Whether it’s an elaborate affair at a fancy hotel or an exotic destination getaway, nearly every girl dreams of her wedding day. I’ve had three friends say their ‘I Dos’ amidst luscious vineyards, another who opted for a historic western hotel in the middle of the winter, and another who wed on a private beach. Spa weddings – incorporating the healing and relaxing principles of a spa vacation with the beautiful surroundings that many spas call home – are a relatively new trend, but one that is sure to catch on with pampered romantics.
In 2004, when my husband and I got married, I had the good fortune of being the editor of a spa magazine and knowing all of the right people and places. Choosing a destination for us was as much about the setting as it was about the service; we wanted to make sure our guests were relaxed, our wedding party was pampered, and ultimately to be able to retreat to a honeymoon-caliber suite when all was said and done. What better way than with a spa wedding?
Many couples are looking for similar amenities when planning their wedding. Even if it is a simple affair for two, brides are finding that choosing a spa destination assures them that their wedding dreams will be taken care of – not to mention their skin, hair, and nails.
Since we wanted our wedding to be intimate, we chose the posh and historic Four Seasons Resort, Santa Barbara (a.k.a. the Biltmore Hotel), California. One look at the view and we were sold; the La Pacifica ballroom overlooks Montecito’s tranquil Butterfly Beach and provides for a jaw-dropping photo-op at sunset. The spa element was a necessity as well. In addition to calming my pre-nuptual nerves, the treatments also served as a way to thank my bridesmaids, as well as my mother and new mother-in-law. What could be better than indulging in a day at the spa?
When planning your spa wedding, keep in mind the time. You won’t want to receive a facial on your wedding day in case you break out, and you don’t want your attendants to have to run off to go to another one of the wedding events after receiving their luxurious treatments. The best time to plan a spa day is a few days ahead of the main event – so everyone can attend, but isn’t feeling bombarded with their list of things to do.
The Spa at the Four Seasons indulged every one of my fantasies from the blissful setting and treatments to the unique bento box, post-treatment lunch (served with champagne of course!) My hot-stone massage soothed the muscles that had grown tighter with each passing day and calmed my mind with their unique aromatherapy oil blend. After we each had our respective treatments, we gathered in my spa room for lunch and my final thank-you to those closest to me – little spa packages containing salts, lotion, and other essentials one needs to recreate the spa experience at home. Yes, I have experience with these things, but putting together a package isn’t difficult – just think of the many things that could be out of balance during a wedding week (skin, nerves, nail polish), and include gifts that will create harmony.
Some spas offer special bridal packages either for the bride, the bride and groom, or the bridal party. When you’re choosing a spa destination, keep in mind who you’d like to book treatments for, how much you realistically want to spend (be sure to consider tips), and what everyone else might be doing while you’re spa-ing. (My hubby and his groomsmen spent the morning on the golf course.)
Our wedding was set at 5 p.m. on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. As the waves crashed and guests arrived, I emerged from my place of hiding, feeling excited and nervous. Walking down the grassy aisle strewn with rose petals, I couldn’t help but think, “could this be any more beautiful?” At that moment, I met the teary eyes of my future husband and realized that it couldn’t.
– Melissa B. Williams
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