Guest Blog Post: Honeymooning in Vegas? Elegance is Possible

Written by: Lourdes Gutierrez of Best of Vegas You’ve gone through the process of getting a marriage license and pulled off a quaint Vegas wedding. You’ve managed to avoid the stereotype of shotgun, drive thru weddings and now want to celebrate your union in a way only Las Vegas lets you. Newlyweds, we know you’ll want to party at Las Vegas nightclubs and dine at the finest Las Vegas restaurants, but what about having a great hotel room to honeymoon in?

We know Vegas is famous for doing things over the top, but there are plenty of elegant hotel suites that can give you a beautiful honeymoon experience full of luxury and relaxation. At the Wynn Las Vegas you will be surrounded by beautiful landscapes of waterfalls, lakes and colorful gardens. This 5-star hotel even features original oil paintings by Monet and Picasso. Those of you that book a suite to honeymoon in will enjoy a private gated entry as well as private pools and cabanas. If you’re in the mood for dancing you can head to club Tryst or fulfill your sushi craving at the Okada restaurant.

At the Encore, the “younger and flirtier” sister of the Wynn, you will be able to enjoy marble and limestone suites that feature flat panel TV’s and glass showers as well as the Wynn Dream Beds (which both the Wynn and the Encore have). There is a beautiful atrium with various types of flowers and butterfly tiles decorating the surroundings. You can dine at the Sinatra and Botero Steak Restaurants or just order room service and peer out at Las Vegas from your suite’s 2 story windows.

At the Palazzo you will enjoy the luxuries of The Venetian sister hotel. This hotel literally looks like a palace and is the home to the runaway hit show Jersey Boys. All suites have dual vanities, 3 LCD TV’s, separate soak tubs and incredible marble showers. You can party at hotspot LAVO nightclub, where you might just bump into some of your favorite stars. If you get hungry you can dine at the famous fusion restaurant, SushiSamba.

No matter which of these hotels you choose for your Las Vegas honeymoon you can find beauty and elegance in each one. Make your Vegas wedding memorable and classy at the Wynn, the Encore or the Palazzo.

Las Vegas Rehearsal Dinner Planning Tips

Las Vegas is no longer just known for its $1.99 breakfast and terrible buffets of the 1990s.  We've finally gained respect as a culinary town and I could not be happier! Bride and grooms have so many options when selecting their rehearsal dinner location that it can be exciting yet overwhelming!  From a traditional sit down restaurant to a non traditional venue like a wine bar or bowling alley, the Las Vegas bride and groom have plenty of options.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Bootlegger Bistro - 24 hour comfortable and cozy Italian restaurant only 5 minutes from Mandalay Bay

Brio Tuscan Grille - located at Town Square and has a replica of the Roman Coliseum that may be curtained off for private functions

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba - located at the Fashion Show Mall.  If you're early enough, you'll be able to make Happy Hour for Sangria and tapas.

Daniel Boulud Brasserie - beautiful French brasserie inside Wynn Las Vegas. Enjoy the Lake of Dreams show while you dine; large private dining room available. 1 Michelin star, 2008

Dos Caminos - modern Mexican restaurant inside Palazzo Las Vegas. Private dining room available.  Known for their mouthwatering guacamole.

Fadó Irish Pub - located in Henderson.  Upstairs space available for private parties.  Grab a pint, some cheese dip, and celebrate your upcoming wedding the Irish way!

Hostile Grape (Wine Cellar, Bar, Tasting Room) - located at M Resort on the South side. Sample 1, 3, or 5 ounce pours.

Maggiano's - family style Italian restaurant located in the Fashion Show Mall. Private dining rooms available.

Red Square - Russian restaurant located in Mandalay Bay. Dinner, caviar and vodka.  Private vodka vault:  Experience the frozen icebar with over 200 frozen vodkas and martinis

Shibuya - the best Japanese restaurant here in town (according to my father - former Bay Area Japanese restaurant owner) is located at MGM Grand.  Prepare the plastic with your highest limit prior to making reservations.

Ventano - Italian restaurant and oyster bar located in Henderson.  Sweeping views of the city

Vintner Grill - Italian restaurant located in Summerlin

VIP Bowling Lanes at Red Rock Casino - private suites may be reserved with catering and bottle service.

Due to the demand, Las Vegas has realized the need for a dedicated salesperson or sales team for private/group dining or a catering department and many restaurants now have that available.

A few things to keep in mind when planning your rehearsal dinner.

• When making reservations for a large group, you will be required to guarantee your reservation with a credit card and contract.
• You'll be required to select a menu and your guests won't be able to order off the regular dinner menu
• The majority of restaurants don't have an option for a hosted bar package.  Beverages are mainly charged on consumption.
• There may be a limit on your time there (usually 2  - 3 hours).
• You will be required to give the restaurant a guarantee (guest count) 3 business days to two weeks prior to your event so treat it as an event and ask your guests to rsvp.
• Unless you're in a private dining room, speeches and toasts may not be allowed so plan accordingly
• Sales tax and an automatic gratuity of at least 20% will be added to your bill

Happy planning!