Perfect Weddings Abroad Response to the Reported Failure of Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad

Perfect Weddings Abroad is sorry to hear the news of the demise of competitor, Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad, a trading name of Heaven Sent Travel Ltd; which has been reported in the National and Travel Trade Press over the past 24 hours.

Perfect Weddings Abroad offer weddings in all of the destinations in which Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad operated, and are working closely with all hotel suppliers, which have forward bookings; and with our in-resort wedding coordinators in the destinations affected. Perfect Weddings Abroad Marketing Director, Danny Waine and a number of the team have cut-short their Christmas holidays to offer help to the couples affected, Waine said “There is never a good time to learn of a company failure, or the customers and staff that it affects, but particularly at this time of year; and with so many couples’ wedding days affected. We’ve drafted in extra staff to help over the next few days to offer guidance to those couples affected. We have excellent relationships with suppliers in the main locations in which WA offered, including Austria, New York and South Africa; so my advice is to any couple that has been affected please email us to enquiries@perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk with your name’s, telephone number, date of departure and wedding hotel; and a member of our Emergency Operations Team will call you back to see how we can help”.

It’s been widely reported that the weddings abroad market from the UK continues to grow year-on-year; particularly because of the recession, as more couples look to get married abroad to save money. Waine explains “The weddings abroad market is so buoyant at the moment it was a real shock to hear the news. Particularly as the main locations affected are Austria, New York and South Africa - all peak winter wedding locations at this time of year. Sadly this may mean that more couples are affected than would have been should this have happened in the summer. We are also aware that WA operated a homeworking network on a franchise basis over many years, and my heart goes out to those affected; therefore we would be happy to offer any of the homeworkers affected by the failure a position with us immediately”.

Perfect Weddings Abroad is a Midlands-based weddings abroad specialist, a trading name of Perfect Weddings & Honeymoons Ltd. A member of the Hays Travel Independence Group, the UK’s largest independently-owned travel agency, offering complete ABTA and ATOL protection. Waine went on to say “At times like this it once again brings up the question as to why companies and websites can operate without having appropriate bonding. Although Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad acted as a retail agent on behalf of a selected number of tour operators; they were not ABTA- bonded themselves or offered their own ATOL protection as being part of a travel agency consortia”.

Your Perfect Wedding in Prague

One of our Weddings Abroad Specialists, Sheila Mottram recently visited the beautiful city of Prague to sample the hotels and what wedding locations are on offer. Read about how she got on...

A Delightful Stay in Prague

From the arrival at Prague’s stylish modern airport, Prague was a delight. Our first stay of the tour was in the Augustine hotel, a impressive converted monastery. It opened it’s doors in 2009 and is already the preferred retreat for many celebrities including Seal & Pink. The rooms are minimalist with signature Cubist pieces. The soft furnishings are in the purples, reds and oranges which were the colours of the original monastery.

Weddings can be held in either the courtyard adjoining the hotel which although it is a public park is sheltered and the surrounding pillars give a feeling of privacy. The venue is reminiscent of the Cloisters in Sorrento.

Neighbouring the hotel is the church of St Thomas, this ornate Roman Catholic church gives a striking setting for couples to tie the knot. The church allows Roman Catholic services only.
For the reception the hotel offers a choice of venues, from the modern St Thomas’ cellar bar with it’s original cellar walls and part glass floors, suited to small parties to the Grand ballroom decked in wall hangings of the Monastery colours, which holds around 150 guests. Outside bordering from the restaurant is a courtyard and bbq area with comfortable seating and patio heaters makes a romantic setting for an evening reception.

Prague's Surrounding Areas and Castles

Next day began with a tour of the Lesser town and Prague castle. Lesser town is a section of winding streets and an ecliptic collection of buildings in varying styles which sit together to make a scenic tapestry in pinks and golds.

The castle took century’s to complete and has resulted in a variety of styles depending on which side the castle is viewed from. The castle is no longer a residence but houses offices of the government. The cathedral housed in the courtyard is Gothic in style and has stained glass window designed by famous artists. It is possible to get married here but due the number of tourists it would not be a private event although photos could be taken further away from the cathedral but this is not easily reached in wedding attire.

Hotel Aria

Lunch was taken at the Aria hotel this funky boutique hotel is situated next to the Vrtba gardens, weddings take place here in the late afternoon after the tourists have gone. Weddings can take place at 30 minute intervals. Weddings are held in the Sala Terrena with a decorated wedding table and 10 decorated chairs for the families of the engaged couple. Other wedding guests remain standing during the ceremony. Also provided are floral decorations for the wedding table. The ceremony includes a toast for the newly-married couple prepared by the garden manager, which is included in the fee for the organization of the wedding ceremony.

Wedding guests are not allowed to give a toast or have any sort of refreshment on their own.The Aria hotel can arrange tables to be set up on the terrace above the gardens for a wedding buffet. The garden manager is ready to offer advice as regards music and photographers with experience in the premises of the Vrtba Garden and the Vrtba Palace.

The wedding party can also host their reception in the Aria hotel depending on numbers will be the amount of space opened up, from the Coda restaurant off the piano bar to the piano bar itself. The Aria also has a private cinema which can be hired and seats around a dozen people. It is also possible to get married on the roof top terrace (small parties only) which breathtaking views over Prague it also make it a perfect venue for a cocktail reception.

The hotel itself is designed around music each floor is based on a style of music and each room a segment of that style. The hotel also has a collection of around 15000 cd’s which are free of charge to hire for guests during their stay. This hotel offers a distinctive location for a honeymoon.

Following lunch we took a boat trip down the Vltava river, the river cruise boats are a delightful excursion for guests before the wedding and a great way for the two families to get to know each other.

Seeing the Stirin Hotel

Day two began with a trip out to Chateau Stirin and the Stirin hotel. This Chateau is located a couple of mile outside of the city. Whilst the hotel is traditional inside it has many quirky features within the venue. Within the chateau there are three wedding rooms which can be used for the ceremony or the central room can be used for the bride and groom to get ready, they then exit through French windows onto a grand outdoor staircase each taking opposite paths down into the gardens around the manicured garden to join again at the wedding gazebo at the bottom of the gardens.

The wedding breakfast can be taken in several restaurants including the country styled restaurant with French windows out on the gardens and golf course or in the Gaudi styled Atis restaurant that boasts a putting green and a tree though the centre of the room. The next stop was the Cervena Lhoto where we got to see our first real wedding, The stunning fairytale castle is set around a beautiful lake. The wedding rooms are small but pretty and are being refurbished this winter. Alternatively there is a chapel but as this is on a sharp incline it is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. The wedding breakfast can be held in the restaurant, who not only provide gourmet food but can also arrange fireworks, d j or many other extras to make the day extra special.

In the afternoon we transferred to the state Chateau of Hluboka. This Chateau was styled around Winsor Castle, although not a private locatino, the gardens would make a stunning backdrop for photos.

The evening was spent at the hotel Stekl which had a beautiful garden terrace for wedding parties with views over the Czech countryside.

The next morning sees us heading to Chateau Zbiroh, the approach to the venue doesn't prepare you for when you turn the corner and the chateau comes into view it is awe-inspiring. At the entrance is a stylish gazebo which can weddings can take place. A grand staircase leads to a impressive hall for 150 guests equipped with stunning chandeliers. Smaller parties can be accommodated in an Art Nuevo style room designed by Edward Mucha.

The chapel can be reached through a cobbled courtyard which can be furnished with a red carpet. The Roman Catholic chapel can also be used for civil ceremonies. It has a small organ and is lit with candles and decorated with fresh flowers. There is also accommodation for 100 guests in 50 rooms and 10 apartments.

Once again there are choice of venues for the reception including a medieval restaurant with ceramic steins and kebabs on swords for the real castle feel. After lunch we proceeded to hotel Mlyn Romanticky just 10 minutes from Karlstein castle in a idyllic lakes and mountains location, where we were given a very warm welcome. The interior is rustic in style and the bridal suite a room is a real romantic retreat. Decking leads from the bar out towards the river past this lawns meander down to the pretty wedding gazebo. Past this is a marquee with dance floor and bbq area and fire pit. The management of the hotel is extremely approachable and gives you faith that the wedding couple would be well catered for. The hotel itself can cater for fifty guests and would be perfect to twin centre with a short break in Prague itself.

The Riverside Hotel

The last night's accommodation was at the Riverside hotel a lovely modern American styled accommodation, within walking distance of the Charles bridge and it’s artists. For the evening we headed to the Zofin Palace located on a small island on the river it is like slipping into a bygone age of elegance. With it’s high ceiling glittering ballrooms it echoes of past masked balls attended by the nobility. The caterers for this venue are rated amongst the best in Prague. Certainly gives the wow factor.

The last morning after a walking tour around the old town of Prague we stopped to take in the famous astrological clock of the Old Town Hall. The spectacle of the parade of the saints, the skeleton ringing the bell and the jesters fanfare are a delight. The interior of the Old Town Hall is surprisingly modern and minimalist. At 8.30 several brides can already be seen on the street as we leave.

Across the square sits St Nicholas church it is a stark contrast to the interior of the Old Town Hall, this grand Protestant church serves as both a place of worship and a concert hall. Despite being a protestant church couples of any religion can marry here. Weddings can take place on any day of the week apart from Sunday between the hours of 9am and 1pm (later by request). The service can be in either English or Czech by the cheerful celebrant. The fee of 10,000 ck (400 euro) includes flowers, souvenirs for the bride and groom and a choice of organ music.

The final lunch was at the trendy Buddha Bar, this ultra modern hotel is luxury in a fun concept. This hi tech hotel would be wonderful for honeymooners.

The last hotel visit was a real hidden gem, The Pachtuv Palace was partially hidden from view by the building of a new restaurant to the side of the hotel. Walking through the reception you stumble upon a magical courtyard, like so much of Prague it houses some very individual works of art. In this case it is bronze figures secreted around the garden. 2010 is the first year the hotel as hosted weddings but the garden is perfect for an intimate ceremony, the garden in turn leads to a balcony ideal for cocktail receptions and with the addition of the restaurant it should do very well. For a special stay there is the honeymoon suite decorated with frescoes of Italian art and atmospheric lighting it is something very special.

The Czech Republic offers culture, style and diversity to be able to offer the perfect venue for that special day.

For further information and to speak to our Prague Wedding Specialist, Sheila Mottram about your big day, please email Sheila directly: sheila@perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk, call us on 0844 770 8270 or visit our Perfect Weddings Abroad website and check out some Prague Wedding Ideas

Our Student of the Year Prize Winner 2010

We were delighted to award our first ever Perfect Weddings Abroad Prize for Best Overall Travel and Tourism Student, at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

Our inaugural winner was Jessica Starkey, and she was presented her prize of £200 from Perfect Weddings Abroad's Marketing Director, Danny Waine. Jessica had an exceptional year in the final year of her degree course at Newcastle Business School and was nominated for the prize by her University Lecturers.

Danny was delighted to offer the prize, he explained "This is the first time that we have had the opportunity to offer a prize for the best Travel and Tourism student. I remember back to when I was at University and really appreciated the companies that supported our course, with the prizes that they offered. So I am honoured to be involved with Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University. Jess is a real asset to NBS and I know from speaking to her lecturers she's done a great job over the last 12 months and is a deserved winner of our first ever prize. It's really inspired me, and we're hoping to offer the prize on an annual basis".

Jess was pleased to win the award and said "Being awarded the 'Best Overall BATTM Student' prize was a real honour. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Northumbria, not only studying TTM but also getting involved with some of the many events the university has to offer. Specifically I would like to thank the TTM lecturers Bridget, Jakki and Lavinia, and of course Danny Waine, a successful former TTM student, whose company Perfect Weddings Abroad sponsored the award".

(Pictured above - left to right: Kayleigh Cliffe (won the prize for Most Improved Travel and Tourism student) Kevin Duddy (won the prize for the Best Hospitality student), Lavinia Wilson-Youlden Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Travel & Tourism Management and BA (Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism, and Jessica Starkey (won the Perfect Weddings Abroad prize for Best Overall Travel & Tourism student).

Since winning the prize Jess has invested her prize of £200 towards interrailing around Europe. She said "it was something I had always wanted to do, so thought that it was a nice reward after completing my degree!" She visited many cities across Europe, and she's now hoping to get a travel-related job in the near future.

Good luck to Jess from everyone at Perfect Weddings Abroad!

WIN exclusively-designed Jewellery with Perfect Weddings Abroad

Win exclusively-designed jewellery with Perfect Weddings Abroad! Red-I by Chelsea has designed us some wonderful handcrafted jewellery - a matching necklace and earring set. Fabulous to wear, or perhaps a wonderful gift for a loved one.

To celebrate the launch of Perfect Weddings Abroad's new Youtube Channel we are delighted to offer you the chance to win this lovely prize - and it's free to enter!

Red-I by Chelsea is a US-based company specialising in handcrafted and personalised designs, wonderfully unique exotic travel-inspired jewellery.

To have a chance of winning this one-off prize it's really easy... all you have to do is answer the question "What does a Perfect Wedding Abroad mean to You?"

Your answer can be honest, it can be a dream in your mind, it can even be silly, fun and humorous... we don't mind!

Some ideas that we've come up with to start you off, although these ones won't win, we promise!... "A Perfect Wedding Abroad to me is spending it with the one I love" - "A Perfect Wedding Abroad is on a secluded sandy Beach" - "A Perfect Wedding Abroad is as far away from the mother-in-law as possible!" ...think you can come up with something better? then why not have a go!...

To enter all you have to do is visit our Facebook page, Twitter feed, post on your own Blog, make a Youtube video or email us and finish this sentence... "A Perfect Wedding Abroad..."

To enter via Facebook - Post a comment on our Facebook Page "A Perfect Wedding Abroad..."

To enter via Twitter - Send us a direct tweet or tweet it from your profile to PWAbroad "A Perfect Wedding Abroad..."

To enter via Youtube - Film yourself on a Webcam or Videophone and upload it to Youtube "A Perfect Wedding Abroad..."

To enter via a Blog - Use your blog to talk about our competition and in there link back to our website http://www.perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk/ and give us your competition entry in there too... "A Perfect Wedding Abroad..."

To enter via Email - Send us an email to enquiries@perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk Subject: Red-I by Chelsea with your entry in the main body of the email "A Perfect Wedding Abroad..."

Remember to invite your friends and family to join us on Facebook and Like our Page or to start Following us on Twitter

It's completely FREE TO ENTER! and you can enter as many times as you like - as long as each entry is an original line...

Entries made via webcam/videophone and posted on Youtube will receive a Free Bonus Entry - that's twice the chance of winning!

Entries can be made from anywhere in the world, this is not restricted to UK residents...

Unfortunately telephone entries cannot be accepted, this is only an online promotion. Rude or derogatory comments will be removed by the Perfect Weddings Abroad competitions team.

Competition opens on 4th November 2010 and closes at 18:00 GMT on Monday 22nd November 2010.

Winner will be chosen at random and the lucky person will be notified by Perfect Weddings Abroad by 25th November 2010. The prize will then be dispatched by Red-I by Chelsea for you to enjoy.

The prize is non-changeable, non-refundable and has no cash value.

Perfect Weddings Abroad's decision is final.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Check out some examples of the prize that you could win... go on, have a go!...

Royal Caribbean 10000 Free Flights Special Offer

Planning a wedding onboard a cruise ship? or perhaps a luxury cruise honeymoon? then at Perfect Weddings and Honeymoons we can offer you the wonderful Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises "10,000 Flights Give Away Offer"

Available to book from the 30th October 2010 we have a number of selected departures where Royal Caribbean are offering the first 10,000 customers the opportunity to book and receive completely free flights!

The offer is available from a host of airports across the UK, including regional flight departures, and is across the following ships: Grandeur of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas...

Sailings include departures from: Palma, Malaga, Rome, Barcelona and Venice; and the free flights offer applies to UK Airports including: Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham, London Gatwick, Belfast, London Heathrow and Edinburgh.

For couples who choose to sail from the UK, there are some fantastic early booking offers still to be had, which include:

Savings of up to £500 per stateroom

Free car parking at Southampton

The offer is subject to availability at the time of booking and the free flights offer is limited to the first 10,000 - so if you're planning a wedding abroad or a cruise honeymoon then make sure you call our special booking line: 0844 770 8270.

Perfect Weddings and Honeymoons specialist team look forward to receiving your call regarding your Royal Caribbean honeymoon. If you're planning a cruise wedding or an overseas wedding then call our Perfect Weddings Abroad team on 0844 770 8270, or visit our website for inspiration http://www.perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk/

The offer is valid for bookings from the 30th October 2010 to 20th December 2010, so don't delay!

Job Creation Announcement: Perfect Weddings Abroad

Overseas weddings and honeymoons specialist ‘Perfect Weddings Abroad’ is delighted to announce the creation of 20 sales positions within the organisation with immediate effect. The positions as ‘weddings abroad and honeymoon planners’ are home-based and nationwide.

Despite the recession, Perfect Weddings Abroad is on course to more than double its sales for 2010 against 2009, which had been the business’ best year to date. The company has benefited over the last 18 months from couples who have chosen to get married abroad instead of the UK to save money. With the average UK wedding now reported to cost in excess of £20,000; Perfect Weddings Abroad’s average wedding booking per couple is around £7,000 – including the honeymoon, wedding package, legal documents and fees, typical wedding extras (flowers and photography) and wedding reception for 30 guests.

The company’s sales team currently stands at 10, with a mix of head office and homeworking agents. The creation of the 20 sales positions will be complimented with an increase in its head office administration and support team at its Staffordshire base. Marketing and Recruitment Director, Danny Waine said “the whole team has worked tremendously hard over the last 18 months building the business, to give us a solid foundation to push on through 2011. We now have the structure in place to grow the sales team and to cope with the increasing demand. There are some exciting technology developments which we’ve been working on with our overseas coordinators and we’re looking to bring it all together under one roof”.

The company currently has a mix of ex-travel agents and former-wedding planners in its sales team and expects this balance to continue to grow. Waine said “we’re looking to develop the team in to specialist destinations and know that people with a wedding planning background can be equally as valuable to us as those with a travel agency background. We’ve been preparing by putting training programs and a company intranet in place to help the team share knowledge and information quickly and efficiently”.

Although the company is looking to hear from people from across the UK they have identified a number of key locations in which they’re looking to grow their team, Waine explained “we do a high proportion of web bookings from Wales and Scotland and also along the South Coast of England, so we’d love to increase our team in those areas initially, as well as the North West of England where we’ve so far struggled to recruit. Although the majority of our business comes through our website and facebook page we actively encourage and will support our sales team at local wedding fairs and exhibitions”.

For further information, contact:
Danny Waine, Marketing & Recruitment Director, Perfect Weddings Abroad
0844 770 8270 / danny@perfectweddingsabroad.co.uk
Website: www.PerfectWeddingsAbroad.co.uk
Recruitment Info: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Weddings-Abroad-Honeymoons-Planner-Jobs/151946591491483?ref=ts

Perfect Weddings Abroad Reviews

We are pleased to launch a new website www.PerfectWeddingsAbroadReviews.co.uk this site will include the reviews and testimonials that we've received from previous happy couples who've booked their wedding abroad with us and got married overseas.

The site aims to include and showcase the excellent feedback received from our past customers, and also to show off the photographs of the wonderful worldwide locations on offer.

Our Perfect Weddings Abroad Review Site will also give you more information on which of our wedding coordinators have received excellent feedback, and for which locations. This will give you more ideas as to the kind of places that our team specialises in.

Perfect Weddings Abroad Reviews is now live, so visit the website, and check back as it'll be constantly updated.

2011 All Inclusive Caribbean Weddings

Due to the increasing popularity of fully-inclusive weddings abroad, Perfect Weddings Abroad are delighted to launch a new Caribbean-only website focusing on the Breezes 'super-inclusive' resorts. The resorts in Jamaica, Bahamas and Curacao are fabulous locations for adults, and in the case of Breezes Trelawny families alike.

The wedding packages include all of the usual bits that weddings abroad couples require, as well as the return flights from the UK, in-resort tranfers and accommodation for 14 nights on an all-inclusive basis. The prices start from a very reasonable £2,185 per couple (based on October 2010 flights from London Gatwick).

The new website for Breezes Resorts Weddings has just gone live and includes wedding packages in the following resorts:

Jamaica:

Breezes Grand Negril
Breezes Rio Bueno
Breezes Trelawny
Breezes Runaway Bay

as well as Breezes Curacao and Breezes Bahamas.

Perfect Weddings Abroad has also increased its Caribbean Portfolio for 2011 to include new destinations...