BRIDAL BANQUETS BY THE BEACH

       For decades, Thailand has been one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners around the wourld. Thanks to the country's geographical location and convenient access points that make it easily accessible from the US, Europe and Asia, the kingdom is blessed with a diversity of destinations that can be enjoyed at anytime of theyear. Throw in its cultural aspects and a few fun quirks and it's easy to see why Thailand has also becom a popular place for lovers to exchange vows. Growing alongside that popularity is the prufessinal wedding service offered by boyh independent studios and luxurious hotel chains. Among many famous locations, one new option for the soon-to-be-married is Pattava.
       Taking advanage of its vicinity to Bangkok and the mushrooming of luxurious four and five star hotels, Pattaya is now offering mid-range but quality wedding receptons for both local and foreign lovers.
       Those who want a cultural setting can choose to go up North for a Lanna style reception, or head Northeast to enjoy a nuptial experience on elephant back, Ocean lovers can tie the knot underwater in Trang and follow up with a romantic, candle-lit party on the beach to celebrate the union.
       But the vast majority of couples simply want the "perfect" reception, shich includes a decent meal and drinks, exquisite wedding cake, nice set up with romantic music anc, most importantly, convenience for their gurests.
       Phuket, Krabi and Samui have long been big wedding markets, as they all have stunning ocean cackdrops, easy access by plane and professional event organisers from many five-star beachside hotels, They mainly cater to high-end clients looking for an exclusive event.
       In Pattaya, couples will find both mid-range to super high-end and everything in between. Prices range from Bt15,000 to Bt 100,000 and cover both traditional Thai and Western style potions.
       Pattaya has worked hard to drop its "Sin City" tag and today is recognised as a family resort, It's busy expanding its territory int he wedding market thanks to expanding its territory in the wedding market thanks to its growth and strength in hospitality business. With its four to five-star hotel chains booming, ti attracts not only the higher-end vacationers and MICE groups but also wedding cuples who want convenient, quality reception in reasonable prices.
       Amari Orchid Resort & Tower in Pattay has been a pioneer in wedding business. For the third consecutive year, the hotel organised its Wedding Fair last weekend at Central Festival Pattaya Beach. The hotel offers a special wdding package and has now introduced a range of professionsl services from wedding planners, aestheitc spas. wdding dress designers and jewellers. The hotel also has additional packages for honeymoon and spa pampering after the wdding.
       "What we've been trying to do is tio fill the demand in Pattaya's wdding market." David cumming, General Manager, said in an interview after the opening ceremeny on Sturday. "Of course people get masrried here, both the Thais and the foreigners that live here, but it's not professionally organised. We're running a hotel business, we have the facilties and we have the manpower, we can cater to that."
       For teh first year, the fair claimed 26 weddings at the hotel and the figure went up to 45 last year. Amari hopes to double that number during the upcoming high season, While other hotel cahins in Pattaya slowly pick up on the wedding market, Amari ranks weedings as important as vacations and other functions.
       "What we do is the ensure the couple that they'ss get what they pay for, and they'll get the best for their money. We set up the banquets, full scale, for them to see, And we guarantee that they will get exactly what they choose on their wedding day. We sell the promise, and we deliver it." Cumming confirmed.