Tanya

Windjammer also allows children. Keep that in mind.

I always thought sand was the coolest feature for destination weddings. How do you keep that candle going out on the beach?

Tips Enjoy this full list of tips for making the most of your Romance & Relaxation experience at Walt Disney World® Resort! Print these out and take them with you. Hopefully, this information helps make your trip as magical as it can be! Walt Disney World® is a great place to celebrate a special occasion. A soothing massage or skin therapy treatment at a luxurious spa might be the perfect way to ensure a relaxing visit. Married couples can renew their vows at Walt Disney World® Resort. Contact a Disney wedding specialist at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings at (321) 939-4610†for a personal proposal. Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding experts will tailor a ceremony and celebration to suit your wishes. Contact a Disney wedding specialist at Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings at (321) 939-4610†for a personal proposal. Check out Disney's FASTPASS® Service that lets you spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the Parks. For a full-service meal at Walt Disney World® Resort, make reservations by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463)†. Enjoy complimentary package delivery directly to your Walt Disney World® Resort when you shop at Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex, Downtown Disney ® area or Disney's BoardWalk. If you arrive at your Walt Disney World® Resort before check-in, just pre-register, drop off your bags, get your resort I.D. cards and have fun at the Theme Parks or Downtown Disney®. Walt Disney World® Resort Guests enjoy early admission to select Theme Park attractions with paid admission. Times vary by Park. Disney Dollars can be used to purchase food or merchandise throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort. They can be purchased at all ticket booths, Guest Relations, Resort Guest Services locations and before you leave at The Disney Store nearest your home. Special dietary needs - including kosher, vegetarian and medically restricted diets - can be accommodated at most table-service restaurants. Request such service 24 hours in advance at (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)†. The Walt Disney World® Florist offers floral arrangements and fruit and food baskets for delivery anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. Call (407) 827-3505†weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Get updated information on showtimes, popular attraction wait times and ride closures at the Information Board centrally located in each Theme Park. The board is updated hourly and staffed with Cast Members to answer specific Walt Disney World® Resort questions. Most Downtown Disney® shops open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 11:00 p.m. Downtown Disney parking is free. Store your stuff! Lockers are located at all the Theme Parks, Water Parks and Downtown Disney®. For additional services to make your vacation even more relaxing, ask about Concierge level service at your Resort. To reserve a golf tee time, call (407) 824-2222†. Source

Yep, people recommended this company to me as well.

We decided on Andalucia, Espana.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jennifer How could you forget about Breezes...it's only your daughter's name! Shame on me!!! I didn't even think of that. Seriously...what a shame!

My DH is from Santiago.

Hey Tammy, I notice that it happens over at the FAQ too and I hope it's not 3.6 doing this. Gah!

I don't know too much about this place and weddings but I intend to do some research about it soon. If you know anything...post it here.

Want to know something about this place or about having Weddings here...ask me here. I've studied the wedding brochures and even called WDW asking questions. I love the place.

More, more, more!!!! Now!

I forgot about Breeze's...

My sister in law has been over there many times and comes back with pictures. She says it's so much more to do over there than it is in the Bahamas. She thinks the Bahamas is boring.

I heard it's beautiful over there and that the wedding experience is to die for. I've never been there, but will be going there one day. My DH is Dominican but he's from Santiago and he's never been to Punta Cana.

OK let's go!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by host is it an all-inclusive? what part of the island? Yep, it's an all-inclusive. Jen has GREAT pics of her Weddingmoon (I still cry when I look at them) and she went to the one in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. Jen post your wedding day story!

My Co-Admin referred Jen. I told you I had two DW Brides on my board...here they are! Sabby and Jen.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jennifer Welcome Tanya! Sabby and Jen...it's me!!! Hey!

Welcome!

Sandals Beaches Couples Windjammer What else?

My name is Tanya! I once planned a very nice Destination Wedding, but then I changed my mind . So, in saying that, I know what it takes to plan a wedding from afar. Thanks!

I found this going through my hard drive...there is only two of us getting married far away from our homes but so what! Some of this is common knowledge, but maybe someone can benefit from this. "Out of Town Weddings: A Guide for Guests" Going to a wedding out of town? If so, your head may already be spinning. Do you have the time? Are you up to traveling to an unfamiliar place -- possibly by yourself -- for just a weekend? Relax. You are the weekend wedding guest, and we're here to help take the pressure off. Making The Best Of It You're in, you're out and you're exhausted when Monday rolls around. There's no time to linger for a long weekend, the spreadsheets are calling. Relax. Here is some advice on how to make the most of your time. Before You Leave Turn it into a mini-vacation. It's a matter of mindset. Instead of asking, "How am I going to do this?" say, "I'm going to have fun." Then get started. Plan ahead. Planning can help you make the most of your time. If old friends will be attending the wedding, call them beforehand and make plans to hook up. Make any rental car or other reservations in advance. Call ahead for a hotel brochure and a local events calendar. The more you know about your destination, the more time you'll be able to spend enjoying yourself once you get there. Send wedding gifts ahead of time. That way, you won't have to lug packages onto the plane with you. Make plans to hook up with friends. If old friends will be attending the wedding, call them beforehand and make plans to get together. On The Plane Don't take a night flight before a morning wedding. You'll be exhausted. Also, to make your flight more enjoyable, try to travel with friends who are also going to the wedding. Time will zip by. Don't check essentials. You'd hate to show up at the reception in your Ungaro gown and your Reeboks! Request an exit row on the plane. Extra legroom means more comfort. Don't bring your work. Unless absolutely necessary, don't bring your laptop and files. Instead, enjoy the in-flight movie. Remember, you're on a mini-vacation. On Location Don't live out of your bags. As soon as you arrive at your destination, unpack your bags. You'll feel much more at home if you aren't constantly yanking things out of your suitcase. Hit the spa. If the local activities don't appeal to you, make your weekend into a spa-like retreat. Use all the hotel facilities, starting with room service. Many larger hotels offer a massage service, as well as a gym, sauna and pool. Take advantage. Take a catnap. If it's an evening wedding, it will give you just the pick-me-up you need for later. Live it up. Make up your mind to dance, indulge and have a great time. Sleep in. The morning after the wedding, sleep as late as possible, and then order room service. Plan your trip home so that you arrive in plenty of time to have a good night's sleep. If you head home too late, chances are you'll spend those last precious hours worrying. Traveling To An Unfamiliar Place Going somewhere you've never been before? How will you fill the time when you aren't celebrating with the happy couple? Every city has many unique things to offer its visitors -- even the smallest of small towns. Take advantage. Do some research. Conduct a search on the country and resort you will be visiting. What is it famous for? There may be a museum, festival, park or other location that you'll want to visit. Pick up a travel book. There are several outstanding series of city guides, including those by Frommer's, and Fodor's. Get a local to show you around. This may be a great chance to meet up with an old friend who's local. Just offer to return the favor when they visit your city. Ask the bride and groom. They probably have personal recommendations about activities and things to do in the area Check out the local newspaper. When you arrive at your destination, this is a great way to find out about events. Ask the concierge. If you've forgotten to make plans in advance, don't worry -- they can help with recommendations. I'm making copies to put in our guest folders. Offer to help the wedding couple and their families. If you don't feel like sightseeing, they are sure to appreciate any assistance. This is also a nice way for you to spend extra time with the people you've traveled so far to see. Remember, the few days before the wedding are the busiest time for the bride and groom. This is not the time to ask them to play chauffeur or tour guide. One of the best gifts you can give the couple is to take responsibility for entertaining yourself during your stay. Feel better? You have everything you need to help make a weekend wedding fun and fruitful. Have a blast!

Some Other Thoughts--in random order Be Creative A destination wedding really opens up some possibilities. If you still want to have a fairytale wedding, then go for it. But if you're open to other options, great. Simply by having a destination wedding, you're not doing the conventional. You've already altered people's expectations, so you might be less likely to feel bound to a wedding template. And if your setting is particularly nice, you may be able to simplify other aspects of your wedding. For example, we got married in a beautiful historic inn, which needed no additional decoration or flowers. We saw some weddings in Jamaica where the natural flowers and outdoor setting were so beautiful, just having a bride and groom and officiant looked perfect. Whether you choose to simplify or not, do feel free to rethink some of the typical wedding traditions. Send a Save the Date Letter If you are having guests, consider a "Save the Date" letter. Invitations to traditional weddings are supposed to be sent 4-6 weeks before the event. But more lead time is helpful. Your guests might also want to ask for vacation time to better enjoy the special place you've chosen! In some areas, accommodations fill up way in advance. For all these reasons, you should consider getting in touch with your guests early. A friendly little form letter with pertinent info (place and date) will do nicely. If you've begun to set up accommodations, include that too, along with any other travel info. Otherwise, promise to get back to them later with that information. Would you like to see an example? Here's our Save the Date letter. Let Some Things Go Ideally, this destination wedding should be a vacation for you, too. Don't get so caught up in little details that you can't enjoy the weekend in a special place. Figure out what's important to you, and label the rest of it "small stuff" that you won't sweat. That will free you up to sightsee, relax, play, and join in what your guests are doing! Do As Much As You Can Before You Go If you can, get wedding details finished up while you are still at home. For example, I decided to have silk flowers made at home and shipped to the wedding site. It was one less thing to worry about that weekend--and I already knew they were exactly as I wanted them. I also planned my wedding hairstyle before I went, so I would not have to rely on an unknown stylist when I got there. Of course, you might choose different things to "do ahead" -- do what works for you! Plan Your Packing Get advice from your dressmaker or retailer on how a dress should be packed for travel. Make sure you have the right-sized suitcase or box ahead of time. If you're flying, plan to carry it on if you can, along with any other wedding apparel you'd find hard to replace on short notice! We found that packing for the wedding AND the honeymoon added up to a lot of luggage. If you can, farm out some of your important things to guests and family who are traveling down there. If you are shipping anything, leave extra time. I shipped my flowers down ahead of time, and they took over TEN days. I got some grey hairs wondering why they weren't there yet. They made it for the wedding, but it was close. Don't Overplan for Your Guests You've probably gone to a lot of trouble to choose a nice place to get married. Let your guests enjoy it! Don't plan so many get-togethers, family dinners, rehearsal dinners, and so on that your family and friends have no free time. We did plan a few things on different nights, to guarantee that we'd spend quality time with different groups of our guests, but no one (save us) had something wedding-related planned EVERY night. We had one family dinner on one night, a parents' dinner the next night, followed by a night out with friends only. We skipped a rehearsal dinner. I know that it has become a nice tradition for people to plan huge wedding-related activities and social gatherings all weekend, and I think that's super when you have a bunch of people in your hometown who otherwise wouldn't have much to do. But in your case, your location can do a lot of the entertaining for you--and you should let it! What about the people who won't be there? When you have a destination wedding, you're probably going to leave a lot of people out. That might be by design, or just an unfortunate circumstance of getting married far away. There are ways to include them. One option is to have a reception at some point after the wedding. You can plan something very much like a traditional wedding reception (formal invitations, cakecutting, dancing, even wedding attire) or something more like a party. We had two, one an open house in my hometown, the other a more formal catered party at my husband's parents' home. We invited the local people who would have been invited to the wedding had we held it in those towns. We brought our wedding photos to both, and I'd carefully prepared them in a scrapbook with good labels and captions. While we're on this topic: Should you send an invitation to people you know won't be able to make the trip? Will it look like you're just grubbing for a gift, or will it tell them they are an important person to you? Will they feel you expect them to be there, or will they understand it is symbolic? You should probably discuss this with those close to you. In our case, we decided to invite only those people we figured would come. We sent announcements (see below) to everyone else. I think our friends and family understood about not getting an invitation. But it felt weird not to send one to some of my relatives. Consider using announcements You don't see too many announcements mailed these days, because most people use their invitation to "announce" their marriage. But they are a great way to let important people know you've been married! Announcements are very similar in appearance to invitations--just the wording (and the timing) are different. You send these after the wedding takes place. The format generally lists the location your wedding took place, so rest assured that recipients will understand why they weren't invited. What about showers? And gifts from others who are not invited?As modern wedding traditions have evolved, we have tied wedding gifts to wedding invitations. For example, etiquette holds that those who are invited to a shower should also be invited to the wedding. If you have a limited guest list, that can make showers (and other times you receive wedding gifts) feel awkward. However, please realize that many people give gifts simply because they are happy for you and that is their traditional way to celebrate the marriage of someone they care about. We received many gifts from people after we sent out the announcements (even though this wasn't expected). And I--the one with the tiny wedding--had TWO showers! One was given by co-workers, the other by the nice ladies in my mother-in-law's church. It was what they sincerely wished to do, and the fact that they weren't a part of the wedding didn't seem to matter a bit. On the other hand, when a girlfriend wanted to hold a shower for me with plans to invite other mutual friends, I nixed it because it felt different. Play it by ear, but understand that there is a time to receive gifts graciously. Source: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~kzaruba/dest.html

For those who don't have it...this is the one I found and using. Countdown to Our Wedding Away Modern brides and grooms are following an exciting trend: getting married at unique and exotic locations. Whether you have your heart set on the Bahamas, Bermuda, Fiji, or Hawaii, it?s important to plan early. The following checklist will help you and your spouse-to-be cover all the bases of your destination wedding. Keep in mind that these are general recommendations and may need to be adjusted to fit your particular plans. TWELVE TO EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING -Send out Save the Dates to guests. -Work on getting vacation plans out to guests. -Start searching for a wedding dress. (the 12 to 8 months before I added this myself) SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE -Decide on a budget. -Determine the style (formal, informal), size (wedding party, guests), and setting (church, garden, beach) for the ceremony. -Target a wedding date. -Select a destination?check the Internet or contact a travel agent. -Create a file for contracts, notes of conversations, and other wedding-related information. -Research the marriage license requirements of your destination. If possible, request an application ahead of time from the foreign consulate, chamber of commerce, or tourism department. -Call or send for information on wedding sites; wedding-package details from hotels, chapels, consulates, and tourism departments; and consultants who can assist in legal matters and coordinate the ceremony site, officiant, flowers, music, and other details. -Evaluate wedding packages and select a wedding service or consultant who can assist you with long-distance arrangements. -Choose a maid of honor, best man, and other attendants. -Develop an invitation list, then send a save-the-date note. -Select wedding attire. -Sign up with a bridal registry and select gifts. FOUR TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE -Negotiate and finalize ceremony and reception details with your wedding service providers, independent consultant, or on-site coordinator, communicating any items that will personalize your wedding. -Make sure to collect signed contracts that confirm the arrangements. -Finalize your guest list. -Order wedding invitations, announcements, and thank-you cards. -Negotiate and arrange air, hotel, and ground transportation for the wedding party. Make additional arrangements for the honeymoon. -Confirm your arrangements with the photographer and videographer. -Buy wedding rings and have them engraved. TWO TO FOUR MONTHS BEFORE -Obtain necessary legal documents, including passports and/or visas if traveling to a foreign destination. -Get any necessary inoculations. -Choose gifts for the maid of honor, best man, and other attendants. -Address and mail invitations. -Begin composing your vows (if you want to write your own). ONE TO TWO MONTHS BEFORE -Have your final dress and headpiece fittings. -Have a formal wedding portrait taken. -Send a wedding announcement and picture to your hometown newspapers. -Shop for your travel wardrobe. -Consult with a professional shipper if you are shipping your wedding dress. TWO WEEKS BEFORE -Contact necessary offices for name change forms (driver?s license, social security, etc.). -Confirm travel and wedding arrangements. ONE WEEK BEFORE -Review final details with the hotel, photographer, videographer, florist, musicians, and others involved in the wedding. -Arrange to meet with your officiant before the ceremony. -Make sure everyone?s wedding attire is in order. -Plan guest seating if needed. UPON ARRIVAL -Visit with your consultant and/or officiant. -Apply for the marriage license. -Visit the ceremony site. THE WEDDING DAY -Concentrate on the important things?each other?and be flexible about everything else. Have fun! Source: Beverly Clark http://www.islands.com/weddings/maga...s/d7ss2003.asp