Spring 2015 Destination Wedding Planning Guide. Wedding Solutions David's Bridal.
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S PR I N G 201 5 D E S T I NAT I O N W E D D I N G PLA N N I NG G U I D E
IN THIS ISSUE
4
SAY ‘YES’
5 reasons why you might 14
consider a destination wedding FINDING THE ONE
over one in your hometown find a dress, minus the stress
6 17
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE ETIQUETTE 101
when and where to have your the do’s and don’ts of planning
destination wedding your destination wedding
7 20
TRAVEL STYLE PLANNING MATERIAL
just 6 steps stand before you the advice of experts for
and your walk down the aisle planning smoothly
11 22
TO-DO LIST DON’T FORGET
Indulge in the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Savor unforgettable cuisine it always helps to have a amidst the planning, remember
by culinary masters like Michelin 6-star awarded Chef Martín Berasategui. Surrender to checklist when planning these minor but important details
bliss in award-winning spas and embrace the comforts of lavish accommodations and
impeccable service. All in the most spectacular oceanfront destinations on earth.
The Pure Freedom to Just Be
Royal Service (exclusively for adults) • Life enriching experiences (tango lessons and wine GALINA SWG3698 SOFT WHITE, $649
tasting) • Private pools & beach areas with Bali beds & valet service • Family concierge
(personalized vacation experience for families features a full complement of VIP services
and amenities including private beach and pool areas with valet service. PREFERRED PARTNERS
For information contact your travel professional 1.888.741.5600 or visit PARADISUS.COM
COSTA RIC A (2016) | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | MEXICO
A Meliá Hotels International Brand.
DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWED 3
SAY ‘YES’ SAY ‘YES’
5
1. FOR AFFORDABLE
LUXURY
All-inclusive resorts offer
REASONS TO SAY ‘YES’ instant romance, fun,
3. FOR LESS STRESS
Your resort or cruise line will make
built-in activities, and
TO A DESTINATION WEDDING a dedicated wedding
planning a breeze with an on-site
wedding coordinator, who can
planner. The potential for
take care of all the details. They
complimentary perks, such
will narrow your selection from
as room upgrades and free
flowers to DJ to photography
2. FOR UNIQUE AND anniversary nights, means
and help seamlessly make the
MEMORABLE DETAILS more cost-savings for you
arrangements. Consider arriving
This is a great opportunity and your guests.
a few days before your wedding
to introduce your favorite to finalize last-minute items and
vacation spot to friends and eliminate any residual jet lag.
family. Ceremony and location
choices, such as those offered
at Dreams Resorts and Spas,
are perfect custom details to
show your personality.
IMAGE COURTESY OF DREAMS TULUM RESORT & SPA
4. FOR MORE 5. FOR A VACATION COMBO
INTIMACY Guests may choose to treat
Soak in the experience themselves to a mini getaway, and
over the course of with no additional travel required
several days and truly for you and your sweetie, the
spend some quality honeymoon can start right away.
time with your closest
friends and family.
IMAGE COURTESY OF DREAMS RESORTS & SPAS IMAGE COURTESY OF DREAMS RESORTS & SPAS
4 SPRING 2015 DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWED 5
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TRAVEL STYLE
PLAN ‘I DO’ PERFECTLY WHAT’S YOUR
TRAVEL STYLE?
WHEN AND WHERE TO TRAVEL WHEN TYING THE KNOT
HIGH SHOULDER LOW
SEASON SEASON BEST SEASON
combination
MOST POPULAR SEASON
HIGHER RATES,
LIGHTER CROWDS
MODERATE RATES
of travel
advantages
LITTLE CROWD
LOWEST RATES
JUST 6 STEPS STEP ONE
MEXICO IDEAL WEATHER NEAR-PERFECT WEATHER VARIED WEATHER to getting you on the right track to PICK A
CABO SAN LUCAS OCTOBER - MAY JUNE - MID/LATE SEPTEMBER JULY - MID-SEPTEMBER planning YOUR WEDDING LOCATION
Where do you want to
CANCUN MID-DECEMBER - MARCH EARLY DECEMBER - APRIL MAY - NOVEMBER
get married? What is your
dream destination? The
PLAYA DEL CARMEN NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY MARCH - MAY MAY - OCTOBER location you choose helps
determine and dictate all
MAY - MID-JULY
PUERTO VALLARTA MID-NOVEMBER - APRIL MID-JULY - AUGUST
SEPTEMBER - MID-NOVEMBER
the other pieces of your
wedding. A few things to
RIVIERA MAYA DECEMBER - APRIL MID-APRIL - MID-JUNE JULY - NOVEMBER keep in mind: Will your
guests have to travel?
Will your destination be
CARIBBEAN domestic or international?
What type of dress do you
LATE APRIL - MAY
ARUBA MID-DECEMBER - MID-APRIL
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
JUNE - AUGUST want to wear?
OCTOBER - NOVEMBER
BAHAMAS DECEMBER - MID-APRIL JUNE - SEPTEMBER Your location decision
MAY
drives a lot of your wedding
CAYMAN ISLANDS MID-DECEMBER - MID-APRIL NO SHOULDER SEASON MID-APRIL - MID-DECEMBER choices and will play a major
role in what you’re planning
JAMAICA
MID-DECEMBER - MID-APRIL MID-APRIL - MAY LATE MAY for your big day.
JUNE - AUGUST NOVEMBER - EARLY DECEMBER SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
DECEMBER - MID-APRIL
PUERTO RICO MID-APRIL - JUNE SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
JULY - AUGUST
PUNTA CANA JANUARY - MARCH OCTOBER - DECEMBER APRIL - SEPTEMBER
TURKS AND CAICOS MID-DECEMBER - MID-APRIL MID-APRIL - JUNE JULY - EARLY DECEMBER
NORTH AMERICA/CENTRAL AMERICA
APRIL - MAY
BERMUDA JUNE - AUGUST NOVEMBER - MARCH
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
DECEMBER - JANUARY
COSTA RICA LATE NOVEMBER - LATE APRIL JUNE - MID-NOVEMBER
MAY
JUNE - AUGUST APRIL - MAY
HAWAII MID-JANUARY - MARCH IMAGE COURTESY OF DREAMS PUNTA CANA RESORTS & SPAS
DECEMBER - EARLY JANUARY SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
6 SPRING 2015 DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWED 7
TRAVEL STYLE TRAVEL STYLE
STEP TWO
START EARLY
Budget for a planning trip
(or two, if possible) to your
location to help visualize
your wedding and to gain
a comfort level with your
resort’s wedding planner.
Be sure to prioritize your
time to meet with possible
vendors and use your visit
as a trial run to see firsthand
what obstacles guests might
encounter. Then, create a
to-do list to identify solutions.
with your wedding planner.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PARADISUS RESORTS
STEP FOUR
EXPLORE VENUE
& PACKAGE OPTIONS
Resorts, like Paradisus Resorts, offer multiple wedding packages
STEP THREE for the ultimate wedding experience; review all of the options
RESEARCH THE LEGAL SIDE to see what best fits your vision. Then, prepare a timeline for
everything that will take place during your celebration so your
OF MARRAIGE wedding planner can begin making arrangements.
Investigate local marriage requirements and
laws to ensure you’ll be legally wed: find out Compare venue options and event facilities, paying attention to
what documents you need to bring, what legal room amenities, activity options, potential group discounts, and
fees there are, and if there are any residency any minimums or maximums you need to meet.
laws or date restrictions to be aware of.
IMAGE COURTESY OF PARADISUS RESORTS
DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWED 9
IMAGE COURTESY OF COUPLES RESORTS, JAMAICA
TRAVEL STYLE TO-DO LIST
STEP FIVE
ASK FOR HELP
Work with a wedding planner to
assist you with the planning process.
A planner will help do the heavy
lifting of researching and securing
vendors. They also know how to
navigate the legalities and are pros
at handling obstacles.
wedding
If you are not using a service who
offer certified planners at no cost,
or your location’s provided on-site
COUNTDOWN
coordinator, expect to dedicate
10% of your budget to a wedding
planner.
9+ MONTHS TO GO 6-8 MONTHS TO GO
99 Envision your wedding style and other travel 99 Arrange a planning trip - meet with your wedding
considerations that are important to you planner, set-up appointments with possible local
99 Decide on your wedding budget and guest list vendors, and visit options for ceremony and reception
99 Research possible wedding destinations, keeping in sites
IMAGE COURTESY OF PARADISUS RESORTS
mind peak seasons and holidays 99 Create a gift or honeymoon registry
99 Determine if you will use an on-site coordinator or 99 Refine your wedding vision - consider incorporating
wedding planning service family traditions or local customs
99 Evaluate wedding packages to compare different 99 Select and order your wedding invitations
STEP SIX service offerings, ratings, and prices 99 Consider a post-wedding reception back at home -
RESEARCH QUALIFIED PROS 99 Research local marriage requirements in your chosen great for guests who can’t make it
wedding destination 99 Search airline options for guests and reserve a group
Work with your wedding planner to get a head 99 Select a date and place a deposit travel discount rate
start on local vendor recommendations. Do
99 Choose your wedding party and decide how to ask 99 Reserve a block of rooms - see if you can even get a
not be shy about asking for references, and
consider scheduling a video chat to get a sense them to be a part of your big day group discount
of the vendor’s personality. Always trust your 99 Create a wedding website 99 Obtain wedding insurance coverage
instincts, and confirm all agreements in writing 99 Send out your save the dates
before sending any deposits. 99 Research travel and accommodation arrangements for
your guests
IMAGE COURTESY OF COUPLES RESORTS JAMAICA
99 Schedule your wedding gown appointment
99 Begin shopping for bridesmaids dresses
10 SPRING 2015 DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWED 11
TO-DO LIST
TO LOVE, HONOR AND DREAM.
3-5 MONTHS TO GO
99 Choose a wedding day style for your guys
99 Explore and choose any additional pre- and post-
wedding events or activities to offer - welcome
cocktail party, golf outing, etc.
99 Update your wedding website - transportation
arrangements, optional local tours and activities
available, itinerary of events, and accommodations
99 Send out your wedding invitations
99 Update your passport or apply for one, if needed
99 Purchase your wedding bands
99 Collect ideas for your guests’ welcome bags
99 Confirm final selections with wedding vendors
99 Purchase gifts for your wedding party
2 WEEKS TO GO
1-2 MONTHS TO GO
99 Review headcount and finalize with your venue
99 Attend your gown fitting 99 Put together your seating chart
99 Book makeup and hair appointments for you and your 99 Confirm that you have all required original legal
bridal party documents
99 Ship any wedding decor or favors to your wedding 99 Print extra hard copies of all paperwork to set aside
destination or coordinate with family and friends in and be hand-carried as you travel
transporting it 99 Start packing for your wedding and honeymoon
99 Review and finalize all of your vendor wedding
contracts
UPON ARRIVAL
99 Unpack your wedding gown - if necessary, coordinate
Dreams Resorts & Spas, set in beautiful, tropical oceanfront locations, are gorgeous places to say “I do.”
to have it steamed
With a personal on-site wedding coordinator helping to make sure every detail is planned to perfection 99 Arrange welcome bags to be delivered to guests’
plus all the inclusions of Unlimited-Luxury,® every moment is sure to be a carefree celebration! rooms
99 Meet with your wedding coordinator to walk through
Explore our wedding packages offering stunning ceremony locations, and finalize last minute details
99 Inspect ceremony and reception sites to discuss any
private receptions and more at DreamsResorts.com
anticipated vendor logistics
WEDDING DAY
EXPERIENCE UNLIMITED-LUXURY FOR COUPLES AND COUPLES WITH CHILDREN IN
®
99 Relax and enjoy your perfect day!
COSTA RICA | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | MEXICO | PANAMA (2016) | U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
THE COLLECTION
DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWED 13
©2015
FINDING THE ONE FINDING THE ONE
CONSIDER
YOUR DRESS’S
SIZE AND
FABRIC WHEN
HAVING TO
TRANSPORT IT
DB STUDIO SDWG0125 IVORY, $199
WHITE BY VERA WANG VW351227 IVORY, $1,148
TRANSFORM A
SIMPLE DRESS
WITH THE RIGHT
ACCESSORIES
SUN, SAND, AND
the perfect dress
FIND A DRESS THAT’S NOT ONLY PERFECT FOR YOU BUT
ALSO THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR DESTINATION.
DB STUDIO SDWG0140 WHITE, $179
MELISSA SWEET MS251101 IVORY, $850
GALINA SIGNATURE SWG687 IVORY, $1,150
ETIQUETTE 101
LIGHT AND
AIRY FABRICS
ARE IDEAL
FOR WARM
CLIMATES
what about...
GALINA KP3697 IVORY, $649
how do I...
Navigate your guest list with the proper etiquette for common problems and
questions that come with destination weddings
SAVE THE DATES... WANT TO MAKE
WHEN DO THEY GO SURE YOUR VIPS
TRULY ZAC POSEN ZP341412 IVORY, $1,250
OUT? CAN ATTEND?
Mail save the dates as soon Before you put down a
as details are confirmed. deposit, be sure to ask
your VIPs whether they
Tip: Give guests 10-12 can make the wedding.
months advance notice
to plan accordingly and Tip: Make it easy for them:
book the best rates before 1) Choose a family-friendly,
prices rise. Share details all-inclusive resort.
on group rates for lodging 2) Coordinate a group
options too. travel discount rate for
blocks of 10 or more seats
[ ]
CHOOSE A with an airline.
STYLE AND CUT Fun & innovative 3) Cover guests’
THAT PLAYS save the dates at transportation to and
UP YOUR BEST INVITATIONS from the ceremony and
FEATURES GALINA KP3704 IVORY, $449 BY DAVID’S BRIDAL reception sites, if possible. IMAGE COURTESY OF DREAMS RESORTS & SPAS
DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWED 17
GALINA SIGNATURE SWG675 IVORY, $950
ETIQUETTE 101
prevent some close friends options as pay-as-you-
and family from attending. go by including prices.
Introduce your guests to
Tip: Continue the your wedding planner or
celebration back home resort concierge for any
with a post-wedding party. special requests they may
This allows you to have it have.
both ways — keeps your
broader circle from feeling
left out and takes the heat GIFTS OR NO
off those who can’t afford
to make the trip. GIFTS?
Clearly manage guests’
expectations for gifts
when you’re setting up
WHAT DO I PAY your registry — tell them
NOT SURE ALL as the rehearsal dinner FOR? WHAT DO up front.
— your guests did make a
YOUR GIRLS CAN commitment to attend so
THEY PAY FOR?
Guests should expect to Tip: Consider a
MAKE IT? thank them!
pay for airfare, hotel, and honeymoon gift registry.
Let your prospective bridal non-wedding activities or Guests from near and far
party know about your meals. can make a contribution
destination before asking BUT MY FRIEND to your honeymoon
them to stand by your with ease, saving them
side.
ANNIE CAN’T Tip: Be sensible and
the hassle of shipping
consider offering a list
MAKE IT. of sights that guests can or carrying gifts. Plus,
Tip: Don’t insist on an Don’t be upset if distance, explore while there. Clearly it’s much more personal
immediate answer. Invite time off and finances note these additional than asking your guests
people to participate in a outright for cash!
way that allows them to
politely decline, if needed.
SO MANY DETAILS,
SO MANY PEOPLE...
HOW DO I MANAGE?
Guests are reliant on
you for all destination
information and details.
Provide an itinerary and
details on transportation
and lodging on your
wedding website or
invitation.
Tip: The experts at
DestinationWeddings.com
recommend including
After 38 years and 32,879 weddings, we know how to make weddings fun! your guests in any pre-
wedding festivities, such
IMAGE COURTESY OF DREAMS LOS CABOS SUITES GOLF RESORT & SPA
Reserve your special date online at Jamaica’s most beloved romance destination.
www.couples.com/davidsbridal 800-268-7537
DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWED 19PLANNING MATERIAL
Play It Smart
PLAN AHEAD Think of it as your
DO SOME RESEARCH. Get
a gauge on your destination’s “I-SWEAR-I-LEFT-IT-
weather patterns, peak tourist
season vs. off-season, and any local
holidays you might need to keep in
ON-THE-BEACH-TOWEL”
mind. policy.
REMEMBER, IT’S ISLAND
TIME. Proactively schedule THERE’S JEWELRY INSURANCE FOR THAT.
regular check-ins with your
vendors to touch base on their Perfect Circle® Jewelry Insurance by Jewelers Mutual, protecting jewelry for over 100 years.
progress.
International Travel Checklist Call 888-884-2424 or visit PerfectCircleInsurance.com/DavidsBridal
CONSIDER BRINGING YOUR MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LEGAL
OWN VENDORS. Weigh the
pros and cons, including extra CHECK POLICIES BRING REQUIRED
expenses and investigating any AND PROCEDURES. DOCUMENTS.
work visas or permits needed to Investigate your destination Connect with your wedding
use outside vendors’ services. country’s policies and procedures, planner on the required
from applying for a marriage documents you need to bring,
Don’t forget to check with your license to local customs and all including anything that needs to
resort for their list of vendors as associated legal fees. Speak to a be notarized or translated prior to
their relationship together may travel agent or wedding planner your arrival. Bring the originals of
provide you with discounts or for help navigating local laws and your official documents and make
special rates. fulfilling any necessary marriage copies of each document too.
requirements.
GET WEDDING INSURANCE. CONFIRM U.S. ACCEPTANCE. REQUEST MULTIPLE COPIES.
With traveling comes unexpected When marrying abroad, don’t If you are changing your name
events. Wedding insurance forget to confirm that your when you return, request multiple
protects you against things marriage certificate will be copies of your marriage certificate
like natural disasters, medical accepted by U.S. government (in English). You will need them
emergencies, loss or damage agencies. Start by contacting the to update your driver’s license,
to anything, or if you need U.S. embassy consulate in that credit cards, passports, and social
reimbursement for a vendor region to ensure the certificate security card.
mishap. will be legally recognized.
GET A VALID PASSPORT. CARRY-ON FOR SECURITY.
GET SET TO LOOK YOUR Remember, a valid passport is Don’t chance it with your checked
BEST. Consider doing a trial run required for you and your guests luggage - avoid worrying about
of your wedding day hair and for any international destination. all of your important belongings
makeup a few days before to make Allow up to 6 weeks for your getting lost by packing them in
sure it holds up in the destination’s passport to arrive to avoid your carry-on luggage.
climate. incurring expedition fees.
20 SPRING 2015 DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWEDDON’T FORGET
THE BACK-UP PLAN
life has uncontrollable moments - be prepared
RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY LOST TREASURE
Weather is unpredictable so a contingency plan Safeguard your engagement ring while traveling
is suggested if you are having your ceremony by looking into jewelry insurance options. Add
or reception outdoors. When researching and a jewelry rider to your homeowner’s or renter’s
visiting locations, ask your wedding planner what insurance or purchase a separate policy with a
alternative arrangements, like tents or indoor specialty insurer like Perfect Circle by Jewelers
space, are available in the case of inclement Mutual Insurance. Once insured, have your ring
weather. Understanding these options can be just appraised every few years, as its value will likely
as important when choosing your location. change.
Even if it does rain, don’t fret...some of the best To further protect your ring, keep it in the hotel
pictures can be caught by your photographer of safe while out doing activities or better yet, leave
you and your sweetie in the rain. it at home and wear a fake engagement ring while
traveling.
22 SPRING 2015 DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE DEALS AND INSPIRATION AT DAVIDSBRIDAL.COM/PLANNING_DESTINATIONWEDYou can also read
