Want a unique wedding ceremony? Opt for destination weddings

Want a unique wedding ceremony? Opt for destination weddings





The wedding season is here, and every bride-to-be and groom-to be would have discussed a zillion times how they want their big day to be.While wedding themes -including fairytale, royal, Bollywood style and colour-based themes -are popular, a trend that seems to be catching on amongst youngsters is to have their wedding at a destination. Be it getting decked up like royalty for a grand ceremony in a palace or saying `I do' on the seashore, destination weddings seem to have now become a top pick. Rachna Mouli, a wedding planner, says, “Earlier, a destination wedding would mean travelling to a location -another city or country -and host your wedding there. And it would mostly be according to the convenience of the family . But now, the definition of a destination wedding has changed. In the next two months, I will be hosting three weddings at various destinations in the country . For one of them, we've rented a popular fort-turned-hotel on the Rajasthan-Delhi highway , and for another one, we've booked a haveli in Jodhpur. The third one will be taking place in Mahabaleshwar, in one of the strawberry farms.“

Why are destination weddings becoming increasingly popular? Says Rashmi G, a communication professional, who is tying the knot with her boyfriend of 12 years, “We are having a beach wedding in Kerala, primarily because that's where my fiancé and I first met. Moreover, he's a marine engineer, and the sea means a lot to him. We wanted to begin our life at a place which is special to us.“ Seconding her is Murli Kishore, a banker. He says, “I got married at a museum in Hyderabad. My wife and I love history , and a museum seemed like the best option. To give the ceremony a personal touch, we hosted an exhibition of art works depicting our journey from engagement to wedding, painted by my wife.“Another reason why people opt for a destination wedding is because they feel the need to be different from other couples, opines Rajath Ravinder, who is into the wedding business. He adds, “Everyone wants to have a unique wedding, and don't mind splurging on their big day .And by choosing to have their wedding at a destination, like a palace, on a hill or by the beach, they ensure their ceremony is talked about.“

So, if your wedding is around the corner and you are looking for some interesting options, here's some help:

GARDENOUTDOOR WEDDING

Want to be in sync with the nature, host a wedding that's as colourful as it can get, and yet, unique? Garden outdoor wedding is an option. You can either rent a country club and utilise its outdoor space or even build a gazebo right on your garden and invite friends and relatives over for an intimate, special wedding.

CRUISE WEDDING

Have an adventurous bone in you and can't wait to flaunt it to the world? Try having a wedding on a cruise. While the bride and groom have to be passengers on the cruiseliner, there are options where guests can come onboard for just a few hours. You can also head to your honeymoon directly on the same cruise!

BEACH WEDDING

There's nothing more romantic than holding hands with your beloved and walking into the sunset, even as waves lash at your feet. While the beaches of Goa, Chennai and Kerala, and the Indian islands are perfect for beach weddings in India, beaches of Tahiti, Australia and the Caribbean are popular across the globe.

MOUNTAIN WEDDING

There is no dearth for mountain ranges and hilly terrains in the country. Why not utilise them to host your wedding? Set up a beautiful arch and lay out a path that leads to the altar -this can be a perfect setting away from the hustle bustle of the modern world. Soak in some country charm and make your special day even more special.

PALACE FORT CASTLE WEDDING

Conduct your wedding in palaces that have been converted to hotels in India, like those in Rajasthan, Mysore and Gujarat. The many forts that border the highways can be an option. If a castle is your dream wedding choice and you don't mind shelling out money, then head to Edinburgh or Ireland.

MUSEUM ART GALLERY

History buff?
Love art?
Museums and art galleries rent out space to host weddings and other private affairs.

RESORTS

Simple, hasslefree options are resorts -beach resorts, forest lodges, mountain resorts, etc.

TAKE CUE FROM BOLLYWOOD

Sonam Kapoor's character in Aisha hosted her aunt's wedding in a garden Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta meet at a wedding ceremony held on a beach in Salaam Namaste Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani had an elaborate wedding sequence, which was shot in a palace