The moment you become engaged signals the start of an exciting and busy season in your life. Largely, there’s planning the BIG day but there are also a series of gatherings before and after the wedding to think about as well. If you’re planning your wedding in Destin Florida, you owe it to you and your guests to experience the best of the area in a unique and memorable setting with unlimited, panoramic views. Our event planners have hosted every one of these on the SOLARIS, so here they share some tips to ensure smooth sailing for all your bridal events:
Engagement Party: Usually within the first few months of your engagement, family and/or friends might throw you an engagement party. An elegant and memorable way to celebrate is with our two-hour cocktail and hors d’eourvres package as you mix, mingle, celebrate and cruise into the sunset. The menu ranges from fresh Gulf seafood (BBQ shrimp & Crab Cakes) to Filet Mignon Silders and Stuffed Mushroom Caps.
Bridal Showers: First, there’s the fun part of going to your favorite stores and grabbing a scanner to register for items for your new home and life together. Bridal showers are typically thrown by parents and/or bridal party members. Things to discuss include theme, to game or not to game, favors and who will be invited. Our two-hour private Captain’s Lunch Cruise gives you access to the entire SOLARIS yacht as well as our event planners who can help you execute some amazing ideas.
Bachelor / Bachelorette Parties: Ahhhh, a time to celebrate your last few days of the single life. Biggest word of caution is plan this at least a couple weeks before the wedding.
The night before will just cause unnecessary drama and stress. Usually the maid of honor/best man will plan this with input from the couple on what their preferences are. Our SunVenture Catamaran has been a popular and memorable option as girls, guys or both jump aboard for a fun dolphin cruise into the sunset or a 6 hour excursion to the emerald green, waist-deep waters of Crab Island. Many also have started with a dinner cruise and then ended the night at clubs in the Village of Baytowne Wharf and stayed on-property that night in Sandestin.Bridesmaid Brunch / Luncheon: Typically hosted the morning before or of your BIG day, this is an opportunity for the bride to treat her bridesmaids to a nice meal and enjoy time together before the wedding. Our two-hour breakfast cruise is a popular choice for a bridesmaids brunch that includes a Southern breakfast buffet while you cruise the water and sip on mimosas and bloody marys.
Rehearsal Dinner: After running through the ceremony rehearsal, the groom’s parents typically treat everyone to a celebratory dinner to toast the couple and share memories before the wedding. What better way to thank everyone involved than with a memorable dinner cruise showcasing the best of Destin Florida? This is the time for the bride and groom to present their bridal party with gifts as well as their parents and anyone else involved in the planning. The SOLARIS offers flexible “Reserve Your Deck” packages that give your party exclusivity on an indoor or outdoor deck as well as flexible menus that either you pick or you let your guests pick.
The BIG Day: One of the biggest perks of having your wedding on the SOLARIS is that you can celebrate the reception in the same place, avoiding people getting lost or stuck in traffic. Our popular Private Charter Cruise is the most popular for wedding receptions in Destin Florida. After saying “I Do” on the sky deck’s bridal platform, you will cruise right into a reception that is formal and private with breathtaking views of the water and sunset. The SOLARIS is exclusively yours for cruising, a three-course dinner and drinks. Another great benefit your
guests will appreciate is being able to stay on property at the Sandestin Resort so they can unwind and enjoy the good times.Farewell Brunch: After a whirlwind weekend, you might elect to host an intimate farewell brunch to reflect on the recent memories and bid your final farewells before heading off for your honeymoon. The SunVenture Catamaran is another great option that can include a light brunch or lunch menu while you embark on a dolphin or Crab Island cruise.
The SOLARIS is a truly unique wedding venue that offers flexible packages, incredible value (yacht rentals, event planners, linen rentals and more included), stellar service and a guaranteed memorable experience. From breathtaking backdrops to award-winning cuisine, you will not be disappointed with all the SOLARIS offers. Call our event planners today to brainstorm ideas….850.650.2519.
