MONEY- SAVING TWEAKS

The perfect wedding in your dream location.

Here’s 12 ideas to save you some dosh

There’s nothing quite like a magical wedding in a tropical paradise, but often couples shy away, opting for an at-home wedding, rather than their ideal. Often, this is due to fear of planning their day from another country, whilst also sticking to a budget. But is it doable? Anita Gatley (weddingtravel.co. nz) is an expert in destination wedding and honeymoon planning. We caught up with Anita to discuss how she can help you have the perfect tailor- made wedding abroad without blowing your budget.

HOW DO YOU MAKE DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING EASIER? As a wedding travel specialist, my job is to organise the flights, accommodation, transfers and activities for you, the couple, and your group of family and friends. I will put you in touch with a resort or independent planner and this very much depends on the location of your wedding. I can act as a go-between for you and the planner. Each package is personalised, allowing you and your guests to get what suits and add on additional services if you wish.

DO YOU GET ACCESS TO DEALS? Absolutely! All bookings are tailor-made to you and your guests – no two weddings are the same. I negotiate wedding airfares, and being part of the Flight Centre Travel Group gives me access to excellent contacts.

WHAT BUDGET RANGES DO YOU WORK WITH? One of the most important parts of my job is to offer suggestions to fit within your budget. I am privileged to see some fantastic properties and experience some amazing places. I am always keen to offer these experiences to my couples, as it is often these added extras that will make your trip have that wow factor. Not every property advertises and I have access to different properties that may be more suited to your group, so I’m happy to work with you until we find a property (or two) to suit you.

WHAT’S OUR FIRST MEETING LIKE? Book an obligation-free consultation, to discuss your dream wedding. We talk about destinations and then I explain how I work; as a wedding travel specialist I do things a bit differently to travel agents.

Where are Anita’s favourite wedding locations in Fiji? “I would say Vomo Island, Nanuku Auberge Resort and Tokoriki Island Resort. Blue Lagoon Cruises in the Yasawas is beautiful, too!”