Colin Cowie "Colin-izes"

Words by Courtney Kellar

If you’ve been researching tropical settings for your destination wedding, it’s likely you have seen all-inclusive wedding packages. While these can be convenient and hands-off, they can feel “cookie-cutter” and limited. This is just one of the reasons why Colin Cowie, one of the World’s foremost experts in wedding planning, chose to join forces with a group of Mexican and Caribbean all-inclusive resorts. He has partnered with Palace Resort properties throughout Cancun and Rivera Maya and the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel properties in Punta Cana and Riviera Maya.

“We have designed 18 over-the-top, fabulous customized packages to give the bride and groom a high dose of ‘Colin Cowie’ style,” says the creator. This is the first partnership of its kind between Colin and a third-party brand. The desire came from him wanting to take his planning and designing skills past the celebrity and into the realm of the everyday bride. With these new collections, each and every bride will feel and be treated like a star.

Each package includes everything from the ceremony set-up to the champagne and chair covers. The looks all feature handcrafted details, interesting textures and romantic rituals such as a ribbon ceremony in which guests each sign a ribbon to decorate the ceremony pergola. “Style today is more about mixing and less about matching,” says Colin. “No one else is doing this, [a bride] isn’t going to get this [customization] anywhere else. We’re really listening.”

It was exactly the simple, basic all-inclusive wedding packages which Colin Cowie, Palace Resorts and Hard Rock Hotels were trying to avoid. Instead of trying to be "everything to everyone” the group has carefully edited and curated each design so it can be easily dressed up or dressed down to meet each bride’s own taste. The Palace Resort packages were designed and inspired around the natural beauty of Mexico and include options like Exotic Peacock, Romantic Red, Sultry Sunset and Pure White. Some options at the participating Hard Rock Hotel properties include Metallic Dunes, Rocker Chic, White Rosette and Seaglass – each meant to leave you inspired just like the music which has so influenced the hotel brand.

No doubt Colin Cowie could have gone to anyone, anywhere to create similar packages, but he chose Mexico, the Caribbean and these resorts for a specific reason. Colin was honest in saying that, for a couple, his design is only a fraction of their destination wedding experience. The service they receive from the moment they step out of their car should be nothing but spectacular. A feat Colin feels is easily accomplished with Palace Resorts and Hard Rock Hotels. “Everything the couple smells, touches, feels, tastes and sees has to meet their overall wedding vision.”

Photo Credits: Cancun Palace Resort (1st) Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana (2nd & 3rd) Aventura Cove Spa Palace (4th)