Destination Weddings Page MyShadi

Choosing a venue for your Indian Wedding by Rina Shah

myshadi — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 12:36:13 +0000

The success of your wedding day relies heavily on your venue selection. Asking the right questions and planning far in advance ensures you do not have any last-minute surprises. You start by creating a list of requirements that your perfect venue should match, and then research the potential locations you are considering. Remember your wedding day only happens once, so the more you plan, the better the result. started off with every bride’s new best friend, Google. I researched all I could on “Indian weddings.” To my dismay, not much exists out there for the Indian-American bride; however, I did find some inspiration on a few scattered websites. Some of my favorite wedding websites included www.weddingsutra.com, www.myshadi.com, and a few articles on www.theknot.com.

Starting the Venue Search
A recommendation from friends and family who may have been through a similar search for their weddings is a great starting point. They may have brochures of venues that they have visited previously and may already have key contacts within the venues. Indian weddings are typically large affairs so starting your venue search earlier, possibly a year in advance, is highly recommended.

Contacting Venues
When you have narrowed down the list of venues, contact the person in charge at venue location-normally the Event Manager or Banquet Manager. Make a general inquiry about hosting your wedding and ask them to send you full details of the venue. If you have left a message, make a note of how quickly they respond as this is important and determines whether you should go for the venue or not. You should expect a quick, friendly and helpful response, as that person will be managing your wedding. Any delays are just not acceptable.

Catering
Most Indians and Pakistanis families prefer food from Indian or Pakistani restaurants. A few venues do not allow outside catering. If that is important for you and your family, you want to find this out in your initial conversation. For some families this is make or break situation. Some venue places may meet you halfway and make you buy a certain amount of food from their vendor and allow the rest of the food from outside. The venue management may require that your caterer has liability insurance, and you might have to supply the proof of that insurance.

Costs
Make sure you find out the costs upfront, and more importantly, find out exactly what does this cost include. For example, the package cost may include complimentary rooms, decoration, waiters and staff to manage your wedding, and dishes/place settings. Hidden costs need to be taken into consideration-and known about before deciding to book the venue. You may want to go for a hotel where they will give you a complete package for the event, which includes hotel rooms for guests to rest and change clothes as well as a honeymoon suite for the bride and groom. Many of the major hotels have signed contracts with Indian wedding caterers, which must be used in preference to other caterers. These caterers are normally vetted for quality and health checks-and this will remove the uncertainty associated with some of the suppliers.

Signing on the Dotted Line
Make sure that you read the fine print. Before deciding, review the logistics. This is where an event coordinatoror wedding planner will be useful, as she/he will be able to negotiate with the venue and manage the whole event. Your venue will be the most important factor in your wedding, so make sure everything is in writing.

Booking a Venue – Questions and Dilemmas
Once you have booked your venue, you need to ask many questions of the venue manager. No matter how small, silly or trivial the questions and dilemmas are, don’t hold back, just ask. You are paying a lot of money for the venue, so you need to be completely happy with the service and have complete confidence.

Few Sample Questions you should ask

What time will the venue be available for your event?
Make sure your decorators, florists, mandap supplier, and caterers have sample set-up time.
Are there any restrictions to what we can do in the hall at the wedding ceremony?
Are there restrictions on décor, flower petals, or fire restrictions for the mandap?
For Hindu weddings, explain about the fire at the wedding time. Most pujaris bring smokeless charcoal, but it will be advisable to clear the issue.
What does the venue provide for table décor?For example, tea lights, candles, ornaments, etc.
What type of table settings are available, e.g. white tablecloths or are there other choices?
How will the tables be arranged?
Do you have sample table plans?
If you have your own centerpiece for the dinner table, will the hotel staff set it up on each table?
Are there options for the lights to be adjusted at certain times during the wedding?
Find out the name of the person in charge.
We require A/V capabilities on the day, how can your staff members help?
Find out the name of the person in charge.
If the cost includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, then you want to find how long the bar is going to be open.
If the cost does not include alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, can you pre-purchase the drinks and serve them using the venue’s staff?
How many staff members will be assigned to your event?
Find out the name of the person in charge. – Is valet parking available at no cost or discounted price?
Can guests use the parking facilities at no cost or discounted price?
If we decide to have the wedding in the morning and the reception in the evening, are there changing rooms that can be used for our guests?

Tips from Area Vendors

For me, the most important element to look for is commitment.

How long did it take for the Catering Manager to call you back?
Did they offer you let you see the ballroom?
Will they be there the night of your event?

You should feel that your business is important to the hotel and you will be well taken care of. I see time and again a “no-care” attitude, which is unacceptable in the hospitality industry. If you do not feel like your event will be a complete success and if you don’t’ have total confidence in the Catering Manager, it is time to look elsewhere. Anthony Flynn, Catering Sales & Banquet Management Sheraton Safari Hotel & Suites.

When selecting a venue for your special occasion, it is important to verify that additional set-up time can be accommodated should your decorator need additional time. Another imperative factor to look into when choosing a location is to see if there are additional rooms on-site should a space be required for prayer during the function. Be sure to make certain there are no fire code restrictions when planning a ceremony in a private venue.”

Amy Ames
Holy Trinity Reception & Conference Center
Pick a Venue where the Catering Staff is very familiar with all of the different Indian religions and regions and

knows how all of the sequential events go, so that you feel comfortable and confident, and don’t have to oversee everything yourself.
Pick a venue where there are several different banquet rooms so you do not have to do the Mehndi and reception in the same room
Make sure the venue has a large covered area such as a Port du Cochere so that when the families meet outside, you are covered from the hot sun or the rain.
Pick a hotel if you have lots of out-of-town guests so you do not have to worry about transportation, travel time and the comfort of your guests and family.
Pick a hotel with plenty of parking and free self-parking. With valet and garage parking, long lines will form as guests leave and disappoint them at the end of your fabulous event.
Pick a venue where the Catering Director or Manager is familiar with Indian vendors and has a good relationship with them so there is a seamless transition of service and products

Lesley Bliss
Director of Catering
Hilton Deerfield Beach/Boca Raton
When selecting a venue to host your most important day, some key components will assist in ensuring a flawless event. Asking for verification of the venue’s service quality reputation, and the longevity of staff that will lend a helping hand. This will make you feel secure that the same people you have booked your event with will be the same people that will be there for you the day of the event. It is imperative to request a very detailed contract agreement with no hidden costs-mapping out, in writing, each and every detail of your event that you expect to occur the day of the wedding. This leaves little room for error the day of the event, and accounts for mutual knowledge and agreement between you as the client and the venue. With any cultural function, it is important that the venue and the ethnic caterer work well together, so make sure you give the caterer’s name and contact information to the venue as soon as caterer is contracted. This allows the caterer and the venue time to consult, thus ensuring a seamless event.

Maxine Groves
Director of Catering
Sheraton Suites Plantation, FL

The post Choosing a venue for your Indian Wedding by Rina Shah first appeared on MyShadi.

Consider a Dream Destination Wedding in Florida By Satya Nauth Dharamedo

myshadi — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 12:01:31 +0000

So your big day is approaching and you’re considering every unique possibility for a memorable wedding. Consider planning a destination wedding in Florida. Destination weddings echo lofty feelings of one’s dream wedding in paradise. It has the likelihood to be exotic, fierce, one of a kind, and memorable for the friends and family you have invited to share your special day. Having clarity of thought and a written plan are imperative when it comes to having a well-planned and smooth celebration.

It is true that Florida is a touch of paradise, and whether you envision a quaint setting for your wedding or a big momentous occasion, you can fulfill your desires for a beautiful day in this state. A destination wedding will set you a part from the predictability of a traditional wedding. Destination weddings open up opportunities to be truly creative and artistic.

The locations for your dream destination wedding in Florida are countless. Whether you dream of a barefoot wedding or a formal affair, you will be sure to find your heart’s desire in Florida. You can choose the snowy beaches of Fort Lauderdale, where you can experience the unique grandiose culture of the area or become awestruck by the splendid nature and tranquility on one of the many Florida Keys. If you’re aching to overwhelm the senses with a breathtaking sunset and infinite ripples of the waves, experience Cocoa Beach. There are innumerable resorts from which you can choose that are gorgeous and directly on the beach.

The options are truly endless in accomplishing the greatest feat of planning a wedding – choosing your venue for a perfect day! If you would like to be impressed and stun your guests, choose a lavish yacht ceremony overlooking the changing waters in Space Coast, Florida. The waters astound the eyes as you witness a tantalizing change from midnight blue to enchanting turquoise. If you’re worried about rain on your special day consider Clearwater, Tampa as it is noted in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the “most days of sunshine.” Become captivated with the beautiful ranches in Naples. Maybe you envision arriving on a horse as you and your guests enjoy a peaceful ceremony in the eyes of God and nature

It is up to you whether you would like to self-plan your wedding or hire a wedding planner to see your vision come to pass. Many resorts and wedding planners have flexible packages to accommodate your every whim. Take the time to put your plans on paper and do the research about your dream destination wedding in Florida. Destination weddings are not only favored by the bride and groom, but also by your family and friends who long for a mini-vacation! Your dream destination wedding in Florida will be the talk of the town and one to be remembered for years to come.

About Satya

Satya Nauth Dharamdeo resides in South Florida with her husband and two lovely and adorable children. Through her blog “The Change Factor,” she promotes the idea of adopting positive thinking to change our lives. She hopes to complete her first book by November 2015.

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Destination Wedding: Dream or Nightmare?

myshadi — Thu, 18 Jul 2019 08:41:53 +0000

By Nirjary Desai of KIS (cubed) Events

Nirjary Desai

KIS (cubed) Events

Atlanta based based Event Planner

South Asian Destination Weddings have become the latest trend globally especially with the influence of Bollywood & Hollywood celebrities. Studies have shown that with over 350,000 destination events each year, there is no doubt how South Asian weddings keep climbing the ladder of over the top high dollar productions. These iconic productions globally are orchestrated by mastermind planners and event producers who know what they are doing and have the experience selling a Dream & Delivering a Fairytale and not a Nightmare!

We see so many new suppliers in the market that are offering destination event services, but is it because they know what they are doing, or do they see the dollar signs? How truthful are they to you about the actual costs of your destination wedding? Are you informed of challenges when you are booking the resort or the destination?

These points are important to remember since there are so many moving parts to a South Asian wedding. And there are many more when you consider a Destination Wedding in another part of the world with the week long celebrations, traditions, rules, regulations, and cost involved in pulling it off flawlessly.

Here are some of my top tips when considering a Destination Wedding:

Hire a Professional Wedding/Event Planner

This is important because someone who is a professional and has years of experience is not going to be cheap, but comes with years of knowledge. Especially for a South Asian wedding, find someone who understands both families’ background and needs and can work collaboratively with you to give you a stress-free experience. Often, I get calls from clients who hire new planners that don’t have the knowledge in full scale production events in destinations and are looking to get a notch on their belt. Beware of this because do you really want to have your most important day be someone’s trial and error? This also applies to your family friends who are trying to get into the industry. Remember it is so important for you to hire a professional to give you a stress-free experience and not add to your emotions.

Selecting the Right Venue

When selecting a destination event venue, don’t just look at price, but also look at the service. South Asian weddings and events have so many moving parts and the last thing you want is to be a number and sign up to be at a resort that is a factory of weddings. My clients want exclusivity and service and I believe that’s what all clients want. It is also important that you don’t just go for what is the lowest price, because that will determine your experience from all aspects, especially if you are going to another country for better service. Having realistic expectations is so important, so go on a site visit to the resort when they are conducting events.

How do you bring Design, Décor, Production to life in a Destination?

Many destinations have great local suppliers, but if you don’t speak the language its harder to get your point across. Our company has a particular style and look that our clients are attracted to, so we offer design services with our team of designers to give the clean finesse and creative touch that our client’s expect. Spending time going back and forth due to a language barrier may be a waste of your time and money. It’s better to pay a professional who knows design and can bring your vision to life by using local resources.

On-Site Resort Planners/Travel Agents

Many clients believe that when they book a resort, they will get a wedding planner! What you actually get is a hotel appointed individual called a “wedding coordinator.” He or she will not be able to help you with your event details such as ceremony flow, puja items, timeline, photo list, menu, overall design, décor, or vendor management.

Some travel agents specialize in destination weddings, but more so they are travel planners. Often, they are not at the destination to oversee the check-in guest experience or help execute your event. They specialize in travel and may charge you an additional fee to oversee your event, but don’t have the experience running event logistics like they do travel logistics.

Catering

This is a huge concern for South Asian clients. Some destinations have Indian/Pakistani options available, but are they based on what you expect? Absolutely not, this is only possible in highly Indian populated destinations. In Mexico and the Caribbean, for example, there are restaurants, but depending on the distance to the resort from the restaurant, the food may be prepared in advance to be transported hours later, affecting the quality and taste of the food. I highly recommend if you are at an all-inclusive resort take your own chef with you. This allows you to customize your menu based on the region and dietary restrictions, and you will have the resort staff assisting your food provider to make the food fresh and on-site.

Speak to a Past Resort Client Before Booking

I highly recommend speaking to a past South Asian wedding client of the resort. Once they have done an Indian Wedding, some resorts will sell it as if they are experts, but they might not be. Talking to past clients will bring up issues like being short-staffed. With so many new resorts popping up everywhere, many resorts can’t retain their staff because someone else is willing to pay them more.

Is a Destination Wedding Cheaper?

No it is not! It is true that your guests will be paying for travel and hotel accommodations. You will still have to pay for all of your vendors, such as planner, caterer, entertainment, décor, vendor travel, etc. A destination wedding may be cheaper, but the only way it can be is if you take the simple offerings the resort offers for American style weddings and not customize anything for your South Asian wedding or by cutting your guest list down and the number of events. Some resorts also have a high tax rate ( 30-40% ) on luxury goods rentals, which is what event goods are considered. Some vendors will accept cash, but we don’t recommend traveling with large amounts as that will give you trouble in customs.

Average Destination Wedding Cost for 3-5 Events

Most clients believe a destination wedding can be budgeted below $50K, but the reality depends on your expectation. If you are a client who loves a designer look, want a 5 star experience, and plan on multiple events at the destination, then the minimum starting point is over $100k. Remember, if you have 100 -200 guests for 3-5 events, you are servicing and planning for over 500 hundred guests. So come up with a realistic budget to avoid disappointment when you start seeing all the numbers come together.

Controlling Your Guest List

Most clients opt for a destination wedding to cut down on the number of guests and have a more intimate experience, so the couple can enjoy the event and focus on everyone there. Once you evaluate your guest list, we recommend starting to send out invitations. Often, clients send the invite out to everyone, but some guests will cut themselves out because of the cost of travel and accommodations. It is also appropriate to ask your guests before you send out invites to find out if they will come or not. If they give you a no, you don’t have to send them an invite out, unless you are doing digital invites, which can help you keep up with RSVPs.

Know What You Want Out of Your Day.

Often clients come to us and have elaborate and elevated taste, but are misinformed about cost. Some clients will ask family or friends who are already married how much they spent, but don’t realize that 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 years later costs have changed due to the cost of goods, service and labor. Be informed that basing your budget on past events that have occurred in your network and expecting the same is not practical. As a client, be transparent about your budget to eliminate a lot of back and forth with your team of vendors.

It’s so important that when you are looking to work with event professionals you decide on experience and knowledge of the destination and also on a team that has a can-do attitude to make magic happen for you. Your event is an investment and the right team is required to execute and pull off something amazing with all be bells and whistles.

Determining the Number of Events

Having a destination wedding means that many of your guests will feel like they are on a vacation since they are spending money on their flights and accommodations (unless as a host you are covering all costs.). So as a host, it should be your priority to spread your events out guests can spend free time to explore and relax at the resort, golf, or go on excursions. Figure out which events are important. The smaller ones that are intimate ceremonies for family hold those earlier in the week before the rest of your guests arrive, so you are not forcing anyone to come for longer than they wish. It’s so important when you plan your events you keep in mind your guest experience in order for them to remember your events for years to come.

Manpower/Staff/Labor

Many clients think labor is included in the service providers consulting contract, but this is only true for some vendor categories. For some like planner, design, catering, lighting/production, there is a separate cost for labor that should be pre-quoted or line itemized. Don’t expect your vendors consulting fee to cover the labor fee, because consulting time is their time and knowledge and expertise to help you plan a seamless event. Labor is the number of bodies needed to execute your vision based on the logistics. Keep in mind vendors who charge this value the service they provide you along with their value their staff, which in turn affects your overall experience.

Local Vendors vs Out of Town Vendors

You have options when planning your destination wedding, but remember you don’t want to chase down vendors in the respective destinations. Also be aware that in exotic destinations, they may be on island time and there is not a sense of urgency. If you are a client that wants results, then you need to work with experienced professionals who know how to handle this, because they have done this many times before so they always have a solution. The other difference with local vendors vs. out of town vendors is the cost of travel and accommodations, but in the end if these vendors provide you a sense of relief and can guarantee their end product and results based on their reputation then its good you go with them. If you are someone that just want to pay a certain amount, then you can go local, but if your planner or you personally have not worked with the vendor it’s hard for anyone to guarantee the quality for you. We hear it all the time that a local person said they will charge us this, and you guys are a lot more, but keep in mind the lower the cost means more corners to be cut by the service provider to make a profit, and that’s business 101! So if you are someone who expects a certain level of service, then pay the price for a Luxury experience because you won’t get that if you don’t pay the right pricing to your service provider.

Today’s destination events are much more than group travel to a resort destination for a small ceremony and reception. Couples want unique one of a kind celebrations custom created for them. The details are of unique touches that reflect couple and special ways to mesmerize their guests. If you wish to plan a destination wedding right, then start with unusual venues to welcome parties and creative group excursions to gourmet chef curated meals, custom cocktails and mocktails and lots of unified cultural rituals, couples are looking to go beyond the traditional or expected.

Vendors globally have the bar set high in these destinations by offering services that are unparalleled to what you may find in your home town such as delivering goods, offering a range of options, and most of all couples want high quality products & services. The more popular destinations such as Mexico, Aruba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, India and now more so Europe and Dubai have really had to be on top of their game. There are no limitations on Destination Events, clients and their families are not letting roadblocks get in their way or limitations of the location to create something unique and memorable for their guest. Flying in vendors from all around the world has become a norm, and the couples are blown away by the amazing ability to create something unique, from the food, the decor and the incredible event design to entertainment.

About Author

My name is Nirjary Desai, I am the Owner/Founder & Chief Experience Officer of KIS (cubed) Events. We are a premier Luxe Boutique Agency providing Elevated Experiences to our client’s world-wide one couple & family at a time! We pride ourselves in the 15 years in the event industry especially the Luxury Wedding market, we have traveled the globe producing events not only for our clients, but one of our latest productions was my very own wedding taking place in Los Cabos, Mexico.

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Mandaps, Marriage, and Mexico: Planning a Cultural Destination Wedding By Rina Shah, The Arpan Group

myshadi — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 11:55:36 +0000

Crystal blue waters crashing down on a pristine white beach, while a gentle breeze ruffles through the palm trees. An elegantly draped mandap glistens in the sunshine, while an intimate crowd eagerly watches two people embark on the journey of a lifetime. Sounds like a wedding in paradise, doesn’t it?

Destination weddings and cruise weddings hold a certain appeal, and while not feasible for some couples, might be the perfect option for others. Whether a couple wants to share a favorite vacation spot with family and friends, or host a unique and memorable event, destination weddings also offer couples the chance to bring families together for a (relatively) stress-free occasion. Many resorts offer all inclusive service packages, which can ease the burden of wedding planning and infuse the event with the chance to truly celebrate and enjoy the company of family and friends. Planning hikes, kayaking, or canopy tours in addition to wedding events gives the couple and guests a chance to truly embrace the spirit of the local area. Couples are also increasingly choosing to host cruise weddings as the ultimate way to combine vacation with celebrations.

Hosting a traditional Indian wedding at an exotic, beachside location or on a cruise ship is no longer a far-fetched ideal, but rather a manageable reality for some couples. Cultural destination weddings are on the rise as hotels and resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, among other locations, increasingly recognize and understand the requirements of Indian weddings. Though couples may choose to get married somewhere other than their hometown, they still do not want to forgo important religious and family traditions. Marilyn Cairo, Corporate Romance Manager at Paradisus Resorts, ensures couples that her team keeps their needs and desires front and center. She shares, “Our entire team gets to know the couple, understands the specific needs of the client and the overall event and are open to allowing the couples to customize their entire experience.”

Factors to Consider
With South Asian weddings specialists now on staff at several resorts, South Asian couples looking to fuse elements of a traditional wedding with the fun and excitement of a destination wedding, now have an easier time with the task of planning. So while many hotels and resorts specialize in destination weddings and are well-versed in the décor needed for mandaps and specific ceremonies, couples should still make note of all their requirements.

With décor, catering, photographers, among other vendors, all available through in-house services or a resort’s preferred vendor list, destination weddings can be significantly less stressful than planning a traditional wedding. Keeping this in mind, couples should be prepared to ask lots of questions and be mindful of several factors.

Budget: Regardless of the type of wedding planned, budget always plays a role. Be sure to consider your budget when looking into possible locations and venues. Destination weddings can be more cost-effective due to a smaller guest count and fewer vendors; however, don’t forget to consider non-traditional items, such as travel expenses, shipping or extra luggage costs, resort fees, travel taxes, etc.

Venue: Narrowing the list of potential venues can be difficult, especially when choosing from places such as a Punta Cana, Cancun, or Vallarta! As you research the possibilities, think of all the services the venue offers. Is a wedding planner available? Do they have a backup indoor ceremony location? Can they provide all inclusive vendor services, such as a photographer, decorator, mandap, hair and makeup? Can they meet dietary restrictions and/or is Indian food available? Is a shuttle available for guest transportation?

Experience: As with any wedding vendor, experience matters. When a hotel wedding planner anticipates all your needs, you can be sure all the details have been considered. Knowing that your chosen venue comes staffed with experienced planners and coordinators will be comforting especially as you plan from a far. Karen Bussen, Palladium Hotels & Resorts, assures clients that “ [Palladium Hotels & Resorts will help with additional ceremonies, special menu requests, and other needs. We will stop at nothing to delight our brides and grooms and their guests, and we strive to provide authenticity, great value, and excellent service throughout the whole experience.”

Timing: Be sure to consider the time of year, as the weather might be a factor. Planning a wedding in Mexico during hurricane season is probably not a good idea, so be sure to consult weather forecasts prior to setting a date.

Guests: As you narrow your list of choices, be considerate of your guests. From where will they be traveling? Will it require three stopovers and a bus ride to get to your chosen location? Guests choose to be a part of the celebrations and often are paying their own way so be sure to consider the impact of your choices.

Local marriage requirements: Be sure to check the local laws about marriage requirements, as some countries require residency or a wait period as well as paperwork. One option is to have a legal, court ceremony at home before embarking on the fun destination wedding!

Prepare for Your First Meeting

Unlike meeting with all your vendors on a regular basis as you would if you held a wedding in your hometown, a destination wedding requires constant communication via email and phone. Alejandra Carrillo, Assistant Weddings Manager at Barcelo Maya Beach, encourages clients to “speak your mind during the planning process … It is important that you let us know everything that is on your mind and keep the communication going.” As with traditional wedding planning, be clear about what you want, and don’t be afraid to share every detail as this helps your planner ensure your wedding unfolds just as you like. Consider setting up a regular check-in schedule and keep track of your questions so no details are left untouched.

Many resorts also encourage a site visit prior to the wedding date. In addition to a site visit, wedding planners at All Inclusive Collection – Hard Rock Hotels send couples a detailed email with information about service options, such as décor and menus. Monica Larcada, Marketing Manager at All Inclusive Collection asks couples to “take the time to thoroughly review all of the information and catalog options,” so that the wedding planner is able to address all questions during the initial meeting via phone.

Destination weddings are a wonderful way to bring family and friends together in a beautiful locale to celebrate one of life’s most special moments – your wedding! With some advance planning, your dream destination wedding could become a reality.

Favorite Wedding Moments
The experts share their favorite wedding moments.

Karen Bussen: I’ve been lucky to be a part of many incredible South Asian celebrations—including my own sister’s wedding to my brother-in-law, who is of Gujarati heritage. Inspired by the dazzling colors and textures of South Asia, I created the Shaadi Royal Bliss package to embody the unique cultural and ceremonial traditions in a tropical paradise setting.”

Marilyn Cairo: “The receptions are definitely the best…the ambiance, the music, the food, the spirit of the people celebrating is very infectious and showcases the true meaning of love.”

Alejandra Carrillo: “I personally enjoy how the families are so involved with every single detail of the celebrations, and how not only the union of a couple is what they celebrate, but also the welcoming of each other’s families, which I think is beautiful.”

Monica Larcada: “We are seeing an increase in interfaith weddings. Recently we had a wedding where the bride was Catholic and the groom was Hindu. The couple had both types of ceremonies, and it was incredible to see how each family embraced the culture and religion of the other family. We thought it was a great way to start a life together.”

Featured Venues
Special thanks to the properties, all of which are well-versed in hosting successful Indian weddings, for participating in this article.

All Inclusive Collection – Hard Rock Hotels
Located in: Cancun, Mexico; Riviera Maya, Mexico; Vallarta, Mexico; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
www.hrhweddings.com

Barcelo Hotels & Resorts
Located in: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Cuba
www.barcelo.com/BarceloWeddings

Palladium Hotels & Resorts
Located in: Riviera Maya, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Montego Bay, Jamaica
www.palladiumweddings.com

Paradisus Resorts
Located in: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Cancun, Mexico; and Playa del Carmen, Mexico
www.romancebyparadisus.com

About the Author
Rina Shah is the CEO and founder of The Arpan Group, a boutique ad agency and public relations firm that specializes in capturing untouched ethnic markets. From press releases and media kits to marketing materials and by-line articles, The Arpan Group customizes solutions based on the client’s needs. For more information, visit www.thearpangroup.com or call (703) 651-6670.

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Top 3 Beach Wedding Destinations in India

myshadi — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 11:11:26 +0000

Beach weddings are fun, casual and romantic. Maybe you have always dreamed of a beach wedding, but are also trying to plan a wedding in India to accommodate family requests. Not to worry, even India has many of beach options, thanks to nearly 5,000 miles of coastline surrounding the country.

Not sure how to narrow down the list? Here are three great beach wedding destinations in India. So, go ahead – start planning that exotic beach wedding!

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala is one of the best beaches in India. It is the only beach in Kerala where you can see tall uniquely formed cliffs overlooking the sea. The sunsets in Varkala are spellbinding. If you are a religious person, Varkala Beach holds a special significance as the waters here are believed to wash away sins. This is the reason why it is also called Papanasanam (papam means sins and nasanam means destroying). You can have a wonderful wedding here, surrounded by gorgeous sights and a spiritual ambiance.

Cabo de Rama Beach, Goa

If you want to have a small and intimate wedding, Cabo de Rama Beach located about 18 miles from Margoa is a very good option. This beach is not a typical tourist destination, which is a benefit if you don’t want gawkers at your wedding! The blue-green waters of the Arabian Sea, steep rocky cliffs leading down to the beach, palm lined coast, and beautiful surroundings make it a very romantic backdrop for weddings. According to local folklore, Lord Rama and Sita took refuge here during their exile, hence the name.

Havelock Island, Andaman

One of the most picturesque islands in the Andaman archipelago, Havelock Island has several beaches, all of which are perfect for a wedding destination. The scenery is simply stunning and the ambiance is calm and soothing. If you want a truly exotic beach wedding, look no further.

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