A Chat with Wedding Planner Karen Bussen

Palladium Hotel Group recently announced its newest Weddings by Palladium collections, created exclusively for the company’s all-inclusive TRS Hotels and Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Designed by internationally-known party guru Karen Bussen, the new collections offer tons of options for customized celebrations, combined with the amenities Palladium Hotel Group guests expect. We caught up with Bussen to talk hot wedding trends and picking a location for a destination wedding.

What are the hottest trends for wedding couples right now?

Bussen: Couples want one-of-a-kind events that showcase their personalities, so customization continues to be a priority. This pertains to everything from flowers and décor inspiration to themed food and drinks. We’ve created options for every couple – from vintage-inspired looks and lush hanging ivy, to fun taco bars and make your own s’mores stations – that are flexible and able to be mixed and matched.

We’re seeing more customizations with specific cultural and other requests. One example is South Asian weddings, which are vibrant and colorful, often multi-day events that allow couples to blend their cultural heritage with their wedding ceremony. We’re also coordinating an increasing number of same-sex ceremonies, allowing every couple the right to celebrate their union at one of our beautiful locations in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Speaking of trends, the number of couples planning destination weddings is growing. What should couples keep in mind when planning one?

Bussen: Couples should look for offerings that simplify the planning process, so they can truly enjoy the day. Amenities like on-the-ground wedding coordinators, activities and varied lodging options, and multiple ceremony backdrop options are key. Weddings by Palladium has dedicated coordinators for every couple and they offer accommodation options to fit any size and type of group. Couples also have their choice of ceremony backdrops, from beach pergolas and garden gazebos to chapels and spa atriums.

Couples should also consider logistics when choosing a location, like ease of travel to a destination, and how accommodating a property can be with unique religious or cultural requests. Palladium Hotel Group, for instance, has properties convenient to major airports in the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Jamaica. Their staff is also well equipped to plan religious, non-denominational and/or spiritual ceremonies of any kind. 

Want to learn more about Weddings by Palladium? Contact your travel professional, call 1-888-237-1226 or visit PalladiumWeddings.com.

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