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Creating a 'destination wedding' here in town

By Janie Ho | Special to amNewYork

June 19, 2007

Who doesn't love a destination wedding? It's a party and vacation rolled into one.

But what if you could recreate Bora Bora on a New York rooftop? Escort guests to Aspen in a ski lodge setting in the heart of Chelsea? That sounds a whole lot easier than making guests spend a small fortune and give up precious vacation days to witness your wedding vows.

"The most important thing in creating a destination party is having a few 'wow' factors, from the entrance to food presentation," said Maya Kalman, president of Swank Productions, an event design firm that creates lavish themes from Morocco to Mexico.

While her design fees run from $7,500 to more than $150,000, Dan Fehlig -- director of the catering service The Upper Crust at the elegant Studio 91 (91 Horatio St., 212-691-4570) -- can whip up a concept for as little as $2,000 -- not including materials or catering.

That said, the experts say you don't have to break the bank to create a classy party. Try mixing pineapples with red votive candles in lieu of flowers. Dress waitstaff in traditional clothing. Serve local cuisine. Burn fragrant citrus oils.

Since destination weddings are growing tremendously in popularity (the number has quadrupled over the past 10 years, according to the Conde Nast Bridal Group), you'll be on top of the trend without making your guests pack a thing. We recommend having a celebration at one of these hotspots:

Asian/Moroccan
The dazzling Buddha Bar (25 Little West 12th St., 212-647-7314); Indian-accented Taj (48 W. 21st St., 212-620-3033); Acclaimed Uptowner Loft (505 Columbus Ave., 212-362-6440); Sleek and red-hued nightclub LQ (511 Lexington Ave., 212-593-7575)

Water Views
Intimate Ramscale (55 Bethune St., 212-206-6580); Sweeping harbor views at Rise at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park (2 West St., 212-344-0800); Jersey charm Hyatt Regency, (2 Exchange Pl., Jersey City, 201-469-1234)

Coastal/Garden
Hidden gem Boat Basin Cafe (79 Street and the Hudson River, 212-496-5542); Backyard garden Pure Food and Wine (54 Irving Pl., 212-477, 1010); Bryant Park Grill rooftop (212-840-6500)

Winter Wonderland
Trendy Apen (30 W. 22 St., 212-645-5040); Woodsy and romantic Alta (64 W. 10 St., 212-505-7777); Elegant Providence (311 West 57 St., 212-307-0062); Private room at STK (26 Little West 12th St., 646-624-2444)

Italian
Intimate Bistango (415 Third Ave., 212-725-8484); Trattoria Dopo Teatro's Secret Garden (125 W. 44 St., 212-944-0126)