- CONSIDER STYLING
Once your boat is booked, the next consideration is styling for your
wedding. Just like weddings on dry land, weddings on board boats should
follow a theme – and this theme will affect your choice of vessel. Are you
going for the “wind-in-your-hair and no shoes” feel, or a super-chic and
sophisticated look with white roses and crisp linen tablecloths? Talk to one
of the fabulous wedding decorators and stylists in the Whitsundays who
can bring your vision to life and create your floating fantasy to a stunning
backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands and Coral Sea. - CHOOSE YOUR MENU
Food is something to think carefully about as you have the option of ca-
tering your wedding on board, at a venue on the mainland, or on an island
following your ceremony. If on board, there are several reputable catering
companies in the Whitsundays that are well practised at catering for
functions afloat, so check with your wedding coordinator or celebrant. At
minimum, you’d want finger food for guests as you arrive back into port
following the ceremony, so talk to your venue about some
pre-prepared hors d’oeuvres or canapés... cold of course! Keep it simple- fresh local-caught seafood is in abundance in the Whitsundays and cold
seafood platters are popular for weddings on the water, perhaps with
some lush tropical fruit.
- ENLIST A WEDDING PLANNER
Wedding coordinators and planners in the Whitsundays have done this
many times before and can save you valuable time by coming up with ideas,
suggestions and solutions for your dream wedding on water. They can
organise Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) permits for
you (if required), along with other details – giving you peace of mind and the
freedom to relax and enjoy your special day on board your dream vessel.
WHITSUNDAY ON-WATER WEDDING OPTIONS
The following are some boats to consider for your wonderful, watery
Whitsunday wedding...
Whitsunday Rent A Yacht
Choose from a wide range of up-to-the-minute luxury yachts, catamarans
and motor cruisers from one of the region’s pre-eminent providers and
begin your new life together with the romantic adventure of a lifetime.
Leave only footprints and take away lasting memories as you explore the
74 island wonders together. Your competent crew will whisk you away to a
dreamy location where you can say “I do” either on board or on one of the
beautiful beaches fringing the islands and mainland. Extend your hire period
and enjoy an exquisite honeymoon, overnighting in secluded bays and inlets,
and fantastic snorkelling, diving and fishing spots during the day.
Providence V
Providence V is a 62-foot, gaff-rigged Tall Ship, built from the last of Tully
rainforest timber. It’s a perfect choice for the bride who wants a smaller
wedding, as it caters for private charters of up to 24 people. Why not arrive
by boat and tie the knot on a deserted beach? Catch the breeze in the sails
and head to a sandy cay for snorkelling or a mesmerising sunset wedding.
Catering packages are available, offering everything from nibbles through to
special menus – for example, seafood, mixed meat platters and salads. The
ship is fully licensed and BYO alcohol is available on private charters.
Mabuhay Luxury Cruiser
Explore the Whitsundays in style on board a fully crewed 65-foot Precision
Cruiser. From the Great Barrier Reef to world famous Whitehaven
Beach, Mabuhay will put together a package especially for you. Go where
the mood takes you and explore the Whitsundays at your leisure all in
comfortable, stylish surroundings. The experienced crew and hostess will
take control, leaving you and your guests free to enjoy your big day as you
cruise comfortably through the Coral Sea. Choose from a sunset cruise in
Pioneer Bay, overlooking the coastal township of Airlie Beach as the sun
goes down. Mabuhay can whisk you away to any one of dozens of secluded
beaches for a romantic beachside wedding complete with gourmet catering.Sundowner Cruises
A cruise on Sundowner’s purpose-built catamaran is a unique way for
you and your guests to enjoy the laid-back Whitsunday ambience. With a
spacious, open-plan entertaining area that can accommodate 48 passengers
comfortably, there’s plenty of room for you, your family and friends.
Sundowner is the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions,
and catering packages are available. It’s also great for pre-wedding
get togethers with family and friends, post-wedding brunches and hens’
and bucks’ parties.Cruise Whitsundays
Experience a wedding venue like no other and have your wedding on the
Great Barrier Reef. Cruise on board a comfortable and modern vessel to
Hardy Reef – home to the world-famous “Heart Reef ”, and say
“I Do” in front of a spectacular Great Barrier Reef backdrop. Event design
specialists will prepare exclusive reef pontoon areas to complement the
natural beauty of the surrounds with tasteful and classic decor. An elegant
wedding arch situated on the upper deck is a wonderful location for
exchanging your vows, while the lower deck overlooking surrounding coral
is suitable for formal sit-down or cocktail style receptions. After drinks,
speeches and dancing, guests can enjoy a sunset cruise back through the
Whitsunday Islands while you newlyweds have a romantic evening in the
private King Suite at Reefsleep – offering the perfect end to a perfect day.WEDDINGS WHITSUNDAYS
For more information visit weddingswhitsundays.comPhoto by
Brooke Miles Photography Photo by Whitsunday Rent A Yachtgreatdestinationweddings.com.au 95