Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

I must admit, even though I had a beautiful Mexican Wedding that lived up to every expectation, not everything went exactly according to plan!  As with almost every bride out there, I totally wanted every detail to be perfect. And as almost every bride out there finds out, perfection isn’t realistic! I quickly learned that the best way to enjoy my wedding was to stop sweating the small stuff.  The weather cannot be controlled, the resort will most likely misplace something, and not all of your guests will be on their best behaviour.  Despite all of this, you are the bride, and as such, you are entitled to a freak out (or two, but please, not in front of your guests!). Here are some of the minor things that went wrong on my wedding day, and how I dealt with it:

1)    The Weather

My wedding in May was just bordering on the rainy season in Mexico. While the weather was pretty much gorgeous the entire time our guests were there, our wedding day was windy, and I mean WINDY! We’re not talking a light breeze, but full gale-force winds (or so it felt when I was walking down the aisle with my veil whipping in my face!).  My nicely arranged hair and aforementioned veil were everywhere. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade the wind looking back! The pictures turned out great (and very dramatic!) and the wind actually helped cool down a very hot day. If your destination weather doesn’t choose to cooperate with you fully, don’t sweat it. You still look beautiful, everyone is having a good time, and you’re still marrying the man of your dreams!

Yes- that’s me holding my veil! On the upside, the wind made the ocean backdrop look amazing!

2)    Misplaced reservation

The Grand Velas Resort where we married was wonderful helping me arrange all of the restaurant reservations in the evenings.  However, they did misplace our reservation for the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. Horrors! Not really... but as a nervous bride to be, it meant a few tears. My dad and fiancé were amazing however and quickly stepped in with hotel management to figure out a replacement location right away. While I was upset that my original restaurant choice was booked, we managed to get into another great venue almost right away. My emotional state was a bit shot, but to be honest, my guests had no idea about the change in plans.  The best part of the mix-up was how loved I felt by my family. They all rallied around me to consol and cheer me up. Is there anything better than having your loved ones so close for your most special day?

Cocina de Autor – the beautiful Spanish restaurant at our resort and was voted as one of the top Restaurants in Mexico by Travel & Leisure magazine.

3)    Inappropriate guest behaviour

Destination weddings can sometimes be a wild card in terms of guest behaviour. When you think about it: unlimited alcohol + sitting in the sun all day + tons of cute hotel staff/guests = some scandals! Don’t worry- this is totally in the norm.  One of my very good friends turned out to be a bit of a gossip magnet because of her behaviour in the week leading up to our wedding. While I totally understand that it was her holiday too, alcohol should be consumed within reason throughout the day. There is a time and place for certain things, and our wedding was not that time or place! In the end, I did sweat this issue a bit, but to be honest it added to the fun of the wedding.  People are still talking about the crazy scandals that went down in Mexico last May!

Unexpectedly awesome! At the end of the wedding night, our groomsmen all stripped down and jumped in the pool! (Don’t worry- they’re wearing boxers)

At the end of the day, it’s important to put everything into perspective.  The weather, the resort and your guests are not things you have total control over, so let it go! Enjoy your day and all the things that did go right, and try not to sweat the small stuff when your drunken Uncle takes over Karaoke at the after party.  Remember, imperfections are what make your wedding memorable!

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Adeline Schickedanz is a graduate of the Wedding Planning Institute of Canada, and team member of Creative Weddings and Occasionsand Del Sol Destination Weddings.  With a background in Visual Design and a true love of planning weddings, Adeline is a great choice to have on your wedding design team. 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 please contact Adeline at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

The Guest Experience

You’re engaged; you’ve picked your beautiful resort, selected your gorgeous dress, and even settled on flowers and decor. Now what?? Your guests experience of course! While this special occasion is all about you and your fiancé, it’s important to keep your guests in mind when planning your destination wedding.  Getting married in a far-away local means your friends and family are placing valuable time and money in you, so help make the most of their experience! Here are a few helpful tips and suggestions to keep in mind when pampering your guests.

1)  Venue

I can’t stress enough how much this decision impacts your guests! I know you want a beautiful venue that you’ve always envisioned but please keep these items in mind:

a.  Pricing- is the resort you’ve selected affordable for the guests you are inviting? Is it all inclusive? Are extras like alcohol and snorkelling excursions included? It’s important to evaluate these financial concerns before booking your venue.

b.  Amenities – consider your friends and family and any concerns they may have. If you have lots of children coming, make sure the resort is family friendly. If grandma is in a wheelchair, make sure everything she needs to enjoy is wheelchair accessible!

c.  Safety- this is definitely a concern when booking your wedding abroad. Please make sure the area you are travelling to is safe and secure. Keep in mind that beach resorts will generally be more secure than boutique hotels in the local town nearby. If you have any safety concerns about the resort you are booking, give us a call. Creative Weddings & Occasions are experts on selecting a destination venue that’s both safe and fun for your guests!

2)   Welcome Bags

Welcome bags are a great way to greet your weary guests that have travelled all day to get there! Arrange for the resort to have them waiting in their room when they arrive. In a nice beach bag include items like sunscreen, bottled water, swimming toys (like boogie boards), candy and soothing lotion. A nice touch would be to find some local handicrafts (such as Mexican pottery) to include.  To finish it off, throw in a detailed map of the area, and a personalized welcome note.

3)  Helpful Itineraries

Often your guests will be wondering what the game plan is for the week leading up to your wedding. It’s helpful to write up an itinerary in advance to include in their welcome bag. On the itinerary, include group restaurant reservations, and any group activities you have planned. Most importantly, reiterate your wedding ceremony time and exact location (ex. secluded beach area) in case guests get too caught up swimming and drinking margarita’s to remember!

4)  Group Activities

Planning a welcome barbeque on the beach, arranging for deep sea fishing, or organizing a spa day are all thoughtful idea’s that your guests are sure to enjoy. However, I do suggest keeping your group activities to a minimum. Most of your guests are probably hoping to relax and enjoy the beautiful resort, and don’t want to have to worry about a strict time schedule! If you do have lots of plans, make sure your guests know that everything (except your wedding!) is optional for them to partake in.

5)  Relax!

I know that the days leading up to your wedding will probably be a bit stressful. After months of planning, your big day is almost here! But the best advice I can give you is to sit back, relax on that comfy beach chair, and enjoy having all of your nearest and dearest nearby. Your guests have travelled far and wide to celebrate with you, and stressing about how your floral arrangements will turn out is just not worth it.  Instead, focus on the great conversations, the impromptu beach volleyball, and Aunt Sally busting a move on the dance floor!

Ultimately, choosing a destination wedding provides a much deserved vacation for the friends and family attending. As such, be prepared to make it as fun and stress free as you can! A little pampering here and there will ensure your guest experience lives up to every expectation!

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

Adeline Schickedanz is a graduate of the Wedding Planning Institute of Canada, and team member of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Travel.  With a background in Visual Design and a true love of planning weddings, Adeline is a great choice to have on your wedding design team. 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 please contact Adeline at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff!

I must admit, even though I had a beautiful Mexican Wedding that lived up to every expectation, not everything went exactly according to plan!  As with almost every bride out there, I totally wanted every detail to be perfect. And as almost every bride out there finds out, perfection isn’t realistic! I quickly learned that the best way to enjoy my wedding was to stop sweating the small stuff.  The weather cannot be controlled, the resort will most likely misplace something, and not all of your guests will be on their best behaviour.  Despite all of this, you are the bride, and as such, you are entitled to a freak out (or two, but please, not in front of your guests!). Here are some of the minor things that went wrong on my wedding day, and how I dealt with it:

1)    The Weather

My wedding in May was just bordering on the rainy season in Mexico. While the weather was pretty much gorgeous the entire time our guests were there, our wedding day was windy, and I mean WINDY! We’re not talking a light breeze, but full gale-force winds (or so it felt when I was walking down the aisle with my veil whipping in my face!).  My nicely arranged hair and aforementioned veil were everywhere. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade the wind looking back! The pictures turned out great (and very dramatic!) and the wind actually helped cool down a very hot day. If your destination weather doesn’t choose to cooperate with you fully, don’t sweat it. You still look beautiful, everyone is having a good time, and you’re still marrying the man of your dreams!

Yes- that’s me holding my veil! On the upside, the wind made the ocean backdrop look amazing!

2)    Misplaced reservation

The Grand Velas Resort where we married was wonderful helping me arrange all of the restaurant reservations in the evenings.  However, they did misplace our reservation for the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. Horrors! Not really... but as a nervous bride to be, it meant a few tears. My dad and fiancé were amazing however and quickly stepped in with hotel management to figure out a replacement location right away. While I was upset that my original restaurant choice was booked, we managed to get into another great venue almost right away. My emotional state was a bit shot, but to be honest, my guests had no idea about the change in plans.  The best part of the mix-up was how loved I felt by my family. They all rallied around me to consol and cheer me up. Is there anything better than having your loved ones so close for your most special day?

Cocina de Autor – the beautiful Spanish restaurant at our resort and was voted as one of the top
Restaurants in Mexico by Travel & Leisure magazine.

3)    Inappropriate guest behaviour

Destination weddings can sometimes be a wild card in terms of guest behaviour. When you think about it: unlimited alcohol + sitting in the sun all day + tons of cute hotel staff and guests = some scandals! Don’t worry- this is totally in the norm.  One of my very good friends turned out to be a bit of a gossip magnet because of her behaviour in the week leading up to our wedding. While I totally understand that it was her holiday too, alcohol should be consumed within reason throughout the day. There is a time and place for certain things, and our wedding was not that time or place! In the end, I did sweat this issue a bit, but to be honest it added to the fun of the wedding.  People are still talking about the crazy scandals that went down in Mexico last May!

Unexpectedly awesome! At the end of the wedding night, our groomsmen all stripped down and jumped in the pool! (Don’t worry- they’re wearing boxers)

At the end of the day, it’s important to put everything into perspective.  The weather, the resort and your guests are not things you have total control over, so let it go! Enjoy your day and all the things that did go right, and try not to sweat the small stuff when your drunken Uncle takes over Karaoke at the after party.  Remember, imperfections are what make your wedding memorable!

  

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

Adeline Schickedanz is a graduate of the Wedding Planning Institute of Canada, and team member of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings.  With a background in Visual Design and a true love of planning weddings, Adeline is a great choice to have on your wedding design team. 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 please contact Adeline at info@delsoldestinationwedding.com.

The Guest Experience!

You’re engaged; you’ve picked your beautiful resort, selected your gorgeous dress, and even settled on flowers and decor. Now what?? Your guests experience of course! While this special occasion is all about you and your fiancé, it’s important to keep your guests in mind when planning your destination wedding.  Getting married in a far-away local means your friends and family are placing valuable time and money in you, so help make the most of their experience! Here are a few helpful tips and suggestions to keep in mind when pampering your guests.

1) Venue

I can’t stress enough how much this decision impacts your guests! I know you want a beautiful venue that you’ve always envisioned but please keep these items in mind:

a.      Pricing- is the resort you’ve selected affordable for the guests you are inviting? Is it all inclusive? Are extras like alcohol and snorkeling excursions included? It’s important to evaluate these financial concerns before booking your venue.

b.      Amenities – consider your friends and family and any concerns they may have. If you have lots of children coming, make sure the resort is family friendly. If grandma is in a wheelchair, make sure everything she needs to enjoy is wheelchair accessible!

c.       Safety- this is definitely a concern when booking your wedding abroad. Please make sure the area you are traveling to is safe and secure. Keep in mind that beach resorts will generally be more secure than boutique hotels in the local town nearby. If you have any safety concerns about the resort you are booking, give us a call. Creative Weddings & Occasions are experts on selecting a destination venue that’s both safe and fun for your guests!

       2) Welcome Bags

Welcome bags are a great way to greet your weary guests that have traveled all day to get there! Arrange for the resort to have them waiting in their room when they arrive. In a nice beach bag include items like sunscreen, bottled water, swimming toys (like boogie boards), candy and soothing lotion. A nice touch would be to find some local handicrafts (such as Mexican pottery) to include.  To finish it off, throw in a detailed map of the area, and a personalized welcome note.

3)   Helpful Itineraries

Often your guests will be wondering what the game plan is for the week leading up to your wedding. It’s helpful to write up an itinerary in advance to include in their welcome bag. On the itinerary, include group restaurant reservations, and any group activities you have planned. Most importantly, reiterate your wedding ceremony time and exact location (ex. secluded beach area) in case guests get too caught up swimming and drinking margarita’s to remember!

     4)   Group Activities

Planning a welcome barbeque on the beach, arranging for deep sea fishing, or organizing a spa day are all thoughtful idea’s that your guests are sure to enjoy. However, I do suggest keeping your group activities to a minimum. Most of your guests are probably hoping to relax and enjoy the beautiful resort, and don’t want to have to worry about a strict time schedule! If you do have lots of plans, make sure your guests know that everything (except your wedding!) is optional for them to partake in. 

     5)   Relax! 

I know that the days leading up to your wedding will probably be a bit stressful. After months of planning, your big day is almost here! But the best advice I can give you is to sit back, relax on that comfy beach chair, and enjoy having all of your nearest and dearest nearby. Your guests have travelled far and wide to celebrate with you, and stressing about how your floral arrangements will turn out is just not worth it.  Instead, focus on the great conversations, the impromptu beach volleyball, and Aunt Sally busting a move on the dance floor!

Ultimately, choosing a destination wedding provides a much deserved vacation for the friends and family attending. As such, be prepared to make it as fun and stress free as you can! A little pampering here and there will ensure your guest experience lives up to every expectation! 

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

Adeline Schickedanz is a graduate of the Wedding Planning Institute of Canada, and team member of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings.  With a background in Visual Design and a true love of planning weddings, Adeline is a great choice to have on your wedding design team. 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 please contact Adeline at info@delsoldestinationwedding.com.

Choosing an All-Inclusive Resort for Your Honeymoon

Note: - Thanks to Ariana G. Stecker who wrote this article for her blog Iris Fields Guide to Wedding and Event Planning 

Azul Beach Hotel

 There are so many options when it comes to planning your honeymoon.  Aside from location and budget, there’s also the debate over whether to go all-inclusive or not.

RIU Vallarta

One of the biggest advantages of going all-inclusive is that once you get there, in theory, you shouldn’t have to open your wallet.  Drinks, food, fun are all at your fingertips for no extra charge.  But, sometimes you show up and things aren’t at all what you expected.  There are non-inclusive restaurants, kids are splashing you in the pool, and you can’t get a drink before 11 o’clock in the morning.  Let’s face it—the only kind of surprise you want while on your honeymoon is a complimentary bottle of champagne waiting in your room.  Forget about unexpected financial woes.

To help you plan properly, we’ve put together a list of general things to keep in mind when choosing an all-inclusive resort.  If you do your homework ahead of time, your honeymoon will be everything you dream of!

Transportation. Getting to and from your hotel can be stressful, and you’d hate to start your honeymoon on a sour note.  So check with your hotel to see if they offer an airport transfer, and if they don’t, if they have a taxi company that they recommend.  Knowing a reliable taxi company ahead of time could save you a huge headache.

Food. Obviously food is one of the main factors in choosing an all-inclusive resort, so it better be good and plentiful.  When narrowing down your choices, be sure to find out how many restaurants are on the property and if they are all included in your rate.  Find out the hours of each restaurant and which one is better for breakfast as opposed to lunch or dinner.  Is there a restaurant close to the beach or pool where you’ll be spending your time, or do you have to trek across the resort to eat?  Something you may not think of during the day is dress code—can you wear your bathing suit to grab a quick snack?  Trust us, it’s torture to show up at a restaurant completely ready to eat and then be told that you have to cover up, and your sundress is all the way back at your chaise lounge.   Lastly, if you get tired of the all-inclusive food, are there any nearby restaurants outside of the resort?

Activities. If you get bored lying on the beach for hours, soaking in the sun, you should take advantage of the activities offered by the resort and which ones are included.  Most resorts have an activity calendar filled with volleyball games, belly flop contests, and dance-offs, so be sure to find that each day of your stay—they’re a great way to have fun, unwind, and meet your fellow travelers.  Many times you have to pay separately for sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, and other water sports—but double check with your resort before you shell out any cash. Likewise, if your hotel as an on-site spa, are there any included services, or do you have to pay for every massage and facial?  Also, check with the front desk to see if they can arrange for any off-site excursions, perhaps to see some nearby ruins or to head over to a neighboring island.

Alcohol. Like with the restaurants, you should ask plenty of questions about what beverages are included in your package—alcoholic, non-alcoholic only, or both.  Find out where the bars are located and if there are any poolside, which are always fun.  Also make sure that you can take beverages around the property and don’t have to finish a drink in the place where it was served.  Find out bar hours and if there are any specialty cocktails.  Finally, see if the all-inclusive price covers glasses and bottles of wine and champagne, of if you have to purchase them separately.

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios

The Resort Itself. Check as many visitor-generated sites as possible to try to get a true sense of any resort on your list.  These are often the best way to make sure that the resort in the brochure measures up to the real thing.  Also, check for any special honeymoon deals or perks—perhaps there’s a honeymoon suite or a free bottle of champagne up for grabs.  Make sure that the resort clientele is what you want—namely, is it family friendly, geared toward partying singles, or great for couples.  If it does encourage families to visit, find out if there are any designated “adult only” zones or pools.  Resorts sometimes offer non-all-inclusive packages as well, so make sure that if you did get the all-inclusive deal that you have the proper wristband or other credential to show that you are entitled to all of the perks.

As with any vacation, sit back and think about your ideal trip and make a list of your top priorities and all of the activities you’d like to do.  Then, go through your hotel options and choose the one that fulfills the most points on your list.  After all, the more you can get for your dollar, the better!

Happy planning!

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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.