Zante 2012

this is my first post, i have been reading all about your weddings they sound perfect. me and my fiance are planning on getting maried in zante in june 2013. i no its sooo long away but i just want to start booking i cant wait. i am gettin very stressed already because i have ever been to zante and dont really no were to start so if any one has any ideas i would be greatfull of any help and advice.

many thanks

carlz

Hi there

its never too early to start looking at wedding planners etc. Some ladies have gone with Uk travel companues for holiday and wedding some have used uk based wedding planners IONIAN weddings seems to come up a lot quite a few of us myself included have used Francis from TSILIVILI TRAVEL she is based in Zante and does weddings and holidays so you can book just a wedding package from her prices range from about £1500 to £5000 depending on what you want or a wedding with self catering accomodation included (you just book flights on top). I got in touch with Frances and she sent dvds to me of different weddings and I googled her online and got lots of really positive feedback so we decided to go directly with her as if you book IONIAN weddings or another UK company you are paying a bit more and I heard bad experiences from UK travel companies (they dont seem to care as much). I've booked wedding with Frances and all inclusive hol with First choice. We are having a beach wedding and bbq with disco reception at the Alexandra Beach Hotel they have private beach 2 sept 2012 is our date you can better choice of date and times if you go direct. Hope this helps. Rachel

Hi Everyone, I've been looking for a good forum that seems to be active, now I've found 1 - Yeah!!

I've just recently got engaged (3wks ago) and my fiance and I are looking to get wed in Zante in 2012 either early aug or early sept. We like the look of the Louis Zante Beach Hotel in Laganas (also has good reviews on trip advisor) and are just confirming dates at the moment. I was going to book the holiday with First Choice online but not sure now about what to do about the wedding package - any advice? I was a bit dubious about using a company other than the well known tour operators but I do keep seeing Tsilivi Travel,The Bridal Consultant and ZanteWeddings mentioned alot, and hear that they are very good. But when I look on their sites I don't see any packages for the Louis Zante Beach does anyone know if this is something they could arrange??

Oooh its so exciting but decisions decisions!!

P.S Can anyone clarify the amount of working days you have to be resident in Zante before you can get wed?

Thanks Mazzab

Helllooooo Zante Brides!

Wow! I've only been away 2 weeks and there's loads more of us! How exciting and WELCOME NEWBIES!

So we flew back today and I'm KNACKERED!!! It's 9:50pm here, so 11:50pm Greek time. I should still be drinking cocktails! HMMPH!

I've got loooooads to tell you all about the plans and confirmations we've made, but as I've been up since 5:30 English time, I'll save it for tomorrow. Luckily I'm not back to work till Tuesday!

Yammas!

xxx

Hi I'm using Francis from Tsilivi Travel and you can get married within a couple of days of arriving in Zante with her. if you email her and ask about the Hotel you want I'm sure she will be able to help. Shes been great. I've booked wedding with her and holiday with first choice,

the wedding planners in greece seem to get better choice of times and days, and prices are much more reasonable and you can tailor your wedding to suit you. We get married 2 sept 2012 ALEXANDRA BEACH HOTEL (they have private beach) and we having beach bbq, but you can have a sit down meal in their resteraunt or a meal on their balacony, Francis has lots of options at other venues too. Hope this helps. Rachel

Hello Rachel

Thankyou for your reply & congratulations! I will email Francis and see what she can do, fingers crossed she will be able to sort this out for me! Yes I looked at the Alexandra Beach Hotel (was one of my 1st choices actually being as my middle name is Alexandra ha ha) but i did read somewhere that there were a number of steps down to their beach and my mum has some walking difficulties so it wouldn't be practical really. But it does look lovely! I bet you can't wait now that your wedding is booked, I'm already excited & mine isn't!!

Mazzab

Hello Mazzab and welcome to HItched !

We are getting married on Zante - 5th sept. 2012. We are using Ionian Weddings to plan our wedding. They are a UK based company who use Francis from Tsivili Travel. As they are UK based, they will be sorting all of legal paperwork ot for us.

From what I have gathered, there is no set amount of days that you have be in Zante before you get married, We will be there 1 week before the wedding day, to meet with Francis and great our guests when they arrive on the island!

Have you set a date yet? It's really exciting to 'meet' another Zante bride!

x

P.S Congrats on your engagement ! ?

HELLLLOOOO! And welcome back !

SO MANY QUESTIONS FOR YOU !!!! ? How was your holiday? What did you think of Zante? Made any plans for the wedding?

Oooo can not wait to catch up and share information!

x

Hellooo MrsSeddon2be, thankyou!

No we havent got a date set as yet and starting to get a bit panicky, because we know where we want to go and where we want it all to happen (Louis Zante Beach Hotel in Laganas) and am about to book the holiday with First Choice goin out 24th July 2012. I'm just hesitant about booking their wedding package now mainly because of the delay of at least 7days before you can actually get wed, obviously we want to do it asap then enjoy the honeymoon afterwards. Frances at Tsilivi Travel has been recommended to me & I have emailed & rang her to see if this is something she could organise even though they don't advertise it as being a package they do, but unfortunately for me she's been very busy with weddings so it could be the end of the week before she comes back to me! So not sure whether to still book the holiday because the price is only going to go up & then sort out the wedding package after, but then I don't want to be left hanging on with First Choice to see if they can accommodate me if Frances can't because they only do 1 wedding per day at this hotel and we won't have that many days left!! Why it takes them soo long to organise the day when apparently you have contact with the tour operators wedding planner in resort I don't know!!

Mazzab x

Well ladies - here's my little mini holiday report!

We arrived in Zante in the afternoon of Sunday 5th June - and it was GORGEOUS! First week really consisted of tanning, drinking, chilling, eating, drinking and tanning! We stayed in a different hotel this year to last year, which was basic and fine for what we needed it for (although I did compare it a little bit, and it definatley didn't match up!)

Anyhoo. We saw looooads of old faces from the holiday last year, all of whom remembered us which was lovely - it had been a year after all!

So, the important bit!

On Sunday 12th we met up with Frances, the wedding planner. I was really nervous, worried that I wouldn't like her and she's organising the most important day of our lives. And yup, I was just being stupid! She was sooooooo nice! We had a chat about our plans and what we wanted etc. She's really busy at the moment, so a lot of the details are going to be sorted over the winter, come October time. She asked us to speak to our desired venue and to let her know what they said, and told us to think about meals afterwards etc.

So we spoke to the hotel about holding the ceremony there etc, and to cut a long story short, THEY SAID YES!!!!!!! I could not wipe the grin off my face, and even H2B said he felt a massive weight lift off his shoulders, that he didn't even realise was there! Yiannis, the manager, explained that Thomas Cook have taken the hotel over again for at least the next 2 years, and they're pushing for him to agree to hold weddings there through them. He isn't sure because he doesn't want huge parties of people there, but said our's sounds lovely! Proud bride moment! ?

We then discussed between us what we wanted to do as a reception. We're having a big party when we get home, so all we really wanted was to have an intimate meal with our families. Just along the beach from the venue is a restaurant we've really fallen in love with, so on our last night we went over to that restaurant and spoke to the manager there. He said he'd be honoured to hold the meal there! The restaurant is gorgeous! The food is delicious, there's a 2 man band playing Greek music all evening and the view is STUNNING!!! It's slightly open air, and overlooks the bay, with mountains in the background which the sun sets behind. When I say stunning, I don't think that does it justice!
So we've decided with him, we'll go in and speak to him when we arrive next September (2 or 3 days before we get married! EEEEP!) and sort out the smaller deatils with him then.
While we were there, H2B asked him if the musicins can play english songs in Greek and translate them. He wants them to play our first dance song!!! He's such a softy sometimes!!!

Oh, and the manager fo the hotel would prefer if the ceremony etc was finished by 6pm, and the sunset over there in September is around 8pm or 9pm so there's gonna be some pretty amazing pictures all round!

So after that we left to have farewell drinks with all our friends, Greek and English (cue lots of tears from me) and left the next day feeling excited, positive, slightly hungover, unbelievably emotional (yup, still me), ready to return in 14 months to become Mr and Mrs B!

Now for the all important flash!!!

(The ceremony will take place aroun about where the furthest umberella is)

Backdrop for photos!

The walk from hotel to restaurant at sunset (and me!)

The view from the restaurant at sunset

We'll have a long table along this area overlooking the sunset!

Hope you like it all! I know I do!!!

xxx

Hi it all looks absolutely wonderful!!! the sunset is fab, we are getting married at 6 so am hping we get some amazing sunset shots afterwards!!! we keep hearing on the news about the trouble in greece due to recession glad to see Zante doesnt seem affected.

cant wait for next yearxx Rachel

Hi again Mazzab,

I'd wait maybe 1 more week to hear from Frances before you book your holiday. When she does get back you, you can arrange a date for your wedding and then book your holiday after that! That's the way I'd do it anyway... ? Our wedding planner explianed to us that the main thing to do is set the date and put your deposit down. Then nearer the wedding you can begin to plan the smaller details and finalise your package. All we have done so far is choose the date!

Hope that helps!

x

MrsBtoB,

Looks like you had a great time! Love the pictures! Great news about your venue, I'm really pleased for you ?

So, what did Frances say about planning the finer details? that she would be in touch later in the year? I feel like I've come to halt with the wedding planning- I want to plan and make decisions! Our wedding planner says that it's different in Greece, they're very laid back "it'll get done in Greek time!"

Sorry for all the questions!

x

Hi MrsBtoB, MrsSeddon2be and all new joiners... I haven't been on here for ages and there's loads of us now.

It's so good to see what all the Zante brides have got planned and how it's all going with the arranging, it helps to put my mind at rest ?

Kerri - we've booked 10 days at the Venus Hotel, direct with Nick as you suggested. We're going on 8th September and can't wait!

It's weird that it feels like there's so much to be done but we have to sit tight until nearer the time. I feel like I should be doing and planning stuff.

Have any of you seen the series 'Nice Day for a Greek Wedding'? It's been on Tuesday evenings at 9pm on Sky. I've not yet seen any weddings taking place in Zante but it's been useful to watch how the weddings are planned....it literally is left to the last minute with things like reception menu, layout, flowers etc all decided a couple of days before the wedding!

MrsBtoB - it's great to see your holiday photos. Where did you decided to have your reception in the end? We originally chose the BBQ reception at Vezal Taverna which is near to Cameo Island but when we go over in September we're going to take a look at Martini Beach and Vardiola, which Andreas at Ionian Weddings has suggested as alternative BBQ reception venues. Have any of you come across any of these venues and can give any feedback?

Take care

xx

Hi MrsSeddon2be

Good news Frances of Tsilivi Travel emailed me today! I've got all the bumf off but cudn't resist had to have a quick read & already it looks a better deal than what First Choice are offering, haven't digested it properly yet will do that this eve with a little glass of vino to celebrate - I'm sure it'll be good news I can feel it in my water!! So I booked the actual holiday today so deffo goin & left Thomsons with a few ?'s I wanted answering about their package but to be honest I think its going to be with Frances. Getting excited!!! Do you know yet what actually happens at the town hall with the paperwork etc, and a ruff cost?

By the way where are you getting married?

Mazzab ? x

I'm going to email her tonight/tomorrow with the details of the hotel and manager etc, and she'll get in contact with him in October when they're both quieter (the winter season), so a lot of our contact will be over that period. We'll get the finer details planned over that time, and when we arrive next year.

I know what you mean about 'Greek time'. Everyone's so laid back, it's so refreshing!

xxx

I love that programme! Are they repeats or a new series?!

We're getting married in Alykanas, at the Alykanas Beach Hotel, and the restaurant is called Naraida. We've only really visited this area, but it's fab and quiet and relaxed which is perfect for us.

xxx

Hi all

I watched that series and there werent any Zante weddings, but as you say all the wedding planners were pretty laid back. Everything gets done pretty last minute when your there,

Francis has told me to get in touch end of year with the details for the reception that I want then she will give me a price and we pay when we arrive in Zante We've already booked the wedding and reception venue and the date. All of our paperwork work is being done by a UK company that Francis uses its going to cost £150 for the lot, so thats pretty reasonable. I think all you do is go to the town hall in Zante and sign for and collect your marriage licence Francis does everything else. So it should all be pretty stress free.

Just want to be doing it all NOW!!!! LOL

We got married in Santorini......everything definitely worked on greek time!!

So girls. My tan is now fading (SOB!) and I'm starting to think about make up for the Big Day. I have no idea how much of a tan my face is going to have in 14 months, or what state the skin will be in (have a weird allergic to England rash thing going on at the moment!) I'm not sure whether to hire someone or to DIY?

Any of you thinking this far ahead yet?!

xxx

Hi

I'm going to hire someone to do hair and makeup, Frances sorts it all out and has some really reasonable prices you can have everything from massage, facial, waxing, nails, hair and makeup or just hair and makeup, got 14 months to go so i figure i should be able to save up for it!!!! LOLxxx

Well my sister's a hairdresser so she's gonna do my hair for me. Not sure about makeup. Right now I'm tempted to hire someone. Oh well, it's a while away.

Anyhow, most importantly WE BOOKED THE HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!! All the big stuff's done now. Holiday, planner, venues, date. Now, to buy stuff and stick bling on it! Woo hoo!

Hello

it might be interest for you to think about our hotel Lesante, in Zante where we could organize everything for your wedding and also the wedding reception and a private gala dinner. Our wedding coordinator may be very useful for you

You may contact us and we'll be happy to assist.

best regards,

Erica

Hi Hon

yep all big things done for me too. even choosen my dress and paid deposit, picked colours for for bridesmaids and waistcoats so gona try and get one a month to ease cost, saw the tiara and bracelet i want too just gotta save for them!!!LOL think we are going to be skint for the next 14 months!!! LOLx

Oooooh. Dress! Not done mine yet. I've seen on I LOVE online, but no trying on etc yet.

Have we seen a flash of yours yet?!

Dont know how to load a pic its Maggie Sottero JOSIE in Ivory and I'm having a little bolero made to match, it wont be made/ready til about March as they are taking ten months!!! paid half got half to pay and can pay a bit each month, are you having wedding insurance??? going to look into it theres been a couple of shops go bust by me and brides lost dresses and theres no way i could pay again!!!!

Hi Zante Brides!

Sounds like you are all doing great with your planning! We are flying out there on the 17th to have another look around and meet with the Wedding Co-Ordinator.

Rachelsims40- Think I have said this before- but your dress is stunning! We have purchased wedding insurance, for peace of mind more that anything else!

MrsBtoB- Not really thought about hair and make-up. I know it is included in our wedding package though. My Mum is a hairdresser so she will probably sort my hair for me. I think what i'll do, with make up, is have the products with me and learn how to apply them properly before we go, so if I don't like what the makeup artist if offering I can do it myself! ? I quite like the idea of being pampered though!

Have you found any dress designs that you like MrsBtoB? I have found a few, but not tried anything on yet!

x

O dear! I have only just seen this ! Sorry !

We are getting married on Cameo Island and having our reception at The Balcony Hotel.

x

I was thinking about doing my own makeup but was worried about having a shiny face and the makeup running in the heat, and having checked out some of the websites the make up looks really expensive so am going to have makeup done for me.

Thats ok MrsSeddon2be if your heads like mine its been up & down and to timbuktu and back!

Its so exciting organising your own wedding but with this laid back approach they have abroad it gets your heart panicking a bit!! Well I'm getting there I've booked Frances at Zante Weddings and have confirmed with the hotel 'Louis Zante Beach' today after several emails and 2 phone calls our wedding date of 29th July 2012 - PHEW! Just over 12mths to go now!

I've been looking at dresses on the net, so many to choose from but think the Maggie Sottero ones are gorgeous, I really like Harlowe but not going to commit myself just yet because i'll probably change my mind come xmas, but keeping my eye on 1 or 2, or 3 or 4 lol! I had a look at Cameo Island myself looks really nice and private, it was just that walk across the bridge to get to it, I thought might be a bit much for my mum because she has some walking difficulties, so thought we'd stay at the hotel and then go and have a meal in a restaurant because think there will only be a few of us, as the main reception will be when we return to the UK.

Mazza x

WOW! Your Maggie Dress is gorgeous! The one I've looked at is a Maggie - Mallorie. Obviously it might look stupid on, but so far it's a firm favourite. Time will tell! I've been (slowly) losing a little bit of weight but I don't wanna try anything on until I feel a bit more confident IYSWIM. Let the diet commence! (Oooh after I finish that chocolate bar!)

Ha ha a womans worst enemy 'CHOCOLATE'. I've looked at that many but keep goin back to the same 1's so that must be good! Do you know what colour scheme you will be having yet?

Mazza x