You Went to Bridal Expo – Now What?

Bridal Expo 2010 was held in Calgary today! It was a wonderful gathering of some of the more prominent wedding vendors from Calgary and surrounding areas all under one roof. There was much to see, many deals to be had, and tons of décor ideas. The brides came by the hundreds, many accompanied by grooms, mothers, and close friends. While it was great to see so many of you, I know a number of you mentioned feeling overwhelmed at times with such an overload of information. Here’s how to make the most effective use of your time at Bridal Expo:

1. You collected bags, brochures, and business cards by the armloads. Make a point of going through them during the next couple of days while things are still relatively fresh in your mind. Make notes and put ones you want to follow up with in one pile. Sort through the others and either discard or keep as a possibility to follow up with at a later time. The longer you put it off and avoid it, the more it will all blur together. Get it done sooner rather than later!



Creative Weddings and Occasions Booth Bridal Expo 2010 – Romantic Fantasy – Photo courtesy of M. MacRae

2. Figure out what your biggest priorities are and contact a vendor or two to move forward and set-up a follow-up appointment. Bridal Expo is great, but it was too crazy to have a clear conversation and get a firm idea about services and cost. Find a mutually convenient time to sit down with your chosen vendor and get the information you require. 
3. You saw how many people were at Bridal Expo. All of them are getting married and are looking for vendors too! The sooner you book an appointment, the better chance you have of finding a vendor available on your wedding date. (The longer you wait, the longer you may have to wait for an appointment time as vendors’ schedules fill up fast. After all, we’re still in wedding season!)



Creative Weddings and Occasions Booth Bridal Expo 2010 – Romantic Fantasy – Photo courtesy of M. MacRae

4. Make a note of any décor ideas that you liked. It might have been related to colors, objects, centerpieces, or even a place card. Try to remember who had what and make notes. When you meet with a decorator, a description of what you liked makes it much easier to help put all of your ideas together into develop them into one cohesive vision.
5. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help! As a wedding planner, I have the great opportunity to work with a variety of vendors in and around the Calgary area. I know many of the quality vendors and can point you in the right directions right away. Even if you don’t think you need a full wedding planner, an hour-long phone call or appointment might be exactly what you need to send you on your way.



Creative Weddings and Occasions Booth Bridal Expo 2010 – Romantic Fantasy – Photo courtesy of M. MacRae.

There was a lot of information for engaged couples to process at Bridal Expo. It was a fabulous opportunity for you to meet a wide variety of wedding vendors and get a feel for some of their work, but now it’s time for the follow up in order to make the best use of your time.

If you need help, don’t hesitate to call us at 403-619-0528 or e-mail info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

How to Make Your Honeymoon Sizzle!

The wedding is over, and the two of you are ready to escape all of the wedding chaos. It's time to relax and go on your honeymoon!

For many couples, this is the trip of a lifetime. As newlyweds, your honeymoon is the chance to travel somewhere you've never been before, and perhaps splurge a bit on your accommodations. Most importantly, it's an opportunity for the two of you to spend time together celebrating your new status as man and wife.

Why, then, do some couples come back with a bittersweet taste in their mouth? The fact is, great honeymoons just don't happen. They require some effort and pre-thought to make it a truly memorable occasion and a trip that you will cherish forever.

1. Choose to do something that both of you will enjoy. There is no point of backpacking across Europe if one of you prefers five-star accommodations and having a bell-boy look after all of the luggage. Some compromise may be involved, but try and make it a place that both of you can experience for the first time. Maybe this is your chance to go to Tahiti or explore the Greek Islands, but choose a place that appeals to both of you.  
2. Make it special. Splurge on your accommodation. Maybe it's that extra special room with the ocean view or perhaps one with a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi. Especially with honeymoon registries in existence, such as Honeymoon Wishes, that allow your wedding guests to contribute to this trip of a lifetime, this is your chance to enjoy things a little more and treat yourself a bit.
3. Experience your surroundings and explore the area.  One of the biggest mistakes honeymooners can make is to stay locked in their room the entire time. Get out and explore the area. Sign up for a sunset cruise, a snorkelling excursion, or a wine tour. Maybe you would prefer to rent water kayaks or go zip-lining. By forcing yourself to get out of your hotel room, and mix with other people, it will make the time you do have together more special.  
4. Plan some special activities for two.  Romance plays a huge role on any honeymoon. Make sure you plan a couple of activities that will bring romance to the forefront. This could be a private dinner for two on the beach; a couple’s massage, or even a gondola ride in Venice. Choose at least one activity that will help create the mood and ambiance you're after, and then you can take it from there.  
5. Lingerie, lotions, and more. Don't forget to pack that new negligee or perhaps the massage oils. After all, it is your honeymoon and a big part of that is spending time together enjoying yourself. Packing a few special surprises can help make your honeymoon more satisfying for both of you.

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai.

By implementing some of these ideas, your honeymoon will definitely be off the charts. More importantly, it will be something the two of you will be able to enjoy and fondly remember for years to come.

If you need help planning the honeymoon of your dreams, contact Muriel to begin your travel planning now at either 403-477-0643 orinfo@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com. 

Real Weddings – Mike and Melanie’s Vintage Valentine’s Day Wedding

Mike is a little bit country, while Melanie is more the sophisticated city girl. They started out as friends, and it blossomed into a wonderful love story. Ironically, they chose to get married on Valentine’s Day, but did not want their wedding filled with cutesy hearts and cupids. In fact, they had some very strong ideas to make their wedding uniquely their own in order to create a wonderful celebration that was a true representation of them!

Mike and Melanie wanted to make their wedding uniquely their own. – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Breaking with tradition, they chose to do their wedding pictures before the ceremony. By doing their photos ahead of time, both the bride and groom look fresh for their pictures. It also limited the time that guests will had to wait between the ceremony and reception. They were fortunate to work with Edward Ross of Edward Ross Photography. After taking some incredible photos at the Calgary’s Fairmont Palliser Hotel, he took them down Stephen Avenue Mall for some urban shots. It was a brisk -25°C, but the bride and groom held up well under the extreme temperatures and the pictures were absolutely stunning!
Ask your photographer for suggestions on where to get incredible photos. 

A great photographer will have a wealth of ideas that you have probably never even considered. – Photos courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

The ceremony started at 5:30 PM at Wild Rose United Church. This beautiful church is located just outside Calgary’s downtown core, with gorgeous stained glass windows and a majestic pipe organ that fills the front of the sanctuary. While some might see it as problematic, the couple took full advantage of the double aisle, deciding to have both sets of their parents precede each of them down the aisle. As they walked in together, the bride and groom only had eyes for each other. Reverend Linda Hunter performed a beautiful ceremony with many personal touches and heartfelt moments. Purposefully choosing not to have attendants, Mike and Melanie had their mothers sign the marriage certificate while their fathers performed readings, making their ceremony a real family affair!

The ceremony took place at Wild Rose United Church. – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Afterward, everyone immediately headed over to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce for the reception. The Enmax Ballroom was jaw-droppingly gorgeous in black and white with accents of red, thanks to Firefly Occasions. White ostrich plumes were used in the sconces of the perimeter of the art deco space, while alternating tall and short floral centerpieces decorated the tables. Elegant linens were brought in from California’s La Tavola Linens and were paired with beautiful black chair covers. Red satin napkins were used as an accent color, along with place-cards and table and menu cards printed by Glimpz Invitations.

Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Instead of a traditional head table, the couple opted to have a sweetheart table for two, positioned right in the center of the room. What a great way for a couple to start their life together as husband and wife by sharing their first meal as just the two of them. Romantic, yet sweet at the same time!

One special touch that I really loved, and Mike and Melanie’s only nod to Valentine’s Day, was to name each table after a “great love in history”. Tables were named after fictional couples, such as Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, and Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. Others were named after real loves in history, like George and Gracie Burns, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III, and Napoleon and Josephine. Even the kids’ table were named quite appropriately, Mickey and Minnie, and Bart and Marge Simpson. We wrote each love story on the back of the table card, giving guests some light reading throughout the evening.

Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

Breaking with tradition, Mike and Melanie also decided to forgo having a wedding cake. The Calgary Chamber’s pastry chef instead prepared a decadent chocolate mousse treat, complete with the couples’ monogram to satisfy the wedding guests’ desire for something sweet. After only one bite, everyone raved about their choice.

It was a beautiful wedding! Mike and Melanie’s wedding was everything they imagined and more. It was a pleasure to work with this couple in making their wedding day a dream come true! Special thanks to the vendors that contributed and helped make this event possible, including Edward Ross Photography, Wild Rose United Church, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Glimpz Invitations, Firefly Occasions, and Grasmere Garden & Floral.

Congratulations to Mike and Melanie! Best wishes and happiness always! – Photo courtesy of Edward Ross Photography.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.


Welcome Bags For Your Wedding Guests

Choosing to have a destination wedding means asking family and friends to travel great distances in order to join you on your special day. One way to show your appreciation is to provide a welcome gift that your guests will receive upon their arrival. A bag filled with an assortment of goodies that will hint at and prepare them for the fun that awaits is the perfect way to kick-off your wedding celebration and show your guests how excited you are that they have decided to join you.

As part of the package, you should include relevant information about the wedding and the location. Be sure to include the itinerary of planned events, maps and guides of the area, and perhaps information about activities that may interest them. Your guests will appreciate the gesture, especially if they accidentally left their invitations and itinerary at home.

Welcome To Our Wedding” tote is ideal for creating welcome bags for your guests. The best part is that they travel flat and can be packed once you arrive at your destination. Although great as they are, they can also be personalized if you wish. Click on the photo above for more information. – Photo courtesy of Kate Aspen Shops

Ideally, you want your gifts to be meaningful, maybe even giving a hint of some of the activities planned for the week. Keep in mind that the quality of items included is more important than the quantity. A couple of thoughtful items will mean more to your guests than a bunch of junky souvenirs. Here are some ideas of items that could be included:

• Custom-labelled bottles of water
• Sunscreen
• T-shirt
• Hats
• Luggage tags
• Local map of the area / guidebook
• Locally made rum (Jamaica) or tequila (Mexico)
• Macadamia nuts or cookies (Hawaii)
• Postcards
• Beach towel
• Spanish-English dictionary
• CD of local music
• Flip flops monogrammed with the couples’ names and wedding date

Keep in mind that the items you choose should be non-perishable and don’t require refrigeration, as hotel rooms can make it tricky to keep things cool. Also remember that guests have limited room in their suitcases, so items should be easy to pack and compact.

These flip flops with your initials are a fun gift for some of your guests. Click on the photo above for more information. – Photo courtesy of Kate Aspen Shops.

Although decorative baskets look nice, they are bulky and next to impossible to take home. Instead, choose something with a local flair, like a woven bag in bright colors from a Mexican market or a monogrammed beach bag. Other alternatives if you’re on a tight budget may include using cellophane and ribbon, or purchase simple gift bags from your local dollar store. Maybe even include tissue paper in the same shades as your wedding colors.

Think of how excited your guests will be to check into their hotel after a long flight and transfers from the airports and find your gift waiting for them. The excitement and energy your welcome bag will generate will immediately get everyone in the mood to enjoy the celebration, while also letting your guests know how much you appreciate them and the fact that they have chosen to join you for this special occasion.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Choosing the Venue for Your Destination Wedding

Bride and groom in front of waterfall at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Poipu , Kauai - Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai

Where do you start when it comes to selecting a venue for your destination wedding? The very first thing you want to do is to plan a theme. Once you have decided on that, then you want to select your gown. Once those two things are done, begin to figure out where you want to hold your wedding making sure the location matches with your theme, your dress, and your budget. David Tutura brought this point home on his weekly TV show, My Fair Wedding. In one of his shows, a New York City bride was telling him that she loved frogs so she wanted her wedding to take place in a swamp. She had chosen a feminine, princess-style wedding dress and his comment was that her formal ball gown did not match with a “swamp” theme. Obviously he convinced her to change the dress and moved the reception to a huge tent with beautiful, lush tropical plants draping from the ceiling.

Grand Lawn Gazebo at Gtand Hyatt Kauai - Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai

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

Seaside Wedding Chapel at Grand Wailea, Maui - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

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

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

Wedding reception at Shipwreck Lagoon at Grand Hyatt Kauai - Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai

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

Covered area for weddngs at Kauai Marriott Resort - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

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

Fairmont Kea Lani seaside wedding venue, Wailea, Maui - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

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

Ceremony location at Kauai Marriott - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae

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

Wedding gazebo on grounds of Grand Wailea Resort, Wailea, Maui - Photo courtersy of Muriel MacRae

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

Newlyweds just married at Grand Wailea, Wailea, Maui - Photo couretesy of Muriel MacRae

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Receiving Lines – A Thing Of The Past?

Receiving lines are as much a tradition as the wedding ceremony itself. It was an opportunity for the newlyweds, their parents, and key members of the wedding party to personally welcome their guests and thank them for being part of their special day. It could happen after the ceremony at the church or at the reception that evening (usually during cocktails prior to the main meal).

Most of us have either had the experience of standing in line for what seems like forever, waiting for those in front of us to stop talking and move along, or worse yet, actually been in the receiving line as part of the wedding party, shaking numerous hands of people we really don’t know and making small talk as they move along, really just wanting to pass along their good wishes to the bride and groom. Neither could be considered a pleasant experience, but we do it because it follows the rules of etiquette.
More recently, in light of H1N1 and other illnesses, people are questioning the wisdom of having a receiving line. Just think of how many hands you’re shaking, and therefore, how many germs are being spread. Ewww!

Don’t get me wrong! It is still important for the couple to speak with and thank each and every one of their guests for coming, but a more popular option nowadays is for the bride and groom to move from table to table throughout the evening, greeting each guest individually. Sometimes you may even arrange for the photographer to follow you and get a photo of the couple at each table with the guests there just to ensure that you have a picture of everyone. It’s a little more time consuming this way, but I think the conversations are more genuine. An ideal time for this usually is as the couple finishes their meal and before the cake is cut.

If you’re having an ultra formal wedding, you may not be able to escape the receiving line experience, but there are a couple of things you can do to speed it up. As a rule of thumb, if the guest list is over 125 people, then just include the bride and groom, their mothers, and the maid of honor. If the guest list is under 125, you can include more members of the wedding party. It is up to you whether or not the fathers of the bride and groom and the best man join the receiving line, but remember that the less people the guests have to greet, the quicker the line will move.

And make sure you use lots of hand sanitizer….

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Breakdown Of A Wedding Budget

Setting up your budget is one of the most important tasks for a couple starting to plan their wedding. Ironically, it is often the task that is put off the most, or worse yet, completely ignored. Perhaps it is because it seems to be so overwhelming or maybe it is because people don’t like looking at the numbers. Whatever reason, setting up your wedding budget should be one of your first tasks before anything else. It will give you a guideline of how much money you have to spend, and therefore, give you a realistic idea of what you can and cannot do.

It is critical that the budget is established before you commit to anything else. This means sitting down with everyone involved, be it just the two of you, or including both sets of your parents as well, and figure out how much money you are willing to spend on the wedding. Anyone who is contributing should be at this meeting, or at least have sent their information

ahead of time of what they are willing to contribute. If people are offering to pay for certain aspects, such as your dress, or the alcohol at the wedding, still make sure that they give you an actual number to work with. You don’t want to make any assumptions, only to find out their idea and your idea of dollar amounts don’t mesh. By the end of this meeting, you will have a better idea of what you can spend, which will guide you through the rest of the wedding planning process. Too many times, couples forget this critical step and end up deeply in debt when they come back from their honeymoon.

Your budget will let you know what is realistic when you start meeting with vendors. There is no point of looking at a photographer that starts at $5000 when your budget only allows you to spend $2000. Of course, there is some flex room. If you find an awesome deal on your dress, then that may allow you to spend a little more elsewhere, such as on your flowers or your DJ. The other way it can work is if there is something really important, even essential, such as having your reception at a specific venue, then you can allot money for that. But on the flip side, when you overspend in one area, it means cutting back elsewhere in order to make that happen. This is where a wedding planner can prove to be extremely useful, as they are usually masters in manipulating the budget, and can sometimes even save you money through relationships they have established with quality vendors in the area.

An average breakdown of wedding budget expenses is as follows:

• Food & Beverage 30%
• Flowers & Décor 15%
• Wedding Planning 10%
• Venue Rental 8%
• Extra Cushion 8%
• Dress & Accessories 6%
• Lighting & Sound 5%
• Tipping 5%
• Photo & Video 4%
• Cake 3%
• Printed Materials 2%
• Transportation 2%
• Hair & Makeup 2%

There are a number of factors that will affect your budget. For example, the number of guests you have for your wedding will really set the tone and narrow down what you can and cannot afford. If you have a smaller number of guests, you will most likely spend less on food and alcohol OR be able to spend more per person on food. Another item to consider is in relation to the size of your wedding party. The more attendants you have, the more you will have to spend on flowers (e.g. bouquets and boutonnieres) and gifts for each member of the wedding party. Many wedding planners have spreadsheets that allows you to break the budget down even more, including adjusting the budget to reflect the number of guests you plan on having as well as the number of attendants.

Your budget is critical to the success and enjoyment of your wedding. No one wants to get married with the knowledge that they are going hugely into debt hanging over their heads. Creating and sticking to your budget will keep you grounded and make your wedding something that you can relax and enjoy, knowing that you planned smartly.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Wedding Etiquette 101: Thank You Cards

For many brides, the etiquette surrounding your wedding can be daunting at times. There seems to be rules for everything, including which fork to use, and how to properly word invites. There are seating charts and table arrangements. The list of what-to-do, and more importantly, what-NOT-to-do seems endless. On that same token, however, you don’t want to risk offending anyone – especially any of your future in-laws!

Although there are a lot of things to think about in terms of wedding etiquette, the best idea is to take things one step at a time. Today’s hot topic will be how to deal with the thank you cards.

The first rule of thumb to be aware of is that a note of thanks should be sent for ALL engagement, shower, and wedding gifts. Don’t forget, however, about the other “gifts”. These could be people who have hosted a shower or baked goodies for your engagement party. Your attendants also deserve a special note conveying your appreciation for all of the extra effort they have contributed in the months leading up to your wedding, and, of course, on your big day. A heartfelt message letting someone know how much their efforts have been appreciated can mean the world to its recipient!

Secondly, each thank you note should be handwritten and should mention specifically the gift item received. If possible, make a positive compliment about the gift, such as, “Eric and I look forward to using the serving platter you gave during the upcoming holiday season.” The message does not need to be an epic novel. Three to five sentences will suffice, with the final sentence thanking them one last time. The important thing to remember is to keep it personal and sincere.

At this point, the question is always raised, what if you can’t stand the item and plan to return it the first chance you have? My response is what some people don’t know won’t hurt them. Thank the sender in the note for the gift and let them know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness. The recipient does not need to know how you really feel or that you plan on taking the gift back. (I’m not sure if you know this or not, but are you aware that your wedding guests are not obligated to give you a gift? It’s entirely up to their discretion.)

To help make your job easier, make sure that during any gift opening you have someone, such as one of your attendants or perhaps a close relative, keep a detailed list of what each gift was and who it was from. This will make your live much easier later when you go back to write out each thank you card.

Thank you cards should be written within three months of receiving the gift (contrary to popular belief that you have a year). Ideally, the thank you note should be written the day that you receive the gift, but this often is not the least bit realistic for those of you with a busy career. Try and set a daily or weekly goal for yourself so the task of writing the thank you cards doesn’t become too onerous. Remember, as well, that you can share the wealth and get your groom to write some of the thank you cards, too! After all, his name was on the card as well.

Sending a note for a gift is a must! Don’t let anyone tell you that an e-mail or generic letters will suffice. Even if you miss the three-month deadline, send a note afterwards with an added apology for the delay in getting it mailed out. As they say, better late than never. If you have any doubts as to whether your efforts will be appreciated, think of how nice it is to receive something in the mail besides bills or advertisements. Your thank you card will not only let a family member or friend know that you appreciated their effort, but will most likely also bring a smile to the recipient’s face!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Two Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Reception

Newly engaged couples often sit down to begin planning their wedding. They have big dreams and stars in their eyes. However, often enough those exciting ideas are quickly tossed aside once they start figuring out the huge costs that are associated with having the big wedding reception they always imagined. First there is the cost of renting the venue. Probably the biggest expense is the food, which is normally a plated dinner or even a buffet, followed closely by the alcohol expense. Then there is the cost of entertainment, which usually means hiring a DJ or a band. Finally, there is the décor. When most couples start adding up the figures, it causes a lot of concern. How do they have the wedding reception that they want without the price-tag to match?

I think the first thing to remember is that the purpose of a wedding reception is for your guests to join with you in celebrating that the two of you have committed your lives to one another. It is a party to celebrate your marriage, but what you have to remember is that the party can take a variety of forms. Better yet, some of these forms will be able to save you money and make your wedding dreams more attainable than you ever imagined.

Cocktails Reception

One option to consider is to have a late afternoon or evening ceremony followed by an elegant cocktail reception. Create a lounge space with minimal furnishing that encourages your guests to visit and socialize. Servers can bring out trays of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres or maybe set up different food stations around the room. Perhaps you would prefer to set-up a dessert bar with a variety of decadent treats to satisfy any person’s sweet tooth. Whatever you choose, your food costs will be less than paying for a full dinner meal. A trio of jazz musicians off to one side can perform ambient background music or bring in that DJ who will really get the party started. It can be the black-tie affair you want, but without the price tag.

A lounge space is not only trendy, but a great way to utilize an open-spaced area. Guests can have the option of socializing or dancing in a club-like atmosphere.

Morning Brunch

Another option is to have a morning ceremony with either a brunch or lunch reception. Your food costs associated with either breakfast or lunch is usually much less than the price of having a dinner reception. Perhaps you might have a signature drink, like a mimosa, or perhaps you would choose to only serve local beers, but another added benefit of a brunch wedding will be reduced alcohol costs. A classical guitarist or a pianist could be hired to play background music, but you won’t have the additional costs of a DJ. Whether you choose an indoor or an outdoor venue, this can be a wonderful way to spend a weekend morning, especially if your wedding includes families and children.

A brunch wedding is more friendly than formal. It sets a welcoming tone that your guests will appreciate as they spend a wonderful morning together.

There are lots of great ideas out there that can let you have the wedding reception you want. Sometimes, you just have to be able to think outside the box, or know someone who can help you get there.

If you’re interested in getting started in planning your wedding, contact us at Creative Weddings and Occasions.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Hawai’i: The Perfect Location For Your Destination Wedding

I’m sitting on our lanai watching the waves crash on the shoreline below while a giant sea turtle “surfs” in on the next big wave. The sweet scent of plumaria blossoms fills the air from the various trees scattered around the resort property. The sun shines brightly overhead in the clear blue afternoon sky, but the gentle breezes of the tradewinds keep things from getting too warm. Basically, I’m in paradise – AKA the islands of Hawai’i!

Many people who have been to the islands will tell you that Hawai’i is exceptionally beautiful, although each island is different. It is also recognized as one of the most romantic places on earth, with pristine beaches, spectacular waterfalls, and gorgeous scenery in abundance on each of the various islands. Its culture dates back for centuries, complete with kings and queens, making it rich in history and tradition, with many of the old ways still honoured in song and dance passed on from one generation to the next. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the people of Hawai’i welcome you with open arms and the “spirit of aloha”. It is the paradise that most of only dream of.

Hawai’i is the ultimate location for a destination wedding, but ironically, it is often overlooked with couples choosing instead the more popular wedding locations of Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. When paradise is so near at hand, it has to make you ask the question, why would you go elsewhere? Probably the biggest reason we hear is that Hawai’i is so expensive. For many years, that has been true, but with the changing economy, like anywhere else, Hawai’i has had to become more competitive and adapt in order to attract tourists.

Here are some of the advantages of choosing Hawai’i for either your destination wedding or honeymoon:

• More and more direct flights are available year-round to Hawai’i from cities in Western Canada (versus the multiple stopovers required for some of the Caribbean destinations).



• Hawai’i has a moderate climate all year-round, but it’s best time is from May through October when the Caribbean is in the middle of their rainy seasons, not to mention the middle of the Caribbean hurricane watch.



• As Hawai’i is part of the United States, its’ hotel accommodations are on par with the rest of Canada and the continental United States. While most people would never consider staying in less than a four-star resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, you can still find really nice (and quite AFFORDABLE) three-star accommodation throughout Hawai’i.



• As it’s part of the United States, it is easy to arrange to get married in Hawai’i. No blood tests required! All you have to do is book your appointment ahead of time, and appear together to get your license and take an oath. It doesn’t get much easier than that!



• Whether you’re looking for a beach, a canyon, gardens, a waterfall, or lagoon, Hawai’i has endless options in terms of perfect locations for your ceremony site. It all depends on what you want.



• It has an abundance of in-season tropical flowers, including orchids, plumaria, ginger, and hibiscus, that can be used in stunning bouquets and centerpieces at very reasonable costs.



• Hawai’i has a long history of rich cultural traditions that can be incorporated into your wedding celebration to make it a truly memorable and unique experience for your guests. Some ideas include a conch shell blower, hula dancers, and possibly even a luau for your reception.



• Hawai’i has never really gotten into the whole all-inclusive resort thing, but multiple timeshare and/or condominium properties have been established throughout the islands at very reasonable rates. These condos are often perfect for individuals or groups of any size, sometimes even accommodating one more families in one unit. Better yet, many of these have kitchens within the units, allowing guests to keep their food costs down and not eat out every meal.



• As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to spread, the potential effects it might have on east coast of Mexico and the nearby Caribbean islands is causing many couples some concern who have weddings planned in those locations. Not an issue for Hawai’i.

Hawai’i has been doing destination weddings even before the concept took off. In recent years, it has been overlooked in favour of Mexico and some of the other Caribbean destinations, but I believe it’s time for us to take a second look and realize the treasure of opportunity that exists for couples wanting to get married in tropical paradise. Hawai’i is a contender, and is worthy of some serious consideration for your dream destination wedding location.

If you are interested in looking at Hawai’i or another location for your destination wedding, please contact us at for additional information at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Right from the beginning, Kristin and Colin knew that they wanted something different for their destination wedding. They were not the least bit interested in the standard, oversized all-inclusive resort, and certainly wanted something different than the cookie-cutter wedding package offered at most of these locations.

It was very important to the couple to find an eco-friendly location. After much searching, we found the perfect location – a small boutique hotel near Cabarete in the Dominican Republic called Natura Cabana. This family-owned resort prides itself on being entirely constructed of materials natural to the area, allowing guests to completely immerse in nature. Located a short drive from Puerto Plata, guests had the choice of individual cabañas (bungalows) designed for groups of two to eight. The oceanfront cabaña, Pierda, was absolutely ideal for our wedding couple, allowing them to hear the sound of the waves washing up on the shore outside their window. As Kristin said afterwards, the resort was truly everything they had been looking for, including the warm reception from the staff.

Although there had been rain each day previously in the week, the sun came out on their wedding day, as if it were specially ordered. The ceremony was set-up on the beach, with the waves washing up on the rocks in the background, just in time to catch the late afternoon sun. It was a beautiful ceremony, performed by a local judge in the area. Although the ceremony was in Spanish, he translated to English, so everyone could understand. Local musicians played native music, helping set the mood and atmosphere. Friends and family looked on as the couple committed themselves to each other in this special celebration.Kristin’s dress was an incredible find! On the hanger, it looked more suited for an elegant cocktail hour, but on Kristin it was absolutely stunning, and somehow blended in perfectly with the outdoor environment.We found an incredible photographer who came to the resort and took the wedding photos for the day. Arnaud Brichet , originally from France, owns his own studio in Punta Cana. While the guests were relaxing and being served cocktails poolside, he captured some amazing moments of the couple in their natural setting and took stunning photos throughout the day, including an entire segment with the couple on horseback (a favourite pastime of the couple at their home near Calgary, Canada) – talk about romantic!!! The moments he caught on film are memories that will last a lifetime.
Natura Cabana has a wonderful restaurant. Closing it to the public, so the group could have a private reception, they took advantage of the space and set one larger table allowing everyone to sit together in a more intimate setting. Centerpieces of tropical flowers, including ginger, birds of paradise, roses, and daisies were alternated with bowl containers with floating candles. The guests dined on local cuisine, followed by chocolate fondue to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. A local band was brought in to provide dinner music, and kept the party going late into the night. Thinking of something in line with their eco-sensitive resort, Kristin and Colin decided on wedding favours that their guests would be able to make effective use of – water bottles, engraved with the couples’ names and wedding date.
In lieu of a guest book, they bought postcards depicting various locations in and around the Cabarete and Puerto Plata area. The postcards were placed on a table, along with the centerpiece used earlier in the day from the ceremony. Bark pencils were scattered on the table, allowed guests to leave Kristin and Colin personal messages that can be added to their album later. It was incredible wedding! For couples wanting something a little more personal and unique, a small boutique hotel may be the ideal alternative to the big all-inclusive. It allowed them the private ceremony and reception they wanted, the option of choosing the vendors that would best suit their needs, and a ceremony that was reflected their personalities, the atmosphere, and the cultural traditions of the area. As the couple said afterwards, their wedding was a day of perfection. They couldn’t have asked for anything more!
On behalf of Del Sol Destination Weddings, we wish Kristin and Colin all the best as they begin this new chapter of their life together. Congratulations and happiness always!

If you wish to start planning your own dream destination wedding, please contact us at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com for more information.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at cathy@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to use publish any of the articles above in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.