I have a very special destination wedding package for all of you nature lovers out there. Imagine having your destination wedding at a chalet at the foot of the only rainforest north of the equator, The Caribbean National Forest, which is most commonly known as El Yunque (named after the Taino indian spirit Yuquiyu, and meaning the "forest of clounds"). This tropical rainforest is the only one in the United States National Forest System. The forest encompasses over 28,000 thousand acres. It is the largest block of public land in all of PR. The summit of the mountain reaches nearly 4,000 ft. and it is home to over 240 species of trees and plants, 26 of which are found nowhere else, numerous exotic flowers, birds and endangered parrots, streams, waterfalls and miles and miles of secluded trails.
Location Spotlight "El Yunque"
Ideas for a Traditional Puerto Rican Wedding
If you are having a wedding (big or small) here in PR why not give it a Puerto Rican flair. It does not matter if your heritage is PR or not. Once you arrive in PR and especially if you are beginning the most important time of your life here, you are an adopted BORIQUA! Here are a few tips on how we can add a little Puerto Rican heritage to your special day.
Except for capias and bride dolls, there are no unusual wedding traditions. But we can always give your wedding a Puerto Rican flavor. When you think of things Puerto Rican you think of; coquí, orchids, tropics, palm trees, seashells, Taínos, guitars, coconuts, rum, pig roast, and amapolas (flowers). We can use these items at the ceremony and reception that remind us of your destination choice Puerto Rico la Isla del Encanto.
*The wedding could be held in a private rented house and backyard area. That is traditional because long ago there were no ballrooms for rent.
*Lights were strung on the trees outside to light the yard for the party - which gives a very simple, romatic and festive feeling. We can also create this affect by having the wedding on the great lawns offered at many venues.
*Wealthy families would serve a large banquet with all traditional foods served. Jibaritos served a lechón (roasted pig), arroz con gandules (rice and chick peas), pasteles (vegetable & meat tamale), empanadas (meat or veggie turnovers) flan, dulce de guava con queso (guava paste and cheese). Serving delicious food and drink is a huge part of the Puerto Rican culture.
*Have the wedding cake made of coconut, rum, or pineapple flavor.
*Cake decorations may include seashells, pineapple motifs, flowers, etc.
*The wedding "brindis" (toast) use to be made using coconut cups because there were no fancy glass goblets or the bride and groom may drink a traditional café con leche (espresso) using coconut cups during the dessert hour.
*Capias for all the guests. The capias were attached to ribbons that hung from the bridal bouquet. At the reception the bride and groom would pin them on the guests. This is a great way for the bride and groom to make contact with each guest. The capias had a piece of “abeto” fern (spiny fern used in weddings) attached to the capia (about 5 inches of fern), and the capia sat in the middle of the fern. The fern lasts a long time. The capias include a piece of folded narrow ribbon printed with the bride and groom’s names on one end, and the date of the wedding on the other. This ribbon can be ordered at bridal shops.
*The bride's bouquet was made using wild flowers of Puerto Rico – mostly amapolas, but also flamboyán flowers, and margaritas (include local greenery and abeto). Puerto Rico has over 50 native orchid species.
*The bouquet may include a fan - in Puerto Rico fans were a traditional part of a woman's attire. Wealthy women had fans in different colors to match their clothing. Or give them as favors, they are useful, colorful and are a lovely gift.
*Bridesmaids may carry a fan and an amapola, the flor maga, which is similar to an amapola, is the official flower of Puerto Rico.
*During the ceremony - in very low volume - play a tape of coquí sounds (small frog who sings coqui when the sun goes down) - that would be very romantic.
*The Doll - At the traditional Puerto Rican reception it is customary for a doll, dressed similar to the bride, to be placed at the head of the main table. The doll can be a Barbie or a larger doll. She wears a wedding dress to match the bride's.
*The bride and groom may choose a danza criolla, a Puerto Rican waltz. La Borinqueña is a waltz. There are many, many beautiful Puerto Rican orchestra pieces for ballroom dancing.
*If you are interested in the Taíno culture use strings of seashell jewelry for the bridal party, to decorate the table or to give as favors.
*Centerpieces - make small palm trees using “abeto” ferns for centerpieces and decorate with seashells.
*Hire a local Puerto Rican folk dance group to entertain during dinner.
*Of course - play Puerto Rican music including salsa, merengue and bomba y plena
*Fresh flowers were used to decorate the church, house, and the yard. Again these were flowers that grew wild including amapolas, margaritas and flamboyán flowers as well as local greenery and palm branches.
*Select a wedding invitation with a tropical theme like ferns, palm trees or sea shells.
*Napkin rings can be made by using sea shells with ferns, fresh flowers and even palm leaves.
*Honeymoon – so many options right here on the island, a ferry ride to Culebra (named #2 most beautiful beach in the world) or Vieques, Old San Juan, Rincon area, El Conquistador in Fajardo the choices are endless.
I hope this helps in adding a little Boriqua flair to your destination wedding and I wish you FELICIDADES Y BENDICIONES!
Here are a few websites where you can purchase some of the items mentioned:
Outdoor Lights
Cake Toppers
Destination Decorations
Coconut Cups and Coconut Decor
Variety of Decorative Fans
Decorative Palm Tree Centerpieces
Puerto Rican Folk Music
Tropical Destination Wedding Invitations
Seashell Jewelry
Seashell Napkin Rings
The traditional Capia
Venue Spotlight "Ricon Beach Resort"
An intimate, beach front, resort hotel located at Almirante Beach on the western coast of Puerto Rico, this is where natural untouched beauty welcomes visitors with the friendliest people and the most extraordinary experiences.
Rincon's the perfect spot for a destination wedding. In the middle of this wonderful setting, you'll find one of the most wonderful boutique style resorts in the Caribbean with all the amenities you love and the uncomplicated atmosphere you yearn. Rincon Beach Resort is located between Puerto Rico's panoramic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on the shore of the Sunset Capital of Puerto Rico. This exclusive boutique-hotel has the ideal ambiance for a destination wedding and subsequent honeymoon of your dreams.
Note: Shopping Malls, movie theatres, restaurants, and other attractions are minutes away.
The Wedding of Brian Deeds and Ivelisse Ledesma Pintado in Puerto Rico
If this video is in anyway similar to your vision of your destination wedding, contact me so that I can make it happen!
Choosing The Perfect Destination Wedding Dress
One of the most difficult decisions on your wedding day is choosing the right wedding dress, especially when you are having a destination wedding. How do you decide... formal, informal, bohemian, chic the choices are endless. When you're having a destination wedding you also have to keep in mind how to get the dress to your destination safely (see archive entry "Tips on traveling with your wedding dress").
I have witnessed brides dressed in many different styles and what seems to work best is comfort, simplicity and timeless style. Comfort is so important so make sure to keep in mind the weather conditions you will be in while exchanging your vows. You want to be comfortable in your dress and you certainly don't want it pulling, itching and making you melt in the sun. If your destination is Puerto Rico the weather can be warm and humid add in those uncomfortable factors mentioned and you won't be enjoying the moment, you will be dying for it to be over and that's no way to feel on one of the most important days of your life. So that being said, choose fabrics that are light and airy like organza and silk. Also, pick a dress that is a classic style. A bride that looks timeless will look at her wedding pictures 10 years from now and say "I still love my wedding dress." It would be a shame to look at your pictures and regret your choice.
I also advise my brides to choose shoes that are beach appropriate. You don't want to have on a pair of $300 dollar designer heels that are going to be impossible to walk in on the sand and probably get completely ruined on the beach. Thank goodness bridal accessory companies are realizing the need for "beach appropriate" footware and they are making great footwear for beach weddings. "Bedazzled" flip flops, feet jewelry and simple comfy sandals are amongst so many choices that can suit your style and budget.
Finally, I always advise my brides to shop around, look at magazines and online wedding sources for ideas and keep in mind these 3 simple suggestions - simplicity, comfort, classic and you can't go wrong.
The websites below are a great source to help you get ideas for your wedding day attire... buena suelte (good luck).
Edressme
Destination Wedding Dresses
Island Importer
Bridal People
My Wedding Accessories
Location Spotlight "Palmas del Mar"
If you are looking for a destination wedding sight that is out of the Metropolitan area, has a laid back relaxed atmosphere and is family oriented, then Palmas del Mar is the location for you. Palmas del Mar is located in the town of Humacao which is approximately 45 min. south of San Juan airport. It is a private community with 2 award winning golf courses, largest tennis resort in the Caribbean and a gorgeous beach club and beach. Palmas del Mar has a quiet and peaceful vibe. Residents and guests at Palmas have a motto of playing hard by day and relaxing and enjoying a great meal and mojito at night.
Palmas is perfect for couples who want to exchange their vows on a gorgeous lawn overlooking the ocean, have a small wedding reception at a 5 star french restaurant and continue on with their honeymoon enjoying tennis, golf, the beach and a night life that consists of great cocktails, tapas and piano music at a gorgeous marina. Palmas is a self contained community and offers a casino at The Sheraton Hotel, 17 restaurants (from Sushi to Italian), a supermarket, ice cream shop, coffee shop, and tons of shopping. One of the best advantages of Palmas is that you don't even need to rent a car, for $20 a day you can rent a golf cart and cruise around this amazing community.
Does this sound like your dream destination spot? If so, call me and we can begin to plan your all inclusive destination wedding and honeymoon.
On a personal note, residents of Palmas del Mar often describe Palmas as PARADISE! Take it from me, I just happen to live in Palmas with my family and that is the perfect word- PARADISE!
Marry in San Juan - Honeymoon in Culebra
I have a suggestion for all couples considering having a destination wedding here in Puerto Rico. Imagine exchanging your vows on this enchanted island and following it up with a honeymoon on an island with a beach (Flamenco Beach) ranked #2 of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I am talking about an island that belongs to Puerto Rico called Culebra (snake in Spanish). It takes a $2.25 fare per person (you can also get there by small plane from San Juan for $40.00 p/p) and 1hr 45min ferry ride to arrive at one of the most beautiful, romantic and relaxing spots in the world. Here is a website full of information on everything you will need to make your honeymoon the most memorable experience of your lifetime!
Enchanted Isle - Culebra
Bridal Party Gift Ideas
If you'll be having a bridal party at your destination wedding, I would like to help you with some wonderful gift ideas. I am sure the people you have chosen as part of your destination wedding party consists of some of the most important people in your life. They have been there for you through the years and together, you have created numerous precious memories. As you prepare for your wedding day, your bridesmaids and groomsmen will be there for you every step of the way, helping you with both big and small decisions. To show your appreciation, be creative in your gift giving. Find wedding party gifts that have special meaning or reflect the way you feel about your loved ones. Your bridesmaids and groomsmen will be touched by your thoughtfulness. Below, you will find a fabulous website full of numerous gift ideas to show your appreciation.
Happy shopping!
Beau-Coup
Venue Spotlight "San Juan Beach & Water Club"
What could be more magical than a wedding in paradise? Imagine cool tropical breezes coming off the ocean as your family and friends join you for an intimate ceremony on the beach while another spectacular Caribbean sunset lights up the sky. Later, your wedding invitation becomes a gift to your guests when your reception gets going under the stars at the San Juan Water & Beach Club, San Juan's only boutique hotel on the beach and one of its hottest night spots, home to world-famous DJs.
Destination weddings are an ideal way to share your special event with your guests in a unique and memorable way. San Juan, famous for its gorgeous beaches and tropical Caribbean lifestyle, has long been a favorite for romantic getaways. Now you can make the place you came to play the place you create life-long memories with family and friends. A beach-front wedding ceremony, a reception that becomes the party of the year, and, with Wet's rooftop chaise lounges, an event that guests don't have to leave to "go to bed"... that is what a destination wedding at the San Juan Water & Beach Club is all about.
The San Juan Water & Beach Club is one of the most sought after venues for special events in San Juan, regularly playing host to celebrity events. You and your guests will be in the middle of where everyone wants to be. But if you prefer a more intimate and exclusive setting, the San Juan Water & Beach Club can be sold only to your chosen few.
Email or call me for more information or to BOOK YOUR DATE!
Top 10 Reasons Why Smart Couples Elope
1. To have an affordable wedding
2. To save time & energy
3. To maintain their sanity
4. To have fun and not get caught up in the planning
5. To have a unique experience
6. To start their honeymoon immediately after the ceremony
7. To enjoy their day as oppose to being stressed about the planning
8. To start off their marriage in a simple way
9. Romance
10. Because they are SMART!
When couples want to eliminate the pressures (and the enjoyment) of a Conventional Wedding, they sometimes make the decision to “Elope”!...it may not be for everyone but if you are looking to save money while still having a fantastic wedding day this is the way to go!
Elopement is fun and romantic!… No more than a small private wedding… with or without a wedding gown, with or without a bridal bouquet… A ceremony restricted to the bride and groom (and a couple of witnesses) or may include a few close friends and even the parents followed by a nice dinner and a small Wedding cake after the ceremony and… a honeymoon for two…and your there already!
Elopement is a practical solution to career couples. It takes little preparation!...
Elopement may also be the only option to get married. When a couple in love, determined to share their lives together, faces opposition by one or more of the parents to the marriage due to religious, racial or cultural misconceptions.
Elopement is inexpensive... it can be as basic as arriving in Puerto Rico and going directly to get your marriage license and going to the judges chambers for a total of $150. (excluding your plane tickets). But it can also be a small ceremony at a beach with friends and family, followed by a dinner at a local restaurant.
Puerto Rico has some of the most romantic spots in the world. Consider Flamenco Beach (ranked #2 by Discovery Channel of the most beautiful beaches in the world), the tranquil lakes and forest of El Yunque (the only rainforest north of the equator), the opulent resorts and bed & breakfasts and the mountaintops places known only to you two! Is elopement right for you? When couples call I offer these tips:
When you “choose” to elope. You should not be pressured!... It should feel right!!!
Talk it over with close friends, relatives or your parents. Although Elopement typically is a secret, it doesn’t have to be if your circumstances allow it… Let loved ones know!..
You most certainly want to plan and maintain to a budget. Consult with me, an experienced wedding planner and I can make your wedding day everything you hoped for while sticking closely to your budget.
TIP: Let the Restaurant Hostess, the Flight Attendant and the Hotel Registration Desk know about your elopement. You may end up with a free small Wedding Cake, a free upgrade to first class or a free upgrade to a honeymoon suite!…
If you feel that elopement is right for you, email or call me… Gracias y Felicidades!
Wedding Spanish Lesson 101 :)
Spanish is the first language of Puerto Rico and English is certainly the second throughout the island. But I figured if you are having a destination wedding on this "enchanted island" you should brush up on your Spanish, especially words that are relevant to getting married. So here is your first Spanish lesson. If there is a word or a sentence in particular you would like to know please feel free to comment and I will get back to you. Gracias!
10 Simple Rules For a Happy Marriage! :)
1. Never both be angry at the same time.
2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
3. If one of you HAS to win an argument, let it be your mate.
4. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly.
5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.
6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
8. At least once every day try to say one kind or complimentary thing to your life's partner.
9. When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness.
10. It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the wrong is the one who does the most talking.
The Unity Sand Ceremony
The Unity Sand Ceremony is known all over the world for its beauty and sanctity. Couples add this ceremony to their weddings as an alternative to the unity candle ceremony because it so elegantly captures the meaning of their two lives becoming one. And it creates a lasting keepsake of that special day.
It is especially meaningful at a tropical destination wedding due to the fact that most couples will have their ceremony on the beach. And what a beautiful momento to have that will remind you of your wedding day.
The Unity Sand Ceremony is 3 vases (vases came be personalized with your initials and wedding date) and 2 different colored sand choices. The bride and groom each take a vase with their chosen colored sand, they each take turns filling a Unity Vase as the officiant recites the words I have written below. The sand colors can be coordinated with your wedding décor, chosen based on colors you love personally or for any other special reason that is meaningful to you. At the end of the ceremony, the vase is taken home and sits atop a shelf, a table or a mantle, beautifully symbolizing the start of your new life together. This site offers the above personalized vases and many other choices...American BrideGroom and Bride, today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you’ll ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.
Do You Need A Wedding Planner?
Movies like the Wedding Planner have shown the general public how much a wedding planner is needed. In the most basic sense, wedding planners are the ones who assist and take care of everything related to your wedding. The question is, though, does a couple really need a wedding coordinator? Can’t they just do everything themselves?
To answer this question, let’s look at a scenario, which, though hypothetical at this point, is probably true for many couples planning a wedding. The moment a couple gets engaged, they start to become inundated with all sorts of details needed to come up with the perfect wedding. From the bridal shower to the invitations to the venue to the gown to the reception, a couple about to get married will have to deal with all these things scenarios.
If you are the average couple, with both partners working and having to deal with a whole host of other responsibilities, you just might find yourself overwhelmed with all the planning. Take for example the simple matter of choosing a company to take care of the photos and videos during the wedding day. There is definitely no shortage of companies that can take care of this for you. The problem actually lies in the fact that you have too many choices. So how do you choose? The same thing goes for the entertainment for the reception, the caterer, the florist, and a lot of other things.
This is where the wedding coordinator can actually contribute most. A wedding coordinator only needs to know your preferences and needs and budget. He or she can then do all the legwork and negotiate with various caterers and providers. Of course, he or she would need to coordinate closely with you and your partner in order to ensure that what you will be getting is what you want.
Now throw in a destination wedding and you have a few more obstacles added in, such as, the language, knowledge of the destination site, contacts for venues, marriage license requirements, etc. and you definitely have a scenario where having a wedding planner makes a huge world of difference.
More than this, experienced wedding coordinators, like myself, have lots of contacts already. We have established relationships with florists, caterers, photographers and the like. This means that for the most part we can get better rates than if you were to do the negotiating yourself. This translates into savings for you and your partner.
Bottom line is... although you may think the added expense of a wedding planner is not worth spending... in the long run, hiring a wedding planner will save you money, time and stress. Now isn't that a much better way to plan one of the most important days of your life?
The Perfect Wedding Color Palette
Picking wedding colors is the #1 question I get as a wedding planner. Because there are so many factors involved with choosing your colors it's hard to answer what would work best for you. So I decided to give you a ton of color ideas and then share with you a secret place to create your own wedding color choices.
The colors come as a 5 color choice, some of which are not our first choice, but you can get an idea of how to match your colors or just choose a few from the palette. They are complimentary to each other and make your color theme seem effortless. For example, pick one color for the flowers, another for the bridesmaids dresses and yet another for the linen. Although they are not the same color throughout (which can also me done and would be called a monochromatic look) they compliment each other and make your wedding more colorful and cheerful.
You can also create your own colors at kuler.adobe
Tips On Traveling With Your Wedding Gown
If you are considering a PR destination wedding I am sure you have thought of how you are getting your wedding dress here. Here is some advise that will help you prepare your dress and get it to your wedding destination safe and sound.
Many brides take their wedding dress on the plane as carry-on luggage, but to avoid problems at check in BE SURE it is an approved size, as some airplanes do not have extra room for oversized carry-on pieces. It is advised to make arrangements with the airline in advance. Some airlines allow the large "coat closets" in the first-class cabin area to be used for bridal gown storage.
Now for the preparing and packing. First ask your bridal salon to pack the dress for you. If they don't have a box large enough for the dress ask them to pack it in a suitcase.
To pack the gown yourself, line the suitcase with plenty of tissue. Place the center of the gown in the suitcase, face down. Fold the skirt lenghthwise to fit the suitcase; use tissue for padding. Fold the bottom of the skirt into the suitcase, again using lots of tissue, and then fold in the bodice. If the dress moves around when you move the suitcase, open it and add more tissue until there is no movement at all.
As soon as you reach your destination, unpack the gown and hang it in the bathroom. Close the door and turn the shower on. Be sure the gown will not get splashed; you merely want the steam from the shower to take care of the wrinkles. A hand steamer may be needed for stubborn creases.
Professional dry cleaning services are available just about anywhere in PR through your hotel or resort, they can freshen your gown for about $45.00.
As for the Groom, it is a great idea to rent the tux here. There are many Tuxedo rental shops that offer good service and great variety. Just be certain to give yourself enough time for a fitting and pick-up. Tuxedos can also be brought along, but why should you when you can probably rent them right at the wedding location (check with your wedding planner or resort). If you decide to travel with a rented Tux follow the same packing advise as the wedding dress, and have one of your guests bring it back and return it for you.
Last Tip-Packing for a wedding AND a honeymoon can add up to a lot of luggage and a lot of money at the airport. A good suggestion is to have some of your guests bring some items with them or ship items to the wedding planner or to your resort. If you are shipping anything, make sure you leave extra time and use an overnight service, such as FedEx, not regular mail. That advise goes for the trip back home too, ask a guest to bring back any items you will not need on your honeymoon so that your load is much lighter.
Happy Packing!
FANtastic
Here is a simple idea that can be a small token of appreciation as well as being very useful. You don't want your guests to melt in the heat while their waiting for you to make your entrance. So I love these palm-leaf fans from Bliss Weddings Market -- leave one on each seat, and your crew can outlast the hottest temps. I have my own collection, gathered from past weddings, that I bring out at my own house for barbecues. While the fans used to only come in a neutral tan shade, now they've gotten even better and come in a host of colors to coordinate with your decor. They're available in turquoise coral, lime, brown, yellow, blue, red and two shades of pink. And with a pack of 10 for only $10, they won't make you sweat over your budget either.
Ten Super Foods to Boost Your Libido
...and who doesn't want that? 
(NaturalNews) Enjoying an active sex life is essential to our wellbeing, and the foods we eat play a large role in ensuring we feel in the mood. Some of the foods that help turn us on include:
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the few foods that contain zinc, which is vital for testosterone production in men. A deficiency can make a woman completely lose her sex drive. These yummy seeds are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital to overall sexual wellbeing.
Goji Berries
In Asia, goji berries are known as a strong sexual tonic. They increase testosterone levels, which stimulates libido in both men and women. Furthermore, they improve overall stamina, mood and wellbeing, all of which are vital for an optimum sex life.
Maca
This is one of the new superfoods out that can improve performance and alleviate impotency. It increases sperm count and testosterone levels in men. It makes people desire sex more frequently, especially women.
Bananas
Give a boost to male libido. They contain an enzyme called Bromelain which is important for sexual health. They are also a good source of B vitamins which increase the body's energy levels and the sex hormones.
Get the rest here.
A Creative Alternative to a Destination Wedding
Puerto Rico is such a wonderful choice for your destination wedding because of the endless possibilities available for your site, for example - a ceremony on a white sand beach, reception at a trendy boutique hotel or a quaint bed & breakfast, etc. But have you ever thought of exchanging your wedding vows on a sailboat while on the Caribbean Sea? Picture this, you climb aboard a beautiful sailboat with your family and friends and are handed a signature cocktail. Once all of your guests arrive you begin sailing around Fajardo Harbor. Your wedding ceremony begins and then you and your guests can enjoy a wonderful buffet dinner and cocktails. The sun begins to set and your dance party begins under a starry night sky. WOW!
I have experienced this company's professional service and detail to attention first hand. We sailed to a little island off of PR called Icacos and I must say it was a magical experience. The sailboat is beautiful, spacious and is kept meticulously. The Caribbean Sea was crystal clear and a gorgeous turqouois color. The sunset seemed out of a romantic scene in a movie and the breeze was simply delightful. The food served (cold appetizers, cold cuts, fresh bread, cold pastas. crackers & cheese, fresh fruits) was fresh and delicious. What more can I say... it seems like a wonderful way to start your life together as husband and wife - romantic, unique, memorable and so very special!
So, should I call the Captain and reserve your "Sunset Wedding Sail" today?
The Ultimate Welcome Gift Bag
A Destination Wedding Gift Bag. This is a great way to welcome your guests to your destination wedding! The "bag" should be chock full of all kinds of goodies waiting for them at the concierges desk at check-in. What a great little surprise to make your guests feel appreciated for coming so far to experience your special day.
What to put in it? Some or all of these vacation essentials.
Beach Essentials:
*A hat
*Flip flops
*Beach towel
*Seagrass beach mat
*Sunscreen
Spa Stuff:
*Aromatherapy candle
*Body mist and or lotion
*Pajamas
Itinerary & Personal Note:
*A scrap book with the weekend events/times/locations/attire
*A handwritten note welcoming & thanking your guests for coming
Info & Reads:
*Area map & brochures
*Magazines to read by the pool or beach
Drinks & Snacks:
*A bottle of bubbly water
*Flat water
*Soda
*A box of crackers and or cookies
A Signature Drink
Let me first start by explaining what it is for those new to wedding planning. A signature drink is a special drink that you designate as your personal pick for your wedding...your signature.
I suggest to my clients that they should pick their favorite drink and put a spin on it by changing the color and name. For example, Aixa's favorite drink is a Cosmopolitan. Her wedding colors are shades of blue. So for her signature drink, we added a bit of Hypnotiq to a standard cosmo, added a blue sugar swizzle stick and then re-named the drink "Married Aixa's Cosmo" and it sat next to "David's Tied the Knot".
The great thing about a signature drink is that they alleviate that rush to the bar after the ceremony. Because let's face it, that 5-10 minute wait for the 1st drink at the bar seems like an hour and your uncle Jorge wouldn't dare get out of that line to catch the guy with the tray of spring rolls that just look so yummy. And when your hungry... oh my gosh that's the worst feeling!
So if you have a signature drink station, or have the drink passed right at the entrance of the cocktail reception, you'll immediately cut down the line at the bar. And your old uncle can catch the servers and get all the tostones, coconut shrimp & empanadas he wants.
Fun tip- have 2 or 3 signature drinks and have a signature drink bar with the drinks poured and ready to be grabbed. Choose drinks that are different colors and are served in different sized glasses. Make sure that you place a little tabletop menu on the display so everyone knows just how special the drinks are.
Tropical Wedding Favor Ideas
Puerto Rico is famous not only as a dream vacation, but also as a destination for weddings. This is because the setting is exceptionally romantic, the weather simply beautiful and the panorama stunning. Besides, Puerto Rico wedding favors and gifts are very attractive.
Puerto Rico is one of the most romantic spots on earth – especially for a wedding. This is a destination that would delight your guests as well as side by side with your wedding they would enjoy the extremely picturesque and sun-kissed beaches of the islands (Culebra & Vieques). The only thing you should keep in mind is the planning. Part of your Puerto Rico wedding theme could be Puerto Rican favors and decorative supplies. Since this involves special travel plans and accommodation arrangements, the booking should be done well in advance lest you encounter last minute problems which could ruin the wedding schedule.
The guests should be informed about what they would need on the island in terms of clothes (for the wedding ceremony and the reception that follows), the exact program of the wedding, how long they would be hosted on the island and what are the arrangements made for their return. To make it more fun, you could add a half-day (or full day) guided tour around the island(s) and/or put them in contact with someone who could suggest some activities before and after the wedding celebrations.
The Perfect Informal Wedding Setting – The Beach
For those who love informal celebrations, this is the best there could be. The beach weddings are extremely charming and entertaining both for the newly wedded couple as well as the guests. Puerto Rican wedding favors and gifts are exceptionally beautiful and can be arranged in whatever number by me your local wedding planner. There is plenty of choice from sea shell ornaments to specially designed paperweight favors to coconut bowls and jewelry and even photobooks made of papaya or banana leaves.
The local handicrafts are exquisite, comfortably prices and very appropriate to Puerto Rico – it would seem that each piece is actually a piece of the island. If you put in a little extra effort have them personalized for each of your guests, Puerto Rican wedding favors could be very impressive.
The destination itself is a gift to your guests and if Puerto Rican favors and gifts are chosen well, your wedding would be remembered for a long time to come by everybody whom you invited.
Monogram Favors
Check out Delovely Designs. They offer gorgeous monogram designs and unique favor ideas. I love love love the blog everything they create is TOP NOTCH and isn't that what you want for your wedding day! Imagine monogramed waterproof water bottle labels, adhered to ice cold water, to help cool off your guests while they experience your ceremony on the beach...now that's genius!
Tips on obtaining your Marriage Certificate in PR
Getting married is said to be one of the most stressful times in your life. Add to that a destination wedding in the Caribbean and the stress levels can be even higher. If you are planning a destination wedding here in Puerto Rico, leave all of your planning to a professional, me. The process is tricky and it helps to have someone who is a professional iron out all of the details. Leave the work and stress to me and you sit back relax and say "I DO"!
New Marriage License Guidelines
I've just received a copy of the new marriage license guidelines which were released in March, 2008. Puerto Rican law has changed and now you have to get a Gonorrhea and Chlamydia test in addition to the Syphilis test that was already required. Isn’t this such a romantic way to start out a destination wedding blog entry? The new tests take 5 days to complete and you have to add a day on each end just in case. So now you have four tests results required in order to get a Puerto Rico marriage license, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and the VDRL test.
So what does this mean to you as a destination wedding couple inquiring about getting married in Puerto Rico? You should call your doctor’s office NOW and tell them what tests you need and your wedding date and that you need the tests done within 14 calendar days of your wedding date and schedule the appointments for you and your fiance accordingly. Remember - no medical paperwork — no marriage license? COMPRENDES!
Final thought, make sure you schedule all tests within the 10-14 day timeframe prior to the wedding date so that no unwanted delays occur! I want your destination wedding day to go as smooth as possible! :)
