The wedding ceremony: Couples can choose a non-denominational service conducted by a Registrar of Marriages or a traditional Buddhist ‘Poruwa’ ceremony. The more colorful ‘Poruwa’ ceremony can be tailored to your requirements. All the ceremonies are performed in accordance with British law and are legally recognized as binding. If you aren’t British we recommend you seek advice regarding the requirements of your marriage abroad.

Marriage certificate: In some cases the wedding certificate can be issued immediately. In other cases, it could take between 2-4 months for the certificate to be couriered to the UK. If you want more than one certificate then please request this in advance and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Wedding dress and tailored men’s dress: Sri Lankan or Western clothing is easily tailor-made or purchased off the rack.  There are good clothing designers, seamstresses and men’s tailors capable of organizing your clothing for the wedding in a much shorter period than is common in the UK and at a lower cost. The traditional wedding dress for the bride would be a sari draped in Kandyan style or low-country style. The groom’s attire for a Kandyan wedding is a `Nilame’ outfit – a ceremonial outfit worn by ancient kings, and can be rented. The other option is a `National’ outfit which consist of a sarong and Kuruta which can be purchased or tailor-made to size.  Western clothing including the bridal dress, groom’s suit and clothing for the rest of the wedding party can be tailored.  If you plan to have your wedding clothes made in Sri Lanka, we recommend that you arrive on the island at least two weeks prior to the wedding day.

Jewellery: Sri Lanka is famous for its gemstones, ranging from blue sapphires, rubies, star sapphires and a range of semi-precious stones which are set in 22 carat gold, silver or platinum.  Diamonds are more expensive as they are imported.  Considering the craftsmanship and price, it is worth considering the purchase of your wedding rings and necklace in Sri Lanka. Traditional bridal jewellery, used for the `Poruwa’ ceremony, can be hired. We can advise as requested.

Hair and beauty salons: Colombo has a number of quality hair and beauty salons that we can recommend.  Most large hotels island wide also have their own hair and beauty salons.  Red Dot can also organize for a hairdresser and beautician to visit your hotel to dress you for the wedding. The best hairdressers, however, need to be booked well in advance.

Flowers: Hotels would normally take care of basic flower decorations at the ceremony and at any function organized by them afterwards. However, if additional arrangements are desired or if you are booking a tailor-made wedding, Red Dot will liaise with the best specialized florists in Sri Lanka.

Wedding cake: Most hotels will organize your wedding cake.  However, if you are looking for a very special cake Red Dot will help organize arrangements with a recommended specialist baker.

Photographic and video services: Hotels typically include the services of a photographer in their wedding package. However, there are a handful of particularly respected freelance photographers that you may wish to consider hiring. Red Dot will be able to advise you of the best options. We will also organize video coverage of the event if desired, with a respected Colombo-based audio-visual production company. Please note that while Red Dot will make every effort to ensure you are provided with the best possible services we cannot take responsibility in the event of any malfunction of video or photographic equipment.

Insurance: Specialized wedding insurance is recommended in addition to your normal travel insurance. We can offer a special package if required.

Friends and family: If friends and family will be joining you for our wedding in Sri Lanka, Red Dot would be happy to offer special discounts and coordinate their travel arrangements.