Planned to perfection

Charlotte and Dennis relax on the lawn at The Shandrani Hotel in Mauritius after their wedding

Wedding planner Charlotte Fortune organised two weddings — at home and abroad — when she tied the knot with her South African fiance.

My South African boyfriend Dennis proposed to me on my birthday and, from the moment I said yes, the planning started in earnest!

April
First decision, where and when the wedding should take place. With Dennis’ family in South Africa it created an issue — his mum was coming up to her 80th birthday and couldn’t travel to the UK and I wondered how to get all my family to South Africa without it causing bankruptcy! The following May and Mauritius were chosen. Mauritius is just four hours from Johannesburg, fine for Dennis’ family and I worked for British Airways so could easily organise flights for my family. The problem of our family and friends in the UK unable to attend was solved — we would have a wedding and a blessing — taking place in the UK two months after the wedding — to be precise.

May
Planning a wedding and blessing is a massive undertaking and the only way is to be organised. After setting the dates, I drew up a budget for both occasions plus a guest list for each. Having been to Mauritius I knew the perfect location for the wedding, The Shandrani Hotel, so I contacted Beachcomber who had arranged my previous holiday there. They specialise in arranging weddings abroad. I was placed in the capable hands of Josi. She arranged all legal requirements, booked the hotel and the hotel wedding co-ordinator, Irene. Our wedding day is going to be on May 21 — 12 months to go!

June
Dennis and I decided on bridesmaids and best men (Dennis wanted one for each ceremony). We organised stationery. A friend has his own printing business and will do all the printing of invitations, order of service etc. In these cash-strapped times, use your contacts to keep costs down. We arranged insurance cover for both events. Now, the blessing — after visiting venues in Oxfordshire, the Holt Hotel, Steeple Aston, was booked for the blessing on July 21, two months after the wedding.

July
Ploughed through stacks of wedding magazines. Found the hard sell of the wedding industry can push you into rash decisions. Started making trips to bridal shops with mum and bridesmaids for that all-important dress. After a few abortive attempts we found the bridesmaids dresses. I am having two adult bridesmaids, both friends, instead of upsetting someone in the family because I hadn’t chosen their little ones to perform the task. Wedding rings ordered from a local family jewellers.

August
Being aware of costs, called on friends and family for help. A neighbour with her own cake-making business would make the cake for the blessing. Our chosen theme was ‘elegant’. Shopping for the guys’ suits next — found Geoff Banks evening dress suits — sorted! Wedding gift lists set up at Debenhams and John Lewis. Another tick on the list!

September
A month off from planning — Dennis and I travel to South Africa to see his family.

October
Back to wedding planning — attended a wedding exhibition. Resulting from this, booked an appointment with Millie Benjamin Bridal Wear at Charlbury to see their collection — I knew THE dress immediately. Too large but they will arrange all alterations. Bought veil and shoes there too. Searched for jewellery for myself and bridesmaids but nothing quite right until I found Caradan Designs. Going online, I chose from their original and inexpensive jewellery range — tiara, earrings, bracelets, necklaces
— sorted!

November
All official forms signed and birth certificates sent off to Beachcomber, for sending to Mauritius. Flights booked. Checked airline policy on hand luggage. Decided to carry my dress onboard with me. It fits into a case along with all accessories. Nothing more to be done for the wedding until a month or so before.

December
Back to the Blessing – I wanted a jazz band at the reception. Again, a friend offered his trad jazz band with singer for a reduced rate! Next, a trial run for Blessing with hairdresser and make up artist for mum, bridesmaids and myself. My last Christmas as a Miss. Time is flying by!

January
Gifts for the wedding party organised. The dressmaker, altering my dress, suggested designing and making a dress for Mum — another problem solved. Dennis and I spend a great day zapping things onto our gift list — everything from an olive spoon to a barbecue!

February
Mum, a lay preacher, will be performing the blessing ceremony. We discuss the readings, music and ceremony. Order of Service is now printed.

March
Invitations sent out. A friend is a photographer and will take our photos in July. The wedding photographer is an important part of any wedding, so decide what sort of photography you would like and look at examples of their work before making a decision.

April
Great hen night and stag night organised by the bridesmaids and best man. My final fitting — brought the dress home — can’t stop peeking at it! Hair cut and coloured. Gift lists go live online. Booked a dance teacher to coach the two of us and our four left feet to dance in one lesson — we aren’t Strictly standard, but we’re not bad!

May
Fly out to Mauritius. Irene, the wedding co-ordinator takes all the stress away ! The official bit is organised — Dennis and I visit Port Louis to sign legal documents. Flowers, photographer, cake, venue, hairdresser, wedding dinner, wedding vehicles (golf buggies actually!) — you name it, Irene organised it. We just had to say “ I do” at the appropriate time! Sixteen family and friends join us to celebrate our special day.
May 21, 4pm: Introducing Mr and Mrs Dennis Fortune!

June
Back in the UK, a florist is found to supply tropical blooms, buttonholes and bouquets to match Mauritius. Confirm numbers with the hotel and go through final details. Dress rehearsal ironed out any last minute problems, seating plan finalised and placecards written. Favours are individual to us and our love of cars — a matchbox car for each guest. The toy shop was puzzled when I bought 120! Also ordered
fortune cookies — with our surname, I couldn’t resist these!

July 21
The Blessing ceremony for 120 guests takes place despite the worst floods Oxfordshire has seen in years! Photographs are taken during 30 minutes of dry weather on the day! The first dance gets a standing ovation from our guests. All too soon it is over. It has taken 15 months of planning and organisation, but the memories of both occasions will last a lifetime.

You would think that after all that organising I would never want to attempt it again, but following redundancy I decided to do exactly that and started my own wedding planning business.

Of course, I am biased, but having a wedding co-ordinator is a great idea. Especially, the on-the day service that I offer. Please take a look and see what I can do for you — after all, I’ve got the experience!

Charlotte Fortune, Meredith Events, call 01869 369068 or 07917 572849 or visit the website: www.meredithevents.co.uk

With Charlotte's parents beside the pool	Cutting the cake

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