ELEGANCE

T: 2156 6961 www.delegancebridal.com

CARS & TRANSPORTATION

DIANNE JOSEPHINE

AQUILINA BRIDAL CARS

T: 2155 7730 Malta / 2155 7740 Gozo www.diannejosephine.com

M: 9949 2520 FB: Aquilina-Bridal-Cars

GAUDI BY JB STORES

DALTON CHAUFFEUR SERVICE

T: 2331 4341 www.jbstores.com

M: 7942 6332 www.daltonmalta.com

MONSOON

ECABS

T: 2134 6080 www.monsoon.eu

T: 2138 3838 www.ecabs.com.mt

PORTUGHES LAUNDRY

GARDEN OF EDEN

T: 2144 4444 www.portughes.com

T: 2367 2000/2167 6756 www.gardenofedenmalta.com

RICCA SPOSA MALTA (ART BRIDAL MALTA)

THE DIAMOND LIMO LOUNGE

M: 9928 0784 FB: riccasposamalta

T: 2367 2000 www.diamondloungemalta.com

SWAN LAUNDRY & DRY CLEANING CO. LTD T: 2248 2200 www.swan.com.mt

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JAMES CATERERS

T: 2189 6290 www.jamescaterers.com

CATERING BUSY BEE

SICA TRADING

T: 2134 0400 www.busybee.com.mt

T: 2144 1415 www.sicatrading.com

CAFFE CORDINA

VILLA ARRIGO (OSBORNE CATERING)

T: 2123 4385 www.caffecordina.com

T: 2142 3214 www.villaarrigomalta.com

CAMILLERI CATERING

T: 2147 2255 www.camillericatering.com

FLORISTS CHERRY MIXTURES

ALISTAIR FLORAL DESIGN

DOLCERIA APPETTITOSA

FLOWERS BY PHYLLIS

T: 2143 7148 www.appettitosa.com

T: 2157 1833 FB: Phyllis Gauci

ELIA CATERERS

ROMANO CASSAR

M: 7777 2710 FB: cherrymixtures

T: 2124 6920 www.elia.com.mt

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T: 2722 3334 www.alistairfloraldesign.com

T: 2144 1264 / 2148 6307 www.firmromanocassar.com

DIRECTORY

THE PAVILION GASTRO PUB

T: 2122 1110 www.thepavilion.com.mt

HENS & BACHELORS BEMANIA PARTY SUPPLIES

T: 2141 9580 www.bemaniapartysupplies.com

HOME FURNISHINGS BROOKIES RESTAURANT

ALADDINO CARPET CENTRE

HARD ROCK CAFE

ART AT HOME

HENRY J BEANS (CORINTHIA)

BIG BEN INTERIORS

MC ADVENTURE

COSE CASA

MELITA GARDENS

SUNLOCK

T: 2155 0924 www.brookiesgozo.com

T: 2138 0983 www.hardrock.com

T: 2370 2694 www.henryjbeans.com.mt

T: 2206 0106 www.mcevents.mt/all-activities

T: 2147 0663 FB: melitagardens

T: 2148 2452 www.aladdinocarpet.com

T: 2141 7402 www.artathomemalta.com

T: 2144 7347 www.bigbeninteriors.com.mt

T: 2144 7672 www.cosecasa.com

T: 2122 2083 / 2722 2083 www.sunlockblinds.com

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THE HOUSE SHOP

T: 2133 4226 www.thehouseshop.com.mt

FIRECRAFTED HANDMADE JEWELLERY M: 7935 3748 www.firecrafted.com

GABA JEWELLERS

T: 2210 5000 www.gaba.com.mt

HONEYMOON ENRICO TRAVEL

GB JEWELLERS

T: 2134 4134 / 2134 4324 www.enricotravel.com

T: 2149 9679 / 2132 2889 www.gbjewellery.com

ORANGE TRAVEL GROUP

JADE JEWELLERS

T: 2277 6100 www.orangetravelgroup.com

T: 2146 3833 FB: jade.jewellers.1

STAFF TRAVEL

JEWEL BOX

T: 2757 2713 www.stafftravel.com.mt

T: 2704 2247 www.jewelboxmalta.com

SC BRIDAL DESIGNS

JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES CLEMENT JEWELLERY (GIFTLINE) T: 2149 4654 www.clement.com.mt

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T: 2156 0162 FB: scbridaldesigns

TA’ DBIEGI JEWELLERS T: 2155 3722

DIRECTORY

YANA’S JEWELLERY

T: 2133 5036 www.yanasjewellery.com

SPITERI LUCAS ENTERTAINMENT T: 2123 5814 www.spiterilucas.net

TUNIN ENTERTAINMENT

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT EVAN PLUMPTON

T: 2180 1381 FB: evan.plumpton

T: 2143 5763 www.tunin.com.mt

VOCA CHOIR

M: 9945 2583 / 9922 5522 www.vocachoir.weebly.com

GORDON EXPRESS ENTERTAINMENT M: 7949 6965 FB: Gordon Express Entertainment

JOSEPHINE EBEJER GRECH M: 2141 7548 FB: jebejergrech

CAMILLERI PARIS MODE

T: 2010 2030 www.camilleriparismode.com

KIM GRECH

DARMANIN FOOTWEAR

PLETHORA DANCE

XUS MALTA

M: 7983 2846 FB: kim.grech.9

M: 9949 0896 www.plethoradance.com

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OCCASIONAL WEAR

T: 2142 1383 www.darmaningroup.com

M: 9998 7987 www.xusmalta.com

DIRECTORY

RACHEL MUSCAT PHOTOGRAPHY M: 7920 2786 www.muscatphoto.com

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO FENBROS

SELFIE MIRROR

T: 2180 9200 www.fenbros.com

M: 9966 6653 www.selfiemirror.com.mt

FOTOMOND

SNAP ART

T: 2167 2196 FB: raymond.gialanze

M: 9945 1749 www.snapartfoto.com

IAN ABDILLA PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FOTO GRAFER FGURA

M: 7905 9217 www.ianabdilla.com

T: 2166 0166 / 2788 8999 www.thefotografer.com

INIGO TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

T: 2146 0162 www.inigotaylorphotography. com

PROPERTY & FURNISHINGS

KITZ KLIKZ

ALEX MERCIECA BATHROOM CENTRE

M: 9985 4199 www.kitzklikz.com

T: 2169 5438 www.alexmercieca.com

PIN WHEEL

ALFRED HILI AND CO LTD

M: 7926 2959 www.pinwheel.eu

T: 2723 4527 / 2144 4669 www.alfredhili.com

149

DIRECTORY

ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

T: 2138 0309 / 2738 0309 www.alternativetechnologies. com.mt

NOROB INSTALLATIONS

M: 7947 5940 / 9985 4838 www.norobinstallations.com

CA GYPSUM

T: 2741 8713 www.cagypsummalta.com

SOUVENIRS & INVITATIONS

CARINI BATHROOMS

CHARMING DIVA

COMTEC

EXCLUSIVE CREATIONS (CONCEPT CREATIONS)

T: 2144 9641 www.carinibathrooms.com

T: 2180 0666 www.comtecpestcontrol.com

T: 2142 3634 www.charmingdiva.com

T: 2784 5555 www.exclusivecreations.eu

FGP LTD

SOAP CAFÉ

GOZO POOLS

UFFICCJU MISSJUNARJU

T: 2167 3627 www.fgp.com.mt

T: 2156 5288 www.gozopools.com

T: 2788 3675 www.SoapCafeMalta.com

T: 2123 6962 www.missio.org.mt

MALTA TILES

T: 2189 6534 www.maltatiles.com

151

DIRECTORY

DB HOTELS & RESORTS

T: 2350 3750/1 www.dbhotelsresorts.com

VENUES BACCHUS

DOLMEN HOTEL MALTA

BELLA VISTA HOTEL

FORT ST ANGELO (HERITAGE MALTA)

CHATEAU BUSKETT

FORT ST ELMO (HERITAGE MALTA)

CORINTHIA HOTEL ST GEORGE’S BAY

GARDEN OF SERENITY

T: 2370 2632 www.corinthia.com

T: 2166 6600

CORINTHIA MARINA

GIARDINI LAMBROSA

CORINTHIA PALACE ATTARD

GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR

T: 2145 4981 www.bacchus.com.mt

T: 2157 0591 www.bellavistahotelmalta.com

T: 2145 4233 www.chateaubuskettmalta.com

T: 2370 2626 www.marinahotel.com.mt

T: 2144 0301 www.corinthia.com

152

T: 2355 2355 www.dolmen.com.mt

T: 2540 1800 www.heritagemalta.org

T: 2123 3088 www.heritagemalta.org

M: 7970 6236 www.elia.com.mt

T: 2125 0520 www.excelsior.com.mt

DIRECTORY

HILTON MALTA

PARADISE BAY RESORT HOTEL

HOTEL TA’ CENC & SPA

PERGOLA HOTEL & SPA

INFINITELY BY XARA

TA’ FRENC

T: 2373 3634 www.malta.hilton.com

T: 2219 1000 www.tacenchotel.com

T: 2256 7567 www.xarapalace.com

T: 2152 1166 www.paradise-bay.com

T: 2152 3912 www.pergolahotel.com.mt

T: 2155 3888 www.tafrencrestaurant.com

MALTA MARITIME MUSEUM

THE SHEER BASTION

MALTA MARRIOTT HOTEL & SPA

THE VILLA

OLIVE GARDENS

THE WATERFALL GARDENS

T: 2166 0052 www.heritagemalta.org

T: 2311 2106 www.marriottmalta.com

T: 2147 2255 www.camillericatering.com

PALAZZO CASTELLETTI

T: 2145 2562 www.palazzocastelletti.com

T: 2779 4181 www.thesheerbastion.com

T: 2311 2273 www.thevillamalta.com

T: 2146 4931 FB: thewaterfallgardens

VILHENA PALACE

T: 2145 5951 www.heritagemalta.org

153

DIRECTORY

VILLA ARRIGO

T: 2142 3214 www.osbornecatereres.com

VILLA BIGHI

T: 2295 4000 www.heritagemalta.org

THE EVENT SPECIALIST M: 7982 1357 FB: eventspecial

WEDDING SERVICES & DÉCOR BG FIREWORKS

VILLA MDINA

M: 7959 5315 FB: bgmaltafireworksdisplay

T: 2134 0400 www.busybee.com.mt

CRAFTYLICIOUS

M: 7945 9741 FB: craftyliciouselaine

WEDDING PLANNERS ‘CX’ CHRIS WEDDINGS & EVENTS T: 2123 2170 www.chrisx.eu

EXCLUSIVE WEDDINGS MALTA

M: 7927 3525 www.exclusiveweddingsinmalta. com

EVENTS CO LTD

M: 7797 9161 www.myweddingplanner.com.mt

KATIA GATT (KG EVENTS)

M: 7761 8905 www.kgeventsandco.com

154

CREATIVE GLAMS

M: 9959 1541 FB: creativeglams

GINO’S CHAIRS

M: 9949 2732 / 7949 2732 www.ginotahalqormi.com

MANUEL MERCIECA CHAIR HIRE T: 2155 9623

MOTHER & BABY CLUB CANA M: 9944 1719 www.canamovement.org