Greece inspires wedding themes

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The theme for your wedding should be something very personal to the bride and groom (although usually chosen by the bride!). The most successful themes are those which draw on the surroundings of the bridal couple, as well as things they like, or that are meaningful to them. Greece offers plenty of inspiration. Fitting right in with the latest trend for green and pink themes, Halkidiki is a paradise of verdant vegetation and splashes of pink from bougainvillea, geraniums and the ever present oleanders.

 

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Drawing inspiration from the plentiful olive groves and vines in northern Greece, you could always opt for this as your green theme. This opens up a host of possibilities. How about decorating your venue with olive branches? They can even look great on a wedding cake!   

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Deck your bridesmaids out in olive green and they will look great with beautiful pink posies.

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Give wedding favours of bottles of olive oil, labelled with the bride and groom's names and wedding date.

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Or for the more traditional amongst you, hand out Greek boubouniera (bonbonnieres) filled with sugared almonds (koufeta). 

 
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Whatever wedding theme you choose, you can rest assured that Crescent Moon's suppliers and hand picked venues in Greece will bring it to life.



The Trend for Destination Weddings is Rising

At the end of December The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) published their report on travel trends for the year ahead. They believe that the continuing economic crisis will lead to more couples choosing to get married abroad. Currently "one in five couples marry overseas with an average saving of £12,500 on a UK wedding; with pressures on budgets and a focus on value for money, many more couples are expected to say ‘I do’ abroad in 2012".

Another trend is that more travellers are choosing 'tried and tested' destinations. According to ABTA, "in times of economic uncertainty many people put their faith where they know best. Early booking figures for summer 2012 suggest that destinations such as France, Greece, Italy, Spain and the USA will all prove popular next year". 
Add these two trends together and it makes Halkidiki in Greece a perfect wedding destination. Let Crescent Moon create a bespoke destination wedding for you, cutting the stress and the cost of your dream day.

ABTA also predict growth in specialist holidays, such as activity and learning. Alongside this is the trend for holidaymakers seeking out locations with a strong sense of identity, with local food, entertainment and excursions being important. Look no further than Halkidiki to find high standards of cuisine and wine, made from locally grown ingedients, many of them organic. Excursions to Mount Athos, a unique location of amazing monasteries, or to the Sporades islands can be arranged. Alternatively visit local vineyards and taste award-winning wines, or go horseriding or diving. Crescent Moon can arrange a real taste of northern Greece to enrich your holiday, social or corporate event.

Greece and the Euro

According to Businessweek, opinion polls show Greek voters want their government to do all it takes to stay in the euro, despite the austerity reforms which they may not agree with.

So despite the ‘doom and gloom’, there is really no reason for British tourists not to travel to Greece this year.

Crescent Moon can report that our suppliers in Halkidiki have strong foundations. Most of the businesses are owned and run by families who ‘made their fortunes’ generations ago and have diverse investments and strategies to withstand the recession. Rest assured that your wedding or event will still be staged with panache and any worries about a return to the drachma after paying in euros unfounded.

Photo courtesy of P.A.P. Corp

How is the Greek economic crisis affecting tourism?

According to The Guardian, tourism already accounts for about 18 percent of the economy in Greece. In the current economic crisis, the Greek government is making initiatives to try to lessen the impact. With approximately 52 percent of all visitors to Greece coming between July and September, priority is being given to encouraging alternative tourism which will bring visitors outside of the high season, such as agritourism and religious tourism. In order to generate foreign investment in the tourism sector Greece has taken steps to make this easier. In addition, landing and takeoff fees for aircraft have been waived and visa restrictions for non-EU citizens have been lifted.

Despite the ‘doom and gloom’ Crescent Moon can report that our contacts in Halkidiki tell us that it is business as usual for them. Not only tourists but Greeks have continued to happily holiday in the area. Perhaps because of the depressing news all the time, escapism is still high on the agenda. And what better place to escape to than the beautiful pine-clad hills and Blue Flag beaches of Halkidiki.

Around 2.335 million British nationals visit Greece every year (Source: Civil Aviation Authority). Why not join them and take advantage of beautiful scenery, excellent accommodation and great value for money. 

A Wedding Proposal - Ancient Greek Style

In ancient Greece the apple was sacred to the godess Aphrodite and symbolised passion. So, if a man wanted to propose to a woman he would throw an apple to her. If she caught the apple she was considered to have accepted the proposal. 

I throw the apple at you, and if you are willing to love me, take it and share your girlhood with me; but if your thoughts are what I pray they are not, even then take it, and consider how short-lived is beauty. - Plato, Epigram VII

The fruit were also expensive and therefore considered something special to give to a loved one. A couple would eat apples on their wedding night - not only a treat but because apples were associated with love.

Later, in Byzantine times, if a prince or emperor wanted to get married, the prospective brides were gathered together, and he would give a golden apple to the bride he chose.

Watch it guys - think carefully before you throw an apple!