PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands, June 5, 2009 - The popularity of destination weddings is increasing as more brides begin to realize, and treasure, the value of having a smaller wedding with an intimate circle of family and friends, versus the cost of a hosting a large affair at a city hotel with a mile-long guest list. Suddenly this spring, The Somerset on Grace Bay is hearing from more brides than ever before and is helping them create a day to remember forever, in keeping with the new era of understated elegance and beauty.
The Somerset is known for helping brides create white weddings of every kind. Be it barefoot ceremonies on the resort's white, sugar-sand beach at Grace Bay, to more formal receptions amid the elegant all-white interiors of their famed O'Soleil restaurant, or capped off with an all-white fireworks display shot into the unobstructed night sky. The Somerset offers caring, white-glove service for each customized occasion regardless of size, making it the leading choice for a dream destination wedding.
Brides to-be also benefit from The Somerset's resident Wedding Planner, Monique Gaudet, an experienced event coordinator who has noticed several recent shifts in their destination wedding business:
- New uptick inquires this Spring for destination weddings planned for 2009 and 2010.
- More urban brides opting out of big city receptions in exchange for barefoot vows on the beach.
- A growing preference for smaller, less expensive weddings hosted for a inner circle of family and friends.
- A greater appreciation among brides for the added value of having a personal Wedding Planner included at no extra cost. (Fees for hired Wedding planners typically run 10 - 15% of the total cost and can be upwards of $10,000 for the big-name planners.)
In response to the increased demand, The Somerset has created "Intimate Vows," an easy and elegant wedding plan for small gatherings of two to ten people. Understanding that each bride has her own vision of a picture-perfect ceremony, enhanced and customized services can easily be added, at rates depending on the scope of the event.
Intimate Vows
$2,800, for 2 - 10 guests, includes:
- Services of a Personal Wedding Planner.
- Wedding officiant to perform the ceremony.
- Processing of legal documentation and return mailing of marriage license to the couple.
- A choice of the Caribbean's most elegant venues and locations for the ceremony and reception.
- Wedding Arch for the vows, on the beach or elsewhere on the resort grounds.
- Complimentary bottle of French champagne for the couple upon arrival.
- Bridal bouquet & groom boutonniere.
- A dream wedding cake, created to bride's specifications by The Somerset's in-house pastry chef.
- A relaxing 50-minute, en-suite couples massage.
The Somerset is located on the pristine beach at scenic Grace Bay, in the Providenciales of Turks & Caicos Islands, a brief hour and twenty minute flight from Miami and an easy three hour, non-stop flight from New York, with service from most other major U.S. and Canadian gateways. The resort's O'Soleil restaurant is one of the top tables in the Caribbean, serving the inspired, contemporary fare of Executive Chef Lauren, and a more casual menu at the LunAsea poolside restaurant. Open since June 2006, the 54 exceptionally large suites ranging from 1,353 to 5,327 square feet feature marble baths, gourmet kitchens and whimsically designed interiors by Keith Baltimore. Rates for The Somerset, start at $600 in peak winter season and at $350 during summer value season. The resort is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and has been providing guests with a five-star luxury experiences since its inception. For reservations and more information, visit www.thesomerset.com or call toll free 877.887.5722, or the local hotel number at 1-649-946-5900.
U.S. Press Contact:
Conran Communications
192 Lexington Avenue, Suite 805
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212.447.1010
Gayle Conran: gconran@conrancommunications.com
Shin-Jung Hong: shong@conrancommunications.com
www.conrancommunications.com