Who is the key person we will be dealing with?
I understand your apprehension in dealing with different representatives every time, of a huge anonymous corporation. Fortunately ours is a small set-up and hence at any given time you will be directly in touch with either me or Cecil. He handles all the e-mailing and keeps me informed about all details and special requests. Once we set up a date to meet in Goa I will personally meet you at your hotel, fine tune your exact requirements and basically be your Wedding Coordinator. If you wish to have a more personalized Introductory Address or Renewal Vows or incorporate some special reading or anything, I will guide you on the process. I will also be present throughout on the actual day of the Vow Renewal ceremony. I will personally hand over the photos etc to you. We will not be catering to more than five ceremonies in a month. This is to ensure that each couple and ceremony can get our complete and dedicated attention.
Can you ensure total privacy for us and our guests?
Ordinarily we cannot. Most of our scenic venues are public places with passers by. Please understand though that we have carefully selected only those venues that offer a certain degree of privacy because of their un-crowded nature. Don't let the issue of privacy bother you too much. At the most a few curious bystanders might look on from a distance. If you really insist on total privacy then we can discuss hiring a few privately owned venues that can be made available for an additional fee.
Is your ceremony a religious one?
We prefer to keep the core of the ceremony as the renewal of a relationship rather than a focus on anything religious. In the Western ceremony relevant readings from the Bible, or Holy Book of your choice, can be incorporated in place of the more generic pieces from literature and poetry that we use. The Indian ceremony is conducted by an actual Hindu priest in the prescribed manner but since it is not on temple premises, nor registered anywhere, it has no religious sanction. If you have strong views on having, or not having, any religious connection please discuss with us in advance.
Does your ceremony have any legal status?
No Wedding Vow Renewal ceremony anywhere in the world has legal status and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. What we are celebrating is a reaffirmation of a commitment between two people who love each other and have been together a long time. Their original wedding binds them by law. Our ceremony binds them in love.
How long does the ceremony last?
An average of 30 to 40 minutes. Unless of course you've requested that the Minister read an entire chapter from the Bible or something similar, or you want every word the priest utters in Sanskrit to be translated!
Can you organize a dinner reception for XX people after the ceremony?
We can organise whatever your heart desires - as long as it is legitimate. Please check our 'etc' section.
Since it is outdoors, what if it rains during the ceremony?
The monsoons in Goa last from June to September. We do not schedule Vow Renewals during these months. The possibilities of a heavy shower between October and May are virtually nil, but if a stray light shower does fall keep in mind that in India this is considered a very good omen of good luck.
How many guests is it appropriate to invite for a Vow Renewal ceremony?
All depends on you. If your original wedding was a small affair then perhaps you would like to invite everyone you now know. On the other hand if your original wedding was a crowded bash then perhaps now is the time to invite just the few people who matter most to you. We don't mind either way as we do not charge as per how many guests you invite to your ceremony. All of then will get a chair, and even a garland if they want. In fact a captive audience for our meaningful ceremony is great publicity for us! |
