Tag Archives: destination weddings

Unique Ideas for Guest Books That Will Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

Leave a reply

When it comes to planning your wedding, there are few details as important as the guest book. It’s the perfect way to capture memories of your special day and to remember all of the people who helped make it magical. But traditional guest books can be a bit boring, and some couples are looking for something a little more unique. If that sounds like you, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’re going to share some of our favorite ideas for unusual guest books that are sure to make your wedding one to remember.

1. “Wish” Rocks – For this guest book alternative, you’ll need a basket of small, smooth rocks and a few sharpies. Simply ask your guests to write their well-wishes, hopes, or advice onto the rocks, then place them in a pretty jar or box. You’ll end up with a beautiful keepsake that you can display in your home.

2. Jenga Blocks – Encourage your guests to play a giant game of Jenga by using the blocks as a guest book. Provide a permanent marker, and have guests sign or write messages on random blocks. It’s a fun way to create something interactive that you can enjoy for years to come.

3. Photo Album – Another great way to capture memories of your wedding day is by setting up a photo album. You can have your guests take Polaroid photos and add them to the album along with their messages. You’ll have a beautiful collection of photos and notes that you can look back on for years to come.

4. Canvas Art – Provide a blank canvas (or a few!) for your guests to write their messages on. After the wedding, you’ll have a unique piece of art that you can display in your home. And, depending on your artistic abilities, you might end up with something even more beautiful than you anticipated!

5. Custom Jigsaw Puzzle – Have a custom jigsaw puzzle made with a picture of the two of you and a blank space in the middle. Have your guests sign their names or write messages on the puzzle pieces, then put it together when the wedding is over. You’ll have a beautiful puzzle that you can display in your home.

Your wedding day is a day you’ll want to remember forever, and these unique guest book ideas are a great way to capture memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. Whether you choose a canvas art piece, a jigsaw puzzle, photo album, Jenga tiles or wish rocks, your guests will enjoy leaving their own personal touches and your special day will be truly unforgettable!

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or honeymoon, we’d love to be part of your happily ever after! Schedule a complimentary destination wedding consultation here or you can schedule a complimentary honeymoon consultation here.

How to Choose The Best Time of Year for a Destination Wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean

Leave a reply

Destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular in recent years, with
couples opting for picturesque locations to tie the knot. The Caribbean and Mexico
are two of the most sought-after destinations for a wedding. With their beautiful beaches, warm weather, and vibrant culture, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for a dream wedding.

However, choosing the right time of year to have your destination wedding is crucial to ensure that you and your guests have the best experience possible. You can spend hours researching locations and resorts online and compare services, food and drinks and prices…but you might overlook the most important detail: what time of year do you have to visit to avoid hurricanes and tropical depressions.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect weather wise for your destination wedding in the
tropics based on the time of year. I’ve even included some tips on choosing the best time of year for a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean, if you’re considering tying the knot during hurricane season.

Let’s jump into the weather you can expect for your destination wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico based on the time of year that you travel.

If you want to know the best time of year to have a destination wedding in the Caribbean and Mexico, it is between December to April. This is the region’s dry season when rainfall is minimal, and the temperature is mild and comfortable, averaging around 78 to 82 degrees Farhenheit. Hello sunshine!

While the dry season is safer bet for a weather-friendly Caribbean or Mexico wedding, it’s not a guarantee. Rain and wind can still occur. Additionally, it’s essential to note that it’s also peak tourist season. This means that flights and accommodation are likely to be higher than at other times of the year. Bummer, I know.

Based on my experience, the most popular months to have a destination wedding are in May and November. This would be considered “shoulder season” where you aren’t really dealing with the higher “peak tourist” prices, but also don’t have as much concern with the weather. Hooray!

The struggle there is that the dates at the best resorts and venues book very quickly. So, if you want to plan a destination wedding in May or November, do not waste time or you’ll end up compromising on the venue.

So, what happens if the dry season months don’t work well for you and you are hosting your destination wedding in the Summer or Fall months, when hurricanes could develop?

First, let me put your mind at ease. Just because it is “hurricane season” doesn’t mean that a hurricane will develop.

Also, there are some destinations that are “safer” during the tropical season, so don’t throw in the towel quite yet!

Here are some tips on choosing the best time of year for a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean to help avoid having your big day ruined by a storm.

Choose your wedding date wisely

As mentioned above, the best way to avoid hurricane season when planning your destination wedding is to choose a date outside of the peak months. If that isn’t possible, consider these general rules of thumb… Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the most active months being August, September, & October. If possible consider a wedding in June, July, Mid to Late November, or even early December.

Research the Weather Patterns

Each destination has different weather patterns during hurricane season, so do your research before choosing a location. Some islands or regions may be more prone to hurricanes than others. For example, the northern Caribbean islands are at higher risk than the southern ones. Consider speaking with a travel advisor who specializes in weddings to help you pick the right time and location.

Consider Wedding & Travel Insurance

Wedding insurance can provide a financial safety net in case of a hurricane or other natural disaster. It can cover unexpected expenses such as cancellations, postponements, or rescheduling fees. It’s important to note that not all wedding insurance policies cover natural disasters, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing a policy.

Travel insurance is recommended for you and your guests. In case the weather prevents you from arriving to your destination, or requires you or your guests to depart early, it will protect your investment. Travel insurance is always recommended, but during the tropical season, it is much more imperative, so I encourage you to encourage your guests to have the right coverage.

Have a Backup Plan

Regardless of the date of your wedding, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather. When booking your venue and vendors, ask about their contingency plans in case of inclement weather. For example, some resorts may have indoor facilities or covered areas that can serve as backup locations for the ceremony or reception. It’s always a bonus when you love the back-up venue as much as your chosen outdoor venue.

Stay Updated on Weather Forecasts

If you’re planning a wedding during hurricane season, be sure to stay informed about any potential tropical storms or hurricanes that could impact your wedding plans. Sign up for weather alerts, monitor weather websites, and keep in touch with your vendors and venue. Be prepared to make changes if necessary and I advise to make a swift decision, getting the advice of the onsite wedding team, if things are not looking promising on your wedding day.

If the wedding team at your venue advises you to change to an indoor venue due the weather report, and you choose to move forward with an outdoor event, they will likely have you sign a contract. If weather does disrupt the wedding there will be a fee to set up the wedding decor again in the back-up location.

In conclusion, while the Caribbean and Mexico offer stunning wedding destinations,
it’s important to be mindful of hurricane season. By following these tips for choosing the best time of year for a destination wedding and doing your research, you can plan a beautiful and stress-free wedding. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the region’s stunning beauty, indulge in outdoor activities, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and want to ensure you cover all your bases with your destination wedding planning, I’d be delighted to chat with you. Here is a link to schedule a complimentary consultation!

Norwegian Cruise Line Weddings Now Available

1 Reply

Norwegian Cruise Line weddings are now available. Norwegian Cruise Line has recently launched new wedding packages that include the option for a ceremony at sea performed by a ship office (for show only). Legal vows performed at sea by a ship’s captain are not very common, with just a few major cruise lines offering that option.

Norwegian Cruise Line weddings have partnered with Royal Ocean Events to feature three package options. The cost of these weddings start at $1,600, plus the cruise fare.

  • The “Symbolic” package includes a ceremony at sea
  • The “Harborside” package includes a ceremony performed by an officiant on board the ship while it’s docked
  • The “Destination” package gives couples the option of a wedding on shore

These packages are available at any of Norwegian’s domestic home ports (including New York, Miami and Seattle), as well as at select ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

All of these packages include the services of a wedding coordinator, a private ceremony location, the bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, pre-recorded ceremony music, a bottle of sparkling wine, a keepsake wedding certificate, suggested vows, and a wedding cake.

Couples can choose to further customize their big day by adding live music, photography and videography, a wedding reception or multi-course meal, and/or spa and beauty treatments.

The cruise line also offers a “Vow Renewal” ceremony for married couples. This package starts at $299 and includes a group ceremony, wedding cake, sparking wine, and dinner for two at the Le Bistro specialty restaurant.

If you are looking for the perfect way to pop the question, there’s also an “Engagement” package available, priced from $399.

Siera is a member of the Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Association and would love to help you plan the destination wedding and/or honeymoon of your dreams! Email spreadingmagic@gmail.com for more information!