Ritz-Carlton Weddings - January 2015 - (Page 72)

the expert Desert Strategist FroM ArizonA'S coveted dove MountAin reSort, thiS weddinG Authority honeS her tipS on MeMorAble deStinAtion eventS Q M arina o'le ary Senior Group Sales Manager The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain What should i consider when comparing venues? The venue is a reflection of you as a couple. Do you want the venue to be formal or fun? Also think about the flow of the event and whether you want the ease of having everything close by. Finally, you should like the onsite team. These relationships may be a part of your life for a year or more, so make sure the catering manager and wedding specialist are as excited as you are. Q Q can a spa visit help calm my pre-wedding nerves? The lead-up to the big day can be stressful, so decompressing is a necessity. It can also be a moment to say thank you to loved ones - although private accommodations, like the saltwater pool and cabanas at our resort, can be the ultimate luxury. Q What's the most overthe-top detail you've seen at a wedding? Decisions about where to splurge versus save are really about what the bride and groom value. Is paying for the airfare of all of your guests over the top? Is spending a large sum on flowers over the top? At Dove Mountain, we are noticing that more and more couples are interested in having a meaningful event, rather than a showy one. how important are fun activities for guests? Q have to wait, which can make for a subdued tone, so a cocktail lends a festive feeling. This is a celebration! What's the latest trend in weddings? A wedding brings together old and new friends, and merges two families, so you want to provide opportunities for people to bond. A resort makes for an inclusive atmosphere, from the pool to the golf course to nearby excursions. At our property, we have a nightly sunset celebration where we honor the tradition of the Hohokam Indians that originally settled the area. A flautist serenades the guests, and it really brings everyone together. Serving a signature drink prior to the ceremony is de rigueur. These can speak to the destination, such as a prickly pear margarita in our case, or they can be favorites of the bride and groom. Guests often 72 w e d d i n g s b y t h e r i t z - c a r lt o n illustration by sam wilson

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Weddings - January 2015

Ritz-Carlton Weddings - January 2015
Contents
Memories
Trends
Dispatch
Beauty
Works of Art
Classic Cocktails
The Grand Finale
Winter Wonderland
Singular Sensation
Seaside Chic
An Artful Affair
Honeymoons
Expert Advice

Ritz-Carlton Weddings - January 2015