Winged Weddings

Some online groups are very helpful. They give you ideas, a support system and more information on the resort you have chosen. In some cases you speak to people that have already been married there, people in the final stages of planning and people just starting out. Keep in mind that everyone wants something different and we all react to situations and information differently. Just because one person received a discounted price for the DJ doesn't mean you should start de...manding for the same thing. There could be many reasons why the discount was offered. Don't share too much about discounts or offers you received, things can change very quickly including pricing. It does get frustrating when you sit and watch people list what the resort did for them at no charge and you look at what they want to charge you. Sometimes the way you approach the topic can make a difference as well. Don't demand or say "well you did it for someone else", try to approach it gently and inquire instead. It feels like the resort is charging for every tiny detail, which in reality is what happens at home too, it is just bundled into a package. Your contact at the resort is your biggest resource. Ask the questions, get things laid out so there are no surprises and everyone understands. Be patient, there is a language gap most times and it may take a try or two before you are on the same page. Destination Weddings are not easy to plan and in some cases are harder than a wedding at home.

Welcome Bags I believe a lot will agree that welcome bags when completed can break your wallet if you are not careful. The can bring a lot of stress if you don't start with a game plan. Here are some tips to keep the costs and spending under control.... #1 - Make a list of everything you want to put in the bag. Include the bag in your list as well. Make sure you write down even the little things involved in your ideas. (Bags, paper, ink ect) #2 - Price everything out with how much it is going to cost you to do. #3 - This is going to be hard as you are excited about everything and want the best..but look at the costs and how much you budgeted. Do people need a $10 bag that will have wedding stuff on and won't use again? Spend that money on a reusable cup like a bubba or put that money into your pocket and save it. #4 - Look at your cheapest price for each option (Amazon, Ali Express) do you have enough time for the shipping? Is the cheapest way to go still going to give you time to receive the item? #5 - If you are going to do a first aid kit please keep in mind that not everyone can take the same medications. So make sure everything is in its original packaging. If you are not sure or uncomfortable, leave the medications out. Do bandaids, drink crystals, lip balm.... #6 - If you are able to buy bulk...yes you are going to get you more but it may cost you less and you can sell your extras to other brides and grooms. Just remember where you got everything so if they need more they can get it. #7 - Don't get caught up with what everyone else is doing. Your numbers make a big difference on how much you spend on each guest. You could however do a bag per room instead of a bag per guest. #8 - Do your homework. Look at all options. You can shop online, the dollar store, warehouse outlets depending on what you want. Keep your time limit in check too. #9 - If you add something in that has a higher cost then you had planned then take something out, so you stay at your budgeted amount. #10 - Canadian Brides and grooms. Sign up for a thing called Ebates (It works). You get money back for shopping. (EBay, Amazon, Ali Express, Vistaprint are all apart of this) Anywhere you can save money do it. #11 - Have fun and think outside the box. Maybe your guests would rather beach towels then plastic tumblers. Make it work for your group.

Hey Everyone!! Tomorrow we are going to chat about welcome bags. Those things that some do, some don't and some spend a fortune. Tips and ideas on how to save some money putting them together!

Question for everyone: How to do deal with the negative people that say it's too expensive or they don't like the resort or country... It's really unfortunate that we have to deal with things like this and in many cases it is from the people we didn't expect it from. Let's be honest it hurts and cuts like a knife. In some cases it makes you want to rethink your entire plan of a destination wedding. It could be a friend, a sister or brother, maybe even your parents. So ho...w do you keep moving forward? Don't change your dream because people don't want to come. It will hurt like hell yes, but if this is really what you and your fiance want, that is really all that matters. Pick where you want to go and the people that really want to be there will be and your day will be magical. Hold your head high, you have done nothing wrong with choosing a destination wedding and don't take the crap from people just walk away. You are allowed to do your wedding how you want to. You can always have some sort of gathering back home for the people that didn't go, but don't give up your dream of how you see your wedding day. It's hard yes but in the end you will still be surrounded by the ones you love. Planning weddings seems to always bring the worst out in people and also shows people's true colours. Be true to what you and your fiance want, in the end the two of you are all that matters. If you are going through this now and need to vent or chat we are always here to listen and help where we can.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours! Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!!