Destination Wedding in Shimla
In the past it was enough to host a wedding at a random club or a hall. However times have changed and one never knows what to expect when a wedding invite is opened. People at the wedding (including the bride and the groom themselves) want to explore different venues and themes for the wedding as there is little charm left in following the traditional route. This is why destination weddings are becoming so popular.Best Things About Destination Wedding
If you are hosting a wedding and want your guests to remember it as “something special” then destination wedding is one of best ways to make an impact. In this type of wedding the whole wedding party and guests travel to an exotic and beautiful location to organize and conduct the ceremony. A destination wedding presents a perfect opportunity for both families and guests to bond together and create friendships.Another big advantage of hosting a destination wedding is that the stress and complicated arrangements of inviting umpteen semi-unknown relatives and acquaintances can be avoided. This kind of wedding involves only close family and near and dear friends. The ideal destination wedding is a great stress buster and a holiday cum event.
Reasons to choose Shimla for your Destination Wedding
If you are looking for a gorgeous off beat wedding destination away from the noise and the dirt of the metropolis then Shimla is the answer to your wishes. Popularly referred to as the summer capital of India Shimla is a picturesque town covered with lush pine trees, crooked little colonial bungles and charming cobbled streets all set against amazing natural splendor. Because of its altitude of 2159 meters, Shimla is cool during the hot sweltering months which make it an ideal choice for summer weddings.Shimla has a great history of colonial rule as it was the summer destination for British High officials. Shimla is the perfect choice for an exciting wedding event as guests will be thoroughly enjoying the sports, shopping and sight-seeing opportunities that Shimla offers. Golfing, pony riding, ice skating and trekking are just some of the activities on the to-do list of a Shimla destination wedding guest.
Best Time for Destination Wedding in Shimla
A Shimla destination wedding is best organized in the summer months. Winters see heavy snowfall and many sports activities are not permitted in winters. The cool temperature of Shimla summers ensure that everybody can be fully decked up without feeling hot.Most wedding planners, destination wedding specialists and trip planners advise clients to select the time slot of March-October for Shimla destination weddings.
Planning for the Destination Wedding
Destination weddings are best organized under professional guidance of wedding planners. Wedding planners will also give you expert advice on planning the decorations and arranging the menu so that it stays in your budget. There are expert managers who will guide you on menu selection according to number and profile of guests. You can choose from North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Italian, Continental or East/West Indian cuisine.The menu diversity and choices will obviously depend upon the preferences of your guests. For example, if you have maximum vegetarian guests in your troupe then planning to have tiger prawns in your menu will be a big mistake. Planning a menu which has a lot of range in terms of entrees will be ideal if you have a cosmopolitan mix of guests. Separate menus for the breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks will be planned by the team of chefs operating at the place you choose to have your destination wedding.
Complete attention to the presentation and aesthetic value of the food is given before it is served to the guests. The presentation of food can be customized according to the theme of the wedding.
Themes for Destination Wedding in Shimla
There are many themes which you can choose from while planning your destination wedding in Shimla. Bollywood theme, color coded theme, traditional theme, Royal wedding theme and luxury theme are some of the popular options chosen by wedding planners for clients.Luxury Wedding in Shimla
The Indian luxury wedding theme is full of extravaganza and music to mark the occasion. The beautiful tune of Shehnai and the drum of the Dhol signify the spirit of the Indian shaadi while the floral arrangements of orchids, roses and lilies bring forth the beauty of the Shimla valleys. Folk music options, sightseeing activities and dance programs are all a part of Luxury wedding which imitates a holiday experience in itself.Traditional Wedding in Shimla
The traditional wedding is a week-long affair with three major parts. The Haldi, Sangeet, Mehendi and Tilak are all pre wedding activities while there are other activities like Bidai, cocktail party etc for post wedding. The traditional wedding theme is usually red and gold for North Indians and white and gold for South IndiansRoyal Wedding in Shimla
The heritage of Shimla aristocratic culture is reflected in the royal wedding theme. The luxury resorts in Shimla have hosted weddings of Rajas and princesses before so you can be sure that your wedding will have the look and feel of a princely affair should you wish so. The relics of the bygone era are visited and recreated by expert wedding planners.Best Places for Destination Wedding in Shimla
Here are the most favorite places for destination wedding in Shimla:
Woodville Palace in Shimla
Woodville is a famous resort in Shimla known for its starry appeal. Almost all Bollywood biggies from Rajesh Khanna to Rakhee to Sanjay Dutt have enjoyed the charm and excellent cuisine of Woodville Palace. Unlike the usual five star resorts, the Woodville Palace has the variety and spice which differentiates it from others.The perfect wedding destination Woodville has acres of quaint ivy, rose scented gardens and hidden turrets which make for a beautiful background for the wedding ceremony. Even die hard stoics will be affected by the romanticism of the place. The staff there is perfectly equipped to handle all demands right from bollywood theme decorations to royal wedding paraphernalia.
The royal wedding of Devi Jubbal and Yuvraj Harish Chandra Singh took place at this villa in 1940. Since then many celebrities, NRI couples and foreigners have chosen this resort for their functions.
Oberoi Cecil in Shimla
The Oberoi Cecil is a heritage property that spans across acres of beautiful land about 2500 miles above sea level. The famous vice regal lodge is within walking distance of this resort and many rooms have stunning views of the snowy Himalayan peaks.Wildflower Hall in Shimla
If you can manage to get your guests and your wedding planner to just 1000 feet above Shimla then you can plan on having your D Day at the Oberoi owned Wildflower Hall. Legend has it that the Viceroys, main commanders and important officials of the British Army considered the Wildflower Hall as one of their favorite escapes. The colonial structure of the place along with all modern luxuries makes it a perfect wedding spot. If you like the vintage style and gravitate towards places which have an old world charm then this is the place for you.From the hotel room windows you can have an overview of the Cedar forests dotted with ancient monasteries. This resort is quiet and tranquil and is suitable for a private close family wedding.
Toshali Royal Resort in Shimla
Toshali Royal View will make your wedding an affair to remember with its princely charm. There are excellent banquet halls in this 2316 ft wide superb resort and you can bring in about 250-260 guests for your party. The princess chamber has a floor area of 794 sq feet with its own adjacent home theater. The food here is amazing and the cuisine is inspired from the royal kitchens of the North.The Toshali Royal Resort has a great location right at center of the Royal triangle Shimla, Kufri and Chail. All amenities which are needed to host a successful wedding are available in this resort. There are conference rooms, dance floors and a superb bar facility for the express entertainment of the guests. There is a STD/ISD facility for guests who want to be in touch for their family and friends. The medical care facility and doctor on request facility ensures that any health emergency in the wedding party is duly taken care of.
For kids in the wedding group who need constant entertainment there is Cable TV, Carom, chess and other games facilities For fitness freaks there is a fully equipped gym and Jaccuzi so that the daily fitness dose is not missed. The Safe vault, daily newspaper service, running hot water and laundry service makes sure that all the wedding guests are kept comfortable.
East Bourne Hotel in Shimla
East Bourne has been witness to many star studded events in Shimla. Elaborate weddings are a part of its culture with Bollywood stars and national level singers specially being flown over to perform. The recent Aamir Khan Blockbuster 3 idiots has made the name East Bourne famous as large chunks of the shooting was done there. Anupam kher, Shiney Ahuja and other celebrities have routinely attended many events in East Bourne. If you really want to go for a glittery wedding then East Bourne, Shimla might be a perfect choice for your destination wedding.Some USPs of East Bourne Resort are:
- Only imported and exotically colored fragrant blooms are used for the decorations,
- The menu, décor, lighting and special effects is changed according to the theme of the wedding
- Wedding theme options range from Rajasthani, South Indian, Gujrati, Marwari, Punjabi, Himachali or even French, British and Continental.
- Special banquet hall is large enough to accommodate 1000 guests and there are 75 beautifully managed rooms.
- In house staff for taking care of guests, indoor and outdoor lighting specialists, DJ Party, selection of wonderful backdrops to choose from and expert bridal stylists make sure that the wedding becomes a gala affair. The in house facilities lessen the need of hiring a separate wedding planner.
For a 150-200 guest party, the cost would come up to 10-20 lakh
Shillon Resort in Shimla
Shillon Resort in Shimla can be compared to 40 acres of Switzerland. The romanticism of the place will melt your heart and so this is known as the perfect wedding destination. This resort is counted amongst the biggest resorts in Shimla which is great if you plan on inviting all of your friends and family for the wedding.The location of Shilon Resort is great as its just 24 km from the bustling glitzy mall road in Shimla and 8 km from Kufri. Guests can go in for a day shopping experience at the mall or can simply soak in the charming beauty of the mountains. Shilon Resort has acres of red cherry orchards and ripe apple gardens where the guests can take long peaceful walks.
7200 feet above sea level means that the air will always be clear and fresh. The bride and the groom’s family can join hands to take a combined trip to Raja Patiala Chail’s palace or take a skiing/ hiking trip to Kufri. It’s also possible to go Yak riding and pony riding to Manoon temple which a little distance away.