Fiji Brides!!

[Jo 2010]

Since we aren't big enough to have our own forum I thought I would start a thread for us - and I know there is at least one other Fiji bride on here...

 

I am getting married in October next year - but I'm going over this year in October to check out some locations - I thought maybe some other brides may need me to look at things for them too (no promises, but I can try!)

 

So far we have not chosen a venue yet, but are looking at the Warwick or Shangri-La but also considering the Intercontinental and Westin.

 

Mostly we are looking for a good deal for our guests - I dont mind if we have to pay a little bit more for the wedding, but I want our guests to get a great deal on their accomodation - and the warwick does all inclusive - a big plus for our guests.

 

I know there are lots of other frustrations for Fiji brides and I think it would be great to share things like photographers information, flowers etc etc...

 

anyway, I'm so excited and really just hoping to be of some help to anyone else when I go on my location visit in a couple months !

 

YAY Fiji Brides !

[bitohoney]

Jo&Daz 20-10-2010

 

I thought I would be the only Fiji bride on here, so excited that you found me. We looked long and hard for a place that would accommodate all of our guests, but was still a reasonable price, and we thought Castaway Island Resort was our best choice. It is relatively close to the main island, but still has to be reached by a ferry boat. Everything is included except for alcohol. We wanted something very private and island seclusive, and what a dream come true - we are the only thing on the island.

 

I am using a travel agent out of Las Vegas, who is wonderful (the name of the place is Journey Pacific, for those who may have struggled with finding travel agent help for quotes in Fiji) - I know I did. We finally got everything booked and accommodation is being held for us. Invitations went out on Monday and I believe we will try to send out a "Reminder" of the date (instead of a STD) in about three months. It's funny how things work so backwards (and anything goes) with destination weddings.

 

We will have a Fijian choir at our ceremony and the local resort band at the reception. They recommended an ipod for after dinner, but we have not quite decided on that yet. The more simple, the better. Haven't worked out all the details just yet, but they are able to make the cake that I want, which is a bonus.

 

Hopefully we will be able to find more Fiji Brides, IM SO EXCITED.

 

My only struggle is with photographers, b/c I do not want to use a local and it costs a fortune to fly people in. I found a guy in Australia who I LOVE, but not sure if I will be able to afford. Let me know if you'd like his name!

 

Cheers.

[Jo 2010]

Hey Elizabeth

 

Are you still struggling for a photographer??

 

I saw Yoshi of Ocean Studio Fiji in action while I was over there last week and thought he was brilliant - and I checked out his website and really loved the colour and composition. Immediately tried to book him and he is unavailable for our date we are gutted - but thought you may like to know about him anyway!!

 

We actually caught the ferry that goes to Castaway on our trip around some of the islands. it was very nice - packed though! Basically the Ferry (luxury big catamaran) stops near the island and little boats come up to it to pick up the people that have to get off at the little islands... Castaway looked beautiful!

[Jo 2010]

Oh! an alcohol is really expensive on the islands - however we did see quite a lot of young people with cases of beer travelling out the islands

 

The Ferry leaves from Denaru - which has a shopping centre there to buy it...

 

Not sure if thats the kind of thing your guests would consider doing, but it was a smart idea for the big drinkers that we met out there!!

[Island Princess]

Hey Girls,

My cousin is interested in getting married in FIJI. I will put her onto this!

[jaredrey]

If you check out the vendor marketplace there is a thread for a free wedding that includes travel. Maybe sign up and who knows, maybe you will win! There are also other vendors beginning their DW portfolio and giving discounts to brides in order to start.

 

Hope that helps!

[michp]

Hi Ladies

Although I am married I thought I would let you know that we went to Fiji and Australia for our honeymoon. We stayed at the Radison in Denaru for 3 nights and 4 nights on Castaway. We LOVED it there. Castaway was gorgeous and we saw a beautiful wedding as well as a corporate private party. They did a great job!

I was also very impressed with the quality of the food.... fantastic and not like what we have experienced in the past. We opted for the meal plan and ate like royalty the whole time we were there. Apparently they get chefs from Australia often to train their chefs on new things.

I agree about buying alcohol, snacks and drinks before you head out to the smaller islands as it is much more expensive. Good thing we spoke to people before heading to Castaway as everyone had cases of beer and water etc on the ferry with them.

Good luck with your planning!

[bitohoney]

Thank you so much for the advice and recommendations. . . . . . WOW! We have everything moving slowly at this point and it is so hard to believe that we are now five months away! It doesn't even seem real yet.

 

I am absolutely going to make sure that people stock up on alcohol and wine (for me). It's good to know that you can get these types of things are the dock. I know that our families will be interested in that too.

 

I appreciate the photographer recommendations, but it all worked out for me. I won a free wedding photography contest in which I pay for travel and I get the entire weekend shot for free, among some other things. So I am feeling very fortunate and lucky right now. My travel agent is the greatest person on earth btw!!!

 

As of now, we have 31 confirmed guests. Unbelievable. I am so excited this. Thank you to all.

[thelawwon]

We're getting hitched at Lomani on Malolo in March 2013! How were your weddings? It looks like this is an older thread?