Calling All Brides To Be

Getting married this year? Care to do it in Bermuda? Then check out this fantastic giveaway sponsored by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, the Knot and JetBlue. Ten lucky couples will win a destination wedding for ten—a five-night stay at one of ten participating hotels, airfare for you and eight guests on a private JetBlue charter flight and a dream wedding based upon one of ten island-inspired themes: Exotic Cave, Eco-Chic, Magical Sunset, Waves of Love, Moongate, Sunset and Pink Sand, Waterfront, Harborfront, Nostalgic Bermuda and Linked For Life. The catch? You’ve gotta say “I do” on October 10 (ten couples on 10/10/10, get it?). Details of how to enter will be released today on the Department of Tourism’s website, but early reports suggest that couples will be asked to submit a photo along with ten reasons they want to get married in Bermuda. And no, “because it’s free,” is not a good reason. A panel of judges will select the finalists then the winners will be chosen by the public—sort of like American Idol, Bermuda style. In the meantime don’t forget about a similar giveaway still going on at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in cooperation with Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine. You have until May 31 to enter to win a dream wedding for 20 people. Here’s what’s up for grabs: A ceremony and reception at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for up to 20 people (or $10,000); 10 double occupancy hotel guest rooms; 20 JetBlue airline tickets departing from New York's JFK or Boston Logan; and a $1,000 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card for a total retail value of $45,000. All you have to do is submit a brief essay (500 words max) about why you want to have your dream wedding in Bermuda. In contest parlance: “Tell us how the Fairmont Hamilton Princess is the perfect location to host your Ultimate Dream Destination wedding and what getting married in Bermuda means to you.” That’s it. All submissions must be received by May 31, 2010 and potential winners will be notified by email on or before June 15. So, what are you waiting for? That handsome couple in white could be you!

Calling All Brides To Be

It’s beginning to look like giveaway city here in sunny Bermuda. Yesterday I told you about how you can win a five-night stay at Southampton’s The Reefs Hotel & Club by voting for your favorite contest submission online (really, it’s just that easy; go here to find out more). A luxurious ocean view room with meals daily is a fantastic prize, but in case you’re planning a wedding instead of a vacation then listen up, because today’s giveaway is a whopper. In order to celebrate the hotel’s 125th anniversary this year, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess in cooperation with Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine is giving away a fabulous destination wedding for one lucky couple getting married in 2010. What’s included? A better question would be what’s not included, because you and your guests will hardly have to reach for your wallets if you’re the lucky winner. Here’s what you’ll get: A ceremony and reception at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Bermuda for up to 20 people (or $10,000); 10 double occupancy hotel guest rooms; 20 JetBlue airline tickets departing from New York's JFK or Boston Logan; and a $1,000 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card for a total retail value of—wait for it, wait for it—$45,000. I told you it was a whopper of a prize. So, how do you win? All you have to do is submit a brief essay (500 words max) about why you want to have your dream wedding in Bermuda. In contest parlance: “Tell us how the Fairmont Hamilton Princess is the perfect location to host your Ultimate Dream Destination wedding and what getting married in Bermuda means to you.” That’s it. All submissions must be received by May 31, 2010 and potential winners will be notified by email on or before June 15. For more information about the contest click here. And to learn more about the historic Fairmont Hamilton Princess click here. Finally, for a little inspiration on what makes Bermuda such a special place for a wedding have a quick read here, but really, who wouldn't want to get married at the Pink Palace? Just picture you and your sweetie standing beneath that limestone moon gate and go get writing. Your dream wedding awaits.

Calling All Brides To Be

Destination weddings are big business in Bermuda. Not only is the island super accessible—less than a two-hour flight from most east coast gateways—but Bermuda boasts some of the most beautiful backdrops anywhere in the world: Stunning sunsets, powdery pink sand beaches, turquoise waters and much, much more. Best of all you don’t have to go all the way to the Caribbean for the picture-perfect day. Don’t forget, Bermuda is a lot closer than you think. Thank goodness then for this latest news from the Pink Beach Club, a 94-suite cottage colony in Tucker’s Town, also known as the ritziest neighborhood in Bermuda. Couples who tie the knot at the beachfront hotel will receive 10% off room rates when booking ten rooms or more in 2010. Sorry June brides, the offer is not available from May 28 through July 5, but the good news is the discounted rate includes a full English breakfast, afternoon tea and five-course dinner daily, which can save you and your guests beaucoup bucks on the big day (for more information go here). Looking to save even more? Then consider holding out awhile for The Best Deal In Town: At an event celebrating the Fairmont Hamilton Princess’ 125-th anniversary—more on that later—General Manager Jon Crellin announced that the historic hotel will be giving away a “very special destination wedding to Bermuda.” Said Crellin, “We will partner with Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine, Saks Fifth Avenue and Jetblue to promote the giveaway throughout North America to create excitement about a wedding in Bermuda with the Fairmont Hamilton Princess as the backdrop.” A free wedding? Now that’s a deal! If I wasn’t already married I think I’d be dropping to one knee. Details have yet to be released but rest assured you’ll find out as soon as I do (or you can pop into the Fairmont Hamilton Princess website regularly for updates). Now raise your glasses. Toast. And clink.