Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

FUN Find Friday!:: Wonder File

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

I have an awful habit of sleeping with the television on. Depending on the channel’s location, I’ve been known to wake up to an infomercial/paid programming for time to time. I never order and always find myself waiting for it to hit the local “as seen on TV” shelves.

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?

Texas Destination Wedding Planner

Rain on your wedding day :: a new sexy!

Monday, April 19th, 2010

During a consultation with one of our destination wedding couples last week, we began the forbidden “weather” discussion.  We laughed at how our destination bride-to-be’s grandfather enjoyed Molly and Jason’s (ABC’s The Bachelor) downpour at their outdoor wedding ceremony.  At that moment I realized that couples are truly beginning to embrace their wedding day’s events as mother nature means for it to happen.

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!]

5 Destination Wedding Decision Making Mistakes :: Part Two

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

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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!]

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5 Destination Wedding Decision Making Mistakes :: Part One

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

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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

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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Where’s your destination wedding planner???

Monday, December 7th, 2009

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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!]

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 :: 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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