Peruvian Weddings
From Machu Picchu to the Andes Mountain Range, Peru is a country like no other; filled with some of the most breathtaking natural sites, an out-of-this-world food scene, and an extremely vibrant nightlife.
While visiting Peru, I was given the opportunity to experience a reception set-up at a stunning venue, Villa Cosentino. Located just outside the city center of Lima, Peru - this venue provides an extraordinary semi-outdoor setting that can be totally transformed with some of the most exotic decor.
In a country bustling with so much culture and energy, it’s safe to say their weddings reflect this same dynamic. While most of the couples in Peru opt to have a smaller more intimate party (nonetheless still a lively celebration) - a large market for over-the-top affairs does exist, which is dominated by extravagant vibrant decor, delicious food, and a party that lasts until the early morning hours!
During my time in Peru, I also met with expert wedding planners, Sandra y Veronica, who provided me with firsthand insight into how the weddings are run in Peru. Sandra & Veronica plan some of the most elite weddings in Peru, with absolutely breathtaking design elements. They have been incorporating trends for years that are just now becoming popular in the U.S. For instance, a trend that will surely be taking over the industry in 2019, hanging florals. Incorporating a few or even just one of these pieces can completely transform your look and allow you to use more simplistic tablescapes.
It’s important to note how drastically different wedding are run in each region around the world. From the different states of the U.S. to different countries around the world, no wedding culture is the same. Probably the most drastic difference between weddings in the U.S. and Peru is the length of the wedding. While in the U.S. weddings are 6 hours including the ceremony, in Peru they can last up to 10 hours with the ceremony.
This concept is so intriguing to me so many U.S. couples that I have worked with over the years have wanted to add time on to their reception or cocktail hour in order to have a longer party. This desire to extend and preserve your party time has also led to the new trend of the “first look” (an idea totally foreign in many other countries). I have met so many couples torn by whether to do a first look or to stick to the everlasting tradition of the groom seeing the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle. It’s a tough call to make, but could a longer party solve this problem? It’s something worth asking your venue about!
The one thing I always wondered for weddings of this length is - does the party ever start to die down, guests get bored, etc.? Certainly not in Peru! A big part of weddings in Peru is La Hora Loca - quite literally “the crazy hour”. About half way through the reception (when the party is starting to die down), guests will become immersed in a full hour of themed insanity complete with performers, costumes, & props. Stilt walkers, Fire throwers, Masks & Beads get guests hyped up in a way to truly make your celebration memorable until the very end! A variety of unique themes can be incorporated - Futbol, Ancient Rome, Game of Thrones - the sky is the limit! La Hora Loca is such a brilliant concept that can be incorporated into any party that often falls into a lull (Graduation Party, Baptism, etc).
Another Peruvian trend that I fell in love with is the elaborate dessert displays that are incorporated into their weddings. These displays have as such a gorgeous design, I would almost feel guilty taking a treat away from them, and disturbing this perfect piece of art! This is also something that has been becoming popular in the U.S. as couples are straying from traditional plated desserts, and are now incorporating all kinds of dessert bars from S'mores Stations to Donut Walls.
These innovative dessert displays add a personalized touch, a fun element for guests, and they can even be treated as a non wasteful favor idea (take a Donut to go, etc). 9 times out of 10, any favor that is a delectable treat will be taken home by all of the guests, over an engraved votive candle that will be left behind by everyone at the end of the night.
As we move forward and learn about weddings in different countries, you will become acquainted with unique trends across the world, aspects you may want to consider to incorporate an original twist to your own event or wedding!
Stay Tuned for My next adventure in Scotland!