Archive for the ‘Destination Wedding’ Category

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5 Destination Wedding Decision Making Mistakes

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

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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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Destination Wedding Dreams Anyone?

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

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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Create Your Wedding or Event Itineraries with Tripit

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

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

Friday, November 13th, 2009

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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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Destination Weddings Planning Options :: PART FOUR

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

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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Destination Weddings Planning Options :: PART THREE

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

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As a continuation to Part One and Two of this series, here are two other destination wedding planning options to consider:

Local Destination Wedding Planner

Defined :: A local based wedding planner that specializes in destination weddings.  For example, if you are located in Houston, a Houston wedding planner that offers destination wedding services would be a local destination wedding planner.  The local destination wedding planner may work a specific region or they may market themselves globally.

Scene ::  Destination weddings of varying size that pose an elevated degree of complexity.  These weddings are generally totally customized or an upgraded personalized resort destination wedding.

Pros :: A destination wedding planner is very well versed in the details of wedding planning.  They are able to assist you with vendor scouting, budget tracking, etiquette guidance, design consultations, et cetera.  You will have the opportunity to bond and build trust with someone that you’re able to meet on more than a few occasions.

Cons :: A destination wedding planner my not be able to offer you travel specific assistance.  We suggest you steer away from planners that market themselves globally.  Just as the best travel agents are knowledgeable when dealing with specific regions, destination wedding planners are best are learning region specifics.  It’s never good to expect expert assistance on the entire world.  Using a firm of planners specializing various locations may assist with this hindrance.

Expectations :: Expect to receive customized assistance on the wedding planning portion of your destination wedding.  You will need to seek the assistance from a certified seller of travel when going this route.

Destination Local Wedding Planner

Defined ::  A wedding planner local to the destination in which you are planning your nuptials.  For example, if you are planning your destination wedding in St. Thomas.  A wedding planner located in St. Thomas would be a destination local wedding planner.

Scene :: Destination weddings of any degree of size and complexity

Pros :: A destination local wedding planner will be the expert on inner workings of your destination.  He/she will be able to offer tried and true options based on his/her local expert destination knowledge.

Cons :: You will not have the option of truly getting to know your wedding planner when using this option.  You will need to rely on referrals and what he/she has told you, as you may only meet this person upon pre-wedding arrival or twice at most.

Expectations ::  Expect heavy distance planning usage options.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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HOT Destination Wedding Posts :: Revisited

Monday, August 10th, 2009

We’ve made it a point to give our readers need to know destination wedding facts.  Here’s a list of our must visit destination wedding posts:

Destination Wedding Planning Options ::

Destination Wedding Personality Quiz::

Precious Nuptials & Destinations 2010-2011 Destination Wedding Trends::

Destination Wedding Photography

20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding

Stay tuned…

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Destination Weddings Planning Options :: PART TWO

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

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Destination Wedding Specialist

Defined:: A certified specialist that has successfully completed destination wedding courses offered by leading continued education travel resources.  These studies cover the aspects of current travel trends, features, locations specifics, and meeting the needs of destination wedding clients.  This title is primarily seen with professionals authorized to sell travel arrangements.

Scene:: Any sized event seeking the knowledge of a certified Destination Wedding Specialist to coordinate the travel and events within the destination weddingmoon.

Pros:: Destination Wedding Specialist are very well versed in the complete demographics of location and property specifics.  As sellers of travel, they are able to lock in good rates and group amenities while offering best price guarantees.

Cons:: They are often not experienced or knowledgeable in the “wedding planning” aspects of the event. Although this is not always the case, often times it will be.

Expectations:: Expect to receive a customized level of service with travel, wedding planning and group communication.  Services typically will be like that of a travel agent with a specialized approach.

Destination Wedding Coordinator

Defined:: A professional, other than that of the on location coordinator,  that will travel with you to your destination to coordinate the wedding specific events.

Scene:: Midsized (40 guests) to larger (100 guests) attendance events, with increased financial parameters, that desire to have a professional on hand other than the resort’s/venue’s on site coordinator.

Pros:: You will appreciate the extra level of comfort when dealing with a group and event at a foreign location.  This person’s concierge level of wedding service in conjunction with the management/execution of your nuptials will add to and enhance the overall experience.

Cons:: As a coordinator of events, the Destination Wedding Coordinator will not be available to you the duration of the planning.  Equally so, this person will not be able to assist with inside travel aspects of your group.

Expectations:: Expect on location services such as that of a month of planner.  This person will typically begin working with you on your event six to eight weeks prior to departure.  This person will generally arrive prior to your arrival and leave the day after all events are complete.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we continue to review planning services for your destination wedding!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Destination Weddings Planning Options :: PART ONE

Friday, August 7th, 2009

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DIY Destination Wedding Planning

Defined :: A self planned nuptial taking place more than least two-hundred (200) miles from home.  In addition to the general wedding planning tasks, the couple will also serve as the go to person to coordinate guests travel/accommodations, supply guests with area demographics, and ensure the smooth process throughout.

Scene :: These intimate functions (10 people or less) present easy travel options.  Guests will typically self book overnight accommodations based on couple’s suggestions.

Pros :: The do it yourself option can be rewarding if the event is scaled down and simple.

Cons :: Can be an extra task that you may not have the time or knowledge to handle.

Expectations :: Do your homework and be prepared to assist your guest accordingly.

Travel Agency

Defined :: A brick and mortar agency of agents well versed in the knowledge and all aspects of travel.  These agents come with different geographic areas of specialty.  They will handle guests travel itineraries, can offer excursion group activities, keep you abreast of changes/red flags, and serve as the one travel go to for all parties involved.

Scene :: Any size event desiring the assistance of a travel professional.  Wedding and event planners often use this type of vendor as a resource to handle event travel logistics.

Note :: There is a vast selection of online travel agencies.  The larger brands are more of a call center (dealing with many different agents) of customer service/sales agents.  Although they may come with a buying power, they don’t offer the personalization of service a wedding deserves.

Pros :: You will have a dedicated person(s) that are educated and trained to answer your questions and steer you in the right direction.  They are also able to successfully embrace and handle the dynamics of complex group travel.

Cons :: This person may only bring the travel expertise to the table.  Contracting additional wedding planning experts may be necessary to successfully execute your destination wedding.

Expectations :: Everyone should book their travels through the agent.  This will help you to both keep an accurate count and reach the amenities your agent discussed with you.  Much like a real estate agent, your travel agent won’t get properly compensated for all of the blood, sweat and tears it took to properly orchestrate everyone’s travel unless he/she handles the bookings of the entire event group.

Stay tuned tomorrow as we continue the overview of destination wedding professionals!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Destination Weddings Planning Options :: INTRODUCTION

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

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The idea of a destination wedding is so exciting, adventurous and romantic all the same.  We think it’s important to retain these thoughts, feelings and emotions throughout the process.

Let’s think in terms of building a home for a moment.  You have a rough sketch (ideas in your head, pictures, diaries, etc.) or maybe even a blue print at this point in time.  When it’s all said and done, your foundation will be the base that holds everything together.  The lack of a sound foundation, may lead to breaks and cracks along the way.  Keep in mind that a good foundation will still need upkeep to maintain its sturdiness along the way.  Your wedding should not be an experimental building project.  With that said, let’s review your options.

What’s the best way to get your destination wedding planning off to a right start?  Take those ideas and visions and put them to the side for a moment.  We’re sure that all those ideas and research has left you a bit confused and maybe even overwhelmed.  It’s time to decide on your ideal type of destination wedding planning assistance.  You will find that there are several options.  We think you should have an idea of who you should call on as well as what you should expect.  Don’t you?

Tomorrow we will begin by outlining these options for you.  Stay tuned, and feel free to send us your questions.  We’d love to hear from you!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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