5 Destination Wedding Decision Making Mistakes :: Part One

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Mistake No. 1 :: Committing to a destination wedding prior to dating the idea of a destination wedding

Roadblock Tip :: Research and discuss the idea prior to making a decision.

Just as compatibility is necessary in the couple’s decision to marry, a couple’s compatibility is also necessary when planning a destination wedding.  We suggest putting a little effort into the consideration process.  In addition to discussing the idea as a couple, you should also discuss the idea with your parents and other close relatives and/or loved ones.  An uncompromisable attendance of an important family member could serve as a decision breaker for some.  Know this ahead of time!

You will find a host of online information to assist you with key decision making factors.  We’ve included a few reads for you to begin your journey:

Mistake No. 2 :: Choosing the destination wedding location prematurely

“Let’s get married in Paris!” says Joe Loversfield.  “That would be awesome!” says Moneyless Melinda. {or vice versa}

Roadblock Tip :: Begin choosing your location with well though out ideas.  Include location features, benefits and expense details (wedding, couple’s travel(s), guests travel) that you would like to consider.  These ideas can then be matched with location possibilities for your to review further.  Your list of possible locations will be more beneficial that the list of locations you have at the top of your head.

We don’t like being the bearer of bad news.  However, it is absolutely necessary to properly outline your wedding budget prior to making any other wedding related decisions (destination wedding or not).  This goes much deeper than having a magical figure floating around in your head.  Hearing that you have about $XYZ to spend is such a huge pet peeve of mine.  This is not Let’s Make a Deal.  I’m not Monty Hall.  Nor am I Wayne Brady.  We only work with fact based figures.  This is the only way to successfully know what you’re up against.

Aside from the need to know your actual financial wedding parameters and sources from which these funds will derive from, you will also need to know if your destination wedding location will offer a cohesive fit.  In other words, prematurely setting your sights on Paris, France when you should realistically move towards it’s Canadian counterpart Paris, Ontario will save you anguish in the end.

To be continued…

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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5 Destination Wedding Decision Making Mistakes

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There’s no denying the fact that there is a growing number of engaged couples choosing to host a destination wedding.  Why is this?  The elevated sense of the value of a dollar has couples becoming breaking the creative mold while seeking more bang for their buck.  Along with this factor, as echo boomers begin to plan their weddings, they too are seeking to break a mold of their own:  the mold of their baby booming parents.

We can’t help but notice that as the number of destination weddings are on a rise, so are the decision making mistakes.  To help you grasp a smooth start to your destination wedding planning adventure, we’ll outline a five pitfalls to avoid in the road.  Join us tomorrow as we begin this two day series.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Sandals Whitehouse European Villiage & Spa Reopens!

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MONTEGO BAY, December 18, 2009 – Sandals Whitehouse European Village & Spa today reopened following four months of upgrades and renovations to the Luxury Included® resort, on pace with original estimates set in August 2009 by Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts.

“The resort looks fabulous and is in top-notch operating condition,” said Stewart.  “While we regret the inconvenience of the closing, the wait was worth it and we are thrilled to share the new and improved Sandals Whitehouse with our guests.”

As part of Sandals Resorts’ commitment to exceeding guests’ expectations, the renovations to the resort will further enhance the Luxury Included® experience for all resort travelers.  Following the project, changes to the resort property included upgrades to soft goods and furnishings throughout the expansive resort property and renovations to all resort restaurants, the main lobby area and treatment rooms at the resort’s exclusive Red Lane® Spa.  The top two categories of suites – the One Bedroom Penthouse Honeymoon Beachfront Suite and the One Bedroom Walkout Honeymoon Beachfront Suite – were completely refurbished, adding updated furniture, upgraded soft goods and new plasma TVs, offering an enhanced setting for resort guests.

In addition, debuting with today’s reopening, guests of Sandals Whitehouse will be the first to experience Neptune’s, a new Mediterranean-themed dining concept.  Created by Sandals Resorts International, Neptune’s offers classic Mediterranean cuisine, a growing favorite among diners worldwide not only for its contribution to healthy living, but for its robust flavor and emphasis on fresh seafood.  Diners will delight in Neptune’s’ casual European elegance while feasting on such dishes as a traditional Meze of marinated olives, feta lamb kebabs and tzatkiki to saffron-infused Bouillibasse.  Neptune’s will be located in the former Arizona Restaurant and there are plans to expand the concept to other Sandals Resorts in the New Year.

Recently named one of the top hotels in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, Sandals Whitehouse is beautifully set within a pristine 500-acre nature reserve on Jamaica’s undiscovered south coast.  The resort features three enticing seaside villages – French, Italian and Dutch – allowing guests to experience a true sense of Europe in the Caribbean, from enchanting piazzas and Mediterranean cuisine to quaint pastry shops and European-inspired architecture.   The 50-acre resort boasts 360 rooms and suites in nine categories – all of which have breathtaking beachfront views; eight restaurants and six bars; the largest freshwater pool in Jamaica; and a sophisticated and authentic European-style square complete with duty-free shops, formal gardens, a stunning piazza and romantic cafes.

As with all Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® vacations, a trip to Sandals Whitehouse includes: superb accommodations; exclusive butler service in select room categories; gourmet dining; unlimited premium brand wine and spirits; championship golf; and a wide array of watersports, including snorkeling and scuba diving.  Guest of Sandals Whitehouse can also experience the award-winning hotel at spectacular savings of up to 65 percent off rack rates through select dates in 2010 when they book a minimum three-night stay by January 7, 2010.


Destination Wedding Dreams Anyone?

Well, we don’t mean a literal dream.  We do think a destination wedding at the new Dreams Riviera Cancun can be a very realistic romantic start to your happily ever after.

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We have been working with Ana since the open of this resort several months back.  We all know that Dreams resorts come with a above average level of satisfaction.  Amy and Chris, our clients, got engaged at a sister property and couldn’t resist the idea of wedding at new Dreams Riviera Cancun.  We are overjoyed to deliver our feedback after our brief visit on Friday.

For couples looking for a contemporary look and feel in a resort, this is certainly one to consider.  Located just a short twenty minute drive from Cancun International Airport, getting here is a breeze.  Houston destination weddings are a direct flight away.  Houston, along with several other major gateway locations offer direct flights to Cancun International Airport.  Current promotions, ease of travel and unlimited luxury inclusive feature makes this Dreams location more than just a dream!

*Stay tuned to our Facebook Fan Page for additional photos*

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Where’s your destination wedding planner???

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Scouting fabulous destination wedding locations, of course!

We’ve been hard at work, keeping up with trends, meeting reputable vendors, making wonderful contacts and getting a first hand view at fabulous locations.  It was our pleasure to absorb first hand information for over a dozen local resorts.  Houston couples seeking a destination wedding is only a direct flight away to the fabulous beaches of Cancun and Riviera Maya.

Stay tuned for more pictures and supporting details.  We’ll be sure to post images and details soon!

[To your destination wedding  :: Cheers!]

Modern Bride & SES Creations Giveaway!

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Five lucky couples will have a chance to win a matching wedding band when purchasing a SES Creations Perfect Twogether engagement ring!  You must submit an entry voucher at the time of purchase.  Print your entry voucher here.  Here’s a list of participating retailers.

While you’re at it, be sure to enter for a chance to win a honeymoon in Aruba.  Here are contest rules and regulations.

Good Luck!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Create Your Wedding or Event Itineraries with Tripit

What is Tripit?

Tripit is an online solution to housing the many travel confirmations, driving instructions and supporting details of travel that serves as an awesome resource to assist in a smooth flowing process.

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A Destination Wedding Must…

If you’re planning a destination wedding or have a large amount of guest attending from out of town, Tripit is an awesome resource to composing and sharing the details of each scheduled event.  You may include maps with turn by turn directions, images and real time weather stats.

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VIEW A DETAILED SAMPLE ITINERARY HERE and don’t forget to SIGN UP for your free account!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Something New :: Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart

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You may have noticed Martha Stewart’s first destination wedding magazine issue hit the news stands this month.  I’m sure it’s part of a grand plan to focus on the growing destination weddings movement.  If you’re familiar with the Sandals brand resort wedding selections, you will quickly notice the premier package designer name change.  That’s right!  As of January 1, 2010, all Sandals destination weddings switch from Preston Bailey designs to designs of Martha Stewart.

Complimentary offering with a six night (or longer) stay in a concierge level room.

Complimentary offering with a six night (or longer) stay in a concierge level room.

What type of changes can you expect?

The designs are no longer referred to as “collections.” They are now referenced as “themes.”  These themes are certainly conducive to the keen design eye of Martha Stewart.  There’s a sense of the classic less is more with a special Martha spun emphasis on each design’s details.  You won’t be bound to a specific wedding cake (although they are gorgeous).  Instead, you will have the option to add petit fours or cup cakes with doily accents.  As a side note:  We always suggest adding personalized touches to make your resort packaged wedding your very own.

Flutter of Romance :: Investment begins at $1500 USD

Flutter of Romance :: Investment begins at $1500 USD

What about the price point?

Did you say price?  Naughty you!  Remember, it’s not about the price.  It’s all about the investment.  You can expect your investment to be slightly less on average with these newly presented themes.

Sandals Vision in White :: Investment starts at $2500 USD

Vision in White :: Investment starts at $2500 USD

What should you expect if you currently have a Preston Bailey Collection wedding booked?

Worry not!  You will still enjoy the beautiful Preston Bailey Signature Collection Wedding you’ve planned as booked.

Seaside Serenade :: Investment starts at $3000 USD

Seaside Serenade :: Investment starts at $3000 USD

What about weddings at Beaches (the family all inclusive luxury sister brand)?

We’ll keep you posted!  As of now, Preston Bailey’s Collection is the only premium offers listed.  However, since Martha announced craft camps for families at Beaches locations, we’re sure this will change at the turn of the new year as well.

Chic & Natural :: Investment starts at $3600 USD

Chic & Natural :: Investment starts at $3600 USD

What do you do if you need more information?

Contact us ::  Precious Nuptials & Destinations offers the best of both worlds (destination wedding and travel planning).  As a Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS), and certified travel agents, we can offer your wedding group level customized service to tie the entire process together.  You can also benefit from securing one of our fabulous on location wedding coordinators to tie all the luscious details of your planning together.  More on this non-Sandals exclusive option to follow!

Island Paradise :: Investment starts at $6000 USD

Island Paradise :: Investment starts at $6000 USD

Visit the Sandals website to get all the wonderful details.  The overview image clips from Sandals’ website are for your quick viewing pleasure.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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The Little White Dress

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Simply genius, destination wedding perfect and wedding reception dress change appropriate.  Amsale’s Little White Dress collection is truly little, white and chic!

{Left :: Shasa}  {Right :: Elsa}

{Left :: Shasa} {Right :: Elsa}

{Left::Krista}  {Right::Jenna}

{Left :: Krista} {Right :: Jenna}

{Left::Kaylee}  {Right::Audrey}

{Left :: Kaylee} {Right :: Audrey}

{Left::Lexi}  {Right::Vivi}

{Left :: Lexi} {Right :: Vivi}

{Left :: Flora}  {Right :: Josie}

{Left :: Flora} {Right :: Josie}

Ally

{Ally}

Gorgeous!  Isn’t it?  We thought you’d think so.  Add a Little White Dress to your wardrobe by visiting a store near you!  If you’re a Houston bride or Houston destination bride, you may visit Louise Blum or Mia Bridal Couture.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Destination Weddings Planning Options :: PART FOUR

Complete Service Destination Wedding Planner

We’ve reviewed the many possibilities of service providers for the planning and execution of your destination wedding.  The Complete Service Destination Wedding Planner is able to offer all of the above.  Precious Nuptials & Destinations is a Complete Service Destination Wedding Planner provider.  In short, as Texas destination wedding planners we offer:

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To help you get a quick visual of limitations to the service providers we reviewed in this series, we’ve created this quick reference chart for your review:

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[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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