How to Throw a Swiss Wedding
I spent a few days in Verbier, Switzerland over the last, long weekend to attend the wedding of our niece. I could not have imagined a more perfectly planned and executed event. The parties – spread over three days – were beautiful each in their own way. I thought I’d share some of the d?©cor with you.
For the perfect Swiss wedding, start with a rehearsal dinner at Le Chalet d’Adrien. The groom’s parents arranged for a vintage Swiss postal bus to take all the guests assembled in the main square up to the event.
Country checked cloths alongside wicker chairs created the perfect rustic tablescape. Alpine long horn players entertained us before the buffet dinner.
The bride worked with a florist to transform a two-story cafeteria into a flower-filled chapel and reception hall. The bride and groom were pronounced man and wife, the curtains parted to reveal the terrace, where we sipped champagne and watched the sun set.
Over 2,000 candles lit the reception room. A false ceiling was built on what is otherwise, an open terrace (upstairs from the “champagne terrace”). One wall was covered with live moss. Two trees were constructed using tree bark and live olive branches.
The tables were set with tall candelabras wrapped with greens and lillies. They were set high so guests could see each other around the table.
Different groupings of roses and other flowers were set around the tables, along with votive candles. I liked the random placement.
We danced, literally, until dawn. Well, some of us left early.
But wait – there’s more!
The next day, we took our aching heads and the rest of ourselves to La Marlenaz, the restaurant owned by misterarthur’s sister and brother-in-law. They laid out a feast fit for a king, or in this case, a newly married bride and groom. (They left for their honeymoon later that night.)
I didn’t take a photo of the buffet! It was so beautiful. The menu was comprised of local and traditional foods from the Valais.
Even here, the decoration was perfection. I loved these little centerpieces made with greenery and wildflowers.
And that’s how it’s done.
2 Responses to “How to Throw a Swiss Wedding”
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Posted by Mandy on September 11th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Good lord. Cue the angels. What a beautiful setting.
Truly a beautiful locale for the wedding. It’s always interesting to see how other people celebrate and the style and decor they use. Thanks for sharing with us.