10 Steps To Plan Your Destination Wedding

AAhhh a destination wedding, whether it’s a trip across the States or across the world, this will be an event that takes some creative planning. I have talked about popular spots to have a wedding, but today we will make our check list of 10 important things you must do before you leave.

Lets start with our check list and some of the things to take care of early on in your planning stages. Obviously find a spot you both agree on going, then check out some of the customs issues and if you will be able to ship your flowers, dress, decorations, ect… Some places are very picky about accepting things from the US so just check to see how the whole process will work before you book your trip. Next, after you have decided on your dream wedding location, look at the local chapels, beaches, vineyards, where ever you would like your ceremony to take place, and see what there schedules and regulations are for weddings. Ok, now that you have the destination and spot you are going to get married we have to plan out some of the finer details. STEP 1,PASSPORT. I know what you are thinking, ” duh, does this guy think I’m stupid” no, I don’t think that, but just make sure your passport doesn’t expire the month before you are supposed to leave. STEP 2, Decide on what flowers you need, if you will order them online and have them shipped, or if you will order them where your ceremony will take place. With this step be sure to see if there is a designer, or make sure you are comfortable on designing them yourself. We just sent flowers to Jamaica for a small wedding, www.worldwideweddingflowers.com STEP 3, wedding planner, or no wedding planner? Sometimes it is nice to have someone put all of these things together for you if you can afford it. Now, do you use a local wedding planner or hire someone who lives where you will be going? Sometimes it might be better to have a planner where you will be going, I know this will freak you out not being able to see them, but they know they lay of the land, customs, and other rules and regulations of where you will be traveling to. Just something to think about. STEP4, Your dress, his tux and your wedding party. This is the part that will freak everyone out. Do you ship your clothes there, or do you put it on the plane with you. Plenty of pro’s and con’s for both, but we wont get into that. Consider both options, check the shipping rates and what the country, island, or state’s reputation is with receiving special packages. If you hear that almost nothing makes it there, whether stolen or beaten to a pulp, you need to know this. It might be worth taking it on the plane. STEP 5, Plane, train, or automobile? I don’t recommend an automobile if you are leaving the country, especially to an island or Europe, you might not make it there in one piece. Ok, I know, I’m lame, sorry……Back to the subject. Call the airlines and find out if you have everyone attending your wedding buy tickets for the same airlines if the company will give you a discount. In most cases this will be possible, just make sure you give everyone enough notice, and help with getting ticket prices out to everyone. STEP 6, Hotel reservations. Find a great place to stay, maybe have the ceremony there, just check it out, it may be worth your effort. As with the airlines, talk with the hotel way in advance and get a special rate for everyone, reserve your rooms, and check one more item off the list. STEP 7, Food, cakes, and drinks. This one is easy, most places cannot import food, so, look at the local cuisine and pick some items that will please you and your guests while still making them broaden their horizons. STEP 8, This one is important, weather. You don’t want to have your wedding during hurricane season, or a time where it is ridiculous hot/cold. Look at the local weather patterns and make sure it is going to be decent time of year. STEP 9, Music & Entertainment. Will it be easier to have someone come with you, or hire a local musician/entertainer? My vote for this is to have someone local, it really gives you the full effect of their culture. You can still have them play “your song” but think about taking in the wonderful culture. After all, you do want to escape and do something exotic. STEP 10, Leaving. I know it isn’t fun to leave paradise, but we have to   Now, do you go back to your home town and then leave for the honeymoon, or just leave from your destination? Maybe you ship everyone out of there and relax with your wonderful new partner. Back pack the land, visit hot spots, there is a reason you wanted to get married there, maybe make that spot your honeymoon as well.

So, planning your destination wedding isn’t a daunting task, just something you need to creatively plan. So, don’t get stressed, break this down into steps, maybe planning 2 things per month to get married within a year. Take your time, have fun, relax, and get excited your special day is now that much closer!

Thank you all so much for reading,

The Wedding Guy

www.worldwideweddingflowers.com

DIY ( Do It Yourself )

Ok, the big topic today is going to “DIY” ( Do It Yourself ). This is becoming a hot trend, especially with everyone trying to save a little money here and there. So, today lets talk about all the ways you save some money.

Lets start with flowers, my favorite topic. There are a few sites out there that will ship you flowers in boxes and the arranging is up to you. That’s actually what my business is, you can check it out at www.worldwideweddingflowers.comBut back to our subject. Don’t be intimidated by this. It is very easy to create your own arrangements, all you need is a little preparation & practice. Once you place your order and your flowers arrive you will need to take them out, cut them at a 45 Degree angle, and put them in nice fresh cold water. This will help them to open up and look beautiful. Once you start arranging your flowers just follow your creativity. I cant tell you how to arrange flowers, this is just like art, its an expression of you, something original you create, so be creative and have fun. You can go to book stores and look on-line for tips and tricks, but this task is much much easier than most people think. I’m an ex-hockey player with a flower arranging award, so trust me, if I can do it so can you. For all you brides out there wondering how to make your own bouquet, this process is easy. Get together 2 or 3 types of your favorite flowers and some beautiful satin. Next, arrange your flowers according to your taste, remember, this is art and when you create it, it will have your own personal flair. Once you have them together and you like the outcome, cut the flowers to your desired length and wrap the length of the stem with your satin. See that wasn’t to hard, there is no need to go out there and pay someone over $100 dollars just to make your bouquet. You could create this and save tons of money. 

For many more ideas check out this great website I like to look at from time to time. www.diynetwork.com This site has everything you can imagine on how to “do-it-yourself”

With all the different ways to “do-it-yourself” this is something that will make timeless memories, and also make you laugh. So remember, you can save money and still create a beautiful wedding. Another great thing that comes with a do-it-yourself wedding, is the closeness and fun bonding experience you and your spouse will have. This will make your day just that much more special, so, take lots of pictures, have a lots of laughs, and enjoy celebrating your new life together.

Thank you all so much for reading,

The Wedding Guy

www.worldwideweddingflowers.com