Taking Step Into the Digital Age With A Wedding Website

Wedding websites have recently become all the rage! Although they don’t replace traditional invites, they are a great way for couples to share information and keep guests informed about their upcoming nuptials. Check out some of the advantages below:

• You can include the story of how you met. (Better yet, tell the story from her point of view, and then from his.)
• You can introduce the members of your wedding party.
• You can inform guests of where you’ve registered, which is an “absolute NO-NO” in regular invitations.
• Guests can RSVP right online, which is both faster and more cost-effective than sending information back by “snail mail”.
• If your wedding is taking place over a weekend, or is a destination wedding, with more than one event, you can keep out-of-town guests informed about other activities that may interest them or events that will happen in conjunction with the wedding.
• Maps and details can be easily accessed by guests when and where they need them.
• Friends and family can leave comments and good wishes in the online guest book.
• You can survey guests for ideas about songs or late night snacks.
• You can showcase your engagement photos.
• Better yet, it counts down to your wedding day so you know exactly how many more days!

Are you ready to move into the digital age with your own wedding website?

Most websites are quite user-friendly, and based on templates that are easy to adapt and add photos and text to. The Knot offers a limited FREE wedding website for couples that register with their information on their site. Facebook also allows you to create a Fan Page, which you can adapt to be a wedding website. Companies, such as e-Wedding, offer a limited FREE site for those who want just the basics, or for a monthly or annual fee, a website with more comprehensive features and advanced options. Some wedding planning companies are also beginning to offer a wedding website as part of their services. I know we’ve recently subscribed to a company that will allow our destination wedding clients and our full service planning clients to get online and build their own wedding website once they begin working with us.

So, for all of you who are engaged, it’s time to move into the digital era! Get your own wedding website and have fun as you start sharing the excitement with those who are nearest and dearest!

--------------------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Hot Wedding Trends for 2010

Here are some of the hottest wedding trends which have been popular so far in 2010.

1. Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses. Don’t worry about all of the bridesmaids having the same style dress. The bride picks the color, and the maids buy the dress of their choice as long as it is the same color. This ensures that everyone has a dress that matches their body, personality and taste.

        Photo courtesy of PolakadotBride

2. The Photo Booth. This is a great way to get the guest to have fun and be involved. The couple will choose the original photo booth or a photographer who will create an area with funny props and accessories for guests to dress up in. This is a great way to get a picture of each of your guests present. If you choose a professional photo booth, each guest will get a copy of the photo strip. The bride and groom will get a CD with all of the pictures taken that day.

Photo courtesy of The Knot

3. Engagement Photos. More and more couples are getting professional engagement photos which represent who they are as a couple. Some couples take an enlarged framed photo and use it for their guests to sign at the reception. What a beautiful addition this would make to the new couple’s home.

4. Classic white wedding cake. Cupcakes are on the way out and we are back to the traditional three tiered white cake. Simply add fresh flowers for a little pop of color.

5. Bright Colors, Black Backdrop. Black accents and bright, bold colors are in from everything to table linens, bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, accessories to adornments. The only thing white is the bride’s dress.

Photo courtesy of Simply Beautiful Decor

6. Backyard Venues. Backyard rustic chic is the newest wedding venue. This idea is great for the couple who are money conscious and want a casual wedding. Plan your wedding in your own backyard, a park, a barn, the beach, or outside at a resort.

Photo courtesy of Affordable Weddings

7. Earth Friendly Wedding. Keep your wedding sustainable by choosing to be planet friendly. The trend is a return to using vintage wedding dresses, wedding favors, LED lights, locally grown foods and flowers, and recycled paper invitations.

Photos courtesy of bridesmaid.com

8. Feel Good Food. The trend is the return to food that people like and enjoy. More couples are choosing casual buffets as opposed to pricey sit down dinners. Many food stations are popular that include pasta bars, candies, deserts, pastries, cupcakes, ice cream, or even wine stations.

Photo courtesy of the Wedding Work Room

9. Alternate Veil. Although veils are still very popular, many brides are opting to either not wear a veil or change their veil right after the ceremony to a hairpiece such as a flower, or a stunning headband.

--------------------------------------------------

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@delsoldestinationweddings.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Anse Chastanet

The Anse Chastanet Resort in Soufriere, St. Lucia, is the perfect location for a romantic getaway in a tropical paradise. Receiving numerous awards as one of the world’s top romantic resorts, this small isolated resort sitting on the calm west coast has one of the most scenically spectacular beaches in St. Lucia. Whether you are planning a St. Lucia honeymoon, a St. Lucia wedding, a St. Lucia diving vacation, or simply a St. Lucia hideaway experience, this is the place to go.

Aerial view of Anse Chastanet
Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet

Located on one of the Caribbean’s most dramatically beautiful islands, St. Lucia is a mix of French and British influences, completely brought together into one distinct West Indian culture, unique among the islands. This resort attracts young, affluent, vacationers who come here to dive, relax on the two beaches and luxuriate among the jungle blooms and stunning views of this romantic 259 hectare/600 acre estate.

A resort within a resort, Jade Mountain
Photo courtesy of Jade Mountain

Used as one of the settings for ABC’s TV show, “The Bachelor”, Jake Pavelka and Vienna ended their romantic date by checking into a suite in Anse Chastanet. This property is perfect for those who want to stay at the resort and relax instead of touring the rest of the island. The service here is impeccable – the staff seems to specialize in finding new ways to spoil their guests.

Romantic dinner on the beach
Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet

Anse Chastenet offers 49 individually designed rooms, 37 of which are scattered about a lush hillside, and 12 of which are nestled within a tropical garden at beach level. An even 120 stone steps descend down the rugged hillside to sea level. The use of local woods and other local products in the room decor and furnishings are emphasized. Cushions and bedspreads are made from colorful cotton fabrics called madras, the island's "national cloth." Even the resort’s bathrobes are locally made and have become popular.

Premium Room
Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet

The furniture has been individually designed and handmade in the region with the exclusive use of the island woods such as teak, mahogany, green heart, red cedar and wild breadfruit. All rooms have fridges, electric tea/coffee makers and wall mounted hair dryers, and in-room safes. Deluxe and Premium rooms also have irons and ironing boards.

Deluxe Beachroom
Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet

Facilities at the 600 acre resort include soft sand beaches, 12 miles of walking and hiking trails in the Anse Mamin valley, 3 restaurant locations serving a variety of menus, 2 bars plus the Jungle Grill at Anse Mamin, and excursions. Also available is a car rental desk, 2 beachside boutiques, the Kai Belte Spa, Scuba St. Lucia, a watersports center, an art gallery, library, Bike St. Lucia and now also Kayak St. Lucia. There is wi- fi available near the reception area and there are also computers for the guests.

Couple snorkeling
Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet

The full-service spa features numerous treatments, including massage, reflexology and aromatherapy. Guests can also enjoy treatments at Kai Belte Spa while overlooking the main beach. Hiking and biking on 20 km/12.4 mi of jungle trails, along with bird-watching and visits to colonial ruins, which are drawing enthusiasts these days. Yoga, snorkeling, sailing, and kayaking are among the more popular activities, with full-day and half-day excursions available for guests who wish to explore farther afield on this pretty island.

Dining with a spectacular view
Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet

Nestled deep in tropical foliage, the standard, superior, deluxe and premium rooms afford views of the garden, the sea or the Pitons that outshine the unpretentious decor. A hike up those stone steps takes guests from the Caribbean to all of the rooms (except beachside deluxe rooms).

Pampering on the beach
Photo coutesy of Anse Chastanet

Cooled by ceiling fans and sea breezes, and beamed or frescoed ceilings, with white walls, and floors of terra-cotta tile or tropical hardwoods with straw matting. Common throughout are refrigerators, coffeemakers, safes, king, double or twin beds, and shower-only baths with hair dryers. No rooms have air-conditioning, TVs, phones or Internet access (but an Internet cafe is on-site), which some guests miss.

Restaurant with beautiful view
Photo coutesy of Anse Chastanet

Standard rooms are the smallest and have garden or partial sea exposures. These are rustic and unimpressive, save for the views; do not expect luxurious comforts. Superiors are octagonal or rectangular hillside rooms with wraparound balconies.

The much larger beachside deluxe rooms are a stride away from the surf. Also overlook tropical gardens, but best of all are the enormous hillside deluxe and premium rooms, which are typically open-sided with sprawling balconies facing the Pitons. Turndown service provides mosquito nets for beds.

Hillside Deluxe Room
Photos courtesy of Anse Chastanet

The finest accommodations, however, are the Infinity Suites at Jade Mountain, a resort within the resort. Twenty-nine suites feature an open design with a view of the Pitons. Rooms vary from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet and come with mahogany floors, stone walls, whirlpools, patios, and king beds with mosquito netting. Like the rest of the rooms, these are also techno-free. All have infinity pools with special fiber-optic tiles that cast rainbow colors into the water. Jade Mountain has its own reception area and concierge services.

Infinity Suite at Jade Mountain
Photo coutesy of Jade Mountain

Not for the weak of heart or unsure of foot, this dramatically perched hotel is a hot spot for romantics and divers and an excellent choice for those willing to forgo phones and TVs for serenity, seclusion, spectacular scenery and superb service. Children younger than age 10 are not welcome.

A breathtaking resort for those expecting more nature than luxury, this establishment is worth the visit no matter what the guests' interests are.

Information courtesy of Anse Chastanet Resort.

--------------------------------------------------

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@delsoldestinationweddings.com or phone 403-477-0643.

What’s More Romantic than Getting Hitched at Sea?

A cruise ship wedding can be very romantic but there are a number of other reasons why more and more couples are getting married at sea. In the last decade, cruise weddings have become more and more popular. Luckily for marine-minded brides, more cruise lines are able to offer weddings at sea which of course will be combined with a romantic cruise honeymoon.

Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises

Planning a wedding on a cruise can be very easy. Talk to the ship’s wedding coordinators and they will begin organizing the ceremony, the flowers, the menu, the music, and the wedding cake. They will even help you customize your event down to the smallest detail, within reason.

Couples appreciate the opportunity to have their event in spectacular destinations whether it’s on a beautiful tropical beach, on a spectacular glacier in Alaska, or on the top deck of the ship as the sun sets at sea. Couples who want something different find a ship-board wedding appealing.

An on-board wedding can be a great value too.  A basic package starts at about $2.000 and includes three hours of planning with a consultant, priority check-in, non-denominational official, ceremony, recorded music, bridal bouquet, marriage certificate, photographer (but not photos: they’re purchased separately) and more.  The average cost of a wedding ceremony and reception with RCCL costs about $10,000 for a 100-person event, excluding the cruise cost and the airfare for sailing guests.

At least three months advance notice is required for getting the marriage licence and other information. Most couples allow six to nine months advance notice to get the necessary licenses.

Captains on some cruise lines can perform the wedding ceremony, but most cruise lines book an official from the port –of-call. Permission is based on where the ship is registered and what the government allows.
Four cruise ship lines including Celebrity, Princess, Disney, and Carnival Cruises allow marriages at sea.

Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises

However, Princess is the prime choice because, of all the lines offering ship-board wedding options, it offers the best combination of features, services and facilities. Princess' Weddings at Sea packages are available on all ships, but only Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Coral Princess, Diamond Princess, Emerald Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Sapphire Princess and Ruby Princess have dedicated wedding chapels. Princess offers three wedding packages starting at $1,800 plus a $450 license fees and goes up from there. Receptions, photography packages, and enhanced ceremony options are available at extra cost. Not only can your ceremony be conducted at sea by the captain, but the line has also installed state-of-the-art technology that allows you to broadcast the ceremony live, via Web cam, to friends and family on land.

Photo coutesy of MSC Cruises

So if you’re thinking of getting married, set sail on a magical getaway, and enjoy the wedding of your dreams!

--------------------------------------------------

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.

El Dorado Seaside Suites - A Great Destination Wedding Choice!

El Dorado Seaside Suites is an adult-only, all –inclusive, award-winning property which caters to newlyweds and couples seeking romantic beach getaways in the Mayan Riviera. Located an hour south of the Cancun Airport, and approximately 25 minutes south of Playa Del Carmen, the resort’s discreet gated entrance opens to a beautiful flower lined drive that leads to the understated but modern entry. The Mayan ruins of Tulum are 20 minutes from the resort. Xel-Ha, a natural aquarium, is ten minutes away, and shopping is available in the nearby town of Playa Del Carmen.

Photo courtesy of El Dorado Seaside Suites

All of the 280 rooms of El Dorado Seaside Suites feature calming Mexican décor and luxurious in-room whirlpool tubs. A balcony or terrace adds an extra touch of romance to an already dreamy setting. The hotel consists of a series of two story buildings situated in such a way as to maximize sea views. Just under half of the rooms are junior suites overlooking the tropical gardens: more than 100 suites have stunning views of the Mexican Caribbean Sea. Swim-up junior suites have an abutting pool (a river-shaped winding pool at the edge of the patio) and are perfect for couples not interested in venturing from their room to the sun. The swim-up suites also have their own bar. Honeymooning couples often select one of three premium suites for the ultimate in beachside luxury. A private plunge pool which is just steps from the master bedroom and a nearby beach bed are highlights. Also included is an outdoor shower and complementary fresh fruits, flowers, and champagne.

Photo courtesy of El Dorado Seaside Suites

The beachfront premises house five gourmet dining options, all of which are a la carte—no buffets here. Arrecifes, the largest dining room of the resort, serves an international menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner while the remaining four specialize in individual cuisines. La Carreta offers Mexican fare nightly; Mia Casa provides contemporary Italian cuisine for dinner seating as well as Boca wine, an Argentinean brand bottled exclusively for the resort. Klay Talay serves an Asian menu each evening, including hand-rolled sushi. Lastly, Vida Garden Grill is a Latin fusion restaurant serving all meals and incorporating a margarita lounge, complete with sommelier. All restaurants are non-smoking and do not require reservations.

Photo coutesy of El Dorado Seaside Suites

During the day you can enjoy three luxury pools scattered across the grounds. Vacationing guests can enjoy activities which include beach volleyball, salsa lessons, and Yoga on the beach. Non-motorized water sports such as paddle boarding, snorkelling, and kayaking are included in the all-inclusive package.

Photo courtesy of El Dorado Seaside Suites

To accompany the resort's "don't lift a finger while you're here" attitude, all guests can indulge in complimentary around-the-clock room service, a lavish option that many of the all inclusive areas, such as H10's Ocean Maya, do not offer. If you are looking for a scenic and romantic hide-a-way where you are pampered and catered to, do what you want, whenever you want to, encouraged to live out your romantic fantasies, then El Dorado Seaside Suites is the place for you.

El Dorado Seaside Suites has taken the general idea of beachside romance and expanded on it with personal service, attention to detail and stunning grounds alongside the Caribbean Sea.

--------------------------------------------------

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@delsoldestinationweddings.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Six Things I Wish Every Couple Knew About Destination Weddings

#1. You can plan your destination wedding yourself but why would you want to? On one of the most important days of your life why would you not choose to use the services of an experienced destination wedding planner who plans destination weddings every day? Planning a wedding in a different country is exciting and confusing at the same time. Many brides who have planned their own wedding often refer to it as being a second job as a result of the many hours they have had to put in to the planning.  A wedding planner can make recommendations which will make your day go smoother. You might think,  there is a wedding consultant at the resort you are getting married at. So why would you need a wedding planner? Remember the wedding consultant is hired by the resort and he or she has the resort’s best interests at stake, not yours.

#2. Plan to get a group rate for your guests. Sure, for one or two people you can get an insanely low rate on the internet but for a group it is not going to happen. The major benefits of booking a group rate is that everyone will have a room at the same rate. Remember, that as the hotel’s rooms get booked, the rates go up. Once the hotel sells out, your guests who waited to book at the last minute are out of luck. The same can happen for flights. We had to change the date of one of our wedding to Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic due to the bride’s hesitation, as we were not able to get enough seats on the planes of our Canadian suppliers who flew only once a week during non-peak season.

#3. Even if you are going to an All Inclusive resort which offers a free wedding, your wedding is still going to cost you some money. Sure you will probably not have as many guests as you would if you were getting married back home, but there are still numerous costs involved. Often the free weddings are designed for the wedding couple and two witnesses with a reception of cake and champagne. If you plan to have extra guests, there is usually an extra charge person especially if you are having a sit down dinner. Remember that you are paying extra costs such as set up for your guests, a reception location for your guests, often a nicer dinner than is served normally at the restaurants, and the little extra touches that will make your wedding special. We had one bride who wanted to save money at her destination wedding who asked if we could charge each of her guests $75.00 extra to cover her costs! This is an absolute no-no! Would you invite your friends to your house for dinner and once they got there ask them to pay money for the food and drink you served them? Definitely not!

Photo courtesy of Fairmont Kea Lani

#4. Don’t rely on the pictures and the reviews of the resort on the internet to help you decide on your destination wedding location. Anyone can make the pictures look good or write a glowing report about the resort. Get some help in choosing your destination wedding location from a destination wedding specialist who is familiar with the resorts and has had experience with the wedding consultant on site. That 3½ star resort that is such a great price and sounds so good on the internet is not going to tell you that many of their guests get food-poisoning from the buffet, the rooms are tired and worn and not anything like those shown in the great pictures, or the service is terrible.  We are constantly hearing horror stories from the guests who booked elsewhere so they could save money. Are you saving money when you have a terrible vacation?

#5. Your destination wedding at an All Inclusive Resort is not going to be private. There are going to be other people around, many of them watching your ceremony and/or reception activities. If you want the privacy, think about getting away from the cookie-cutter wedding and plan you own one-of-a-kind wedding with the help of your wedding planner.

#6. This advice is mainly for the brides. When planning your wedding and on your wedding day, relax, enjoy yourself and laugh. Things may not go exactly as you planned or the unexpected may happen but take a deep breath, be flexible, and remember these are usually things which you have no control over. Remember the reason why you are getting married in the first place. Usually it is because of your love for each other. Make your wedding a truly memorable experience for everyone and one you will cherish for your lifetime.

--------------------------------------------------

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@delsoldestinationweddings.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Choosing your Wedding Dress for your Destination Wedding

Planning for your destination wedding at a resort in a warm and sunny tropical location comes with its own unique set of challenges. Not only do you need to find a destination wedding gown that suits your own personal style, but you also need to find one that travels well, and works with the climate and setting of the wedding. You will want to start shopping for your wedding dress right away, but before buying a gown for a destination wedding, you might want to consider the following:

Don’t be rushed in choosing your gown: Grab your maid of honor, your sister, or your mother and start shopping. Look for a destination wedding dress in bridal shops and online retailers, such as BeachComberBride.com and eDressMe.com. Resorts such as Sandals Resorts also offer a full line of dresses for the bride, bridesmaids, and the flower girl with all of the accessories. Some of the designers who specialize in destination wedding gowns include Jessica McClintock, Rina di Montella, Mon Cheri, The Dressy Gup, Alfred Angelo, and Sophia Tolli.

While shopping try on lots of dresses and take the time to make a decision. Ensure that the dress you choose makes you feel spectacular and beautiful. If not, leave it for someone else! You have dreamed about your wedding dress since you were a little girl. Be sure to choose one which lives up to your dreams and is best for you. You want the dress you choose to have the “wow” factor!

It’s essential that you carefully consider where you are getting married before choosing your dress. It should suit both you and your wedding location.

Pick the location first. Your dress should blend harmoniously with the location. Destination wedding gowns can range from a very traditional full length wedding dress to a casual sarong. Destination wedding attire tends to be more casual and generally is much less formal and fussy than what you would wear to a traditional church wedding. A ballroom gown would not work on the beach, and wearing flip-flops would strike a wrong note if you get married in a castle. The setting, whether it is on the beach or in a beautiful garden, is lovely enough that you don’t have to detract from it by wearing heavy fabrics or lots of jewelry. If you are getting married on the beach, remember that the ocean breezes can cause a long cathedral veil to become unruly, and a long train will drag in the sand.

Destination wedding dresses are usually made of simple construction with basic lines, avoiding the lace, satin, and pearl creations of the top wedding designers. Stick with informal destination wedding gown styles that feel tropical or beachy, such as a lightweight, flowing dress, slip-dresses, mermaid shapes, or even layers of wild ruffles. Wedding gowns include spaghetti straps, capped sleeves, or a romantic and sexy off-the-shoulder look. If you are the traditional type of bride, you might want to wear a sleeveless gown with the floor-length skirt – just remember the hem is going to get dirty. Also remember that a dress right to the ground will not allow the air to flow under it which could make the dress very hot in a humid climate!

Choosing fabrics for a destination beach wedding dress. When choosing a beach wedding dress, opt for something that is lightweight and that flows with the island breezes. Those of us who live in cold-weather climates tend to forget in January or February how hot and humid the Caribbean and Mexican climates can be. As a bride, you want to select a fabric so that you will be comfortable in your destination climate. If you are going to a steamy, tropical paradise, choose lightweight materials like airy silks that breathe, chiffon, organza, charmeuse, or crepe, and avoid heavy fabrics such as satin and brocade. Choose a dress that is cool and comfortable with fabrics that are light and wrinkle-resistant so that it is easy to pack for travelling. Try to find a fabric that is washable so there is no worry about sand and water affecting the look of the dress.

Fabrics to avoid in a destination wedding dress would be anything that stains easily or tends to be too heavy. Fabrics that wrinkle or pucker are also poor choices if it’s humid, as is heavy beading, which weighs a dress down. While a crinoline is pretty, it probably won’t travel well, nor feel good on your skin while standing in the warm Caribbean sun.

Cotton is cool and lightweight but is not generally used in traditional wedding dresses. However, it is used for embroidered, Mexican wedding dresses and tropical print sarongs and pareos.

If you want to do a “trash the dress” photo shoot, pick a dress that is light and flowy.

Will it travel? Before you buy your wedding gown, consider how you will get it to your destination and how well the fabric will bear up under travel. The longer the train, the more difficult it will be for transporting the dress. Carry your dress with you on the plane rather than checking it in your luggage. I suggest using a lightweight carry on bag that will hang in the first class garment bin. If this is not an option, place it close to you in the overhead carrier bin.

Be sure to check with the airline ahead of time to inform them that you will be carrying on your wedding attire. This notice is especially important if your dress is oversize. There may be an extra fee but you will be expecting it. Once you are on board the plane, ask the flight attendant to place your outfits in the closet in the first –class section. Some airlines will insist that you put your dress in your luggage. Some fabrics such as linen, satin, and organza wrinkle severely when packed. Call the hotel ahead of time and ask if they can press your gown on the morning of the wedding. Most hotels offer this service

In addition to packing the dress and accessories, it is also important to carry a small sewing kit for loose beads and buttons. A portable steamer can help remove wrinkles that developed during packing and traveling.

Make sure you choose a dress that flatters your body. Many would say this dress is more suitable to an evening cocktail reception, but on this bride it is positively stunning and totally works! – Photo courtesy of Arnaud Brichet.

Select a style of dress that flatters your body. While there are no set rules for what to wear at your destination wedding, a few styles are common. Regardless of what destination you choose, you need to select a style that flatters your figure. Dresses may be long or short, depending on your taste. Experiment with different hemlines. Cocktail-length gowns to skirts that are shorter in front and longer in back are popular choices that work beautifully when a wedding location is less formal.

Like the traditional wedding dresses, the most popular colours for destination weddings are light colours such as white, or off-white. For the bride who prefers colour, champagne, rose, or light slate gray are all nice, non-traditional choices suitable for a destination wedding.

Popular destination wedding dress designs include long, halter style dresses, the classic strapless gown, and those with low, cut-out backs. Make sure that the style you choose, whether it is a sheath, A-line, or an empire waist, plays up your assets and makes you feel gorgeous. The dress should be soft and fluid, not clingy, as well as lightweight, and easy to pack. You are best with a dress made of fabric that fits and moves with your body. If you do select a strapless dress, buy yourself a strapless bathing suit to avoid tan lines.

What about footwear? When choosing your wedding footwear, there are a number of ideas for beautiful but suitable footwear to wear with your island wedding dress. The traditional satin, three inch pumps sink in the sand, making them impossible to wear throughout the beach ceremony. Lose the pantyhose. You could opt to go barefoot for your beach wedding but be sure to have a pedicure the day before the wedding. You could also choose simple, flat, one-strapped sandals, or dyed to match your dress flip-flops embellished with jewels or flower designs.

Comfort is the number one consideration when choosing your destination wedding dress. You want to look beautiful and appear “cool” as opposed to being red-faced from the heat on your wedding day! Considering practicality, style and reality before buying your destination wedding dress can help you succeed in having an enjoyable day and creating the wedding of your dreams!

--------------------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings.  Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

Welcome Bags For Your Wedding Guests

Choosing to have a destination wedding means asking family and friends to travel great distances in order to join you on your special day. One way to show your appreciation is to provide a welcome gift that your guests will receive upon their arrival. A bag filled with an assortment of goodies that will hint at and prepare them for the fun that awaits is the perfect way to kick-off your wedding celebration and show your guests how excited you are that they have decided to join you.

As part of the package, you should include relevant information about the wedding and the location. Be sure to include the itinerary of planned events, maps and guides of the area, and perhaps information about activities that may interest them. Your guests will appreciate the gesture, especially if they accidentally left their invitations and itinerary at home.

Welcome To Our Wedding” tote is ideal for creating welcome bags for your guests. The best part is that they travel flat and can be packed once you arrive at your destination. Although great as they are, they can also be personalized if you wish. Click on the photo above for more information. – Photo courtesy of Kate Aspen Shops

Ideally, you want your gifts to be meaningful, maybe even giving a hint of some of the activities planned for the week. Keep in mind that the quality of items included is more important than the quantity. A couple of thoughtful items will mean more to your guests than a bunch of junky souvenirs. Here are some ideas of items that could be included:

• Custom-labelled bottles of water
• Sunscreen
• T-shirt
• Hats
• Luggage tags
• Local map of the area / guidebook
• Locally made rum (Jamaica) or tequila (Mexico)
• Macadamia nuts or cookies (Hawaii)
• Postcards
• Beach towel
• Spanish-English dictionary
• CD of local music
• Flip flops monogrammed with the couples’ names and wedding date

Keep in mind that the items you choose should be non-perishable and don’t require refrigeration, as hotel rooms can make it tricky to keep things cool. Also remember that guests have limited room in their suitcases, so items should be easy to pack and compact.

These flip flops with your initials are a fun gift for some of your guests. Click on the photo above for more information. – Photo courtesy of Kate Aspen Shops.

Although decorative baskets look nice, they are bulky and next to impossible to take home. Instead, choose something with a local flair, like a woven bag in bright colors from a Mexican market or a monogrammed beach bag. Other alternatives if you’re on a tight budget may include using cellophane and ribbon, or purchase simple gift bags from your local dollar store. Maybe even include tissue paper in the same shades as your wedding colors.

Think of how excited your guests will be to check into their hotel after a long flight and transfers from the airports and find your gift waiting for them. The excitement and energy your welcome bag will generate will immediately get everyone in the mood to enjoy the celebration, while also letting your guests know how much you appreciate them and the fact that they have chosen to join you for this special occasion.

----------------------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

Signature Cocktails - A Special Touch That Can Help Make Your Wedding Your Own

Cocktails have made a huge and extremely welcome comeback over the past few years. Thanks to the creative genius of mixologists the world over, couples can arrange to have a unique cocktail drink served before dinner, during the meal, or at the dance party. With proper thought and preparation, this cocktail can even add to whole atmosphere of your wedding by incorporating your color scheme or other elements associated with your theme.

Signature cocktails are a fun way to add to your reception, even playing on your theme or wedding color choices.

So where do you start? The first step is to find a mixologist. This is the person who is going to create your unique and special drink. He or she is going to come up with the recipe that will be passed on to the bartenders, who in turn will create the drink for your guests. Many venues have a mixologist on staff, an expert who is specially trained to come up with a drink for all occasions. When initially talking with them, give them as much information about your wedding as possible. Let them know about your theme, your colors, and details about the food that will be served. Be sure to let them know about any preferences you may have. For example, if you’re having a winter wedding, you may want to choose to have a heated drink, such as a special coffee or even a hot toddy to warm guests. Tropical weddings tend to feature rum drinks mixed with fruit juices and garnished with an umbrella. With the right information, these talented individuals can come up with a personalized concoction that will add to the flavour of your wedding, even choosing a name for the drink that will reflect the theme of your wedding.

Probably the most common bases used for cocktails are either vodka or rum. Both are extremely popular and can be easily mixed with fruit juices to create decadent drinks. Extremely versatile, and with numerous flavours and variations to choose from, either of these are great choices as the basis for your signature drink!

Another popular choice is champagne, or sparkling wine. A splash of cranberry juice or pomegranate juice adds a touch of color and a dash of elegance. You may even want to look at getting edible flowers that can be added to the glass for a truly decorative touch. (For ordering information, check out www.wildhibiscus.com.)

Edible flowers in bubbling champagne or other sparkling wines mystify guests and are a definite conversation starter! – Photo courtesy of Wild Hibiscus

I would tend to avoid liquors such as gin, scotch, or port as they are an acquired taste. However, if they add to the theme of your wedding, go for it!

Especially with the increasing interest in juice bars, you may want to choose to have a non-alcoholic drink, using a combination of fruit juices to create a combination perfect for your guests of all ages.

Whether based on an old favourite that matches your theme, or an entirely new invention, signature cocktails are a great way to add some fun to your wedding celebration. They can be as unique and personal as the two of you with countless options available. I would encourage you to have some fun, lift your glasses in a toast, and let the party begin!

--------------------------------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@delsoldestinationweddings.com.

When Is It Time To Pay A Little More For A Flight?

I found this blog on the Shama Travel Bog (http://www.shamatravel.com/)  and think it is an excellent article in helping us determine if  it is really worthwhile to pay for the lowest price we found for our air travel.

Photo courtesy of Air Canada

We all want to save money on air travel.

That’s a pretty obvious statement. And a recent study came out that indicated deregulation has, over time, given consumers better airfares and plenty of options to fly. I often see great airfares and it is true that you can fly just about anywhere for what could be considered a fair price — even in light of the economic challenges facing airlines.

But, there are some times and situations that may actually merit paying a premium or a little extra.

Consumers are conditioned to look for the lowest price when booking air travel. Often times, they overlook some of the things that may make their experience less than satisfying: overnight flights, quick connections, more than one stop and longer travel times are just a few ways that a “bargain” may turn out to be a nightmare.

Consider flying coast-to-coast.

You may be enticed by a lower fare. Most of the time, a consumer stops there and doesn’t do the extra research to see what better options may be out there. If you’re flying from the west to the east, there are usually overnight flights that seem to be a good deal. Factor in a stop, a layover and that “bargain” may end up being not much of a deal in the first place. Same thing heading from the east to the west. Many times, the “lowest” fare is early in the morning. Sometimes, you could end up with a terrible connection and more.

The bottom line is that there are many ways to make your trip better by paying a little bit more. You may fly at a better time. You may avoid out-of-the-way connections. You may just have a better experience all around.
--------------------------------------------

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in travel and cruises to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your your next trip, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.