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Planning a
Beach Wedding
An Interview with the Wedding Planner of Curacao Marriott Resort &
Emerald Casino
You can picture your dream wedding. There's a slight sea
breeze at your back. The sun warms you and the love of your life. Your
guests witness your vows to the backdrop of an unforgettable sea view.
We've interviewed Mary Ridderplaat Bikker, Director of
Banquet Sales and the wedding planner for Curacao
Marriott Resort & Emerald Casino, for her advice on planning a
beach wedding. Located in the Southern Caribbean, Curacao is a top destination
for beach weddings not only for its tropical beauty but for an important
practical reason: the island lies south of the hurricane zone, making
it a good choice for late summer/early fall ceremonies scheduled during
the storm season.
How do you assist couples in navigating
through the regulations required?
Couples wishing to get married on the island of Curacao
will be sent all of the information required along with the legal documents
needed. I will then personally take the documents to the Civil Office
in town and do the “walk and talk” to speed up the process.
 What
recommendations do you have in terms of the wedding dress for a beach
bride?
I would highly recommend a “cool” and casual,
yet elegant dress in either a white or neutral color to really stand
out against the beach. We are in the tropics and comfort of both the
bride and the groom is very important, so very breathable fabric that
is comfortable is best for the bride.
What are the best set ups
for beach weddings in terms of both seated and standing guests?
For the ceremony I suggest that the guests sit in front
of the couple in a theater style with a central pathway for the couple
to make their way to the altar. The couple will then either sit or stand
underneath the “Wedding Arch” with their backs facing the
sea to allow for the best wedding photographs to be taken. The back
drop will be of the blue ocean. Several times, we have had the opportunity
of a Cruise Ship passing by while the couple was saying their vows during
the Wedding Ceremony, allowing for backdrops of the ocean and the cruise
ship.
What advice do you have in terms
of the time of day that's best for a beach wedding?
The best time to start the ceremony would be around 5:00pm
or 5:30pm to allow for the photographer to take picture of the ceremony
before sunset and during the sunset. After sunset you can then enjoy
the romance set by the candle lights and the tiki torches, surrounded
by the sound of the tropical breeze and the ocean waves.
Please note that we do offer a complimentary one night
stay at the Marriott on the night of the Wedding in the Honeymoon Suite
along with a bottle of champagne.
Related Pages:
Also see our interview with Mary Ridderplaat Bikker
about planning a wedding in Curacao at the Curacao
Marriott Resort & Emerald Casino. "The Curacao Marriott
Resort and Emerald Casino is the best choice for your Dream Come True
Wedding," explained Mary. "To marry at the Curacao Marriot
Resort and Emerald Casino would truly be spectacular."
Photos courtesy Curacao Marriott
Resort and Emerald Casino
To plan a Marriott
wedding, call the Marriott of your choice and ask to consult with
the hotel's wedding event planner. For more information on Marriott Hotels,
Resorts, and Suites, call 1-800-228-9290 or see www.marriott.com.
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