Question 1

Preparations before going?

Accepted Answer

Make sure to have health insurance.

No vaccines are necessary to enter but an up to date tetanus is recommended and Encephalitis if you will be in woods and long grass in the counyside.

Question 2

Entering Latvia

Accepted Answer

Thanks to Brexit, Britons should be prepared to be asked some at question upon arrival such as: Why are you there, address of where you are staying and when are you returning.

Question 3

I'm not Latvian how will it be getting around Latvia?

Accepted Answer

We are in the process of putting some guides together to help. In regards to the wedding day Gerda has kindly nominated some of her English speaking Latvian friends to help out at different parts of the wedding.

Question 4

How do Latvian weddings differ to English weddings?

Accepted Answer

Largely they will be very similar.
Gerda will be wearing a white dress, there will be a wedding location and a reception location. Lots of food and drink.

The main differences I'd say in Latvia are:
•  You walk down the aisle together.
•  You say "yes" instead of "I do"
•  No bridesmaids or bestmen - although traditionally there would be an unmarried woman helping in a sort of maid of honour role. This wedding is still having bestmen (Aaron and Ronen)
•  No flower girls - although this wedding will have one.
•  No flower bouquet throwing
•  There will be some kind of games and activities during the day
•  Parties can last all night unlike British ones

Question 5

Why is there no longer a link on your Facebook timeline?

Accepted Answer

Facebook decided the link was against their terms (nope it makes no sense, I think they just didn't like the long URL). I suppose we should create an event page to stop that happening again. I'll add a link here when that is done.

Question 6

Will I get a psychical invite?

Accepted Answer

They have been all sent. If you don't have one it's either got lost or you didn't make the cut. There will be a video link for people who want to digitally attend.

Question 7

I can't attend, is there a video link?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there will be a video feed. It won't be for the full wedding but we'll broadcast the key points of the event. If you are interested in receiving a link let me know and I'll make sure we give you times we'll be live.

Question 8

What will the food be?

Accepted Answer

meat and roasted veg will be served in buffet style. There will also be a nibble table for guests to graze on upon arrival and into the evening. On this table expect lots of small dishes that should cater for everyone's taste. Potato pancakes, meats, fish, salads etcs

Question 9

What is the colour theme?

Accepted Answer

We're not really having a specific theme. The decor will be quite natural and earthy colours, Gerda will hopefully get her blue cornflowers everywhere though.

Question 10

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

We don't really mind as long as it's somewhat formal. We'd much rather everyone come and be comfortable.  Latvian summers can be a warm so keep that in mind. I don't plan on wearing my suit jacket during the daytime (Mark)

Latvians are being encouraged to wear traditional Latvian linen clothes. Do not worry if you do not want to, and by any no means do international guests need to wear them.

Question 11

Can I wear a hat?

Accepted Answer

Yes mum, you can wear a hat or fascinator if you want.

Question 12

How will I get to the venue / How will the bus shuttle work?

Accepted Answer

We will be organising a coach to pick up guests from a central point in Riga TBC, from there you will be taken to the venue and be returned the next day.

Whilst we encourage all guests to use the bus (it's part of the fun) we understand some people may need to drive so we'll give exact locations and times for those that need them.

Question 13

You mentioned wedding games / activities, what sort of things?

Accepted Answer

We still need to confirm exact activities and we will be keeping some things a surprise. Something we'd like to include is archery / axe throwing. Don't worry we won't be doing anything that extreme, you won't ruin your nice dress. it's also fine if you choose to only speculate.

Question 14

How will the venue sleeping arrangements work?

Accepted Answer

As stated all guests will have the option to stay at the venue. We assume all will with a few exceptions being some local Latvians who may want to get home.  Beds are in private rooms and dorms. Private rooms will be prioritised to families first. This has now been arranged but should people not want to stay in their allocated room there will be a few spare beds in the dorm on the op floor. We'll mark these as "empty"

Question 15

How many people will be going?

Accepted Answer

60 people, we want to keep it reasonably small and are limited to the seats on the coach and venue size.

Question 16

Can I bring a +1?

Accepted Answer

In short no, all places have been sorted. However if you are an important part of the wedding then let us know and we'll see what we can do.

Question 17

Are children allowed to come?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although there will be no child specific entertainment. Please also bare in mind that there is a large pond in very close proximity of the reception manor so they'll need to be accompanied at all times (we don't want any drunk kids either).

From speaking to future guests it seems a lot of people are probably leaving children at home so they can enjoy the day and relax. The main exceptions being people travelling internationally as childcare is more complicated. If you do intend to bring children please let us know in advance so we can allocate a private room for you to sleep in (we are currently unsure how many there are).

Question 18

Will alcohol be free?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
The reception venue will have alcohol to help yourself to. We are going to make sure has a wide selection of beers, wines and sprites.
Unfortunately it has been decided that doing activities such as axe throwing whilst intoxicated is probably a bad idea so that will be completed first, sorry.

Question 19

What about gifts?

Accepted Answer

We may create a gift idea list but we're also aware that logistically bringing gifts is difficult when flying to another country. We will set up a donation link so we can use the funds towards our honeymoon.

Frequently asked questions