Thursday, March 5, 2009

Malta Weddings - Your Dream Wedding In Malta

Malta may be the ultimate getaway for your romantic dream wedding. Malta, and its sister island of Gozo are packed with unique beauty, history and charm that will surely make your special day truly unforgettable. Its luxurious hotel halls, lavish venues, quaint churches, and fabulous weather provide an array of options for planning the wedding you’ve always imagined.

Planning for your Malta Wedding

A Traditional Maltese wedding used to feature a bridal party which walked from the bride’s home to the parish church, beneath a detailed canopy, followed by singers who serenaded them. Nowadays, bridal cars, limousines and horse-driven carriages have replaced this age-old tradition. Once married, the wife would wear the ‘ghonnella’, a traditional item of clothing that is no longer in use. Modern-day couples still, more often than not, get married in a traditional manner by means of a mass in a local church of their choice. This is followed by a reception which is attended by a few hundred guests, often lasting till the early hours of the morning. Alternatively, seated gala dinners may be chosen instead of receptions.

If you desire to get married in a church, you can choose from the 300+ churches and chapels that are scattered all over the Maltese islands. These were built during a number of different periods in history and thus offer diverse charm, architectural features and décor, one of which is sure to suit your picture-perfect wedding in Malta. In the case of civil weddings, or the reception/dinner that follows the mass, local gardens, historical Palazzos, sea-view venues, pool terraces, and hotel grand suites, amongst others, are available on various parts of the island, all of which may provide you with the exact theme and atmosphere that you hope for.

As compared to the more common exotic wedding locations, such as the Caribbean for instance, weddings in Malta can prove to be more affordable. In fact, on the island one can find an array of wedding locations for your dream wedding, as well as hotels for your guests, to suit any budget! Furthermore, there are hotels that provide fantastic all-round packages as well as experienced on-site teams that handle everything for you!

As soon as you decide to marry in Malta, on-site wedding teams can organize your dream wedding for you and guide you through every step of the way, allowing you to arrive on the island and find everything prepared for the big day! Easy, affordable, perfect!

bout the Author:
Mrs Claire Zammit Xuereb manages some of the leading Malta hotels. If you are planning your Malta Wedding contact her dedicated Events team at one of the top Luxury Malta Hotels as you may benefit from various tailor made packages suitable to your requirements including the possibility of an exclusive stylish wedding at the historical Palazzo Capua.

Choosing Holiday And Christmas Cards For Family And Friends

‘Tis the season for Christmas cards. Well, not quite, but soon enough the time will be here to pick and send Christmas cards for your friends and family. Rather than looking on this as a chore, you should relish the opportunity to connect with far away friends and family and wish them well in the New Year. The only question now is ‘what card do I send?’ A few words of advice should have you fa-la-la-la-ing in no time. 

Religious
While the holidays and Christmas are a very religious time, there can be a big question about which religion. If you’re not sure what or how your friends are celebrating, stick to a non-religious greeting. This is a safe and festive way to send your wishes. Your family, on the other hand, should be no mystery. You already know how important religion is to your family, so pick a card that is thoughtful and appropriate. There is no rule when selecting a Christmas or holiday card to your family, but you should know what is best. 

Funny
A good laugh can brighten everyone’s holiday. While this may not be appropriate for everyone on your list, you can certainly select a funny holiday card for your friends who enjoy a good laugh. It is best to steer clear of any joke that is a little too racy. Luckily, they just don’t make too many offensive Christmas cards so you’re safe there. As a litmus test for your holiday or Christmas joke card, think if your boss or your mom would laugh at it or be offended. If you think they would both laugh, then you’re all set. Most of all, know your audience. It’s okay to pick different cards for different people. Better you send a nice holiday greeting than you send a distasteful card. 

Picture
Many families go to great lengths to include a photograph of their children dressed up for the holiday or even the whole family – including the dog. A photo card is a great way to send your wishes. Your family will love to see your shining faces around the holidays, especially if you’re living far away from each other. A photo Christmas card might not be the best choice for your old college friend or a casual acquaintance. It certainly wouldn’t be offensive, just make sure you’re in the picture so there is someone they recognize in the picture. 

Notes and newsletters
A holiday note or letter is perfect for keeping your family and friends up-to-date. End the year on a cheerful note by highlighting your family’s accomplishments and triumphs. Keep the note cheerful and newsy and you’ll be all set. You might want to leave out any depressing news - like when the turtle died – just to keep with the holiday spirit. Again, make sure you know your audience. Some more casual or business acquaintances may not be as interested in your news as your family and close friends. For those on your list, skip the long note and include your hand written wishes. In some cases, less is more. 

One thing is for sure, real paper Christmas cards are the only way to go. An e-mail Christmas greeting is just not the same. Don’t get lazy and think you can send an email and be off the hook for Christmas cards. Sending a real Christmas card with your genuine holiday wishes is a long standing tradition that should be honored. 

Christmas and holiday cards don’t have to be a chore. Select your cards based on your audience, take the time to write a nice greeting and you’ll be done in no time. Happy Holidays!!!

Check out MyExpression.com for great Christmas cards. You’ll also find a great selection of holiday cards

Amy Carter is a former event planner with lots of great tips, tricks and advice to make your holiday event spectacular. Check out MyExpression.com they have plenty of holiday greeting cards and much more.