25.10.25

Shanaia & Malcolm

October 25, 2025 • Colombo, Sri Lanka
189 Days To Go!

25.10.25

Shanaia & Malcolm

October 25, 2025 • Colombo, Sri Lanka
189 Days To Go!

Q & A

When & Where will the Wedding take place?

Our ceremony will take place at St. Mary’s Church in Dehiwala, Colombo, followed by the reception at Waters Edge in Battaramulla, Colombo. Exact addresses are provided on the Home page of our website and in your invitations as well.

What time should the guests arrive?

The Ceremony is set to begin at 4:30 PM, so please plan to arrive at St. Mary's Church at least 20-30 minutes before the ceremony begins. This allows time to be seated comfortably. After the ceremony, guests can head directly to Waters Edge for the reception.

Is there a dress code?

Yes! We suggest formal cocktail attire (suits for men and dresses for women). For the church ceremony, please bear in mind to dress modestly. Ladies, kindly avoid wearing white to let the bride shine!

Will the events be indoors or outdoors?

Both the ceremony and reception will be held indoors. St. Mary's Church has ceiling fans but no air conditioning (this is common for all churches in Sri Lanka) so it may get a bit warm. The reception at Waters Edge will be fully air-conditioned, ensuring a cool and comfortable evening of celebration.

What will the weather be like in Sri Lanka during October/November?

Sri Lanka’s weather in October and November is warm and tropical, with average daytime temperatures around 27-30°C. However, it's also part of the monsoon season, so brief rain showers or humid conditions are possible. Don’t worry, the indoor venues will keep us cozy and dry throughout the celebration.

How and by when should we RSVP?

Please RSVP using the wedding website link included in your invitation. We kindly ask that all RSVPs be submitted through the website by April 25th, 2025, to help us finalize our guest count. Planning a wedding is no small feat, so we truly thank you for keeping our timeline in mind and for being a part of our celebration!

Can I bring a plus-one?

Please check your invitation to see if a plus-one is included. Due to venue capacity, we may not be able to accommodate extra guests. We appreciate your understanding.

Can children attend?

Although we love your children, please note that this will be an adults-only celebration. We appreciate your understanding, and hope you can still join us on our special day!

What is the best way to get to and from the venue(s)?

For convenient transportation, we recommend downloading “PickMe” or “Uber.” These apps will help with getting around not only on the wedding day but also throughout your trip. For larger groups, you are welcome to opt for van rentals or coasters. We will be sharing contact details soon to help make your arrangements easier.

Where should we park?

Both St. Mary's Church and Waters Edge have parking facilities, and valet parking will be available at Waters Edge for added convenience. Carpooling or ride-sharing is also encouraged!

What can I expect during the ceremony and reception?

The ceremony will take place in St. Mary's Church. As this is a Catholic church service, the ceremony will include traditional Christian elements, we warmly welcome our friends and family of all faiths and backgrounds to join us as we celebrate our union in this setting. Please note that due to the church's schedule, there will be limited time to mingle afterward, so we kindly ask that you save your well-wishes and greetings for the reception. After the ceremony, we will promptly make our way to the reception at Waters Edge, Bataramulla, where we look forward to celebrating with everyone with an evening filled with dinner, drinks, dancing and making loads of memories!

What kind of food and drinks will be served at the reception?

At the reception, our guests will be welcomed with snacks and a refreshing welcome drink to enjoy while waiting for us to arrive. We'll then have a buffet featuring a variety of international cuisines, with both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options-there will be something for everyone! An open bar will also be available, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Can I take pictures on the wedding day?

During the church ceremony, we kindly ask that our guests refrain from using phones or cameras. We hope everyone can fully immerse themselves in the moment, and we want to respect the church's values by keeping the ceremony phone-free. At the reception, however, we encourage you to capture as many memories as you'd like! Upon entering, you'll find a photo booth where you can take portrait photos as a keepsake. Later in the evening, the photo booth will be available for fun, funky pictures that you can take anytime throughout the night. This is small giveaway and token of appreciation for joining us on our special day! Additionally, QR codes will be provided on the tables, allowing you to access a shared album via an application called "POV", where you can upload and view photos from the night. Photographers and videographers will be present throughout the day to capture these special moments as well.

Do you have a gift registry?

We're keeping it light on the luggage - so, boxed gifts are not on the list! Your presence is our greatest gift. However, if you'd like to add a little sparkle, contributions towards the start of our journey together are always welcome!

How far in advance should we book our flights and hotels?

For the best rates, we recommend booking your flights and accommodation 3-6 months in advance. Planning ahead ensures you get the best possible deals and a stress-free journey to the celebration!

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka and how can I get one?

Yes, most foreign visitors will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Don't worry; it's an easy process! You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online through the following link https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ , which usually gets approved quickly. Certain countries may qualify for visa-on-arrival, so please check the official Sri Lanka ETA website or consult your local Sri Lankan consulate for details. We do recommend applying at least one (1) month in advance through the Sri Lanka ETA website as it is faster and cost-effective in comparison to visa-on-arrival. Additionally, please ensure that your passports are valid for at least six (6) months.

How far is the airport from Colombo?

Guests will arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, which is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive to Colombo. The exact time will depend on the location of your hotel and traffic conditions.

How can I arrange transportation from the airport to my hotel?

Most hotels offer airport pick-up services, so it’s best to check directly with the hotel where you’ll be staying. If your hotel does not provide this service, you can book a vehicle for airport pick-up in advance before your travel (we shall provide some options of the same soon). We do not recommend booking transportation directly at the airport, as it tends to be more expensive and the waiting time could be long if the airport is crowded.

Where can I change my money to Sri Lankan rupees (LKR)?

You can change your money at Bandaranaike International Airport, or you can use your credit/debit cards. However, it’s always best to have some Sri Lankan rupees in hand for places that do not accept cards and for convenience.

Where can I get a SIM card?

You can get a SIM card at Bandaranaike International Airport. Look for kiosks from telephone providers such as "Dialog" and "Mobitel." They offer cost-effective tourist packages that include calling and data. Please ensure that the SIM and data package is working before you leave the airport.

Who can I contact with any further questions?

Feel free to reach us at "themerchantwedding2025@gmail.com" or on WhatsApp at +971 50 9037002 (Shanaia) and +971 50 2348330 (Malcolm). Our wedding planner, Mansala, is also available via WhatsApp at +44 7466 600851.