"Must Know" for Destination Weddings

In my last blog, I wrote generally about my experience with destination weddings- and have a few more tips to share.

The biggest thing people planning the wedding need to realize is that if your wedding is outside of the United States- the customs and culture in the country you are visiting are also different. Specifically, how people respond to "scheduled" events and timelines. People in Mexico have a very different interpretation of time than we do in the United States. Their culture is a lot more laid back and not as concerned with the minutes hand on the clock.

If you are the type of person that needs everything to be "on-time" - a destination wedding may not be for you. In my experience, there is always something that is "running late" hours before the wedding starts...flowers, chairs, officiant, etc...

Most of the resorts do have "wedding coordinators"- but often times this person is juggling multiple weddings or working on other projects at the resort.

My biggest pieces of advice for people...hire a travel agent to help you work with the resort and go into the wedding realizing that all of your plans may be subject to change. If it is outdoors- there is always a chance that it could rain- or something may not show up on time.

Find a travel agent you can trust and has experience working with destination wedding resorts. Their services are less money than you think and will make your wedding planning experience a lot more pleasant and less stressful.

We have a number of great travel agents in the Central Minnesota Wedding Association- be sure to check them out during your search!

Getting Started

"So, I'm engaged. I'm so excited for the wedding, but I don't even know where to begin!"

Is that you? Let this entry help you get started. Also, don't forget to check out CMWA's Virtual Mall to begin your vendor research.

But wait: get organized! Start a file or notebook where you can keep track of everything related to your wedding in one place!

What are the first things you need to get figured out? Of course,  the first question you'll be asked is "when's the wedding?" so set a date. You could go at this two ways. First,  you could choose a date and then find your sites that are available that date. You could do this if the date is more important to you than the place. Or,  you could choose sites that you love & then set your date based on their availability. This includes your ceremony and reception sites, if they will be different.

Next, start calling photographers, videographers, DJs, and any other musicians right away. Especially if you're planning a spring or summer wedding, these vendors can get booked quickly. Find out how long they will hold your date if you're not sure if you're going to use them.

Another thing to jump on is the formal wear for the wedding party. Most of the time, bridesmaids dresses aren't made until they're ordered. This can take several months to get them in to your bridesmaids. Then they will need to be altered for each girl. Remember: always take into account the body shapes of your bridesmaids & pick a dress style that you like, but that will also flatter everyone. 

And of course, your dress is important, too! Depending on how you get your dress, you may need to order and wait for this as well. Don't forget that you'll need to have several fittings in order to make it perfect for you.

It's never too early to start compiling your guest list. You will need to have this finalized early enough to order your invitations, wait for them to come in, address & send them no later than 6 weeks before the wedding. You may be surprised how long deciding your guest list can take. Especially since you need to coordinate with your fiancé's side, too.

Things that can wait until closer to the wedding include:

• registering for gifts: this should be done about 3 months before the wedding
• gifts for your wedding party & those involved if not getting paid
• Cake - most bakers prefer to meet with you 1-2 months ahead
• Rehearsal dinner location
• Honeymoon plans

Don't forget to apply for your marriage license several months in advance. Also look into what you'll do about insurance, name changes and everything else you'll need to have done once you're married. 

Good luck!

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association!

We are eager to help you plan your wedding in central Minnesota by connecting you with excellent vendors and businesses to fulfill your needs. Each business has committed themselves to our Code of Ethics, assuring you that you are working with a trustworthy business. 

Our mission:

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association exists to join wedding industry businesses in networking relationships and to be a comprehensive resource for engaged couples in the greater central Minnesota area.

Check back often for more ideas, insights and vendor spotlights! And don't forget to become a fan of us on Facebook!

Lauren, the intern