But…

Before we talk about the beauty, tradition, heritage, the people and the wonderful destination wedding possibilities, let’s talk about the reason many are shying away from a destination wedding in Mexico due to the ongoing reports of  Mexico’s drug cartels violence at the border.  These reports are real and one can’t help but question the possibility of safe travels.  To this I say, “We Houstonians are closer to the border violence than The Yucatan, Mexico (referring also to Cancun and Riviera Maya) is to its own border violence issues.”

We visited our local Fox 26 Houston website and took the last ten reports (as of May 5, 2010) and placed them on a pin map.  What did we find?  Houston is approximately 300 land miles from the border violence.  Yes, it’s that close to home.  Which is understandably why it’s such a  hot topic of discussion.  However, The Yucatan, Cancun and the Riviera Maya is 800 flight miles away.  Depending on drive route, more than double the miles by land (1700+).  For the record, I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind that would attempt a drive through Mexico to get to The Yucatan.

It’s a given, crime can be found globally.  Everyone is responsible for their own destiny.  We can simply testify that during our two trips to this area in the past five months, we didn’t see nor experience  violence-ridden Mexico in the Cancun, Riviera Maya and The Yucatan area that is unfortunately taking place at the Mexico Border.

To visit our interactive map here for details on pin points, please send us your email address.

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/2009/08/07/destination-weddings-planning-options-part-one/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=destination-weddings-planning-options-part-one http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/2009/08/07/destination-weddings-planning-options-part-one/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:30:27 +0000 precious http://preciousnuptials.com/blog/?p=766

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!]

Fly Free to Luxury Honeymoon or Destination Wedding

Four Easy Steps to Thousands in Savings on Your Luxury Gourmet-Inclusive Vacation:

1. Book a 4-night or longer getaway at our award-winning resorts on the Riviera Maya and get up to 2 free air tickets, valued up to $200 per ticket.
2. Upgrade your room for only $40 as many times as you want.
3. Receive hotel credits at no extra charge for private beach dining, premium wines or massages.
4. Indulge in Gourmet services and cuisine, and be pampered by our staff

Book :: April 2, 2009 – December 22, 2009

Travel :: April 2, 2009 – December 22, 2009
Free Airfare from Minneapolis, Dallas, St.Louis, Denver, Cincinnati and Nashville is for travel until September 1, 2009.

Applies To:

More Details Contact :: DW [at] PreciousNuptials [dot] com

[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!]