Sri Lanka welcomes world’s top wedding planners at Cinnamon Life

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle delivering his speech

From 9 to 11 April, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams became the stage for DWP Privé, an exclusive gathering of the world’s most celebrated luxury wedding planners and suppliers.  As the first edition of DWP Privé in Colombo, the event marked a milestone for Sri Lanka, showcasing its rise as a premier destination for high-end celebrations.

DWP Privé is the latest evolution of the globally renowned Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress, the world’s largest B2B platform for destination weddings, organised by QnA International. Following its Planners Xtraordinaire editions in Dubai, Lake Como, and Georgia, DWP Privé adopts a more intimate, invitation-only format designed for deeper dialogue, high-value networking, and collaborative innovation.

As Colombo’s newest integrated lifestyle destination, Cinnamon Life offered the perfect setting for DWP Privé’s debut, blending contemporary luxury with authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. Guests experienced world-class service, curated dining, and a dynamic range of event spaces designed to foster connection and creativity. With seven versatile venues, including five ballrooms ideal for grand celebrations, Cinnamon Life is poised to host destination weddings and premium Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events. This landmark gathering further establishes Cinnamon Life as a go-to venue in the region.

With 100 top-tier planners and 50 handpicked global suppliers in attendance, the three-day event unfolded as a rich blend of insight, connection, and flair—mirroring the evolution of luxury weddings worldwide.

Preston Bailey delivering the keynote speech

“We are incredibly proud of what DWP Privé Limited Edition has achieved in Colombo. It was not just an event—it was a celebration of global talent, cultural richness, and the spirit of collaboration” said QnA International Managing Director Sidh NC. “Our collaboration with our Hotel Partner Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams has been a great journey. Right from the modernity and luxe offerings of the property to its hospitality and the warmth and support of their team members, we’ve enjoyed every aspect of this collaboration.” He added: “At DWP Privé, bringing together global industry trailblazers under one roof created the perfect energy to foster ideas, partnerships, and inspiration. We look forward to pushing boundaries even further in the next edition.”

Set against Cinnamon Life’s striking architecture, guests were immersed in a curated program exploring the future of celebrations. Topics ranged from AI-driven planning tools and intuitive guest experiences to wellness-infused weddings and the rise of conscious luxury.

“Couples today are no longer chasing just glamour. They are chasing meaning,” said Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams General Manager Sanjiv Hulugalle. “Colombo is a vibrant cultural symphony, where every celebration feels authentic, heartfelt, and unforgettable. As Sri Lanka’s first integrated resort, Cinnamon Life is honoured to be part of Colombo’s journey as a rising destination for extraordinary weddings.” Leading Sri Lankan planners, alongside globally renowned names, engaged in open dialogue, showcasing the island’s growing creative force. Their creativity and execution at DWP Privé underscored Sri Lanka’s readiness to host destination events of the highest calibre, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the industry’s most influential creatives—including the legendary Preston Bailey of the US and renowned Indian lighting and costume designer Sumant Jayakrishnan. 

More than a conference, DWP Privé was a celebration of collaboration—where ideas flowed, boundaries blurred, and new possibilities emerged through shared vision and innovation. The dynamic mix of planners, designers, and thought leaders brought fresh energy to every moment, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s potential as a world-class destination for bespoke events. This positioning is also poised to drive significant economic benefits through increased tourism revenue and job creation across related industries.

This landmark partnership between Cinnamon Life and DWP further cements Sri Lanka’s growing stature on the global stage. With its distinctive architecture, lush tropical backdrop, and warm hospitality, the island is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most sought-after locations for luxury celebrations.