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Category Archives: Wedding Planning

Tips and tricks to make planning your destination wedding easy by Claire Salisbury of Lefkas Weddings

How to start planning your destination wedding in Greece

29/04/202003/06/2020

You said yes! You have the ring and are both excited to kick off the plans for your special day but… where to start? Don’t worry I have put together for you the 7 most important things you need to start planning your destination wedding in Greece.

1. Do the maths

First sit down with your partner and discuss how much you can afford to save and spend. Next up, if either or both of your families have offered to contribute financially, get together with them and calculate how much they are adding to your budget. I know, uurgh right, talking about money but once you know how much you have to play with you can start to make firm decisions and get the planning underway.

2. Get on top of that guest list

olive table plan with pink roses and eucalyptus flower decoration

You can’t make everyone happy, it’s impossible. Being tough when it comes to deciding who makes the cut is vital because it will have a huge impact on so many choices. More guests equals more of the budget but also venue capacity, and even simple things such as more guests means more tables means more flowers etc. A general rule of thumb for destination weddings is about 10-15% of guests will decline on their RSVP.

3. Make a date

Spring in the islands or autumn sunshine, which will be your choice? The first thing your planner needs to know is the date. If you don’t know exactly, try and narrow it down to at least the month as it can have an impact on prices. For example, early June is low season where as late June is often classed as high season. 

4. Holidays or term time?

Family vow renewal ceremony at the beach

It’s worth taking a look at your guest list and seeing if any guests would be affected by a date that was outside of school holidays. During term time it can be difficult for parents to take children out of school or teacher friends may struggle to get annual leave.

5. Check the flights

An important consideration is where the majority of your guests are flying from. Check the flights from your country into the destination airport; are they daily or only certain days? For example if there are only flights Saturday and Tuesdays, then immediately you can discount those two days as potential wedding days as guests will be travelling.

6. Mid-week vs. Weekend

As we are all used to attending weddings on a weekend, the natural choice is to opt for a Saturday date. However, do remember that Saturday is the most popular day for the local people to get married, so you will face more competition for venues and vendors at the weekend. This can be more so in Greece where baptisms are big celebrations like weddings and also take place on the weekend. 

7. Choose your destination planner in Greece

Great you have a budget, guest number and a date, so now you need the perfect planner to help you with the next steps!

wedding planner with bride and groom
That’s me! Claire of Lefkas Weddings with newlyweds Eirini & Eduardo

Do your research on the Greek island or area you are interested in and contact planners who specialise in that area, creating the style of wedding you want. Ask for a telephone or Skype call to meet them and see if you have a good rapport. Ask about how they work, the planning timeline and the types of ceremony available. You are trusting them with planning the day of your dreams, so it is important they understand your vision and you can communicate well.

If you are considering a destination wedding in Greece and are keen to get your planning started, contact me to chat about your ideas.

Best wishes, Claire

For the latest wedding news – Follow @lefkasweddings on Instagram

How to start planning your destination wedding in Greece. 7 Steps to start you on your wedding planning journey.
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3 Great Ideas To Personalise Your Ceremony

18/04/202003/06/2020

Our wedding celebrant, Elizabeth Cass Kanti shares three great ideas to personalise your ceremony and make your destination wedding in Greece unique!

“This could have turned into a book if Claire hadn’t asked for my top three! Because that’s the beauty of a celebrant led ceremony – there are an infinite amount of creative ideas to include!

Plus you are free to draw on inspiration from within (or outside of) your own culture, beliefs or personalities. So here are my favourite three!”

1. Create a sensory memory

From your ceremony, most of your memories will be visual; the people surrounding you… the vibrant location… your partner next to you and all these will be captured up by your wedding photography. There is also likely to be audio; the music for your entrance and exit… the words of the ceremony… your wedding vows…. but what about if you included smell and taste?

Can you imagine being transported back to the moment when you exchanged your intentions and promises to each other just by a sip of a particular wine?

The wine ceremony will do this for you. You take two bottles of your favourite wine into the ceremony. We open one and just before you exchange your vows, you each take a sip. You savour the aroma… you let the taste sit on your tongue… at the back of your throat…. and you speak your promises over that taste.

wooden box for wine gift at marriage ceremony

Next we create a future memory…. The second bottle we enclose in a box and you dedicate the opening of the wine to an occasion – perhaps your wedding anniversary. Or on a ‘need to recall’ basis after an argument! Open the wine, let the taste and smell awaken the memory of what you intended and promised. Resolve your differences, forgive and move on, or just celebrate the time you’ve spent together and all that’s still to come!

2. Create a visual memory

Think “unity rituals” here. A unity ritual is any ceremonial act that symbolises, well, unity! Popular ones include sand blending (a bazillion ways to do this involving any combination of people), hand fasting, Greek wedding crowns, a rose ceremony, unity candles – it’s quite a list.  You can even do sandwhich making, cocktail making or knock up a G & T!

It’s all about teamwork and support – the ritual will either show you and your partner working together to make something, or people who love you supporting you in making something.

ideas to personlise your ceremony with sand pouring

Unity rituals are a whole other blog post (even a book!) but the point is that they add great theatre to your ceremony and theatre is visual. If your guest list is international and not everyone’s first language is English, they are a winner at engaging people in your ceremony who can’t follow it word for word.

ideas to personalise your ceremony with stefana

3. Include your Guests

Yes, all of them! It’s possible. Obviously they are already included in that they are your witnesses and are watching your wedding, but you can also have them actively take part in your ceremony. Some rituals lend themselves better to more intimate gatherings, but things like a communal vow or ‘spreading the light’ can be beautifully inclusive for larger gatherings too.

“We do too!” Ask your guests to reaffirm that they will continue to love and support you as both individuals and as a married couple with a communal ‘We do!’ Or have them all sign your wedding day certificate!

The lighting and sharing of candlelight is prevalent in all Greek life. Fire, like love, does not diminish as it is shared, so spread your love by passing on the flame to lanterns held by your guests. This is easy to include if you have already lit a remembrance candle or have included a unity candle.

great ideas to personalise your ceremony with unity candle

TOP TIP: When this is done at the end of a twilight ceremony it’s incredibly beautiful and your guests can give you a candle lit recessional as you take your first steps in wedded partnership!


Your Celebrant led wedding ceremony should have your personalities stamped all over it. Remember to include things that hold meaning to you both, or to your families if that’s important for you. Don’t just stick stuff in for the sake of it! The ideas you choose to include to personalise your ceremony should be heartfelt and reflect your identity as a couple and as individuals, And never be afraid to explore a new idea, who knows where it will take you in your ceremony!

Much love, Elizabeth


Find out more on how Elizabeth can enhance your destination wedding ceremony in Lefkada, Meganisi and Parga at www.weddingcelebrantingreece.com

3 Great Ideas To Personalise Your Ceremony
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5 ways to use peonies for your destination wedding

12/01/202003/05/2020
Peach peony and eucalyptus bride bouquet

If you love peonies as much as I do, here is some inspiration on how to use peonies for your destination wedding in the Greek islands.

Peonies are loved by brides the world over, with pretty ruffles and large, full heads that make a perfect feature flower for any bouquet or table arrangement. Their colours range from white through to pastel pink, to burgundy and coral, making them a truly feminine bloom.

white peony, olive and lavender bouquet with peach peony and eucalyptus bouquet

Revered since ancient times, the peony gets its name from a Greek myth in which Paeon, physician to the gods,  angered his teacher Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing. When Asclepius  threatened to kill Paeon out of jealousy, Zeus saved him by changing him into the lovely flower we know today as the peony.

1. Peony bride bouquets

Peonies are delicate and romantic-looking which makes them the perfect flower choice for any destination bridal bouquet. In the warm Greek sunshine they open fully into big, ruffled flowers that look beautiful in both traditional or hand tied bouquet styles.

bride holding white peony and eucalyptus bouquet

If you are after a more traditional look, peonies are ideal for a classic posy style bouquet. Either as a bouquet of full, white or pale pink peony blooms or with accents of your favourite bloom for a more personal touch.

Light pink peony bride bouquet

For Evaggelia, we blended white peonies with lavender and marguerite daisies.

White peony, daisy and lavender bride bouquet

Mixing the peonies with other summer wedding flowers is a great way to add more scent and colour to your bouquet – as proven by Lisa’s beautiful rose and peony bouquet

Pink peony, white rose and eucalyptus bride bouquet

Adding a couple of peonies to a simple bouquet and will instantly make it romantic. Here we mixed blush pink peonies with Protea flower to Ellie’s elopement bouquet and white peonies with succulents for Nina’s beach wedding bouquet.

Bride bouquet with pink peony and proteia flower and white peony and succulent bride bouquet

Georgina choose white peony and olive bouquets for her bridesmaids at their destination wedding in Parga.

2. In the small details

Use peonies for your destination wedding as buttonholes or as equisite, natural hair decoration for the bride and bridesmaids. See more details of Ellie & Jesse’s elopment here

Pink peony buttonhole and pink peony bride hair decoration

3. Your ceremony decor

Here we added peonies in the flower decoration on our wedding ceremony arches. They look stunning against the backdrop of the blue Ionian sea – don’t you agree!

Peach peony and white rose wedding arch flowers
Fuschia pink and pale pink wedding arch flowers
Close up of pastel coloured peonies and rosesflowers on top of a wedding arch

4. On the tables

The peony’s versatility and symbolism make it a favourite choice for any centrepiece. At Jo and Richard’s intimate, vintage styled, wedding at Seaside Restaurant in Lefkada the table was dressed with mismatched china and glassware to display the pastel coloured peonies. Read more about this day on Chic & Stylish Weddings

Pastel pink and peach peony wedding flower decoration

5. As a finishing touch!

In Greece, the cakes are usually decorated with gorgeous real blooms, turning your wedding cake into a romantic floral masterpiece.

Naked style two tier wedding cakes with peony flower decoration

Wedding Planner Tip: As peonies have a large head, you don’t need as many to fill a whole bouquet. Instead to reduce costs a little, go for the natural and wild look by adding a little extra foliage in to the mix. Or consider the minimalist look, with just one or two peonies for your bouquet.

Images by: Lefteris Kalampokas, Maxeen Kim Photography & Protography

Resources: The Secret Language of Flowers Interflora

5 ways to use peonies for your destination wedding
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Persephone’s Bouquet: 5 Flowers For Your Wedding From Greek Mythology

08/02/201903/05/2020
Beautiful Bouquet with Flowers inspired by Greek Mythology

From purity to passion, flowers have many meanings throughout Greek myths and legends. So why not draw from these beautiful stories, specifically that of Persephone, and include 5 flowers for your wedding from Greek Mythology

Each flower I have selected for you is associated with a legend and together they form the flowers of Persephone’s bouquet. These are the flowers the goddess Persephone and her companion Nymphs were gathering in a springtime meadow when she was abducted by the god Hades; rose, crocus, violet, iris, lily and larkspur (Source: Homeric Hymns).

Pink Garden Roses at a Villa in Greece

Rose. Aphrodite the goddess of love is credited with creating the rose from her tears over the mortally wounded Adonis and the goddess of flowers, Chloris, was said to breathe roses as she spoke. Throughout the ages writers, poets, artists, and others have used the rose as a metaphor for undying love, beauty, and passion. They are the perfect wedding flower being both ideal for classic and contemporary styles of bouquet and arrangements.

Lily. Associated with Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage and created by Hera in the legend of Zeus and his son by the mortal woman Alceme. The lily symbolizes purity and refined beauty and based on the colour or type, the lily can convey different meanings; white is for modesty and virginity, orange is for passion and yellow for gaiety. A much sought after choice for bouquets due to its luxurious and elegant appearance, Calla, Stargazer and Casablanca lilies are all ideal for a destination wedding in Lefkada.

Iris. The goddess Iris, a messenger to the gods was thought to use the rainbow as a bridge between heaven and earth. By some accounts, the ancient Greeks believed the rainbow was actually the flowing, multi-coloured robes of Iris. Others believed the beautiful multi-coloured flowers were also part of her robe or the flowing veil from her dress. Thus, these flowers were named to honour the Rainbow Goddess and bring favour upon the earth. Typically purple or blue, although they can be found in yellow, pink and red also, they are a pretty flower to combine in a bridal bouquet.

Violets. Greek legend tells of a nymph named Io, who was beloved by Zeus. To hide her from Hera, his wife, Zeus changed Io into a white cow. When Io wept over the taste and texture of the coarse grass, Zeus changed her tears into dainty, sweet-smelling violets only she was permitted to eat. They are a perfect Spring flower for a wedding bouquet, bridesmaid posy, in centrepieces and to decorate cakes.

Persephone's Bouquet: 5 Flowers For Your Wedding From Greek Mythology

Larkspur. Similar to the Delphinium, the larkspur is a pretty cluster of many flowers on a long stem. According to Greek mythology, larkspur flowers came forth from the blood of Ajax, who killed himself after he could not obtain the protective covering of the slain soldier Achilles. Thus, larkspur is often known as ‘the knight’s spur,’ and a flower that has existed for thousands of years. Arrange these blooms with other flowers for a wild flower and rustic floral theme.

I hope this has inspired you to add some mythical charm to your wedding bouquet and centrepieces. If you are dreaming of your own gorgeous destination wedding in Lefkada and would like some help bringing your dreams to life, contact me. I would love to discus your wedding with you.

Photography: Maxeen Kim Photography

Persephone's Bouquet: 5 Flowers For Your Wedding From Greek Mythology
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Hi! I'm Claire and I plan luxury, romantic celebrations in the Ionian. On the blog I share all my most recent weddings, shoots I've styled, and tips on planning your very own dream wedding in Greece.

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  • Engagement Shoots
  • Lefkada Weddings & Elopements
  • Meganisi Weddings & Elopements
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  • How To Use Pantone 2021 Colours Of The Year In Your Wedding
  • Sunrise Elopement at Porto Katsiki Beach – Barbara & Neven
  • How to start planning your destination wedding in Greece

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Let's talk about that view! From our villa terrace Let's talk about that view! From our villa terrace we had a panorama of three islands; Lefkada, Skorpios, Madouri and the Greek mainland. 

There are gorgeous views from every coast on Meganisi and @exclusivemeganisi has a superb selection of luxury villas for you and your guests.

Image: @hannah_campbell_photography

#meganisiweddings #weddinginmeganisi #meganisi  #meganisi_island  #tinygreekislands #μεγανήσι #weddingplannermeganisi  #lefkasweddings #vathymeganisi #greekislandwedding #weddinggreece
We love peonies, big romantic ruffles, hues that We love peonies, big romantic ruffles, hues that range from the soft and pretty to the bold and seductive, add peonies to your floral arch or bouquet and you’ll instantly take it to the next level. 

A symbol of happiness and prosperity, peonies are many of my brides first choice of flower for their bouquet and Greek island wedding flowers.

Florist: @gouriotiflowers
Image: @hannah_campbell_photography 

#meganisiweddings #weddinginmeganisi #destinationweddingflowers #weddingflowersgreece #peonywedding #pastelweddingflowers
Vathy is a picturesque village on Meganisi island. Vathy is a picturesque village on Meganisi island. Stroll around the promenade, taste the local delicacies at one of the many fish tavernas… Adapt yourself to the slow rhythm of the island!

ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɪs ᴍᴇɢᴀɴɪsɪ?
Meganisi is a beautiful little island located between Lefkada and the west coast of the Greek mainland.  Meganisi island boasts an unspoiled beauty, so it is perfect for relaxing holidays! 

Keen to protect the island's charm, the Municipality has allowed tourism to touch the island carefully and accommodation is mainly found in luxury villas nestled amongst the olive tree hillsides. 

The island’s beaches are secluded and unspoilt. Some of them can be reached on foot while others can be accessed only by boat. For those seeking chilled vibes the island has two beach bars where you can while away the day on a comfortable sunbed with a cocktail and your book...

ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ғɪɴᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴍᴏʀᴇ?
For weddings message us! ♡

For villas and more, hop over to  @exclusivemeganisi where Rebecca can help with everything you need! 

Image: @hannah_campbell_photography 

#meganisiweddings #weddinginmeganisi #meganisi  #meganisi_island  #tinygreekislands #μεγανήσι #weddingplannermeganisi  #lefkasweddings #vathymeganisi #greekislandwedding #weddinggreece
A lot of emphasis is placed on the bride’s perf A lot of emphasis is placed on the bride’s perfume, but let's talk about the groom today! Finding the perfect grooms fragrance will help to add to the atmosphere of your big day.

ᴀ ғᴇᴡ ᴛᴏᴘ ᴅᴇsᴛɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴛɪᴘs 

• ᴡᴇᴀʀ ᴛʜᴇ sᴀᴍᴇ sᴄᴇɴᴛ
It may sound unusual but there are some gorgeous unisex fragrances available, and by wearing the same scent you will enhance your sense of unity and avoid the possibility of clashes. #hisandhers
☆ Try Jo Malone - Calvin Klein - Tom Ford - D&G

• ᴄʜᴏᴏsᴇ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ ʟɪɢʜᴛ 
A light fresh fragrance will usually work better than something heavier or musky, especially in the warm Greek sunshine. A heavier scent can be too overpowering as there will be a variety of wedding day smells to clash with; notably the flowers! #scentsofsummer

• ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ɪᴛ ᴄʟᴀsɪᴄ
Try to avoid fragrence trends.If everyone is wearing the latest fragrance from a well known designer, you probably don’t want your groom to wear it on your wedding day. The chances are the best man or some of the male guests, will be wearing it too, which means you won’t automatically associate it with your new husband. Look for something classic that you will still love in twenty years ♡ #classicistimeless

• ᴄᴏᴏʀᴅɪɴᴀᴛᴇ ʜɪs ᴘʀᴏᴅᴜᴄᴛs
Applying fragrance in layers will make it more enduring, so try to find the shower gel, aftershave balm, or cleansing lotion to match. If that isn’t possible make sure that he uses unscented products on the morning of the wedding so that his fragrance can take centre stage.

Image: @hannah_campbell_photography
#groomtips #weddingfragrance #groomfragrance #weddingplanningtips #destinationweddingtips #groomadvice
When you feel like you're on the edge of the world When you feel like you're on the edge of the world... or a little Greek paradise ♡

Image: @hannah_campbell_photography 

#μεγανήσι #meganisi #meganisi_island #meganisiweddings #weddinginmeganisi
We arrived into Vathy as the sun was setting to a We arrived into Vathy as the sun was setting to a candlelit table by the waters edge. Dinner Al Fresco with your guests, fresh local seafood and an excellent chilled white wine... A little piece of Greek island heaven... ♡ 

Thank you to @lakisboatsmeganisi for taking us there in style! 

Image: @hannah_campbell_photography

#meganisiweddings #weddinginmeganisi #weddingplannermeganisi #μεγανήσι #lefkasweddings #vathymeganisi #greekislandwedding #weddinggreece #destinationweddinggreece #microweddinggreece  #microwedding

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  • White & Blush wedding bouquet | Los Cabos Destination Wedding | Blogger's Wedding | Amy Abbott Events | Ana&Jerome Photography | Pina Cate Flower Design | Destination Wedding Tablescape | Destination Wedding Table Decor | White & Blush Table Decor with golden accents | Round Wedding Arch | Beach Wedding in Mexico | Beach Wedding Ceremony Setup
  • We loved the softness and textures of Sofia's all naturals, dried flower bride bouquet with pampas, white thistle, bunny grass and other dried flowers. By @gouriotiflowers #naturalweddingflowers #driedweddingflowers #driedweddingbouquet #pampasbouquet #naturalbridebouquet #bohobouquet #pampasgrasswedding #weddingflowersgreece #naturalweddingbouquet
  • Natural colours of the earth and the sea for this romantic bride bouquet with blue hydrangeas, peach roses, silver grey Brunia berries and eucalyptus, tied with white ribbon for a Greek island wedding in Lefkada. By @lefkasweddings with @gouriotiflowers and @lefteriskalampokas
  • Hannah and Jack cut and served their zingy lemon drizzle, single tier, naked sponge cake which on their cocktail boat cruise from the ceremony to the reception on Meganisi island Greece. Planner @lefkasweddings with @maxeenkim photography and featured in @bohowedandlife

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