Wine at Your Destination Wedding
An Exclusive Interview with Celebrity Wedding Planner Mindy Weiss
Interview by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss has orchestrated some of Hollywood's most star-studded nuptials, from Jessica Simpson's Austin wedding to "The Bachelorette" Trista Rehn's televised ceremony. Her expertise is sought by the rich and famous who want to get that special day just right, down to the smallest detail.

One detail that Mindy Weiss pays special attention to is the wine served at the wedding reception. We asked Mindy for her advice for destination brides, many considering tropical locales, and how they could best select the right wines.

For brides planning a destination wedding on a hot, tropical island, what special considerations should they keep in mind when selecting wine and cocktails for a cocktail reception?

When the bride and groom plan their wedding on a tropical island, they often forget about the environment around them and how dehydrating the sun can be. Guests should be served plenty of water during the day so they can enjoy wine and spirits during the evening. I often tell my clients it is fun to serve a chilled bottle of water as the guests arrive with colorful straws and a fun drinks, such as a mango martini, Arnold Palmer, and a nice Chardonnay that is light and fruit-forward, such as Mirassou Central Coast Chardonnay.  

Although cocktails often follow beach weddings, how can wines be a good substitute and help set the mood for a more elegant event?

At all my events, wine is the first topic brought up when we get to the beverage conversation. Wine can certainly be the only drink of the night since different wines can be paired with each course. An elegant way to serve wine is to create a wine tasting bar at the reception, which becomes an interactive experience and a great icebreaker for guests.

What advice do you have for destination brides about working long-distance with a hotel's food and beverage department? How can she best work to pair wines and foods long distance?

The bride and groom most likely will visit the site once. This would be a power visit because they have to get everything done while they are there, including a food and wine tasting. If the bride and groom can’t make it to the location, they should have a tasting locally and provide requests to the catering director.

For a bride who will be able to make a pre-trip to the hotel that will host her destination wedding, what advice would you have on how to make the best use of her time when meeting with food and beverage to choose the best menu and wine selections?

The bride and groom should ask for sample menus and wine menus before the trip, then sit down and have everything chosen for the tasting before the trip. This way they can eliminate most of the food and wine questions beforehand and focus on what they like and don’t like while at the tasting. E-mail is a great way to communicate with catering directors.

Also see:

Mindy Weiss Provides Wine Tips for Your Reception

Wedding Reception Pairings that Take the Cake: recommendations by celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss and Mirassou Winery