Destination weddings in Cabo San Lucas—long a white-hot spot to tie the knot—are booming as couples set in motion their long-awaited nuptials and embrace the Mexican culture to theme their celebrations.
Pueblo Bonito Resorts, notably the Pacifica and Sunset Beach properties set on a glorious stretch of pristine ocean beach, offer all the elements couples are looking for to spice up their weddings. Venues range from the Constellation pool deck at Pacifica and the Sky Pool at Sunset Beach to private beaches, oceanfront terraces and garden settings. The proof is in the pudding: Pueblo Bonito Resorts collectively host nearly 350 weddings every year.
“Couples today want to do things differently from what their parents and grandparents did,” said Maira Gallegos, Group Sales Director for Pueblo Bonito Resorts. “They want to make the whole experience richer for themselves, their families and their friends.” Gallegos notes that couples want to keep their celebrations casual, colorful, and festive, while imprinting their weddings with their own special touches.
Gallegos described some of the current trends:
Color
The hottest trend in dress and décor for weddings is color. “We’re seeing very vibrant colors,” Gallegos said. “Along with flower prints, we’re noticing a preference for pink, orange, coral, saffron, and the vivid blues of the sea. Think of the bold colors of India. Terracotta is also popular. It’s a warm, earthy color that complements the pale brown tones of the Baja desert.”
Midweek weddings
“There’s more and more interest in midweek weddings,” Gallegos reported. “There’s not only better availability on a Tuesday or Wednesday, but we’re able to offer discounts to couples who opt for a weekday wedding. With so many people able to work remotely these days, the weekend is no longer an absolute necessity for wedding parties.” The preferred months for destination weddings in Cabo, she said, have remained unchanged: June and October are the most popular months, followed by April, May, and November.
Gastronomy
To create a menu that pleases everyone, themed food stations are the answer. In Cabo, a taco station with a live chef is de rigueur, with Baja-style fish and shrimp tacos a popular choice. A ceviche station offers fresh local fish marinated in lime juice, cilantro, and green chiles. Modern couples also favor the flaming of food over a traditional buffet, which explains the popularity of flambe stations. Dessert? Mexican churros (fried-dough pastry) and their toppings (chocolate, caramel, etc.) are an enduring symbol of Mexican gastronomy.
Cocktails
Trends may come and go, but the margarita, one of the world’s most popular cocktails, is always in vogue. Naturally flavored margaritas—mango, strawberry, tamarind, hibiscus—are preferred, as are jalapeno and chili-accented margaritas that evoke the authentic (and spicy) flavors of Mexico. Millennials also often request mezcal.
Bonfires
Beach bonfires are currently the most requested special-event motif, perfect at the oceanfront Pueblo Bonito Resorts. A casual, toes-in-the-sand welcome party with a Mexican-themed dinner served around a bonfire is an instant hit for most weddings. Bonfires also make great icebreakers.
Technology
Gallegos noted that the traditional guest book is a thing of the past. Millennial and Gen X couples prefer voice mails (or hashtag postings) at their receptions and events. In addition to the content created by a professional wedding photographer, guests are strongly encouraged to snap pictures and record videos.
Golf
At most destination weddings, it’s all about the bride and her entourage.: spa time, hair and make-up, beauty treatments. For the groom and his close friends, golf is in high demand. “A few years ago, only the groom and three guests would play golf,” Gallegos stated. “Nowadays, we’re getting wedding party requests for 24 to 40 players. And because Quivira boasts one of the ‘World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses,’ it’s definitely a trend here.” Availability for large groups, she said, can be a problem—the course is booked solid nearly every day—which is why Gallegos and her team encourage couples to work well in advance to secure tee times.
For reservations call 1-800-990-8259 and for additional information on Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts, access the website at https://www.pueblobonito.com/weddings-in-mexico and follow them on Instagram @pueblobonitoweddings.
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About Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts
Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts include eight award-winning properties in two destinations, Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán, all offering luxury all-inclusive options, and coming in 2023 to San Miguel de Allende. Each of the properties has its own personality, design, and ambiance, yet all share the same high level of impeccable quality and distinguished atmosphere.
In Cabo San Lucas, the adults-only Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort is the ideal setting for a romantic getaway, while Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort, with its large, all ocean-view suites, is perfect for families. Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa and Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos, both located on El Médano beach, have the best to offer vacationers looking to be right in the middle of all the Cabo action. In Mazatlán, the elegant jewel Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa overlooks the Pacific Ocean and a private beach, while the charming Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán, is located in the famous Golden Zone.
The Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende is the first property to carry the brand’s new upscale flag, intended for the discerning, experienced traveler who seeks superior service, high-end design, and unique experiences. Occupying a prime location just minutes from the historic downtown, the 111-room hotel features a gourmet restaurant, including a rooftop bar with a breathtaking view of the iconic pink sandstone cathedral. In addition to banquet space for groups and conventions, a beautiful grass area for weddings and events also overlooks the magnificent church.
The resorts are great for family vacations and romantic getaways. For more information visit www.pueblobonito.com, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pueblobonitoresort and follow us on Instagram @pueblobonito.
