Good Things To Do

WED-SITE

Since I blogged about save the dates I thought I should follow it up with an equally as crucial mode of communication for your guests: Your Wedding Website.

Your website is an online resource that provides more extensive information than you provided on your save the date.  Guests who are serious about attending should be able to log on and see frequently updated details about your wedding as they become available.  Here are my essentials for wedding website pages:

Welcome Pages: Thank guests for visiting your site, let them know you'll continue to update the site as details become available.

Wedding Overview: This will include the wedding day timeline with locations. Example: Ceremony will start at 5:30pm on the beach.  You'll want to include the locations of the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception and after party so guests can plan out thier attire.  You'll also want to include your dress code for the big day.

Travel Information: You'll want to really spend some serious time on this page.  It's a good idea to make sure the airport name AND resort name are loud and clear.  Bold and font size 24 should do ;).   I found it easiest to include subtitles on this page - mine looked like this:

1. Booking: 2 Options to book your travel

     a. Travel Agent: Now include all necessary information about contacting and booking with your TA.

     b. Booking on your own: include tips and websites to assists guests who want to book on thier own.

2. You're booked, Travel Tips: This is where you'll remind guests about obtaining a passport (if necessary) and any tidbits about the airport they're traveling into.  For example, in Mexico we explained customs and immigration.  

Resort Information: In my situation we only gave guests one option for accommodations...and if you chose an all inclusive resort I would recommend only giving guests one choice. (day passes and travel can get expensive and frankly far more complicated you need during your wedding week)  This is the page to excite guests  about the resort your chose OR give guest details about local resorts or hotels if they have options.

Wedding Week Calendar of Events:  This is where you'll detail all the planned group activities that you have.  It might just be the welcome party and/or farewell brunch...but it might also be planned excursions if you chose to do that. You'll want to put as much detail as possible because guests may want to plan their own activities while down there and won't want to miss your parties!

Local Activities: Tell your guests about all the fund things they can do while they're in the destination.  This is the time to show them why you chose the locale you chose!  Give them links to excursions, tell them what not to miss while they're there.  You can get most of this information by sitting in a bookstore with a guidebook for an hour...and don't forget to search the web!

FAQs: I know what you're thinking...why a FAQs..we actually found this to be the best part of our site.  We could post common questions that we anticipated our guests having and then answer them.  We also allowed our guests to submit questions (anonymous or not) and then we could answer them and post to the site.  I loved being able to have that interaction with our guests leading up to the wedding week.  

And then the other fun pages:

-About your wedding party

-Photos of you and your fiance

-Our Story - tell guests how you met, what your first date was...or create a quiz to ask your guests those very questions!

-Guestbook

Etiquette Sidenote: I love the idea of letting guests RSVP for excursions or planned events during the week via your website...I'm not so in love the idea of having guests RSVP online for the big day...save that for your response card please :)

There are a lot of options when choosing a website.  Although The Knot offers a great free website, if you want something more robust my suggestions are:

Wedding Window - this is the site I used and we did pay a fee to extend our time and an extra fee to create our own url. Here are details on the packages they offer:

http://www.weddingwindow.com/packages.cfm

EWedding.com - this is a site a friend used and they offer lower prices, but still give you a robust site.  Here is information on their packages:

http://www.ewedding.com/packages.php

No matter which provider you choose, be sure to spend the time to include all the details...if you think you're putting too much information on your site...you've probably got enough!  It's also a good idea to set up the website as soon as the location in nailed down...and then forward the link to your VIPs first.  The rest of the guests can be notified of the url on the save the date.

I simply can't publish this post without at least one picture...so enjoy this one from the very talented Chelsea  Elizabeth (based in Los Angeles...has passport, will travel) http://chelseaelizabeth.com/

Paper Perfect

Start Spreadin' The News...

You need to start letting everyone know about your plans for a destination wedding as soon as possible.  This is where the Save The Date comes in.  For most brides, save the dates are pretty much optional, but for destination brides they're an essential part of your big day communications.  It announces to guests the date and location of your big day, it's also a less formal invite so including your wedding website is acceptable.
Sidenote: It's a no-no to include your wedding website address on your formal invitation...if you choose not to send a save the date and are only sending a formal invite then have your wedding website printed on a separate insert that can be included in the envelope. 


Timing is important.  You should send out your save the dates as soon as possible, as soon as the ink is dry on the location's contract really.  Your guests need extra time to schedule vacation, arrange for childcare and shop around for competitive airfare.

Most save the dates will take approximately 4-6 weeks to order so you'll want to place the order as soon as the location is set.  Save the dates should be put in the mail 8-12 months before the wedding date.  If your destination wedding is state side and does not require international travel, 6-8 months is acceptable.

What to include:  Obviously you'll include the date and location.  You'll also want to include the resort, or hotel options.  Most importantly you'll want to include where to go for more information...this would be your wedding website.
Sidenote: you'll want to have your wedding website set up and ready to go before you mail your save the dates.  It's okay if it's not totally complete, but expect a few visitors right away!  I'll dedicate a post to wedding websites as well...stay tuned.

If you're using a travel agent, or want to provide travel details or suggestions you can very easily make your own little insert to include with the save the date.  I went down to my local Paper Source Store and purchased 4-bar notecards and then printed a few extra details using the same font as my save the date and my printer.  Easy Easy Easy.  Here's a link: http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/color/4-bar-note-cards/2505.010/201.html
These little DIY inserts will be extra handy for older guests who may not be comfortable navigating on a computer to get to your website.
Sidenote:  this is one more reason I highly recommend you hire a travel agent - we found that many of our guests found it much easier to speak to someone on the phone rather than booking online.

Now my final bit of advice before I get to the fun part and start showing you awesome save the dates...Style. My first rule of thumb for save the dates - don't let them outshine your final invite!!! Keep in mind that a save the date is informal and can be fun.  And lastly, your save the dates don't have to break the bank.

Here are a few reasonably priced options for destination brides.  If you haven't already discovered Wedding Paper Divas you need to visit immediately!  www.weddingpaperdivas.com
There are 780 Save the Date options.  464 of those are Destination Wedding Worthy.  And all of them are reasonably priced.

A few of my favorites:

Airmail Retails for $1.14 per invite (this includes the envelopes)

Journey which includes tropical flowers and a cute stamp which says "Our Journey" retails for just .89 cents per invitation:

And then Beach Flowers which retails for 94 cents an invitation

Wedding Paper Divas is a great site with plenty of options, they have everything from swirls and snowflakes to starfish, these are just a few of my favorites.  You have an option of a few different colors, typically 4 or 5 different color combinations.  You can customize the wording but not the spacing or the font.  

If you're a little pickier and want the ability to customize EVERYTHING on your save the dates...get your tushy to a stationary store.  The first thing you need to do is set a budget with your fiancé.  Know how much you want to spend before you walk in.  Whether it's $250 or $1250, a stationary store can give you a wide range of options in your price range.  My husband and I went the stationary store route - and I fell in love with Checkerboard designs...and they're reasonably priced as well.  

My save the dates are called "Coco Del Mar" and cost $173 for 100. We also paid $43 extra to have our return address printed on the envelope.  I had a ton of paper color choices, ink choices and font choices.  We chose the "Flame" paper which has a metallic look to it and fuchsia for the ink and here's our final product:

We wanted to get our guests excited about our big day (our guests have been waiting 9 years for this day after all...but that's a topic for a whole different blog :) ) So I picked bright colors and used a palm tree tropical motif.

I also really love "Half Flower" from Checkerboard for a tropical venue:

Need wording help? KISS...Keep It Simple Sweetheart:

Please Save The Date 

For the Wedding Celebration of

Bride's Name

and

Groom's Name

Riviera Maya, Mexico

We hope you will join us

Events will take place Thursday evening through Sunday morning

at Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa

Please visit (insert wedding website address) for more information

Pretty Little Details

The Land of Milk & Honey

I'm a self proclaimed shoe addict.  I don't hide it, as a matter of fact one could say I flaunt it.  It all started during my childhood.  I had an entire closet dedicated to shoes in my bedroom.  No really, the shelves were made specifically for shoes, tilted slightly with a bar to hold the heels; a beautiful way to display my ladies. And now my shoes are overflowing from my side of the closet onto Ron's side...they've even popped up in the guest closet and I have secret stash under the bed.

No shoe is too bold or bright for me.  I own hot pink shoes with an orange bow and bright orange shoes with a pink bow.  I work in finance and wear boring black, grey and blue suits to work every day so my shoes are how I express my personality.  I own more pairs of shoes then I can keep track of.

I digress....I discovered the most wonderful and amazing website this weekend: www.milkandhoneyshoes.com.

Yes, it could be described as the Promised Land. Milk and Honey offers ready to wear adorable shoes AS WELL AS the ability to design your own shoes.  YES! Design your own shoes!!!  Sadly I did not discover Milk & Honey until after my wedding.  That, of course, has not stopped me from designing no less than 6 pairs of stunning stilettos.  I am now staring at my shopping cart thinking of ways to keep my husband from looking at the credit card bill...fat chance of that happening.

I digress again.  The point of this post is to share with all you sassy and shoe obsessed brides some great ideas for your wedding day.  And don't worry, if you're not feeling creative: check out their "Ready To Wear Bridal Collection"

Add a little extra bling to your wedding day with Milk & Honey's "Sparkle"
Retails for $275
Silver Glitter with Pearl White Leather
(you customize the heel height)

For those beach brides who are afraid to wear heels (I don't blame you, nothing worse than your heels sinking into sand...)  Milk & Honey has adorable wedges that you can wear:
Milk & Honey's Bow Tied in Wedge retails for $290

And a little sneak peek at what's in my shopping cart right now...custom design retails for $260.  I used a navy blue suede and a pink knot embellishment. Super fun and preppy...ps I love the idea of navy and pink for a destination wedding in South Carolina, Georgia and even the Caribbean.

If nothing else, go have some fun designing your own shoes:
www.milkandhoneyshoes.com - A Dream Come Shoe.

Location, Location, Location!

Snowy Ski Soirees

You're probably wondering why the "south of the border bride" is talking about snow.  Not all destination weddings are of the tropical flavor...and since we're dealing with an "arctic blast" here in Houston, I've been inspired.  I thought I'd post some ideas around a snowy ski themed wedding.  If my blood weren't so thin from leaving in Houston for the past three years, I may have considered this type of wedding.

I like rustic weddings, but I also love the idea of mixing rustic with modern. I love the color scheme of winter white, black and gray...I think it's elegant and modern...but still looks amazing in a cozy ski cabin like Zach's Cabin in Beaver Creek.

If you love skiing, snow and seeing your breath, 

you need to check out this destination location. 

www.beavercreek.com

I love the rustic setting of this cabin - don't be afraid to use a bold color palette!

Here is the picture that inspired me - How fantastic is this?!

One of the best parts of a snowy soiree is that the bride can wear a faux fur jacket or shawl...love love love.

This bride, featured on www.marthastewart.com held a bouquet of ivory ranunculus, parrot tulips, and anemones, with accents of lamb's ears, blooming cotton sprigs, and tiny tallow-berry branches.

Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: U.S. Weddings -- Martha Stewart Weddings 

This bride chose to add a pop of green with a pair of Manolo Blahniks which are just to DIE FOR!!

I love the sassy hair flower and the bold black shrug and belt on this bride 

(featured on Green Wedding Shoes):

These shoes are hot for a winter white and black wedding:

A great way to warm up your snowy soiree is to use plenty of beautiful candles and clear ornaments make excellent decor items.  The candles bathe everything in a warm (flattering) glow and shed a romantic light over the soiree.

The Knot

And add some bling to your place setting:

And we can't forget the wedding invitations - I love the silver/gray elegant letter press invitations below:

The Knot - Invites by: Two Paperdolls

Doesn't this just make you want to sit back with a hot cocoa?  What about having a hot cocoa bar and a smores station at your winter destination wedding? Yum.

Good Things To Do

We’ve got this in the bag!

Welcome bags are by no means required at Destination weddings, however I think they’re a very nice touch and pretty easy to do.  You won't always be able to greet every guest upon their arrival so a welcome bag is a great way to touch base with them right away.  You can tailor your welcome bag to any budget and many times your welcome bag can be a DIY project.  Here are what I believe are the essentials for a good Welcome Bag (or box, or basket):

*Welcome letter: Thank you guests for traveling

*Detailed Itinerary: Make sure your guests know where to be and when!

*Destination Essentials : Anticipate little things your guests will appreciate having at the destination: sunscreen and aloe gel at the beach; a bug repellant and advil are good essentials. If your wedding is in a city a subway card or bus tokens might be a nice touch. And no matter where you are, disposable cameras and personalized bottled water (or koozies!!!) are always welcome.

*Fitting treats or snacks – A taste of locally made food and drink will introduce your guests to the destination’s delicacies and get them in a festive mood!  here are a few ideas I love:

          Mexico: Mexican Wedding Cookies, Mexican Drinking Chocolates

          Jamaica – Blue Mountain Coffee

          Hawaii – Macadamia Nuts

          Puerto Rico – Plantain Chips

          Key West – ummm anything Key Lime!!! Key Lime cookies or cupcakes would be amazing!

Since your friends and family are on vacation it might be fun to provide them with a celebratory drink - a bottle of wine if you’re getting married in the wine country, rum in the Caribbean or locally brewed beer are all good ideas.

Getting welcome bags to your destination wedding is a little more tricky, but there are two ways to go about it.  Of course, the first option is to package up your welcome bags and ship them to your destination ahead of time.  However, be aware of expensive shipping costs and duty taxes…check with your on site wedding coordinator before mailing anything.  (From experience, you cannot ship your goodies to Mexico)  

Your second option is to pack the welcome bags into several boxes and have your wedding party help you bring them along as checked bags.  Keep them unassembled until you get there and then convince your maid of honor to join you for an assembly party :) 

For the treats, try to work with your local coordinator to find a nearby bakery that can provide you with the treats.  For my welcome bags, we ordered handmade Mexican chocolates from a restaurant in Playa Del Carmen, I was able to order them over email with the manager and he even delivered them to the hotel!

Whatever destination option you choose, be sure to bring along extras in case your packages get smooshed or broken along the way!

When you’re planning the look of your welcome bag, try to keep your destination in mind and make sure you keep in coordinated with your color scheme.  If you are using a monogram or a motif, make sure to incorporate that into your welcome bag.  One site I loved was www.foryourparty.com, you can buy several different sized tags and have them custom printed for you. You should also check www.etsy.com - there are many many sellers who will print custom labels, stickers and ribbons for you. 

Here are a few welcome bags that I love…

I think a pretty decorated box tied up with a ribbon is a really cool idea and I love that the welcome letter is right on top! 

Picture: Soiree by Tara Guerard

 I love the look of a jute bag for a beach wedding.  Your guests can even use the bag while they're on vacation!

Picture: Soiree by Tara Guerard

And stay tuned because I plan to dedicate a blog entry to a step by step instruction on how to create a welcome box like the one I created for my wedding...here's your sneak peek:

I'll share with you everything from how to make it to where to order all the supplies...from the contents to the sticker and ribbon!

Destination Dress

Top Tips...Tweaked.

I read an article in the latest issues of Destination Weddings and Honeymoons (Feb 2011 issues) titled "Dress Quest" that inspired this post.  The article were top tips from the editors on finding the perfect dress...so I'm tweaking them :)

1a. Consider your location.  The article suggests that if you're getting married on a beach you should opt for tea length or short gown. I completely disagree.  Just because you're getting married on a beach doesn't mean you have to limit yourselves.  If you've always dreamed of a princess gown...wear one. If you dreamed of a flowy chiffon dress...wear one.  I wore a big ol gown and I have no regrets.  I do have half the beach stuck in the hem of my dress but that is neither here nor there.  And the hem situation was mainly caused by the early morning trash the dress session (more on that fabulous experience later...).

1b. Veils...If you're getting married in a location where beautiful ocean breezes could cause your veil to whip around and smack your husband across the face (not beautiful)...you may wish to forgo the veil and choose a hair flower or real flowers for your hair.  I completely agree - it was so windy on my wedding day a veil would never have worked.  I opted for white orchids in my hair (actually, my hairdresser gave me those, total bonus)

2. Mind the temperature.  Agreed, this is very important.  If you're standing in front of the mirror at an air condintioned dress shop and you're starting to feel a little hot maybe even a little sweaty...this would not be a good dress for a beach wedding in Mexico.  If you're getting married in a cooler climate you can totally pull off heavier materials like silk satin.  If you're getting married like me in 95 degree heat on the beach go for a lighter weight fabric like taffeta or chiffon.  My dress was Taffeta and it was quite lightweight...I did not melt :) And ladies please don't forget about your bridesmaids...no one wants a sweaty hot mess of a bridesmaid and plenty of designers offer many options for materials.

3. Time it right.  SUPER IMPORTANT!  When it comes to alterations...give your seamstress the date you :LEAVE for your wedding, not your actual wedding date. Many seamstresses will even hold your dress in their shop and wait until the very last minute to steam it so you can pick it up the day before you leave and it doesn't have to spend too long stuffed in a bag.  You'll have enough stresses the few days before your wedding...you don't want your alterations to be one of them.

4. Fight Wrinkles...I didn't follow this rule, I am a bad example...  I admit it, taffeta wrinkles super easy...BUT many resorts offer a pressing service as part of their wedding package.  If you suffer from separation anxiety and refuse to let the hotel remove your dress from your room (like me) then I suggest the following:
- bring a travel steamer and steam your dress the night before your wedding
- pack your dress in it's garment bag with tissue paper
- pick a dress with lots of texture so any wrinkles you miss with the steamer aren't noticeable (this was my tactic)

5. Trust your gut.  Everyone reacts differently when they find "the one"...most important...make sure you listen to yourself over everyone else.  You're the only one who will really know which dress is "The Dress".  Most importantly, don't limit yourself.  A ball gown, a chiffon empire dress, a tea length party dress...any one will be beautiful as long as you feel beautiful in it.

And just to prove that you don't have to limit your dress selection if you're getting married in the sand...I'm posting some pictures of REAL beach brides having a blast in their dresses:

Yep that's me!

All photos are from Elizabeth Medina Photography.  I had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth, she is an absolute dream.  www.elizabethmedinaphotography.com

Pretty Little Details

Get Stranded!

I think a destination bride is an adventurous bride…a bride is not afraid to be non-traditional…a bride who makes a statement.

I LOVE when a bride makes a statement with jewelry.  I think it’s glamorous, sassy and fantastic.  With so many strapless dresses out there, why not have some fun with your necklace!

First seen on the runway…

Then seen on real brides, modern and sassy:

Photo Credit: Jason Q Tran Photography

Here’s a few I found that I love love love from Stella and Dot: www.stelladot.com (I love their jewelry!)

How amazing are these colors:

Bamboleo Necklace $228.00

I can totally see this one at a wedding in Mexico, or Morocco or Rio or I could go on and on but you get it...I heart it:

Rio Triple Strand Necklace $128.00

And this fab necklace – I can see this on a winter bride with a black white and silver color scheme maybe at a ski resort:

Want something bold but still on the traditional side:

Charlotte Statement Necklace $128

I also love love love love anything JCrew and they have great jewelry…you can layer many of their necklaces to make a truly uniquely you look J

The key to pulling this look off is to make sure your other accessories take a back seat to your statement necklace…you don’t want to over do it.  You'll also want to make sure that your dress can stand up to a bold necklace like this.  If you have heavy beading or lace on your dress you may wish to avoid this trend.