The search for a perfect wedding location
What followed was lots of discussions about various locations around the world and research into the practicalities and legal procedures of the different options. The brief was to find a stunning beach location that could accommodate their guests and offer a range of different accommodation to suit a range of budgets. We needed to find somewhere not too big but not too small that would work with us to ensure the happy couple got their dream wedding. After much consideration, Thailand was placed at the top of the list and we decided that a fact-finding trip was in order. So, in January 2018 I set off with the mother of the groom and her sister to Thailand!
Our first stop was Bangkok. I must admit this was a place I have never really considered visiting so had quite low expectations, but the city completely captivated me! We stayed at the Shangri-La and I couldn't fault it! The location right on the river was stunning - amazing views and so easy to get around from. The service and our rooms were gorgeous and everything you would expect from such a great brand.
The day after we arrived, I had arranged a private tour with a local guide. The aim was to experience Bangkok like a local so as well as visiting all the 'must see' palaces, temples and markets, we also got a taster of some of the local modes of travel including a longtail boat, the local ferry, a Tuk-tuk and the train! This tour was really enlightening and fun and something I would recommend - in fact several clients have done this tour since and feedback is consistently fabulous!
That night we had booked a 90-minute anti-jetlag massage at the Mandarin Oriental hotel which is just across the river from the Shangri-La. I can say hands-down this is the best massage I have ever had! I literally felt I had melted through the floor!
We were lucky enough to be staying at the Shangri-La over a weekend and managed to fit in the hotel-run dinner cruise (amazing) and we got to experience the Thai afternoon tea on Sunday - complete with ball room dancing!
Having adjusted to the time difference it was time to catch an internal flight to Krabi and meet with the prospective bride and groom to look at possible hotel’s venues for their wedding.
Krabi is a lovely part of Southern Thailand and the scenery and views are just stunning. The beaches are fabulous and so the next task was to find the right hotel and wedding venue.
Krabi offers a whole range of accommodation and there was no shortage of options. Hotels we stayed in included Rayavadee - located on the stunning Railay Beach - Centara Grand Krabi Beach Resort and Villas - situated in the national park and accessible by a private boat - and Amari Vogue - a little further north. We also visited Phulay Bay, a Ritz Carlton Reserve property featured in the Hollywood Hangover movie and managed a trip over to Phi Phi Island Village resort to explore the island featured on the Leonardo Di Caprio movie The Beach. The area around Krabi has also been used in James Bond movies which gives you an idea of just how stunning it is!
All the hotels we visited were very welcoming and ticked the boxes for stunning scenery and great service and the eventual choice was Centara Grand Krabi Beach Resort and Villas which had a fabulous beach wedding venue as well as host of different rooms types to fit most budgets.
With hotel picked, it then left 10 months to sort out the legalities, accommodation, menus, entertainment and every little detail needed to plan and create the prefect overseas wedding!
Follow my blogs to see how it all turned out!