chronicles Wedding Tips
Lavish weddings
For couples with a budget to blow
Grand, show-stopping ideas to make a big statement
by Silvia Bortolotto
The very few who are lucky enough to have lavish weddings with an unlimited budget can splash out on anything and everything for their special day, no matter how big or extravagant – as long as it’s tasteful and doesn’t make guests feel uncomfortable or out of place.
Couples can let their imaginations run wild, with daring, ostentatious and jaw-dropping celebrations featuring performances by international artists, stunning decorations, state-of-the-art technology, and all manner of spectacular displays and entertainment.
If you’re one of the lucky ones, here are some ideas that will truly stun so you can throw the most epic wedding your friends will ever attend.
Cover photo by www.theoutsidebride.co.uk
Invitations
Invitations set the tone for your wedding, so if you’re planning a lavish affair, your invitations should reflect that. Laser-cut and 3D designs are contemporary and quirky, while invisible ink is a creative option that adds a touch of privacy too. Illustrated invitations by contemporary artists are also a fun alternative to traditional wedding invitations.
Trips Abroad
If you’re planning a destination wedding, you could treat your guests to a comfortable and luxurious trip aboard a private jet, saving your guests any (steep) travel expenses.
Venue
Photo by www.boatinternational.com
For a truly lavish wedding, nothing beats a reception aboard a private yacht docked off a wonderful and romantic stretch of coast, which your guests can reach by tender. Other equally elegant, extravagant venues to host your big day are state monuments, from NYC’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge to Rome’s ancient Colosseum.
Guests
Unique, surprising experiences are key to a successful wedding. It’s really important to make guests feel valued, connected and involved. If you have a budget to blow, you could hire a butler and chauffeur for the duration of the trip, ensuring a truly personalized experience.
Making an Entrance
Photo by www.helicopterceremoniesoflv.com
Brides-to-be who want to roll out the red carpet and make a grand entrance can do so on horseback on a majestic-looking snowy white horse, via helicopter or vintage Riva boat, or perhaps even on a hot-air balloon.
Transfers
If the ceremony, pre-dinner drinks and reception take place in different locations, you should provide your guests with transportation. Depending on the location of each venue, you could consider organizing helicopter and boat rides. As well as being practical and fast, they’re exceptionally original alternatives to more traditional modes of transportation, and they’re sure to wow guests.
Music
Music sets the tone of your special day and provides entertainment for all. There’s no better way to amuse and impress your guests on the dance floor than with singers, bands and renowned international DJs. Classical music lovers can turn their event into a special occasion by hiring a celebrated symphony orchestra.
Experiences
For your guests to experience utmost luxury, you could implement some unique and surprising details and experiences. You could splash out on exclusive pop-up lounges, such as whisky and cigar bars stocked with a diverse and extensive selections of rare cigars and spirits, chocolate fountains and champagne towers. For that wow effect, you could launch miniature hand throwing parachute wedding favors from a height.
Performances
Along with music, there are scores of other forms of entertainment to delight guests and relatives, including classical ballet performances, figure skating, acrobatic and circus shows, daytime fireworks, and aerobatic air displays featuring eye-catching colored smoke trails.
Decorations
In matters of design, elegant decorations reign supreme at a lavish wedding. The décor needs to be rich and sophisticated, with meticulous attention to detail. You could adorn your venue with lush floral displays and stunning flower ceilings. The food and beverage displays should be equally eye-catching. For a glamorous fairytale wedding, you could use edible petals and gold leaf.