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reception buzz
total takeover Why stop at just a hotel ballroom for the evening when you can book the entire property for the whole weekend? Wedding weekends are a fun and unforgettable alternative to a traditional one-day celebration. Kick things up a notch by planning the ultimate takeover and reserving the entire hotel just for your guests. These four hot spots are the ideal place to settle in.
RANCHO SANTE FE, CA: RANCHO VALENCIA This Southern California resort overlooks acres of gardens and olive groves. Forty-nine Mediterranean-inspired guest casitas (hello, private patios!) can be reserved. Prepare for some serious pampering—guests are awakened with freshsqueezed orange juice. RanchoValencia.com
trend alert
SAVANNAH, GA: THE GASTONIAN Reserve this historic house that has 17 rooms, plus exclusive usage of the parlor and formal dining room. Best of all, a full breakfast is complimentary, along with a selection of early evening wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by late-night cordials—talk about Southern hospitality. Gastonian.com
party all night long Why should the #bestdayever have to end after the last dance? After-parties are more popular than ever before and these celebration extensions are popping up on invitations everywhere. It’s a perfect fix for weddings with a mixed guest list that includes young families and grandparents who like to be in bed early. Change up the vibe by moving the bash to a different room or venue. If you hosted guests to a formal white wedding, treat them to sliders and milkshakes in a moody blues lounge. To pull off a smooth transition, plan to cut the cake and toss the bouquet by 10 p.m. That will signal to older guests that it’s okay to leave and give your friends a chance to really cut loose. And don’t forget: If you change venues, arrange to transport guests safely back to the hotel.
NEWPORT, RI: THE VANDERBILT GRACE This boutique hotel is just minutes from the bustling waterfront and majestic Cliff Walk of Newport, Rhode Island. Take over the entire 33-room mansion, giving your guests exclusive use of the pools, spa, gym, rooftop and two on-property restaurants. GraceHotels.com/vanderbilt
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SAN DIEGO: TOWER 23 HOTEL Looking for a minimalist retreat? Whisk guests away to the shores of Pacific Beach in sunny California. Forty-four lavish rooms are available. Best of all, guests have exclusive access to the second-floor deck, where they can take in views of the Pacific Ocean while sipping speciality drinks. T23Hotel.com
new book
SOUTH ASIAN WEDDING STYLE
Few weddings are as rich in tradition as an Indian celebration. That’s why one of our fave planners, Sonal J. Shah, wrote a book on it. “Most clients are looking for a fusion wedding,” says Shah, like adding a cakecutting to long-standing customs. Buy The Complete Guide to Planning the Perfect South Asian Wedding at TheKnotShop.com for $23. >>
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP RIGHT: ANDRIA LINDQUIST; THE RAD PHOTOGRAPHER