10 Things Every Bride Should Know About Planning a Hotel Wedding
Dreaming of a picture-perfect wedding by the sea? Let’s start by making a wedding planning checklist! Newport Beach is home to some of the most luxurious and picturesque wedding venues in Southern California. From grand ballrooms to stunning waterfront terraces, the city’s portfolio of hotels and resorts provides unparalleled service, breathtaking views and expert event planning to ensure your special day is unforgettable. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration, these expert wedding planning tips will help you plan a seamless and spectacular Newport Beach hotel wedding.
1. Secure Your Date Early
Newport Beach is a highly sought-after wedding destination, and popular hotel wedding venues book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Whether you’re eyeing The Resort at Pelican Hill for its iconic rotunda and panoramic ocean views or Balboa Bay Resort for a glamorous and timeless waterfront setting, securing your wedding date early ensures you get the venue you truly want. Reach out to hotels at least 12-18 months in advance to discuss availability and packages.
2. Consider a Wedding Planner
A wedding planner with experience in Newport Beach can be invaluable, especially if you’re planning from out of town. Many venues specialize in hotel wedding planning, offering in-house wedding coordinators who assist with everything from vendor selection to logistics, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Hotels like The Resort at Pelican Hill, Lido House and Pendry Newport Beach provide expert planning services, making your dream wedding a seamless reality.
3. Curate Your Dream Team
Beyond the hotel’s on-site event planning, your team of specialists—including florists, musicians, caterers and stylists—will bring your vision to life. Balboa Bay Resort offers a curated list of preferred vendors, ensuring that every element of your wedding meets the highest standards. Many Newport Beach hotels also provide AV teams, catering experts and floral designers to personalize your event.
4. Personalize Your Celebration
When planning a wedding in Newport Beach, know that the city’s collection of hotels and resorts offers numerous ways to customize your big day. The Resort at Pelican Hill provides exclusive wedding packages, including private bridal suites and gourmet menus tailored to your taste. Balboa Bay Resort allows couples to incorporate unique elements like specialty cocktails, yacht arrivals and custom lighting displays. Take advantage of the region’s scenic beauty by hosting your ceremony on an oceanfront terrace or a private beach.
5. Stay Open to Expert Suggestions
While personal touches make your wedding unique, expert hotel planners and vendors can offer creative ideas to enhance your celebration. As a Marriott property, VEA Newport Beach has a team of Marriott Certified Wedding Planners that can suggest floral arrangements, seating layouts and entertainment options to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
6. Plan Realistically
Establish a budget early and work with your hotel’s event team to allocate funds wisely. Food and beverage costs can be significant, so consider discussing options with your hotel wedding venue. The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach offers flexible catering packages, including plated dinners and cocktail receptions tailored to various budgets. Keep in mind that buffets aren’t always more affordable than plated meals, and bar services are typically charged per guest over the age of 21.
7. Trim Your Guest List Thoughtfully
A smaller guest list can help you manage costs while ensuring an intimate and meaningful experience. Many hotels not only feature large venues for grand soirées of up to 400 people, but they also have more intimate gardens and ballrooms perfect for smaller weddings. Focus on inviting close family and friends who will truly enhance your Newport Beach wedding day experience.
8. Build a Budget Buffer
Unexpected costs, such as extra power for a band or last-minute vendor meals, are common in wedding planning. Setting aside a contingency fund will help cover these surprises without added stress.
9. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Planning your Newport Beach wedding is easier than ever with digital tools. Resorts, such as Newport Dunes, provide virtual tours and digital seating charts to assist in pre-planning. Online resources such as The Knot can also help you stay organized and inspired while streamlining communication with your vendors.
10. Capture the First Look
A “first look” allows couples to share an intimate moment before the ceremony and capture breathtaking photos in Newport Beach’s most scenic spots. Newport Beach Marriott Bayview’s outdoor terrace overlooking the Back Bay is a favorite for this romantic moment, as well as The Resort at Pelican Hill’s blufftop rotunda at golden hour.
All in all, Newport Beach offers the perfect blend of luxury, romance and natural beauty to make your wedding truly unforgettable. Whether you choose an ocean-view ballroom, a private beach ceremony or a yacht reception, Newport Beach’s hotels and resorts ensure a wedding day filled with magic and memories.
