Wedding planning is a demanding and delicate task, which requires a great deal of knowledge, creativity, and attention to detail. Malta is one of the most beautiful and romantic destinations for weddings, with its stunning coastline, historic architecture, and crystal-clear waters. A wedding planner who knows the local area and culture intimately can be a valuable asset for couples who are looking to make their special day unforgettable.
So today, in this blog post, I have the pleasure to interview one of Malta's sought-after destination wedding planners, Wed in Malta who shares her expertise, experience, and insights on planning the perfect wedding in this enchanting island. With her passion for creating unforgettable moments and her dedication to excellence, Alexia has become a trusted and respected name in the industry. Join us as we delve into the world of wedding planning in Malta and learn what it takes to create a truly magical and memorable wedding day.
Thank you Alexia for finding the time for this interview. For those who do not know you and Wed in Malta, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how Wed in Malta came into being?
Wed in Malta was something I have created but it wasn’t always mine. I had the pleasure of working with a local DMC before embarking on to this journey. I was asked to start up this niche product within the company which at the time wasn’t as popular as it might be today. I had just become a mother for the first time and I was given the privileged to work from home and do something I found myself being passionate about. A couple of years later I took the plunge and took over Wed in Malta. It saw many changes and it brought a lot of good memories, many great people met and worked with whom I will cherish for a lifetime.
What would you say is the most satisfying and the most difficult part of your work as a wedding planner?
Weddings are unique occasions filled with hard work and emotion, so it's no surprise that I love to take a quiet moment for each of them. Taking the time to appreciate all that comes together for the special couple always fills me with excitement. Seeing our customers' gratitude through their beautiful testimonials is something I don’t take for granted! Over the years we've not only created some beautiful memories but also forged lasting relationships, many of which remain intact long after the "I do"
As part of our job, we are tasked with overcoming challenges related to planning - and one that has become increasingly difficult is the influence of social media. Appearances sometimes differ from reality and as experienced professionals, it can be challenging to convince a client that in this ever-evolving landscape reality often takes a back seat!
Are there any particular types of weddings you specialize in or particularly enjoy planning?
Planning the most important day for couples from all parts of the world is our specialty. We are particularly good at crafting beautiful, culturally-rich African weddings that honour tradition and ensure every detail is taken care of. Our experience in this area has allowed us to build relationships with vendors who deliver the services required that make every wedding truly memorable.
What makes Malta an ideal location for a wedding?
Malta is the ultimate destination for a wedding! One of the oldest inhabited countries in the world with stunning architecture, unforgettable venues, some of which nestled in UNESCO Heritage sites. The island offers an unbeatable backdrop for tying the knot. Malta is easily accessible with direct flights from all over Europe and great connections through many other countries. We shouldn't forget about the climate, with sunshine and a prolonged summer making alfresco weddings a thing to brag about. It is the ideal destination to exchange vows, offering couples a romantic and legally binding wedding ceremony with no minimum residency requirement. What's more - all proceedings are carried out in English with the flexibility of having the marriage vows personalised. Couples who dream of a Roman Catholic ceremony are in luck with 359 churches across the beautiful Maltese islands. With such an abundance of options, this small archipelago is made even richer. When it comes to food, Malta is an incredible brewing pot of cuisine! With its diverse Arabic, Mediterranean and British influences, the island nation has become a true gastronomic paradise.
What are the benefits of hiring a wedding planner in Malta?
A wedding is an enormous undertaking, requiring couples to embark on a lengthy journey of decision-making for their special day. From selecting vendors and creating the perfect ambiance with décor, it all needs careful consideration before tying the knot! All this in a country which is totally unfamiliar for our destination wedding couples.
It is very risky to do this alone without any support, insight and expertise in the field, so the benefits are huge. For couples who already have their hands full with daily life and a demanding job, the prospect of planning an entire wedding can feel overwhelming. Hiring a professional wedding planner gives busy individuals some much needed breathing room by taking on those time-consuming tasks. Couples can achieve their wedding dreams on a budget and within a timeline with the help of experienced wedding planners. Professionals will provide invaluable expertise, from negotiating prices to staying organised, ensuring that the couple’s special day is memorable for all the right reasons!
A wedding planner is a must-have asset throughout the event planning process. They can help take all of the guesswork out by mentoring you on where and how to find reliable vendors, as well as potentially securing opportunities unavailable elsewhere due to the longstanding relationships with local providers. A planner can provide the creative spark and original ideas to make your ceremony or reception truly unforgettable and once again save you the time looking into unique set ups for a venue which the planner is most probably already familiar with.
What should couples consider when selecting a wedding venue in Malta?
This is a subject that requires an interview on its own. This is a very important question and one all couples should ask their planners about.
Time of year: You may already have a certain time of year in mind. Whether it's always been your dream to be a June bride or perhaps something more magical like saying 'I Do' during the Christmas Holidays, don't despair if those dates are unavailable at your venue of choice! Saturdays, public holiday and weekends tend to book up quickly, however opting for a midweek celebration could open doors (and wallets!) with special value packages available during off-peak times. The latter is very popular when booking a destination wedding, especially as an extended weekend such as a Monday or a Thursday.
Size: When hosting a big event with lots of family and friends, it's important to select the right venue. A small space won't be able to accommodate all 100+ guests - so if you're inviting many people, opt for somewhere bigger!
As you consider which venue to choose for your special day, make sure it's a practical one. A location over 40 minutes away from the church or the Hotel most guests are staying in might not be as romantic and exciting as one may imagine, remember that traveling can take up precious time! After all, every cherished moment on this unforgettable journey should be spent surrounded by those closest to you.
Back up: If your wedding venue is outdoors, it is always advisable to have a backup option. Even though it is very unlikely to use the backup space when it comes to weddings in Malta, make sure you keep this in mind just the same. Wild winds around May time are no fun and they can push you to use the venue’s back up in the same way rain would.
Lighting and general décor: Established venues might come with a price tag, but consider what is already included, shrubs, trees, benches, adequate lighting etc. It doesn’t pay couples to go for a cheaper venue, but then having to add general lighting and different kind of décor to make it look more attractive.
Civil and humanist ceremonies are becoming hugely popular with wedding couples. By hosting your entire wedding in one place you can customise the proceedings with elements that reflect both of you as a couple. Before deciding on this route, it is vital to check if your venue provides enough space for everyone invited and for both the ceremony and the wedding reception set up. Not to mention space for those dancing shoes.
What type and range of services do you provide for couples planning a wedding in Malta?
We are a single reference to our couples during their wedding journey and offer a full wedding service, from proposal stage to finding and managing vendors to putting timelines together and being present on the day from the time of set up, right until the end.
However we also enjoy planning intimate weddings or simply a legal ceremony for just the bride and groom. Other services offered are for those who seek to get married but are not interested in having a fully blown wedding celebration, but more help on obtaining a legal marriage to move on to the next thing in life.
What are the average costs associated with planning a wedding in Malta?
This is very much dependant on the number of guests as well as the selected venue. When it comes to wedding planning there isn’t one price fits all, we look at what the wedding will entail and the logistical efforts etc. Our prices are then tailormade depending on the couple’s needs
What types of wedding themes are currently popular for weddings in Malta?
Neutral Weddings is one growing theme trend this year. With the inclusion of beige for the grooms’ men attire and bare foliage for the bridesmaids bouquets. Brides are pairing emerald green with a variety of colour palettes, this trend sets the mood for an effortless rustic wedding.
Chic and Romantic Blush Pink and Gold has been around for a bit, but it’s being re invented with the inclusion of garden flowers as opposed to the classic roses and a more subtle brushed gold décor pieces as opposed to the more “in your face” type of gold.
Romantic is one timeless wedding theme which never goes out of trend. Dreamscape filled with enchanting hues of pastel colours, swathed in twinkling lights.
What are some unique experiences that you can share with us which you acquired through your work as a wedding planned in Malta?
Without wanting it to sound like a cheesy catchline I do consider every wedding to be unique and in many ways each wedding offers a learning curve. Sometimes a curveball is thrown at us and without a doubt these are the ones that we remember. A sad situation that happened was when the bride’s father collapsed and we had to call out an ambulance to hospitalise him urgently. Luckily all went well and got discharged a few days later.
Having planned a few African weddings I remember the very first one which took place at one of the sought after venues. Besides the fact that the dancing element is incredibly important and music is a key factor for these kind of weddings, nothing blew me away more that the beautiful coloured costumes worn to the dance floor. Each family dressed differently using matching fabric. It is a way for friends to show closeness to the family during ceremonial events.
What tips or advice would you give to couples who are considering getting married in Malta?
Wedding planning in Malta can be a leisurely experience, but you should bear in mind that even the most laid-back destinations take time to bring your vision together. With plenty of notice and patience with local venues, vendors, or legal paperwork procedures involved – it's possible to create an unforgettable day without unneeded stress, make sure you choose your people wisely.
If at all possible. A pre-wedding visit gives you an extra layer of confidence when it comes to choosing your dream venue. The reality can often make all the difference, with some couples finding themselves swapping their top pick places once they've seen them in person. If you do consider this, make sure it is a weekday trip, you don’t want to be disappointed and find that the venues are not available for viewing. If you have been in touch with your potential planner, this can be arranged through him/her, again giving enough notice is key and shoulder periods are always recommended.
When planning a destination wedding in Malta, always create a safety net. Rain on your wedding day doesn't have to be a disaster. Planning ahead for any possible issues is key when it comes to destination weddings in Malta, and part of that includes making sure you've got the perfect backup plan – so don't forget the all-important venue with an alternate weatherproof option!
Thank you Alexia for finding the time to be featured in our blog post here! It was a pleasure to have you here and I look forward to working with you soon!