Koh Samui is the perfect wedding venue, birthdays, honeymoons and vacations.
On the island, you’ll find a wide range of properties on sale to suit events of all sizes and budgets.
We are launching a new column – interviews with locals and experts to show life on the island from different angles.
Today my guest is Ekaterina Gordeeva, a professional in organizing weddings and events. Together we will talk about Samui’s wedding and event industry, its peculiarities and reasons why this place is so popular among honeymooners.
1. How did it all start?
Katya Gordeeva came to Samui 11 years ago. In Russia, Katya worked as an HR manager and her duties included organizing events. After arriving on the island she started working as a guide, and after a while she decided to organize events on Samui on her own.
“I realized it was mine. I have always loved planning, inventing and organizing something. Weddings and celebrations are about beauty, emotions and happiness and I want to be a part of those moments.”
Now Katya has dozens of large-scale projects under her belt, from chamber weddings to large corporate events. Everything is important in her work: attention to detail, the ability to meet tight deadlines and constant communication with clients.
“Organizing holidays is like directing. You create a script, select actors, scenery and music to make everything come together.”
2. What makes Samui inspiring?
Katya notes that Samui is a place where you can always find inspiration:
- Nature: white-sand beaches, sunsets and jungle provide the perfect backdrop for events.
- Culture: Thai cuisine, traditions and hospitality bring uniqueness to any event.
“Everything is here to make a celebration unforgettable. The key is to utilize the island’s opportunities in the right way.”
Why choose Koh Samui?
- Convenient logistics. Samui is ideal for international couples. The island is easily accessible to guests from different countries such as Australia, China, Europe or Russia.
- Affordable cost. Organizing a wedding here will cost 2-3 times cheaper than in America, Australia or Europe. Even taking into account tickets and accommodation, it is a favorable decision.
- Exotics and beauty. The sea, palm trees, sun and picturesque landscapes create an ideal atmosphere for celebrations.
- Easy visa entry. Many countries can visit Thailand without a visa, making it easy to organize short trips for celebrations.
- Secluded atmosphere. Samui is not just a beautiful resort, but a place where people really feel free and relaxed.
- Comfort for guests. The island has everything you need to organize events of any complexity – from professional photographers to top-notch catering services.
3. Features of the wedding industry on Koh Samui
Main sites
- Villas for rent: There are about 10-12 premium villas on the island, ideal for weddings. Minimum rentals start at $1,000 per day.
- Restaurants and Hotels: Many five-star hotels offer event packages, but add a so-called Event Fee.
- Customized Projects: Events can be organized even “from scratch” – in the field, on the beach or by the lake, fully adapting the venue to the client’s request.
Format of events
- The average number of guests at weddings is 30-50 people.
- For large events (100+ guests) only a few locations are suitable.
Pricing Features
- Additional fees include event fees, equipment rental, and staff services.
- Despite this, costs remain lower than most other popular destinations.
Who chooses Samui
- The main clients: Americans, Chinese, Australians, as well as residents of the former Soviet Union.
- Europeans choose the island less often because of the availability of beautiful places in their homeland.
- Honeymooners who appreciate comfort, privacy and high level of service.
Employment of wedding villas
- Popular venues are busy almost all year round. For example, some villas are booked for a minimum of 3 days and are rarely idle.
- Biggest wedding
- Catherine’s biggest event on Koh Samui was a 120-guest wedding with a budget of about 3.5 million baht (approximately $100,000).
4. What kind of events can be organized on Samui?
Katya Gordeeva, an experienced event organizer in Samui, said that her range of services covers almost any kind of events:
- Weddings (main focus).
- Girls’ and boys’ parties.
- Gender parties (parties on the occasion of the announcement of the sex of the future child).
- Corporate parties and team building events.
- Anniversaries, family parties and children’s birthdays.
Katya adds with a smile that her work is about creativity, individuality and readiness to adapt to any budget. She likes to come up with unconventional solutions: “Give me a budget and I’ll make sure you remember this event for a lifetime!”.
5. Features of work on Samui
The organization of events in Thailand has its own nuances:
- Working with Thai contractors. Katya emphasizes that the key success factor is patience and the ability to negotiate.
“You can’t swear, raise your voice or demand – only respect and gentleness.”
Sometimes correcting contractors’ mistakes requires extra cost and sensitivity.
- Communicating with clients from different countries.
Sometimes you have to explain why certain services or their quality are different from what you are used to in Europe or America.
For example, editing a video for a wedding in the Thai market can be difficult if French or Russian toasts are to be included.
- Legalization of Marriage in Thailand.
The process of registering international marriages is possible here, but requires preparation of documents at consulates, translations and certifications at local authorities. Katya clearly described each step, emphasizing that it takes time and patience, but is doable.
6. Trends in event organization
Wedding fashion and décor is constantly changing. Here’s what’s popular right now:
- Eco-decor: the use of natural materials, minimalism and awareness.
- Pampas and dried flowers: a major trend from last year that is slowly giving way to greener accents.
- Classics: white orchids, roses and elegant light arrangements remain a constant for those who want something traditional.
Katya notes that trends are adapted to each client’s style. Her approach is to build trust so clients can feel comfortable saying, “Do it your way.”
“There are many challenges, but the organizer’s job is to make sure the client never feels them,” says Katya.
At a dinner for 13 people, she managed the work of 85 people to make sure everything went perfectly.
Difficulties often arise on the day of the event, and it is important to solve them promptly without showing it to the guests.
7. Conclusion:
Katya calls Samui her home without a doubt:
“This place has become home. I don’t want to go anywhere. It’s forever.”
In the future, she dreams of organizing global events, such as concert shows or reality shows on the island.
Katya Gordeeva’s energy, passion and professionalism make her one of the most sought-after organizers on Samui. Her ability to combine cultural traditions, modern trends and personal wishes of her clients helps to create unforgettable events.