Destination Weddings…Hot Trends in Weddings Today

Found a great article below about destination wedding trends written by Linda Kevich, the creator and editor of SuperWeddings.com and the director of The International Institute of Weddings.

Destination Weddings...

Hot Trend in Weddings Today

by Linda Kevich

One of the most watched trends in weddings today is that of the "destination wedding". Today, destination weddings account for a whopping 10% of all weddings occurring among American or Canadian couples. This is pretty significant because just 10 years ago, the term 'destination wedding' was virtually unheard of. And there's no reason to expect a cooling down of this trend any time soon, in fact, it's just gaining speed.

The Destination Wedding: What is It?

Perhaps you've heard some buzz about destination weddings recently, but you're still not clear on the concept. Destination Wedding essentially means "eloping with a crowd". It's a modern version of eloping. When a couple eloped in the past, they ran off alone together. Now they may still run off to get married, but they take their closest family members and friends with them to share in the celebration.

Destination weddings are sometimes also referred to as "Honeymoon Weddings" because they combine a wedding and honeymoon all in one. "Familymoon" is another term we are starting to hear used interchangeably with the destination wedding because it is, in essence, a honeymoon that the whole family (and often close friends) goes along.

Courtesy of Eldorado Royale Resort

Why is it Hot?

It's hot because it appeals both to those who want to run away and get married somewhere exotic, as well as to couples who want to share a really memorable wedding experience with the people closest to them. Couples are grabbing hold of this idea because, instead of having just one day to celebrate their nuptials with their favourite people, they have several days of quality time together. Compare this with the traditional wedding, where often times the day speeds by in a whirlwind and the couple has only fleeting moments to spend with individual guests and you start to see the appeal of the destination wedding.

Another reason for the destination wedding trend is that re-marriages now account for 50% of marriages in the US and Canada. While a conventional or traditional wedding is perfectly acceptable for a remarriage today if that's what the couple wants, some couples just aren't comfortable with a lot of hoopla when it’s not their first trip to the altar. Some prefer something a little more low key or quiet, with just the people closest to them in attendance. The destination wedding is perfect for this.

The internet is also a huge facilitator where destination weddings are concerned. The internet makes the world a much smaller place. Through online research you can explore geographic locations, tour resorts and hotels, read menus, look at cakes, and view examples of a photographer's work or a hairstylist's up-do's. Planning a wedding from afar is no longer the scary and risky proposition it once was. You can make contact with resorts and vendors, including wedding coordinators, in the destination of choice via email, and have information, price lists, and contracts sent back to you in a matter of moments. It’s also much more affordable to enter into dialogue with service providers via email than it would be if you were racking up long distance bills along the way.

How Many Guests?

Curious about the number of guests typically attending these destination events? You may be surprised to hear that it is approaching 50. That's significant, because just 4 or 5 years ago the typical destination wedding had a guest list of just 10 - 20 people.

You can invite as many or as few people as you want to your destination wedding. Just keep one thing in mind: There are likely to be people on your guest list who will be unable to attend due to the expense involved or the logistics of arranging a jaunt away from home. People have limited vacation time, they may need significant lead time to book their vacations, or they may not be able to arrange to be away from home on the dates you've selected for a wide variety of other reasons. Also keep in mind that your idea of the dream destination may not match theirs, so if you are expecting them to pay their own way, they may not be willing to invest their limited vacation budget into the vacation of your choice. And that's perfectly valid and entirely understandable, so don't hold it against them or take offense.

Before you get too far down the road in planning your destination wedding, ask yourself if you are still going to be happy if some of the people on your guest list are unable to attend. What if none of them decided to come - would you still be happy if it was just you and your sweetie celebrating your marriage alone together in that exotic locale? Be prepared for these possibilities before proceeding.

Courtesy of Occidental Grand Papagayo, Costa Rica

Research Required

Before you get your heart set on any specific destination wedding plan, it’s super-important to do your research and determine whether what you have in mind is feasible. Not only do you need to investigate costs, but you will also need to carefully determine what the requirements and regulations are in regard to saying your "I do's" in the destination of your choice. Some countries only allow citizens to marry on their soil; others may have a residency requirement whereby you have to live in the country for 30 days, 6 months, or a year before you are eligible to marry there.

You'll also be required to provide various forms of documentation in order to marry in another country, and you need to know what specific documentation is required for the country in question. In some cases, the law of the land requires that you also have the documents translated at your own expense, in advance, into the official language of the country in question. These are merely examples of the types of red tape and hoops you may be required to jump through, so careful investigation is paramount.

Another important part of doing your research has to do with determining whether there are any travel advisories or weather concerns for the area you'd like to be wed in. Use the same precautions you would when planning any other vacation. Check weather conditions for the time of year (avoid planning your wedding in the middle of hurricane season, for example), check with US Department of State to ensure that there are no travel advisories for the area in question due to political upheaval, civil war, or terrorism.

Flexibility a MUST

It’s also really important that you be flexible when planning a destination wedding. You may have ideas in your head about what you would like your wedding to look like that simply aren't compatible with the destination you have chosen. For example, maybe you've been dreaming of a gown with layer upon layer of crunchy taffeta since you were a little girl, but if you wear that at an ocean side wedding in the tropics, you'll pass out from the humidity and heat exhaustion before you make it half way down the aisle. You've heard the expression "When in Rome do as the Romans do"? Nowhere is that more applicable than in the destination wedding scenario. Tailor the details of your wedding to the destination. Follow the recommendations and suggestions of the local pros - they know what's doable and appropriate in their local area. No point in swimming against the tide.

Control Freaks Beware

Some brides (or couples) like to personally oversee each and every little detail of their wedding plans, and have personal involvement at every juncture. If this is you, think carefully before proceeding with a destination wedding. Unless you plan to make one or more trips to the destination before the wedding for planning purposes, which can get quite costly, you are likely going to need to put a lot of the details in the hands of someone else - probably a resort event coordinator, wedding planner, or travel agent who specialized in destination weddings (or a combination of the above). The logistics simply don't allow for you to have close control. Make sure you are cool with that or you may be in for more stress than you bargained for.

Who Pays for Guests Accommodations and Travel?

This is the big question that everyone is asking. There is no rule of etiquette that requires the couple to pay for guests travel and accommodation expenses, however, it is certainly hospitable of you, and a real treat for your guests, if you can cover some of all of their costs. Some couples do this, others do not. If possible, you might consider covering a portion of your guest’s expenses, say, just their airfare or just their accommodations.

Obviously, if you are picking up some or the entire tab, you'll increase the likelihood that guests will be able and willing to attend.

Courtesy of Hilton Bora Bora

Paying for Bridesmaid and Groomsmen Expenses

The couple is, however, responsible for covering the accommodation expenses of their bridal attendants, in other words, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and honour attendants. This rule of etiquette applies for all weddings, not just destination events, any time an attendant will have to travel to participate as a member of the wedding party. If your budget is tight, keep this in mind before selecting your attendants and perhaps limit yourself to just one honour attendant on each side.

Easy on the Expenses

Whether you have decided to foot the bill, or at least part of it, for your guests, or whether they'll have to pay their own way, try to reduce the costs as much as possible by looking into group rates on airfare and hotel rooms. American Airlines has a program whereby they will provide a group discount if 10 or more people are flying to attend the same event. It doesn't matter if the cities of origin are not the same, as long as everyone is headed for the same destination. Other airlines may be willing to discount tickets when a group is travelling as well, so try to negotiate the best rates possible for you and your guests. (It's possible to do this yourself, but a good travel agent or wedding coordinator will be skilled at getting the best rates for you.

Similarly, hotels or resorts will often discount room rates when you are booking multiple rooms at a time. Have the resort reserve a block of rooms for your party. When guests call in to make their reservation, they simply mention that they are part of your party, and they will qualify for the group rate. Make sure you tell the hotel or resort to keep all the rooms on the same floor - that way guests can be cozy and can interact with one another.

If you have chosen a particularly posh hotel or resort, you might also want to source out alternate accommodations that are close by but a little easier on the wallet so guests can have budget alternatives. Make guests aware of all of their accommodation options so that they can select that which best fits their budget.

Get Professional Help

If this is all sounding complex, overwhelming, and time consuming, truth be told, it can be. Some couples think that running away to get married will simplify their wedding plans, but depending on the destination you are running to, and the type of event you are planning, it may just introduce a different set of complexities.
To ensure that all goes smoothly when planning your destination event, its best to work with a travel agent or a professional wedding coordinator.

If using a travel agent, try to find one who specializes in destination weddings, if possible, as they'll have experience in arranging your air travel and accommodations, but also some of the other details and logistics. For instance, they'll know which resorts specialize in catering to destination weddings and which ones offer free wedding packages and the like.

If you are going to use a wedding planner, you can either select one based in your own home town, or find one who is located in your destination. In either case, once again, it’s best to look for someone who specializes in destination weddings. This is particularly true if the consultant is your own area and will be coordinating this event from afar.

Start Early

The key to success in planning a destination wedding is to start as early as possible. As mentioned before, you'll need time to do your research about what will be required to get married in the destination of your choice. You'll also need time to talk with the people you intend to invite to get a rough idea of what dates would work for them.

Once a firm date has been set, you need to get busy making decisions early on in the process. All the details, from the biggest the smallest, need to be considered and decided upon. This way you won't end up scrambling to make important decisions under the gun because time has run out -- that is the best way to make the worst decision.

Courtesy of Disney World

A Whole New Industry

The popularity of destination weddings has grown so rapidly that it has given rise to a whole new industry in and of itself. Today entrepreneurs and existing companies are spotting the enormous opportunity in this hot trend and are finding ways to cash in on it. More and more resorts are now specifically catering to the destination wedding crowd. Airlines and hotel chains are developing special programs specifically for the destination wedding market. Cruise lines are getting in on the action, as is one of the most successful companies in the world, the Walt Disney Company. With its destination wedding packages, Disney World has become the second most popular destination in the US for destination weddings (following Las Vegas). Even some entire cities, towns, and countries are discovering that they can profit substantially by making destination weddings their focus. The Caribbean islands, for instance, have in the last number of years further eased their requirements for non-residents to marry on their soil, in order to encourage the influx of destination wedding couples. Some cities and towns in the US and abroad are now putting effort and investment into marketing themselves as wedding destinations because they realize the powerful potential it will have on their economies. The websites of more and more Chambers of Commerce or Visitors and Tourists Bureaus are heavily focusing on the destination wedding aspect of their cities as a means of attracting more tourism.

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.

How to Pack for Your Destination Wedding

Have you ever gone on a trip only to find that when you arrived you had forgotten to pack any number of important items? This can be a very frustrating experience at the best of times – but when you are packing for your destination wedding or honeymoon, it is even more important to consider what to pack and how to pack. Much will depend on where you are going and your own personal style.

If you are planning on getting married in a formal wedding dress and want to keep it close to you while you are travelling, it’s best to carry it with you on the plane. Don’t rely on putting it in your bag with the other checked luggage. Be sure to check with the airlines in advance and see if they will allow you to hang it in a garment bag in the plane’s coat closet. If you aren’t able to store it in the closet, be sure to store it on top of the other luggage in the overhead compartment to minimize wrinkles. However, some airlines may require you to check the dress. In that case, be sure to pack the dress in luggage that is sturdy and secure. It is also important to plan to arrive at your destination a few days early, so that if you do have a problem with your luggage, you have time to make the necessary adjustments.

Once you arrive at your destination, unpack and hang your dress immediately to avoid any unnecessary wrinkling. Often the humidity in tropical climates will relax the wrinkles but you may want to arrange to have your dress pressed as well.

Grooms should carry their wedding attire on board as well. In Mexico and the Caribbean, you will not find many tuxedo rental shops so it is easier to bring the clothes with you.

Make sure that you carry toiletries in your luggage in secure compartments. When packing your makeup, be sure to pack everything individually in secure, sealed bags, to prevent leakage. Always remember to pack light as toiletries can add a lot of extra weight to your suitcase. For your carry-on luggage, make sure that your liquids, including toothpaste, do not exceed three ounces and are placed in clear Ziploc one-quart bags. Place all sharp items such as scissors, nail trimmers, metal finger nail files etc. in your regular luggage so it will not be confiscated.

Other things to consider carrying in your carry-on luggage is your phone, keys, and a change of clothes just in case of a flight delay or delayed luggage arrival. I would suggest putting an extra outfit in you travelling partner’s bag just in case something happens to your luggage.

Your clothing is a very personal issue. Things to remember, include; bathing suits and wraps, sandals, shirts and t-shirts, shorts and casual wear and a folding beach bag. Don’t forget the sun tan lotion, bug repellent, sunglasses and a hat as they are often very pricey when purchased at the resorts. For a more formal evening, bring smart dresses, pants, tops and shoes.

For your wedding, don’t forget to pack:

• Wedding dress
• Special hosiery or undergarments
• Shoes
• Guest book
• Wedding rings (carry them with you - not in your luggage)
• Groom’s tux or suit
• Groom’s shoes
• Address book
• Thank you cards if you would like to write them on the way home
• Special decorations, favours, wedding music, etc

Hopefully, your wedding will go off without a hitch and you will have everything you need for your wedding away from home.

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Real Weddings – A “Sex & The City” Gala Wedding Celebration

These Manolo Blahnik shoes
were the inspiration
behind our “Sex & The City”
wedding!

It all started with a pair of shoes! Just like on the infamous HBO TV show, a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels were behind the inspiration for this Sex & The City themed wedding of Caroline and Ryan. The bride and her attendants had found these fabulous chic black cocktail dresses and were shopping for shoes when they decided to go with a similar style of Manolo Blahniks in different colors – hot pink for the bride, and then the other bridesmaids were in shades of purple, black, lime green, and a multi-hued floral print. It was fun, fabulous, and a great way to start!

The couple decided to have their wedding in the quaint mountain town of Banff, Alberta (a couple of hours outside Calgary). No location was more perfect for their extravaganza than the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, a majestic castle nestled in the magnificent Rockies.

The Fairmont Banff Springs, a castle in the Rockies, was the ideal setting for their wedding. – Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels

The ceremony took place on the Outdoor Terrace. With flower baskets of bright pink wave petunias and spectacular mountains in the backdrop, very little was needed to complete the look. Elegant white chair covers with an attached sash were used, along with roman pillars supporting aisle arrangements, including crystal bling and mini-decorative shoes. A harpist entertained guests prior to the ceremony and provided the music throughout, just right for the outdoor setting.

Despite a forecast of rain, we were thrilled that the sun was out, making it possible for the outdoor ceremony to take place. The groom and groomsmen looked stylish in formal tuxes. The bridesmaids looked beautiful with their different coloured Manolos and corresponding colour bouquets. The bride, herself, was positively radiant in a designer couture Monique Lhuillier gown.  The Mayor of Banff performed the simple, but heartfelt ceremony, a truly wonderful reflection of Caroline and Ryan.

Afterwards, guests were able to enjoy the drink of the day – pink cosmopolitans, of course – in the Banff Spring’s Mt. Stephen Hall. This incredible space has high ceilings, sweeping balconies, and is reminiscent of a medieval castle. It is truly an elegant venue, but we also wanted it to reflect the “Manhattan” touch to continue with our theme. The chairs were moved inside and floor length white linens were used with a regal black and white fleur-de-lis damask overlay. Hot pink satin napkins provided the necessary splash of color we were after.

Towering hot pink hydrangea and orchids centerpieces, including black ostrich plumes and hanging crystals were combined with lower versions of a similar centerpiece to provide visual interest in the room. Flower petals, mirrored surfaces, ambient lighting, and romantic candlelight were also used to help create the sophisticated and dreamy atmosphere. Of course, we couldn’t forget our Sex & The City theme, and threw in some bling and sparkle on the table numbers and cocktail tables to complete the appearance.

Flowers are an important part of bringing to life any event! The black ostrich plumes and crystal additions were necessary to add the stylish flair we were after. – Photo courtesy of M. MacRae.

The cake was also a beautiful accompaniment to the day.  It was a delicious decadence with one tier of lemon raspberry, a second-tier of Callebaut chocolate and the third tied was the couple’s personal favourite; red velvet.

It was an incredible day from start to finish! It had the elegance that matched the venue, and the fun and frolic (and, of course, the bling) of the Sex & The City theme we were after. The guests had a wonderful time and danced the night away right to the end. We couldn’t have asked for anything more! On behalf of Creative Weddings and Occasions, congratulations to Caroline and Ryan on their wedding and best wishes as you begin your married life together!

Special thanks to all of the vendors who made this event possible including the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, René Michaud of Bliss Photographic, Officiant John Stulz, Harpist Deborah Nyack, Randy of Good Times Entertainment DJ & Entertainment Services, Cake Creations, and Willow Haven Flower Shop.

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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.

Three Tips to Think About When Planning Your Destination Wedding

First of all, when planning your destination wedding make sure that the two of your plan your wedding together. You will either want to select a resort which has a number of wedding packages available or you will want to select a place that does not specialize in destination weddings but has a number of wedding vendors nearby willing to help you with your event. Choose a place that you have been to before and have fabulous memories about or decide on an entirely new location which both of you are dying to visit. Remember that you can be in the most beautiful place in the world but it is the special people close to your heart that are there with you that make the memories special. In addition, it is important that the groom has some say in one of the most important events in your life. It’s also his vacation so make sure the two of you are going to be happy with the end result. Decide together what your budget is going to be and what features are important at your wedding.  Be sure to stick to your budget and prioritize the areas of the wedding that are most important to you.

Second, it is important to narrow down what type of wedding experience you want.  Do you want a secluded beach wedding with a small group of family members where you can escape from the vacation crowds?  What about a tropical cruise where there is around-the-clock entertainment and activities available for your guests? Perhaps you a looking for a picturesque location with pristine sandy beaches where you can get a little R& R while enjoying the sun and the beach? Most of the major resorts have a wedding coordinator on site to help you choose your wedding package and coordinate your wedding day. Remember this person is hired by the resort and does not always look out for your interests.  Many brides find themselves completely overwhelmed when they start planning a wedding on their own. The job can be time-consuming, exhausting and can fast become a second job! More and more couples are finding it easier to hire a destination wedding planner. It is much easier to hand over the details of planning a wedding to someone who has the time and experience doing this

Third, be considerate of your guests who you will be inviting to you destination wedding. Let them know about a year in advance about your destination wedding plans. This gives them plenty of time to decide if they will be able to attend your big celebration and allows them time to save for the big event. Be sure to share the reasons why you choose the location as some of your friends and family may not be as keen as you are about your decision to marry out of town. Remember that whatever decision you make; someone will not be pleased with it.

Good luck on organizing your big day and enjoy the wedding of your dreams in a faraway land!


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 Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings,  is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. 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 muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com,  or phone 403-477-0643.

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.

Secrets’ Sanctuary Cap Cana – the World’s Newest Great Romantic Destination

Secrets © has long been a staple in the Mexican Destination Wedding playground, but more recently, they have been branching out to Jamaica, and most recently, the Dominican Republic with the opening of Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana on the east coast of the island, only 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.

Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

In the short time it’s been open, it’s already established itself as one of the Dominican Republic’s best 5-star hotels, and made Beverly Clark’s Elite Wedding Collection (2010 edition), for its commitments to excellence in providing a top quality romantic experience for its guests.

This private island provides a stunning ceremony site for destination weddings! Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

Located in Cap Cana, the eastern most part of the island, the resort is situated on three kilometres of top quality beach, with crystal-clear turquoise waters washing up on its sugar-white sandy shores. Its picturesque location makes it ideal for wedding celebrations, honeymooners, or couples just wanting a romantic escape.

Bali style beach beds have been scattered along the property - ideal for romance. Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

The property features 176 suites and villas, designed in Spanish colonial style and with impressive views of the sea. It is literally an “adults-only” playground with something for every traveller. It also has a great selection of restaurants and bars, a world-class spa, an on-site casino, and a spectacular pool. As an added plus, it is close to Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus signature designed golf course, and Las Iguanas, opening in 2010.

The spectacular views from their oceanfront suites are incredible! Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

Secrets is well known for its concept of Unlimited Luxury, but that does not even begin to cover what you will experience during your stay. Whether you wish to be indulged at the Spa, or feast on gourmet food and premium beverages, the staff at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana is there to wait on your every need. Inquire now, while it’s still a “secret”…

The Marlin Restaurant is just one of the options available for a wedding reception. Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

To begin planning your dream destination wedding or romantic escape at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana, contact us now 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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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.

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Ten Tips To Ensure Your Guests Have a Blast At Your Destination Wedding

[Editor's Note: Our guest e-zine author, Muriel MacRae, is the owner of Del Sol Travel as well as my business partner at Del Sol Destination Weddings. She has been helping couples plan and organize their dreams weddings throughout the world in exotic locations, such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. An expert in terms of dealing with some of the challenges of group travel, she is well versed in finding resorts that perfectly match the needs and wants of her clients. Furthermore, her expertise in wedding planning makes her more than just your regular travel agent.]

Every couple who is planning a destination wedding worries about getting their guests to attend their destination wedding. Will they like the location? Does it cost too much? Am I imposing on them to expect them to travel so far? Will they have a good time?

Here are ten ways to get you guests to not only attend your destination but to have a fantastic time while they are there:

1. Once you have decided on the location and the date of the wedding, send out a “Save the Date” e-mail or card. For best results, try and do this a minimum of 12 months prior to your wedding so guests can prepare and plan accordingly to attend. [Editor's note: The more time your guests have to plan ahead and save, the more likely they are to be able to join you for the celebration.]


2. In choosing a location, make sure that it is one that your guests will enjoy. Consider the cost, the travel time to get there, and the activities available for the guest once they do get there. You may enjoy the rustic Eco Lodge in the middle of nowhere but your guests might not. Try to plan a location where the travelling time is within three to eight hours and with a limited number of flight connections whenever possible. Many of your friends and family will not want to spend two out of seven days sitting on a plane or in airports waiting for flights. You might have always dreamed of staying at a certain five-star luxurious resort, but if the price is astronomical, a lot of your guests will not be pleased. Be sure to also check that a variety of activities will be offered at the resort or can at least be found in the nearby area. For example, if most of your female friends love shopping, and the closest shopping area is 75 miles away, some girls could go into withdrawal. Your golfing friends won't be happy either, if they have to go without a game for seven days.



3. Work with a travel agent who is familiar with destination weddings and planning travel associated with destination weddings. Such a person can arrange group rates for your entire party as well as give you valuable advice in making your special day fantastic. You may think that the resort you saw on the internet is a real find, only to find out when you get there that the service is terrible or the food is really bad! You can do it all yourself, but is it worth it? You have heard the horror stories where reservations were dropped by the hotel or passengers have missed flights because there wasn't enough time left for proper connections. You don’t want that to happen to you or any of your family members, especially at your destination wedding! Make sure there is someone who will be looking after you and each of your guests in case something goes wrong.


4. Think about saving money for your guests by choosing an All-Inclusive package which includes airfare and hotel accommodation as well as food and drinks. It is usually way cheaper than purchasing these items separately.


5. Try to choose a resort in the area that is more economical as some of your guests will not have the resources to stay at the pricey resort you have chosen for your wedding. They will appreciate the fact that you have given them an option. [Editor's Note: Although many of you want to keep costs down for your guests, you do have to remember that there is often a huge difference in resort ratings between here and in the Caribbean and Mexico. While a three-star resort in the United States or Canada might work perfectly well for that budget-conscious couple, few people would be satisfied with less than 4.5 stars in the Caribbean or Mexico.]
   
6. Keep your guests updated about your wedding. Send out frequent updates. You may even want to create a free wedding website complete with wedding details, personal stories, registry information, and a photo gallery. Use a free site such as the link for Honeymoon Wishes on either Del Sol Destination Weddings or Creative Weddings and Occasions websites, http://www.ewedding.com/ , http://www.momentville.com/, or The Knot Wedding website at http://www.theknot.com/. Another site for a small cost is http://www.weddingtracker.com/. As well, a lot of couples are using a Facebook Fan Page and finding that also works well.


7. Arrange to have the resort hand out an itinerary to your guests at check-in time or be hand delivered to each room by a member of your wedding party. It is also recommended that you hand out a special welcome bag as a special "thank you for coming” which can include such items as flip-flops, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent, bottles of water, candy, small mementos, fun items, or a local craft.


8. Plan activities which your guests will enjoy. You are asking your friends and family to spend a fair amount of money as well as giving up their vacation time to be with you so you want them to enjoy themselves. Create an itinerary that is suitable for all age groups. Make sure that the events you plan do not always start early in the morning as many of your “night hawk” friends will wants to catch some extra shut eye. Also make sure to give everyone some free time so they can do some things on their own.






9. Plan a welcome party with local food and music as a great way to get everybody to meet each other and begin the week in a fun-filled way.


10. Be a gracious and thoughtful host. Remember that the people you have invited to your wedding are your guests and it is your job to ensure that they enjoy themselves and have a good time. They have given of their vacation time and resources to be with you on your wedding day, and you want to make sure that they know how much you appreciate them for being there. Thank them for coming and tell them how much it means to you both. Don’t be resentful that you do not have of lot of private time as a couple. You have the rest of your life to spend together. Include a surprise during the week to add to the excitement.

Enjoy this special time in paradise sharing your vacation with your best friends and family. Remember to thank people for all of the things they have done for you. Make this event memorable and one that will be talked about for years when your guest tell others what a “blast” they had at your destination wedding.

If you want your guests to have a great time at your destination wedding and are not sure where to start, let us help you with your travel arrangements and planning by calling 403-477-0643 or e-mail Del Sol Destination Weddings to set up your FREE initial consultation.

If you wish further assistance in planning your wedding or decorating for you big day, please contact Cathy at cathy@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 cathy@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com .