Destination wedding ideas , Florida Keys
Choosing between an at-home wedding and a destination wedding
Dear Peggy,
My fiance and I would like to have a wedding in Florida (a destination wedding) but my family wants us to stay home and have one here in Michigan. What do you suggest we tell our family is a benefit to having a destination wedding? – Carrie and Matt
Dear Carrie,
First of all, this is your wedding and you should have it anyway and anywhere you like. Families tend to live inside a box when it comes to weddings. However, we’re finding that many couples are stepping out to include their wedding and honeymoon in one destination…namely, a destination wedding. You may want to share with your family the fact that a destination wedding allows them the opportunity to have a vacation as well as share your special day with you.
For example, how often do they get to go on vacation? By you having a destination wedding you’re offering them the opportunity to enjoy themselves in Florida and to get out of the Michigan weather. They (and you) are killing two birds with one stone. Another great “arguing” point is that a destination wedding often costs less than a traditional, stay at home wedding. Why? Because there are typically less guests meaning less invitations to send, less food to serve, less thank you cards to send, less cake to buy, etc. Do you see where I’m going with that? If your parents are sharing (or paying for) the wedding then this is a great factor to bring up. Either way I’m sure that your family wants you to have the day of your life so just explain to them the importance of having your wedding in Florida. If they still need some “prodding” have them give me a call. Good luck!
- Peggy
Beach Weddings , Destination wedding ideas , Florida Keys
Where in the Florida Keys to get married
Dear Peggy,
We’re trying to figure out where in the Keys to get married. Someone told us that Hawks Cay is nice. What do you think? – Jamie from New York
Dear Jamie,
You’re absolutely spot on thinking that about Hawks Cay! It is a Valentine’s day Romantic dream!!. In fact, it’s beautiful and one of my favorite wedding locations in the Florida Keys.
photo courtesy of Hawks Cay Resort
Here are a few great reasons to have your wedding at Hawks Cay:
- Whether your wedding is intimate or large, Hawks Cay can accommodate it.
- You can drive to it but still get the laid back island atmosphere. I always tell clients it is the Caribbean islands of the States.
- Exclusive signature events for your wedding party – world class deep sea fishing, snorkeling or take them to the spa.
- Dining options – The resort has gourmet casual or fine dining options sure to please everyone.
…but most of all it is a place for family and friends to gather or just the two of you to share in the moment!
We love the Hawks Cay resort and can answer any questions you have about getting married there…or at any other Florida Keys location. Please give us a call (847) 612-4712 ,or check out our website at http://www.destinationweddingstudio.com.
Happy Valentines Day!!!
Peggy
Beach Weddings , Destination wedding ideas , how to get married a second time , Second weddings , Uncategorized , Wedding Photos
Second marriage etiquette
Dear Peggy,
My fiance and I are getting married and, although it’s my 2nd marriage, I’m finding that it’s twice as hard planning this one than my first one. This time I have kids. I want this wedding to be different and amazing, but I don’t know how to do that. Any advice?
Dear Persi,
Getting married for the first time is hard enough…getting married a second time?, well that’s a whole different ballgame. So, are there certain “rules” that you should follow?
There is some etiquette that will be expected and, although this day is all about you (which it is), …this is the best way to avoid tears from the ones you love.
Here are the top dilemmas and solutions to those problems:
- The Children – Regardless of how old the children are you should always tell them your plans together. That allows you, as a couple, to reinforce the decision you’ve made. Make sure you give them the chance to put in their “two cents.” Even adult children will have some emotions to contend with. Be supportive of those feelings but firm in your decision. Ask for suggestions, and make sure you include some of them. This will make each individual family member feel as if they’re a part of the new union.
- What should the bride wear? – As a second time bride you may feel that wearing white is tacky or improper. Regardless, this is one area where you shouldn’t let the opinions of others affect your decision. There are no rules, and this aspect of your wedding truly is all about you. You can dress more casual and a fun color or go for white. Either way, it’s up to you!
- Make it stand on its own– Use different colors, choose another type of flower, consider a destination wedding this time…it will give you more time to spend with family and friends…
The wonderful thing about 2nd marriages is you come to it with so much more knowledge and I always find that my couples that have been married really appreciate the moment!
So don’t worry this wedding will be special and amazing in a different way. It is not the event, but sharing this special time with your knew family and all the wonderful things it brings!
Peggy
Dear Peg,
My Fiancee and I would like to travel to Florida for a beach wedding. This has been a dream of mine for a long time. Even the family and guests really like the idea. My only concern is, after we set a date, what happens if the weather changes or a storm would suddenly start to come in? I’ve heard about the frightening hurricanes down there and it scares me to think we might get caught in one….
Thank you and hope to hear from you soon,
Sandra (from Michigan)
Hello Sandra, (from Michigan)
Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.” Thank you, too, for your note. It’s always fun to receive letters from abroad. I will certainly try to sooth your worries as best I can…….First of all, the state of Florida offers over 1200 miles some of the most romantic, warm, glistening white sand beaches in the world! Palm trees sway with lazy ocean breezes under brilliant blue skies while ocean waves and the morning doves coo a mesmerizing lullaby.
This is the typical Florida weather, which makes us an ultimate wedding destination for many couples. However, we do shoulder a hurricane season which usually runs from August to November. The chances of your particular wedding date being affected by a hurricane are ‘extremely small’. State and local governments closely monitor developing storm activity as tourism is important to Florida’s economy.
Should you be concerned about the weather, it is feasible to have an indoor location prepared near your wedding site just in case, however, chances are 1 in a million that this is just not going to happen. You really shouldn’t worry over this too much as it is ‘highly unlikely’ to occur. therefore, my advice to you, dear, is to relax and consider letting those of us down here help you plan your wedding details and preparations, from Michigan, so that you will feel comfortable and trust that when you and your family and friends arrive, you will be able to truly unwind, let yourselves go and absorb the experience of your dream ceremony! On that note, I send all the best towards your future day!
Dearest future brides and grooms,
Christopher Reeve once said, “ At first dreams seem impossible….then improbable….then inevitable.” I want you to know that your “Dream Wedding” doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. By considering your choices, setting aside some money and planning ahead, a dream wedding is completely achievable. Your first and smartest decision is to find a planner who will carefully design and arrange the ceremony from beginning to end. By hiring your planner, you’ve already started saving money!
Together, you will form a budget to follow and then your planner will recommend local vendors and know right away which of these will give you the best values. She will be able to detect disguised wording and hidden costs in contracts and is capable of getting first rate discounts that you would not normally have access to. For example…. hotels and resorts offer packages that already have selected venue sites, with views of the ocean, palm trees and exotic flowers as backrounds, specifically designed for these types of occasions. Tables and chairs are included.
This in itself will save you quite a bit of money. You might want to consider cutting back on guests for substantial savings, as they account for almost half of your entire budget. Buffets are most often recommended because of the variety of food choices ’and’ can be cost efficient and your planner will know to look into hidden charges such as silverware, staff, linens, etc. She will be able to provide well known photographers, florists, wedding shops that house elegant gowns and tuxedos, cake designers, and may even find special savings or discounts for your honeymoon from her friend at the travel agency! Your wedding planner will encourage you to express your individuality and imagination and help you to incorporate it into your ceremony, and will be there to handle it all, down to the finest of details. She wants you to see your vision and enjoy your ’Special Day’ to the fullest and know that she is there to take ‘care’…….of everything!! ` `
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