Hotels Offer Classy Autumn Weddings
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Many women fantasize about weddings. A large wedding hall, however, may not seem like the ideal place.
Top class hotels are presenting original weddings packages for those who are planning their special day. Whether you want it to be lavish or simple, major hotels will cater to your plans.
European Touch
The Ritz-Carlton Seoul presents an ``Opera Wedding,'' where the ceremony is held in two storied grand rooms and guests can enjoy the wedding as if they were enjoying an opera from a box seat.
The wedding venue is six stories high, with one wall completely made of glass, and the event is ``broadcast'' on a large screen for a maximum of 600 guests.
The hotel offers a one-night stay in its Executive Suite with a bottle of wine and assorted fruit.
``Ritz-Carlton chains worldwide are well known for wedding extravaganza. Here in Korea, we thought providing class and practicality at the same time would work,'' Carrie Yoon, the hotel promoter, said.
At the Imperial Palace Hotel, the ``French Wedding'' in its luxurious Dubet Hall has been well received. Already famous for its antique-European concept, the hotel offers sophistication and delicacy for European high-class nuptials. Up to 700 people can be accommodated in its baroque-style chambers.
At the Selena Hall, a Rococo style wedding, named ``Princess Wedding,''with the extravagance of Versailles is offered.
The bride, groom and their families can sample dishes and other services in advance for free, and a limousine services is offered to carry the newly-weds to the airport. Couples can stay one night in one of the hotel's suites.
Hollywood Bash
Lotte Hotel Seoul presents the Youngsong Martin wedding. Martin, who has directed numerous high-profile events such as parties after the Oscars, pre-Grammy parties, gala shows and the TV program Extreme Wedding, is now set to show the high-end American style wedding here.
``I was surprised that many Koreans opt for a conventional wedding for the most important day of their lives. A wedding should be a celebration for each and everyone and they deserve a unique, tailor-made service,'' Martin said.
From extravagant silverware to eye-popping floral decorations, the wedding is more of a show and more than a simple event.
Martin's company Wildflower Linen plans to hold three showcases in two years to introduce more classy yet funky and spiritual wedding styles.
Keeping It Simple, Intimate
For some who want to avoid all the hype, hotels offer small-sized weddings, usually low key and exclusive.
The Sheraton Grande Walkerhill Seoul, located in the east of Seoul, offers a wedding at its prestigious Aston House for a maximum of 200 people. The guests can see the bride and groom make their vows at the little in-house chapel, then move to the outdoor garden to enjoy the reception.
``You see the Han River at the front, Mt. Acha at the back. The security is tight enough for everyone to lie back and enjoy,'' Kim Seon-mi, the hotel promoter, said.
Numerous celebrities ― from actress Shim Eun-ha, Kim Hee-sun and Shinae to high-profile business figures ― have chosen the hotel for their important occasion,
The Park Hyatt Seoul's ``Wedding in the Park'' offers high-end tailored weddings in its third floor meeting rooms. The personalized services from meetings professionals, certified florists' decorations, and customized cuisine designed and prepared by the executive chef are the hotel's selling points, as well as the view of southern Seoul from the 22nd floor.
Apart from the ``exquisite'' services, the bride and the groom are offered a two-night stay at any Park Hyatt Hotel or Hyatt Resort hotel worldwide upon a reservation request. Iris Nobile Set and Collezione Barbiere Set perfumes are also given to the newlyweds.