BIG DAY BONANZA

AN INCREASING NUMBER OF COUPLES ARE OPTING TO TIE THE KNOT AWAY FROM HOME, AND UNSURPRISINGLY THE ALGARVE IS AMONG THE TOP CHOICES. THE SUN, THE SAND, THE SEA AND THE LAID BACK ENVIRONMENT MAKE IT THE PERFECT “I DO” DESTINATION

Words: AFONSO FERREIRA

ILLIAM BURLET, from Montpelier, taught French as a second language in France, in China, in Australia, in England, in Ireland and in Portugal. But when he and his Brazilian partner visited the Algarve a few years ago, they fell in love with Tavira and took the decision to settle there, and William moved into a new career, becoming one of the region’s very best and most adventurous wedding planners. Okay, so teaching is a long throw from wedding planning… but is it? Not if you are here, and a French-speaker, William explains.

“When I arrived, my plan was to continue teaching online – something I had started during Covid. But in new surroundings and all that dazzling year-round sunshine, I felt a distinct lack of enthusiasm for sitting in front of a screen in my kitchen! I am the kind of person who enjoys getting up in the morning and meeting other people.

“An Irish friend of mine was at a destination wedding near Loulé and when he told me about it, I had an epiphany! I was going to organise weddings, make people happy and be happy in return! I went to Paris to do a course, came back and began my big trip. And I am so glad I did.

“I had aways enjoyed planning events in the private sector and I had a sharp eye for detail and, more generally, beauty. Aren’t weddings about beauty, despite all the subjectivity this implies?

“I fast learned that there was a lack of French speakers in the wedding industry in the Algarve. Many second-generation Portuguese, living in France, want to get married in the country their parents were born in. And they usually marry a fellow French citizen who speaks no Portuguese.

Therefore, they look for someone able to speak both languages. I found a niche, not just in planning but in writing and performing symbolic ceremonies in French and Portuguese.”

Wedding planning is a profession in its own right, invaluable to those looking to have the perfect big day, free of concerns about anything technical. After all, the party givers and party goers are there to have fun, live the moment, make a style statement and of course, look amazing.

And that is exactly what a great wedding planner is focused on. They are there, on the spot, with all the right contacts, the best vision, a direct line to trusted suppliers, clever ideas and a respect for a client’s ideas and their budget.

One of the first questions posed by potential clients is “how does it all work?” Well, here’s how…

From the first video call to establish a picture of what is wanted, from the style of wedding to guest numbers to spend, William will start framing a concept that meets those requirements.

“It is very important to make sure we are on the same wavelength from the start,” says William. “I often ask clients to send me photographs of what they imagine for their theme – the decoration, bouquet, tables, etc. The internet offers plenty of images and they are often a better way to present a concept than a written description. Unless, of course, a couple is looking for something absolutely new and original that will become their special signature.

“With every wedding event, I need first to concentrate on the venue itself and where the ceremony will be held; once that is incorporated into the planning, we can focus on the menu, the entertainment, the atmosphere to be created.

“When I have all of the elements of the proposition, I talk to clients on the phone, by email and via video meetings so we have a shared vision. We talk on the phone, email each other, have video meetings, make joint decisions. This whole preparation process may take two months, or 14 months! There is no rule, really.

“The days before the wedding day, I’ll need to make sure the bride and groom are enjoying themselves and don’t have to deal with the organisation of their wedding. After all, that’s why they hired me!

Part of my role is to produce a strict timeline for the Big Day and make sure everyone, including the couple themselves, are aware of it. I’ll be there to coordinate, I’ll be the one making sure everything goes according to plan. Most clients are looking for A-to-Z organisation.”

With clients mainly from the UK and France, and an indepth knowledge of what is available here, in all areas and all price brackets, William is perfectly positioned to deliver custom-made packages. And he is there throughout each event to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

“Once the party is in full swing, usually after the cake is cut and shared, I’ll go home and try to sleep... not always easy with the excitement of a successful party! The following day, I might be coordinating the brunch.”

William’s clients come to him by word of mouth – a happy couple want to share – and through recommendations on Facebook, Google and his website. They may all start off with different ideas but the one thing they have in common is an early decision about destination. “Portugal is Europe, and close to home,” he explains, “it is considered trendy, which attracts many people. Add to that the weather, the food, the choice of rustic and sophisticated locations and last but by no means least, the accessible prices, and it is understandable why the wedding market here is booming.”

Ceremonies here can be civil or Catholic. Those of other religious denominations have to have a civil ceremony before the religious one can be held. And same sex marriages have been allowed since 2010. If requested, and as an additional service, William will create the entire content of the ceremony, in French, and he will officiate, too. If a celebrant in another language is required, he will introduce the best person.

Used to planning photoshoots, he will also pass on recommendations for local design shops and ateliers and also advise on accommodation for the bridal party and guests. “I don’t make bookings on their behalf – it is far easier for them to investigate

Planning all those little extras, including flowers and entertainment, is where using an expert is essential.Opposite page: Hotel Colégio Charm House what is available and to book it online. If, however, it is a villa wedding, I will check out the proposed venue in detail and get trusted suppliers involved if it needs special dressing for the big day.

“I organised a private Christmas party in a house under reconstruction and the result was amazing. I’d like to develop the idea of turning somewhere into a venue just for a wedding... !”

The oddest request he has ever had? “The night before the wedding, I was asked to start the ceremony an hour later and move everything –someone was going to land later than planned and the bride wanted to make sure he wouldn’t rush! That, and to organise a treasure hunt on a cliff for the guests to find the wedding rings before the ceremony!”

And the average spend today? “We are talking basics here, nothing extravagant. For 60 people, I’d say the average is €15,000. That would cover wedding planning, venue, catering from cocktail to dessert, photographer, video maker, ceremony, flowers, but not accommodation or transport.

“My dream is to bring magic into people’s lives. I adore seeing the happiness that is visible on the guests’ faces. It’s what the magic is all about.”