Planning Your Destination Wedding at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort

While at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan last week, I was thinking that engagement season is upon us. The most popular time of the year for wedding proposals seems to be between December and February. As well, this is also the most popular time for Wedding Planners to get inquiries. Many couples often start planning their wedding not long after the engagement.

View of free form pool by the beach - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort

I spend a lot of time touring resorts in tropical destinations to make sure that my clients are choosing the perfect destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway. I just got back from Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan and think this is an amazing resort for a destination wedding or honeymoon. Starting in January 2011, this resort will offer all-inclusive as well as European meal plans.

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay

This extraordinary luxury resort is set on 20 pristine acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the new and unspoiled areas known as “Nuevo Mazatlan”. With its neoclassical architecture, reminiscent of Old Mazatlan, and a magnificent landscape of vibrant gardens, palm trees, and winding streams, this breathtaking resort is a natural sanctuary for your soul.

Looking toward the main building from the beautiful landscaped grounds- Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

I would highly recommend a beautifully appointed master suite which offers 973 square feet of space to relax, entertain, and enjoy paradise. These luxury suites feature a kitchenette, a private bedroom with bathroom, and an extra bathroom in the spacious living room that opens to a private terrace with a spectacular ocean view. You do not need to worry about drinking the water as the resort has an on site treatment process, through which the water undergoes extensive purification to make it safe for drinking. In addition, the hotel is built with US standard electrical outlets so you do not have to bring a converter. A complementary shuttle runs hourly during the day to the sister resort, Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan, where you can enjoy the restaurants and pools at the city location. Resort amenities at Emerald Bay include an adult pool, a huge beachside pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, the new Spa at Emerald Bay, driving green and lighted tennis courts. Amidst the sounds of native birds, you’ll relax below 150-year-old mangroves that surround a free-form pool, stroll along the shoreline by the bay, sport fish, and enjoy any number of nearby water activities.

The new spa - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

Pueblo Bonito offers ceremonies and reception packages to make your wedding planning easy and stress free. Whether you are having a private ceremony for just family or a gala bash for hundreds, Wendy, the wedding coordinator, will coordinate every aspect and assist you in making your decisions.

Wedding at the Garden Gazebo - Photo courtesy of Carlos Medina Studio.com

 

The resort offers one wedding per day so that you do not have to worry about sharing your wedding venue with another couple’s wedding. Amidst the luxurious gardens, terraces, and endless beach of Emerald Bay, you will find the perfect location for your wedding ceremony and reception: the Garden Gazebo, Cordelliere Esplanade, Bistro Poolside Esplanade or the beach.

Couple under the Garden Gazebo - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  

Reception on Cordelliere Esplanade - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  

Outdoor area of Bistro Restaurant - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Caption

Reception by the water - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort  

Weddings in Mexico are legal ceremonies recognized throughout the world. The “Civil Ceremony”, as it is known here is performed by a judge and is equivalent to a ceremony performed by a Justice of the Peace.

Getting married in Mexico has the following requirements:

A minimum of three working days are necessary to process your documentation.

•     Completed application forms
•     Copies of passports
•     Original birth certificates with raised seal or a notarized copy
•     Driver’s license or other photo ID
•     FMT tourist permit, issued upon entry by Mexican Immigration
•     2passport size photographs
•     Blood tests, a waiver may be signed if the couple has been living in in a common-law relationship for a minimum of six months

Newlyweds  on the beach - Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort   

If you would like help planning the perfect wedding or honeymoon at Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Mazatlan, I would be happy to help you. Call Muriel at 403-477-0643.

Photo courtesy of Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort

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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.

Advice and Etiquette Tips for Destination Weddings

With the way that society is constantly changing and weddings becoming more original, it is difficult to know what is considered proper etiquette today. To help, we have taken a number of the latest questions from some of our brides and shared our tips and advice.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Maui

With so many beautiful places to choose from, how do we decide on the best place to have our wedding?

First of all, find a place that has meaning for the two of you. If you are planning a wedding in a tropical location, make sure that it is easy for your guest to get to, and in a location where your guests are going to enjoy themselves. You might love the latest rustic Eco lodge with no electricity but your guests may not share the same feelings.

What should the couple pay for?

Generally the guests are responsible for their own airfare and lodging. In some cases the couple would cover the expense of housing their attendants. However, many couples cannot afford to pay for multiple nights’ accommodations, and ask their attendants to cover all of their costs. Typically, the groom’s family, or the couple pays for the rehearsal dinner, and the reception is covered by the bride’s family or the couple.

Should  the bride and groom send out destination-wedding invites?

I fully recommend that you send out save-the-date notices at least eight months in advance or early enough so your guests can begin making plans, ask for time off work, and start saving their money. Be sure to include information about hotel options, group rates and so on. Send out the formal invitations approximately two months ahead of time. 

Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

Is it wrong to e-mail save the dates?

If everyone on your guest list had e-mail and checks it regularly, then it is fine to e-mail your save the dates. Otherwise, you should send a tangible one in the mail. 

What time of day do most destination wedding occur? Why?

Most couples get married around 4pm when the temperature is not as hot and there is still time for photos before the sun sets.

How can the couple indicate that their event is adult-only?

Some couples choose an adult-only resort as one way to solve the problem. If children's names are not on the invitation, it means that they are not invited to the ceremony. However, you cannot prevent parents from bringing their children to a family resort. You might want to talk to them ahead of time to discuss ways you can help with child care whether it is helping to find a baby sitter or arrange an activity to keep the children busy during the wedding.

Is it okay for the couple to share a hotel room before the ceremony?

Many couples share a room the night before the ceremony unless their religious or cultural traditions forbid it. If you want to have separate rooms for fun, tradition or superstition, you might want to bunk with a family member or a single member of the wedding party.

What gift should the wedding couple give their guests?

If the couple can pay for a group activity, or welcome dinner, that is a huge gift in itself. Favours are not a necessity at the wedding, but guests really appreciate a welcome basket which can be put together without spending a lot of money. 

Photo courtesy of Kate Aspen Shops

Is it all right to ask your destination wedding guests not to buy you a wedding gift, but to give you money instead?

No! No! No! It is never proper etiquette at any time to ask your guests to give you money. Many couples feel that their guests are paying enough to travel to their wedding and encourage them to forgo the gift.

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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!

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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.

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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.

Choosing the Venue for Your Destination Wedding

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai

Where do you start when it comes to selecting a venue for your destination wedding? The very first thing you want to do is to start by planning your budget. Once you have decided on that, then you will want to begin deciding on the perfect location which will fit with your dream of your destination wedding and also suit your wedding guests' expectations. Remember you are asking them to give up their time to spend their vacation time with you. You will want your guests to have a great time so you want to select an area which will appeal to their interests. Do you want your wedding to take place at the beach, on a cruise, in a charming villa, in a luxurious 5 star resort, or on a secluded private tropical island?

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai

There are so many different choices it’s hard to decide where you want this memorable event to take place. Many resorts and smaller hotels throughout the world have appealed to the wedding market by offering beautiful sites for exchanging your vows and providing numerous options for the reception whether it‘s on the beach or in one of their restaurants. Choosing a site that can be used for both the ceremony and the reception can help eliminate some of the cost and save time. With the busy lifestyle of the modern day bride and groom, many couples are seeking sensible and practical solutions when planning their wedding while decreasing stress and making things more manageable.

Grand Wailea Chapel Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

More and more couples are choosing sites where they can have the ceremony and the reception in the one location for a number of reasons:

Flexibility: Most guests don’t want to wait for hours between the ceremony and the reception. If you are having your wedding at a resort, the ceremony time can be much more flexible. In fact, you might want to have you reception immediately after your ceremony. Your guests will definitely appreciate that they do not have to wait around for a long time between the two events.

Wedding at Grand Hyatt Kauai Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai

Weather: If you plan your wedding outside at a beach or a garden, you definitely want to have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather. Most resorts will have an indoor back-up room reserved for you just in case, so you have one less thing to worry about. You will also want ot be aware of the hurricane season and the rainy season.

Covered outdoor area at Kauai Marriott Photos courtesy of Muriel MacRae

Timing: When travelling from one event to another, you never know what the traffic will be like. In fact, many of your guests who are not familiar with the area may get lost and be late for the event. A delay for yourself can also cause you to be late so you have less time for pictures or to visit with your guests during your wedding.

Seaside wedding location at Fairmont Kai Lani Photo coutesy of Muriel MacRae

Savings: It is often cheaper to rent one venue for both your ceremony and your reception as opposed to paying for two different ones. Many hotels offer a price-saving advantage by including both the ceremony and the reception in their wedding packages. Vendors such as florists and event designers often charge more for traveling and transporting items from one location to another. By having your wedding at one location, you can eliminate these costs as well as save money on transportation and parking fees.

Garden wedding location at Kauai Marriott Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

More relaxing:  Couples who have their ceremony and reception in one location are noticeably more relaxed and enjoy their wedding more than those who spend time travelling from one location to the other. Guests also enjoy not having the hassle of going from one site to the next and are less stressed when they do not have to figure out how to get to another location or how they will spend the next few hours waiting for the reception to begin.

Grand Wailea Chapel Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

With so many decisions to make when planning your wedding, you may want to hire a destination wedding planner/travel agent who is familiar with the various locations. Not only can this person help you find the “perfect” location but guide and assist you with your wedding plans, bringing your dreams to reality. In addition, the same person can coordinate travel arrangements for your guests attending your wedding. That way you and your true love can relax and enjoy the process! Happy wedding planning!

Wedding at Grand Wailea Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

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



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Concerned About Your Wedding Budget - Have a Destination Wedding

Who isn't concerned about money these days? Sure the recession is over but most couples are still watching their budget. If you are one of those couples and are planning a wedding in the next few months, consider a destination wedding. Let one of our wedding planners at Del Sol Destination Weddings help you plan the wedding of your dreams and show you ways to meet your budget as well. We have a variety of programs to suit your style and to help you plan the ultimate destination wedding in magnificent locations, especially in Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. What could be more fun than spending time at a beautiful romantic get-a-way on a pristine beach with your closest family and friends. Picture yourself on your wedding day with a gorgeous sunset in the background. Just email mailto:info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com to find out how one of our wedding planners can help you budget and plan for your destination wedding.
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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. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings 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 mailto:info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Sandals Emerald Resort Officially Opens

Photo Credit: Linda at Totem Travel

Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas opened its doors to guests on February 10, 2010 as a member of the Luxury included brand. The 365 unspoiled out islands of the Exumas are considered to be the French Riviera of the Caribbean with their calm aquamarine bays and beautiful beaches just 130 miles southeast of Nassau.

Photo Credit: Linda at Totem Travel

This property which previously operated as the award-winning Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay, a favourite of trendsetters from around the world. Sandals has spent 14 million dollars on enhancements and upgrades on this property. It is now the 14th Sandals Resort in the Caribbean and the second in the Bahamas. This 500-acre sprawling island retreat is located on a mile-long crescent shaped beach. Highlights of the resort include a par 72 Greg Norman designed gold course, a 16,000 square foot spa, a world-class marina, and professionally trained butlers in all 183 beachfront rooms and suites. There are two pools with oceanfront views including the spectacular half-acre, zero entry infinity pool with its serpentine swim-up bar. It offers gourmet dining in a choice of five a la carte restaurants, premium brands wine and spirits, anytime snacks, land and water sports, five bars including a swim-up pool and chic piano bar, gratuities, and even airport transfers.

Photo Credit: Linda at Totem Travel

This resort is ideal for those couples planning a destination wedding, a honeymoon or simply a romantic getaway. Call Muriel today at 403-477-0643 or e-mail travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca for more information.

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. Finding a destination wedding gown that not only suites your personal style, but also that travels well, and works with the climate, and the setting of the wedding can indeed take time. You will want to start shopping for your wedding dress right away, but before buying a gown for your destination wedding, you might want to consider the following:

Don’t be rushed in choosing your gown. Grab your maid of honour, you sister, or your mother and start shopping. Look for a destination wedding dress in traditional, upscale department stores, bridal shops, online retailers such as BeachComberBride.com and eDressMe.com, or resorts such as Sandals Resorts which offer a full line of dresses for the bride, bridesmaids, and flower girl with all of the accessories. There are also several designers who specialize in destination wedding gowns including Jessical McClintock, Rina di Montella, Mon Cheri, The Dressy Group, 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 chose to have the “wow” factor!

Determine the location first. Your dress should fit with the setting and not appear out of place. 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. However, 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 jewellery. 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 accumulate the sand.

Destination wedding dresses are usually made of simple construction with basic lines, not 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 lightweight, flowing dresses, slip-dresses, mermaid shapes, or even layers of wild ruffles. Wedding gowns can 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 the sleeveless gown with the floor-length skirt – just remember the hem is going to get dirty. Also realize that a dress right to the ground will not allow the air to flow under it which could make the dress very hot indeed on a humid, sultry day!

Choosing fabrics for a destination beach wedding dress. Opt for something that is light weight 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.

Travelling with your dress. Before you buy you 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 carryon 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 kits for loose beads and buttons. A portable steamer can help remove wrinkles that developed during packing and travelling.

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 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 suite to avoid tan lines.

What about footwear? When choosing footwear to wear at your wedding, the traditional satin, three inch pumps just won't work in the sand. There are numerous ideas for beautiful yet suitable footwear to accompany your island wedding dress. 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 can help make your wedding day a dream come true!

How to Choose the Perfect Destination Wedding Location

What happens after you decide to have a destination wedding? Most newly engaged couples are excited and absolutely thrilled about about the opportunity to get married abroad, but then hit a snag as they struggle how to proceed. With so many options, how do you even begin to choose the destination that is perfect for you?
The first thing to do is decide what type of wedding you’re planning have. That in turn will help pinpoint the geographical location that you want. For example, those considering a beach wedding are more likely to look at areas in Mexico, Central America, or areas of the Caribbean, while the person with their heart set on getting married in the mountains will look towards the majestic Rockies or the Appalachians.

Couples that choose to have a beach wedding often
have a choice of getting married on an actual beach or
with a stunning oceanfront backdrop like this terrace
at the Allegro Papagayo in Costa Rica.

Possible locations to have a wedding include:

• Beach Wedding: Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and even parts of Florida
  
• Castle Wedding: Europe, Canada (Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario), United States (Biltmore Castle in Asheville, North Carolina; Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California)
  
• Mountain Wedding: Numerous locations in Alberta (Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Jasper) and British Columbia (Fairmont, Golden, Revelstoke, Whistler, Vancouver’s Grouse Mountain); Colorado
  
• Winery Wedding: Napa Valley in California, United States; Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada

The next important step is to carefully consider what the majority of your guests, made up of close family members and friends, will be able to comfortably afford. Remember to include travel expenses, accommodation, and meals and drinks in your estimate. You don't want people to come to the wedding, but not be able to afford to eat or participate in other activities while there. All-inclusive resorts packages are extremely popular with those wishing to do a destination wedding for the simple reason that everything is included in the price. If the majority of your friends are still students or just starting out in their careers, they are likely to have little discretionary income, so choosing the best five-star resort in the area might make the trip out of their price range. In the same vein, if you decide to experience a rustic eco-lodge with no electricity or even a ceiling fan, a number of your guests will really struggle with the experience and end up having a terrible time which in turn will put a damper on your wedding experience. To best meet with success, most couples should aim for something that is rated a minimum of 4 or 4.5 stars. Cruising is another "inclusive" pricing option, in that it includes accommodation, all meals, activities and entertainment, although alcohol and air transportation is extra. Other options to consider may include renting private villas with kitchens to cook your own food, or some have staff that will prepare all of your meals if so desired.

When choosing a resort, you need to carefully consider its location, its amenities, and the crowd that it caters to. For example, if some of your guests have children, you will most likely want to stay away from the “adult only” resorts. Other important questions that you need to consider include:

• Are there choices for dining?
• Is there a pool and a beach for swimming?
• Is the resort completely isolated or near a town that is easy to get to?
• What types of activities are there to do? Is it easy to access local
  activities?
• Will guests need a vehicle for transportation or be able to
  survive without?
• Are there evening activities or a nightclub for the younger
  crowd?
• Is there an age limit for guests? Some possible restrictions include
  13+, 16+, and 18+.
  

Probably the other most important piece of information you require is what types of weddings are offered at the resort or location of your choice. Most resorts offer specific wedding packages, beginning with a simple ceremony for two, all the way up to ones complete with receptions. It is important to check with the resort about what types of packages they offer and the costs associated with each. As well, I would encourage you to check if the resort has “a la carte” options, allowing you to upgrade and personalize your ceremony a little more. For example, many couples want a better photography package or wish to use a different photographer entirely. Some resorts will allow this if you buy a day pass for the photographer. Finally, you need to verify that the resort has an opening to perform your wedding at the time period you're looking for. There is no point booking your trip if the resort is unable to schedule your wedding.

A destination wedding is supposed to be easier to plan, but the stress can quickly escalate if you don't do your research in advance. Check with internet sites, such as http://www.tripadvisor.com/ to hear from actual people who have stayed at the resorts you're considering for "real" opinions, but read a number of them to get an overall impression from a number of guests. I would also encourage you to check with someone who specializes in destination wedding planning to advise you and help you find the destination best suited for you and your group. This person will also most likely be able to assist you in getting group pricing and better rates for you and your guests.

It's a big commitment, and can seem more than a little overwhelming, but I promise you that a destination wedding can be everything you dreamed of and more with the right research and preparation. Do your homework and you can find the perfect location for your dream wedding!

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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@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.