"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!

Destination Weddings

Despite a difficult economy, many couples are looking into planning a destination wedding. Many guests are able to use the wedding as a vacation from work, if planned in advance.

In February, I traveled to Isla Mujeres for a wedding for a couple of my friends. It was absolutely beautiful. It was so nice to have an excuse to get the heck out of Minnesota for almost a week and "celebrate" with many friends.

One advantage of a destination wedding that never occured to me was the amount of time that you are able to spend with your friends and family. I remember my wedding, which was just a 18 months ago, and one of my least favorite parts looking back at it was the lack of time that I was able to spend with my close friends and family. I realize that spending a week or weekend with some of your family members could be enough to put you over the edge- but there is usually enough going on that they can't get on your nerves too much!

Destination weddings that are within the state or region are also gaining popularity for this reason. People can kick back and relax and not have to worry about driving home after the reception starts getting a little more fun...while spending more than a few hours on a day that all of your closest friends and family are all together at one place.

Tomorrow I will write about a couple of things to watch out for...and a "must have" if you are planning a destination wedding.

Mestads

The wedding gown.

Something you have dreamt of since you were a young girl. It sets the tone for the entire wedding and has to be perfect. Mestads, the primer bridal salon in Central Minnesota, has the selection and expertise to help you find the perfect gown.

Mestads has a long history of providing picture perfect wedding gowns. Cathy Mestad opened her first store in 1980 in Rochester. She then followed up by opening the St. Cloud location in 1990.

As a full service bridal salon, Mestads carriers wedding gowns, bridesmaid gowns, mothers gowns, flower girl dresses and a large selection of prom gowns. Don’t worry guys – they also have a selection of tuxedos.

With hundreds of gowns to choose from, brides are sure to find the style they’ve been searching for. Mestads carries a wide range of exclusive companies. From moderate to couture bridal gowns, there is something for every type of wedding. Manager Crista says the store favorite is the company Pronovias from Barcelona, Spain.

Mestads stays ahead of the competition because of their attention to the customer. They make finding the perfect wedding dress a fun and memorable experience by hosting special events for brides.

The first Thursday of the month is Girls Night Out at Mestads. Local vendors are brought in to showcase different items for brides to look at pertaining to their wedding, while brides and bridesmaids enjoy food and wine. A discount is also offered on the bridesmaids gowns.

In addition to Girls Night Out, Mestads also hosts different trunk shows on the weekends. In a trunk show, a designer of a gown company comes to the store and showcases the current line they have on display at the fashion shows. It is a great way for brides to check out the newest styles while deciding on the perfect gown.

Some advice for brides – try to begin your quest for the perfect wedding gown at least one year before your wedding. This may sound early, but some designers can take more than six months for the gown to arrive in the store once the order is placed.

Mestads has the selection and expertise to help you find the wedding gown of your dreams. Visit their new location in the Division Place Fashion Center. For more information, visit www.mestads.com or call 320.252.9634.

Renee's Royal Valet

I have had the opportunity to work a number of weddings with Renee's Royal Valet as the provider for wedding transportation- and the word "professional" is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about their service.

They own a variety of custom-built cars:

• H2 Hummer Limousines
• Excursion SUV Limousines
• Lincoln Town Car Limousines

All vehicles have modern upgrades like flat panel TV’s, touch screens, phenomenal sound systems and optic lighting.

Renee’s Royal Valet was founded by Renee Aymar in 1992. She saw a need in the industry for more professionalism as well as quality, custom-built vehicles.

Scott Helb bought the company from Aymar and has continued to set the bar high for the limousine industry.

Renee's Royal Valet offers three guarantees:

• All vehicles are meticulously clean
• All drivers are professional
• All vehicles arrive on time

You may assume all vehicles you hire always arrive on time, but Scott says, “A lot of people in the industry don’t get that...we do.”

A leader in the industry, Renee’s Royal Valet has been awarded many honors including being voted #1 Limousine Service in America and awarded “Operator of the Year” by Limousine and Chauffeured Transportation Magazine.
Weddings are Renee’s Royal Valet Service’s specialty, but they also do many other occasions including bachelor/bachelorette parties, proms, anniversaries, wine tours and pub crawls in the Minneapolis area.

Renee’s Royal Valet Service wants all customers to have flawless experience. To help engaged couples in the planning process, they offer some great advice. The article, 10 Most Common Errors, is featured on their Web site and covers everything you need to know about hiring a vehicle for your wedding or special event including – how to research the company, valid rental contracts, types of vehicles and much more.

You should arrive to your wedding in style and luxury - Renee’s Royal Valet Service is here to make that happen. For more information, testimonials and expert advice visit the web site at www.reneeslimousines.com or call 763.551.1919.

2009 Vendor Awards

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association is pleased to present the 2009 association awards winners. Association members voted on 16 winners based on service, creativity and industry leadership during 2008.

CMWA 2009 Award Winners:

Icing Dreams specializing in unique wedding cakes, 3-D cakes, cookies and cheesecakes perfect for any occasion; located in Waite Park. icingdreams@hotmail.com 320.257.4246

Reichel's offers a variety of home cooked meals and personalized menus perfect for weddings, showers, meetings and specials occasions in an event center that seats up to 400; located in Annandale. Contact reichelscatering@yahoo.com 320.274.2291

Events Extraordinaire works around your schedule so all you have to do is show up to your customized event! Located in St. Cloud. Contact jean@eventsbyjean.com 320.267.8609

Pianist For Parties is one of Minnesota’s finest solo pianists with a repertoire of music for all occasions including weddings, corporate events, receptions, and special occasions. Contact Sharon@pianistforparties.com 612.845.1970

Blooming Creations is a family owned and operated floral service committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts for weddings and all occasions; located in Waite Park. Contact bloomingcreations@teleflorist.com 320.257.7673.

Hampton Inn And Suites offers excellent customer service for guests and is conveniently located within walking distance of event centers and is just off of I-94 in Rogers. Contact hamptonsuitesrogers@zmchotels.com 763.425.0044.

Rengel Printing offers a wide variety of custom and nationally ordered invitations and has been serving St. Cloud and the central Minnesota area for three generations. Contact info@rengelprinting.com 320.251.5951.

J.F. Kruse Jewelers specializes in unique designer collections, custom-made jewelry and superb values on hand-selected and independently certified diamonds; located in St. Cloud. Contact info@jfkrusejewlers.com 320.253.4755.

Snap Shot Parties rents state-of-the-art and easy to use photo booths anywhere in Minnesota; located in St. Cloud. Contact Ezra@SnapShotParties.com 320.310.0812.

Jane Bailey Photography makes your wedding day all about you not only through capturing photos, but being a part of it from the planning on through well after the wedding; located in St. Cloud. Contact gunther@janebailey.com 320.240.1200.

The Crown Room offers an elegant ambiance for any event including wedding receptions, business luncheons or anniversary celebrations; located in Rogers. Contact GinaA@5sqc.com 763.428.8181.

Pearl Limousine, a one of a kind service, offering luxurious Cadillac and Mercedes Limousines; located in St. Cloud. Contact pearllimo@rearscope.com 320.251.1101.

Bursch Travel assures you the most accurate information and the best travel production selection available, at the least expensive cost; located in Waite Park. Contact leeh@hurschtravel.com 320.251.3180.

Mestad’s is a premier bridal salon with hundreds of different wedding gowns, bridesmaid’s gowns, tuxedos and accessories to choose from; located in St. Cloud. Contact info@mestads.com 320.252.9634.

Northern Lights Video specializes in creating cinematic wedding videos that can capture your beautiful wedding using HD cameras; located in Zimmerman. Contact jeff@northernlightsvideo.com 763.856.9193.

Mulligan’s Event Center offers a completely private setting overlooking the Sartell Golf Course with tow large patios, a waterfall and a water fountain – the perfect setting for celebrating with family and friends; located in Sartell. Contact missy@mulligansevents.com 320.656.9000.

Icing Dreams

When thinking of weddings cakes, things come to mind like white, frosting and miniature bride and groom figures – but wedding cakes can be so much more than that. Icing Dreams Specialty Cakes, located in Waite Park, is here to help engaged couples design the perfect cake reflecting personality and style.

Icing Dreams specialize in unique wedding cakes, 3-D cakes, cookies and cheesecakes. With more than 20 flavors including Key Lime, Bailey’s Irish Cream and Mocha, there is a flavor to satisfy all taste buds. Not only are Icing Dream’s cakes delicious, they are very unique.

Owners Dana Thomsen and Karen Kuhn know the baking industry, and with 28 years combined experience, they have big dreams for cake making. “We wanted something more elaborate then plain sheet cakes. We wanted to use our creativity to offer something different than chocolate and marble,” said Karen.

And since July 2006, that is exactly what they’ve been doing. From extravagant wedding cakes to specialty cakes shaped as Nintendo Wii consoles and potato salad, no request is too big or small.

New features for Icing Dreams include Cake Shooters, miniature cakes served “shot style” inspired by favorite bar shots like grasshoppers and lemon drops – good for showers and parties. Candy tables, a popular trend for weddings, is another new feature available.

Karen and Dana have big plans for 2009. “We are booking tons of weddings,” said Dana. The duo plans on doubling their weddings from 2008 and are doing a lot of different cakes.

Their advice for brides – book early because popular dates fill up fast. They also advise brides to do their research and to take advantage of taste tests and consultations. Doing this ensures you get the cake you’ve been dreaming of.

For more information, pictures and testimonials, visit Icing Dreams Specialty Cakes website at www.icingdreamsspecialtycakes.com and remember that you don’t have to drive to the cities to get the perfect cake for you wedding or special occasion.

New Year, New Engagement

Was one of your gifts this holiday season a small wrapped box enclosed with an engagement ring? The blessing of an engagement truly brings excitement for the new year! Informing all your family and friends is only the beginning. After a few days your holiday and nuptial celebrating starts to subside- and the overwhelming amount of planning and things to do starts to add up.

When preparing for your wedding day, dozens of ideas and details and venues come to mind. Our site, www.idoido.org is a great place to start. We limit the number of vendors in our association – and screen our vendors before they join.

One of the first things is to set the wedding date. Choosing your church and reception hall are usually among the first things booked for a wedding. Your other wedding vendors will generally want to know if they are available for your date- before you get too far in the booking process.

The next thing you need to take into account is the amount of people you plan to invite and amount of money you plan to spend for your big day. The expense for invitations, wedding dress and tuxedo, photography, catering, transportation, music, honeymoon, etc. need to all be assessed. Getting an idea or ballpark of reasonable costs will help save you and your spouse future finances.

If you are looking to trim costs- the best thing to do is to take a second look at your guest list. The fewer people you invite...

• The fewer invitations you have to send
• The fewer meals you need to order
• The fewer tables you need to decorate, etc…

Send me an email if you need any help getting started!