7:50am Friday 12th December 2008
By Kirsty Whalley
A Croydon resident is hoping to help brides beat the credit crunch by launching a tropical wedding planning company.
Michelle Pierre-Carr set up the company to help couples who want to marry in the Caribbean.
The vivacious 35-year-old got married exactly a year ago to husband Scott in Montego Bay Jamaica.
She said: “I found it really difficult to organise a wedding there from the UK.
“There are a lot of wedding planners around but most of them deal with Europe.
“As far as I know I am the only planner for the Caribbean so we are definitely a niche company.”
She is hoping that her experiences and her intimate knowledge of the best wedding locations will help reduce the stress of other brides planning their special days in the tropics.
Michelle points to research done by market analysis company Mintell which shows that one in six brides get married abroad.
Michelle said: “The cost of an average wedding is £20,000. In the current economic climate Brides are looking for more savvy ways to reduce wedding costs.
“You might think that having your wedding in the Caribbean sounds expensive but abroad you can get so much more for your money.
“You have to think of it as a holiday, you can incorporate your honeymoon into it as well and your guests can enjoy a week or two relaxing in the sun.”
Michelle offers different services depending on what couples are looking for.
Her full service involves organising everything from the flights and accommodation to the all important dress and invitations, catering and locations.
“It is all about making sure that the bride has a stress free time and so she can really enjoy one of the most important days of her life.”
Michelle’s company specialises in weddings in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril.
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