Japan\, Turkey or Russia: Top international destinations to say \'I do\'
Every couple looks for something unique and memorable to seal their bond of love. A signature touch is what couples today strive for. When it comes to a wedding, the backdrop has an important role to play.
Couples are seeking destinations that hold some meaning to further up the significance of their D-day. When it comes to weddings back home, Indians are one of the highest spenders for thematic destination weddings internationally.
Instead of focusing on destinations popular amongst your circle, pick a destination that holds meaning for you. All it takes is having a budget in place and having a wedding planner to ensure that your destination wedding makes for a fun-filled extravaganza for you and your family.
ETPanache Travel showcases top global destinations to consider for your Big Fat Indian Weddings abroad.
ENGLAND
A ROYAL AFFAIR Not every country can offer the wedding venues that can host weddings of any possible style: from nuptials inspired by royalty, to simple yet elegant weddings and outdoor venues. Historic stately Chatsworth House is a perfect backdrop for those of you who have always pictured a fairytale wedding. What's more? You can have an after party on a yacht that sails across the Thames, which adds a backdrop of the Big Ben and the London Eye to your magical moments.
LET LOVE BLOSSOM The cherry blossoms of Japan need no introduction. The blossoms are deeply symbolic in Japan, it only lasts for around one week and marks the beginning of spring. The Yawaraginomichi Sakura Park, in Kameoka, has 1,500 trees with 30 different types of cherry blossoms and has become a popular destination. If you see yourself getting married with a backdrop of these blooms, begin planning now. The season lasts between March and April.
A HOLY TOUCH A wedding in Italy ensures grandeur, picturesque backdrop and a perfect sentiment for a dream wedding. Italy has been witness to a lot celebrity wedding. From the rolling hill, castles, vineyards and villas of Tuscany, to the picturesque cliff-top venues of Amalfi and Cinque Terre and Lake Como-a favourite amongst celebrities…Italy will leave you spoil for choice. St Petersburg Square, Vatican City (seen in the image alongside) is also very popular with newlyweds. Apart from posing along the backdrop of the iconic St Petersburg Dome, seal your bond by tossing a coin at the Trevi Fountain in the Eternal City.
TRADITIONAL TALES Turkey is perfect if you are looking for a Mediterranean vibe with the European sun dazzling your occasion. Lavish weddings with a view of the Bosphorus are the trademark of Istanbul but if you are thinking off beat, there are a number of options. The ancient town of Hasankeyf by the Tigris River, featured on the left, offers a glimpse of a bride dressed in traditional Turkish wedding finery.
THAILAND
CULTURAL CONNECTION If you are the romantic kinds looking for an exclusive backdrop, Thailand is the perfect choice for you. The country offers venues of a variety of styles. Take a pick from beautiful venues fringing the sea in Ao Nang, Krabi, Hua-Hin and Koh Samui. If you are looking to add a little quirk factor to your wedding, take cues from Thailand’s very own festival of light, Loy Krathong. You can infuse outdoor areas with a soft, candle lit ambience as the Krathongs (a small container made of leaves floating on water) bob up and down on the water. (This picture is used for representational purposes only)
BEDECKED WITH HISTORY The majestic and historic capital of Russia, Moscow is the perfect place for a fairytale celebration. Renowned for its architecture, history, music and art, there's a beautiful backdrop everywhere you look. Consider an intimate ceremony with close few. You can there after head to Zaryadye Park in Moscow to have your most cherished moments captured.
Fun fact: In some parts of Ukraine and Russia, a quirky tradition is followed. The morning of the wedding, the groom visits the bride's house to pay the ransom to get his bride. Bridesmaids greet him at the door, whose duty is to make sure the bride doesn't get ‘stolen’ without an adequate ransom. The girls work hard to up the price of the ransom by stump the groom with questions about his bride (every wrong answer required him to pay more). If the groom is handed a pumpkin, it means he has been turned down.
Serve The Best Meal At Your Luxe Destination Wedding
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Plan Your Plate
29 Nov, 2017
If there's one thing that leaves a lasting impression on the minds of weddings guests, it's the food served. However, not everybody gets it right. Delhi-based chef and Indus Culinary director Marut Sikka says usually that's the case at destination weddings. So, if you're set to tie the knot at a luxury destination, Sikka lists out some pointers for the menu:
Beach Weddings
29 Nov, 2017
One of the first thing Sikka cautions is to avoid glassware at beach weddings as people tend to drop them or accidentally fall, thereby making the beach dangerous for guests to walk on. "I would suggest using disposable wares and cutlery like bamboo, degradable paper and some plastics." Going by the chill vibe of the beach, Sikka suggests serving cold foods and street food from across the world like pizzas, frittata, burgers, hotdogs, kebabs and chaat, rather than a formal sit-down dinner.
Lawn Weddings
29 Nov, 2017
The open space gives you a chance to keep things interactive — think open-air counters like barbeques, tandoors, grills and stir fries. "I would make everything off the fi re and on to the plate. Everything should lend to drama and an interactive feel," says Sikka. A formal, sitdown meal with beautiful table settings would be ideal here.
Luxury Yacht Weddings
29 Nov, 2017
If it's a day cruise, Sikka suggests going qualitative over quantitative as space is a constraint. "It's important to have a variety of food inserted in time slots, if you can't lay it out in one spread," he says.
Foreign Locations
29 Nov, 2017
In foreign or exotic locations, attention should be given to local ingredients. "I would suggest planning a menu that is structured around local produce as much as you can." he says.
