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WEDDING TIPS

When a pandemic gives you lemons, spike your lemonade!

03/27/20

When a pandemic gives you lemons, spike your lemonade!

With the current pandemic, many brides are now in a state of distress. Many weddings have had to be cancelled as countries all over the world have gone into lockdown. We want to spread positivity and we want all brides to know that this is not the end and many opportunities can arise from this setback! Let us use this time to ensure a magical wedding.  Once life goes back to normal, both you and your guests will be anxious for social interaction and reasons to celebrate life.

Take the time to save up for those upgrades you wanted: This can be the perfect time to save up for the upgrades you wanted to add to your wedding! Upgrades can make your wedding day even more memorable. Some upgrades may include adding more flowers, booking a private venue, or upgraded décor.

Use the time to see who really had your back: It is in these times of crisis that we see who really had our best interest at heart. You have had an extended period of time to see which people are the most trustworthy, dependable, and helpful. Since this is likely revealed by the postponement , you can begin to make changes to your guest list and even your wedding party.

You may benefit from travel/vendor incentives: Some venues will use this time to do upgrades that they did not have the time to do before. You might be able to benefit from these new upgrades. Your  Wedding Planner/Travel Agent may even be able to find better rates for your new date.

You now have more time to spend with your significant other: Many brides and grooms to be are so busy with their jobs and the wedding planning that they barely find adequate time to spend with each other. They never had the opportunity to just slow down and connect with each other. Take this time to connect with your significant other and spend quality time together. You might create a bond much stronger than before.  You may find the time to add some personalized details such as learning a new dance routine.

Connect with your friends and family: With all the wedding planning details, many brides never had a chance to connect with family and friends and tell them how much they appreciate them. Take this time to have those long conversations with all the persons you valued enough to invite to your wedding. Catch up on each other’s lives and create even stronger relationships.  We are lucky to have access to social media/video applications which can facilitate this even while staying home.

Take this time to get healthy and in shape: Have you been working so hard that you have been missing out on those exercise routines? This is the perfect time to catch up. If you needed to lose or gain 10 pounds to fit perfectly in your wedding dress, then use this time to do so. Also, if you needed to change your face routine,  due to breakouts, this is your chance.

If you are part of an essential service:  If your job is considered an essential service then, you may be working a lot of overtime during this time and finally get approval for the extended honeymoon you wanted once everything is back to normal.

Let us use this time to create positive outcomes. Dwelling on the negative will not change the circumstances, however taking the time to upgrade your health and wedding can create new opportunities.

Borghinvilla is being very flexible on date changes during this time so please email us if you have any concerns or questions.  

Sending lots of love,

Jennifer Borgh and The Borghinvilla Team

 

5 ROMANTIC IDEAS FOR YOUR HONEYMOON

07/17/18

Jamaica is an island that is filled with great people, and equally great places. If you are planning to get married in Jamaica, then you have made the right choice. Not only does it offer a host of great places to get married, but there are also places that will offer the right combinations for the perfect honeymoon. If you want to wow your partner by giving them a honeymoon that they will cherish for the rest of their lives, then look below for some of the best ideas.

1.     You can take the love of your life on a romantic private excursion that they will remember for years to come. Jamaica is filled with unique places that will have a smile on your face all day long. Go to a secluded waterfall or a go down the river in a bamboo raft for 2! Some great places to visit are the Reggae Falls or the Martha Brae River.

2.     You don’t have to have dinner indoors. Be spontaneous and take your partner for a dinner on the beach or cave. This is the perfect ambiance to discuss your great future together! The Caves Negril or the Spa Retreat Negril both have good food and romantic seaside dining.

3.     Visit any of the Sandals resorts in Jamaica and book butler services, so you nor your partner won’t have to lift a finger. Have someone beckoning to your every demand, and treating you like the royalty you are! We know this will be great for all those men/women who need a break from the household chores.

4.     Get to explore all your wildest fantasies privately for your honeymoon at the Adult Only resorts in Jamaica. Book an adult only resort (Couples Resort, Sandals Resort) and be affectionate without hearing children in the background.

5.     Pamper yourselves by booking a couple’s massage; this is available at most of the resorts in Jamaica. Take a break from the everyday bustle, relax, and destress before you start your new lives together!

 

 photo by Katia Taylor Photography

IDEAS TO GIVE BACK DURING YOUR WEDDING WEEK

07/17/18

Weddings can be very expensive as couples spend thousands of dollars to ensure that their special day is perfect. They want to be filled with joy, happiness, and delight as they make their lifetime vows. However, there is nothing that will bring more joy than giving back to those less fortunate. While planning your special day, you can use some of the ideas listed below to give back and bring smiles to the faces of many others.

1.     Request charitable donations instead of wedding gifts: Instead of putting down wedding gifts on your registry, you can request from your guests donations to different charities. This can be as little as a football for the local orphanage, or even monetary donations to different charities.

2.     Volunteer during your wedding week: In the week of your wedding, you, your partner, and your wedding guests can opt to partake in volunteer work. This can include a beach clean-up, or a bookfair for children.

3.     Donate left over flowers: Did you know that Borghinvilla is in the process of setting up a service where your leftover flowers can be donated to local hospital and old age homes.

4.     Buy from companies that give back to charity: There are many companies that give part proceeds of each item sold to charities. For example, certain wine and coffee companies give 1 dollar to charity from each item sold. This is a great way to shop, while giving back.

5.     Donate your wedding items: You can donate your wedding dress, shoes, décor, and other items to needy brides. The items that made your day extra special will do the same for another bride, who may not have been able to afford them otherwise.

 

TIPS TO PACK LIGHTER FOR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING

Destination weddings are fun, memorable, and exciting. One of the challenges can be trying to get all of the wedding items that are readily available in North America/Europe to an island wedding.  When couples still want all of the bells and whistles available for local weddings, this can result in hefty travel fees and taxes. Below are some tips on how to pack lighter for your destination wedding.

1.     Let your family members bring some of the items. Divide some of your wedding necessities amongst your family members. This is a great way to pack lighter, and also to save on luggage fees.

2.     Purchase packing cube sets. These not only help you to organize items so you can find them easier, but they also make your luggage take up less space by compressing items.

3.     Pay for an extra suitcase. On airlines, it is usually cheaper to pay for an extra suitcase, than to pay for extra weight on a suitcase.

4.     Buy local products: This not only helps to support the local economy of the hosting country, but gives you the relief of having less items to carry. A lot of products can be bought in the local countries.

5.     Book as a group:  Your Travel Agent can often get you extra luggage or a complimentary wedding gown allowance.  Check with your Travel Agent about group incentives with extra baggage allowance.

Always find out about local duty you may pay on items.  Some countries charge as much as 100% tax when importing wedding items.

6 FREE THINGS TO MAKE YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING BETTER

 

6 Free Things You Can Do To Make Your Wedding Better

Weddings, even though they are joyous occasions, can come with many stresses. You have to pick out the right dress, get the right cake, ensure you are booking the right vendors, choosing the right location, and preparing a great guest list. All of these choices can easily cost thousands of dollars; however, you can make choices that will make your wedding better at no cost at all!

1.     Stop Stressing: Get enough sleep the days before the wedding and schedule for yourself some alone time (get a massage from your fiance, go for a run, or listen to some music). Do not stay up late into the nights worrying about the details of your wedding, and trust that you made the right choice in the professionals you hired to take care of your special day. This will ensure that you are one very happy bride when you are ready to walk down the aisle.  

2.     Give a surprise performance: Surprise your guests with a performance from you and your partner. This can be a surprise dance, poem, or song piece. Nothing will make your guests happier, while adding an extra spunk to your wedding.

3.     Invite guests that are happy for your special day: Invite guests that are happy to see you get married. This will ensure that your guests are more willing to assist you when things go wrong. These guests will also be less likely to complain about all the minor details, and will appreciate the choices you made leading up to your wedding day!

4.     Make personalized thank you notes for your wedding party and/or guests: A personalized note on how much you appreciate the time and dedication they have made to help with your special day can go a long way without costing a penny.

5.     Do not sweat the small stuff.  Do not overreact when minor details go off schedule, as it can ruin your whole day. Always be positive, and try to come up with creative ways of solving small problems. Never let the small things ruin the big picture!

6.     Don’t let speeches run too long. There is no better way to kill the vibe then long drawn out speeches.  2 mins max per person unless they excel at public speaking and have entertaining stories.

Bonus:

Appreciate everything about your wedding. Appreciate the vendors you hired and appreciate that your guests travelled to attend.  Stop to smell the roses (literally!).  You choose the tone of your wedding so let everyone working and attending your wedding follow your lead of joy.

Photography by Geoffrey Berry Photography

 

6 FREE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR WEDDING

6 Free Things You Can Do To Make Your Wedding Better

Weddings, even though they are joyous occasions, can come with many stresses. You have to pick out the right dress, get the right cake, ensure you are booking the right vendors, choosing the right location, and preparing a great guest list. All of these choices can easily cost thousands of dollars; however, you can make choices that will make your wedding better at no cost at all!

1.     Stop Stressing: Get enough sleep the days before the wedding and schedule for yourself some alone time (get a massage from your fiance, go for a run, or listen to some music). Do not stay up late into the nights worrying about the details of your wedding, and trust that you made the right choice in the professionals you hired to take care of your special day. This will ensure that you are one very happy bride when you are ready to walk down the aisle.  

2.     Give a surprise performance: Surprise your guests with a performance from you and your partner. This can be a surprise dance, poem, or song piece. Nothing will make your guests happier, while adding an extra spunk to your wedding.

3.     Invite guests that are happy for your special day: Invite guests that are happy to see you get married. This will ensure that your guests are more willing to assist you when things go wrong. These guests will also be less likely to complain about all the minor details, and will appreciate the choices you made leading up to your wedding day!

4.     Make personalized thank you notes for your wedding party and/or guests: A personalized note on how much you appreciate the time and dedication they have made to help with your special day can go a long way without costing a penny.

5.     Do not sweat the small stuff.  Do not overreact when minor details go off schedule, as it can ruin your whole day. Always be positive, and try to come up with creative ways of solving small problems. Never let the small things ruin the big picture!

6.     Don’t let speeches run too long. There is no better way to kill the vibe then long drawn out speeches.  2 mins max per person unless they excel at public speaking and have entertaining stories.

Bonus:

Appreciate everything about your wedding. Appreciate the vendors you hired and appreciate that your guests travelled to attend.  Stop to smell the roses (literally!).  You choose the tone of your wedding so let everyone working and attending your wedding follow your lead of joy.

Photo by Merrick Cousley Photography

REMEMBERING LOVED ONES AT YOUR WEDDING

https://www.merrickcousley.com/

Remembering Loved Ones At Your Wedding

As the wedding day approaches, couples can be overwhelmed with memories of loved ones that cannot be with them on their special day. It can be a bittersweet celebration if there has been a long-time expectation that certain people will be there, and the most upsetting association can be specific plans that were made to include them in the ceremony: a lifelong dream to have their father walk them down the aisle or a dance with their mother. Although some people believe that the person lives on and joins the couple in spirit on the day, it is nice to incorporate their memory into the ceremony and reception. Here are some ways that you can incorporate your lost loved ones into your wedding:

1. Tie a loved one’s neck tie around the ring pillow. This can look less obvious if it’s tied into a bow.

2. Incorporate a loved one’s favourite elements into the wedding (serve their favourite dessert or drink).

3. Choose their favourite songs for the memorable moments (walking down the aisle, cake cutting, registry signing, first dance).

4. Print small photos of loved ones on fabric iron on a sash, or ribbon, or inner side of dress or suit.

5. If you have a jewellery keepsake then use the stones, or have their jewellery sized to fit you.

6. Have a slide show and incorporate a few photos of them.

7. Include a memory to them in your program or perhaps a few words from the officiant.

8. Get a mini photo locket for the boutonnière that is subtle.

9. Send of a wish lantern in the sky

Some ideas can be done privately after the wedding, such as placing the bride’s bouquet or some of the wedding flowers on the grave. Weddings should be filled with a lifetime of memories, and the most important thing is for couples to not only remember the past, but also to create good memories for the future.

Photography by Merrick Cousley Photography

70 THINGS YOUR WEDDING PLANNER CAN DO FOR YOUR WEDDING

 

A lot of couples wonder about the benefits of hiring a wedding planner, and some think it is cheaper to just plan their wedding on their own, but hiring a good wedding planner is always advantageous. If you are like the thousands of other couples who are not sure about all the tasks a wedding planner performs, this article is a must read. Here are 70 things your wedding planner can do for you.

  1. Helps you to create the type of wedding you want, by working with you to create a vision and bringing it to life.
  2. Makes the couple/family happy by relieving them of all the stressful details on the day.
  3. Assist photographers with family photo lists to avoid delays in the wedding day
  4. Carry bridal emergency kit full of items that might be needed on the day (sewing kit, cough candies, breath mints, pins).
  5. Serve as crowd control, making sure no passer-bys are in your wedding photos, or in the way of your ceremony.
  6. Help guests get home safely (call taxi).
  7. Organize couple’s paperwork, contracts, and keep copies on hand to make sure all vendors follow through.
  8. Come up with a colour scheme and theme.
  9. Clean stains/dirt in wedding gown.
  10. Steam wedding gown.
  11. Recommend a venue that fits your budget and ideas.
  12. Recommend DJ/band/entertainment.
  13. Oversees everything to make sure it runs on time.
  14. Recommend floral designers.
  15. Recommend décor designers.
  16. Set up details (place cards, menus, table numbers, seating chart)..
  17. Oversee and run the rehearsal.
  18. Help men attach boutonnières.
  19. Fix broken boutonnières.
  20. Fix fallen hems.
  21. Fix broken straps.
  22. Last minute prep and fluff of the bride before walking down the aisle.
  23. Oversees vendor set up.
  24. Brings all vendors together to make sure they are all working together on the same vision.
  25. Assists vendors (did they forget something, need directions, need water, need someone to hold their equipment).
  26. Designs floor plan for reception/ceremony.
  27. Set up “reserved” signs/aisle markers for ceremony.
  28. Supervises card box and lock it up securely in safe.
  29. Packs wedding gifts and any wedding supplies that need to go home at the end of the night in bridal suite.
  30. Helps with re-application of make-up/carry extra make up if needed.
  31. Deals with small medical issues such as, cuts, scrapes, allergies.
  32. Picks up forgotten items.
  33. Store items.
  34. Transport items from ceremony to reception.
  35. Check washrooms to make sure they are clean.
  36. Sews missing buttons, split dresses, broken bustles.
  37. Source vendors/items for last minute issues.
  38. Makes sure your guests are well taken care of.
  39. Helps with execution of food service/timing.
  40. Provides emotional support.
  41. Deals with small family issues and help mediate (Most wedding planner are not trained therapists, so there are limits to this).
  42. Reviews vendor contracts.
  43. Distributes final payments/gratuities.
  44. Finds last minute seating for guests that forgot to RSVP.
  45. Guides bridal party (how to hold bouquet for best photos, where to be, what to do).
  46. Cleans dirt from shoes/polish shoes
  47. Rolls lint from men’s suits.
  48. Fixes cake mishaps.
  49. Helps to determine/allocate budget/track budget.
  50. Meets with vendors for 2nd opinions.
  51. Orders/sources tents, outdoor toilets.
  52. Sources/arranges transportation-horse & carriages, limos, luxury cars, buses.
  53. Creates day of timeline for vendors.
  54. Creates day of detailed timeline to follow for bride and groom
  55. Helps to plan and schedule events, so they flow well and have enough allocated time.
  56. Suggests bridal gown stores and shows up for appointment (if the couple desires)
  57. Sources and makes appointments for hair and make-up artists.
  58. Helps you choose your music (although it is suggested that you do this with your DJ/Band).
  59. Touches base with vendors and address any concerns or issues.
  60. Informs all vendors of addresses and key phone numbers/reconfirm times.
  61. Helps with assigning seating (although it’s best to be done by the couple who know the guests individually and knows who should be sitting with whom).
  62. Bustles wedding gown.
  63. Books spa treatments.
  64. Books hotel blocks.
  65. Recommend and books honeymoon.
  66. Books guest travel.
  67. Assists and let you know proper etiquette.
  68. Sees potential issues before they happen, and suggest ways to avoid these issues.
  69. Helps family out with any issues
  70. Tracks and manages food allergies while coordinating with chef

 

The items that are on this list does not necessarily apply to every wedding or every Wedding Planner

Photography by Merrick Cousley Photography

2018 WEDDING TRENDS

 

As time evolves, new trends and customs emerge. People change, things change, and with them the way things are done changes. Wedding trends change rapidly, and things that were once popular have gone extinct. 2018 has seen the emergence of creative, new wedding trends that are taking the world by storm.

1.     Weed Weddings- Yes, you heard right. Since the recent legalization of marijuana in some countries, couples are now choosing to have their weddings done with marijuana infusion. There are marijuana boutonnieres, cakes, decorations, and even marijuana smoking stations. Talk about being high on love!

2.     Personalized Weddings- This is a trend that has been continuing for several years and won’t be ending anytime soon.  A personal twist on tradition such as a 3 tiered stand full of chocolate eclairs instead of a wedding cake or a signature drink named after the couples last name.

3.     Asking for money- Instead of creating online registries for gifts, couples would prefer receiving monetary guests.  Since it’s poor etiquette to ask for any gifts, couples are avoiding the online registries as a hint to guests.  

4.     Smaller, more intimate weddings- Weddings seem to be getting smaller this year.   A big part of the wedding expenses are the guests.  An extra chair, an extra meal, an extra open bar adds up so couples are thinking twice about who they invite and how important each guest is to them.

5.     More diverse entertainment- Couples inviting celebrity performers, live entertainment and making sure their DJ or band can really make things happen on the dance floor.

6.     Destination Weddings: With so many families separated geographically, destination weddings continue to be a hot trend.  If everyone has to fly to the wedding, why not choose an exotic or unique destination to add adventure to the wedding week.

7.     Dessert Tables- Couples are now skipping the traditional last course, and now opting to have a dessert table with a variety of cupcakes, donuts, and other treats.

8.     Skipping out on wedding favours- Couples are now providing guests with great entertainment, wine tasting tables, and other creative ideas, instead of giving them wedding takeaways.   If couples do give thank you gifts then they are making sure it’s something useful and not simply a knick knack.

9.     Off Resort Venues- Couples are becoming more demanding of their wedding day and want it to be all about them and their guests.  Not because of selfishness but because they want to treat their guests to a private wedding where their guests really feel taken care of and feel valued as one of the invited.

Photo by Manuela Stefan Photography

 

PACKING LIST FOR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING IN JAMAICA

 

Destination weddings are growing in popularity each day!  They are fun, memorable,  and guests as well as the couple get to have a vacation plus a wedding. Packing for a destination wedding is different from packing for any regular vacation, because it is such a unique experience. We want to ensure that you do not forget a thing. Here is a packing list for your destination wedding. 

 

1.       Valid passport

2.       Eticket/flight/transfer information

3.       Medical travel insurance

4.       Wedding Dress (make sure you have an appropriate bag to carry it in)

5.       Wedding rings

6.       Invitation(for a photo)

7.       Make-up(waterproof if possible!)

8.       Bridal emergency kit(safety pins, bobby pins, wipes, bandaids)

9.       Wedding accessories-veil, shoes, garter

10.   Undergarments-strapless bra, your skin coloured underwear

11.   Wedding suit(Jacket, tie/bow tie, pants, vest)

12.   Extra men’s shirts for a hot wedding day

13.   Extra shoes(make sure you work in your shoes before you travel)

      14.Mosquito repellant

.     15. Sunscreen

      16. Bathing suit(Borghinvilla has a pool!)

      17. Personalized items for your wedding(stationery, signage)

     18. Guest or wedding party gifts

     19. Final payments for vendors(what forms of payment do they accept?)

     20. Wedding day(or week)Schedules for your guests(even if you have emailed one ahead of time)

     21. Documents and contracts pertaining to the wedding(vendors contracts, music selections, family photo list etc)

 

 Photo by Merrick Cousley Photography

 

THE MANY REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR WEDDING

 

Photography is an investment! You get to freeze a special moment in your life and capture it forever. Your wedding will be one of the biggest days of your life, and you want to ensure that the photographic memories are beautiful and capable of vicariously transporting you back to the day you said, “I do”. A lot of individuals, in an effort to save money, get their family member or friend to do the photography for their wedding, and end up being sorry, wishing they had hired a professional. We have arranged for you ten reasons why you should hire a professional photographer for your wedding.

1.     They give you great, professional results: They are pros, and most of them have done hundreds of weddings, getting better and better each time. They also have their reputation and image to uphold, so they will ensure that they do a good job, so you can in turn recommend them to your social groups.

When you pay for a professional with all of their expensive professional equipment, knowledge, experience and know how, you are in fact paying for a "guarantee".   What is peace of mind worth to you?  To know that on your wedding day, all you have to worry about is getting married because you have a professional at the helm- A historian for lack of a better term, documenting the moments and immortalizing the memories of your special day.

Rohan Laylor (http://www.phatdogvisuals.com/)

 

2.     They are committed: They have to show up on the day of your wedding, because they would have signed a contract with you. While your close friends and family can bail out at the last minute, professional photographers cannot. In the unlikely event of an emergency, they will send someone in to replace them as they have a network of other professionals.

3.     They will always have back-ups: On your wedding day, a professional photographer will have back-up cameras, back-up batteries, and even a backup photographer just in case he falls ill. They will also have backups of your wedding photos in case of a hard drive failure or any other disasters that can happen.

4.     Your wedding photos are one of the only things you will have from your wedding: After your wedding is done and gone, photography archives the details. The one thing you will always have from your wedding is the photographs: you will show them to your future children, it may even be the last professional photo of elderly guests before they pass, and you will look at them when you want to have a walk down memory lane. For something that important, it is worth hiring the right person for the job!

“Hiring a professional photographer comes with the peace of mind that you are letting your friends and family enjoy your wedding, with experience to rely on. It is more than just photography, photographers have seen the past so much times, they can help with your future.”

Rowell Photography (http://www.rowellphoto.com/)

 

5.     A professional photographer has a shot sheet and a timeline of events. They will know the shots that they want to take, and when to take them. They will sit down with the bride and groom and discuss all the shots that must be taken. A rookie photographer will not take the time out to do all of these things, and he or she will end up ruining the photographs for your wedding and possibly missing key events.

6.     They will capture all the great moments: A professional will ensure that all the perfect moments of your wedding are captured at great angles, with great quality. Amateurs will miss the big moments of your wedding. Moments you can never get back.

“Weddings are intricate, emotional and complex events. They happen fast and usually there is a lot going on. A professional photographer knows what is essential for capturing the energy of the day, what is crucial and can't possibly be missed. They will also have the unique ability to see the moment and catch it well before it fades away, immortalizing it in a way that makes sense visually. That requires a unique ability to instantly decide on both composition and technical settings. It calls for a trained eye, one which will know how to seize every creative opportunity before it passes.”

Manuela Stefan (http://www.manuelastefan.com/)

 

7.     A professional photographer will have you looking good in all your photos. They are highly experienced and they know how to make you feel comfortable and natural when you are taking your photos. This does not come only from skill but from years and years of experience, the best equipment and hours of editing.

Photography by Rowell Photography

 

ADDING JAMAICAN CULTURE TO YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING

 

Adding Jamaican Culture into Your Destination Wedding

        Jamaica has one of the most exciting and diverse cultures in the world.  On a yearly basis the country has thousands of visitors wanting to have the ultimate Jamaican experience, and the perfect Jamaican dream wedding. Jennifer Borgh,  expert wedding planner,  and the founder of Borghinvilla Wedding Venue, gives advice on how to effectively infuse the Jamaican culture into your destination wedding. 

1.     Use Jamaican Entertainment: From a steel band,  to a Mentos band, and even fire dancers, Jamaica boasts a wide variety of entertainers that will add a perfect blend of the Jamaican experience to your wedding.

2.     Use locally grown food: What tastes better than fresh Jamaican breadfruits, apples, yams, or mangoes?  Using locally grown food not only saves money on your wedding, but gives your guest a little taste of the country.

3.     Use locally produced liquors: Jamaica boasts a wide variety of liquors that are known to be some of the best in the world.  In fact,  people travel from all over the world just to get a sample. Give your wedding a Jamaican culture infusion by having the country’s liquor at the bar. 

4.     Support small business: This not only saves money,  but creates a Jamaican environment at your wedding.  Have a coconut or sugar cane stall with Jamaican vendors. Your guests will love you for it! 

5.     Hire a Jamaican staff: Jamaicans are known to be warm,  friendly, and “full of vybz”. Hiring a Jamaican staff will be perfect for an infusion of the country’s culture.  After all,  everyone loves the Jamaican dialect and accent.

6.     Choose Jamaican food: The Jamaican food is a symbol of its culture: rich, full of flavor, and diverse.  Spice up your wedding with some Jamaican jerk chicken,  ackee and saltfish,  or roast breadfruit. 

7.     Have your wedding outside: Why come to Jamaica to have your wedding and choose an inside venue?  Save some money on decorations and have your wedding outside with view of Jamaica’s beautiful flora and fauna.

8.     Leave the resort: Take your guests on a tour of the country. Let them have the opportunity to see and enjoy the beautiful country!  You can take them to historical landmarks or even for a day at the beach.

9.     Use Jamaican Music: What brings more entertainment than some sweet Jamaican Reggae or Dancehall music?  The home of Bob Marley, the country is packed with arrists that sing songs that are perfect for a wedding. Get on the dancefloor and get moving with some sweet beats from Jamaica. 

10.  Use Jamaican Flowers: Jamaican flowers are bright and beautiful, and like the music,  represents the diversity of the Jamaican culture. You will not run out of colours or different styles.  Flowers are here to match every occasion. 

 

Photo by Merrick Cousley Photography

 

 

 

 

TOP 10 REASONS TO GET MARRIED IN JAMAICA

 

Top Ten Reasons Why Jamaica is the Best Place for a Destination Wedding.

            Sweet Sweet Jamaica! Jamaica, a small island located in the West Central Caribbean, attracts thousands of visitors yearly. They come for parties, anniversaries, vacations, and weddings. There are dozens of reasons why Jamaica is the best place for destination weddings, but here are the Top 10.

1.     The food: Jerk chicken, curry goat, ackee and saltfish, coconuts, mangoes, great vegan dishes, and so much more. Jamaica is known worldwide for great food, with great flavor. Jamaican food is appeasing both to the eyes, and to the taste buds. Having your destination wedding in Jamaica, will mean you and your guests get to taste pieces of the country that you will never forget.

2.     The weather: What better place to have your wedding than a country that has a consistently tropical warm weather all year round! Beautiful beaches and a warm yellow sun will always provide the perfect environment and backdrop for your wedding, and you will feel a whole lot more comfortable when having your wedding outdoors.

3.     The culture: Jamaica’s culture is rich! Real rich! The music, the dress, the food, the people all come together into one big melting pot of diversity and uniqueness. The Jamaican culture never fails to entertain, and you will not find yourself short of fun, adventure, and island love.

4.     Beautiful beaches: Do you want to have your wedding walking down the sands? Then Jamaica is perfect for you as you will have a wide variety of beaches to choose from. From coast to coast, parish to parish, you will find beautiful sandy beaches just waiting to be explored.

5.     A wide assortment of flora and fauna: What better decorations for your weddings than beautifully coloured flowers, birds, trees, and butterflies? The home of the Doctor bird, and Lignum Vitae, Jamaica has a lot to offer in this department. Celebrate your wedding surrounded by paradise beauty!

6.     A lot of All-Inclusive Resorts: Jamaica is an all-time favorite tourist destination, and as such the country has a wide variety of resorts to choose from. Choose based on your comfort, style, and your budget!

7.     The best wedding planners: Your destination wedding will not be as perfect without top-of-the-line wedding planners. Jamaica is home to some of the best wedding planners in the world, catering to weddings of all different cultures and styles. Last year, Jennifer Borgh of Borghinvilla, even had a weed wedding! These planners know exactly how to turn your dreams into reality.

8.     Shopping: Souvenirs for your friends, families, and acquaintances. Jamaica is filled with shops that sell a wide variety of shirts, accessories, and jewelries all labeled with brand Jamaica!

9.     The people:  Jamaican people are filled with flavor, just like their music, food, and culture. They are filled with “vybz” and laughter, and will help to give you the perfect Jamaican experience. Try hiring some Jamaican vendors at your wedding!

10.  It is easy to get married: All that is required is for the couple to have been on the island for 24 hours (as long as the marriage license application has already been submitted). There are NO blood tests needed. 

Bonus: From many USA and Canadian destinations, there are direct flights that only takes a few hours. 

 

Photography by Denise Mason Photography

 

ADVANTANGES OF DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Advantages of Destination Weddings

Destination weddings are growing in popularity each day. They are fun, exciting, and are usually more affordable! If you have already made the decision to have a destination wedding, or are thinking of having one, this article is a must read. Here are the top ten advantages of having a destination wedding.

1.     They are usually less expensive. One of the reasons,  is you will not need as much décor, due to the beautiful backdrops of destination wedding locations. Your wedding will most likely be outdoors; you will only need a few extra touches to be able to walk down the aisle, saving you a lot of money on decorations. Also, the guest list will be significantly reduced as distant acquaintances will likely not spend the money and vacation time from work required to travel.

2.     You can have your wedding and honeymoon in the same location. Instead of spending money on extra flights for your honeymoon, you can upgrade to a different resort on the same island(Consider upgrading rooms and going to adults only resort where you can start the romance) . You will have a trip that will create memories to last for a lifetime.

3.     More intimate time with friends and family members. Due to the small guest list, you have more time to spend with your close friends and family members in a glamorous location.

4.     You can go sight-seeing. Destination wedding locations are beautiful with lots of wonderful places to see and explore. Before your wedding, you and your wedding party can go sight-seeing, and spend quality time together. Your trip will be fun, exciting, and memorable.

5.     You will have amazing photographs. Imagine your photographs with beautiful backdrops of sea and sand, flora and fauna, clear blue skies. Destination weddings always results in great photos that you and your future partner will enjoy looking through for years to come.

6.     A destination wedding will be unlike any other. You can incorporate the culture of the country you choose for your destination wedding, or you can have a traditional or religious wedding. No matter what, a destination wedding will be like no other!

7.     The grooms get more involved. However, grooms tend to get more involved in destination wedding plans.

8.     It is usually easier to plan. Yes, destination wedding can be much easier to plan. Most of the resorts and wedding venues come with a variety of wedding packages that you can choose from. The wedding packages will include the catering, design, and all the other necessities for your wedding. If you hire a wedding planner, it even becomes much easier. You will only have a few choices to make, and will be able to relax and enjoy the days before your wedding.

9.     Destination weddings are less stressful. Due to the limit on the guest list, you can avoid having to tend to all your family and friends, Staying on a resort with organized activities and options keeps your guests entertained and leaves you free to enjoy their company or have alone time. Also, your wedding planner or the resort staff will take all the stress off your hands!

10.  With destination weddings your wedding day can extend to a wedding week!  Any bride can tell you how fast the wedding day goes, with a destination wedding you can plan pre and post wedding events which gives you a whole week to celebrate your love!

8 GUEST FAVOURS FOR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING IN JAMAICA

Having a destination wedding in Jamaica is always unique as it’s a country rich in culture. You get to exchange your vows surrounded with nothing but Caribbean beauty! Jamaica is known worldwide for its food, music, and people. In this country, you can never run out of ideas to please your wedding guests. When your guests have travelled to Jamaica for your wedding and you want to give them a thank you gift, here are 8 great guest favor ideas for your destination wedding.

1.     Appleton’s rum: Everyone loves Appleton Rum! Treat your guests to the taste of this beautifully complex and aromatic rum. The bottles can even be customized with the bride and groom’s name.

2.     Blue Mountain Coffee: The Blue Mountain Coffee is one of Jamaica’s treasures, grown in the famous Blue Mountains. Your guests will be pleased with the taste of Jamaican greatness, and will thank you for introducing them to it!

3.     Hot Sauce: Jamaica has a variety of hot sauces that are all equally good, and really hot and spicy! These hot sauces add a flavor that will have your guests closing their eyes in delight when they try it.

4.     Jerk Seasoning: Give your guests this and they will have a piece of Jamaica with them in their homes. The country is famous for its jerk chicken and this is highly due to the amazing jerk seasonings. This goody will have your guests jerk chicken tasting of island goodness.

5.     Jamaican snacks: Jamaica has a variety of snacks that taste magnificent. They are filled with flavor and are sure to have your guests licking their fingers. A good one to try is Reggae Carmella, this snack really packs the Jamaican culture in one bag!

6.     Mini Rum Cakes: Just hearing that name is delicious. We are sure all your guests will love you for this treat!

7.     Jamaican shot glasses: Shots, shots, shots, shots! These shot glasses have the imprint of Jamaica on the outside. Give your guests this treat and they will remember the island, every time they decide to take a shot!

8.     Jamaica shirts: Brand Jamaica is popular worldwide, and your guests will definitely love to have a Jamaican shirt to represent the small island. It is a perfect treat to remind them of the fun time they had when they visited.

4 WAYS TO BE ON TIME FOR YOUR WEDDING

07/09/18

4 Ways to Avoid Being Late For Your Wedding

Some believe that the brides arrival should be a grand entrance where the guests are anxiously waiting.  The reality is that most guests would be annoyed and impatient if they have to wait for anything at your wedding.  Unfortunately, many brides have trouble getting to their own wedding on time and sometimes guests are left waiting for hours. We don’t want you to be late for your special day and miss one minute of the fun, so here are some tips on how to avoid being late for your wedding.  

1.      Hire a Wedding Planner. A good wedding planner will ensure that everything gets done, on time. He or she will keep your day hassle free, ensuring that the only thing you do on your day is relax and get married! They take control of all the details, and have creative ideas to fix anything that can go wrong at your wedding, ensuring that your wedding day runs flawlessly(at least in appearance!) and on time.

2.      Ensure that you leave enough time in the schedule for each event, and for possible mishaps. Never underestimate how fast time flies. It is best to add a cushion for each segment of your wedding, and always leave some time for anything that can go wrong.

3.      Ensure you have a clear vision of what you want. Ensure you have trial runs, site tours and food tastings leading up to your wedding.

4.      Never take too many tasks on for your wedding day. Some brides over estimate how much they can do for their wedding, and this leads to many tasks going undone, which have them trying to meet many deadlines even on the wedding day.  Do not do ANYTHING on your wedding day except get ready.  If it can’t be done well in advance of your wedding day then don’t take on the task.

Hire the correct professionals to ensure that tasks are done well and on time. It is your special day!

 

Photo by Manuela Stefan Photography