The Clooney Effect
Husbands and wives-to-be have been inspired recently by George Clooney’s wedding extravaganza and they are demanding more and more from their destination of choice. Here’s how and why Thailand lives up to the high expectations of a celebrity wedding
When George Clooney married Amal Alamuddin in Venice last year, thousands of women experienced a moment of extreme envy. But then brides-to-be dusted themselves off and decided that if they couldn’t marry Hollywood’s silver fox themselves, they would take inspiration from his exquisite overseas wedding ceremony.
According to some tour operators,there has been a 20 percent increase in enquiries for Venice weddings since the star tied the knot there last year. It seems couples really want to do something extra special for their special day and really look for that “wow” factor in the destination of choice, whether its in the food and décor at the wedding itself or through the activities and excursions that surround the celebration.
For couples in search of an extra-ordinary wedding experience, Thailand definitely gives Italy a run for its money. Below are some of the reasons why...
Unforgettable Feast
Mr and Mrs Clooney and their guests may well have dined on fresh pasta pomodoro washed down with Franciacorta at their wedding, but couples saying their “I do’s” in Thailand are equally spoilt for choice when it comes to the array of wonderful dishes and drinks on offer. If you choose to host your wedding in one of Thailand’s private villas, the choices are endless. Perhaps you prefer a formal sit-down meal specially prepared with your favourite flavours or a maybe a less formal Thai buffet bursting with creamy curries and tangy soups. Thailand’s two favourite destination wedding locations – Koh Samui and Phuket – also have plenty of imported delicacies from around the world on offer, which means even tagliatelle and is an option.
Desirable Décor
Like any couple accustomed to the red carpet, you can imagine that the décor at George Clooney’s wedding was nothing but pure chic, with just a hint of glamour. Couples working with one of Thailand’s dedicated wedding planning agencies are also free to create a décor theme all of their own – one that not only matches current trends but also their own tastes. Whether you go for bright traditional florals, elaborate vintage or cute and rustic, your wedding planner will set aside the time to brainstorm ideas so that you end up with something even better than you imagined.
Properly Pampered
One bonus of being one of Hollywood’s leading men is being able to enjoy a good pampering whenever you need it – and surely, to look as good as Mr and Mrs Clooney, you would need a few refreshing hours in the spa every now and then. Thailand is home to a vast selection of exquisite spas, whether you want to detox for a few days before your wedding or merely enjoy a few relaxing treatments to recover form the party. Couples staying in one of Thailand's private villas can also hire the services of a massage therapist to come to their holiday home and pamper them there.
Active Attractions
On sunny Thai islands like Phuket and Samui, there is no shortage of things to do, whether you want to head out and about with your loved one or would like some fun time with your wedding guests. The azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea offer a blissful haven for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. There are plenty of activities to do on land as well, from shopping and culture tours to quad biking and zip lining.
Blue Horizons
Smart couples want to get the most out of their entire weddings and holiday experience and when it comes to excursions, Thailand really boasts a ‘wow’ factor that makes it Southeast Asia’s gem. How about a luxury yacht excursion to explore the shimmering coastline? Whether your trip is booked as a champagne reception on your wedding day, or as a more relaxed affair the day after the wedding, nothing says Hollywood more than cruising aboard a superyacht, and in Thailand, it costs a lot less than you might think.
"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."