The Wedding Planner
Lorraine Phillip, Sales Manager
Saint Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino

Considering a destination wedding--with just the two of you? We asked Lorraine Phillip, Sales Manager at the romantic Saint Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino, for her tips on making a wedding extra special when the wedding party is just the two of you.

In this monthly column, we interview Marriott wedding planners; each planner has passed the Marriott International Wedding Certification Program. We also interviewed Lorraine for information specifically on the wedding venues at St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino [click here for story].

When couples are not bringing in a wedding party, what advice do you have to help them make the day special and memorable?

For a couple "only" wedding, I highly recommend that the location chosen for the ceremony should be the Westbury Isles, which is the beginning of the "special day" for them. Following the ceremony, dinner for two can be arranged at Royal Grille – Restaurant, which is the premium restaurant at the resort. For the couples who would like to enjoy a private evening, they can enjoy a splendid and romantic candle light dinner for two under the stars at the Gazebo or perhaps on their room balcony. This is usually a special occasion for the couple. The recommended amenity for the evening should be the "Sweet Honeymoon" which consists of a bottle of champagne and strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.

For couples who would like to share the joy of the wedding with family and friends at home, do you have any packages to televise the wedding via the internet?

We currently do not offer packages that televise the wedding via the internet. However, should this become a request, as the wedding planner I WILL make it happen. This occasion is all about the bride and groom’s need and we try our utmost best to ensure that it is successful. In the past we have encouraged the bridal party to have their wedding video taped.

Are you seeing any trends related to couples-only destination weddings?

There is a large percentage of "couples-only" destination weddings here at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Because of our destination (St. Kitts "tropical island"), the majority of the weddings are held on the beach, so we do not often see the brides wear "traditional" gowns.

The trends I have seen in regards to wedding dress colors have been the traditional white and also ivory wedding gowns with chapel trails. The increase has been however, simple but yet elegant white and sometimes floral strapless dresses knee high with up do’s enhanced with hair wreath.

I have seen a major increase in videography. This is a great way for the couples to re-live the experience, and share their precious moment with their loved ones when they return home. One of the major increases in regards to couples’ destination wedding next to videography is that couples are personalizing their vows.

How can couples help ease pre-wedding jitters when they don't have a wedding party? Do many arrange pre-wedding massages, beauty treatments, etc.?

Couples can ease their pre-wedding jitters by spending a few hours at the SPA. I highly recommend the Tango Massage which is done in our couples’ suite at the Emerald Mist Spa. I have had feed back where both parties mentioned that it really worked for them. There has been an increase in pre-wedding massages and beauty treatments. The trend started with 80% of the "brides only" visiting the SPA and now we have a substantial number of both the bride and groom visiting the SPA.

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.

Photos courtesy Saint Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino