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The wedding ceremony:
Couples can choose a non-denominational service conducted
by a Registrar or a traditional Buddhist ‘Poruwa’
ceremony. The more colourful ‘Poruwa’ ceremony
can be tailored to you requirements. All the ceremonies
are performed in accordance with British law and are
legally recognised as binding. If you aren’t British
we recommend you seek advice regarding the requirements
of your marriage abroad.
Legal requirements: Weddings can be
conducted from Monday to Saturday excluding bank holidays.
The couple must be 18 years or over. There is a minimum
residency of 5 days. Parental consent is required if
under 21. The following documentation is required 12
weeks in advance:
| (i) |
Birth certificate |
| (ii) |
Valid 10-year passport |
| (iii) |
If single, an affidavit confirming marital status
from solicitor |
| (iv) |
If divorced, a decree absolute with court stamp
of the previous marriage and an affidavit to declare
marital status stamped by a notary |
| (v) |
If widowed, death certificate of former spouse
and marriage certificate |
| (vi) |
If adopted, an adoption certificate |
| (vii) |
If name changed by Deed Poll, legal proof stamped
and signed by a solicitor |
| (viii) |
A document with full names and address of bride,
groom and both sets of parents |
| (ix) |
A document with the details of the bride and groom’s
professions and that of their fathers |
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.
Flowers: Hotels would normally take
care of basic flower decorations at the ceremony, and
at any function organised afterwards. However, if additional
arrangements are desired or if you are booking a tailormade
wedding, Red Dot will liaise with the best specialised
florists in Sri Lanka.
Photographic and video services: Hotels
typically include a photographic option in their hotel
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 organise 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.
Hair and beauty salons: Hair and beauty
salons are available in most hotels and, if not, in
a neighbouring hotel. In Colombo there are also a wide
range of excellent salons we can recommend. We can also
organise for hairdressers and beauticians to visit your
hotel. The best hairdressers, however, need to be booked
well in advance.
Wedding dress and tailored men’s dress:
Sri Lanka has some superb clothing designers, seamstresses
and men’s tailors capable of organising your clothing
for the wedding in a much shorter period than is common
in the UK. As a guide, if would like to have you wedding
dress made in Sri Lanka, you should leave yourself with
about two weeks in the island for the whole process.
Typically, you would save about 50% of the cost incurred
in the UK for a comparable quality.
Jewelry: Sri Lanka is famous for its
gemstones and it is worth considering purchasing your
wedding ring in Sri Lanka as you could save a substantial
amount of money. 22-carat gold is the most common metal
available, but silver and platinum is also readily available.
The best gems produced in Sri Lanka are star Rubees,
star sapphires, rubees and sapphires, moonstones and
garnets. Good diamonds are more difficult to find as
they are imported. Red Dot will certainly recommend
jewelers if necessary.
Wedding cake: Most hotels will organise
your wedding cake, if required. However, if you are
looking for a very special cake Red Dot will help organise
arrangements with a recommended specialist baker.
Insurance: Specialised wedding insurance
is recommended in additionl to your normal travel insurance.
We can offer a special package if required.
Friends and family: If friends and
family will also be visiting then Red Dot would be happy
to offer special discounts and also to coordinate their
travel arrangements, providing them with a dedicated
coordinator and taking another weight off your mind.
Special ceremonies: Aside from weddings,
Red Dot is able to offer Renewal of Vows ceremonies
and Blessings. The procedures and requirements for both
vary according to you denomination and we’d be
delighted to offer further details on request.
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