The Essence of Romance
... A Destination Wedding!

Congratulations on your engagement and your decision to explore the possibilities of a Destination Wedding. With the cost of an average wedding in Australia now estimated to be in the vicinity of $40,000, more and more couples, just like yourselves, are looking for a better option. A Destination Wedding is an option that's definitely more affordable, decidedly more romantic and will be a holiday you, your family and friends will never forget.

Let's face it, what could be more romantic than exchanging your marriage vows on a balmy tropical evening with the backdrop of golden skies as the sun sets on the crystal clear lagoon of your chosen resort?
It sounds wonderful ... it is wonderful ... but where do you start?

Well, that's easy ... right here!

Essence Tours Pty Ltd has joined forces with Worldwide Weddings to provide you with one of the most comprehensive Destination Weddings websites in Australia. Essence Tours' Wedding Coordinator, Sue Natho specialises in Fiji and Pacific Island Destinations, while Tennille Collins from Worldwide Weddings has many years experience planning and organising weddings in Bali, Thailand and other Asian countries. Together we're the complete package, offering you wedding coordination services and, with a full international travel agency licence, all your travel needs. Whether you want an intimate wedding for two, a celebration with fifty guests, an "island informal" ceremony or a "barefoot black-tie" occasion, we'll take care of all the details. That includes helping you with:

• Selecting your resort (the most difficult part of the journey)
• Legal documentation
• Tailoring your wedding package
• Reception details - venue, set up, menus, etc
• Group travel arrangements for you and your guests
• The all important honeymoon
• And, working within your budget!

So, let's get started.

SELECTING YOUR RESORT

The only hard decision you'll have to make!

Once you've decided on your destination, there are a number of factors that need to be considered when narrowing down your choice of resorts.

• Do you want a garden, beach or chapel wedding?
• How many guests do you think will be travelling with you?
• Will you have children, elderly or disabled guests in your group?
• Would you like a "whole of resort" booking, ie depending on your
  group size, it may be possible to select a resort that will
  accommodate you and your guests exclusively ... great fun!
• What facilities the resorts offer, eg activities, Kids Club, etc

LEGAL DOCUMENTATION

The legal documentation requirements vary from country to country, but as you work your way through the various destinations on our website, you'll find them all detailed. We will make sure that your documentation is in order and submitted to your resort 28 days prior to your departure. You will still need to take your original documents with you for sighting at the Registry Offices.

TAILORING YOUR WEDDING PACKAGE

Most resorts offer several wedding packages and a list of Optional Extras that allow you to tailor-make your dream wedding. We have included at least one package in each of the resort pages, but if you have any special requests, or would like to see all the packages, please contact us on 1300 110 517 or email us on weddings@essencetours.com.au for full details.

YOUR RECEPTION

All the resorts on our website offer a selection of venues for your reception and a choice of menus to suit your dietary requirements and budget. Once you've chosen your resort, we can send you photos of venue options, table set ups, floral arrangements menus, etc

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Whether you're eloping, or taking a group of family and friends with you, we'll take care of all your travel arrangements. Essence Tours holds a full International Travel Agent's Licence and we can organise group flights, negotiate on your behalf with the resorts for accommodation and meal packages (if required), and ensure that you and your guests are met on arrival at your destination and transferred by private vehicle or coach to your resort.
We offer our couples a flyer detailing the resort they've chosen, travel arrangements and accommodation options.
Click here for a pdf sample.
These flyers are complimentary and entirely optional and can be provided in pdf format for emailing, or as a colour laser print out to go out with your invitations.

YOUR HONEYMOON

After the big day you might want to spend extra time at the resort where you are for your honeymoon, or slip away to a smaller, boutique resort that's more intimate and ideal for couples. Perhaps you would prefer a cruise, or head to a different destination altogether. Whatever you decide, we can offer suggestions, provide quotes and take care of all the arrangements for your special time together..

WORKING WITHIN YOUR BUDGET

All expectations and no surprises ... A major consideration for both of us!

You may not have an exact figure in mind, but at least an indication of your budget helps us to recommend suitable resorts, hens and bucks party options, and other additional activities you may want. We will provide you with regular updates on confirmed bookings for your guests to assist with your planning.

OUR FEES

Apart from the deposit requirements of your chosen resort and wedding package, we have only one fee:

• BOOKING / COORDINATION FEE
  Bride and Groom Eloping (No Guests) - $500.00 *
  Bride and Groom with Guests - $900.00 *

*These fees are payable on confirmation of your wedding date and will be credited in full towards your booking on finalisation of your travel arrangements. However, fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation after confirmation.

THE NEXT STEP

Ready for the next step? Simply complete the Wedding Quote Request Form, submit it to us, and one of our Wedding Consultants will contact you within 24 hours.