Destination Weddings Round Table Event - Villars 23 - 24 March, 2026

What better way to start a wedding event than with a ceremony? Although it was announced as a showcase, participants were welcomed into the chapel as guests. However, they soon wondered if they were witnessing a real wedding. However, as the bride arrived, the genuine love story of Khulan and Clément made the moment feel completely authentic.

The ceremony culminated in a beautiful Mongolian blessing in honour of the bride’s heritage. The chapel was filled with tears and cheers, and the energy was unforgettable.

This surprise ceremony set the scene for an immersive 'Wedding Day' experience, showcasing the creativity of the Swiss market. Wedding planners, florists, live musicians, cake designers, stationers and even a live painter collaborated to create an imaginative sensory experience. From experimental personalisation trends, such as an interactive perfume bar where guests could blend their own signature scents, to spectacular floral installations, the event was a masterclass in modern luxury.

The energy carried effortlessly into the evening, transitioning from a lively cocktail reception to a dinner filled with meaningful conversation and new industry connections.

From the moment you step through the grand entrance of the Villars Palace hotel, the hustle and bustle of the city fades away. This spectacular venue offers everything you could need for your event, from a picturesque historic chapel and a fairytale ballroom to a vast private park and a panoramic terrace with some of the most romantic views in the Alps. Throughout your stay, the Palace team will deliver flawless service alongside an outstanding culinary experience.

Villars-sur-Ollon is definitely worth a visit. With easy access from Geneva and Lausanne, it can be combined with highlights such as Montreux Riviera, the vineyards above Lake Geneva and Chaplin's World to create an attractive package.

Day 2: After waking up to the sound of singing birds and watching the sun rise over the mountains, the participants were ready for a day full of insights into the wedding industry. During the keynote session, Alison Hargreaves from Guides for Brides shared valuable information about the global destination wedding market, emphasising the importance of international collaboration and referral networks.

Are Gen Z actually changing weddings, or are we overreacting? 
We discussed this interesting topic with some of the attendees and Sasha Hargreaves from Beyond Weddings to help us understand the needs and requests of a younger generation of couples getting married.

How can Switzerland be promoted during the low and shoulder seasons? 
This workshop explored ways to promote weddings in Switzerland during these quieter seasons, with the theme “Travel Better vs Wedding Better”. With so many wedding experts and venues present, the active brainstorming session generated many creative and useful ideas.

Better together!
Over these two days, participants had many opportunities to get to know each other through insightful discussions, professional exchanges and connections between planners, venues and wedding experts. The first ideas and actions are already being planned, and they are a great example of how growth can be achieved within the community — something that would not be possible without everyone's effort and support.

Au Revoir, and hopefully see you soon in Switzerland!