The wave’s slow curl spills across the white sands carrying the calm cooling breeze ashore. Long palm fronds dance with the sun fanning the breeze. While, poolside, seated beside a table laden of bright tropical fruits and fresh coffee, the sun slowly climbs over the horizon exposing tiny islands dotting the glassy sea. Slumping deeper into the comfy chair, your shoulders relax from the massaging thumbs while your nails are expertly manicured. It’s all part of being pampered for the day ahead. It’s kind of like the pre-honeymoon before the honeymoon enjoying yourself as a Bride in Bali.
That, somehow, ended up being this fortnight’s conversation (and side venture into procrastination) for my blog. So, here we go:
Dreaming of a Destination Wedding?
Have you ever dreamed of a wedding in a tropical destination, where you’re pampered like a Princess days before the event?
How about being in an exotic location that takes care of your guests where you arrive at the ceremony on an elephant. Your names could be in lights, or you’ll dazzle your guests with fireworks at your reception held on the lush lawns before the beach with an unhindered view of the sunset.
Just imagine the images for your Instagram feed.
It’s truly the stuff of stories, right?
Is this how a story should be for a Bride in Bali?
Who doesn’t love a wedding? There’s the gown, the food, the romance, and everyone coming together to celebrate. I’ve seen many weddings—who hasn’t—from the five-star rooftop restaurants where Grooms wore suits and Brides wore an entire year’s salary in one outfit.
Then there’s backyard-bush-block-bash where it’s all about the Aussie-quirkiness. On one occasion, (true story time, no, don’t leave – yet!) this Groom bought a new set of volleys (supermarket-styled-sneakers) for himself and his mates. It matched their good board-shorts! Then, they all hung around the barbecue, drinking beer while waiting for the Bride to arrive in the backyard. They were so infectiously happy, the guests, who’d come from all over, still talk about that unique event today.
Then there’s the backyard-bush-block-bash where it’s all about the Aussie-quirkiness. (Tweet this)
Each wedding is different
I’m not preaching anything new when we all know it’s true. The wedding planners do their best catering for the ultimate party, as some newly-weds release butterflies or doves at their ceremony. Others walk through bubble machines and balloon arches for that dramatic entrance to their reception. Chocolate towers are the centrepiece of the loaded candy bar for that sugar high that helps you dance until sunrise. There are bubbling champagne towers to share in the bridal toasts, they’re also handy to drown in after suffering through all those embarrassing speeches.
Champagne towers to share in the bridal toasts, they’re also handy to drown in after suffering through all those embarrassing speeches. (Tweet This)
Basically, anything and everything can happen to make the occasion uniquely memorable, for not only the newlyweds but those witnessing their journey.
We get that!
So, if you didn’t already know I dwell in the Top-End of Australia. But, I bet you didn’t know that it’s cheaper for me to visit Bali than go anywhere else. For the price of a one-way ticket to Melbourne from Darwin, you could instead indulge in six days, five-star pampering luxury in Bali. Aaaaand still has money left over to be a savvy-shopper swooping in on the bargains.
You can now understand why so many decide to do their wedding in Bali.
Bali Bride and Prejudice (the hero & the horror story)
Sure, there are plenty of hero-stories and just as many horror stories where each guest will walk away with their own unique experience. No matter where, how, or what type of marriage-event, the guests will either like it or hate it. And we all have that one relative that is never pleased—ever!
I’ve even written of such a shocking event as the comedic entry into the witty novel, ‘Avoiding The Pity Party.’ and a book about a party planner who does her best to avoid weddings.
But today we’re talking about being a Bride in Bali…
Not that I’m an expert, but I’ve visited the local’s favourite weekend hot-spot and went to the places recommended. So, here’s some combined tips from those regular Bali visitors:
♠ Don’t go during schoolies week. Ever!
♣ Try to avoid the Bali-Bogans. (Mmm… is this a myth or a legend for googling? Does this need more procrastinating researching?)
♥ Please take care of the congested chaotic traffic that is a marvel at what they can do with the humble scooter. If possible, hire a driver for the week and do give him all your spare change before you get on the plane back home ~ that’s his yearly wage your carrying in your pocket.
♠ Unless you want to watch mould grow with the constant rain, you’d opt to avoid the monsoon season that is generally around the New Year’s silly-season.
♣ And don’t, whatever you do, drink the water ~ there’s this thing called Bali-belly. It’s legendary!
♦ Oh, and try not to go when the volcano’s rumbling. You could end up getting cosy with the airport lounge for at least 4 days until they let you leave! And then you’ll follow all that ash back to Australia.
So, what is Bali?
Bali is an Indonesian island with majestic volcanic mountains and tiny villages nestled among thick tropical jungles. The Balinese people are as warm and generous as the weather, where even the pickiest bride would be pleased.
The island boasts spectacular scenic beaches, resorts, wellness retreats and nightclubs. There are adventure parks, elephant rides, and countless forms of water sports along with surfing. Did I mention the countless shops and markets too?
And, it’s cheap and exotic!
No wonder I chose this location for a family wedding that started the adventure in A Stranger’s Storm. And where you can read more with your free copy here.
Oh, and if you’ve got any Bali Bride Stories, do tell.
**All still images relating to this post’s topic are via the talented & fabulous photographers at https://unsplash.com/ Thanks guys
#Wordjourney #Escape2HEA #AvoidingThePityParty #StrangerStorm #UnPlannedParty
