Planning a wedding is never easy, but if you are determined to turn it into a destination wedding whether in another state, region or country it’s simpler to hire a wedding planner such as Concierge & Events by Victoria. If you do plan to do it on your own consider these tips:
- Determine not only the budget of you and your future spouse, but keep in mind travel costs for family and friends.
- Does the property offer special travel incentives and/or programs for children and the elderly?
- Are you familiar with the local climate?
- Are you and your future spouse knowledgably about the culture, environment and its various offerings?
- Do the bride and groom plan to intermix local culture with the theme of their wedding?
- Is the wedding destination too far for guests to attend and are the bride and groom able to make multiple trips to the property for wedding preparations?
Whew! Once you and your future spouse can happily answer the above questions, then you are ready for next steps which include finding the ideal wedding destination. Below please find some of my favorite wedding locations – courtesy of Concierge & Events by Victoria.
Miami – In a city that can appear as its own tiny country what’s there not to like about year round balmy weather with lush tropical trees and warm waters? Nothing beats a romantic location like Vizcaya Museum and Gardens which is a national historic landmark and local favorite. Modeled after the Versailles Palace in France, this was a private estate turned into a historical museum now owned by Miami-Dade County. With both indoor and outdoor facilities, this is an ideal gorgeous venue to have a fairy tale wedding.
Bahamas – There is nothing more romantic or exclusive that marrying your beloved in a private resort. Victoria’s pick is Kamalame Cay – a family owned resort located fifteen minutes from Nassau. Guests arrive via private plane or ferry to this remote and picturesque location. Wedding guests have the opportunity to stay in five star private villas and live like celebrities Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz when they’ve come to visit. The Hew family who own the property will treat you and the wedding party like you’re part of the family with plenty to do such as water sports and special themed nights/days can be arranged or you can do absolutely nothing – ideal for the honeymoon!
New Orleans – With a city as rich in history and culture, it’s no wonder that the Big Easy is a favorite wedding destination spot. Whether you’re thinking of voodoo magic, jazz, Mardi Gras or jambalaya there’s something magical in this city for everyone. What do Emeril Lagasse, Harry Connick Jr., and Anne Rice all have in common? Their love for this city. Besides listening to great jazz and blues at the Krazy Korner and shucking oysters at Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, the wedding party and their guests should consider the beautiful Windsor Court or Roosevelt Hotel – A Waldorf Astoria property for the nuptials. If the bride and groom are thinking the suburbs then there are several fantastic plantation homes where the bride and groom can be Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler for the Big Day complete with horse drawn carriages.
Tuscany – From the sea to the mountains to the countryside, the wedding couple and their guests will enjoy boar hunts, thermal baths and spas, stomping grapes, cooking classes, Italian car experiences (Ferrari and Lamborghini drives as examples), progressive dinners in castles and villas, and wine tasting tours in various locales including but not limited to Siena, Prato and my beloved Florence as examples. Situated on opulent acres of land and surrounded by lush wine and olive vineyards, the wedding party and their guests can stay in a five star castle hotel such as Castello Banfi II Borgo, Castello di Spaltenna, or the Villa Campestri though there are more options to consider. Guests will mangia and learn how to make cheese and wine before, during and after the wedding!
Now this is not to say that a wedding planner such as myself has no other suggestions – from the contemporary to trendy to elegant to athletic I offer various destination wedding suggestions. I have not touched upon a Bollywood style wedding in Jaipur, India or a Pride and Prejudice themed extravaganza at a secret estate in the United Kingdom (worthy of Mr. Darcy’s Pemberley), or an underwater ceremony in the Maldives, but I can assure you – let your imagination soar and Concierge & Events by Victoria can create your ideal wedding in any location or venue.