Destination Wedding News

80511: Is the Economy Impacting Weddings?

2008-05-11T13:52:00.002-05:00

The slowing US economy is impacting many businesses but how about the wedding industry? A recent survey done by the National Association of Catering Executives says business is going strong. About 88 percent of those surveyed say they're not seeing an increase in cancellations of weddings due to the economy.

Some are seeing brides trim back the spending somewhat. While 52 percent of those surveyed said they are not seeing a decline in wedding spending, 48 percent said they are seeing declines in wedding expenditures. Fifty two percent said they're seeing more clients book weddings on Fridays and Sundays to avoid the premium pricing of a Saturday wedding. Also, 62 percent of the respondents said that wedding clients are purchasing less expensive meals and avoiding luxury items.

80508: Designer Creates Custom Jewelry Creations for Bridal Parties

2008-05-08T11:21:00.001-05:00

Long a symbol of everlasting love, cherubic charms hover over a heart-shaped locket on the aptly-christened Cupid necklace, a creation of Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Nicole Anderson.

Making her debut as an exclusive designer for Mademoiselle Jewelry, an online purveyor of fashion accessories, the Brooklyn-based artisan is experienced in the art of concocting custom-crafted creations for bridal parties.

We found a bevy of bridal baubles at Mademoiselle Jewelry for cost conscious couples. A sterling silver charm of a bride and groom clasping hands, dainty wedding bells or celebratory wine glasses, priced between $8 and $12, makes a sentimental souvenir of the special day, while a bangle bracelet suitable for an engraving or blush pink crystal earrings are angelic accessories for a flower girl.

Couples can also find affordable wedding bands as unique as their union, hand-crafted of tungsten carbide, stainless steel and sterling silver, their costs ranging from a budget-friendly $27 to $231 for their most ornate design, made of 14 karat gold and tungsten carbide.

For more information:
• visit www.mademoisellejewelry.com

Photo courtesy Mademoiselle Jewelry and PRWeb.com

Colorado Bridal Show Planned for Destination Brides

2008-05-07T08:40:00.002-05:00

If you're considering a Rocky Mountain destination wedding, here's the event for you: the Rocky Mountain Wedding Showcase. Held in Winter Park and the Fraser Valley, this two-day bridal show will help you make decisions on everything from florists to photographers to venues.

When: May 31-June 1, 2008.

Saturday Events: The Showcase kicks off with a welcome reception on Saturday, May 31 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Five Mountain Tavern at the Vintage Hotel in Winter Park Resort. Free VIP site tours of local Grand County ceremony and reception venues will also be offered during the welcome reception.

Sunday Events: On Sunday, June 1 from 12 – 5 p.m., events take place at the Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash. Brides will be able to gather information for every wedding day detail from the dress to florists, caterers and photographers to venues for the ceremony and reception. Bridal World will be featuring a bridal gown sale; brides to be can try on, purchase and take a dress home with them the same day. There will be a free food and wine tasting, and every bride who attends will receive a free professional engagement photo session, with a personal sitting and four to six shots to take home on CD, courtesy of www.OurWedd.com. Additional prizes include a drawing for a romantic weekend getaway for two as well as a $1,000 cash prize. (You can enter both days.)

Sponsors: The event is sponsored by the Winter Park & Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce, Winter Park Resort, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Iron Horse Resort, Party Time Rentals, Pick Me! Wedding Coordination and Floral Design, Wild Horse Inn and the Grand County Tourism Board.

Registration: Registration is free, and can be found at www.playwinterpark.com/events or by calling 1-800-903-7275.

For more information on Winter Park & The Fraser Valley:
• visit www.playwinterpark.com
• call the Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-903-7275

80504: Preparing a Best Man's Speech

2008-05-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

We've been in this situation before: you've been asked to give a wedding speech. Whether it's you or your guy who has been asked to give the best man speech for a wedding, we know you're in a quandary: you want to do a good job...but you have no idea what to say. Right?!

About the Best Man's Speech

The role in the best man speech is to express all of the guests' best wishes to the bride and groom at the start of their married life together. You can tell personal stories about your own friendship with the groom but you will also remember that you are standing up there on behalf of everybody present at the wedding. You want your speech to be memorable, and traditionally it should be funny in places--but that doesn't mean telling stories that are so embarrassing that they might disgust the bride's grandparents or make your best friend the groom never want to speak to you again!

Quick and Easy Ways to Prepare the Speech

Unless you're a natural born speaker, you have two options for preparing your speech:

You can go to the public library and look for books on wedding speeches and toasts. Copy everything that seems like it might be useful. At the end of this process you should have a couple pages of notes...take them home and add some funny stories about your friend and some compliments to the bride-to-be (note: don't tell stories about the bride-to-be: leave that for her friends!)

Grab a low cost package of speeches and toasts so all you have to do is pick one out and add the bride and groom's names. You can mix and match sections from different speeches if you want, but you do not need to. You can get complete tried and tested speeches this way. You can get a package online in digital form so you don't have to spend hours copying out of books, and you will be fully prepared and able to enjoy the wedding without worrying about what people will think of your speech.

The most important thing is to get it done ahead of time. Don't wait until the night before the wedding...get busy!

Resources for Downloadable Templates for Best Man's Speeches:

1. All Types of Wedding Speeches: This site sells Best Man's speeches (and other wedding speeches); you'll find 20 pre-written speeches, 100 toasts, bonus jokes, and more.

2.Wedding Speeches & Wedding Toasts : This ebook includes Best Man speeches with 20 speeches, 50 classic toasts, and speeches broken down by length (one-minute, two-minute, three- to five-minute).

3. Classic Best Man's Speeches:This package includes 19 pre-written speeches, wedding toasts and tasteful jokes, and a guide to public speaking.

80505: Barbados' Mango Bay Offers Renewal of Vows Package

2008-05-04T12:40:00.000-05:00

Vow renewals--a great way to show each other that you mean "I do" more than ever before--can be a great way to add romance to a vacation. In Barbados, Mango Bay is offering a new Renewal of Vows package to make vow renewal planning effortless.

The Package: Mango Bay's Renewal of Vows package features:

· Personalized services of a wedding coordinator

· Clergyman to perform the ceremony

· Decoration of a wedding arch at a location on-property

· Boutonnière for the groom and wedding bouquet for the bride

· One bottle of champagne

· A one-tier, 12" light sponge cake with icing

Price: The Renewal of Vows package is priced at US$600, which is added on to the cost of a hotel stay at Mango Bay.

Add-Ons: If you like, you can add 24 print photographs with an album (US$350), unlimited digital photographs (US$250), one hour of live steel band music (US$250), additional champagne (US$100 per bottle), video (US$500), more bouquets (US$50), a hair garland (US$30), buttonholes (US$25), and hairdressing services (starting at US$25). Prices are subject to change.

Why It's Dreamy: The 76-room Mango Bay Barbados is located in the historic Holetown area on the Gold Coast of Barbados. This beachfront, boutique-style offers an all-inclusive vacation that includes hotel accommodations, all meals, afternoon tea, all local and brand name drinks including wine with dinner, watersports (waterskiing, hobiecat sailing, kayaking and snorkeling), nightly entertainment, and off-property sightseeing excursions such as a glass-bottom boat trip, a shopping trip into the capital city of Bridgetown and a catamaran sail. The property is within walking distance of many shops in Holetown, 25 minutes from the capital city of Bridgetown, and 40 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport.

Hotel Prices: Off-season prices now through Dec. 14, 2008 start at $385 in Standard accommodations; $415 in Superior accommodations; $460 in a Deluxe room; and $525 in an Oceanfront room. The cost of the Penthouse Suite is from $1,500 per night.

For more information:
• call 246-432-1384; fax: 246-432-5297
• e-mail reservations@mangobaybarbados.com
• visit www.mangobaybarbados.com

Photo courtesy Mango Bay

80502: Four Seasons Las Vegas Adding Spa Bridal Packages

2008-05-02T14:33:00.000-05:00

The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas is a non-gaming oasis on the Strip, located on floors 35 to 39 of the Mandalay Bay building but with its own amenities. The hotel is home to an elegant spa that has just introduced four specialized spa packages for brides:

The Celebration Package offers an ancient Moroccan wedding ritual including an exfoliation and wrap called Veil of the Sultans as well as a choice of massage, champagne and chocolate squares.
The Honeymoon Package is designed with a couple's massage, facials and chocolate-covered strawberries.
Something Borrowed Package gives brides a customized massage in the comfort of your own room.
The Calm Package combines three of the Spa's most relaxing treatments.

For More Information:

visit the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas spa section

80501: Destination Wedding Postage Stamps

2008-05-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Once a couple has sealed the deal on their wedding plans, the time has arrived to invite those they hold dear to their I do's. Addressing the need to express a wedding theme on wedding invitation envelopes, ArtisticPostage.com has created a selection of destination and theme wedding stamps.

From Vegas to Niagara Falls It's a sure bet that the slot machine stamp, which displays wedding images, will hit the jackpot with guests invited to attend Vegas vows, while a Niagara Falls stamp offers a nostalgic postal portrait of one of the world's most beloved honeymoon locales.

Palm Postage Pairs planning to tie the knot at a tropical retreat can purchase palm-laden postage, while a beach motif features RSVP written in the sand. For brides who will walk down the aisle in an Asian-influenced ceremony, postage emblazoned with Chinese script for "love" or "marriage" displays a love for the culture.

Planning a Military Wedding? Military marriages can begin with wedding invitations mailed with patriotic-themed postage. According to stamp designer TDSWhite, "Wedding planning is very complicated. The last thing any bride wants to do, especially one who may be thousands of miles away from home and family support, is worry that she can't find the right stamp to make her wedding invitation package perfect -- especially because an invitation is the first thing a guest sees in relation to the wedding."

Artistic Postage also offers an array of traditional wedding designs, ranging from hearts to floral finery.

For more information:
• visit www.ArtisticPostage.com

Caption: Wedding Postal Stamps by TDSwhite

Photo courtesy PR Web

Photo Gallery: The Carneros Inn Weddings

2008-04-30T15:45:00.000-05:00

We reported on a resort buyout package that The Carneros Inn in Napa, California is offering for destination weddings. Here's a look at the wedding venues in this beautiful California Wine Country resort including some real wedding photos:

80428: Napa's The Carneros Inn Offers Resort Buyout for Weddings

2008-04-29T15:32:00.000-05:00

We're always talking about destination weddings as a way to save on your wedding budget (after all, you're getting a wedding and a honeymoon for one price!) but destination weddings can also be extremely lavish events. Here's an example: The Carneros Inn in Napa, California, is offering a destination wedding package starting at $250,000 that gives your group private access to the inn for a a two-night, three-day celebration.

What It Includes: The destination wedding package includes:

private access to all 86 of The Inn’s cottages and 14 private luxury homes, for up to 175 guests
a series of celebratory events including a pre-wedding cocktail soiree at The Hilltop Pool and Dining Room, the wedding ceremony on the Apple Orchard, reception, dinner and after party in the courtyards and Napa and Sonoma Ballrooms and a farewell brunch at the signature restaurant FARM or customize your perfect experience in any of the resort's five venues
a personalized catering menu from executive chef Jeff Jake and the acclaimed culinary staff at the inn’s three dining venues: FARM, The Boonfly Cafe and the stunning Hilltop Dining Room
uninterrupted access to the infinity-edged pool that overlooks the vineyards, lap pool with cabanas, Jacuzzi™ spa, children’s pool, 2,800-square-foot fitness center, yoga/Pilates studio, and the spa
a list of preferred wedding vendors, including officiates, photographers, videographers, floral designers, musicians, professional wedding coordinators and wedding cake vendors

Wedding Venues: The bride and groom can choose from a wide selection of spectacular indoor and outdoor settings: panoramic vineyard views at the Hilltop Dining Room, the garden setting of the Carneros courtyard, the romantic Napa and Sonoma ballrooms and the apple orchard,.

When It's Available: The Carneros Inn Wedding Destination Package is available for booking between December and July.

For More Information:
• call (707) 299-4900
• visit www.thecarnerosinn.com

Photo courtesy The Carneros Inn

80419: 311 Travel Bag's Bridal-Inspired Carry-On Bags for Traveling Twosomes

2008-04-28T10:04:00.000-05:00

As couples embark on life's journey together, it's necessary to pack the essentials. 311 Travel Bag has made globetrekking for brides and grooms easier with the introduction of their new Clear Bag System Bridal.

The system includes six his and hers pump and spray bottles playfully "dressed up" in wedding wear, including a pair of bride and groom 1.75 oz. pumps, a maid of honor and best man 1.0 oz. pump and petite flower girl and ring bearer .50 oz. pumps.

Carry-On Sizes: Contained within a see-through vinyl case with convenient zipper access, the stylish storage for travel-size toiletries complies with Transportation Security Administration and Transport Canada regulations, which requires all carry-on liquids, gels and aerosols to be displayed in clear, zip-top bags in canisters not exceeding 3 ounces.

Price: This sojourn-savvy product, perfect for couples planning a destination "I do," is available for $69.99.

For more information:
• visit www.clearbagsystem.com

Brides and Parents travel easily, safely and fashionably with new Clear Bag System Puddle Jumper and Clear Bag System Bridal from 311 Travel Bag. (PRNewsFoto/3-1-1 Travel Bag, Inc.) PENSACOLA, FL UNITED STATES 04/21/2008

Lovetripper's Interview with The Original Runner Co.

2008-04-27T15:30:00.000-05:00

As a bride takes her first steps toward forever with the one she loves, an aisle runner is often used to pave her path. From the classic simplicity of solid colors to elaborate printed patterns, today's bride has a bouquet of options when choosing this all-important altar-bound accessory. Having provided a touch of runway romance to The Bachelorette star Trista Rehn's wedding and with appearances on Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?, Extreme Makeover: Wedding Edition and As The World Turns, The Original Runner Co. gives advice on selecting just the right "I do" aisle runner design in the following Lovetripper interview.

Photo courtesy The Original Runner Co.

Lovetripper's Interview with The Enchanted Forest

2008-04-26T18:07:00.000-05:00

"Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale." A storybook romance deserves an ideal "I do" destination, and no place could be more fitting for fair maidens and their gallant grooms than a castle. In the following Lovetripper interview, find out how you can celebrate your happily ever after on the grounds of Guinevere's Castle and Merlin's Tower at a private San Diego County sanctuary, The Enchanted Forest.

Photo courtesy The Enchanted Forest

Photo Gallery: Onboard Vow Renewals on Celebrity

2008-04-25T12:55:00.000-05:00

Recently we reported on the cruise ship weddings Celebrity Cruises is now offering thanks recent re-registration of seven of Celebrity’s eight ships in Malta, where Azamara’s two ships also are registered. The cruise line also offers onboard vow renewals. Here are two shots of real, onboard vow renewals on Celebrity Cruises:

Photos courtesy of The Wedding Experience, Celebrity’s longtime partner for in-port weddings and vow renewal ceremonies.

Photo Gallery: In-Port Weddings on Celebrity Cruises

2008-04-24T12:30:00.000-05:00

We recently reported about the captain-performed weddings at sea Celebrity Cruises will be offering but they also offer in-port weddings at many of the spectacular cruise ports. Here are some real wedding photos from in-port ceremonies:

Photos courtesy of The Wedding Experience, Celebrity’s longtime partner for in-port weddings and vow renewal ceremonies.

Photo Gallery: Onboard Weddings on Celebrity Cruises

2008-04-23T15:33:00.000-05:00

Celebrity Cruises has expanded its vow renewal and wedding ceremonies to the ship itself due to recent re-registration of seven of Celebrity’s eight ships in Malta, where Azamara’s two ships also are registered. The new government regulations have changed to allow for captains to perform legal marriages while the ships sail the seas of the world.

Photos courtesy of The Wedding Experience, Celebrity’s longtime partner for in-port weddings and vow renewal ceremonies.

80418: Verragio Jewelry Rings In New Paradiso Collection

2008-04-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

The facets of a diamond engagement ring or wedding band reflects not only the beauty of gem, but also the fire of a love that will last a lifetime. Enthroned on a mounting that makes a regal statement, a diamond presented on Verragio's newly launched Paradiso Collection's symbols of commitment lets light dance on every edge of its surface due to a unique, patent-pending Lumino setting. Understanding that perfection lies in the smallest detail, a flourished, diamond-studded interior wraps around the bride's finger, allowing the principal gem to take center stage without the worry of its weight causing spinning.

Creating "I do" designs since 1996, Verragio collections have enhanced the beauty of America's Next Top Model contestants and was presented to the winners of a Bridal Guide Magazine "America's Favorite Couple" contest. Created in gold, platinum and palladium, Verragio jewelry is available at several authorized retailers.

For more information:
• visit www.verragio.com

Photo courtesy Verragio and PR Web

Weddings on Princess Cruises

2008-04-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

We recently reported here about the new onboard weddings offered by Celebrity Cruises and this weekend a reader asked about weddings aboard Princess Cruises. The Love Boat itself was the pioneer of onboard cruises performed by the captain (it's just a myth that any ship captain has the power to marry you!)

Starting in 1998, Princess started offering onboard weddings, the first conducted aboard a major cruise ship. Grand Princess featured the cruise industry's first ocean-going wedding chapel. Today hundreds of couples are married each year by Princess captains in waters around the globe, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska and other exotic destinations.

The "Tie the Knot" wedding program on Princess includes at-sea ceremonies on all of its ships and fleet-wide harborside ceremonies in embarkation ports or weddings ashore in select ports of call. Here's a look at the options:

Get Married At Sea

Princess' newest and largest ships feature an onboard wedding chapel, decorated in flowers and candlelight for the special day. The line offers ceremonies complete with a number of special touches that bring together the talents of the ship's chefs, musicians and photographers.

Every "At Sea" wedding includes:

live music
champagne
bridal bouquet and groom's matching boutonniere
a photo package with deluxe canvas print
a wedding cake
a souvenir wedding certificate
the services of Princess' onboard wedding coordinators

You can also customize your event with a variety of food and beverage, floral, photography and video choices. They can also choose to add pampering pre-ceremony spa treatments for the bride or take advantage of the ship's tuxedo rental program for the groom, among a host of other options. Reception options further allow the couple to create their perfect day.

Prices: Prices for At Sea weddings begin at $1,800 for the ceremony plus $450 for registration and license fees. The program is available fleet wide with marriages performed by the captain under the legal authority of the ship's Bermuda registry. Princess' wedding program assists with all required paperwork associated with Bermuda regulations.

Wedding Cam: Couples using the ship's wedding chapels can share their special day with family and friends at home. The Wedding Cam beams a live picture from the ship's wedding chapel, accessible from a special link on www.princess.com. The camera is used only when the couple chooses to do so, and makes arrangements prior to their ceremony.

Harborside & In-Port Ceremonies

You can also opt for a special pre-cruise "Tie the Knot Harborside" ceremony aboard any of Princess' vessels, or to arrange a romantic "Tie the Knot Ashore" event in port during the cruise. As ship captains only have authority to marry couples in international waters, all in-port weddings are conducted by a non-denominational officiant.

One bonus of the harborside weddings is that you can invite family and friends to join you just for the day, or to stay for the full cruise.

Or you can opt to exchange vows during one of the cruise's shore stops. Ashore weddings offer a variety of romantic backdrops, such as sparkling Caribbean beaches, the Alaskan wilderness, or historic European cities.

Packages for both types of in-port wedding include:

music
a bouquet and matching boutonniere
a photographer
a wedding cake
champagne
services of a professional wedding coordinator

You can also personalize your ceremony with a variety of extra options depending on the port.

Price: Costs for both Harborside and Ashore weddings also vary by port.

For More Information:
• call 1-866-444-8820 or 305-421-1050
• visit www.princess.com

Photo courtesy Princess Cruises

80417: Shoes & Mindy Weiss

2008-04-17T17:53:00.000-05:00

Celebrity wedding and event planner Mindy Weiss, who's been interviewed and featured here on Lovetripper.com, knows the importance of shoes for a bride's day. After all, she's planned some of Hollywood's most high- profile weddings for couples including Heidi Klum and Seal, Eva Longoria and Tony Parker, and Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale.

Now for Piperlime, Mindy is sharing her wedding tips along with shoe suggestions that will put any bride at ease on her important day.

And what's the latest in bridal footwear? Mindy has coined the term "fantasy" and "reality" shoe and opens brides' eyes to the idea that the perfect shoe for the ceremony may not always be the perfect shoe for the reception.

She suggests every bride needs two pairs of wedding shoes -- one for the dramatic walk down the aisle and one to dance the night away afterwards.

Photo: Piperlime, the fresh online shop from Gap Inc., partners with celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss. (PRNewsFoto/Piperlime)

80416: Free Wedding Amenities at Sandos Hotels, Mexico

2008-04-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

Couples who walk down the aisle surrounded by loved ones at any of the four all-inclusive Sandos Hotels & Resorts on the Riviera Maya, Mexico can receive added amenities and services free of charge with the Sandos Wedding Package.

The Package: With the Sandos Wedding Package, couples who book a minimum of five rooms for five nights or longer for their wedding group will receive the following free of charge:

· Personalized service from the wedding coordinator
· Decorated wedding site such as a private area on the beach or a tropically-inspired, private location (including guest seating)
· Wedding cake
· Décor for the entrance to the wedding ceremony
· Background music during the ceremony (or bring your own songs and use the hotel's CD player)
· Commemorative wedding certificate
· Room upgrade for the wedding couple (based on availability)
· In-room amenity of fine pastry, fruit basket and sparking wine upon arrival
· Special guest room decoration
· Plush bathrobes for the wedding couple to use during their stay
· Gifts for the couple including a basket of aromatherapy products, "Just Married" his and hers t-shirts, and a commemorative wedding photo of the couple, presented in a keepsake Mexican-style picture frame
· A romantic dinner for the bride and groom at one of the resorts‚ a la carte restaurants with VIP service and a special menu
· Priority reservations at the resorts‚ a la carte restaurants (subject to availability)
· 15% spa discount that can be used throughout the stay on all treatments
· 10% discount on motorized sports including banana boat rides, jet skiing and parasailing

Wedding Requirements: For U.S. citizens to marry in Mexico, the bride and groom must arrive in the country at least three working days prior to the wedding date and provide valid passports and a tourist visa (given to all travelers upon entry to Mexico at the airport). Brides and grooms are required to take a blood test in Mexico (arranged by the wedding coordinator at a cost of US$200 per couple, payable in cash) and must have four witnesses to the ceremony who have also been in Mexico for at least three business days prior to the ceremony (witnesses can be provided by the hotel at a cost of US$30 per witness). The Judge's transportation to the hotel (US$30) and a translation fee (US$40) are not included in the price of the package and must be paid in cash on the day of the wedding.

To Qualify: To qualify for the free Sandos Wedding Package, guests must book a minimum of five rooms, for five nights each, now through October 31, 2008. Reservations must be made and paid for a minimum of seven days before the wedding date.

For More Information on the Wedding Package:
• contact the wedding coordinator at email: ChiefConcierge.Caracol@SandosHotels.com for Sandos Caracol Beach Resort & Spa and Sandos Select Club
• contact ChiefConcierge.Playacar@SandosHotels.com for Sandos Playacar Beach Resort & Spa and Sandos Playacar Riviera Hotel & Spa.

For More Information:
• visit http://www.sandoshotels.com
• call 1-866-887-5601

Photo courtesy Sandos Hotels and Resorts

80415: Environmentally Sensitive Weddings at Florida Resort

2008-04-15T10:47:00.000-05:00

Everyone's trying to be greener these days and that extends to weddings as well with everything from organic fabrics to earth-friendly invitations. Eco-consciousness includes the wedding venue as well and now we've received word of an eco-friendly resort that offers beachside nuptials: the 253-room Sandpearl Resort & Spa overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

The Sandpearl, which opened its doors last summer, was developed with an environmentally friendly vision. Built-in "green" benefits include indoor air quality, energy-efficiency, water conservation, natural resource and beach environment conservation and more, in fact the resort is tracking to qualify as LEED certified, which stands for "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design."

Wedding Venues: The Sandpearl offers five settings for both destination weddings and classic receptions:

The Gulf Lawn spans just over 6700 square feet, and is perfect for a beach garden ceremony for up to 350 guests, or a reception-style event for up to 700.
The Hunter Ballroom is located at Lobby Level, seats 150-325 guests, and is available in 3 sections.
The Harbor Ballroom can accommodate a dinner for up to 150 guests and is located on the third floor.
The Private Dining Room has a Gulf View and is located at Lobby Level, seating 15-35 guests.
The Cove Room has a Gulf view and is located on the third floor, seating 20-48 guests.

Reception Options: Dining options and special touches offered by the Sandpearl's wedding maestros include a selection of custom menu luncheon, dinner or buffet wedding packages, featuring 4 hour bar; champagne toast; butler passed canapes and hors d'oeuvres; salad; intermezzo sorbet; entree; warm rolls; tea/coffee; plus a custom designed wedding cake. Prices begin at $130 per guest for the Akoya Pearl Wedding Dinner. (A taxable 21% service charge and applicable Florida sales tax will be added to all package prices. Other fees may apply.)

Enhancements offered for an additional cost can include, among others:

- Miniature wedding cakes
- Signature drink stations
- Dessert stations
- Ice sculptures
- Wine service with dinner
- Specialty linens
- Additional lighted trees and foliage
- Children's menu
- White glove service
- VIP Bar Package

For More Information:
• contact the Catering Department at (727) 441-2425
• visit http://www.Sandpearl.com

80412: IGIGI Fashions for the Full-Figured Bride

2008-04-14T09:41:00.000-05:00

In ancient mythology, the Igigi were deities to be worshipped. As the old adage goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same, as today full-figure brides feel like goddesses when they tie the knot in IGIGI creations.

Since its launch in 2000, the clothing company has catered to curvaceous clients in search of attire that will enhance their ample assets, including such famous physiques as Hairspray's Nikki Blonsky, who donned designs by IGIGI's creator Yuliya Zeltser for red carpet appearances at the Critics' Choice Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and chanteuse Jill Scott, who looked regal in a burgundy crown jewels gown when she graced the cover of Essence magazine.

Available in sizes 14 - 32, plus-size brides will be voluptuous visions in IGIGI's lace wedding dress, made with a diaphanous overlay accented with lace flowers, which gives an ethereal illusion to the empire waist gown. For the bride contemplating a beach wedding, the charming crochet lace dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline and flutter sleeves that dance in the breeze as you say "I do," while the sensuous feel of a velvet shrug enhances the elegance of a lace and velvet gown, which would harmonize with more formal surroundings.

Figure-flattering frocks are also available for members of the wedding party. Bridesmaids can walk down the aisle in style in any of IGIGI's range of chiffon and satin floor-length or cocktail style silhouettes.

For more information:
• visit: www.igigi.com

Photo courtesy of IGIGI and PR Web

80411: Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun Offering Wedding Special

2008-04-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

We're starting to see more wedding packages offering special deals on anniversary trips...a great way to come back to the place you said your vows and to celebrate the first year of marriage. We received this package from Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun; in 2008, couples who marry at the resort will, with a 7-night minimum stay, receive:

2 nights free during a return stay in 2009 for your anniversary (when staying 5 or more nights)

~Or~

1 night free during your return stay in 2009 for your anniversary (when staying a minimum 4 nights)

~Or~

25% discount on a return stay in 2009 for your anniversary when staying a minimum 7 nights at Secrets Maroma Beach or Secrets Silversands

For More Information:
• visit www.secretsresorts.com

Photo courtesy Secrets Resorts

800409: Charleston Giving Away a Destination Wedding

2008-04-08T19:25:00.000-05:00

Charleston, South Carolina has long been considered one of the South's most romantic cities...and a great spot for a destination wedding. Now you can enter for the chance to win a destination wedding thanks to a contest sponsored by the Charleston Area CVB and its partners.

The Prize: The Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms will host the ceremony, reception, golf and accommodations. Other wedding details include:

• a custom made designer gown courtesy of Maddison Row
• a rehearsal event offered by Middleton Place and Duvall Catering

Date: The wedding ceremony will take place on April 4, 2009.

How to Enter: Engaged couples should visit www.CharlestonWeddingGiveaway.com for complete contest details and to register by August 29, 2008. The finalists will be chosen by a panel, then their stories will be posted on the site so the world may vote for the couple best suited to wed in Charleston.

For More Information:
• visit www.CharlestonWeddingGuide.com for a free wedding guide
• call 1-800-868-8118

80402: Disney Designer Offers Bridal Gowns

2008-04-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

Costume designer Deborah LaFranchi, known for her television and film designs plus and her other contributions to Disney’s theme park development in the United States and Tokyo, has unveiled her 2008 bridal collection.

Since the opening of her bridal division in 2006 , Deborah LaFranchi has become a leading bridal couturier for VIPs. LaFranchi have designed over 100 theatrical productions in the Los Angeles area over the last 20 years.

LaFranchi smiles at the comparisons with Vera Wang: “I am flattered when fashion editors and entertainment critics write nice things about my work. What impresses me the most about Vera is her dedication and work as the youngest fashion editor at Vogue Magazine and the exceptional work she later did for Ralph Lauren. I admire her sense of simplicity—when it comes to wedding gowns less is more.”

80405: Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts Offer 8/8/08 Honeymoon Package

2008-04-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

We've reported on two of our favorite St. Maarten resorts--Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino --several times and now we have a new reason: the resorts' Lucky Love promotion. Couples who have a wedding date of 08/8/08 get a special romantic bonus--and couples who hold their wedding at either resort on 08/08/08 can qualify for a free honeymoon!

Wedding Date of 8/8/08: If the two of you married anywhere on 08/08/08 and you spend a minimum of two nights at either resort before October 31, 2008, you'll receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne and an American Breakfast in bed for two. Couples must present wedding certificate at check-in to qualify for offer.

Wed at the Resorts on 8/8/08: If you purchase a wedding package at one of the resorts on 08/08/08, you'll earn a free honeymoon! Sonesta Maho and Sonesta Great Bay will each provide complimentary honeymoon packages of three days and two nights to all on-site weddings that day.

Sonesta Maho Honeymoon Package: Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino’s honeymoon package includes: bottle of champagne and chocolates, Pool or Ocean View guestroom, round-trip airport transfers, dinner for two including special dessert and house wine from room service (one per stay), breakfast in bed for two (one per stay), 20% off treatments at the Good Life Spa and turndown service.

Sonesta Great Bay Honeymoon Package: Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino’s honeymoon package offers Ocean View accommodations, complimentary bottle of Champagne and assorted Belgian chocolates upon arrival, daily breakfast at the Bay View Restaurant and one romantic dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants (one glass of house wine per person included.

Requirements: Sonesta St. Maarten’s Lucky Love offer is based on certain restrictions and minimums. To qualify for free honeymoon, weddings must meet minimum requirements: food and beverage expenditure of $7,500 with no rooms (50 guests @ $150 per person) or $10,000 total (10 rooms for five nights).

Rates: Rates at both resorts April 19 through December 19, 2008 begin at $165.00 per room, per night based on single or double occupancy. Rates are room only and are subject to 21% tax and surcharge. All-inclusive rates are also available.

For More Information:
• call 1-800-223-0757
• visit www.sonesta.com