Beneath starry nights and OPEN SKIES

Reading up to this part, you must be wondering that such weddings are only meant for the rich and the famous. Well, I shall disagree. If you keep the guest list to a minimum, only to people that are truly important in your life, these sorts of weddings can become so affordable that you actually end up saving money from the pre-set.

The next tricky affair with destination weddings is to arrange a schedule for the guests. As the event takes up at least 3-7 days at a stretch, this can be done with the help of the venue officials, orchestrating off-site tours, cooking classes, spa sessions, mehendi night parties by the pool, and so much more.

Let's go back to the sound of the waves, the sense of freedom and relaxation, the magic and mystery of the hills, and a once in a lifetime event that feels more like a non-stop party than a typical wedding…

Doesn't it sound worth the while? I feel it does…

A pre-arranged collaboration with the hotel can help fly-in jazz singers, salsa dancers or a traditional band – whatever your preference, encouraging everyone to put on their dancing shoes and dance away the night.

Just imagine - you could do this the entire week!

Do not assume we forgot food, because we did not. Destination weddings typically call for finger foods, tea sessions and brunches decorated flawlessly on trestle tables, and patio sets. The menu needs to be light during the day, such as watermelon and feta salad, chicken cutlets, Mexican style corns and creamy coleslaws; biriyani and rich food are meant for late night events.

One of the major bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the surrounding natural beauty, lessening your need to decorate. Just visit the site before the guests arrive. However, arranging the wedding inside a luxury hotel goes recommended, as the grass will already be raked and the flowers blooming — thanks to the gardener on duty. Other decorations that you may want to include are strings of lights or lanterns in the trees, luminaries, or farolitos.

And then there is the cake. It has become the highlight of any wedding, and there are two different ways of handling the cake — one is to get it delivered from the city, or lay your trust on the venue manager to bake up a spectacular cake for your wedding. We would suggest the latter, since the hotels are apt at making spectacular wedding cakes.

Finally, all being said — these plans must be made well in advance, otherwise your favourite destination wedding venue might just be booked by another.

Whatever your final decision maybe, I know I would love to exchange my wedding vows, again, in an offshore destination beyond all the commotion of the city. What about the 15th wedding anniversary?

Options are endless, as long as my dreams for a destination party are fulfilled… and my final question remains — Who wouldn't want to RSVP?

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Location: The Palace Luxury Resort,

Bahubal, Habiganj

Art Direction: RBR