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I am beginning to work out some details for our AHR. I know we want a DJ with dancing and just a fun celebration, but I'm wondering about including some of the traditional reception things. Are you guys still having a 'first dance'? It won't technically be our first dance since we will go dancing while we're at our DW. Are you doing a traditional cake cutting? Again, we will cut our wedding cake in Jamaica, but very few people will be there. Speeches? We won't have a bouquet toss or any of the cheesy dance songs, like the cupid shuffle, but I just can't decide on some of the others! HELP! What are you all doing?
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I know this topic is going to strike a chord with many brides… We are getting married in Riviera Maya. We decided to have no bridal party as our guests are spending a great deal of money to travel to Mexico and we don’t want our friends and family to spend more on bridal party costs. I’m inviting many of my girlfriends/sisters to join me in the bridal suite the morning of the wedding- a care-free and fun getting ready party for everyone! I know the resort provides a day of coordinator for the wedding. What I’m thinking is I may ask one of my best girlfriends to act as our day of coordinator, and be the resort’s “go-to” for all questions regarding our wedding. I have a very special friend in mind; she is coordinating with several other girlfriends are working together to plan the shower and bachelorette party and she keeps asking me “how can I help?” I’m not expecting this person to help me pee or fetch things for me or be my “bridal b*tch” – I would just be asking her to make some decisions or answer questions from the resort/guests if needed. My FI and I both totally trust this person to make decisions on our behalf and she’ll ensure we don’t get hit with any fees or surprises. And honestly, I can’t imagine there’ll be much since the resort has the whole ‘wedding day execution’ down pat. I am absolutely planning to give her an amazing gift, to thank her for her help and include her in the program. (I’ve thought about paying a portion of her travel, or something similar) I cannot handle the term “personal attendant” because she is not! She’s an amazing woman who we know can make calm decisions under pressure, who is organized, super friendly and just overall amazing. She’d be a Bridesmaid if we were having a bridal party, but that’s not an option. Has anyone done something like this in the past? Any ideas on what to call her? -
Hi! I have a bit of a dilemma. Months ago I sent my boss and his wife the Save the Date and he replied that they couldn't make it. Should I still send them an invitation? I've done extensive research on this matter and I still don't have an answer I know some people say that everyone who gets a STD gets an invitation while others say that if a guest has declined you shouldn't send them an invitation (unless they are close friends/family) because it comes across as a gift-grab. Now, I really like both of them (yes, seriously) so I don't want them to feel like I neglected sending the invitation and coming across as impolite but on the other hand I really don't want to come across as asking for gifts, I mean, he is my boss after all!!! What do I do??? Thank you!
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Should I send out "Save the Date" notices for my wedding or just send out the official invitation? It's a common question many couples ask themselves once they start planning their wedding celebration, but when it comes to those having a destination wedding, it is a certainty -- Save the Dates are a must! Here are a few important points to keep in mind when it comes to sending out your Save the Date memos aka STDs to your guests. - Send out your Save the Date approximately 8 to 12 months before your destination wedding date. This gives your family and friends enough time to plan for your celebration. Most importantly it will give them time to save up for the getaway, ask for time off from work as well as make proper travel and lodging reservations. - Create a wedding website even with general destination location info right away and include the website on your Save the Date. You can fill out the remaining wedding details as you set them into place and update your website accordingly, it's an easy way to send out updates and distribute info to your guests throughout the planning process. Once you have the venue set, make sure to include your travel agent's contact info so guests can begin to make their plans as soon as possible. - A simple Save the Date postcard will do. Some brides like to get creative with their Save the Dates, creating travel themed notices -- like boarding passes, passports or even a message in a bottle. But don't feel pressure to turn into Martha Stewart if you just don't have the time or money to get crafty, a Save the Date postcard is perfect for giving your guests the heads up on your wedding plans. - Save the Dates are important because they will give your guests a heads up on your destination wedding plans, therefore increasing the chances of more guests attending your celebration. If you want a good turnout for your Wedding Day, then make sure to send out those STDs with plenty of time to give to ensure your guests can make the proper plans. - Must have info on your STD: the couple's names, wedding date (or dates if you're planning to spread the festivities out over several days), location (at the very least the city/region if you don't have your venue nailed down yet), and a memo that the official invitation will follow. Also make sure to include that wedding website so they can refer to it for additional information and event updates. Side note: ask for RSVPs in the formal invitation, asking for it on the STD is too early of a request if you send them out a year in advance. - Make sure you are clear on the STD if it is an adults-only affair or whether people can bring guests. This is info your guests will need to consider as they make plans to attend or decline the invite. To find out more information about booking your honeymoon or destination wedding, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
Hello, My future husband (!) and I are researching all-inclusive resorts in Mexico. We're between Moon Palace, Dreams Tulum, and similar resorts....our question is really through negotiation. How much wiggle room is there when negotiating with a resort? Is the price THE price? We're trying to keep our wedding under a certain price but the numbers add up quickly!
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I'm two months away from our big day and working out a few add on's with our planner (adding guests, changing some minor details) when she hits me with a $350 "beach cleaning fee". Our ceremony is on the beach that is in front of the restaurant that is our venue... I'm already paying a good deal of restaurant fees and also fees to set up chairs on the beach ($5/head) and now this? Moreover, we signed our contract nearly a year ago and it did not include this. She makes a flat fee, but has not exactly been easy to negotiate with- i.e. I tried to ask her to negotiate with the officiant, and she reduced $25, but said she didn't want to negotiate with him. I feel that all her prices are probably well padded but it's a destination wedding and hard to micro-manage. I'm pretty annoyed about this fee though, because it's a significant amount of money. Has anyone heard of a beach cleaning fee before? It doesn't seem like something typical when I googled it.
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5 Reasons Why a Destination Elopement Is Right for You
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Weddings traditionally call for a celebratory gathering of a couple's closest family and friends, but it doesn't always have to be that way. These days many couples are buying into the concept of the destination elopement experience -- that is traveling to some epic location to tie the knot alone or with just a handful of family and friends, giving it a more intimate and adventurous feel. So is a destination elopement the wedding experience for you? Here are 5 reasons why you should consider opting for an destination elopement rather than the traditional wedding celebration route. 1. You want to keep it between the two of you, or perhaps just a few: Eloping can just involve you and your sweetheart, but doesn't have to be that way. Perhaps you want to invite your parents and siblings along, or your best friends. A destination elopement is an intimate experience, the hardest part is keeping it a secret. So if you plan to invite a few family members or friends, be clear to them that you want to keep it on the hush as your wedding getaway nears. 2. You don't want to deal with intricacies of wedding planning: Wedding planning can be stressful and time consuming -- don't let anyone tell you different. Perhaps you don't have the ability to hire a planner or you simply don't have the time/want to go through the process of planning a wedding. If that's the case, an elopement may be right for you. While an elopement doesn't completely relieve you of the planning process, a celebration that just involves you and your sweetheart or just a small circle definitely requires less detailed planning than a big celebration involving 20 to 100+ guests. 3. You have your heart set on putting your money toward certain wedding details and experiences: Wedding planning is a very personal experience because you can choose to plan your wedding as you see fit. Perhaps having a traditional wedding with several guests means that you have to limit your budget in other areas that you simply don't want to to make compromises in. If that's the case, an elopement might be the best option for you. Either way, what you should keep in mind is that just because your elopement may not have all the bells and whistles of a grand celebration, this is still a special day in your lives together. So don't skimp on getting that gorgeous dress you've always had your eye on and that beautiful bouquet of flowers. Make sure to still invest in a good photographer and/or videographer -- your family and friends will love that you've still captured the day in a way that they can still share in the experience. Having beautiful photos and video will also mean so much more when you can share them with your future children. And if you opt for an elopement, you can also put the money you've saved into other experiences -- for example, getting PADI certified, going on a dive trip, taking a catamaran ride with your small circle, taking a helicopter ride over a surreal location or an extended honeymoon to some epic location. Or maybe it allows you to splurge and book a few days at an amazing resort you otherwise couldn't afford or perhaps those gorgeous overwater bungalows in Mexico! When you opt to elope, you will find yourself with more flexibility in terms of experiences and budget -- so enjoy it! 4. You're Prepared to Deal With a Strong Reaction from Others: When news spreads that you've eloped, you have to be prepared for strong reactions from family or friends -- some of which may be surprising. While people may share your joy, there will be others who may express disappointment or anger that they were not invited to the festivities. You have to be strong and confident with your decision and be willing to deal with whatever responses may get thrown your way. It's OK, just be prepared to deal with unexpected reactions. (Tip: #5 might help alleviate any disappointment!) 5. You'd rather plan a Post-I Do Party: Once you've spread the word, consider hosting a party to celebrate your union at home. This will still give you a chance to share your joy with the ones you love and friends who are dear and near, but don't feel obligated to make it "a wedding." You can do something elaborate if you'd like to make it a simple dinner gathering. It's up to you if you want to go big or small. Whether you're dealing with a tighter wedding budget or feel intimidated by the thought of planning a large wedding, a destination elopement is something to consider these days. It allows you and your sweetheart to better focus on the sentiment of saying I Do. You just have to ask yourself, is it right for you? To book or inquire about a location for a destination wedding elopement or wedding, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit the website at www.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
Perhaps you and your sweetheart already live together and have more than enough traditional coupling stuff for the home (i.e., toaster, towels, bedsheets, glasses, etc.) or maybe since you're a destination wedding bride you've come to realize what a tough task it would be for you to lug any gifts home that were brought to your destination celebration. Either way, there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional wedding gifts wish list to consider. 1. Create a Honeyfund at honeyfund.com Here you can register for things that pertain to your honeymoon experience, like a scuba dive, a dinner out, a couple's massage by the shore -- it's up to you to list what you and your mate have planned for your getaway. And your friends and family can contribute to your fund to make your honeymoon a memorable one! 2. Sign up for a giftcard registry Yes this does exist and who doesn't love the flexibility of giftcards?! This way you'll have more control of what you need to purchase and your guests will feel like they are still helping you out as you start your lives together. Cardavenue.com allows you to craft a giftcard wishlist for any type of celebration. 3. Ask your guests to contribute to your favorite cause or charity People will want to give you something, so why not encourage them to pay it forward instead. The IDoFoundation is a site where you can create a free charity fundraiser and ask your guests to support a worthy cause in honor of your union. 4. Create a Home Fund If you and your soon-to-be spouse are saving up to buy a home, why not ask your guests to help you with your down payment? At Hatch My House couples can create a home fund that guests can contribute to that will help them buy a place they'll one day call home. 5. Tell your family and friends their presence is present enough For many destination wedding couples, having their guests invest in a trip/vacation to their destination celebration is more than enough of a gift. So thank your guests in person or include it on the invite or your wedding website that gifts aren't necessary -- and tell them their mere presence at your wedding is all you need. -
Dealing with Guests Who Want to Book Outside the Travel Agent Group Rate The art of getting all your guests to place their deposits for your destination wedding accommodations and finalize their booking through your travel agent can be hard -- we're talking rocket science hard. Because you'll likely have at least one guest who needs a little more time to book, another guest who goes rogue and THINKS they have found a better deal at the same resort, and of course another set of guests who decide they're going to stay at another resort all together. So how do you deal with this? The bottom line is: be open and honest with your guests from the start, and be sure they have full information on the process of booking their stay.. When wedding guests book outside the established travel agent group rate, there is often a resort surcharge for that person to attend any of your scheduled events. So let your guests know about these extra fees that must be paid if they book outside your contracted group rate. Since couples have arranged a group rate and held rooms for their guests in a group block, many brides and grooms do pass any additional charge for booking outside the group on to those guests who choose that route. So convey to your guests ahead of time what the ramifications are if they book on their own. Having guests book elsewhere could also put additional pressure on the wedding couple, as most resorts require a minimum occupancy to stay at the resort. Also when it comes to guests who decide to book lodging elsewhere outside of your chosen resort, make sure they know there will typically be a visitors fee for them to enter your resort and attend your wedding (if that is in fact, your resort's policy). These visitor fees can average anywhere from $75 to $200 per guests --so these unexpected costs can easily add up. Additionally, if a resort is full to capacity, they are under no obligation to sell these "day passes" to people wishing to enter for the day. Resorts will not overcrowd their paying guests by allowing in those staying elsewhere if they are full, meaning there's no guarantee they'll be able to attend your wedding at all! Now it's up to you whether you want to cover your guests visitor fee or tell your guests that they would be responsible for paying it on their own -- Most couples make it clear that any additional cost for those choosing to stay elsewhere would be the guest's responsibility, from transfers, to taxi to entry fee. Once these are all calculated into the total price, it is quite typical that the cost of staying elsewhere can actually be higher than just booking into the group block and staying on site. Additionally, the whole concept and experience of a destination wedding includes not just guests attending the actual ceremony, but leisure time spent on the beach with the wedding couple, or relaxing with a drink in the lobby bar -- all things that off-site guests would be excluded from experiencing. It's also important to emphasize to your guests that you've contracted the help of a travel agent, who can help ensure their needs are taken care of should any problems arise during the booking or travel process. Travel agents usually also have established working relationships with the resorts they work with and can quickly handle any issues or unexpected problems that arise -- giving you the attention and assistance you need, whereas those who book deals on discount travel websites often have no recourse or anyone to turn to who can offer immediate help. Most importantly, when guests stay off-site, they are missing out on the best part of a destination wedding -- which is the group trip aspect. It's the bonding of the wedding guests where you really foster relationships with people and long lasting memories, and these times can only truly be had when you are interacting with the group at the same resort. How Do You Tell Your Guests of the Importance of Booking the Travel Agent Group Rate? TA Wendy, one of the agents for Wright Travel Agency -- the official agency for the Best Destination Wedding Forum -- suggests that couples put something on their website or Save the Date that says, "We are delighted that you are considering attending our Destination Wedding, and to make your booking the trip smooth and easy we have contracted for the rooms with a Travel Agent who specializes in Destination wedding travel. If you are planning to come this is how you should book your reservation to ensure you are in our group block and a part of all the festivities." A simple statement like this will often deter guests from going off and travel shopping on their own. Unfortunately, there truly is no way you can force anyone to book according to your wishes, but you do have the ability to provide your guests with the knowledge upfront of what can, and will happen, if they decide to book outside the established group rate. Being upfront and honest from the get go, can save you a lot of headache, stress and most of all money in the long run! For more information and assistance about establishing a group rate at the resort of your choice, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
Brides.com: 5 Things Guests Hate Most About Wedding
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
We've all been to at least one wedding in our lifetime, and while it is a joyous and celebratory gathering, no wedding goes 100 percent as planned. Things go wrong at weddings all the time, both big and small. But there are some aspects that a couple should consider ahead of time to avoid having unhappy guests during their Wedding Day. According to a recent article published in Brides.com, here are 5 things guests hate most about weddings: 1) Delayed Receptions Don't wait too long to feed the guests once the ceremony ends. At the very least, have a cocktail and appetizer hour to keep your guests happy before the reception begins. Also keep in mind that if you're having children present, there should be activities to keep them occupied rather than having them run around amongst starved guests. 2) Lack of Planning Keep in communication with your guests to ensure that they are aware of any changes to the schedule. Remember when planning, to think of every aspect of the day and carefully plan your details out -- having a wedding coordinator, or at the very least, a "day-of" coordinator is a great way to ensure that all bases are covered. 3) No Microphones at the Ceremony Make sure you have the proper tools (microphones) and sound system in place to ensure that your guests can actually hear your vows. This is especially important if you're having a ceremony outdoors (beach especially!), there's nothing worse than your guests traveling both near and far and then not giving them a chance to fully witness your nuptials because they can't hear them. Consider having microphones if you're not sure your guests will be able to hear you during the ceremony. 4) The Bride Venting About Her Wedding (At the Wedding) Don't be that bride who complains about her wedding while at the wedding! Yes, you may be stressed and exhausted, but expressing your disappointment to your guests and bridal party will make them feel uncomfortable during a time when they are there to celebrate you. 5) Cash Bar If you're having guests travel to your destination wedding, consider offering at least a limited bar if an open bar isn't within your budget. This article was originally published on Brides.com. Tell us, what is your pet peeve when it comes to attending weddings? -
Hi guys, I need to ask your help on this. I have been planning on using a passport template for my save the dates, and I pretty much had every detail planned for them. In the mail today I get my friend's wedding invitation and guess what her invitation is?? A passport! She's not having a destination wedding but the theme of her wedding is "around the world". Now I feel like I can't do the passport any more because of this. The template I was planning on using does look much different from hers (in case that matters). I have heard a few different opinions on what I should do so I'm torn. Should I come up with something else or should I go with my original plan? I still want to do boarding passes for my invite so using that as a save the date is not an option. I'm open to any suggestions and opinions. What would you do?? Thanks in advance! -Tiffany
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Hi everyone! We are planning a DW in Tuscany and things are getting a bit out of hand. I want to keep the list to 30-40, but FH is having issues with excluding friends and family. We have went through several rounds of elimination and can't seem to get the list below 150 Any suggestions for trimming back? Thanks! -N
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Perhaps you have a milestone wedding anniversary coming up, or maybe you and your sweetheart just want another opportunity to celebrate your love. Whatever the reason may be -- big or small -- planning for a destination vow renewal is a great idea! But if you're on the fence and just can't decide whether to renew your I Do's, here are six reasons why you should say "yes" to planning a destination vow renewal: 1. It's another chance to celebrate your love and renew your commitment to each other. I'm sure you already know this, but being in a marriage takes work. And being in a happy marriage takes even more work. Every relationship has its ups and downs and rest assure your and your spouse will go through trials and tribulations that will test your relationship, and if you are able to weather the storm and come out on top together -- that is plenty of reason to celebrate. A vow renewal is a wonderful way to celebrate your commitment to each other once again, to tell the world you love each other once again and to remind yourselves why you walked down the aisle the first time 2. It's a reason to gather your families and friends and if you have children, a chance to incorporate them into your celebration. Perhaps you've been in a whirlwind of busy schedules and life's demands, and just haven't had time to spend with your loved ones. Well planning a destination vow renewal is a great opportunity to gather the crew and spend some quality time together. Wedding celebrations allow for a unique opportunity for everyone to gather for a happy occasion and have a good time, so why not do it somewhere epic? And if you've had children since you first tied the knot, nix the traditional bridal party and allow your kids to be by your side instead. Have your sons or daughters walk you down the aisle to meet dad. Let your kids be your bridal party -- having them be an integral part of the celebration will give them something to always remember and cherish. 3. It's a chance for "do-overs" -- especially if the first time wasn't ideal or perfect. If your first wedding wasn't perfect or what you always dreamed it would be, a vow renewal is a great opportunity to do it right the second time around. For a lot of couples, their first wedding celebration came with budget limitations and money set aside for the bigger picture -- i.e., buying a house, starting a new life as husband and wife. But when it comes to your vow renewal, you may find yourself in a better place financially and a lot more stable as a couple. So why not create the wedding you truly always wanted? Maybe there was a venue you really wanted to get married at but for whatever reason, wasn't an option the first time (budget, availability, etc.) Make it happen this time around and plan for the celebration of your dreams -- hire the photographer you really want to work with, wear the dress you wish you would have chosen the first time, wear your hair and makeup the way you wish you would have -- essentially take what you learned from the first time around, do it over, and do it perfectly And if you actually loved your wedding celebration the first time, take the opportunity to fine tune it to perfection this time around or simply do it all over again. Also, when it comes to the vow renewal, you don't have to feel obligated to invite everyone you did the first time -- just invite your core, the people you truly want to be there. Vow renewals can be big and elaborate, or small and intimate, it's really up to you. 4. It's an opportunity to celebrate family and friendship: it takes a village. Use this celebration to say thank you to your circle and support system. Celebrate with the ones you truly love, the people who have been by your side through the ups and downs of your life and your marriage. Gather the ones you love and celebrate life and love -- go out there and make new and wonderful memories together! 5. It's an opportunity to take an epic vacation/adventure to a place you've never been to. Is there a location you've always wanted to go to? Or maybe there's a special spot that you've been to before that you'd like to share with your circle. If so, why not plan a vow renewal at that special place? Everyone loves a reason to go on a great vacation, so incorporating an epic destination spot into your vow renewal plans can work perfectly for you and your guests. If you're planning on having a smaller group, this allows you to splurge a little more. Take a look at the castle in Europe, check into Karisma's gorgeous Villa Carola private home at Azul Beach in Cancun. Make this celebration epic in every way possible by choosing a destination that you've been dying to visit. 6. It's a special time to document with photos -- family, friends and with your sweetheart. As a wedding photographer, I may be biased, but a vow renewal is a great opportunity to capture beautiful photos of you and your sweetheart and your family and friends. If you couldn't afford the photographer you wanted the first time you shared I Do's perhaps this time around it may be in your budget. Pictures are the footprints of our lives, so make those precious memories with the ones you love and document them well! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
I know how you must feel planning this day that you want to be perfect. Perhaps you're stressed out over your budget, unhappy because people aren't RSVP'ing or booking their trips like they should before the deadline, or maybe you're panicking because you haven't heard back from your wedding coordinator in a few days -- or has it been a week? I get it, I was there. Wedding planning, while exhilarating and exciting, can be really, really hard. So here are some tips from me (a past bride who went through it all, including the threat of borders closing because of the swine flu and drug cartels ) to help get you through this journey as a bride-to-be. 1. Don't sweat the small stuff and take a deep breath before you handle the big stuff. There will be times when you find yourself breaking down over the smallest of details. I remember going into a slight panic when I found out one of the colors of my bridesmaids' dresses was being discontinued. My then fiancé recalls me going into a crazed frenzy because the three bridesmaids wearing that color still hadn't bothered to get their dresses despite my constant reminders to "get it done." They eventually did and all was well. But it didn't happen without me pretty much losing it LOL. So before you decide this new problem is worth calling the whole thing off, step back and look at the big picture. Will this issue completely ruin your Wedding Day? Will it prevent you from doing what's most important -- marrying the one you love? Don't make any rash decisions or fly off the handle, if time permits, give yourself 48-72 hours to assess the situation/problem and go from there. 2. Not everyone will be able to attend your destination wedding and you need to accept that. The beauty of having a destination wedding is that sharing I Do's in a place far from home will weed out the people you didn't really want to invite but felt obligated to. Admit it, you know exactly who I'm talking about. The sad but true part is that there will be some people who you knew for sure would be at your wedding, that simply won't be able to make it -- for whatever reason. We had some people tell us they couldn't afford it or they simply couldn't take time off work. And then there were those who didn't want to travel to foreign country. We listened to reasons of every kind. I also lost someone who I thought was my best friend because of my destination wedding. About two weeks before we were going to leave, she told me her sons' father wouldn't give her permission to take the boys to Mexico. I later found out, not only was she probably making up that excuse, she was also trying to convince my other best friend not to go either. Yep, I soon realized she wasn't the person I thought she was all along. Was I heartbroken and sad? Yes, but I didn't let her lack of wanting to be a part of my Big Day bother me. She wasn't going to stop me from having the wedding of my dreams -- see advice point #1. 3. Be in the moment. You spend months, maybe years like me, planning for your Wedding Day. So when the time arrives for your destination wedding experience to begin, don't forget to soak it all in. I cannot emphasize enough how quickly our Wedding Day will fly by -- you wake up the day of your wedding and before you know it, it's over. Trust me! So take some time throughout your Big Day to look at everything and let your senses take it all in. Look around at all the beautiful details, inhale the fragrance and smells that waft through the air, listen to the music and the voices of your family and friends, taste and enjoy your delicious meal and drinks, touch your new spouse's hand and kiss him/her deeply -- enjoy it all. This is your Wedding Day -- live it, breathe it, love it, and enjoy every moment. Don't forget to check back for Part 2 of Wisdom from a Past Bride! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
As brides we spend so much time trying to craft the perfect Wedding Day. We often obsess over every little details, ensuring that everything blends well together while at the same time making sure that our guests are well taken care of and having a good time during your wedding celebration. Realistically, weddings never go exactly as planned. Sure, it may seem like it was the perfect day. But there is always something that doesn't go as planned -- big or small -- but at the end of the day, you just roll with it and make the best of it. And if you were like me, after our wedding experience ended, I took some time to reflect (and laugh) at all the little things I really shouldn't have stressed out over. Of course it's always so much easier to do this in retrospect So to all past brides, if you could do it all over again, what would you do differently when it comes to your destination wedding? -
A List of New Year's Resolutions for Every Bride-to-Be
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
It's time to say goodbye to the year that has been and open your arms to the year that begins. New Year's resolutions aren't for everyone, but if you're a bride-to-be, here's a couple of resolution ideas that will help you get your year off to the right start as you come closer to the Big Day ... 1. Get organized and have a plan. Jot down everything you need to get done before the Wedding Day and draft up a to-do list that outlines your plans monthly, weekly and daily. Yes, putting everything down will help give you a better picture of what deadlines need to be met and what plans of action need to take place before you run out of time. While your Wedding Day may seem like it's far out, it will creep up on you before you know it. Remember, there are certain aspects of planning a wedding that generally need to be done way in advance (booking a venue, ordering a dress/suit, etc.) and other duties that you can reserve for the final month (alterations, meeting with vendors to finalize details, creating a wedding day timeline, etc.). Nothing feels better than putting a checkmark next to things on your to-do list! 2. Create a budget and stick with it. It would be nice to have a unlimited budget wouldn't it? But unless your name is Kim Kardashian, you've probably got a budget like the rest of us! Regardless, it's wise to create a budget (even if it's a general range) to help keep you on track so you can really narrow down what you want for your Big Day. Trust me, there can be such a thing as "too much." Simple can be wonderful, but if you want details galore roll with that and just remember to stay in line with your budget -- it will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run! 3. Relax and don't freak out. There will be things that don't happen the way you want them to as you plan your Wedding. Maybe it's that one of the bridesmaids can't make it to your bachelorette party, or perhaps one of the groomsmen forgot to pick up the right colored shirt. Stuff happens and for the sake of your own sanity (and that of your soon-to-be spouse), don't let things get you stressed out. Take a deep breath and remember, things may not always be perfect, but everything will work itself out. Keep your heart set on what matters the most -- you are getting married to the one you love! 4. Implement a healthier diet and workout plan. Making healthier changes to your diet and exercise regimen is a common theme for most people come each new year, but when you're a bride, looking your best come your Wedding Day can be especially important. Whether your changes are drastic or gradual, create a plan that is feasible and doable. Remember every change you make no matter how big or small is making a difference for your overall health and well-being. 5. Spend quality time with your sweetheart, family and friends. Sometimes as busy brides-to-be, we forget to take care of the relationships in our inner circles. While you may be swimming in things to do leading up to the Big Day, don't neglect the one you love, or your friends and family for that matter. Try to dedicate time each week/month for your loved ones. Even it's something as simple as going out for coffee or ice cream, or maybe spending time watching a movie out or even at home. Take time to "simply be" with the ones you love. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
Perhaps we can blame it on the surging "selfie" practice or the growing popularity and affordability of owning your own DSLR aka "fancy camera," but these days weddings have become filled with more than just the one or two photographers you've hired -- it seems like all the guests are also photographers, and sometimes even videographers. Whatever the case may be, I'm here to encourage you (if you've hired professional photographers to document your celebration) to kindly tell your guests you want an unplugged wedding ceremony -- in simple terms -- "PUT YOUR CAMERAS/CAMERA PHONES DOWN." Encourage your guests to put their cameras down especially during your Wedding Ceremony. As a wedding photographer, I can tell you, there's nothing more discouraging than composing the perfect photo of an epic moment, only to have a guest who blocks or steps right into your shot. Not only is it distracting, it's quite discouraging to have to deliver a series of photos to the bride and groom that have Uncle Edward with his camera phone right in the middle of an otherwise beautiful photo. Trust me, I almost ran into a huge disaster when I was prepping to take a photo of a couple's First Kiss and a cousin stepped into the church aisle blocking my view. Thankfully, the couple laughed and paused before their lips met and I was able to move quickly around her and still capture their first kiss as husband and wife -- something that happens only once in their lives. But can you imagine how disastrous that scenario could have been? I totally understand the desire to have a million photos taken to help you remember the day -- I was that bride too about six years ago. I wanted the immediacy of being able to see my wedding photos from family and friends and didn't want to wait for the photographer's images. But I can tell you, when I finally did receive them it made me realize that nothing could compare to the professional photos that were taken on our Wedding Day. They were incredible, intentional and every reason why I should have had more faith and confidence in just relying solely on my photographers. They were beautiful, every single one of them. (Side note: make sure you hire solid photographers that you know you can trust to capture all the important moments and deliver beautiful photographs!!!) If there is ever a moment to want your guests to put down their cameras, it should be during the wedding ceremony. Have faith in your hired photographers to capture this special time on your Wedding Day, but most of all, encourage your guests to simply enjoy and live in the moment when it comes to the ceremony. After all, they did travel hundreds of miles to partake in seeing you get married right? So why not ask them to relish in the beauty of that moment and refrain from taking photos. Ask them to be present and celebrate with you. It's a simple but important request. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
How to Tell Your Guests You're Having An Unplugged Wedding
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
If you're one of the many brides who've decided they want an unplugged wedding aka "dear family and friends please put down your smartphones/cameras/tablets and just enjoy being present," now you must decide how to firmly but tastefully share your wishes with your guests. Here are a few ideas how you can convey to your guests that they need not play the role of wedding paparazzi and that you'd much rather have them be present, in the moment and enjoy the festivities: 1. Make a small mention of it in your wedding invitation: Yes you can give them an early heads up that this will be a wedding that you want them to fully enjoy -- meaning they need not worry about brushing up those photography skills. It's never too early to let your guests know that this will indeed be an unplugged wedding. 2. Put a can't miss sign up at your ceremony and on your reception tables: The professional photographers you hire will love you for this. It's a firm but creative way to let your guests know that you want them to put their cameras and devices down. There are so many creative and endearing ways to word your thoughts, just check out these sample signs on Pinterest for a few ideas: Unplugged Wedding Sign Ideas 3. Put a note in your wedding program: The OffBeat Bride blog offered these two great options for wording in your program: A short and sweet version: "The bride and groom have asked that you share in their wedding fully and not through the lens of a camera or cell phone." A little more in depth version: "We ask you to kindly turn off your ringers during the wedding ceremony and refrain from taking photos. We have professional photographers on hand to capture all the special moments and are excited to share their photos with you." 4. Have your Officiant make an announcement prior to the ceremony: Yes, some people won't bother to read the program or may simply ignore your note. So having your officiant make an announcement prior to the ceremony will officially put everyone on public notice. A simple, "The bride and groom have kindly asked that all their guests put their cameras and phones away and simply enjoy the ceremony!" 5. Ask your DJ make an announcement when the reception begins: If you want the unplugged rule to roll over to your reception, don't hesitate to have your DJ/Emcee or even a family member express your wishes. Remind everyone that your professional photographers are there to capture all the special moments and that you'd love for them to party the night away and enjoy the celebration without having to think about snapping photos. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
I spent more than two years planning our destination wedding -- I lived it, breathed it, dreamt about it and pretty much spent every waking moment thinking about it. So when our Big Day was done and in the books and we came home from two blissful weeks of the most perfect wedding experience, I fell into a bit of a funk. The baby -- aka my wedding -- I had created and cared for, was over. And I was depressed. I found myself still visiting my wedding photographer's blog even weeks and months after she had already blogged our wedding and my husband often had to remind me, "babe, you know we're not going to magically appear on her blog again right?" I soon realized, I was obsessed with looking a beautiful wedding photos, even if they weren't my own LOL. So six months after we said "I Do," I bought my first DSLR and over the course of the next half a year, I took a self-taught crash course in photography -- my new obsession became photography. My camera became my new post-wedding baby and I was addicted to learning everything I could about the craft. Before I knew it, I was being asked to shoot a ton of portrait sessions and eventually even taught my husband how to shoot. And those sessions ultimately led to shooting events, and that ultimately led to booking our first wedding -- which happened to be a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic. I know, right? And now here I am five years later, having shot close to 100 weddings. Needless to say, the way I got out of my post-wedding funk was to cultivate my love for weddings through a career -- which initially started out as a hobby -- that still allowed me to exist within the wedding world. So if you're feeling a bit depressed now that the wedding has come and gone, here are a few tips that can help get you out of the post-wedding blues: 1) Sell all your leftover wedding stuff: If you plan to sell your dress -- do it right away. All those extra wedding items you never got around to using? Sell it immediately. Get those things out of sight and don't leave any unwanted remnants behind. Cleaning house will give you a sense of a fresh new start beyond the wedding world. 2) Start on those thank you cards right away: Don't let this task go by the wayside. Get started on those thank you notes ASAP. You'll not only feel good about getting this task done, you're guests will appreciate the quick and thoughtful turnaround from what I'm sure was the best wedding they've ever gone to! 3) If you didn't order an album from your photographer, create one: This one is my biggest regret. I decided to NOT order an album from my photographer filled with all my beautiful wedding photos because I planned on making an album myself. Well guess what? It's now been 6.5 years since I've been married and I still haven't gotten around to making an wedding album -- and I'm a freaking wedding photographer so it's not like I don't have the software and ability to make an album. I just haven't done it. *sigh* So number one, I'd suggest ordering an album from your photographer -- it will be worth the money and time you save. Plus the quality of album a professional can provide you with will far outweigh what you have access to as a regular consumer. BUT if you're determined to save money and DIY, then do it right away. As soon as you get your photos, start designing that album and get that sucker ordered ASAP. Or else you'll find yourself 5+ years later regretting that your photos still only exist in a Facebook album or on a disk your photographer gave you 4) Start a new hobby: This was the magic that helped me. I discovered a love for photography and never looked back. A new hobby will allow you to put your post-wedding boredom into a new obsession, and who knows what that could lead to! I speak from experience 5) Let the gym become your new "wedding": I wish I would have stuck to my pre-wedding workout regimen because ughhhhh I was in such great shape for my wedding! Don't let the post-wedding blues let you forget how good it feels to be in shape, keep that routine up. It will not only help you turn your focus away from any post-wedding depression, you'll feel and look better because of it! 6) Become a volunteer: Whenever I have felt like I was down in the dumps, volunteering for a good cause or an event has always been a good wake up call for me. Giving your time and efforts to others in need is not only good for the spirit and soul, it helps keep things in perspective of what's truly important in life. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
They say you can never truly thank you parents for all they've done for you throughout the years, but on your Wedding Day -- when you officially "leave the nest," and begin your life with someone else -- you can sure try to express your thanks with a special gift they will love. Here are a few gift ideas to give mom and dad on your Wedding Day: Frame one of their old Wedding photos: Celebrate their love by preserving one of their own Wedding Day photos in a beautiful frame. A Wedding Day parent album: Cherish the memories from your Wedding Day by creating a parent album just for mom and dad. They will love being able to remember the special moments of your Big Day with a beautifully put together album. You can either create one on your own or ask your photographer if he/she offers parent albums -- chances are, it's an option and it's always better leaving it to the professionals. A special slideshow: Old photos and video clips set to music is sure to set the tone for tears of joy and laughter. Your parents will love taking a trip down memory lane with a visual display of your life and family through the years. A special toast: Declaring your love and thanks to your parents is always appreciated. Take a minute or two to thank them publicly for all their love and support, hearing "thank you," will never get old. A special trip or getaway: If you've got a bigger budget to work with, send your parents on a weekend getaway. They'll appreciate the time away to relax and make more memories together! A gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or fun excursion: Who doesn't love the gift of delicious food? Get them a giftcard to their favorite restaurant, or maybe a giftcard to use toward an excursion -- the movies, the theater, a museum, a winery tour, etc. Give them the freedom to enjoy a fun outing together. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
Looking for a unique way to ask your closest friend to be a bridesmaid? Don't settle for just a simple phone call, email or a text -- there are plenty of sweet little trinkets that you can give to pop the question! From personalized wine glasses, specially labeled wine bottles, to beautiful custom necklaces to coffee mugs -- asking your best gal pal can be done in a beautiful way that she will never forget! Click here to view a plethora of "asking your bridesmaid" gift ideas offered by Etsy creatives. * Wedding Finds is a BDW feature that will highlight special little finds or ideas that may help you along during your wedding planning journey. If you have a special wedding find to share, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
As a little girl I grew up with the traditional notion that my Dad would walk me down the aisle on my Wedding Day. But in reality it ended up both my parents that stood by my side as I took that last walk as a single woman. And honestly, I wouldn't have had it any other way. If you haven't already learned by now, being a destination bride means the concept of "tradition" kind of goes out the door and you should wholeheartedly embrace that! Walking down the aisle with both of your parents creates such a special moment that you will always get to share with the two people who brought you into this world, and it also gives way for beautiful imagery filled with lots of emotion. So if you plan to have both mom and dad walk you down the aisle, here are a few important things to keep in mind: Make sure your wedding aisle is suitable for three people to walk down side-by-side together. Make sure to practice with both your parents by your side during your Wedding Ceremony rehearsal Make sure you give your photographer a heads up that you will have both your parents by your side. Your photographer will appreciate being able to plan for this moment ahead of time to ensure he/she is standing in the best location to get the perfect angle. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
I know how you must feel planning this day that you want to be perfect. Perhaps you're stressed out over your budget, unhappy because people aren't RSVP'ing or booking their trips like they should before the deadline, or maybe you're panicking because you haven't heard back from your wedding coordinator in a few days -- or has it been a week? I get it, I was there. Wedding planning, while exhilarating and exciting, can be really, really hard. So here are some tips from me (a past bride who went through it all, including the threat of borders closing because of the swine flu and drug cartels ) to help get you through this journey as a bride-to-be. (Click here to read Part 1). 1. Don't be Afraid to Ask for Help. I don't know what exactly happens when you put an engagement ring on your finger, but for some reason, it's like you gain super human powers to "do it all" on your own -- at least that's how I was. I assigned myself with the task of being a travel planner for my guests, making sure everyone had a good time while they were in Mexico, making sure I packed all of our suitcases -- we brought 15 pieces of luggage with us full of wedding stuff (yeah I was CRAZY!!!), and basically planning every little detail of my destination wedding (and yes, I even had a planner -- I know right? WTH? ). And though I was doing all this while also working a full-time job and being a mom, I never really asked for help. And when people offered to help, I didn't take it. If I could go back in time and talk to the the bride that was me, I would scream "ASK FOR HELP AND TAKE IT WHEN IT'S OFFERED!" I cannot emphasize this enough, you do not have to Super Woman. The only responsibility you have is to be a bride, but don't let the stress of trying to make sure everything is perfect get to you. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Trust me, if there's one time when people are willing to help as much as they can, it's when you're donning that gorgeous white dress and getting married 2) Don't Tie Your Heart/Mind to "Traditions." Wedding traditions can be beautiful things, but don't let them dominate your Wedding experience. It's OK if you decide you don't want to wear white on your Wedding Day, be bold and go for that blush toned gown that you look amazing in. Don't crumble if it starts to drizzle or rain on your Wedding Day. A little rain never hurt anyone and did you know some of the most epic wedding photos can be done on a rainy day? (Want to see proof? Click here.) Don't feel bad if your parents or in-laws frown upon you deciding to do a "First Look," even though you and your sweetheart really want to do one. A destination wedding is a unique experience all on its own and nothing has to be done in the typical wedding way when it comes to your Big Day. Cater your wedding to your exact wants, needs and desires as long as it's all within reason, and of course, in your means and budget. Make this day about you and the love of your life and celebrate accordingly even if it means coloring outside the lines 3) Have a Point Person on Your Wedding Day. This ties in a lot with Point #1 above. You should not be running around organizing things or trying to keep in sync with the timeline on your Wedding Day. Invest in a Day-Of Coordinator or ask someone in your circle who you know you can rely on to manage things behind the scenes and put out any fires and keep things in order on your Big Day. Come your Wedding Day, you should be completely focused on getting married to the one you love -- not worrying about why the flowers are late or where your ring bearer has put the ring. Turn to someone you can trust to handle things if any problems arise. Don't forget to check back for Part 3 of Wisdom from a Past Bride! And click here to read Part 1. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
Hi Brides! I am getting married NEXT WEEK at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Cabo San Lucas, and am in a bit of a panic over who to tip & how much! The resort is all-inclusive, and the wedding was booked as a package deal, so I'm not really sure what the protocol is. I assume I'll need to tip the bartender/waitstaff/DJ/coordinator - but have no clue how much! I regret not thinking about this earlier, or budgeting for it... What have other brides done in all-inclusive situations? -Kari
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Finding the perfect gift to give to your bridesmaids can often be a difficult task. After all, how do you say thank you to your best girls for being a part of one of the most important days of your life? In my experience, I've found that the most appreciated gifts are often those that are unique and personalized. Perhaps something special with her name -- a bracelet, glassware or a frame with a favorite photo the two of your share. A beautiful robe is great for Wedding prep photos or maybe a wristlet she can use for the day's festivities. There are plenty of options to choose from but don't forget to add a special note. No matter what the occasion, heartfelt words will always win the day. So no matter what gift you decide on, add a handwritten note to let your bridesmaid know just how much you care and appreciate her presence! Click here to view some great Bridesmaid gift ideas on Etsy.com! * Wedding Finds is a BDW feature that will highlight special little finds or ideas that may help you along during your wedding planning journey. If you have a special wedding find to share, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section!
