How to Plan a Destination Wedding in NYC

An Interview with Tracey Goldstein of Polka Dot Events

Tracey Goldstein owns Polka Dot Events, a boutique wedding planning business, and one of her specialties is her “Destination: NYC” package. She’s the perfect person to offer advice on how to plan a destination wedding in New York City.

Here’s our interview with her.

Can you give us a little background about how you got started with the “Destination: NYC” package and why you offer it?

 After several years of planning weddings in New York, I found that a handful of my clients were couples from outside the NYC area (some abroad and others just from across the country)  who love the city so much that they decided to have a NYC destination wedding. I was the needed local professional, planning their big day so they didn’t have to deal with the challenges and limitations of planning a wedding from afar. After working with quite of few of these clients, I started seeing a pattern that they were mostly small groups with similar needs, so I decided to come up with an all-inclusive package, Polka Dot Events’ “Destination: NYC.”  For a flat fee the couple and their group of 20 guests or less receive a wedding photographer, car service around NYC, personal wedding flowers (bouquet/boutonniere), a wedding officiant, marriage license and ceremony permit assistance, a wedding cake, and help finding the perfect spot for their celebration dinner. I thought this would be a great way to streamline the process and make it super manageable for out of town brides and grooms to be.

What are the top 3 or 4 reasons why you think NYC is a great place for destination weddings?

1. Your guests will WANT to come. I’ve lived abroad and traveled enough to know that non-New Yorkers are always looking for an excuse to visit. Afterall, New York is arguably the center of the universe!
2. You can make it your own. NYC is full of so many restaurants, landmarks, and things to do that no matter what you decide upon your wedding will be unique from any other.
3. It’s budget-friendly (yes, really!). Most people associate “New York City” with “expensive” but it doesn’t have to be the case. Rather than spend tens of thousands of dollars on a large wedding at your local catering hall, celebrating a small wedding in NYC can be really affordable with a little bit of research, creativity and an open mind!
4. We have the coolest venues- Whether you’re a romantic with a Central Park ceremony or a sucker for urban renewals and exposed brick (Wythe Hotel anyone?) this city is full of venues, lofts, party spaces and restaurants fit for any style.

NYC has an amazing number of iconic landmarks like Central Park, the Met, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and Times Square (just to name a few!). But do you have any off-the-beaten-track recommendations for your clients, as well?

I think the West Village and all its windy streets are perfect for photo sessions. It’s pretty quiet around the Barrow, Commerce, Hudson Street area so you won’t have too many tourists interrupting photos and you’re a quick stroll away from Washington Square Park and the cobblestone streets of TriBeca.

What are the most important pieces of advice that you’d offer to a couple planning a destination wedding in NYC?

Don’t count on the weather. New York rain is a very fickle thing – especially during wedding season. If your plans revolve around the outdoors either create a back-up plan or bring an umbrella!

NYC has a reputation as a very expensive city. Are there ways that couples can stretch their budget to get the most out of their stay?

I think visitors get caught up in all the tourist spots and “classic” NY offerings that are often overpriced and overhyped. There is so much to do in this city for little or no money – go on a walking tour of the Village, check out Bedford Avenue and Williamsburg, take a bike ride down Riverside Park, visit museums. It’s more authentic (and cheaper) than anything in Times Square. Also –your first purchase off the plane should be a copy of New York Magazine. It’s like the bible to all things New York.

On the other hand, what do you think it’s worth it to splurge on?

Food. You came all this way and New York has some of the best restaurants in the world – order a ton of food and enjoy it!

Finally, who are your ideal clients for the “Elope in NYC” package?

I love working with all types of clients and needs but I think ideally I’d love to work with a couple that wants a really sophisticated and intimate New York wedding experience. I dream about coordinating a celebration in The Penthouse at The Hotel on Rivington or reserve the East Room at Per Se after a ceremony at the park. I also have a huge list of small restaurants that I’d love to buyout for a Sunday afternoon affair.  Ugh – now I’m hungry.