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Tag Archives: Wedding Planning Tips

How To Use Pantone 2021 Colours Of The Year In Your Wedding

02/01/202117/01/2021

Pantone, the authority on colour, have selected not just one colour for their 2021 colour of the year but two: Pantone Ultimate Grey and Pantone Illuminating yellow.

According to Pantone, this combination of a soft grey and a bold and bright yellow is a pairing of colours which convey a message of strength and hopefulness. By choosing two standalone shades Pantone aims to highlight how different elements come together to support one another.

“As people look for ways to fortify themselves with energy, clarity, and hope to overcome the continuing uncertainty, spirited and emboldening shades satisfy our quest for vitality. Illuminating is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power. Ultimate Gray is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation. The colours of pebbles on the beach and natural elements whose weathered appearance highlights an ability to stand the test of time, Ultimate Grey quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.”

How I suggest to add these Pantone Colours 2021 to your wedding in Greece

This combination of two shades makes for a true standout palette for your wedding day. We love the idea of using these colours against the crisp white background of the table linen or your bridal gown. Use the grey as your anchor shade then accent with pops of yellow in your florals and stationery to bring energy and fun to your celebration because that’s absolutely what 2021 needs!

Ultimate grey is a flattering choice for your bridesmaid dresses and suits many skin tones. As the bride, you can add a whisp of grey in several ways for instance:

  • The gorgeous organza skirt on this Raincloud gown by Leanne Marshal
  • Elegant vintage-inspired Mybella suede heels
  • Pop this feathery bübish topper over your gown for a cool weather ceremony or whimsical reception look.
Pantone gray bridal gown, suede heels and ostrich bolero

How we styled our table

We had great fun one afternoon creating this beautiful table for our festive celebration in Lefkada. We used decor items from our own collection and a crisp white tablecloth as the base. Then we added Ultimate grey notes with pewter candelabra decorated with local foliage, a fabric runner and opaque grey glassware. For a pop of Illuminating yellow, we used pieces of solidago flower and incorporated yellow details on our table stationery.

Table decor with Pantone grey and yellow colors of the year 2021
Wedding stationery menu with Pantone grey and yellow colors of the year 2021
Table decor with Pantone grey and yellow colors of the year 2021
Table decor with Pantone grey and yellow colors of the year 2021

Table Styled for Lefkas Weddings by Claire Salisbury and Jane Flinders.

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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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Perfectly Stitched Greek Wedding Favor Ideas

11/04/202004/05/2020
karsaniko lefkada embroidery blue earrings

Enjoying your coffee in leafy Karia village square, you will notice a cluster of little shops selling beautiful linens showing Karsaniko, the Lefkada embroidery style.

This unique type of stitch was created in 1885 by a local woman who suffered an accident that resulted in the loss of one hand and partial paralysis of the other. Desperate to pursue her passion for embroidery, she created the Karsaniko stitch, which entails the use of only one hand and has since become world-famous.

From traditional to on-trend…

Eletheria, the talent behind Elixriso, learned as a child and sewed with her grandmother. She wanted to preserve and keept the tradition and craft alive and reconised the need to evolve it for the modern generation.

Inspired by jewellery pieces she received as a gift, she set about adapting the size of the Karsaniko design to fit jewellery such as brooches, necklaces and earrings.

karsaniko lefkada embroidery pendant necklace and earrings

1. Boho worthy wedding accessories

Accessorise your boho bride squad with Eletheria’s cute, fringed clutch bags. Embroidered in cream and softest aqua blue they will match with every Greek island wedding palette.

karsaniko lefkada embroidery fringe clutch bag

I particularly love the cobalt blue, not only the colour of Greece but also on trend as Pantone colour of the year 2020!

karsaniko lefkada embroidery fringe clutch bag

2. Bride style – It’s in the bag!

You have chosen the wedding dress of your dreams and a gorgeous pair of shoes to match, but don’t forget to find the perfect clutch bag to tie your look together.

I am swooning over these silk embroidered clutches by Elixriso. It is the prettiest way to carry around your wedding day essentials and you can even use it again when you jet off on your honeymoon!

clutch bag with gold karsaniko geometric embroidery design

3. Fabulous Favors!

Having a destination wedding on a Greek island like Lefkada or Meganisi would not be complete without a favour for your guests that reminds them of Greece. Why not use the Karsaniko Lefkada embroidery charms to decorate your favors?

A traditional Greek bonboniera (favour) is a decorated pouch or box containing koufeta (sugared almonds).

wedding favor box tied with ribbon and an embroidery charm

4. Say Thank you

Give a big Efharisto! to your bridesmaids or mothers for all their wedding planning help with an exclusive piece of handmade jewellery.

Eleftheria uses vintage bronze frames, gold-plated brass and 925 silver througout her designs.

karsaniko lefkada embroidery pendant necklace and bracelet
karsaniko lefkada embroidery cream earrings

Thank you to Elixriso Creations and Maxeen Kim Photography

Want more inspiration…

See how we styled our Agios Nikitas beach elopement with embroidery details here

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Classic Blue – Colour of the Year Wedding Inspiration

14/12/201916/01/2021
Collage of nine pictures for wedding inspiration in classic blue colour

American colour company Pantone has chosen “universal favourite” Classic Blue, or Pantone 19-4052, as its statement colour of the year for 2020. They describe it as “a reassuring presence, instilling calm, confidence and connection”.

If I were to ask you to close your eyes and picture the Greek Islands, what would you see?

White sand? Feta cheese? Olive trees?

Yes, you may see sand, cheese and olives, but to most people, the first image that will pop into their heads will be of whitewashed walls and bright blue rooftops — the classic buildings of Greece, especially the Greek Islands, and the subject of posters plastered all over the walls of travel agencies around the world. 

Let’s look at how you can use some Classic Blue in your wedding inspiration…

Dresses and attire

An easy way to bring a pop of colour to your destination wedding in Greece, is with your choice of bridesmaid dress and groom and usher attire.

Bride and four bridesmaids in classic blue vera wang maxi dresses holding white and green bouquets

Lefkas Weddings bride, Jessica choose these stunning, White by Vera Wang, Classic Blue maxi dresses for her bridemaids at her June 2019 wedding in Parga. Image by Lefteris Kalampokas

Groom and bride on steps entering greek stone church with blue railings

Denise & Franz took time out from their six week cruise of the Greek islands to have a destination elopement in Meganisi. His summer tailoring in Classic Blue, was paired perfectly with tan accessories. Image by Maxeen Kim Photography

Floral accents

Floral arrangements are one of the best ways to bring your wedding colour palette to life.

At this gorgeous, spring wedding in Meganisi, bride Innes’ wanted to celebrate her Scottish heritage, by adding blue eryngium thistle to her white rose bouquet and the buttonholes. Image by Lefteris Kalampokas

bride bouquet of white roses and blue eryngium thistle with thistle buttonhole

The Classic Blue tones of delphinium and hydrangea filled these plush arrangements by my florist partners, Tasos and Christina, at this Orthodox church wedding in Lefkada.

Collage of six pictures for wedding inspiration of blue delphinium wedding flowers

Inspiration from the islands

The colours of the Ionian Islands offer so much Classic Blue wedding inspiration from the sparkling blue seas to the island architecture.

The gradient shades of blue of the Ionian sea, as it falls away from the white sand at Stravnam beach, inspired this first wedding mood board.

Collage of nine pictures for wedding inspiration in classic blue colour

My Meganisi blue mood board was inspired by the white washed buildings of Vathy harbour with their Classic Blue shutters and doors.

Collage of nine pictures for wedding inspiration in classic blue colour

If you would like to discover more about destination weddings in Lefkada, Meganisi and Parga you can browse my blog and galleries for inspiration!

All collage images via Pinterest, Stravnam beach image by Exclusive Meganisi

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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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  • 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

Pins

  • 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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