Choosing ‘the’ venue for a destination wedding is not always an easy task. With so many beautiful locations and venue options we thought we would highlight some of the differences between having a Bali wedding in a villa compared to a hotel.
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Hotel weddings in Bali usually come pre-packaged with an experienced planner and set packages. This is a great option for a time-poor couple, who just want to show up on the day and everything be arranged behind the scenes prior to the event. This often limits and sometimes eliminates the couple’s choice in using external wedding suppliers, but also saves time if they have no preferences in things like photographers etc. Having a Bali hotel wedding provides guests with the option to stay in the same accomodation as bride and groom at a discounted 'group rate'. Hotels also offer multiple restaurants and bars within their complexes and have kids clubs to allow parents some 'me time'. Bali hotel wedding packages are generally cheaper than renting a private villa with set décor and catering options. There is also less room to customise your wedding if the hotel's wedding packages are set in stone.
The most attractive aspect of getting married in a Bali wedding villa is privacy. Bali offers an array of stunning wedding villas and having the whole complex dedicated to your event and guests, means that you won’t be sharing your special day with onlookers and strangers walking by. Bali wedding villas are generally located in picturesque rural areas and come fully staffed with butlers and private chefs. Most wedding villas require a 3-5 night minimum stay depending on the time of year and will add on an additional Banjar fee (Balinese village community) for event hire. There is a greater sense of luxury in hiring a private villa, giving the couple the freedom to customise their wedding catering options and hire their chosen wedding suppliers.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and what is important to the couple and their families. We recommend reading reviews on your chosen venue and also locking in your date as early as possible to avoid missing out.
Image by Evermotion]]>Pick A Backdrop
What setting do you picture as you walk down the aisle? Beachfront, garden, pool, jungle, rice field, clifftop, take your pick. Bali and its surrounding islands offer an array of beautiful backdrops and venues to host wedding ceremonies and receptions. Most wedding venues in Bali have a number of spaces within the complex, available to set up a wedding ceremony and reception. When shortlisting venues for your Bali wedding, you may want to ask what spaces within the complex allow for ceremony setups and if they can provide images of previous weddings within the spaces available. Real Wedding Inspiration is gold and will assist in providing a real look at how a space can be used.
Event & Barjar Fees
Most Bali wedding villas and venues will charge an event fee to host a party. The price may also vary depending on the time of year your getting married and the number of guests attending the event. In addition to this, there may be a Banjar (local community) fee applicable to your booking. Banjar fees are distributed to the local community and are compulsory to many villas and venues, depending on the location. Ensure you consider the event and Banjar fees applicable to your chosen venue when setting a budget for your Bali wedding.
Capacity
All Bali wedding venues will have a caped number of guests that can be hosted within the complex. When shortlisting Bali wedding venues, be sure to enquire about the maximum number of guests and the flexibility of guest capacity.
Guest Accommodation
When selecting a Bali wedding venue you may want to consider where your friends and family can stay nearby. If your wedding venue is located in a remote location away from neighbouring hotels and villas, you may want to arrange a bus or transport pickup from a central location like the main street in Seminyak or Canggu. If you want to keep your Bali wedding guests close or together, feel free to contact our friendly team for recommendations on hotels that can provide large group bookings.
Event Planner
Many villas and venues in Bali have rules and regulations surrounding external companies operating within their complexes. This includes wedding planners and suppliers. Before putting a deposit down for a wedding planner or coordinator, you should confirm if your planner and suppliers are licensed to work within the venue you have selected. If you haven’t picked a Bali wedding planner, then we recommend contacting your chosen venue for a list of their preferred partners.
Image by Evermotion Photography
]]>There are a number of non-negotiable elements to an exceptional destination wedding website and if you get them right, they can help make your dream a stunning reality. Here we have listed a few to get you started.
]]>The Essentials
Of course, the website must include all the essential details like the ceremony date and time, ceremony location, dress code etc. The beauty of having a wedding website is that you can keep the paper invite quite simple and direct your guests to the website for more detailed information.
Répondez S'il Vous Plaît
An RSVP section is a brilliant element for you and your guests. It is super simple for them to RSVP with a few mouse clicks and you can easily keep track and chase any late responders.
Everyone Loves A Love Story
The website is the perfect opportunity to share the story of how you met, why you fell in love and the details of the proposal. You can also introduce your wedding party as they will be an integral part of the festivities. These personal touches will add a passionate element to the website and will inspire guests to say yes to your invitation.
Timing Is Everything
The sooner you send out invitations and your wedding website link, the better. It is only fair to give your guests as much time as possible to consider the invitation, RSVP, make travel arrangements, book annual leave, save enough money, plan their wedding outfit, etc.
It's All In The Detail
Your Bali wedding website needs to be detailed, comprehensive and accurate. The guests attending will appreciate information regarding:Travel agent recommendations, best flight times, airport to accommodation transport options, different accommodation options childminding services (if you decide to invite families with little ones), hair and make-up, vendor recommendations for guests who may want to pamper themselves for your special day, things to do in Bali before and after the wedding (some may choose to stay and also have a holiday), different restaurant and cafe recommendations. You will most probably have all of this information anyway (because you are a research rockstar!) and it is a way to show your guests how honoured you are that they are sojourning to Bali, just for you!
Digital pointers
Use as many digital links as possible to help your guests with their planning - Google Maps, websites, contact pages with phone numbers and email addresses, social media platforms of the places/people you recommend. If there is a link, share it.
Keep to a schedule
Providing a specific timeline of the wedding celebrations is a fun way to keep your guests informed and helps build anticipation. Most destination weddings have a number of activities planned like night-before drinks, a day-of breakfast, and a day-after brunch. Your guests will need to know these details so that they can organise their arrival and departure plans accordingly.
Be educated
Your website should share information about the traditional customs and etiquette of Indonesia such as communications/greetings, dress code on the beach versus in a temple, religious considerations, local currency, the local language, bartering, and tipping, just to name a few. You can also inform your guests about the expected temperatures - with Bali being a tropical climate, the most obvious detail to share is whether to expect humidity and rain or dry hot heat!
A picture is worth a thousand words
Bali is renowned for its ethereal connection with mother nature and gives credence to its unofficial name - ‘Island Of The Gods’. Share images of where you will be getting married in Bali so your guests can start daydreaming - the reality is some or many of your guests will be traveling to Bali for the first time and being a part of your nuptials will be an unforgettable lifetime experience.
When you get engaged and start the wedding planning process, the string of events usually goes a little something like this...
The question has been popped? Check!
Said "Yes"? Check!
Informed close friends and family? Check!
Adorable selfie (that took 34 attempts) posted of Facebook and Instagram with #engaged in the caption? Check!
Decided on a destination wedding? Check!
Started actually planning the wedding? Umm... saving 300 images of destination weddings from Pinterest - in a Tuscany winery, to a beach wedding in Bali, to an elopement in Cuba - counts as "planning", right? Wrong!
Maybe you have always dreamt of having a destination wedding since you first started dating. Maybe it's driven by family (either going overseas to have them part of your special day, or going overseas to escape them!). Or, maybe you watched Jennifer Hawkins get married in Uluwatu, Bali in 2013 and thought, "Yes! I want to get married overseas and have a clifftop wedding!", either way, you have a heart set on a destination wedding - and nothing is going to stop you! Most destination wedding brides will come up against a few hurdles when planning their overseas wedding and that's when you need to remember the 4 most important words - Call. The . Wedding. Planner!
Here are four important reasons why a wedding planner is a must for a destination wedding:
1. Your wedding planner can meet your suppliers and visit your venues in-person.
Having a local wedding planner gives you a pair of eyes (and ears, and negotiating skills) on the ground. They allow you to check out the vendor, see their product/venue/service in-person and validate them. Remember, this is what they do for a living. They know their stuff! They have worked a range of vendors so they know who will fit your budget, theme and the general vibe of your wedding. Trust that they know who to trust!
2. Most venues want a local person to deal with.
Most destination wedding venues, particularly for Bali weddings, have requirements surrounding having a local, approved wedding coordinator. Therefore it is best to be prepared and have a planner organized as soon as possible.
3. Budget blowouts!
Most couples believe that having a destination wedding means having a cheaper wedding. While this can often be true, couples love to go all out on their Bali weddings and budgets can be blown before you know it! Having a professional who does this all day, every day, all year round, to assist you in controlling your spending and find you the vendors with the best deals, will be worth it!
4. It's not their (the wedding planner's) wedding.
An obvious one to point out, but an important one. It's not the wedding planner's wedding - they are a professional who plans weddings. Organization and remaining calm in stressful situations is their bread and butter. Unfortunately, most wedding planners will not deal with mothers/mothers-in-law, however, they can ensure that every other aspect of your special day goes perfectly.
Article By Sue Robertson
]]>For The Lads - After the release of the movie The Hangover, destination Bucks parties have become an internationally growing trend. What group of mates wouldn't be keen to pack a bag and head to the airport for a boy's trip of a lifetime? With time to recover or extend the bender with a mix of adventure and partying, Bali is a one-stop-shop for the ultimate Bucks trip.
Imagine sipping on single malt scotch as you set sail with all your mates on a private luxury yacht, served by sexy 'butt-lers' as your party, fish and swim throughout the day. If you love adventure, take a tour of the island or combat the roaring rapids of Ubud while white water rafting, followed by refreshments and lunch. Jump on a party bus, destined for a party hot spot or enjoy pre-wedding drinks in your luxurious private pool villa, launching you into a night full of possibilities depending on the Best Man's hmmm, shall we say - interests?
For The Ladies - Planning a girl's getaway or weekend in Bali is the perfect way to catch up in style. If your Bride to be is on the conservative side, you may start the day off with a private dining experience in one of Seminyak's top restaurants followed by an afternoon inside a luxury day spa. Finish off your relaxing day with a delicious Balinese feast and sunset cocktails by the beach.
If the Hen is a princess, begin the day with a champagne brunch before heading off for a mani-pedi at one of Bali's many stylish salons. After your paws and claws are perfectly polished and you're glowing from the inside out, why not 'shake it up' with cocktails and games in a private pool villa, served by topless waiters or a fully staffed pop-up bar. If your princess is a little naughty, surprise her with a striptease pole dancing class or bar hop down Bali's famous gay clubbing strip, featuring drag shows, salsa dancing bars and much more. Let your imagination run wild!
Cos We Like To Party - the island has so many fun group adventures and activities to experience. From cooking classes, swimming in waterfalls or fine dining, Bali can cater to your Hens or Bucks, whatever your budget or style.
For great deals on group accommodation and a list of Bali’s best Hens & Bucks planners & suppliers head to The Bali Wedding Directory.
Image credits: Last Hurrah Bali
]]>It’s simple, non-legal or legal. Let us break it down for you.
Non-legal ceremony AKA a commitment ceremony
You will need to hire a celebrant to work with you to prepare a personalised script for your Bali ceremony and vows. They will generally arrive at the wedding 30 minutes prior to the ceremony, meet you on the aisle, say the magic words and pose for photos with the couple after ‘the kiss’. The celebrant will provide a certificate of marriage for the couple and their witnesses to sign in front of their admiring crowd of wedding guests. But... this document is not legally binding, it is purely provided to sign as a pleasantry of tradition following the ceremony.
The couple will need to enlist the services of a legal officiant in their own country. A legal officiant will usually meet the couple and their witnesses at a cafe or their home to sign the legal paperwork and will file the documents with the required government office on behalf of the couple. Once this paperwork is lodged, your marriage is finalised and you may officially change your Facebook status :) Alternatively, the couple may attend their closest registry office before or after the wedding, the costs associated with this are generally higher than hiring a legal officiant as you will need to pay for the venue hire.
Many couples choose to have a non-legal ceremony in Bali as it is a much cheaper and easier option. Commitment ceremonies usually cost between $300-$500 Australian Dollars
Legal ceremony AKA sealing the deal on the day
Prior to the event
To ensure a legal wedding runs smoothly we highly recommend adopting the help of a wedding planner or celebrant service. They will help you prepare and distribute the required documents/ paperwork correctly and accompany you in visiting the consulate in Bali. Couples legally marrying in Bali will need to attend the consulate a few days prior to the wedding to make an application for a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage. In most cases, the certificate can be produced on the same day and the couple will need to sign a declaration in front of a Consular Official. Producing their original passports as proof of identity along with original proof of dissolution of marriage (if you have been married before or a death certificate of your previous spouse if you are widowed). A fee is payable on the day for this paperwork to be lodged with the consulate. Not all countries have a consulate in Bali so do keep this in mind before deciding on a legal ceremony in Bali.
On the day
The couple will need to declare that they are of the same religion, one that is recognised in Indonesia -Catholic, Christian/Protestant, Balinese Hindu, Buddhist or Muslim. If the couple declares that they are Catholic, they will need to attend counselling with a priest prior to the wedding and have the marriage ceremony in a church. Legal weddings require the ceremony script to be prepared and read out on the day by an official Indonesian holy man of the couples chosen religion and witnessed by a government official, who will be in attendance on the day. The couple may wish to include a non-religious or western celebrant to finish off the ceremony if they are not heavily religious. The celebrant will also provide additional support with the process and paperwork.
The process of Legally binding your marriage in Bali will usually cost between $800- $2,000 Australian dollars.
Whether you choose to have a legal wedding or non-legal wedding in Bali, we recommend couples make an informed decision before choosing their ceremony style. Many countries have different regulations and laws governing the right to marriage such as the right to multiple spouses, same-sex marriage or marriage following divorce, etc. By enlisting the services of a celebrant or celebrant service residing in Bali, you will have access to their knowledge of local and international law to help guide you through the process.
Feel free to contact our friendly team for assistance in selecting a wedding celebrant in Bali.
Image credits: Evermotion Photography
]]>Ladies first!
Brides & Bridesmaids
Let’s start by highlighting, brides, ‘it is your wedding day and that means you can wear whatever you want’. It is important tho, to keep in mind that Bali has a tropical climate and naturally your body may swell a little in this foreign heat (sorry). Take this into consideration when choosing ‘the dress’. If your wedding dress has a corset or any built-in contouring element, ensure this component is adjustable and your bridesmaids are well-rehearsed in loosening this before the ceremony takes place. As wedding trends transition from traditional to boho to elegant, choose a dress that fits comfortably on your body shape and has room for air circulation. If you come from a cooler climate and can afford to take some ‘extra time off’ in Bali, try to arrive 1-2 weeks prior to the wedding. During this time, your skin and body will have a chance to acclimatise to the tropics. This pre-wedding time in Bali may also provide a good opportunity to meet with your wedding planner, celebrant, and other suppliers to finalise your desired needs for the ‘big day’. When choosing outfits for your bridesmaids, you may want to consider a fabric that is breathable and flowy, allowing air to circulate underneath. Breathable fabric will assist in avoiding overheating and additional perspiration. If the bridesmaid attire is tight-fitting, you may want to put together a personal care kit for them to use throughout the day with electrolytes, an antiperspirant spray, and oil-absorbing sheets to preserve their makeup.
Groom & Groomsmen
We should also mention that it is your wedding day and you can wear whatever you want, although your ‘bride to be’ has most likely guided your preferences in this department. We can’t help it girls, it is in our nature. As long as you acknowledge his preferences and sprinkle these in, you have mastered the art of a healthy marriage.
We also recommend that the groom and groomsmen wear attire that allows for them to be comfortable in a hot tropical climate. Heat-resistant fabrics such as linen and cotton will help keep the boys cooler and dryer on the day. If the Bali wedding is a formal affair, and the boys are required to wear suit jackets, you should consider buying additional shirts for them to change into before the reception starts. This may be an unwanted cost on top of your budget but just picture ‘the first dance’ as man and wife (in your beautiful dress), pressed up against a sweat-drenched hubby (yuck). With Bali’s relaxed nature and tropical backdrops, many grooms opt for the ‘island dapper look’ AKA ‘European Chic’. This consists of a looser fitting shirt, ¾ length pants or shorts in a light camel, grey or blue, with a matching belt and boat shoes. If the groom and his groomsmen do decide to wear a shorter pant, ensure they have invisible socks to avoid any ‘peek a boo’ hosiery. Accessories such as suspenders, hats and bow ties can be added to dress up or personalise the look.
Wedding Guests
Depending on the dress code of the event, we suggest following the light-light rule. Lighter colored clothing in a lightweight fabric. This will help in avoiding heat absorption and provide added comfort for the proceedings of the day. Unless the couple has requested an all-white event, ladies should avoid wearing any garments in cream, white or ivory. Even if the bride has a laid back personality, other attending guests will be conscious of this wedding etiquette and disapprove. It is important for the couple to notify their wedding guests of the ground surface of the event, especially if the reception or ceremony is being held on a sandy beach or a grassy lawn. Wedges, chunky heels or elegant flat shoes are recommended for events being held on the grass in a villa or garden setting. If you decide to wear stilettos, consider investing in a silicone cap to attach to the heel and opting for a shoe with ankle straps. This will help protect your feet from sinking and provide added support. If you are a guest attending a Bali wedding and not staying within the venue, you may want to bring a spare pair of comfortable shoes and an extra layer to put on if the temperature drops at night. Couples should also notify their guests if the venue has a swimming pool and advise them to bring a towel along. If you don't bring swimwear, a long night on the dancefloor may encourage a pool party so be prepared to jump in fully clothed. We give you permission to push everyone in the pool :)
If you are getting married in Bali or are a guest attending a Bali wedding, feel free to contact us for free advice on where to stay, what to do and who to hire. We would love to hear from you.
Image by Alma Photography
The Bali Wedding Directory has listed the top 6 reasons why Bali weddings are such a growing trend.
The Cost
As the cost of living rises, so does the price tag of weddings. It is estimated that an on average an Australian wedding costs over $45-50,000. That’s more than a deposit for a home!! Destination weddings give people the opportunity to have their dream wedding with all the bells and whistles, usually for less than half the price.
The Time
Traveling for a Bali wedding allows for joining friends and families to spend more quality time together in a holiday environment. It also means that your wedding celebration won’t be confined to a whirlwind-short few hours.
The Weather
Getting married outdoors is always risky business, especially if you live in the colder parts of the world. With a dry season, planning a Bali wedding allows for greater weather predictability.
The Celebration
With all your guests in holiday mode, everyone will be relaxed and down to party. The stress-free environment will allow for everyone to let their hair down and properly enjoy the event without worrying about work or other commitments.
The Location
Choosing a picturesque location to marry in Bali isn’t a difficult task. Whether you’re on the beach, in the mountains or atop a seaside cliff, you are sure to find a dream location to join hands with your significant other.
The Honeymoon Wedding
Bali weddings allow couples to kill two birds with one stone. Since most of us only get a couple of weeks of annual leave per year, many couples are choosing to marry abroad so that they can take time off work and their busy routines to properly enjoy this very special time in their lives.
Photography by Evermotion
It is important for the couple to update their Bali wedding coordinator or planner with the names and contact details of all suppliers attending the event, as well as the goods and/or services they will be provided as they are booked. The wedding coordinator will work together with the couple to create a running sheet of the day. The running sheet will list the couple’s desired times of proceedings before and during the ceremony and reception. The wedding coordinator and their team will ensure everything will happen when it is supposed to so that the bride and groom can relax and enjoy their special day.
Bali has an abundance of picturesque wedding locations and venues to choose from. If the couple has chosen to marry in a resort or a venue that provides wedding packages, a wedding coordinator may be provided as part of the packaged deal. The Bali Wedding Directory strongly recommend couples attend one pre-wedding meeting, held at the venue prior to the event. The couple and their bridal party will be run through a ceremonial rehearsal with the wedding coordinator. Various Bali wedding suppliers may be invited to attend this pre-wedding meeting with the couple and their coordinator to finalize all equipment and details needed to create the perfect wedding celebration.
Image from Harper Co Events
]]>Tip #1 - The Early Bird Catches The Worm
Providing your guests with a minimum of 10-12 months' notice will ensure they have access to better travel deals and also more time to save for their trip. Another benefit of this is, the sooner you get their RSVPs back, the sooner you can realistically budget for catering and other elements of your Bali wedding that require a guest count. If your RSVPs are due closer to 'the date', it might be a good idea to select a wedding date within the low season to gain access to better deals on accommodation and flights. Over recent years Bali’s high and low seasons have changed, revolving not only around the weather but also the Australian, European and some southeast Asian country's school holidays.
Tip #2 - Your Presence Is Our Present
Depending on your family and cultural traditions, you might want to consider a no-gift policy for your Bali wedding. This could be communicated via the invitation or when sending out the ‘save the dates’. This policy may lighten the load a little and give your guest one less thing to think about on top of planning their holiday. Your close friends and family may still insist on bringing a gift, so we recommend entrusting a responsible member of your bridal party to manage and safely store any gifts and cards received on the day.
Tip #3 - Group Accommodation
Did you know that some hotels offer discounted nightly rates for large group bookings? Well, they can, and many will if you provide a minimum of 6-8 months' notice. To gain access to the best possible pricing on group accommodation in resorts and hotels, speak directly with a senior member of their booking team and negotiate your little heart out for a sweet deal. Be sure you get them to send you a quote in writing via email and read all T&Cs associated with the quote. The deal may only be valid for a short period of time so make sure you get your guest to book ASAP so that they don’t miss out. If you are time-poor, travel agents can source group deals for you.
Tip #4 Group Activities
There are hundreds of fun activities and group excursions to do in Bali and its surrounding islands. If this is some of your guest's first time on ‘The Island Of The Gods’, it could be fun to arrange a group day out before your Bali wedding, getting everyone together and better acquainted. Many restaurants and tour groups in Bali also offer deals and specials to encourage large group bookings, so don’t be shy to get in contact prior, to see what discounts they can offer large group bookings.
Tip #5 Be Easy Going
When planning a Bali wedding, keep in mind that all attending guests will have completely different vacation budgets, some more than others. If you do decide to hold some pre or post-wedding events or dinners, make sure that everyone has the option to attend or not attend. This will help ease the pressure off those who may not be able to afford attending group activities and events surrounding the wedding.
If you are planning a destination wedding, we highly recommend creating a wedding website and providing your guests with a link to this on the invitation. This will enable you to post information surrounding the ‘big day’ and also any accommodation deals, group activities, dinners or events surrounding the wedding. More on wedding websites in our next blog…. Keep posted!
Image by Evermotion Photography
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