Recently, I attended a gorgeous wedding on a sailboat at Hilton Head Island. The whole experience was just fab! The views, the food, and the company pulled off simple elegance in the best way possible. For a relaxing, yet chic wedding, these are the top 5 things to look for!
#5: Plenty of accommodations
A destination must have a variety of hotels to choose from to accommodate those out of town guests. For this particular wedding, guests were located at three hotels, each one providing a little different experience for the guests. The bride and groom stayed at a luxury resort complete with private beach and poolside bar service, which served as a perfect convening point for family members. The night before the big day, the bride and groom hosted a “Meet the Family” for all the attendees to meet and mingle at the poolside bar. This was a fabulous backdrop for great family sunset pictures on the beach!
#4: Nearby attractions
Not all people are beach dwellers (shocking, I know)…so having a variety of activities at guests’ fingertips is a bonus! Hilton Head Island has miles of bike paths, water activity lessons, outlet malls, many golf courses, and a buzzing boardwalk at Coligny Beach. Additionally, nearby Savannah provides historical tours, parks, squares, and a beautiful riverwalk. Having a destination that provides activities ensures that your guests have a fun and relaxing vacation, without having to plan their every minute.
#3: Venue options
A destination wedding does not necessarily equal a beach wedding. This couple wanted the beach setting without all the sand and sun. They found a fantastic sailboat company Pau Hana that provided the perfect sunset wedding cruise! This catamaran sailboat held 30 people with room to spare, complete with bar and light appetizers. It was a unique wedding venue and the sunset on the water was the perfect backdrop for a romantic ceremony. However, other possible venues for a beach destination without the sand include a boardwalk, beachside golf course, or a scenic deck space attached to a hotel.
#2: Great food
What is a wedding (or a vacation, for that matter!) without great food?? That is why food ranks at #2 on any “must have” list! There are so many destinations to choose from, but it is important to scope the quantity, and more importantly quality, of the restaurants near all accommodations. Hilton Head Island is filled with local lowcountry fare spread across the island. Most restaurants are accompanied by great views and nightly live music. The wedding cruise was catered by The Black Marlin, a locally owned restaurant at the Palmetto Bay Marina. The staff put together a personalized menu specific to the tastes of those attending, and what a delicious menu it was!!
#1: Sunsets
I think we can all agree that the perfect setting for a romantic destination wedding is a beautiful sunset. So find your happy place, enjoy the oranges, pinks, and blues painted across the sky, and create your tranquil wedded bliss!
Next: Savor Savannah
