5 Steps to a Dream Wedding in 2016

Many couples’ dream weddings involve a collection of fabulous events, from a romantic proposal to an unforgettable honeymoon. So why not divide fantasy wedding over several months of the year?

While many people still associate weddings with one big day of celebrations; most couples nowadays incorporate a series of exciting events into an extended celebration of their love.

For lovebirds that got engaged over the festive period, the year ahead promises the excitement of a fun-filled hen or stag party, the wedding ceremony itself, followed by a memorable honeymoon as man and wife. If you’re planning to propose to your loved one in 2016, there’s no reason that you can’t make this special occasion an event in itself.

An increasing number of couples are choosing to tie the knot abroad in order to bring some extra special sparkle to their celebrations. If the idea of a tropical seaside proposal or beachfront wedding appeals, the pristine shores of Thailand provide the perfect setting.

The proposal

Whether or not you plan on getting down on one knee to ask your partner to spend the rest of his/her life with you, it’s important to make sure this is a moment to remember. Boasting a balmy tropical climate and sublime coastal scenery, Thailand provides the perfect romantic backdrop for any proposal. Islands like Koh Samui and Phuket offer a number of spectacular view points with far-reaching mountain and ocean views, which could be just the ticket if you are planning a stunning sunset proposal. If you think your partner will prefer something a little more low-key, perhaps the exclusive settings of your private villa will do the trick. The holiday residence’s sun terrace or landscaped gardens may be the location of choice, and many villas also have direct access to the beach if you fancy proposing with the sand between your toes.

Hens and stags

Traditionally, hen and stag parties were all about a few drinks the evening before your wedding to celebrate the bride and groom’s last night of official singledom. However, these days, stag and hen dos are becoming increasingly extravagant affairs. Many couples are choosing to go abroad for weeklong celebrations with their best pals, with eating, drinking and activities all part of the agenda. The Land of Smiles is a fabulous destination for couples throwing their pre-wedding bashes in 2016, with excellent weather and a host of exhilarating activities amongst some of the main attractions. Island hotspots like Phuket and Koh Samui boast a selection of world-class beaches for those who fancy trying out some watersports before hitting the buzzing local beach clubs, bars and restaurants.

The rehearsal dinner

If you’re planning a destination wedding, it’s possible that your friends and loved ones will be flying thousands of miles to see you tie the knot. Hosting a rehearsal dinner in advance of the ceremony can be a great way of welcoming your guests to the wedding, and saying thank you for them for travelling all this way. Rehearsal events are also the perfect occasion for guests who may not have met previously to get to know each other in advance of the ceremony. A private villa on Koh Samui or Phuket is the ideal venue to host a chic cocktail party around the pool for an evening rehearsal dinner. Alternatively, a fun barbecue and pool party at your private villa may be more suited if you or your guests are travelling with little ones.

The big day

If you’ve been dreaming of a beach wedding since you first set eyes on your loved one, 2016 could well be the year to bring your fantasies to life. Thailand is one of the top beach destinations in Southeast Asia, and its growing wedding sector is continuing to entice couples from Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia to its shoers. Many of the Kingdom’s private villas feature direct beach access, so it’s possible to say your vows on the sand against the backdrop of the gentle tropical waves and the dreamy facilities of your property literally a stone’s throw away. Thailand’s wedding planning sector is also very well developed, so couples can opt for anything from a classic Western ceremony to a traditional Thai one.

Time for a honeymoon

If you’re planning a destination wedding, it makes sense to incorporate your honeymoon into the adventure. Thailand’s popularity as a honeymoon getaway is growing, thanks to world-renowned high standards of service and a variety of romantic backdrops available to couples. Why not kick start your honeymoon by chartering a luxury yacht from one of Phuket’s marinas to explore the exquisite islands in the Andaman Sea? If you’re an active couple, you could fill your honeymoon with adrenaline busting activities on the island of Koh Samui – a day packed with jungle quad biking, zip lining and elephant trekking could be the perfect way to get your honeymoon off to a flying start.

 

"The Signature Weddings is a bespoke destination weddings service offering a wide range of options to couples. However, some of the products and services mentioned in the blog articles on this page may not be available as part of the Signature Weddings' service."