Hello , hotel weddings
As guest numbers climb , hotel weddings are back on our radar as the ultimate celebrate-and-stay choice .
What comes to mind when you think of a hotel wedding ? For us it ’ s fancy ballrooms , sweeping staircases , and lots of time spent lounging poolside with your crew . Oh , and party-ready guest lists ! While intimate weddings are here to stay , guest list numbers are bouncing back — paving the way for both inner-city hotel weddings and destination-style resort weddings to make a strong return . To understand the how and why of hotel weddings , we called in an expert . As director of Gold Coast Pop Up Weddings and Brisbane Pop Up Weddings , Bree Nicholls partners with a wide range of gorgeous venues — but it ’ s the uptick in hotel and resort weddings that has been most noteworthy of late . The American market first alerted her to the resurgence .
“ Watching global wedding trends with a keen eye , I ’ ve noticed a sharp return to hotel weddings in recent months ,” says Bree . “ I think we ’ re going to see the trend expand as we enter the spring and summer wedding seasons in Australia .”
Less-stress logistics
Not only can you bring a crowd ( many hotel ballrooms accommodate up to 1000 !) but your guests can get from nuptials to reception nosh with ease . “ Hotels and resorts provide for an easy transition from ceremony to reception ,” says Bree . “ There ’ s no jumping on a bus to get to the reception location post-ceremony and there ’ s no walking up a big grassy hill ( in heels , no doubt !) to grab your first drink from the bar .” [ Above ] Chloe & Sam at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast , Lauren Joy Photography . [ Right ] JW Marriott Gold Coast
Heaps of scope for styling
“ Hotels provide an array of ‘ blank canvas ’ spaces to work with and couples can really focus on transforming a room by styling and theming their event ,” says Bree . “ Many modern couples are now opting for a contemporary wedding style with signature details . Think custom lighting , champagne walls and towers , eclectic table arrangements and dramatic ceremony entrances . Hotels provide the perfect backdrop for this wedding vibe .” If the thought of a blank canvas is a little daunting , turn to a stylist or your planner for ideas on personalising the room . “ Cost-effective ways to transform a room include adding a bright pop of colour in your table decor , adding a backdrop or lighting behind your bridal table or even providing fun and entertaining guest experiences ,” says Bree . [ Left ] The Glasshouse at The Island Gold Coast , photo Todd Hunter McGaw
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