I love Germany.  I’ve been there about 10 times, and lived there for a bit a few years ago.  The history, the culture, the people, the architecture – it’s all amazingly easy to soak up.  Berlin is modern, yet traditional.  Make sure when you do go to set aside at least half of a day to just walk around the city with no destination in mind.  You’ll love it.  Viel Spass!

Tourist Hot Spot

The Berlin Wall & Checkpoint Charlie

Germany has such a deep, difficult, yet interesting history and Berlin seems to be the hub of what we all think about when we think of Germany – World War II & East vs West.  The Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie are, the most iconic symbols of that era.  While most of the Wall was destroyed when it came down, there are a few sections still remaining.  There’s one near Checkpoint Charlie, so you can be sure to see both.

Off the Beaten Path

Grosser Wannsee

Most people don’t think of water and beach when they think of Berlin, but if you want a little time to relax and catch some sun, head over to Grosser Wannsee, which is a large lake in the city of Berlin.  It’s a great escape within the city – especially during the hot summer months.  The lake is actually quite large and offers many waters sports and even lake cruises.

Local food

Gluhwein

Instead of food, we’re recommending a wine – Gluhwein.  You can’t get Gluhwein year round, so if you’re in Berlin in late November to early January, you’re in luck (it usually makes an appearance during the holidays).  Essentially, Gluhwein is a mulled red wine that’s infused with different spices like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and citrus.  It’s served hot so don’t be surprised.  The easiest way to find Gluhwein is to walk to the nearest Christmas Market, where there will be tons of vendors offering it.  And then do a little shopping.

Splurge Hotel

Hotel de Rome

This Rocco Forte Hotel is the meeting between old and new.  Built in 2006 in the former office of a German bank, the exterior is full of traditional and ornate details, yet inside has been transformed into a modern, luxury hotel that sits in the Mitte (or “Middle) section of Berlin.  With 146 guest rooms, the hotel offers guests a range of classic rooms to a terrace suite, as well as a full fitness center and day spa.  The hotel also offers a Concierge team that is available to help you with anything you might need during your stay.  So if you’re looking for a reservation at the hottest restaurant or club in Berlin, work with your Concierge.

Bang for your Buck Hotel

Grand Hotel Esplanade

If you like modern and sophisticated designs, then the Grand Hotel Esplanade is a hotel for you.  The hotel is located next to the Tiergarten area of Berlin, you’re right in the middle of Berlin’s cultural district with easy access to museums, theaters and shopping.  While the Grand Hotel Esplanade is a full-service hotel, including a day spa, you won’t pay 5-star hotel prices.  It’s our value pick!

Best Wedding Reception Venue

Palais am Festungsgraben

Palais am Festungsgraben sits in the heart of Berlin and definitely has that old world feel that much of Berlin has.  With several different areas for your wedding reception, this wedding venue has the capacity for small parties in one of its boardrooms or it can accommodate up to 150 wedding guests for a seated reception in the Marmorsaal, or Marble Hall, ballroom.  The stunning ballroom has marble columns throughout the ballroom adding a sense of luxury and richness throughout the space.  Typically couples are not permitted to get married outside of the Registrar’s Office, but Palasis am Festungsgraben has an exclusive satellite Registrar’s Office, making it possible to have your ceremony and your reception here.  Big benefit.

Cultural Considerations

If you think New Yorkers walk fast and with a purpose, be aware – Germans walk faster, so if you can’t keep up, walk off to the side.  And another tidbit about Germans, they are very “puenktlich,” as they say – or very prompt.  If you have an appointment with vendors, arrive a few minutes early so you’re on time.

Marriage Requirements

Having a legal wedding ceremony in Germany is a little different than here in the US.  If you wish to have a legal wedding, the ceremony will actually take place at the Registrar’s Office (Standesamt).  Otherwise, it’s not legal (unless you get married at Palais am Festungsgraben that has a satellite office onsite).  Because requirements differ between towns, it’s best to make an appointment with the registrar’s office close to you in Berlin to review documentation and requirements.  However, take note that it will take at least 21 days to process the paperwork.

You will definitely need to take your birth certificate issued within the last 6 months, so you will likely need to obtain a new one before you head to Germany.  You will also need to complete an Apostille form.  On top of this you will have to complete the Ehefähigkeitszeugnis, which indicates you’re not married to someone else.

In recent years we’ve seen custom aisle runners with the bride and groom’s monogram, but I recently came across a new twist on the aisle runner, from Faux Paw Furs.  Faux Paw Furs created home decor items, but they’re now introducing faux fur aisle runners for wedding ceremonies, which come 36″ wide as their standard cut, but can be as wide as 56″.

Imagine how luxurious it would be walking down the aisle on white channeled faux mink fur?  It would look absolutely spectacular, particularly for a winter wedding.  We can’t wait to use these for one of our brides.    Aisle runners are 36″ wide, but can be made as wide as 56″, depending on how wide your aisle is.

Would you use one of these at your wedding?

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At times, engaged couples shy away from destination weddings because they fear that the added travel logistics involved for their wedding guests might be a little too complex, but this doesn’t have to be the case.  Couples can make it easier for guests to attend a destination wedding by providing as much travel information as possible, both in the Save-the-Date and the formal wedding invitation.

Depending on the location of your destination wedding, we suggest working with your destination wedding planner to research different travel options for guests.  Look at where a majority of your guests are coming from and include flight options from those airports, the costs of hotel rooms, whether or not all-inclusive options are available, and if passports and visas are required.  You may be able to negotiate special rates for guests who opt to stay longer and make a vacation out of your wedding day.   Here at Fresh LiME Events, we also suggest providing group transportation to and from the airport in your destination.  It’s one less thing for guests to worry about.

Be sure to greet guests upon arrival at the hotel with a fabulous Welcome Basket, which should include information on the location, along with the different activities that are available to guests.  Your wedding guests will very much appreciate this!

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London is by far my favorite city in the entire world – at least it rivals New York for the top spot.  I passed up the opportunity to move there permanently after meeting my husband (I know, I know), but, the good news for you is that after living there, and having visited several times since then, I have a bit of an insider’s view to the city.  We have a fairly good mix of touristy things to do, but also recommendations that only come from having spent extensive time in London.

Tourist Hot Spot

Changing of the Guards and Buckingham Palace

Changing of the Guards is one of the most spectacular sites in London.  Start at St. James Palace, head down the Mall and then finish in front of Buckingham Palace.  The entire route gets extremely crowded, so if you’re interested in getting a great spot, I recommend heading over to the front of Buckingham Palace early that morning to claim your spot, as that’s where the real action takes place.  The Changing of the Guard occurs once a day, usually beginning at 11:30 am and lasting half an hour.  However, the Changing doesn’t happen everyday; it depends on the time of year, so be sure to look up the schedule. If you’re in London during the summer, you can tour Buckingham Palace (July-September), but be sure to get a ticket ahead of time.  For more information, click here.

Off the Beaten Path

Wimbledon Common and Wimbledon Village

During my time living in London, I was lucky enough to live in Wimbledon.  It was nice to live in an area that’s a little greener, yet still accessible to my favorite parts of the city.  While you’ll certainly want to spend time in the center of London with all of the sites and sounds, take half of a day and head out to Wimbledon.   Yes, the All England Club is a main draw to the area, and if you’re in London in June, you can certainly take in a match.  However, Wimbledon Village is an area that’s a little bit off the main thoroughfare, yet still has cute restaurants, pubs and shopping.  I found it to be a little more laidback, so if you’re in the mood to get out and see the city, but with a little less hustle and bustle, Wimbledon Village might be the answer.

Where to Eat

Vanilla, 131 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 5BB

The last time I was in London, one of my friends took me to Vanilla for cocktails and dinner and it was one of the most memorable culinary experiences I’ve ever had.  At Vanilla, the focus is on taking the time to taste and experience the food instead of powering through the meal and not paying much attention.  The menu features an a la carte menu, or a fixed menu.  Either way, you won’t be disappointed.  However, save room for a couple of small courses in between what you’ve ordered.  These courses, perhaps you’ll get the clay covered fingerling potato like I did, are designed to get you to stop, think about what you’re eating, and enjoy the little surprises.  The experience is one that you’ll never forget, from the chic setting to the fantastic menu.

Splurge Hotel

Claridge’s Hotel, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR

Near to Kensington, Knightsbridge and some of the world’s best shopping, Mayfair is one of the chicest destinations in London, which is where you’ll find Claridge’s Hotel.  This 5-star luxury hotel sits right off of Hyde Park and has played host to quite the list of celebrities.  If you’re looking for a posh hotel with impeccable service, book your stay at Claridge’s.  When you’ve exhausted yourself from the shopping trips, indulge in the afternoon tea and then relax at the La Prairie Spa, and then book your evening meal at Gordon Ramsey’s namesake restaurant on property.

Bang for Buck Hotel

The Cavendish, 81 Jermyn Street, St James’s, London SW1 Y6JF

If you’d like to stay near to the Mayfair area, but don’t necessarily want to pay Mayfair prices, check out The Cavendish.  This hotel is a modern, luxury property, but without the high London prices.  You can choose from a classic room to a penthouse suite, with rooms from £130.  However, you can find bookings online for slightly less than $200 per night.

Where to Get Married

The Dorchester, Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA

The Dorchester is one of the most iconic hotels in London and according to London-based wedding planner extraordinaire, Mark Niemierko, The Dorchester is the most fabulous place to have your wedding, and we agree!  With eight different spaces, The Dorchester can accommodate weddings of 60 and up to 450 guests.  And for guests traveling in from out of town, the property sits just off Hyde Park, just around the corner to Harrods and major shopping, so they’ll never run out of things to do.

Local Food

Strawberries and Cream

It’s cliché, but if you want a taste of what the announcers talk about while you’re watching Wimbledon each year, take a moment and savor Strawberries and Cream.  It’s delicious, and you’re having strawberries, so it’s healthy, right?

Where to Go for Tea

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA

Having won the UK Tea Council’s Award of Excellent in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010, and the Best Afternoon Tea in London in 2005 and 2008, The Lanesborough Hotel knows how to do Afternoon Tea properly.  Ranging from 35-80 pounds per person, the Afternoon Tea here offers freshly baked scones, thick fresh cream and fruit preserves, plus your choice of tea.  If you have difficulty choosing your tea of choice, call on England’s first-ever Tea Sommelier.  If you want to splurge, opt for the Champagne service.  Champagne works at any time of day.  Afternoon Tea is served at 4:00, 4:30, and 5:00 pm, and ends at 6:00 pm..  If you’re like me, check out the menu before you go.

Shop

Covent Garden or Oxford Street or Bond Street or Sloane Street

Shopping in London just doesn’t get any better.  From mainstream brands like French Connection and Diesel in Covent Garden to Selfridge’s on Oxford Street to Gucci and Harvey Nichols on Sloane Street, the options abound.  Covent Garden and Oxford Street can be mad, particularly at the weekend, but it’s certainly an experience and you must go.  If you’d like to shop with a bit less chaos and in higher end stores, head over to Bond or Sloane Street.

Getting Around

The Tube

Although it’s certainly not glamorous, The Tube is the easiest way to get around London.  If you don’t mind crowds or the heat in the stations during the summer, purchase a day pass if you plan on making your way around the city.  I find the Tube quite easy to navigate, but it wouldn’t hurt to pick up a small Tube map you can carry around for easy reference.  Also, be mindful of closures of certain lines, as oftentimes construction on the lines happens on the weekend.  If the Tube doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, hail a taxi or hire a car service for your stay.

Marriage Requirements:

Having a legal wedding ceremony in London can be quite tricky.  Are you having a civil ceremony at a venue that’s not licensed for official civil ceremonies?  There are steps for that.  Are you having a civil ceremony at hotel or venue that’s licensed?  There are slightly different steps for that.  What about a religious wedding ceremony?  There are even different requirements for that.

• In general, for civil ceremonies, you must have been in the country for at least seven days before you can apply for a license at the Registrar’s office.  Then there is a 16 day waiting period once the license has been issued.
• If either of you were previously married, and this marriage did not happen in England or Wales, the registrar must verify the previous marriage ended in proper divorce proceedings, which can take up to 6 weeks.
• Work with your venue, if it’s a licensed one, to sort out the necessary requirements.  Or I recommend hiring a destination wedding planner to help you.  You can also refer to this article.

Our first guide is a big one – Bangkok, Thailand.  I had the amazing opportunity to live in Bangkok back in the early 2000’s, where I taught English after having graduated from college.  Living and traveling around Southeast Asia was an experience I’ll never forget, so I thought I’d share a few tidbits on Bangkok for you to enjoy.

Tourist Hot Spot:

The Grand Palace

If there’s one thing you have to do when you visit Bangkok, it’s spend some time at The Grand Palace.  It’s a massive piece of property in the middle of Bangkok, so set aside a few hours to really do it justice.  The Palace was originally built back in the 1700s as the official residence of the King.  Today the Palace is open to visitors, but the current monarchy still uses the Grand Palace for ceremonies and rituals throughout the year.   While there’s always a crowd, definitely be sure to make your way over to the building that houses The Emerald Buddha.  It’s absolutely gorgeous, but be aware that there are strict clothing requirements (this applies to all temples in Thailand, really).  No shorts or tank tops are allowed.  This goes for women, too.  Shoulders must be covered.

Off the Beaten Path:

Chatuchak Market

One of the great things about Southeast Asia is shopping, and by shopping, I mean negotiating.  It’s a way of life, particularly for farangs (the Thai word for Westerns).  Chatuchak is the biggest market in Bangkok, and is open only on the weekends.  It’s a little bit out of the way, but once you’re there you are surrounded by what feels like miles and miles of vendors and their products.

Best Local Food:

The Night Markets

Originally I was afraid to eat anything out of the carts or stalls on the side of the street, but they’re a way of life.  One of my favorite things to do during the day when it was boiling hot was to get a fresh banana shake.  At night the streets come alive with the night markets.  Don’t let the fact that it’s coming from a street cart scare you.  It’s delicious.  I loved getting spring rolls with the sweet and spicy sauce.  It’s something I still think about today.

Western Fix:

Starbucks

You can’t get anything more Western than Starbucks, so when you’re really in need of something really familiar, even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you can still find a couple of Starbucks locations in Bangkok.  There’s one right in the middle of Bangkok in an area called Silom.  Good shopping there, too.

Best Splurge Hotel and Wedding Reception:

Royal Meridien Plaza Athenee

There are many fabulous hotels in Bangkok, but there’s something a little special about the Plaza Athenee Bangkok Hotel. Having been designed by a Thai architect, the property luxurious and serene at the same time, despite being downtown and close to shopping and the commercial hub.  The ballroom can fit up to 1,000 guests, so there’s no shortage of space, but I’m drawn to the pool area if you’d prefer an outside space with a very Thai flavor.

Bang-for-your-Buck Hotel:

Dream Bangkok

A 4-star hotel for $77 a night and it has a full fitness center, a full-service spa and many more amenities?  That’s right.  Dream Bangkok is also centrally located to many attractions, and it’s very clean and modern.  Traveling in Thailand is affordable, and for this rate you’re getting a great hotel.

Best Way to Get Around:

Motorbike Taxis

Terrifying at first, but getting on a motorbike taxi is the fastest way to get around the city, particularly when traffic is at its worst!  Many Thais don’t speak English, so be sure to have the address and/or cross-streets of your destination written down.  I recommend having it written down in both Western letters and in Thai.  Ask your hotel to help you with this.

Marriage Requirements:

To have a legal marriage ceremony in Bangkok, there are a few steps you’ll have to take.  Here’s a general guide:

• You and your fiancé will have to register with the local Thai Civil Registry Office.  Bring your passports.
• At the US Embassy you’ll have to complete an affidavit for the wedding, which you can also download online here (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/marriage_affidavit.pdf)  This will have to be notarized and translated in Thai, so ask the Embassy who they would recommend.
• Once you have the affidavit translated, take it to the Amphur (also ask the Embassy) in the area.  You’ll need your passports, any divorce decrees or death certificates if you’ve been married before, and if you’re 20 years of age or under, written permission from your parents.  I know, 20 seems old to us, but it’s the way the Thais do it.

Know Before you Go:

There were plenty of things I read about before I went to Bangkok, and they were true.  So I’m passing these tidbits along to you:

• Thais consider the bottoms of your feet the dirtiest part of your body, and it’s therefore, considered rude to show the bottom of your feet to people.  If you have your legs crossed, be conscious of the position of your feet.
• You will see many Buddhist monks walking around.  Ladies, it’s not allowed to have a female give something to a monk or so speak with them, generally.  If you want to pass something to a monk, hand it to a male first.

Looks like using your reward miles on Delta just got a little easier.  Delta is eliminating their fees when you book travel using your SkyMiles.  We love it and those of you booking your honeymoon should too! Check out the full press release by clicking here.

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Happy Friday everyone!

Several weeks ago we announced that Fresh LiME Events was going to exclusively carry the Ceci New York White Label wedding invitations collection.  We’re excited to announced that we’ve finally received these gorgeous invitation albums and can’t wait to show them to you.  If you’re looking for Ceci New York’s couture styling and design, you must see these albums.  There are four albums and each offer something different — Botanical, Classic, Destination and Ornate.  We’re showing our favorite from each album below.  To schedule your private appointment to order your Save-the-Dates, Wedding Invitations, Ceremony Programs, Escort Cards or other wedding stationery pieces, call or email us today.

Vineyard Suite from the Botanical Album

Bellini Suite from the Classic Album

Jet Set Suite from the Destination Album

Grand Palais from the Ornate Album

While each of the albums carries ready-to-order designs, each of the suites are customizable, so if you don’t like the font, we can change it.  Aren’t keen that the design covers most of the invitation, we can scale that back too.  It’s a fabulous way to have fabulously chic invitations that are of the best quality.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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(Image:  Momental Designs)

For our engaged couples who choose to get married over a holiday weekend, we always recommend giving guests plenty of advance notice, especially those holiday weekends during the summer vacation months, say Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day.  Typically Save-the-Dates would go out approximately four to six months prior to the wedding, but for weddings over the holiday weekend, we suggest sending those out six to nine months in advance, if possible.  Many wedding guests might plan annual vacations over those long weekends, so if you can let them know well in advance you’ll have a higher likelihood of guests attending.

For those of you who got married over a holiday weekend, when did you send out your save-the-dates?

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(Image:  Callahan Catering)

When many brides and grooms interview caterers for their wedding reception, questions get asked like “How many events do you do in a given weekend, or in one day?,” “Can we do a tasting?,” etc, but very few might ask about staffing on the day of the wedding.  But I urge all of you to please ask what your caterer’s plan is for staffing servers, folks to bus tables, chefs and anyone else you might need for your wedding.  The number of staff needed for any given wedding will change depending on the complexity of your menu, whether you’re doing stations or a traditional sit-down,  as well as the number of guests you’ll have that day.  There is no one size fits all when it comes to service.

Recently, Fresh LiME Events worked with a caterer who only brought 8 staff members for a wedding with 250 guests, and that included three chefs.  That left 5 servers to help facilitate the service and busing of tables.  Not only was the service of guests’ meals delayed because they were unprepared, but there was practically zero busing going on.  That meant dirty plates, glasses and flatware everywhere.   It was a nightmare and embarrassing.   I only wish we were involved in the selection process of caterers, as this would have been one of my top negotiating points during the contract phase.  Five servers for 250 guests does just not cut it.  So what did we have to do?  The Fresh LiME Events team bused those tables.  We couldn’t have guests sitting amongst that filth.  Luckily the bride and groom didn’t notice it, but I sure did.  For a guest list of 250, I would have had at least double the number of servers.

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After this past weekend’s wedding, I needed a physical and mental break, so we were sans blog post yesterday.  But today we’re back and talking about insurance for your wedding.  Prior to this weekend, I was honestly on the fence about whether my brides and grooms needed to get any insurance.  If they really wanted it, sure, go for it, but if they didn’t bring it up, I probably didn’t either.  But this weekend changed how I view it.

The rain stopped by mid-morning and I was thrilled, but then the winds started to pick up.  And REALLY pick up.  We must have had wind gusts of 50+ mph.  The tent had me concerned — so we double and triple secured it.  I never thought mother nature would be the culprit.  A few minutes into the wedding ceremony, a huge wind gust came through and snapped a very large limb off a giant tree that came crashing down on wedding guests.  One guest was rushed to the hospital, and another (the Mother of the Bride) got checked out after falling off a ledge.  Reports are now that the Mother -of-the-Bride fractured both wrists from the fall, and the father of the Maid-of-Honor fractured multiple ribs, two vertebrae and punctured a lung. For about $100, my clients had decided to purchase insurance from the Mansion where the ceremony and reception were being held, “just in case.”  And thank god they did.  There are now mounting medical bills that will need to be covered.

This post isn’t meant to scare any of you.  An occurrence like this happens SO RARELY that you really don’t have to worry.  But I will now recommend to all of my clients that they purchase liability insurance to cover their wedding.  It’s not expensive.  You can use a third party insurance company, or your venue might have this available to you.  For $100, it can give you peace of mind in the off chance that something does happen.  So when you book your venue, just ask them if it’s something you can purchase.

Hoping that our wedding guests will have a quick and speedy recovery!

There are a couple of different

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