Using batteryoperated candles and heavy vases for flower arrangements are a couple ways Epic Hotel in Miami copes with wind concerns in its 16th-floor reception area .
To eliminate the problem of wilting flowers at Hard
Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico , event planner Colin Cowie often uses branches or greenery on wedding tabletops .
OUTSIDE IN
When couples want an outdoor wedding reception , delivering an attractive tabletop setup that also can withstand the elements often presents unique challenges for hotels .
Epic Hotel in Miami offers a poolside outdoor space on its 16th floor for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners that promises breathtaking skyline views , but wind concerns prompt some creative workarounds . “ Candles are normally not recommended — small LED lights or battery-operated candles are an elegant substitute ,” says Catering Sales Manager Lourdes Ramos . “ Using heavy vases for flower arrangements to make them wind-resistant and securing the linen during the event are some of the steps we follow .”
Warm , sunny climates also threaten the freshness of floral arrangements during outdoor receptions . “ Picking hardier varieties of flowers , or those native to the surrounding area , can help combat wilting ,” says event planner Colin Cowie , who has partnered with the All Inclusive Collection ’ s Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico and the Dominican Republic . “ You can also use branches or greenery in the design .”
F & B : TABLETOP
ON THE HORIZON
Here is a sampling of predictions for the next big trends in wedding tabletops :
“ A FUTURE TREND COULD BE INDUSTRIAL- CHIC AND TRIBAL INSPIRATION .”
– ROCCO TROYANI , FOUR SEASONS RESORT PUNTA MITA , MEXICO
“ WE EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO SEE HIGH DEMAND FOR ‘ RUSTIC ELEGANT ’ DESIGN , MORE OF A STYLIZED SHABBY- CHIC THAT IS THOUGHTFUL , ORGANIC AND AUTHENTIC .”
– BETH OLSON , THE WESTIN RIVERFRONT RESORT & SPA AT BEAVER CREEK MOUNTAIN , AVON , COLORADO
“ I HOPE TO SEE GREATER LINEN DESIGN WITH MORE TEXTURE AND PATTERNS .”
– LOURDES RAMOS , EPIC HOTEL , MIAMI
“ I PREDICT NEW MATERIALS INCORPORATED INTO TABLE ELEMENTS . GONE ARE THE DAYS OF YOUR GRANDMOTHER ’ S FINE CHINA . UNREFINED WOODS AND METALS ARE MAKING THEIR WAY TO TABLES . I WOULDN ’ T BE SURPRISED TO SEE A BEAUTIFUL CENTERPIECE DISPLAY MADE OUT OF CHICKEN COOP WIRE VERY SOON !”
– KELLY MASTEN , FOUR SEASONS RESORT RANCHO ENCANTADO SANTA FE , NEW MEXICO
“ WE ARE GOING TO SEE A MOVE TOWARDS MORE PERSONAL , ECLECTIC STYLES . MISMATCHED CHINA AND PERSONALIZATION ON EVERYTHING FROM NAPKINS TO MENUS TO CHAIR BACKS ARE ON THEIR WAY .”
– COLIN COWIE , ALL INCLUSIVE COLLECTION ’ S HARD ROCK HOTELS , MEXICO AND THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
www . hotelsmag . com December 2013 HOTELS 41