Best for weddings
June 20, 2022 - Before you say, “I do”, Wedding Planner, Kelly Mortimer, shares her top tips for the planning stage. Why not call on our wedding teams at our properties in India, Bali, Portugal, or Turkey to make your big day your dream day?
Ahead of her Friends of Six Senses session on June 22, Kelly Mortimer shares her secrets for planning your “I dos”. Kelly accidentally “fell” into wedding planning when she accepted a job working in resorts in the Caribbean, where she was tasked with organizing three destination weddings a week. Ten years later, and with experiences all over the globe, taking care of wedding couples had become her secret ninja skill.
“I love a schedule!” says Kelly. “I know that might sound boring, but the minute-by-minute detail can make or break a wedding. To the couple and guests, it should all feel as though it’s flowing naturally. But like an orchestra conductor, a good planner ensures every part of the wedding is in harmony.”
For Kelly, the most important thing when planning a wedding is the psychology of an engaged couple. “I always take my clients back to the beginning. We do a lot of work on their fears. We sometimes forget how our couples feel, especially the longer we are in the industry. And this is the foundation of everything.” The trust her couples place in her means she has never encountered any disasters, especially when they follow her 1, 2, 3.
- Choose and then trust your team. Research good vendors and a venue to suit you (not everybody else). Communicate clearly what you want and delete the words “I presume” from your vocabulary. If anything is not 100 percent clear and you’re “presuming”, ask. This avoids miscommunication.
- Have a clear schedule. Don’t risk things just happening. Plan for it, and plan for a Plan B, and it will flow beautifully. At many resort weddings, you’ll be hosting the celebrations outside. Weather is never 100 percent guaranteed, so explore your Plan B, and make sure you’re happy with it.
- Enjoy the day. Once the day arrives, let everyone do their job. Your job as the couple is to enjoy it!
“Many couples choose a resort wedding as you can invite all your guests to be with you for a few days instead of one,” says Kelly. Enjoying the celebrations the night before and days after can really amplify the whole experience for the couple and family and friends.
While resorts can offer more for your budget, it is important to understand how all the details will be handled, for example, who will be your point of contact during the planning process, what your inclusions are, and who will run the event on the day.”
Where to wed?
Across our resorts, we bring together your own wedding dream team to help you orchestrate every stage.
With its Instagrammable ocean backdrop and dedicated team, Six Senses Uluwatu, Bali is a favorite among guests. You can choose from The Retreat (up to 180 guests seated); Cinema Paradiso (up to 30 guests, ceremony only); Aarunya Ballroom (up to 180 seated, or 200 including the terrace); or the Andakara Lawn (up to 100 guests for the ceremony and 80 guests seated). Dedicated specialists work with you and our resort chefs and hosts to suggest menus, settings, and logistics down to the finest detail.
Our Turkey properties offer you a choice of an intimate and romantic beach party, or up to 1,000 guests at Anhinga Bay at Six Senses Kaplankaya, near Bodrum. Or why not choose a secluded setting and picturesque backdrop in our gorgeous “Pearl of Bosphorus” Ottoman-era mansion Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul. Whether seeking pure romance, opulent luxury, an intimate family gathering, or a lavish celebration, our wedding professionals will orchestrate a perfect and memorable start to your happily ever after!
How about your very own vineyard setting? Our 19th-century Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal, offers a sun-kissed valley as a backdrop for a day to be remembered and cherished. See how Talana and Charlie enjoyed their day with this beautiful footage from their wedding album.
Small is beautiful
If you are drawn by the spontaneity and simplicity of eloping or would love a small and intimate wedding surrounded by your closest loved ones, we can help you tie the knot in the most romantic style at Six Senses Douro Valley. From your style of wedding to banquet and spa treatments, you’re in control. All you need to do is invite yourselves and/or a few guests.