Fanari Villas - The Santorini Wedding Planners

Trust the Fanari Villas Hotel experienced wedding planners for an intimate wedding in one of the most enchanting island destinations

• Accommodation in Santorini
  Can you offer assistance with accommodation for both ourselves and our guests?
  
  Of course, we can accommodate you and your guests at Fanari Villas Hotel, but we can also help you make reservations in other hotels in Santorini, Athens and anywhere else. We can even help you book your airplane or boat tickets, in collaboration with a travel agency. All we need is some personal details to proceed with the bookings. Let us handle all the arrangements on behalf of you and your guests. All you should be doing is dreaming about your perfect wedding.
• Area Plan
  Could you provide us with a plan of the reception areas?
  
  We can forward the plans to you via mail, upon request.
• Arrival Prior to the Wedding in Oia Santorini
  How many days before the wedding should we be there?
  
  We suggest arriving at least 2 to 3 days prior to your wedding day. This way, for example, you can locate any missing luggage in time or deal with any last minute details that may arise. You may also want to relax and get ready for your special day.
• Balloons
  Can you offer me additional information about balloon decoration?
  
  The “Blessed Touch” Santorini wedding package offers balloon decoration in your suite, consisting of special latex and foil balloons. Of course, if you want balloons decorating the reception area, this can easily be arranged by our Santorini wedding planners team.
• Bonboniera
  What are “bonboniera” and “koufetta”?
  
  Koufetta are sugar-coated Jordan almonds which are placed on the wedding tray among rice and the wedding crowns (stefana). Koufetta are often enveloped in tulle or saten, creating a little pouch called a bonboniera. Only an odd number of koufetta are placed in the bonboniera, because the indivisibility of odd numbers represents the indivisibility of the newlywed couple. Jordan almonds have been chosen for koufetta since fresh almonds have a bittersweet taste, which symbolizes life and the times that lay ahead in the couple’s marriage. The almonds are sugar-coated to wish that their life together will have more sweet moments than bitter ones.
• Cancellation Fee for weddings in Santorini
  If we cancel our wedding reservation, is our money refunded?
  
  If you cancel the reservation 45 days prior to the scheduled wedding date, the full amount will be refunded, except for the deposit of € 300, which was needed to confirm and book your date and to commence planning of your wedding.
• Catering Capacity
  How many guests can you cater for during the wedding reception at the Fanari Villas Hotel?
  
  Seated reception: 150 guests on different levels, 65-70 guests on one level.
  Buffet-style: 500 guests, with set tables for 150 guests, where they can sit in turns.
• Change of Date
  Can we change our wedding date?
  
  You can change your wedding date if necessary and we will try to change the rest of the plans to fit your new wedding date.
• Cocktail
  Why should we arrange a cocktail by the pool or close to the reception area before the wedding?
  
  Very often, weddings take place around sunset time. It is the perfect time to take photos and to enjoy the romantic Santorini setting. In addition, you can offer your guests a glass of champagne or chilled wine before the ceremony starts while they gaze at the magnificent view of the Aegean and the Caldera area.
• Complex Plan and Photos
  Could you provide us with a plan and photos of the complex?
  
  Of course, we can. We can forward them to you by mail, upon request.
• Confetti & Flower Launchers
  Could you offer me additional information about confetti and flower launchers?
  
  Hundreds of small, ecologically-friendly pieces of paper are launched into the air, making your Santorini wedding colorful and fun, in an original and exciting way. In addition to confetti, the launchers also launch flower petals. Just let our Santorini wedding planners in Oia know which of the two you prefer.
• Coordinator’s Service Fee
  What does the coordinator’s service fee include?
  
  The Coordinator/Supervisor fee doesn’t only include coordination and supervision services of weddings in Santorini. It also includes:
  
  • Booking of the wedding date and time
  
  • Collection of
  i) the copies of the documentation via fax or e-mail – which must be sent at least one month prior to the wedding date
  ii) confirmation of “well being” from the Town Hall
  iii) the wedding application
  
  • Choice of the available locations in the complex for the ceremony, upon your arrival
  • Translation during the wedding from Greek to English and vice-versa
  • Witness/es (if required)
  • Contact details of official translators’ office based in Australia
  • Ceremony table decorated with floral arrangements
  • Provision of CD player for the music CD of your choice
  • Dressing of the matrimonial bed, complimentary strawberries with whipped cream or seasonal fruits
  • Copy of the exchanged vows in Greek and in English.
  • Escort to the Town Hall to sign the registry book, the day after the wedding
  
  • Collection of:
  i) a copy of the registration
  ii) photos
  iii) a photo album
  iv) a CD
  v) a DVD, and delivery of all the above to your suite.
  
  You will receive a copy of the wedding register in no less than 3 days. If you are leaving the island earlier, it will be sent by courier to your given home address.
  
  • Taxes and V.A.T.
• Couple
  Just the couple, is it O.K.?
  
  Of course, it is. This way, you will avoid the hassle of having a large wedding. We will be honored to be your guests. When you go back home, you have a party with family and friends.
• D.J.
  Why should we select a D.J.?
  
  A D.J. can combine all musical tastes and can communicate with you and your guests.
• Definite Wedding Date
  How long in advance do you need a definite wedding date?
  
  We recommend booking your wedding date as soon as possible. Santorini is an extremely popular wedding destination. Most couples ask to get married at sunset, so this time is usually a much-coveted time for weddings and is usually booked well in advance.
• Deposit
  Do we need to send a deposit?
  
  You should deposit the non-refundable amount of € 300 so we can confirm and book your date and begin planning. This amount will be deducted from your final wedding bill and is not an extra expense.
• Duration of Ceremony
  How long does the wedding ceremony last?
  
  No longer than 10 to 15 minutes is required for the actual wedding vow exchange to take place. If you count the amount of time it takes from the moment you leave your room to the end of the photo shoot, it takes somewhere between 1 to 2 hours.
• Experience in Wedding Planning
  How long have you been organizing weddings?
  
  We have been organizing weddings since 1997 and have planned about 100 weddings in total. You may think this is not a large number considering the years of experience, but we are concerned with providing weddings that we can be proud of and making sure that the couples enjoy their precious moment of union in the bonds of matrimony. Many have become our friends and often revisit us; they send us photos of their children and keep us informed about the family news. We do not have a wedding planning office, but we can organize your wedding in our complex and will do our best to make it unforgettable.
• Fireworks
  What is included in the fireworks service?
  
  Your event can become unforgettable with an innovative pyrotechnic display. A breathtaking firework show that can light up the night and make your wedding a memorable experience for everyone present.
• Flowers
  What flowers are included in the Santorini wedding packages?
  
  We can provide a wide selection of flowers that are presented in various styles and designs. All flowers are seasonal to ensure freshness. If you have any special preference, we can import it upon request. Just inform us of the types and colors of flowers you desire.
• Food
  What kind of food should we have at our wedding reception?
  
  Our chef and his team are capable of satisfying your culinary tastes with their knowledge and creativity, applied in local dishes, as well as Greek and international cuisine. A variety of menus are provided; nevertheless, if you have a favorite dish, let us know in advance.
• Guests
  How many guests can we invite on our Santorini wedding?
  
  From none to as many as you wish. There is no limit to the number of guests you may invite.
• Guest Accommodation
  Can you provide accommodation for our guests?
  
  At the Fanari Villas Hotel complex we can accommodate about 30 to 40 guests. Nearby there are several other resorts that can accommodate additional guests, if this is what you require. You need not worry about finding suitable accommodation for your guests, due to the abundance of accommodation options available in the area.
• Guest Activities
  What do you mean by guest activities?
  
  Your guests will probably be staying on the island for 2 to 3 days. If you wish, you can fill their leisure hours with events and activities, such as:
  
  • Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
  • Island tours, swimming and lunches on the beach
  • Special boat excursions with traditional seafood lunches or dinners
  • Excursions to points of interest on the island, such as wineries or medieval villages
• Guests Included in Wedding Packages
  How many guests are included in your wedding packages?
  
  The wedding packages only include the couple. If you have invited guests to your wedding, please inform us of the approximate number and we will give you our quote for your guests.
• Hotel
  Do the wedding packages include hotel accommodation?
  
  No.
• Last Minute Arrangements for Weddings in Santorini
  Can you arrange our wedding at the last minute?
  
  If you have all the legal documents ready, then yes, we can arrange it. If you do not, we can only offer you a wonderful reception and the finest scenery in Greece.
• Last Name
  Do we both keep our last names after the wedding?
  
  Yes.
• Legal Wedding
  Will our civil wedding be legal?
  
  Of course, it will. The marriage certificate you receive is a legal document, issued by the Greek Government and is valid internationally (once translated).
• Live Music Band
  Why should we select a live Greek music band?
  
  Apart from a D.J., a live band of musicians can provide you with traditional Greek music during the wedding reception. All your guests will love joining in and learning some Greek dance steps.
• Marriage license
  When and where do we obtain the marriage license?
  
  We go to the Town Hall together the day after your wedding to sign the legal marriage license, and we will collect it later and deliver it to your villa. Do not forget your passports.
• Music Playing Time
  Until what time are we allowed to have loud music?
  
  1:00 o’clock after midnight.
• Open Bar
  What do you mean by “Open Bar”?
  
  Open bar includes the spirits we have agreed upon, as well as wine, beer, soft drinks and mineral water. It doesn’t include champagne, special whiskies, and French cognacs. Its cost is calculated per hour and per person for unlimited consumption. Minimum Duration of Open Bar: 1 hour
• Open Wine Bar
  What do you mean by “Open Wine Bar”?
  
  Open wine bar means your selection of red or white house wines, beers, soft drinks and mineral water. Its cost is calculated per hour and per person for unlimited consumption. Minimum Duration of Open Wine Bar: 1 hour
• Organizing the Wedding Reception
  Where should we hold the reception after the wedding ceremony?
  
  We recommend organizing the wedding ceremony and reception at the same location to avoid both transportation from one venue to the other and delays. If you plan on going from one venue to the other on foot, you should also consider if your guests are able to climb up and down steps, which are found throughout Santorini. You can arrange your reception at Fanari Villas, offering a delicious dinner made from the freshest ingredients from Santorini and the rest of Greece. Whether you desire a romantic dinner for two or a large reception with guests, there is no better place than the terraces of Fanari Villas, under the stars and the shadow of a whitewashed windmill, overlooking the Caldera and the twinkling village lights.
• Packages
  Can we add or omit some services provided in the wedding packages?
  
  Yes, you can add or omit anything you desire.
• Photos
  When do we receive our wedding photos?
  
  We usually pick them up and deliver them to you the day after your wedding. In seldom cases, 2 days are required.
• Reception Location
  Where is the Santorini wedding reception held?
  
  Fanari Villas Hotel has the ideal wedding location on the island, if not in the world, overlooking the endless Aegean Sea and the sunset. However, if you want your reception to take place elsewhere, we can certainly arrange it.
• Religious & Civil Weddings in Santorini & Vow Renewals
  Can we have either a religious or a civil wedding in Santorini?
  
  Yes, you can. From July 18 1982, both civil and religious marriage ceremonies may be performed in Greece. According to law # 1250, foreign nationals may be wed either by civil ceremony presided over by a mayor, or by a religious ceremony performed by a priest. Couples can also undergo both ceremonies, if they wish to do so. Although there is no residency requirement for foreign nationals wanting to marry in Greece, the bureaucratic procedure may take several weeks to complete before a marriage certificate is obtained.
  
  This law also legalized all civil marriages performed abroad between a Greek citizen and a person of foreign nationality, prior to this date. Previously, only religious ceremonies were recognized by the Greek State. Marriage requests and all necessary documents must be received at least one month prior to your arrival in Santorini. We also arrange vow renewals, for which no legal documentation is needed.
• Testimonials
  Can you provide us with testimonials/comments from the couples that have got married at Fanari Villas Hotel?
  
  You can find a sample of their testimonials on the “Testimonials” page of the Fanari Villas Hotel website.
• Theme for Wedding Decoration
  Why should we choose a theme for our wedding ceremony and reception?
  
  If you choose a theme, you focus on a main topic that ties the entire event together. This can be done by having the same general theme in the invitations, menus, decoration of the ceremony and reception areas, food, etc.
• Weather
  What kind of weather should we be expecting in Santorini?
  
  You can see the weather forecast for your wedding day at www.weather.com. In general, the weather in Santorini is mild throughout the day, with an evening sea breeze, for which you will require a light jacket.
• Wedding Cost
  How much does a Santorini wedding cost?
  
  Apart from our wedding packages which are pre-priced, we can arrange a wedding according to your wishes, after discussing all the details and preparations with you beforehand.
• Wedding Dress
  Can we rent the wedding dress in Santorini?
  
  Yes, you can.
• Wedding Location
  Which are the proposed locations for our Santorini wedding ceremony?
  
  All of our wedding locations offer a view of the deep blue Aegean Sea.
  
  • A quaint, 400-year old church yard, with a panoramic view of the Caldera, the sea, Thirassia Island and the magical sunset
  
  • The veranda in your suite
  • The swimming pool area, with an excellent sea view
  • A secluded, romantic corner of the complex
  
  Whether you choose a traditional or simple wedding ceremony, the unique location of Fanari Villas Hotel will capture the minds and hearts of both you and your guests.
• Wedding Rings
  Can we buy our wedding rings and jewelry in Santorini?
  
  Of course; there are plenty of excellent jewelry shops on the island.
• Wedding Time
  What is the best time to have our wedding?
  
  The most popular time for weddings in Santorini is at sunset. We suggest beginning the wedding ceremony an hour before sunset, in order to capture the colors and the atmosphere in your video and photographs. For the exact time of sunset on your wedding day, visit www.sunrisesunset.com.
• Wedding Items Delivery
  Can we send you items like our wedding dress or guest gifts prior to our wedding?
  
  Of course, you can, although check for delays at customs and contact them to find out about the procedure and the required documentation. This may take some time to arrange.
• Weddings Photos
  Can you provide us with photos of weddings in Santorini that have taken place at Fanari Vilas Hotel?
  
  You can find them in our website or we can mail you several, upon request.
• Welcome Gifts for Guests
  What is a welcome gift?
  
  It is a small package/basket, provided to each guest upon their arrival at the complex. This may include brochures, directions to various places on the island, maps, an events’ program, a special gift of your choice from Santorini, such as a small bottle of Vinsanto wine, beauty products made with olive oil, or any other special gift you desire.