We are so happy that you have agreed to share our special moment on 20th and 21st of August 2016 in a picturesque location in Latvia - Birinu Palace.
Not so much time left, so below are a few things that you might find useful to know. Most importantly, below is the information on the shuttles to the wedding, so don't miss it out.
There are 2 ways to get to the city center
Taxi
You will find the taxis just outside the arrival terminal. There are 2 types of taxi there: "Red Cab" and the green "Baltic Taxi". We recommend only to use these 2 in Riga as they are fair. The taxi trip to the city center normally takes 15-20 min., price is apx. EUR 12,00-13,00, depending on the traffic. "Red Cab" and "Baltic Taxi" accept credit cards.
Bus No. 22
Bus number 22 (Riga) takes you to the Old Town or to Airport (Lidosta). The bus trip takes normal 30 min. and cost EUR 2,00 bought in bus.
For the transportation on the wedding day to the castle and for Sunday and Monday transportation back to Riga, read on - it is all explained in the Wedding Weekend section.
1) Old Town - most of you are staying around the Old Town. It's a historic part of town where you can enjoy a stroll, or find a restaurant and/or bar to chill in. If you wish to learn a little more about Riga, there is a free daily walking tour starting at 11am, you can find more information here.
2) Canal and Riverboat tours - nice way to spend a day, you can choose either a tour on Riga canal or Daugava (Latvia's largest river), more info here.
4) Restaurants - Old town will have a variety of both high end and simpler, local places. One of the "must do'es" is to visit one of the LIDO bistros or restaurants to try some of the best local food (it's cheap and cheerful, don't expect luxury here). If you wish to try something more sophisticated, try Biblioteka no1, for more Baltic food, try Piejura, or check out good wines and tapas in different branches of Vina Studija. But Riga has plenty to offer in terms of good food, so enjoy :)
4) Bars - For bar with a view - if you wish to see Riga from the top, grab a cocktail in Skyline bar, here is a link. Also, you can check out Cuba Cafe for some salsa themed parties, I Love You for some live music in a cozy atmosphere. Also, you can explore the small streets of Old Town to find what you like. Just try not to get lost in one of Riga's bars, the wedding is on Saturday and we need you to be there ;)
5) Jurmala - if you have a bit more time, around 20/30 minutes from Riga is Latvia's most famous beach resort called Jurmala. You can get there by a a bus, train or taxi. There is a useful Tripadvisor post that explains your transportation options here.
SATURDAY, 20th of August
13.00 - Shuttle pick up from Albert Hotel - 33 Dzirnavu Street, Riga. Please see the directions to the hotel here. PLEASE NOTE IT HAS BEEN CHANGED DUE TO ROAD WORKS. DEPARTURE HAS TO BE AT 13.15 THE LATEST. We recommend to have lunch before boarding the bus, as the dinner will be served at 19.00, but before that there will be canapés only. Also, many people have asked us whether there will be enough time to change in the hotel before the wedding. You will have time to check in before the ceremony, but might not be enough for everyone to get ready, so it's really up to you to decide.
15.30 - Arrival to Birinu Castle.
15.30 till 16.00 - Check in to the Birinu Castle hotel.
16.00 - 16.20 - Guests gathering by the lake for the wedding ceremony.
16.30 - We say our "I do's".
17.00 - Champagne, canapés and photos.
19.00 - Dinner time.
22.00 - Party till the early morning (really – nobody is allowed to go to bed before 5am #kiddingnotkidding).
SUNDAY, 21st of August
10.00-12.00 - The breakfast will be served at the hotel for everyone
10.00 - First shuttle to Riga leaves for those who have the early flight. It will make stops in Riga city center and the airport. The next bus will be leaving at 18.30, and it is approximately 1.20h from the airport, so if your flight leaves before 20.30-21.00, please make sure to take this bus. Alternatively, we have a local taxi number, so if you oversleep, we have a plan ;).
14.00 - The second day of the wedding celebration begins at the "Watermill bath". This is the time we all chill, have a barbecue, swim in the lake, go to the traditional sauna, and collectively get rid of the hangover by drinking some more. No official dress code, but swimwear would come in handy unless you want to impress us and the wedding guests by going to swim commando (no one is judging, but be camera ready).
18.30 – The Shuttle to Riga leaves for the evening flights and for those who wish to return to Riga on Sunday.
18.30 - Those who stay just continue eating, drinking, and there is a very high chance of shots :).
MONDAY, 22nd of August
5.30am - First shuttle leaves to Riga bright and early for those whose flight is at 8.30am.
9.00 – 12.00 – Breakfast and emotional goodbyes :).
10.00 – The shuttle to Riga, stopping at the city center and the airport.
There is no official dress code, but since it's a summer countryside wedding in a castle, "summer chic" should give you a good indication of what to wear :) The colours of the wedding are peach and navy, but you don't have to go for it if you don't feel like it :).
The second day of the wedding is casual as we have planned a picnic by the lake, going to sauna and swimming, so please wear something comfortable, make sure you have your swimwear and be ready to relax :).
We’ve been asked what we’d like for a gift and the answer is simple: you, at our wedding, having a great time. If you do wish to bring a gift, please remember, we are travelling back to London from Latvia, so if you do bring us anything, we'd appreciate if it was something that doesn't take up much space in the luggage :).
Kisses,
JELENA & MANU
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