{"id":33453,"date":"2015-09-25T02:10:58","date_gmt":"2015-09-24T16:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.easyweddings.com\/au\/articles\/fiji-wedding\/"},"modified":"2021-11-10T02:44:16","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T15:44:16","slug":"fiji-wedding","status":"publish","type":"au-article","link":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/articles\/fiji-wedding\/","title":{"rendered":"10 things you’ll love about a Fiji wedding"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"fiji
Image: Tourism FIji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the most romantic places on the planet, Fiji is located just a few short hours north-east of Australia. It is, quite literally, paradise on our doorstep, which makes it the perfect spot for a\u00a0destination wedding or honeymoon.<\/p>\n

Comprising 333 islands peppered throughout the heart of\u00a0the tropical South Pacific, Fiji is as beautiful as it is\u00a0romantic – and there’s so much to do.<\/p>\n

Adventurous couples looking to make the most of their honeymoon or destination wedding can enjoy a range of adrenaline-inducing activities, from fast-paced white-water rafting and zip lining above rainforest treetops to partaking in some seriously\u00a0high-octane jungle skirmishes. Yep, think paintball IN THE JUNGLE!<\/p>\n

Of course, if you’d prefer a more low-key honeymoon offering lots of private and restful us-time, that’s what Fiji does best – naturally. After all, no matter which of the islands you visit, you’ll be surrounded by Fiji’s lush and verdant landscape, as well as its pristine ocean views.<\/p>\n

1. Hideaway in untouched bliss<\/h3>\n

\"Fiji-Honeymoon-Beach\"<\/p>\n

“Perhaps my favourite thing about Fiji is that it is chock full of\u00a0hideaway spots, glistening beaches and lush rainforests,” says Fiji Airways’ Shane Hussein. “And that’s even before I think about the stunning weather!”<\/p>\n

Shane, who was born in Fiji and has lived there his entire life,\u00a0says his favourite “hidden gem” is the tiny village of\u00a0Navilawa. “It’s the\u00a0perfect place for\u00a0newlyweds to explore,” he says.\u00a0“Navilawa\u00a0is located\u00a0on the basin of Koroyanitu Park and\u00a0there are some truly dazzling and idyllic swimming holes and waterfalls to plunge in.”<\/p>\n

Another of Shane’s favourite spots is Kadavu, which offers “a truly authentic Fiji experience.”<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one of the best places to experience Fiji’s true culture because Kadavu is a relatively isolated town with very few roads in or out, so you can escape modern life and really experience Fiji\u2019s incredible natural beauty.<\/p>\n

“Completely unspoiled, the islands are renowned for diving and are home to the world-famous Great Astrolabe Reef. Rainforests, bird watching and guided sea-kayaking tours are some of the highlights,” says Shane.<\/p>\n

[ew-supplier-carousel]<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Let wedding planners do the worrying<\/h3>\n

\"Chantelle-Ben-Fiji-Destination-Wedding\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Image: Ocean Studio Fiji from Chantelle and Ben’s Real Wedding<\/a>.<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n

For those marrying in Fiji rather than just honeymooning there, the thought of organising a destination wedding can be off-putting. However, because Fiji is a favourite wedding spot for couples across the globe, the local wedding industry is very experienced in dealing with brides abroad.<\/p>\n

The local wedding planners, many of whom are attached to international hotel\u00a0chains such as the\u00a0InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa<\/a>, will ensure that the only thing you have to do once you arrive for your wedding is, well, walk down the aisle!<\/p>\n

“The whole point of hiring a wedding planner is that they worry about all the little things that make up your big day,” says\u00a0Jane Lesavua who heads up InterContinental Fiji’s business development for weddings.<\/p>\n

Jane, who was also\u00a0born in\u00a0Fiji, has overseen nearly\u00a0500 weddings in her career. Not only does she have the experience to pull off a memorable wedding, she knows the island – and the locals – personally. These\u00a0close personal\u00a0connections have come in handy many times, especially when she needs to\u00a0call in last-minute favours.<\/p>\n

Despite her experience, Jane says that she treats every wedding as if it was her first and she takes great pride in creating a day that each couple truly will remember for the rest of their lives. And, to ensure she can concentrate fully on every couple, she has a rule:\u00a0“We only hold one wedding a day at our resort,” says Jane. “That way, couples receive our full, undivided attention.”<\/p>\n

She adds, “That’s our job – to make a bride’s dream come true.\u00a0To see the exhilarated expressions on our guests’ faces is the aim\u00a0for us, but it’s also a great pleasure.”<\/p>\n

Whilst the setting for weddings in Fiji can be as varied\u00a0as the\u00a0couples themselves, from\u00a0casual garden weddings\u00a0to more formal, indoor affairs, Jane says beach-side nuptials are, of course, the most requested and “the most beautiful.”<\/p>\n

\u201cFiji is famous for its romantic beach-side ceremonies,” she adds. “So, naturally, that’s what we do best, and we’re lucky that we have such a spectacular natural backdrop – and beautiful weather – to work with.”<\/p>\n

3. Wet ‘n’\u00a0wild<\/h3>\n

\"Fiji-Honeymoon-Stand-Up-Paddle-Boarding\"<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve drunk your weight in cocktails by the pool or sun-kissed your skin on the beach for long enough, there is plenty of other water action you can enjoy with your loved one. Outdoor activities such as\u00a0\u00a0swimming, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding are all on offer.<\/p>\n

For the best action, visit Pacific Harbour \u2013 Fiji\u2019s adventure capital.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe area lives up to its reputation as a spot for adrenaline junkies, offering a wide variety of activities to get your heart racing, from surfing to shark feeding,\u201d says Shane. \u201cThere\u2019s also a good range of accommodation types, from budget offerings to some of Fiji\u2019s finest hotels.\u201d<\/p>\n

For some more romantic action and great pictures to show the grandkids,\u00a0look to a day sailing cruise. Boats like the Seaspray allow you to cruise the island while enjoying a wine and some lunch with stops along the way.<\/p>\n

And, don’t forget to check out the Mamanuca Islands, a chain of 20 islands near Nadi and Denarau offering parasailing, windsurfing, dolphin watching and some of the best surf breaks in the world.<\/p>\n

4. Escape the hustle and bustle<\/h3>\n

\"Fiji-Honeymoon-Massage\"<\/p>\n

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of choosing Fiji as your destination wedding or honeymoon spot is that it offers a genuine opportunity to escape city life. “I love the fact that I can exchange the sounds of tooting horns and traffic crossings\u00a0and technology, for the sounds of waves and tropical bird calls,” says Shane.<\/p>\n

“The minute you step foot into Fiji, it’s like a wave of relaxation comes over you, liking having a very long\u00a0massage.<\/p>\n

“The fresh air, pristine\u00a0oceans and perfect weather\u00a0are just the beginning. Checking out the sights at sunrise or sunset offers a whole other perspective.”<\/p>\n

Shane, who married in Fiji, says he couldn’t imagine making the commitment anywhere more serene.\u00a0“The beauty of marrying in Fiji is you have so much choice,” he adds. “If you’re after a small private wedding, there are plenty of idyllic nooks and crannies in which to marry, but if you’re after a big celebration filled with family and friends there are locations galore that can cater to that too.<\/p>\n

“The Fijian people are big on family and cultural celebrations, so why not incorporate that island-style party into your day?”<\/p>\n

5. A holiday for your guests<\/h3>\n

\"Fiji<\/p>\n

Image: Tadra Flowers & Weddings Fiji<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n

The thing about destination weddings is that they provide a break for your guests, too and, these days, many guests turn their destination wedding invitation into a mini break\u00a0– or even a full-blown holiday.<\/p>\n

“Fiji is a great place to extend your visit whether you’re chasing\u00a0treks through a rainforest or deep-sea fishing,” explains Jane. The\u00a0islands are also extremely\u00a0family-friendly and cater for group activities\u00a0as well as offering facilities to keep the kids\u00a0entertained while parents take some time out.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom village tours to visiting our vibrant local markets there’s always something new to learn,” says Jane, who despite\u00a0growing up on the island regularly discovers new\u00a0wonders. “Even after all this time here, I never tire of what Fiji has to offer.”<\/p>\n

Another nearby attraction is Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, which Jane describes as \u201ca stunning course with spectacular views that is sure to take any golf lover’s breath away.”<\/p>\n

There\u2019s plenty of excitement to keep the guests busy and another\u00a0spot they shouldn\u2019t miss is Taveuni. Known as Garden Island, it\u2019s an eco-tourist\u2019s dream with nature reserves harbouring an abundance of native plants and wildlife.<\/p>\n

6. Go cosmo<\/h3>\n

\"Fiji-Honeymoon-Markets\"<\/p>\n

Fiji isn\u2019t just about remote villages and nature. It\u2019s also very cosmopolitan for the trendy bride and groom. Suva, Fiji\u2019s capital, is described by Shane as \u201cone of the most cosmopolitan cities in Oceania.\u201d<\/p>\n

It boasts great shopping, farmers markets, restaurants, entertainment and a huge range of cultural entertainment, not to mention cultural activities – and many architectural delights.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuva still has many buildings dating back to the colonial era as well as offering parks, gardens, museums, outdoor activities as well as a vibrant nightlife,\u201d says Shane.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0Immerse yourself<\/h3>\n

\"Fiji-Honeymoon-Experience\"<\/p>\n

\u201cAll things are possible in the\u00a0Fiji\u00a0Islands whether couples wish to spend their honeymoons in\u00a0Fiji\u00a0alone with their new spouse or get out and about and join in the fun with the locals in their villages,\u201d says Jane.<\/p>\n

She says having the chance to try the local food is an experience also not to be missed.<\/p>\n

There’s\u00a0the lovo which is similar to the New Zealand hangi – a feast of seafood and meats wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on hot rocks under the earth; kokodo – a raw fish salad marinated in citrus, onions and coconut cream; and the unique flavour of Fijian curries which combine Indian spices\u00a0with traditional Fijian ingredients such as the potato-like staple, taro, to create an ever-so-slightly less spicy dish.<\/p>\n

8. Two birds, one stone<\/h3>\n

\"Sylvia-Matt-Fiji-Destination-Wedding-1\"<\/p>\n

Image: Vanity Image Photography from Sylvia and Matt’s Real Wedding.<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n

One of the benefits of a destination wedding, to Fiji or otherwise, is that you start your honeymoon the minute you land!<\/p>\n

It’s the reason\u00a0an increasing number of couples are opting for a destination wedding.<\/p>\n

“A destination wedding allows newlyweds to kill two birds with one stone,” says Shane. “They save\u00a0travel time, money and, most importantly, can cut\u00a0back on the\u00a0stress associated with wedding planning because that’s what your destination wedding planner is for!”<\/p>\n

Shane hails the financial savings of marrying and honeymooning in the one spot, noting you can save on\u00a0flights and\u00a0better package deals the longer you stay.<\/p>\n

9. Enjoy\u00a0Fiji’s amazing people<\/h3>\n

\"Fiji-Honeymoon-People\"<\/p>\n

Image: Vanity Image Photography from Sylvia and Matt’s Real Wedding.<\/small><\/p>\n

“You can visit the most beautiful and romantic of places,\u00a0but if the people aren’t equally lovely and welcoming, it’s a wasted trip,” says Shane. “You won’t have that problem in FIji where the people are some of the\u00a0kindest, friendliest and warmest in the world.<\/p>\n

“Everyone from the pilots and cabin crew to the taxi drivers and even strangers you pass in the street will smile and wish you ‘Bula,’ which is a greeting of happiness and good health – and they mean it from the bottom of their very big hearts!”<\/p>\n

10. Celebrate (like the locals do)<\/h3>\n

\"Fiji-Honeymoon-Holi-Festival\"<\/p>\n

If your wedding or honeymoon coincides with one of the many local festivals and celebrations on the Fijian calendar, you’re in for a treat.<\/p>\n

Fiji Week is a week-long celebration of the islands. Its peak is Fiji Day, October 10, which is the anniversary of\u00a0independence from British colonial rule in 1970. Each year, a different theme is selected but it is always accompanied by Fiji’s traditional\u00a0religious ceremonies and various cultural performances.<\/p>\n

Holi in February\/March is a festival of colours and love, which is particularly appropriate for\u00a0newlyweds. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival which has become popular with non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia.\u00a0Holi celebrations start with a bonfire the evening before, where people gather, sing and dance.<\/p>\n

The next morning is a free-for-all carnival of colours, where people colour each other with dry powder and coloured water.\u00a0Everyone is fair game, friend or stranger, rich or poor, man or woman, children and elders.<\/p>\n

Bring your water gun and some clothes you don’t mind leaving behind!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":33454,"template":"","au_article_tag":[113,115,116,114],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/au-article\/33453"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/au-article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/au-article"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/au-article\/33453\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33453"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"au_article_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.easyweddings.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/au_article_tag?post=33453"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}