Wacky Wedding Planner

Destination Wedding Tips from the Planners Perspective

Recently I was asked to speak before our local Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) about destination wedding planning.  I prepared my first ever PowerPoint presentation and was pleasantly surprised at how easy and enjoyable this experience turned out to be.  Even though the night of the meeting was cold and rainy, attendance was higher than usual.

The meeting was held at the Westin Galleria in Edina and our gracious hostess, Julie Broder helped to make the evening perfect with fabulous foods and pleasant accommodations.  I learned quite a bit about their new hotel and have it on my radar as a preferred venue.

Since 2006 Fete Perfection has steadily grown in the destination wedding market having successfully planned and coordinated our first destination wedding at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN - yes Grand View qualifies as a destination since the distance is over 150 miles which required 3 hours of travel, plus everyone was from out of town.

Since that very first wedding we have learned an awful lot about destination weddings and hopefully what I have to share will inspire you to either jump into this growing market or if you are a bride, plan your own destination wedding - with the help of Fete Perfection, of course!

Here is my best advice which applies to brides as well as planners:

1. Scouting locations is a must.  Don't rely on websites - they are biased and don't tell the whole story.
2. Contact the local Convention and Visitors Bureau for venue recommendations, assistance in securing discounted accommodations during your travels, member contacts who want your business and even personally guided tours while you are visiting locations.
3. When conducting your scouting trip, stay at least one night in each hotel being considered as your "host hotel" to observe the hotel from a guest perspective rather than just a 30 minute walk-through.
4. Read online reviews of the properties being considered.  Trip Advisor and Hotels all have reviews on their websites.  Trip Advisor tends to have more comprehensive reviews, but check out both.
5. Contact a trusted travel agent for their first hand experience - part of their business as a travel expert is attending Familiarization Tours of dozens of properties every year. They also have access to special airfares the general public does not.
6. Contact a local ABC member for advice and recommendations.  Other ABC members are usually very cooperative with each other and willing to share information with colleagues.
7. Consider a mid-week wedding - rental fees and minimums are less expensive than on Saturdays, the most popular day to marry.
8. Consider bringing a local photographer to your destination wedding, especially one who is trying to break into the destination market. Your photographer may be wiling to discount their usual pricing since they do not usually shoot mid-week weddings.
9. Buy wedding insurance - Wedsafe is a trust company offering reimbursements should almost any disaster strike -if the wedding is called off, however, there is no reimbursement for deposits and payments.
10. I've saved the best for last - consider Fete Perfection, your destination wedding specialist for all your planning needs - we even conduct site inspections for couples who are too busy to travel.

I hope this helps and if you have tips not mentioned, feel free to comment - we love your input.

Wedding Inspiration & Designs

The week of November 1 I will be traveling to Costa Rica for site inspections and to participate in a tabletop design photo shoot. I was immediately interested but worried about the logistics of decor and accessories being available, however after having about ten days to mull it over, tear through wedding magazines, books and online images I did agree.

Of course the tabletop design has to be wedding related and pertinent to weddings in Costa Rica. I did not want the obvious or "Clichéd" themes of shells, sand, flip flops etc so started researching Costa Rica and its culture.  Several broad ideas came to mind such as Rain Forest, Eco-System and native birds such as the Macaw.  My initial choice was then narrowed to the macaw and creating a table full of lush vibrant colors such as ocean blue, red and lime green seemed fairly simple.

While it is easy to see ideas in your mind, creating the idea in living color with texture and dimension is much more difficult.  I worked several days on pulling the Macaw theme together but it always boiled down to the one final element that said "Macaw" and unfortunately that meant a fake bird.  While the table linens, base plates, napkins, candles and other details were great together, adding the fake bird made everything look like a circus. Here's a photo of my initial inspiration.

Frustrated, I was ready to give up but as luck would have it, I came across a story in the travel section of our Sunday paper about sea glass.  That sparked new interest and design ideas and after additional research, shopping trips and consultations with my graphic designer, I think I'm ready to head to Costa Rica. Getting there is going to be interesting, especially since I'll be bringing an entire suitcase filled with colored glass, decor, centerpieces, linens and votives but I'm hoping my frequent flyer status on Northwest will get them to look the other way when it comes to an over-sized luggage.

So the moral of the story for anyone who may have hit a design block, stop looking at wedding inspiration boards, wedding blogs and wedding books.  Inspiration may hit where you least expect it.  Here is my inspiration found by reading the news.  Good luck and let me know if Fete Perfection can help you get over your design block.

. Photo courtesy of Sea Glass Blog - thank you.

Name Change After Your Wedding

I came across a frantic post from a newly married bride who was seeking assistance from "anyone" who could help.  She was recently married and leaving for her honeymoon. However she made a major mistake and one that could jeopardize her trip.  She booked her reservations in her new married name before she had legally changed her name.

She was now frantically contacting the county she was married in to get the status of her marriage certificate so she could begin the name change process.  As much as I understand the excitement of taking your husbands name, she should have been patient and waited until after her honeymoon to start using her new name. 

Modern day travel by air, train or cruise ship is more difficult than ever and to have your travel documents such as passport, driver's license or Visas reflect conflicting information guarantees you'll be bumped out of the security line and sent packing back home.  And it's become even more difficult as of October, 2009 with the advent of birthdates, middle names  and gender being required.

So to those ladies who can't wait to use your husbands last name, be patient, make the change legally and then enjoy your future together as Mr and Mrs.  Otherwise you may just end honeymooning at home.

Look for name change documents and requirements from your local county office and be certain to check and double check all spellings before booking your travel. If you need help, call me at Fete Perfection for more information.

Happy Trails...Amy

Weddings in Italy

I recently returned from touring wedding venues in Siena & San Gimignano, Italy and want to share my experiences for wedding planning in the Tuscany Region.  This was an incredible experience for not only me, but the couple who is planning their 2010 wedding.  The advantages are limitless and the options are many. 

1. History and architecture in most of Italy which cannot be found in the U.S.
2. There are very affordable yet exotic venues such as villas, castles, wineries, private estates or hotels and restaurants with character and ambiance.
3. Family owned properties versus corporation owned means personalized service and attention.
4. Breathtaking scenery
5. Affordable, delectable menu options
6. Fabulous wines and olive oils
7. Friendly people who speak the most beautiful language in the world
8. Numerous options for accommodations
9. Less need for elaborate designs and decor since the setting itself is dramatic and stunning
10. A wedding in Italy will be an event to remember for couples and their guests

I'll post some of my favorite photos in the next post but in the meantime, if you have ever considered a destination wedding in Italy, contact me, Amy Rubins Certified Destination Specialist at Fete Perfection.

Destination Weddings in Europe

Fete Perfection is pleased to announce the expansion of our destination wedding planning to Europe.  Over the past three years we have focused our services in the areas of Mexico, the Caribbean and United States however due to an increase in popular demand we have decided to officially explore new territories and "boldly go where no man has gone before"...wait, isn't that science fiction...anyway for us it is a bold new adventure and we are welcoming the opportunities that lie ahead.

Our first official destination is to the romantic Tuscan region of Italy where we will be exploring Siena and San Gimignano, two medieval cities known for their history, architecture and hospitality.  We are fortunate to have many connections to this area through our colleagues in ABC (Association of Bridal Consultations) and will look forward to their guidance and friendship in the years to come.

Here are a few photos from the area which I borrowed off the internet, however when I return in October, I will post my own photos which hopefully will look as amazing as these.

For anyone considering a destination wedding in Italy, France, Ireland or any other European country, give Amy Rubins at Fete Perfection a call.  We would love to see how we can help you realize the destination wedding of your dreams.  

These images are of parts of San Gimignano

These images are from Siena, Italy

Destination Weddings - Budget Saving Tips

Why do destination weddings typically cost 40% less than the average local wedding?  Because, guest lists are typically much lower than local weddings.  I've had couples invite 150 guests but have 48 to 60 attend. Destination weddings by nature are smaller, intimate affairs and even though there are several events associated with the wedding, the savings can still be substantial.  Here are my suggestions for additional savings:

1. Plan your wedding in the off-season. Hotels and resorts greatly discount rooms to keep occupancy up. Personally, I love summer in the Caribbean because beaches are less crowded, the water is warmer and airfares are drastically reduced.  Great properties are willing to offer complimentary room upgrades as good public relations and wedding couples will often receive VIP treatment.
2. If you really want to leave the cold and snow be flexible with the month and week of your wedding.  For example, once you have narrowed your search down to two or three venues, make sure you let your sales managers know that you are willing to have your wedding during their slower weeks. Spring break or Easter is not slow time for destinations, but shortly after New Years, many resorts see a drastic decline in occupancy. 
3. Have a mid-week wedding.  Why not arrive on Sunday, get your legalities finalized on Monday, host a welcome reception on Tuesday, take a day off and then get married on Thursday?  Room rentals may be lowered or waived and food and beverage minimums are drastically reduced making your dream venue affordable on Thursday but out of reach on Saturday.
4. Use simple local decor for centerpieces - afterall isn't the ambiance for your wedding, the destination itself?
5. Hire live local entertainment.  Typically they charge up to 75% less than bands at home.
6. Make your food and beverage a cultural experience.  Find out what foods & beverages your destination is known for. Both will be more affordable, if it's abundant and easy to prepare.  It certainly will be fresher and offers a genuine local experience to your guests.
7. Wedding groups means revenue to properties.  Negotiate complimentary breakfasts or cocktail hour as an add-on for your guests.
8. Most couples host their wedding at the venue in which they are residing, therefore no transportation costs.
9. Bring your own photographer.  There are many excellent photographers wishing to break into destination weddings and will charge minimal fees or ask that their expenses are paid in order to gain experience and add to their portfolio.
10. Work with an experienced destination wedding specialist who already has all the resources and contacts at their fingertips.  This will save numerous phone calls and frustrations especially if you aren't used to "island" time. Also, they will have researched and read reviews of area destination weddings and can sort out "cookie cutter" weddings from those that truly are one-of-a-kind.
11. Contact the local Department of Tourism or Convention Bureau.  They can provide complimentary maps, entertainment guides and gifts for you to provide to your guests in their "welcome to our wedding" bags.
12. Consider VRBO or Vacation Rentals By Owner for weddings of 10 to 35 guests.  They offer fantastic, private accommodations usually under one roof, complete with housekeeping and private chef services.  These are private luxury homes or villas found all over the world.  I am a big fan of VRBO and have used this resource for my own family vacations.

Most guests appreciate the opportunity to plan their budget so they can make your destination wedding a vacation, so send Save-the-date invitations as early as possible and start working on a timeline.  What's a destination timeline like?  That's next...

Resources for the Frequent Traveler

I stumbled across this site recently and find it too useful to not share with those of you who travel for work or pleasure.  Frequent Flier
offers useful tips, recommendations and up to the minute deals for anyone interested in learning about or making the most of their frequent flier programs.  Frequent Flier also offers a newsletter called Frequent Flier Crier which updates subscribers to the latest bonus miles offers, latest sweepstakes and news releases the traveling public needs to know.

Check it out.  I think you'll refer to Frequent Flier...frequently.

Not Wedding Related

Download Rollercoaster 1Well maybe this could be...my brother in Ohio sent me photos of the newest and probably most frightening roller coaster making it's debut there this summer.  Initially I thought this isn't wedding related, however knowing people as I do, I expect some thrill-seekers will want to tie the knot on board.  I can only imagine what kind of fees a planner would have to charge to accommodate this request.  Can you imagine a million dollars?  I don't think I could at any price...Download Rollercoaster 2 Download Rollercoaster 3

Download Rollercoaster 4 Download Rollercoaster 5 Download Rollercoaster 6

My Blog Should Get Frequent Flyer Miles

I recently installed a widget on my Wacky Wedding Planner blog called Feedjit which is a live blog traffic feed and no I'm not speaking a foreign language.  What's a widget you ask.  According to Wikipedia a widget in computing refers to objects on a computer screen the user interacts with. 

My widget, named Feedjit tracks my blog readers and shows me on a map where they're located.  I sort of forgot about Feedjit after installing the little bugger on Wacky Wedding Planner but today thought I'd check and possibly see one or two wacky fans in Minnesota or Wisconsin.  Much to my shock I discovered readers from all over the world!  Holy cow...I discovered readers in South Africa, Australia, China, India, Bosnia and Herzegovina, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Surbia, Bulgaria, Italy and all but 10 states in the US.

I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by such an array of readers.  Thank you for your interest in all things wacky but now I want to redeem my frequent flyer miles from the world-wide-web.

Great time to leave

With high temps well below zero in most of Minnesota, Laura, Peter and I found the perfect time to head off to Puerto Vallarta.  I've been helping plan their destination wedding for many months now and boy did we luck out.

We left the Twin Cities the morning after Monday's significant snow and just before the sub-zero temps rolled in.  We'll be here until mid-week next week but if the weather doesn't improve we may just "accidentally on purpose" miss our flight home.

It's funny though, temperatures are relative...folks around here are complaining how cold it is.  Rather than normal highs of mid to upper 80's its upper 70's to lower 80's...sheesh - I tell them about our cold and they look at me like I'm growing lobsters out of my ears.

Guests are arriving over the next few days so as the week progresses the excitement builds to Sunday, their wedding day.  The Westin in Puerto Vallarta is hosting two other weddings this weekend, both Friday and Saturday so Laura and Peter are marrying Sunday.  But as I always say..."when you're on vacation, every day is Saturday" so it doesnt really matter what day you marry.

Some of the unofficial events unfolding the rest of the week include whale watching and a tour of Banderas Bay on a pirate ship complete with the wildest bunch of pirates you'll ever see, fireworks, dinner and drinks. Check out their website Marigalante Pirates.

I'll post photos of all the fun and frivolity later - To all my Minnesota friends,stay warm and stay safe.

Just being silly on a full moon

Meet Sari Skalnik of Tropical Weddings in Puerto Rico.  She and her husband John have been so helpful to me and my couples getting married in Puerto Rico, I quickly realized my learning curve would still be curving if it weren't for these two.

I met Sari and John through ABC and have spent several days with them during my two trips to Puerto Rico.  They truly enjoy what they do and they love to share their knowledge and love of Puerto Rico with anyone who wants to learn.

The moon behind us was one of the most brilliant and huge moons I have ever seen as it rose over the ocean on my last night in PR.  Thank you Sari and John for another successful visit.

If I can't live in the tropics, why not visit them...OFTEN!

I'm landlocked here in Minnesota - where even we natives joke about our states "other" name, Minne-snow-ta.  I start sinking into a deep-freeze-funk right about now, after our first snowfall and although there hasn't been a lot of stick-to-the-ground snow, yet...I know it's coming.

Fortunately I have quite a few couples who have hired me to help plan their destination wedding in tropical locations.  This feeds my addiction for hot humid temps, tropical flora and fauna and the sound of waves lapping on sandy beaches.

Last week I enjoyed several days with one of my couples who will be married in Puerto Vallarta in January.  We spent the time finalizing details, menu tasting, choosing a photographer and a very talented floral and decor designer, Rocco, and lastly booking the rehearsal dinner location.  We were so busy we literally had only two hours down time to sit by the pool and relax. 

After Thanksgiving I off to Puerto Rico for a newly engaged couple exploring the idea of a destination wedding and to finalize details of Joe and Shelley's wedding which will be at the fabulous El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, PR.

ABC Conference

I will be in sunny Newport Beach California for the next several days attending my first ever ABC Conference.  For those who do not know, ABC is Association of Bridal Consultants and I have heard this conference is well-worth the trip.  The location changes every year and it helps being from one of the colder states in the country because a trip to California, Florida or the Bahamas is a welcome break from the cold and snow. Although I can't complain too much, earlier this week we had 75 degrees with a warm southern breeze...the type of weather typical of Southern California and definitely not Minnesota in November.

The title of this years conference is "California Couture" and the host hotel is the fabulous Fairmont Hotel. I'm looking forward to connecting with planners from around the world as well as reconnecting with some old friends through ABC and Coordinators Corner as well as engage!08: the encore held last month in Orlando.  Check out my other blog I DO VOW TO for details about engage.

I'll post details and photos when I return.

Destination Planning

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE to travel - no I don't love the travel travel, I love getting there and planting myself in a new surrounding, especially if the surrounding includes warm water. 

It's beginning to look like my old blog, Do Not Fret the Fete will ever be revived,so I thought I'd post some of my highlights from 2008.

Angi and Eric hired me to plan and coordinate their San Diego wedding last March and since it was 0 degrees and snowing in Minneapolis and 72 and sunny in San Diego it was no contest - we won the weather war that weekend.  The ceremony and reception were held at the world-famous Lodge of Torrey Pines. Every detail was perfect and every moment enjoyed.  I would not hesitate to book another wedding at the Lodge.

As the days get shorter and the weather turns cold, I warm up by recalling all the fun by reliving some of the best moments through pictures.  Here is a collection of some of my favorite San Diego photos.

If you are entertaining the idea of a destination wedding, make sure to contact Fete Perfection for advice and assistance.  We will be there from the first scouting trip through the last good-bye.

Napa Valley as a Destination

Mid-September I spent five days in Napa Valley enjoying all that is Napa - wine, food, scenery and weddings.  Having never traveled to the area my vision was very different from the real Napa.  I found the region to be much more charming, intimate and very compact.  In less than an hour one can drive from the southern most point of what is Napa to the northern most point.  Of course, between these two points are hundreds of famous and not-so-famous wineries.

Immediately I was taken by the beautiful and diverse scenery which prompted my desire to do a destination wedding at any of the charming wineries or unique restaurants which seem to caterer to couples who are looking for something uniquely theirs.

I'll post again but for now here are some of my photos which regretfully do not depict the beauty and charm of Napa Valley.