Exotic Destination

The season for destination weddings in Vizag spans from November to February. Budget is not a restraint, but emphasis is on the novelty factor. Aesthetic décor sprinkled with creativity is a thumbs-up for these weddings. Right from creating a 10-feet-high hydraulic lift for the ‘mandap’ on the sandy beach to decors of white and violet shades or the theme of ‘fishing’ – hotels and event managers in the city are going all out to create the glitz and glamour in creating a different experience for the couple and their families.

Indian colours and customs have been great attractions for foreigners, many of whom have preferred to tie the knot in the country and Vizag, too, hosted a few such weddings. Ajit Singh Garcha, General Manager of The Park, points out that foreigners prefer the wedding venue to retain the natural charm instead of a complete transformation with gaudy decorations. “We recently hosted a destination wedding for a couple who wanted the entrance to be where the grass ended and the sand began, so that it opens to the sea and has a natural feel to it,” he says.
Farm-house weddings have also become increasingly popular with many smaller resorts coming up in and around Vizag, especially in the West Godavari region, promoting the concept of destination weddings. These hotels and resorts have tie-ups with decorators, photographers, beauticians, custom-made bridal trousseaus and other services like assistance for travel.

Kerala, with its coconut palm lined beaches, tranquil stretches of backwaters and housboats is slowly turning out to be a much sought after destination of super rich, who wish to exchange wedding vows in God’s Own Country. Along with palaces and forts of Rajasthan, Goa beaches, Kerala is also becoming an increasingly popular destination. It is preferred when beach or backwater becomes the theme of the wedding. Hotels like Zuri Hotels & Resorts, Leela, properties of Taj are capturing everyone’s attention.