Vineyards or white-sand beaches? Add an exotic theme to your destination wedding

Pick a wedding theme that reflects your personality.

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Include your pets in your wedding as a ring bearer or flower dog and make it an honoured guest. Liven up your wedding as the trend to get your pet along for ceremonies is fast catching up (©GettyImages)
Marriages are made in heaven but weddings are orchestrated on earth. A wedding requires immense planning and the venue is the most important. Indian couples are opting for unique themes to make sure their special day remains etched in their memory.

A destination wedding is perfect for that signature touch. It ensures that not only the couple but everyone who attends the wedding has a great time too. Introduce that ‘me’ element by picking not only the right venue but also a theme that reflects your personality.

We’ve explore various themes: from having your family member (read: your pet) at your wedding, to an underwater ceremony and events that emphasise on bonding over food and golf…there’s something for you to draw cues from.


HOW ABOUT SOME PUPPY LOVE?
Everyone has elaborate plans for their big day. It’s no exception for those pet lovers who picture their pets walking down the aisle in a bow tie. Having your pet at your wedding means extra joy and planning. Make sure to check with your venue if they are happy to accommodate your pet. Ensure there is always a bowl of water and treats available and an easy exit for your furry friends, if need be.

Countries like France, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, Hungary and Austria are ranked as the most pet friendly destinations. France welcomes pets in shopping centres, grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, and bars. In Switzerland, restaurants are happy to accommodate canine patrons provided you pay an appropriate fare and the pet is well-behaved. It is recommended to take your pet to the venue before the big day so they're used to it. With the array of cute pictures, your pet is surely going to steal the show at your wedding.

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Wow Factor: Before bringing home a new furry friend, would-be Swiss dog owners are required to successfully complete a course on animal understanding and pass a series of both practical and written tests to demonstrate their aptitude.

A SPORTY AFFAIR
Region: Mauritius
An astonishingly high number of golf courses dot the island of Mauritius. The courses range from basic 9 holes courses to world class championship courses
An astonishingly high number of golf courses dot the island of Mauritius. The courses range from basic 9 holes courses to world class championship courses.

The Mauritius is renowned for its palm-tree fringed, sandy beaches, blue lagoons and plentiful coral reefs. You have a range of weddings to choose from, including Indian or Chinese styles. You can opt for a Hindu ceremony presided over by a Civil Officer, followed by a blessing ceremony performed by a Hindu priest.

If you are looking for something offbeat take to the golf greens for inspiration for a peppy set-up. Fun can begin much before the ceremonies start; plan golf match between both families to kick start the festivities.
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LET THE SPARKS FLY: Mauritius is perfect for romantic beach side dinners
Mauritius is perfect for romantic beach side dinners.

The healthy competition is not only going to ensure bonding between families but it will also make your relationship stronger and add fun anecdotes to recall much after the wedding is over.

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As for the wedding, pick a dramatic sunset staging complete with a backdrop of the golf course.

A CELEBRATION FOR THE FOOD CONNOISSEURS
Region:
Napa Valley and Bordeaux

There's no bonding than over food. If you are a couple who strongly abides by this adage then there can be no better way to celebrate your commitment than with a toast at a vineyard.

A vineyard wedding allows you a piece of the rustic countryside with (in some cases) the mountains looming large in the backdrop. If this fits your description of a perfect wedding, look at vineyards in Napa Valley, California, USA or Bordeaux, France. A whimsical tented or gazebo set-up in the outdoors can serve as host to your traditional ceremony.

GREEN BACKDROPS: A vineyard wedding promises to be a refreshing change from the mundane set-ups (©GettyImages)
A vineyard wedding promises to be a refreshing change from the mundane set-ups (©GettyImages)

The best part: you can enjoy the best wine pairing with every course, even your wedding cake. Besides, local ingredients are a great way to give guests a taste of the area. You can kick off the celebration by treating everyone to a tour of the vineyard. This serves as an ice breaker and helps your guests mingle amongst themselves. Follow it up with a low-key reception where food and drink pairings reign supreme.

At your vineyard wedding, up the fun quotient with the food connoisseur’s version of a pubcrawl: Each course takes place at a different location, typically the couple’s favourite spots around the property. At the first stop everyone indulges in appetisers, main course can be set up in the restaurant and dessert can be reserved in a scenic spot outdoor.

SAY ‘I DO’ UNDERWATER
Region: Hawaii, Bahamas and Bora Bora

WATER BABIES: Swim along with fish and exchange vows in this unique underwater setup
Swim along with fish and exchange vows in this unique underwater setup.

For a couple with a strong sense of adventure, a scuba wedding is the way to go. A tropical location with good visibility, diving or snorkelling equipment and an official who is willing to go the extra nautical mile are the only essentials you'll need.

Adventurous brides and grooms say I do as they dive in various ocean centers and aquariums, in Maalaea, Hawaii on the island of Maui, are setting a new trend. Wedding planners personalise the ceremony with custom-crafted vows on waterproof paper. Hop on a flight to Hawaii; or set sail in Bahamas and the 'Island Preacha' for your one-of-a-kind underwater ceremony.

Fun facts: For your marriage to lawfully be valid in this island chain, you'll need to say 'I do' before the sun sets.

WATCH THE WAVES: Along with your friends spend hours at the Waimanalo Beach in Hawaii (Tourism BC/JF Bergeron)
Along with your friends spend hours at the Waimanalo Beach in Hawaii (Tourism BC/JF Bergeron)

As for your wedding venue, guests can witness your big day from the comfort and safety of their super-cool acrylic viewing tunnel. Your matrimony will also be grace by friends from the ocean world such as sharks, sting rays, and lots and lots of fish who are residents at these centres.

Bora Bora has got something really special for ocean lovers: an underwater wedding chapel. Known in Tahitian as 'Te-Ana-Ipo,' the 'cave of love,' an underwater wedding is do-able for any set of lovers - no diving experience needed. The descent isn't too deep either: only 12 feet down. Lovers are escorted to Te-Ana-Ipo by outrigger canoe and treated to local musicians playing for creating the perfect ambience with a personal hostess and delectable refreshments.

Serve The Best Meal At Your Luxe Destination Wedding
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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:
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 S..
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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.
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 sugg..
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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.
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. Eve..
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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.
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 spr..
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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.
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.
Considering the environment there is very sensitive, Sikka recommends simple, clean food that doesn't create a mess. "Opt for a sit-down dinner which creates minimal fuss and mess. Pastas, fondue and Japanese food would lend very well. If you want a buffet, the food can't be very oily and you can't have live counters as the smoke may damage the delicate interiors."
Considering the environment there is very sensitive, Sikka recommends simple, clean food that doesn't create a mess. "Opt for a sit-down dinner which creates minimal fuss and mess. Pastas, fondue and..
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