In conversation with Kimmy of WIZKIM Wedding on destination Phuket and other locations in Thailand for Wedding Tourism.
Wizkim Wedding based in Phuket is the busiest wedding planning company in Thailand. With the world class knowledge of styling weddings, they are magical in creating that “unique”.
Kimmy shares in-depth details about WIZKIM Wedding and helps us in exploring Phuket and other suitable locations in Thailand for weddings.
WT: Kimmy, we saw some excellent work of yours for recently done weddings. When and how Wizkim originated?
KIM: Since our inception in 2004, we initially began working under our parent company BIC Event Management. We come with an experience in MICE for about 13 years handling group size of 100 – 900 pax.
With many inquiries coming in for big weddings, we formed a destination wedding planner division WIZKIM with 70% Indian Weddings as our key market and 30% is other Western, Chinese, Agent and Wedding planners.
Interesting about the name WIZKIM is it is a transformation from WIZARD + KIMMY with our slogan “WE ARE THE BRIDGE OF LOVE”.
WT: Something about team WIZKIM?
KIM: We are an energetic team. We have a strong sense in handling weddings as we work very closely and coordinate with all stakeholders who come as a part of weddings. We know how crucial the weddings are and how much panic goes around. We ensure every detail is taken care of with the client and the families and we try and bring in as much comfort possible for things to go smooth.
WT: What’s exclusive about Phuket? Why would one choose Phuket for Destination Weddings?
KIM: Phuket is the biggest island situated in the south of Thailand along the Andaman Sea. The island is mostly mountainous and is amongst the well-known destination for weddings as it offers leisure, scenic accommodation, local food and variety of tourist attraction like exotic beach, mountain, historical places and night life. Everyone can enjoy and explore the new experiences during the wedding with great commuting convenience available on the island.
WT: Which other islands you recommend in Thailand apart from Phuket?
KIM: We would say Pattaya in Chonburi, Koh Yaw in Phangha have good atmosphere and beautiful beachfront.
WT: Five star alliances or resorts you recommend?
KIM: There are many options available. I am listing down the ones we have thoroughly worked with:
Phuket area:
– JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
– Angsana Laguna Phuket
– Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
– Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
– Sripanwa Phuket (Suitable for small wedding)
Bangkok area:
– Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
– Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel
– Millennium Hilton Bangkok
– Plaza Athénée Bangkok, A Royal Méridien Hotel
Pattaya, Chonburi area:
– Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya
– InterContinental Pattaya Resort
Hua Hin area:
– Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa
WT: Are there any established Indian outdoor catering services in Thailand? Could you recommend?
KIM: We do have venders who can do Indian food with outdoor catering. Also right now many 4-5 stars hotel or resorts that have potential for Indian wedding they have in-house Indian chef to handle Indian client. If some hotel doesn’t have in-house, they usually outsource.
WT: What other destinations have you been executing weddings?
KIM: We have organised wedding in Bangkok, Phang – Nga (Khao-lak) and Samui Island. We have plans to extend our services to Bali and Maldives. We love beach and Party.
WT: You have done quite a few Indian Weddings. What do you get to explore with Indian Weddings?
KIM: With every wedding comes a new learning as our clients come from different parts of India. We get to see different culture and variety ceremonies. What we love about Indian ceremony is the “Pooja ceremony” where purifying happens of Lord Ganesha. Other thing that is very interesting about Indian wedding ceremony we learnt is we do a set up in the area which has water, sky, sand, wind and fire to conduct “Phera Ceremony” chanting and worshipping Lord Ganesha for the new beginnings.
WT: Any exclusive venues for Mehendi and Receptions you recommend on the island?
KIM: Yes! There are various options available. Out of the best what we can recommend is:
For a Daytime Mehendi can be done at Green lawn at Angsana Laguna Phuket by the poolside. The nighttime we propose at the Element restaurant at Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach that has both indoor and outdoor area to chill out and dining. Henna happens outdoor generally with entertainment and dining at the restaurant.
Reception as we have seen is a sit-down dinner nowadays and is a formal night that has many speeches from family to congratulate, cake cutting, bouquet toast and everyone wearing formal suite. Hence, some client prefer in any hotel’s Grand Ballroom for their convenience of doing an after party.
Outdoors reception we recommend XANA Lawn at Angsana Laguna Phuket and Lotus Pond area at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa because it’s close to the beach under the tree. Grand Ballroom depend on number of guests if 100 – 120 guests will be Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach, if 150 – 250 guests will be JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa.
WT: Any memorable moment that you have created for a couple?
KIM: For one of our clients we suggested a romantic proposal at “Re Ka Ta Beach Club at Boat House” in Phuket. It is a choicest venue with a private honey hued sand beach that has a deck for romantic dining experience. The couple saw the gorgeous sunset together and while having dinner at the deck, this gentleman gives a box of “Will you marry me?” the lady in tears of happiness accepts the proposal and then comes the song “Thousand years” by acoustic guitar players. It was an amazing night!
WT: Which are the artists and entertainment options available? (Leaving very traditional ones)
KIM: As we know, the Indian wedding comprises of welcome dinner, mehendi party, sangeet night, wedding ceremony and dinner reception, we can provide available entertainment such as:
Welcome dinner – Fire dance/Acoustic Trio live band
Mehendi Party – Henna Artist, Indian drum player (Dhol), interactive dancer with theme costumes.
Sangeet Night – Belly dance/Bollywood dance
Wedding Ceremony – Marching Band for Baraat, Vintage car for groom, also provide Pundit to conduct ceremony as well.
Dinner Reception – Saxophone playing, Harpist player, Concept dance.
These are the possible options available here that we can propose as an add-ons for the ceremonies.
WT: What are the services WIZKIM in-houses for special celebrations? Can you share details?
KIM: We create tailored-made weddings as per the choice of couples. We assist the couples on every detail of their special day from wedding venue selection, flowers and theme, lighting and sounds.
We have many wedding elements in our associated warehouse company called “Rento”. We have a huge and attractive inventory to help the couple furnish the event whether it is a wedding, birthday, engagement party or corporate function.
Our warehouse store many type of wedding chairs, wedding arches, wooden backdrop, paper lantern, fairly light, oak barrel, votive glasses, candles and many more.
We in-house Floral Designers who are eager to transform your dream into reality! We can assist from concept development to the finished product. We are able to help with choosing seasonal floral and working to any budget that the couple might have.
Specialising in hanging floral installations and wreaths, floral crowns, centrepieces and bouquets – the options are endless!
WT: Wizkim Wedding as a “Dream Team for your Unique Wedding”. Can you elaborate?
KIM: WIZKIM Wedding Design Team is powerful and energetic team to create the best memorable wedding that everyone will remember. We are not only professional wedding designer but we are your “friends” who will personally take care of all your needs.
About WIZKIM WEDDING:
We are a destination wedding company and proudly present our stylist team to create an art of the details from start to end. Our touch of design is based on bride & groom desire with combination of Simple, Elegance & Rustic. As every wedding is unique the hours involved will vary and we therefore quote budgets once we have had a chance to discuss your wedding at the consultation. “WE ARE A BRIDGE OF LOVE”.
Here’s a slideshow of the memorable celebrations by WIZKIM Wedding:
interview by: wedtease
blog by: wedtease