If you were to say the words Galveston Island, there would an array of feedback and replies: Ike, 1900 storm, the beaches, historical homes, great food, shopping, Schlitterbahn, The Strand, Galveston art, Carnival or cruising in general, Moody Gardens.  The list places to go, along with things to see and do will go on and on.  Galveston has something for everyone, and we want to share the love of the city and all its destination wedding possibilities with you!

Join us each Wednesday, beginning next week, as we tour the city of Galveston through the eyes of destination wedding planners.  Corner to corner, we’ll unveil this hidden destination wedding gem!

Until then…  Cheers!

What do you think of when you think of your school days?  Books, chalkboards, apples for the teachers… and if you went to a Private school like I did, you’d think of plaid uniforms.

The best way to make a resonating theme throughout your wedding is in the small details.  Introduce the theme in your wedding invitations so that guests will have a sneak-peek of what to expect on your day.  You could make your invitation look like a note that you passed in class, but instead of ratty, torn-up paper, you could have it professionally printed on cardstock with a feint-ruled background, but have the edges hole punched like it was ripped from a notebook.  Another way you could do it is to have your invitations inserted into a vintage schoolbook, similar to what Jessica Claire did here for her wedding invitations.

Here are some ideas for different elements of your School-themed Wedding:

Favors: Apples, pencil sets stamped with your names and the wedding date, a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird (or another book that was required-reading in school that you enjoyed), a lunchbox with your favorite type of sandwich for guests to munch on for the ride home.

Decor: Apple place card holders, a chalkboard seating chart, a locker to store coats/jackets.

Just remember to carry your theme throughout your event – from your favors, to your decorations.  Have fun with it, and remember details specific to your schooling experience as a couple.  It will make for a memorable day for all your guests!

Don’t forget about our Engagement/Anniversary shoot contest.  Come by and enter over here.

The Wonder File actually looks like a must try! I, of course, would order it in black and make it into a Precious Nuptials’ couture original. It’s a perfect wedding planning work station that you can fold right up and take with you. You’ll find slots for your inspiration pages, checklists, notes, fabric samples, receipts, check book, calculator and more. Wouldn’t this be a functional wedding planning organization station?

No doubt, it’s all in the attitude.  We can’t control the weather, but we can certainly control our reactions and overall attitudes to things we cannot control.  If you’re planning a tropical destination wedding, it’s not uncommon for the sky to open up one minute and the sun to peak through the clouds the next.  Embrace this possibility and run with it… the grown and sexy way!

Here’s a clip of Molly and Jason’s beautiful rainy day wedding from ABC’s The Bachelor ::

Tell us…

How would you like a wet, rainy wedding ceremony?  I’d totally dig it!  After all, rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck.  [wink]

Until next time!

[Here's to your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

Mistake No. 3 :: Having unrealistic budget expectations

Roadblock tip :: Know your maximum budget before hand and research your options. Come to terms with your findings.  It’s far better to plan a beautiful destination wedding for twelve verses building a logistical nightmare for fifty.

It’s true that planning a destination wedding can be less costly, but this doesn’t mean that you build Romanian gala on a $5,000 budget.  It’s not uncommon to have couples with destination wedding visions that are not parallel with their overall budget.  This is part not knowing and part media hype.  If you don’t know how far your dollar will stretch, it’s okay to ask.  We do advise you to do a little preliminary research.  Sure, it may not be the best idea to plan a destination wedding and manage your entire group’s travel itineraries yourself.  However, it’s okay to use the world wide web to get a general idea on travel demographics of your destination prior to enlisting help.  Just to be clear… We didn’t say planning a destination wedding on a $5,000 budget is unrealistic.  We’re simply saying, parallel your expectations.

Mistake No. 4 :: Scaling back on guest inclusions

Roadblock tip :: Be gracious to your guests!  They’ll love your for it and the overall experience will be that more memorable.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, you should include a portion of your budget to “Guest Inclusions.”  Although not many destination wedding couples are able to pay for their guest travel and accommodations, there are other areas of opportunity to treat your guests graciously.  If there’s ever an opportunity to practice good hosting skills, it’s at a destination wedding.  Many of your guests will make great sacrifices to attend.  Be gracious to them!  If you need to scale anything back, consider cutting down on your overall guest list to add room on your bottom line.

To be continued…

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

]]> http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2010/01/12/5-destination-wedding-decision-making-mistakes-part-two/feed/ 0 http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/12/31/5-destination-wedding-decision-making-mistakes-part-one/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-destination-wedding-decision-making-mistakes-part-one http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/12/31/5-destination-wedding-decision-making-mistakes-part-one/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:00:05 +0000 precious http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/?p=953

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:

• Destination Bride :: Is a destination wedding right for you?
• About.com :: Is a destination wedding right for you? – 8 Pros and Cons of a Destination Wedding
• DW101: Is a destination wedding right for me? [Miss Sea Breeze of Wedding Bee's prior life as Miss Purple]
• Be sure to take our fun compatibility quiz along the way.
  

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!]

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!]

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.

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.

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

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

]]> http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/11/17/create-your-wedding-or-event-itineraries-with-tripit/feed/ 3 http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/08/08/destination-weddings-planning-options-part-two/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=destination-weddings-planning-options-part-two http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/08/08/destination-weddings-planning-options-part-two/#comments Sat, 08 Aug 2009 13:30:51 +0000 precious http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/?p=786

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!]

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!]