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.

Spotlight: Destination I Do Publication

I love Facebook for all the connections and networking I never otherwise would have known about. For example, I became friends with Jennifer Stein, the Editor in Chief of Destination I Do wedding publication. Since I am a Certified Destination Specialist, one would think I would know all about every publication dedicated to destination weddings, but sadly, I did not. True confessions out of the way.

Destination I Do is a great resource not only for couples planning their destination wedding, but wedding consultants as well. In my travels searching for the perfect location I have toured some fabulous locations and some... not so much. Destination I Do confirms my experiences and offers excellent suggestions for using local resources, saving money on decor and hot new places for rehearsal sites or adventure.

As much as I would love to personally explore every locale and experience all the various cultures destination weddings can offer, I cannot unless I win the lottery - well finding Destination I Do comes in as a close second. It's published twice a year can be found in most bookstores.

Spotlight Rocco Troyani

I met an amazing designer while working with Laura and Peter in Puerto Vallarta - Rocco Troyani. He's a warm and engaging gentleman with a deep devotion to every couple he works with. He often pairs up with renowned designers David Tutera and Colin Cowie but is humble enough to personally meet with each couple as well as oversee all set-up and tear-downs.

Here is a video of one of his most recent productions. When we have photos of Laura and Peter's wedding, I'll post them here.

Wedding Websites are Eco-Friendly

For most couples planning their wedding, I recommend they register for a wedding website. What exactly is a wedding website? It's a completely personalized website the couple sets up usually for free, which guests refer to for pertinent information.

Isn't that what the invitation does? Yes and no. Details about the date, location, maps and hotel accommodations are included in an invitation, however, there is some information that should never be listed on an invitation such as "no children or adult only reception" It's also in poor taste to list your gift registry on the invitation.

Wedding websites are a must for destination weddings. Couples post hotel accommodations, the group rates and deadlines, details about the area, excursions and optional events as well as posting photos of themselves and their wedding party. For guests who may not know both the bride and groom equally, additional details such as how they met, likes and hobbies can also be included. Many couples will also take a poll such as where to honeymoon.

I also recommend a website to couples who may be planning their wedding locally, but have many out-of-town guests who know little about the area. Even couples who are staying put and their guests are local can benefit from this little planning tool.

Many websites are free while others charge a nominal fee. The complexity of your wedding may require a fee based site because the capacity is significantly larger but in either case, here is a link to a clearinghouse of wedding websites that compares the options so you know what fits your needs. Wedding Websites

Good luck and happy planning.

Destination Weddings

I leave next week for a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta and I can't wait. Our couple is very excited and have been looking forward to this trip for close to a year. While I Do Vow To is all about eco-chic wedding planning and education, planning and overseeing a destination wedding may seem counterintuitive. However, there are a number of advantages to a destination wedding:

• Budgets are typically and can be significantly smaller because the guest list is usually confined to immediate family and very close friends. Of course there are always exceptions.
• The vast majority are are held in tropical locations where the lushness of the region is breathtaking and very little enhancements are needed. This also applies to ceremonies with beachfront and ocean side backdrops.
• Guests love to make your destination wedding their family vacation and will extend a few days on either side of your date. They then receive the benefit of great room rates which were negotiated at discounts.
• Airfares have dropped dramatically.
• Most destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean offer direct flights or minimal transfers.
• You are already on your honeymoon - no need for additional travel plans, unless of course you want to leave all your partying family and friends for some well-deserved alone time.
• Your wedding will last several days instead of just one day. It's great to host a welcome reception which doubles for a rehearsal dinner and when it's time to say good-bye, what better than over brunch?
• Decor is simple and elegant and can be very natural. I'll post some of my favorite photos of eco-friendly and yet elegant ideas.
• A destination wedding is a wonderful way to introduce your guests to some fabulous cultures and traditions.
• A destination wedding is a great bonding experience for everyone. Typically guests will plan other activities like scuba, snorkeling or whale watching which gets them talking, learning and interacting with each other before your wedding day. They'll feel much more comfortable with each other which makes for great memories.
• Wedding day attire tends to be less formal and much easier to choose for couples.
• Your wedding will be uniquely yours - there is a good chance your friends and family have never experienced such a memorable wedding at a fabulous destination.
  

These are just a few of the advantages of a destination wedding and with every positive comes a negative. I'll post the down side of destination weddings later this week. In the meantime, take a look at some of these great photos and ideas.

Pumpkins for Weddings? Yes!

Two years ago late October my daughter Jenny had a destination wedding of sorts...she and Nate were married in Brainerd, Minnesota and had their reception at Sherwood Forest the fine dining restaurant owned by GrandView Lodge. Trying to be objective of course, everything was perfect and the attention to detail with both food, ambiance and service we could not have asked for a better experience

We used white pumpkins consistently through out the design in both the ceremony at the very formal St. Francis Catholic Church and at the reception at the very rustic but elegant setting of Sherwood Forest. When the weekend was over we took the pumpkins home, carved them and used again for Halloween pumpkins just a few days later. Who says jack-o-lanterns have to be orange? I have to mention Jenny and Nate's wedding was my first experience with Biff Ulm of Vada Photography and, as anyone who knows me, will not be my last.