We discussed compatibility as a key element in a successful destination wedding on day one of our ’20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding’ series. As promised, we bring to you this entertaining and fun quiz to test your compatibility to wedding away!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
If you are pondering on the idea of planning a destination wedding, know that you are not alone. Often couples will act on the idea of planning a destination wedding without being fully aware of the personality compatibility factor. Failed compatibility may bring unwanted guests named Stress, Difficulty and Resistance. We promised to bring you a profile quiz and we’ll do just that. Stop by tomorrow for a live personality quiz created just for you, the prospective destination wedding planning couple!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
Now that you’ve viewed our post from yesterday on Turtle Island, we know that you’re totally swooning over the idea of honeymooning on Turtle Island. While you have your fiancé beef up the honeymoon savings fund, you should also enter Get Married’s Win a Honeymoon in Paradise Giveaway. Don’t forget to read the official contest rules. We’re sending good luck your way! Should you win, don’t forget to send us pictures of your fabulous vacation courtesy of Get Married. Heck! Should you go, send us pictures!
Click Image :: Get Married Win a Honeymoon in Paradise Turtle Island, Fiji valued at over $20,000!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
As a Houston, Texas based destination wedding planner, we often share world stories of traditions, customs and symbolism with our clients. The circle is one of my favorites.
A cycle, completion, wholeness, unity, centering, unending…
These are some of the things that come to my mind in reference to the circle. Isn’t it ironic that these may also be referenced to love and marriage?
The Circle…
A closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from a point within it called the center. Equation: x 2 + y2 = r2.
With this ring…
The wedding band is the most familiar circle symbol around. The symbol of everlasting love.
"From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness, a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never ending circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is also never ending." --Michael Barlow-Sparkman
Family circle and circle of friends…
Your circle of family and friends will be your never ending support system as you begin the next chapter of your life. JP Photography captures this symbolism beautifully in this image. The Polish wedding unveiling ceremony offers a good example of incorporating this symbolism.
Hawaii’s Circle of Flowers and Wedding Leis…
In Hawaii, the circle of flowers is also known as the circle of love and serves as the alter in which the couple is Maui’d. Just kidding, married. As with the traditional wedding band, it holds a symbol of everlasting love. Your circle of family and friends my participate by adding single blooms to the circle shape arrangement.
The couple’s exchange of wedding leis at the beginning of the ceremony symbolizes love, commitment and respect.
The Wedding Lasso…
Made as two circles joined into a figure eight shape, the lasso is often seen in Catholic Spanish/Hispanic and Philippine (Cord and Veil Ceremony) wedding ceremonies. My Spiritual Wedding offers the pictured example below.
The Circle of Life…
Marriage is a natural part of life’s cycle. Perhaps the biggest circle symbol, we know this cycle as the “circle of life.” It most often happens just past the life’s autumn and unselfish surface. Adulthood enhances our ability to swim through our life’s growth processes. This is our life’s full moon and our prime as our paths are ready to embrace marriage as a new chapter of our life’s cycle.
From the Greek wedding tradition of the couple circling the alter to the Indian wedding tradition of the couple’s exchange of garland, the circle is used in a variety of symbols, customs and beliefs. Yet all carries a heavy foundation to begin a new chapter of life as husband and wife. How can you be inspired by the circle?
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
Photo Credits ::
Wedding Band :: Posh Woman
Bride with Bridal Party :: JP Photography
Leis and Circle of Flowers :: Maui-Angels.com
Wedding Lasso :: My Spiritual Wedding
Circle of Life :: Will return to update : Amended from original version
If you’re into maximizing the experience for the guests attending your beach destination wedding, here’s your chance to offer a grand welcome! As part of creating the experience, you’ll create a lasting memory and over hear your wedding guests saying, “Oh! Wasn’t the welcome tote from Tamara and Steve simply fabulous?!”
Step One :: Find a keepsake tote that’s makes a statement
Spotted at Newport News for a bargin $24!
Aggie Fan clear beach tote only $12.95 at Football Fanatics! Don't worry your team is listed too!
Personalize this Chino Deck tote with a picture of the happy couple for about $10!
Pick your flip flop and your guest's name for only $14.95 at Personal Creations.
Make a cultural statement. This Miller Home Fashions tote was found at Amazon for $28.99 each.
Step Two :: Add fun and necessary items
Don’t over personalize your items, but bottled water is a nice way to bring in your event brand. We love Bottle Your Brand (the source of these great pics)!
Add a picture...
... include a welcome statement
... and/or brand it!
Step Three :: Add a few essentials
With all the special baggage requirements on flights these days, travel sized items will be a hit! If guests haven’t traveled in a while, or had to forfeit items at security check, they’ll love you more because of your thoughtfulness. Other essentials may include items like a beach towel or flip flops.
My all time favorite one stop shop for anything trial size!
Another great source for travel size items of all sorts!
Top it off with Sephora lip balm if you really like them! {wink}
Step Four :: Add a little local flair
Local favorites of food, crafts, maps, wine, et cetera….
Step Five :: Add a little fun
A deck of cards for adult down time and fun for the child at heart. Your guests will appreciate you giving them a little something to do during down times.
Dollar Days offers discount board games suitable for adults.
Family Travel Gear offers travel sized games for the little ones.
Step Six :: Include your Wedding Guests Itinerary
Don’t forget to include a copy of your wedding guest itinerary. We reviewed this briefly on day three of our 20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding Series.
Helpful Hint :: Most of these items can be shipped to your destination
Don’t forget to check with your hotel policy ahead of time. We suggest add this to the shipping address:
Hold for : Jane Doe / Check in 00/00/2011
You will need to set up a system to track delivery confirmation. Since you will be arriving ahead of time to ensure residency requirements are set, this will be a good time to assemble bags (or have your Destination Wedding Planner team do it for you).
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
16 :: Bring In Service Providers You Can’t Live Without
Just because you’ve having a destination wedding doesn’t mean you have to forgo using local vendors that you’ve come the know, trust, and love! Other than the wedding planner, we think you should absolutely bring in your favorite photographer. Photography is such a beautiful art. Your destination wedding should be captured by an exceptional artist who’s craft meshes best with your style. Mark Eric, Brooke Schwab, Christine Tremoulet, and Clint Shuttlesworth are wonderful examples of remarkable photography. Each bring their own unique style of photography wrapped in beautiful packaging that’s yours to keep. It’s simply priceless! Review the dynamic photographers listed on Modern Photographers to seek your artistic genius. After all, when everything is said and done, your memories along with tangible images will be the only reference of your day. Bring along service providers that will make the best that much better.
17 :: Insurance, Insurance, and More Insurance
You invest in car insurance. You invest in homeowners insurance. You invest in personal property insurance. All of which are hefty investments. Your wedding should not be any different. We like to example that planning a wedding is the third biggest expense next to raising a family and purchasing a homestead. The difference is that you will endure the cost of the first two over a span of years. Contrary, your wedding will be paid for over the course of eighteen months or less. Why would you not invest in wedding insurance? Protect your destination wedding investment and don’t skimp when it comes to wedding event insurance (as discussed on this previous post) as well as travel insurance.
18 :: Confirmed Service Providers
Any good destination wedding planner and/or travel agent will offer this as part of their services. If by chance you are handling the planning yourself, confirming your vendors as well as your travel plans is certainly necessary. Your final payment will not serve as service confirmation. You will need to make personal contact to confirm the details of the services outlined on all agreements. Don’t forget to log all date, times, and names of each person you speak with. Success is all about being proactive instead of reactive.
19 :: Organization
Available at your fingertips, are 20 elements or tips towards planning your very own successful destination wedding. Believe me when I say, there are so many more. Stay on track by staying organized. It’s that simple. If you work best with hard copies, create a binder. There are many shelf copies marketed to brides, but the best planning binder will be the one developed by you with your needs in mind. You’ll be able to add as little or as much to stay on track with your destination wedding road map. If you prefer electronic organization, find a software you’re willing to marry or create your own electronic system. Terrica showcased this iPhone/iTouch iWedding application on Cocktails & Details last Friday. Find a system that will work for you and be sure to back up electronic data on a separate piece of hardware.
20 :: Graciously Thank Your Guests
We know it’s all about you, but it’s so thoughtful to show an abundance of appreciation to all that was able to participate and attend. Plan a farewell brunch before you escape to your honeymoon location. Once you return home, thank them again. Sacrifices were made by your guests because of the love and support they were determined to share as you begin a new chapter in your life!
We hope you found useful information and enjoyed this series as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
11 :: Well Thought Out Wedding Week/Weekend Events
Give special thought when developing your wedding excursions and events activity list. Please do not start events too early in the morning. Your guest will appreciate sleeping in on their much needed vacation. Daytime is a great time for adventurous family filled fun. While evening time is ideal for adult friendly gatherings. Don’t forget to include a guest events itinerary in your bag or basket of greeting goodies.
12 :: Paid Guest Transfers to Wedding Events
Be kind and provide guests with transportation to and from all wedding events. Your guests will have made leaps and bounds to attend your wedding. Just as it’s not proper to require them to pay for wedding related events, they shouldn’t have to schedule and pay for on location wedding related transfers either. Not only is it courteous, but it’s simply the right thing to do. Don’t forget to list shuttle, taxi, or car pick up times on your guest itinerary.
13 :: Supply Guests With Frequent Updates
With small groups, it’s much easier to keep guest informed and excited about your up and coming destination nuptials. However, working with medium sized to larger groups may pose a greater challenge. We suggest bi-monthly updates to keep your guest excited and properly informed. Please stay within wedding etiquette when sending out any wedding related communications. Regardless of the level of formality, a flyer has no fit where weddings are concerned. We know you will send out save the date notices as well as a formal invitation. Use your wedding website for continued updates. Send email notices to visit your wedding website for updates or important need to know information from your dedicated wedding couple email address. Keeping the buzz going also creates a greater yes:no ratio of attendance.
14 :: Consider a Planning Trip
Don’t send us hate mail on this one, please! Everyone should access their need to make a planning trip. Even if you are a regular visitor of your destination, you should plan a face to face meeting with service providers as well as to outline the sheer logistics of the scheduled events. Element of change is something that’s around to stay. Staff members will changes, policies and procedures will change, venues appearances will change; Change is inevitable. Readiness and being prepared to overcome change is another story. The greater the attendee list, the greater the logistics, and the greater we urge you to budget for a planning trip. You definitely will want to consider taking your planner as well as any key decision makers.
15 :: Be In the Know on Legal Requirements
Having a planner or travel agent on hand will keep you abreast of legal necessities for marrying at your destination. Knowing what documents are needed for entry, residency requirements, translation requirements, blood test requirements, prior marriage requirements, notary requirements, religious requirements, et cetera, will make the processes that much simpler. Wouldn’t it be horrible to go through the planning and arrive at your destination only to find out that you can not be legally married for some odd reason?
Tomorrow :: 20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding, The Finale!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
6 :: Decide Your Guest List Early On
Yesterday, we used the world as a blank canvas to visualize location selection. You were able to paint your wedding at a specific location. Let’s take a look at this beautiful masterpiece! Do you see a handful of your closest family members? Maybe you envision something a bit larger, yet still intimate in size. You may even picture a fiesta of family, friends and loved ones. At any rate, the important fact is knowing early on and communicating this important piece of information to all parties involved. Doing so can avoid ill feelings.
7 :: Save The Date Notice
Other than your overly excited parents eagerly chatting about your upcoming nuptials, you will need to formally announce your wedding date. Destination wedding save the dates should be ordered and delivered as soon as you know your actual wedding date. Keep is short and sweet! Highlight your date and destination. There will be plenty of details to follow.
8 :: Offer More Than One Guest Rooming Option
It’s very common to have guest that may feel comfortable rooming at an alternative location other than the one hosting your event or your primary housing option. Sure, you will be offered upgrades and/or additional amenities by booking “X” amount of rooms into your group space. Doing so may not be the best choice for your guests. Family A may desire a bit more modest arrangement while Family B may be accustomed to a more luxurious experience. Be prepared for split decisions. We’re not saying that everyone will not book into your primary location. We’re simply advising that you should never make your guest feel obligated to book one specific location. Remember, they will be traveling to share in the joy of your union. Many of them will make great sacrifices. Be a gracious host every step of the way.
9 :: Negotiate Group Rates
When creating room blocks, you will have the opportunity to negotiate your group rate. I don’t recommend calling up a hotel or resort and saying, “Let’s make a deal.” No! This is not the 1970′s game show with Monty Hall waiting to show you what’s behind curtain number one. Instead, leave this task for your wedding planner or travel agent to handle (see day one : no. 4). Depending on who you’ve retained, they may be able to land additional amenities for you and your guests as well as the standard offerings of a blocked space.
10 :: Create a Wedding Website
A good wedding website should be your main resource for keeping your guests in the know. Take the time time necessary to introduce yourselves and your destination wedding details. Having a good resource of information will habit your guests to visit your website verses constant telephone calls. We recommend WeddingWindow. It’s reasonably priced, and comes with powerful features. The designs are visually appealing and easy to customize. The features are too lengthy to list here. We know you’ll appreciate the password feature. Undoubtedly, your family will share your wedding website with others. Password protection is a great way to protect attending specifics for your guests access only. Test drive WeddingWindow’s free trial offer.
Day 3 :: Series resumes on Monday!
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
1 :: Destination Wedding Road Map
Just as traditional weddings are planned and charted through a checklist system, destination weddings are no different. All of our destination events are supplied with a Destination Wedding Road Map. This road map contains a checklist of items that are covered from the beginning of the planning process until completion. Not only does it simplify the process, but it also reduces the risk for unknown factors along the way.
2 :: Advanced Location Research
The world is a blank canvas! Where do you see your wedding painted? Do you envision a tropical garden? Then you may want to consider St. Lucia. How about a chateau abroad? Begin researching European destinations. Maybe you are the popular beach bride. Which ever the case, it’s important to begin research the minute you begin thinking about planning a destination wedding.
3 :: Compatibility
No, we’re not speaking in terms of couple compatibility. Although that to is an element to consider 
. We’re speaking couple to destination wedding compatibility. Think about it. Do you handle change well? How do you see yourself on your wedding day? How important is it for your favorite Aunt Bessie to attend? Are you a tense traveler? Do you simply roll with the punches, because ultimately it’s the two of you that matters? These are just a few things to consider. We promise to release a compatibility quiz especially for you. In the meantime, we suggest sitting down with all important parties to access your compatibility. After all, destination weddings are not a fit for everyone.
4 :: Enlist Help of a Qualified Professional
An ideal resource would be a specialized destination wedding planner. He or she will be familiar with both logistical aspects of the process (planning an event unique to you and maintaining the tedious travel arrangements for all parties involved). When going route, one company can do the job of both. If you can’t find a destination wedding planner that specializes in travel, enlist the help of both a travel agent and a destination wedding planner. A good travel agent will steer you clear of road bumps along the way and assist you with the many details of getting everyone on location. The destination wedding planner will be your go to person that will work closely with all parties involved. He/she can be someone that you work closely with from your home town, or local to your destination. A local planner adds the advantage of having the opportunity to make a personal connection. This is invaluable when producing an event on foreign ground.
5 :: Early Booking
Generally, couples that plan a destination wedding tend to live by the moment. Given that fact, they may not begin the planning process a year in advance. I beg to differ! Take the time to research, but also be prepared to book early on. Travel, hotels, resorts and vendors begin booking events 330 days in advance. What does this mean? If you’re that beach bride we talked about earlier, you may be marrying at high noon on sizzling hot sand instead of the sunset romance you had in mind. Prime time slots book quickly.
Tomorrow :: Day 2
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]
You’ve made the decision to plan a destination wedding gala. You must be so excited to get started! We agree that excitement is warranted. How do you carry this level of excitement on throughout the process? Our staff Destination Wedding Specialist will share with you tips on creating a successful destination wedding experience. Join us as we embark upon presenting this four part series to you beginning on tomorrow.
[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]