Destination Brides and Planners

Looking to save big bucks on accommodations for your destination wedding? Consider Vacation Rental by Owner a website that connects property owners of all types to renters. Without getting into tons of deals, check out their website for worldwide properties from modestly furnished to luxury properties with insane amenities.

I have personally arranged several family vacations through VRBO and have never been disappointed. We have stayed in 5 bedroom 6 bath log homes in the mountains of Utah, 3 bedroom 3 bath condos in the Florida Keys and beach front homes on Birch Bay in Pudget Sound of Washington State.

When my destination couples desire a more private, intimate setting for groups up to 50 I research VRBO in the country or region they wish to marry. Many of these properties come with housekeeping staff, gardeners and a chef to customize every meal at anytime of the day or night.

I'm looking at VRBO for my next Cayman Islands vacation.

Upscale DIY

I mentioned yesterday that my company Fete Perfection is being considered for a spot on a cable television program which will feature coverage of the Engage!09: Something Blue symposium occurring later this month in Grand Cayman. One of my homework assignments was to outline local trends.

One of those trends is Do It Yourself or DIY as it's called in wedding circles, but for big budget brides. I am not talking about homemade favors, centerpieces or invitations that look...well homemade. I'm talking who-would-ever-know-the-difference-because-it's-so-stylish-and-professional-looking DIY projects. One of those DIY opportunities is in our own backyard - Sadie Gardner of Sadie's Fine Floral offers classes on do-it-yourself centerpiece design and arrangements as well as the basics of bouquets, boutonniere's and corsages for the bride who truly wants a "hands on" experience.

A talented colleague in Seattle, Jody Taylor-Smith of Good Taste Events offers Good Taste Do It Yourself evenings in her design studio. Jody said the products, papers and designs that leave her studio at the end of the night are elegant, creative and most of all tasteful. She said brides of all budgets come in, but the trend is towards higher budget weddings for the pleasure of creating a memorable event and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Trending - DIY for Big Budgets

I was recently contacted to be considered for an interview by a cable channel who is producing a show called "Something Blue" - the show is designed to cover the event I'll be attending in ten days, Engage:09 Something Blue the symposium for high-functioning, high-end wedding professionals from around the world.

The producers asked for input on local trends and one that immediately came to mind is DIY. Do-it-yourself is nothing new, however DIY for high-end big budget weddings is. I believe it has become fashionable to do your own invitations, as an example and with all the professional printing options, papers, embossing and cutting equipment available for use, couples are gaining a certain level of satisfication by doing it themselves not to mention the substantial savings they realize.

I also like to hear couples discuss optional papers such as ceremony programs, place cards, menu cards and opting to not provide these items. Admittedly most guests glance at ceremony programs or use them as fans in hot settings, but the programs are rendered useless upon exiting the ceremony. Menu cards add fluff to the table or place setting and can contribute to the look of a stunning design, however the food tastes the same whether the menu is posted or not. For persons with allergies its nice to see the menu, however persons with severe allergies usually contact the couple to express wishes for compatible food.

I've been working closely with several local couples who have exceptional budgets and can hire the best product or service money will buy, however they have been expressing interest in DIY when they can. Not to save money but to work together as a couple, to take time to forge deeper connections and to say I love working side by side with you, let's do it always even after our wedding day.

I'm loving this great "new/old" trend and hope it spreads to other couples around the globe.