Weddings in Goa not such a foreign idea thanks to British couple

PR Log (Press Release) – Sep 11, 2009 – A British couple are aiming to fill a gap in the market for stylish weddings with the personal touch in scenic south Goa. As the credit crunch continues to bite, they are launching Walking on Sunshine Weddings to offer people the wedding day they’ve always dreamed of – without the crippling price tag.

The average cost of a UK wedding now tops £20,000, compared to £6,000 abroad*, so it’s no surprise that one in six Britons* are choosing to save money (not to mention the stress and waiting lists) by getting married overseas. Add in guaranteed good weather and the chance to start the honeymoon straight after the ceremony and you can see why foreign destinations are finding favour.

To date, however, weddings in Goa have tended to be the preserve of over-developed beach resorts in the north of the state catering for package holidaymakers, resulting in identikit ceremonies and uninspiring receptions. Walking on Sunshine wants to change that perception: the company will specialise in designing highly personal, perfectly planned and gorgeously styled weddings in unspoiled south Goa – at surprisingly affordable prices.

Co-director Tabitha Cunniffe explains: “When our friends decided to get married in Goa, we were surprised by how ‘same same’ the services offered by existing wedding planners were. So we used our on-the-ground knowledge to create a completely bespoke ceremony for them.”

“More weddings started coming our way through word of mouth, and we realised we had found a niche in the market for a company that could combine Goan contacts with a British sense of style and flawless organisation. And Walking on Sunshine Weddings was born!”

Non-residents can be legally married in Goa, although most couples have a civil ceremony in the UK before coming away. The ‘wedding day’ can then be a colourful Hindu ceremony, a beach blessing as the sun melts into the sea, or an evening service under the stars.

The company has just secured exclusive use of an incredible hilltop site near famous Palolem beach, overlooking a long stretch of golden sand and the Arabian Ocean. It is a breathtaking setting for a beautiful ceremony. And, when it comes to celebration, Walking on Sunshine has an unrivalled contact book of caterers, musicians, DJs, circus performers and venues.

With people coming from all over the world, extended celebrations are becoming more popular as a way for the wedding party to get to know each other before the big day – and to recover together afterwards! Walking on Sunshine can also arrange everything from a welcome cocktail party and a sunset champagne cruise, to a pre-wedding pampering day and a post wedding detox/retox brunch.

Tabitha adds: “We’re pulling together a pool of talent from the local and expat community – from artisan food producers and ayurvedic masseurs to a photographers, florists and even a Russian concert pianist!”