Wedding Feedback

Why Dubrovnik?
As a couple that have been together for almost 17 years, who have both been married previously and who are a bit older than the 'usual' bride and groom (50 & 60), we did not want a big wedding at home with all the stress and fuss that can go with that, so we chose to elope and marry overseas. To be honest, as we both love Italy we thought we would marry there during a planned overseas holiday to Europe, but the beauractatic hurdles were just too complicated so we decided to look to another country instead. After much googling of websites and emailing several wedding planners, we decided on Croatia (and Dubrovnik in particular) for a few reasons - 1) it is stunningly beautiful 2) not too touristy 3) the great weather 4) we needed a local person to arrange the civil service, translator, paperwork etc for us and Nina from Dubrovnik Riviera Weddings responded to our email enquiry promptly and with very useful information about what DRW could assist us with.
What were your feelings the morning of the wedding?
Not too nervous but more excited as we were confident that everything had been arranged just as we wanted.
Did you have a wedding theme / colour theme?
We had a civil service with just the two of us, the translator, the celebrant, and two witnesses (that Nina arranged for us) and photographer. We didn't therefore have a theme but DRW arranged for flowers to match my outfit.
Was planning a wedding abroad more complicated than planning a wedding at home?
The paperwork involved was much more than is required in Australia but Nina provided clear information, instructions and reminders of what we needed to get and do, and was very helpful when we had a few hiccups with one document in particular - but it all worked out.
What was the feedback you received on your wedding?
We had no guests so OUR feedback is that the day was even better than we hoped for. As foreigners not knowing anyone in Croatia, within hours of landing in Dubrovnik we met with Nina and Ana who quickly put our minds to rest - they had everything organised and were warm and friendly.
Did you go over your planned budget?
No - everything was as quoted and was good value for money. There were no hidden surprises.
Do you think you would have spent more or less if you were to organise a wedding at home?
It would have cost less for the paperwork but much more for everything else. We spent the money we saved by marrying in a civil service in Dubrovnik on extending our European holiday.
Suppliers / locations:
Civil service in Dubrovnik City Hall; nice office with flowers and champage provided by DRW for after the ceremony. We were taken to a few different sites for photos after the wedding which was fun and our photos showcase just how beautiful Dubrovnik and the old town is. Nina arranged for manicure, hair and make-up to be done at our hotel and all the services were professional and of a high standard. The bridal bouquet and buttonhole were perfect. We stayed in the Hotel Lapad (on Nina's recommendation) and it exceeded all our expectations so much so that we extended our stay by several days in Dubrovnik (well appointed rooms, great food, good pool and in a fantastic location).
Ceremony:
Civil service was read in Croatian first then translated into English for us.
Reception:
We had dinner at Nautica restaurant which overlooks the bay from the city walls and it was excellent - wonderful food, brilliant views and very romantic, although expensive.