Our Planning Blog

Join our Director and Head Wedding Planner Val Mattinson for news, event and wedding planning advice, design and styling inspiration.


One of the first dilemmas couples are faced with when they decide to plan an overseas wedding in the Caribbean is whether to go for an all-inclusive wedding package. These packages are marketed extensively by resorts and tour operators, so they’re often the first thing you see when you start looking for inspiration and ideas.

All-Inclusive vs. Bespoke – Which Caribbean Wedding Package is Right for You

One of the first dilemmas couples are faced with when they decide to plan an overseas wedding in the Caribbean is whether to go for an all-inclusive wedding package. These packages are marketed extensively by resorts and tour operators, so they’re often the first thing you see when you start looking for inspiration and ideas.

Dec 04 2022


Setting a date is an important step in the planning of your Caribbean destination wedding.
From travel logistics to local holidays, there are a lot of variables to consider. So, when’s the
best time to get married in the Caribbean? Here’s my expert advice…

When is the Best Time to Get Married in the Caribbean?

Setting a date is an important step in the planning of your Caribbean destination wedding. From travel logistics to local holidays, there are a lot of variables to consider. So, when’s the best time to get married in the Caribbean? Here’s my expert advice…

Oct 28 2022


We can’t quite believe that it’s been just over a year since Vicky and Glen’s beautiful private home marquee wedding - what perfect timing to feature this summer celebration on the blog. Set in the grounds of their magnificent home, Vicky and Glen’s wedding was a true honouring of family, laughter and Northern charm.

Benessamy Weddings: A Private Home Marquee Wedding for Vicky & Glen

We can’t quite believe that it’s been just over a year since Vicky and Glen’s beautiful private home marquee wedding - what perfect timing to feature this summer celebration on the blog. Set in the grounds of their magnificent home, Vicky and Glen’s wedding was a true honouring of family, laughter and Northern charm.

Sep 22 2022


The beautiful island of Saint Lucia straddles the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and
the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an incredible place to get married and there’s plenty for you to see
and do. With its sandy white beaches, it’s also the perfect place to do nothing at all!

5 Things To Do In St Lucia

The beautiful island of Saint Lucia straddles the boundary between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an incredible place to get married and there’s plenty for you to see and do. With its sandy white beaches, it’s also the perfect place to do nothing at all!

Aug 04 2022


Choosing your wedding stationery is an important step in your wedding planning. With so many styles to choose here's a little expert help.

How To Organise Stylish Wedding Stationery

Choosing your wedding stationery is an important step in your wedding planning. With so many styles to choose here's a little expert help.

Jun 20 2022


If you’re planning a destination wedding, you may be thinking about hiring local wedding vendors (i.e. vendors who are local to your chosen venue). Although I work internationally myself, I can recognise there are certain advantages to hiring people based locally. However, there are a few key questions you should ask before booking local vendors for your destination wedding.

Destination Wedding Planning - 3 Things to Ask Local Wedding Vendors

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you may be thinking about hiring local wedding vendors (i.e. vendors who are local to your chosen venue). Although I work internationally myself, I can recognise there are certain advantages to hiring people based locally. However, there are a few key questions you should ask before booking local vendors for your destination wedding.

May 09 2022


Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a huge honour and a privilege. Whether the bride is your oldest friend or a family member, you'll play an integral role in their wedding day and feature heavily in memories they'll treasure forever.

Everything You Need to Know About Being a Bridesmaid

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a huge honour and a privilege. Whether the bride is your oldest friend or a family member, you'll play an integral role in their wedding day and feature heavily in memories they'll treasure forever.

Apr 27 2022


We’ve all heard the phrase ‘your wedding, your way’. Personally, I’m thrilled to see more and more couples abandoning convention and planning the wedding they want rather than the wedding tradition dictates. One option that’s becoming increasingly popular, especially for destination weddings, is the symbolic ceremony.

Why a Symbolic Ceremony Might Make Sense for Your Caribbean Destination Wedding

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘your wedding, your way’. Personally, I’m thrilled to see more and more couples abandoning convention and planning the wedding they want rather than the wedding tradition dictates. One option that’s becoming increasingly popular, especially for destination weddings, is the symbolic ceremony.

Apr 07 2022


Being best man is a huge honour and an even bigger responsibility. The list of duties is long, and they play a vital role before, during and after the wedding ceremony. You need them to understand how to do their job well – don’t leave anything to chance. Simply forward this link and I’ll do the rest!

Top Tips for Your Best Man (From a Wedding Planner)

Being best man is a huge honour and an even bigger responsibility. The list of duties is long, and they play a vital role before, during and after the wedding ceremony. You need them to understand how to do their job well – don’t leave anything to chance. Simply forward this link and I’ll do the rest!

Mar 08 2022


If you’re getting married in Barbados, you’ll want to make the most of the island while you’re there. If your guests are treating your wedding as the perfect excuse for a holiday, they’ll be looking for inspiration too. My family are from Barbados, so it’s a destination close to my heart.

6 Things To Do In Barbados

If you’re getting married in Barbados, you’ll want to make the most of the island while you’re there. If your guests are treating your wedding as the perfect excuse for a holiday, they’ll be looking for inspiration too. My family are from Barbados, so it’s a destination close to my heart.

Feb 18 2022