Guide to wedding in Kefalonia

Happy New Year!!! I am back from a short break over Christmas and have decided to begin writing some mini guides to some of the destinations that I have organised weddings in over the last few years! So we start with Kefalonia, an island with a special place in my heart, as it is the island where my father grew up and he really loves the island, this has certainly rubbed off on me and I have spent many summers splashing about in the crystal waters of the Ionian! So, when planning a wedding in Kefalonia what would I suggest and avoid: - Civil weddings can only take place in the regional town halls - I would suggest planning the ceremony on a different day and following a blessing in the location of your choice - Consider a beautiful beach (there are hundreds of tiny bays around the island, perhaps rent a car and explore the coastal road until you find a spot that you both feel is perfect) - Renting a villa is very popular in Kefalonia and perfect for organising a reception in the grounds, you could choose to hold the ceremony here as well - For Orthodox weddings there are hundreds of churches to choose from, large churches in the centre of Argostoli or Lixouri, small chapels near the seaside, on a hill or mountainside, the possibilities are endless - Choosing a great restaurant for your reception is also a good idea, if there is a large group of guests, why not book the entire venue privately so you can play the music of your choice without onlookers, try to avoid a rental fee by promising a minimum spend behind the bar, this is common practice in Greece - Finally, don't forget to barter, everything is negotiable!!!! - Happy planning!