Tips

Destination Weddings Planning Options :: PART TWO

August 8, 2009 1 Comment

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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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Filed Under: ... with Precious, Chit Chat, Destination Wedding, Need To Know, Planning, Tips Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Planning Trip, Tips, What is?

Destination Weddings Planning Options :: INTRODUCTION

August 6, 2009 1 Comment

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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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Filed Under: ... with Precious, Chit Chat, Destination Wedding, Planning Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Tips

The Soundtrack to Your Day: The best wedding…

July 10, 2009 8 Comments

“The Soundtrack to Your Day: The best wedding entertainment reflects the couple and entertains guests.”

GigMasters is the #1 online entertainment booking service. So far this year, 4,600+ couples have used GigMasters to find their perfect wedding entertainment.

by Marissa at GigMasters

First off, let me say that I’m delighted to be guest-blogging on Precious’ inspirational blog. I was attracted to Precious because, like me, she believes that each wedding should celebrate all that is unique and special about the couple.

Entertainment is one of the most memorable ways to truly put an individual stamp on your day. Though often, couples feel torn between having the music they love and entertaining guests from ages 9 to 99. To this I say, don’t let your desire to entertain compromise the soundtrack that you want for your day. You can do both…

Many bands and DJ’s can accommodate a broad range of musical genres. When interviewing performers, ask if they would do a complete set of cover songs from your favorite artist. Or, go one step further, and book a tribute band for the whole event – there are many tribute acts out there – with a little research you’ll find everything from U2 to Jimmy Buffett. Often, these tribute acts don’t just sound like the real thing, they look like it too! Now that’s memorable.

Or, consider an impersonator to be a guest at your cocktail hour. You may have seen that many couples have invited Barack Obama to their weddings in hopes of receiving the denied RSVP. Imagine if a look-alike shows up and mingles with your guests. Elvis is an another popular impersonator – and he loves weddings!

So, I hope these ideas shake up some conversation between you and your spouse. Your guests will be entertained by the unexpected while getting a peek into another facet of your love. How perfectly precious!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Filed Under: ...with our guests, Chit Chat, Entertainment Tagged With: Live Entertainment, Tips

Welcome Bags for Your Beach Wedding!

June 16, 2009 5 Comments

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!]

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Filed Under: Destination Wedding, Details, Guests, Need To Know Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Guests, Hospitality, Tips, Welcome Bag

20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: Finale!

June 9, 2009 1 Comment

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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!]

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Filed Under: Destination Wedding, Need To Know, Tips Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Insurance, Photographer, Thank you!, Tips

20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: Day 3

June 8, 2009 1 Comment

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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!]

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Filed Under: Destination Wedding, Need To Know, Tips Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Guests, Planning Trip, Requirements, Tips, Transfers, Wedding Events

20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: Day 2

June 5, 2009 2 Comments

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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!]

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Filed Under: Destination Wedding, Need To Know, Tips Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Group Rates, Guests, Save the Date, Tips, Wedding Website

20 Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: Day 1

June 4, 2009 4 Comments

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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!]

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Filed Under: Destination Wedding, Need To Know, Tips Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Location Scouting, Tips, Travel Booking

Elements of a Successful Destination Wedding :: 4 Day Series

June 3, 2009 3 Comments

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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!]

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Filed Under: Destination Wedding, Need To Know, Tips Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Tips

Wedding + Flowers + Destination Wedding Heat = OH MY

May 27, 2009 1 Comment

Destination :: CHECK

Location :: CHECK

Date :: CHECK

Dress :: CHECK

Flowers :: .: oh oh:.

Bridal Dream Hawaii :: Tropical Hand Tied Bouquet

Does the thought of selecting flowers for your destination wedding have you a little stumped? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve already mentioned the fact that planning a destination wedding adds to logistical matters. One of these matters is the art of selecting flowers that will not only compliment the look and feel of your vision, but will also sustain their fresh appeal throughout your day’s events.

Some couples who opt to plan a resort style destination wedding, or for that matter, any destination wedding, will budget for a wedding planner and a planning trip. Ideally, if you are located in the Houston area, a Houston Destination Wedding Planner or Specialist would be an perfect resource for assisting you. He/she will provide service as your ‘go between’ for origin to destination contact, conduct the necessary leg work, and present you with a final floral workup. If you’re not in our area, don’t fret. We know you heart us. We heart you as well! We are available for travel. We may also be able to refer you to a reputable resource in your area.

Considering that many couples won’t have the means of hiring a Destination Wedding Specialist or taking a planning trip, floral selection details will have to hammer out upon arrival. This being typical, on site coordinators are accustomed to systematically ironing out the details in a short span of time.

At any rate, you should begin to visualize the design concept for your day. It’s important to take into consideration your destination of choice. After all, one of the reasons you decided to wed away to this specific destination is because of the flair, natural beauty, and ambiance of the location. We suggest embracing local bloom options, for obvious reasons. Local flowers will hold up best in current climate and conditions. They will also add to the local flair that attracts you to this location in the first place.

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If your budget allows, tropical blooms won’t suffer from drought or heat. They also add elegance that are not traditionally seen in local wedding flower choices.

Here are other qualities to look for when looking for flowers that will hold well in heat:

Thick stems
Wax textured floral
Full blooms (they will stay fresh longer than small bud flowers)

: Bridal Dream Hawaii :: Green Cymbidium Orchids

Specific popular heat friendly destination wedding flowers are:

Lilies (there are many variations and color choices)
Roses
Cymbidium Orchids
Gerbera Daisy’s (Mini Gerberas are good fillers)
Hypericum (for fill and texture)
Tropical foliage

If you don’t have a Destination Wedding Planner at your finger tips, your venue will be able to offer you specific blooms per location. They will also be able to assist you in building your floral order that will not only suit the destination’s climate, but he/she will ensure the vogue is uniquely you!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

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Filed Under: Decor, Details, Flowers, Need To Know Tagged With: Destination Wedding, Flowers, Tips