Transforming Weddings into Group Vacations

After more than two years of cancellations, couples are now embracing over-the-top wedding celebrations, transforming traditional events into unforgettable group vacations.

Shifting Wedding Trends

Jack Ezon, who has spent 22 years in the travel business, has orchestrated extravagant weddings around the world through his company, Embark Beyond. These celebrations often involve unique logistics, such as flying floral arrangements from Holland to weddings in Anguilla or creating Mykonos-style beach clubs on private islands. The current demand for extravagant weddings is unprecedented, with many couples eager to lavishly celebrate after enduring delays due to the pandemic.

“It’s been insane this year,” Ezon notes, attributing the surge in budgets—up nearly 70%—to a collective desire for grand celebrations. Couples are done with intimate at-home affairs; they want to host large gatherings that leave a lasting impression.

Luxury Wedding Destinations

Notably, properties in California’s wine country see increased demand, with venues like the Montage Healdsburg and Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley popular choices. Furthermore, international destinations are booming. Josh Alexander, an expert in weddings and honeymoons at Protravel International, highlights Europe as a top wedding destination, particularly noting that weakened euros enhance affordability.

Places like Portugal are trending for weddings, with resorts such as Areias do Seixo, situated near Lisbon, providing luxurious spaces for grand events. Additionally, Ibiza’s rising star status has caught the attention of many American couples seeking picturesque wedding backdrops.

Italy also remains a favored destination, with locations like Lake Como and Florence considered prime spots for weddings. Couples are exploring unique venues to host their nuptials, where scenic beauty meets romantic charm.

Moreover, some couples are opting for weddings at sea. With cruise ships like Celebrity Beyond offering ceremonies officiated by prominent captains, couples can enjoy seamless celebrations complemented by breathtaking ocean views.

Creating Elaborate Experiences

Today, many couples desire to extend their wedding into an immersive experience for their guests. Emily Forrest, director of communications for the wedding planning site Zola, notes that couples are now curating entire itineraries, from organized parties to cultural excursions, ensuring that guests experience the best of the destination.

At resorts like the Andaz Maui at Wailea, couples are increasingly concerned about creating a holistic experience. Ezon confirms that most weddings today are resort buyouts, allowing couples to tailor the experience as they see fit. The focus has shifted from merely hosting a wedding to creating unforgettable memories with loved ones.

“Weddings aren’t just about the wedding anymore,” Forrest states. “They’re about spending time together.” This perspective emphasizes the transformation of weddings from standalone events into comprehensive celebrations infused with adventure and connection.