This weekend will mark our last bridal show of the month and we couldn’t have asked for a better show to end with, than the National Bridal Show! Brides and grooms will have the pleasure to preview wedding styles and trends of the season and meet incredibly talented trend-setters from the bridal industry. Fashion shows, giveaways and draws, wedding gown sales and more will make for an amazing bridal show we’re sure you won’t want to miss.

The National Bridal Show is a three day event that will take place Friday January 27^th 2012 through Sunday January 29^th 2012. Held at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto, thousands of couples will attend in hopes of meeting the perfect vendor, tasting their ideal wedding cake, seeing their dream wedding décor and lots of more.  

Of course, we will be present at the National Bridal Show eager and ready to meet brides and grooms who want a destination wedding, honeymoon, or vow renewal. We’re so excited we’ll even be giving away a very special trip. One lucky couple will win a 7-night destination wedding or honeymoon at the new Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun, Mexico! To enter to win, please visit us at the show at booths 601 and 603.  

Additionally at our booth, brides and grooms will have the exclusive opportunity to meet with a member from celebrity wedding designer, Colin Cowie’s team! They’ll be able to chat one on one about Cowie’s fabulous wedding collection and address any questions or concerns they may have. To book an appointment, simply e-mail Elizabeth at planit@destinationweddings.com and request a free 15-minute consultation. Appointments are limited and made on a first come first serve basis, so don’t delay, e-mail today!

The National Bridal Show is going to be a marvelous event this weekend and we can’t wait for it! Take a look at the show’s schedule below to see when will be the best time for you to visit us at booth 601 and 603.  

Friday January 27: 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday January 28: 10:00am to 8:00pm

Sunday January 29: 10:00am to 6:00pm

Traveling to the Bahamas with pint sized guests or teens? Don't worry, a number of our resort partners in the Bahamas have plenty to offer your guests!

Children will discover the magic of Atlantis when they stay at this Bahamian resort; where adventures, activities and memories are all guaranteed. From candy carnivals, buccaneer bashes or sleepless slumber parties-the fun is endless! Atlantis is sure to provide fun for all ages. For the younger crowd activities include:

• Pottery
• The Atlantis Theatre
• Aqua Tots, where your young guest can feed the fishes!
• Atlantis Pals, where your lil’ guests can create their very own lil’ stuffed pals!
• Cooking Classes
• An Imagination Station

Girls will be girls be while playing in this Victorian Dollhouse!

Kids burn off all their energy in the Performance Room!

For those tweens, Atlantis offers:

• Club Rush
• Gamer’s Reef
• A Water Park
• Dolphin Cay
• Crafts
• Computer Room

12 gaming stations featuring Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3, a Wii Tree and a Rock Band station, what tween wouldn't want to hang out here?!

Not quite sure what to do with your teen during your stay? Have no fear, Atlantis is here! This ultra-family friendly resort offers teens a variety of activities including:

• Crush, the ultimate night club for teens ages 13-17!
• Gamers Reef
• A Water Park
• Snuba
• Dolphin Cay

Teens can enjoy games, non-alcoholic drinks and much more at Crush!

The above just grazes the long list of activities Atlantis provides for its guests!

Not traveling with any little ones this time around? Breezes Bahamas provides endless entertainment for those 14 and up! 

Breezes Bahamas provides fun for the land and sea! Windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking and much more are all provided for those underage guests. This Bahamian resort does not limit its activities to the ocean. In fact it provides endless fun on land too! They provide 3 lighted tennis courts (with free instruction), a rock climbing wall, basketball, table tennis, beach volleyball and multiple pools!

Teens can enjoy this 30ft rock climbing wall!

Teens can enjoy snorkeling in the gorgeous Caribbean Sea!

As you've read, the Bahamas is a family friendly destination with lots to offer. Children of all ages will always have something going on and you'll never hear them complaining!

In a recent interview with Patricia MacArthur, executive creative director of WeddingStar.com, we take a look at wedding trends of 2012. Read below to see what's hot this year!

What do you foresee being the biggest wedding style trends for 2012?

Easy. Extreme romance and extravagant Victorian inspired wedding themes are going to be the big thing in 2012. And with that comes the elaborate details and the glitz and the glam of faux rhinestones and crystals. Centerpieces will be blinged out, wedding gowns will be full and even colorful and the decor will be full of small personal touches.

I think the vintage and rustic chic wedding themes that were so huge this last year will still be very popular in 2012. These two themes are classic, they're timeless and they're so versatile that it's easy to put extra special personal touches on almost all aspects of your wedding, and that's really what Brides want these days.

And what sort of trends can we expect in accessories?

Brides are really looking to incorporate unique yet practical elements into their weddings. Something we've noticed this last year, and we're anticipating it will continue to be popular next year, is that Brides are choosing creative alternatives to traditional guest books and wishing wells that are really more like keepsakes.

Are there particular wedding accessory trends for brides having destination weddings?

It's not an entirely new thing, but many Brides are really starting to incorporate a Unity Sand Ceremony into their destination weddings. Oftentimes destination wedding ceremonies are quite short and even impersonal, so this is just an extra something special a couple can do to really personalize their ceremony and make it all their own.

For many destination Brides, it's all about finding those personal touches that can be easily packed in a suitcase. Items such as personalized favor tags, tote bags and water bottle labels are easy to transport but still add an element of personality.

How does the location or venue for the wedding dictate the type of accessories used i.e. beach vs. city wedding?

You know, nowadays it really doesn't make much difference whether your wedding is inside or out, in a hall or on the beach, because so many of our accessories are designed to work and look great at any venue. But when it comes to beach weddings, popular accessories typically include hand fans, parasols, pashminas, sandals, sunglasses, disposable cameras and welcome bags filled with a bottle of water, maybe a container of mints, sunscreen and a few local treasures.

How have wedding accessory trends shifted in recent years? Are brides more budget-conscious?

Absolutely! Many Brides are taking on a lot of DIY projects to help cut costs for their weddings. When it comes to guest favors, Brides are skipping the decorative trinkets and going for more useful gifts like jars, bottle stoppers, edible favors and even baby trees and herbs.

Thankfully, it's the age of digitally printed stationery, which is unbelievably more versatile and less expensive than old-fashioned thermography. Couples can now put their names on virtually all aspects of their wedding to really give it that personal touch. Aisle runners and even photo booth backdrops; you name it, couples can personalize it.

As for decor, many couples are going for a more intimate and romantic look. Neutral color schemes with outdoorsy accessories are all the go right now.

What influences wedding accessory trends? Runway/couture fashion? Celebrity looks?

Brides do a lot of research before they decide on their theme, whether that's through television shows, blogs, friends' weddings or celebrities. You can bet that Kate Middleton's elegant, lacy wedding style will have Kate look-a-likes gliding down aisles all over the world next year. But at the same time, most Brides have had their dream weddings mapped out in their minds since they were little girls. So, although they may tweak a few things here and there as fads change, they'll generally go with their gut.

What are the upcoming trends in cake toppers? Traditional or more unique?

Brides have always loved their traditional Bride & Groom cake toppers, but now they're looking for something with a little personality.

Many of our cake toppers not only reflect modern day fashions and hairstyles, but the overall concepts for the cake toppers are totally unique, a little unconventional and full of personality. We have one cake topper where the Bride is pinching her Groom's behind, that's definitely not something you would have seen 10 or 20 years ago.

Are headpieces or tiaras becoming more popular, especially after Kim Kardashian's wedding?

Tiaras, I would say no, but you can sure bet chic headbands, big fantasy floral headpieces (or fascinators), feathers and hair jewelry will be popular in 2012.

Do you have any predictions of your own for wedding trends this year? Comment below!

This weekend one of our very own, Quentin, will be attending the Caribbean Marketplace in Nassau, Bahamas! The event will be taking place January 22-24, 2012. Lots of big names are going to be there including, TheKnot, TripAdvisor, The New York Times, American Airlines and more. We are so excited for Q to represent DestinationWeddings.com at the big event!

If you’ve never heard of the Caribbean Marketplace, it’s the premier tourism marketing event for the Caribbean region. International wholesalers and tour operators meet with Caribbean hoteliers and vacation suppliers so business relationships can be created and so forth.

What this means for DestinationWeddings.com couples is that we can have more to offer you! We’ll meet with fancy hotels and resorts that we think brides and grooms will be interested in. Meetings, networking, and maybe a little sweet talking on our end will form bonds that will ultimately make our couples happy!

So to Caribbean hoteliers, tour operators, and everyone else that will be at the Caribbean Marketplace this weekend in the Bahamas, be sure to keep an eye out for Quentin from DestinationWeddings.com. We want the best for our brides and grooms and we’re hoping to meet the best this weekend!

Also this weekend, other representatives from DestinationWeddings.com will be attending bridal shows in Canada. Please look at our schedule below and stop by to say hello wherever you can! We look forward to meeting brides, grooms, and other friends!

January 20-22, 2012: The Total Wedding Show (Booth #s 261, 263, 360, 362)

January 22, 2012: Calgary Wedding Fair (Booth # 822)

January 22, 2012: Bridal Fantasy Edmonton (Booth #s 274, 279)

With so many events this weekend, we've got a very busy schedule! It's in the best interest of our brides and grooms though, so we are more excited than ever. We hope to see old faces and make lots of new friends!

In case you haven't noticed, this week at DestinationWeddings.com it's all about the Bahamas. On Monday, we blogged about a few different locations within the Bahamas, today we share real Bahamian weddings, and on Friday we'll take a look at family friendly resorts in the Bahamas.

Below, you'll see pictures and quotes from a few past brides and grooms who have had Bahamian weddings. Take a look, be inspired, and enjoy!

“Our family and friends said that it was one of the best weddings that they have been to.  It was a nice vacation for our guests and it made memories that will last a lifetime.” Laura and Brad wed in Nassau, Bahamas

“Our wedding was perfect. Perfect weather, perfect setting, and perfect sunset.  We got to spend the most important day of our lives with our closest family and friends on beautiful beach...we couldn't have asked for more.” Laura and Branden married in Nassau, Bahamas

To get started on your own dream destination wedding, honeymoon, or vow renewal in the Bahamas, please click here! If you’d like to speak to someone directly, feel free to give our hotline a call at 1-888-536-1923 where personnel are standing by 9 AM – 5 PM EST.

It’s less than one month away and you might be thinking of ideas for a special date, an extraordinary gift, a fun outing or something similar. In the past you’ve done dinner and a movie, a relaxed night at home, a weekend getaway, etc. You might have exchanged gifts that maybe neither of you really wanted, one of you might have forgotten about it, or you both decided not to celebrate it. But, Valentine’s Day 2012 could be something totally different!

Imagine if you won a romantic getaway for two to somewhere exotic where just you and your loved one could took a break from reality - no worries in the world, just the two of you celebrating your love at an amazing resort in paradise. Envision deluxe accommodations, gourmet meals, daily and nightly entertainment, activities galore and more! Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it’s not!

With the help of our friends at Sandals, we’ve brought you a new and exciting contest on our Facebook page! It’s simple – fill out the entry form and submit your engagement story, tell all of your friends and family to vote for your story when the time is right, and you just might be on your way to Jamaica for the vacation of a lifetime!

For all of the important details and to enter, please visit us on Facebook!

Brought to you by:

Sandals Resorts – The Luxury Included® Vacation. Visit online at Sandals.com and

DestinationWeddings.com. Visit online at www.DestinationWeddings.com

With 700 islands and hundreds of resorts to choose from, the Bahamas is a beautiful destination that caters to the needs of every type of couple. Whether you are looking for romance in Exuma, adventure in Great Bahama Island, or liveliness in Nassau, the Bahamas has it all!

The Exumas are a 120-mile-long island chain that (softly) scream romance and seclusion. Sparkling turquoise waters make for a beautiful backdrop for any beachfront wedding ceremony and double as the perfect place for snorkeling, scuba diving and other adventurous activities.  Destination brides and grooms can take advantage of Exuma's natural beauty and romantic atmosphere but can also choose to tap into their adventurous side and take part in a variety of activities. Romantic and fun, Exuma offers the best of both worlds.

Photo courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Stunning venues with luxurious accommodations, intimate destination weddings, adventures and exploration - there isn't much that Grand Bahama Island is missing. For couples who want an outdoor wedding, they can choose to exchange vows on the beach on in a national park. Afterwards, they can celebrate at a beachfront reception or something indoors - whatever their heart desires. Brides, grooms, and guests can enjoy an array of activities and attractions from snorkeling, golfing, casinos, tours and more. The options at Grand Bahama Island are endless!

Photo courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Imagine stunning scenery, feel cool breezes, and think romance and adventure - we call this Nassau, Bahamas. This gorgeous destination has lots more to offer than what meets the naked eye. The Bahamian capital city is filled with rich history, exciting nightlife, and views that are simply breathtaking. Couples can marry inside Victorian mansions and cathedrals or outside where sandy beaches and blue waters create paradise-like settings. Visitors have a number of activities to choose from - relaxing on the beach, dolphin excursions, fine-dining, Jeep tours of the island and many, many more. Whatever a visitor's heart desires, Nassau probably offers.

Photo courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

For those brides and grooms who desire seclusion and serenity, Paradise Island has their names written all over it. Miles of white sandy shorelines, crystal clear ocean waters, and rolling hills filled with palm trees and more, this just might be a couple’s dream destination. Don’t be fooled though, besides being a gorgeous locale, Paradise Island has activities galore. There’s plenty of live entertainment, lots of museums, tours and other fun excursions. No matter what a guest’s interests might be, they’ll find it at Paradise Island.

Besides what we’ve mentioned above, the Bahamas has lots and lots more to offer. Destination weddings small or large, brides and grooms who want romance, adventure, or both, and guests who want to attend a wedding/vacation, the Bahamas is the ideal place.

January is well underway and we are more excited than ever! We’re starting 2012 off on the right foot by doing what we love most – meeting brides and grooms! Bridal shows are the perfect place to do this so we’ve signed up to exhibit at a number of fantastic shows and we hope to see you at one or more of them!

In addition to meeting with us, you’ll have the opportunity to watch numerous fashion shows with beautiful bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, tuxedos, accessories and all of the latest wedding fashions!  Bridal shows will also have great door prizes, giveaways, and other cute freebies that you won’t want to miss (while supplies last of course)!

Please check out our schedule below and we hope you make a trip out to see us at one of the shows!

January 20-22, 2012: The Total Wedding Show

Click here for tickets!

January 22, 2012: Calgary Wedding Fair 

Click here for tickets! 

January 22, 2012: Edmonton Bridal Fantasy

Click here for tickets!

January 27-29, 2012: National Bridal Show

Visit our previous blog to see how you can get 2 free tickets!

*Visit our booth at this show for your chance to win a 7-night destination wedding or honeymoon courtesy of the NEW Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun, Mexico and DestinationWeddings.com!*

*Exclusive Offer* If you sign-up with DestinationWeddings.com BEFORE the bridal show, place your $50 commitment fee and confirm your wedding at any Palace, Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana or Mexico, or LeBlanc Spa Resort, YOU will have an exclusive opportunity for a free 15 minute wedding consultation at the show! With whom, you ask? An expert from celebrity wedding designer, Colin Cowie's team of course! Once you confirm your wedding at one of the resorts mentioned above, e-mail planit@destinationweddings.com to set-up your free consultation! Once we confirm on our end, we'll also send you 2 tickets to the Spring National Bridal Show! *Appointments are subject to availability, so sign-up today!*

It’s that time of year again – we’re getting ready to head north to the Spring National Bridal Show! Don’t know too much about it? That’s okay, we’ll dish some details:

• Spring National Bridal Show January 27th-29th 2012 at Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto, Canada
• Huge bridal gown sale where you’ll shop top-name designers at 40-70% off regular prices
• Fashion shows where you’ll see the latest in wedding fashions and trends
• Casting call for the TV show, Four Weddings Canada
• Lots of contests and giveaways -one lucky couple will win a 7-night destination wedding or honeymoon, courtesy of the NEW Hard Rock Hotel in Cancun, Mexico and DestinationWeddings.com

You’re dying to go, aren’t you? Think about it - you could find your dream wedding gown, you could be on TV if you make the cut in that casting call, and most importantly YOU COULD WIN A FREE DESTINATION WEDDING OR HONEYMOON! Now all you have to do is get tickets to the show.

Lucky for you, we have some complimentary tickets we’re looking to give away! If you’re a future bride or groom in the Greater Toronto area looking for an easy way to get 2 free tickets (valued at approx. $30) to the amazing Spring National Bridal Show this month, look no further. It’s simple…

1. Log on to Facebook and ‘LIKE’ our page: http://www.Facebook.com/DestWeds
2. Comment on THIS blog post telling us you want to go to the show

Easy enough, don’t you think? Once we verify that you ‘LIKED’ our page, we’ll get your information and send you the tickets!

Since the Spring National Bridal Show will be going on January 27th -29th 2012 we’ll need you to enter the giveaway by Midnight on Tuesday, January 24th 2012! Don’t delay - we’ve only got a limited number of tickets to give away!

*Exclusive Offer* If you sign-up with DestinationWeddings.com BEFORE the bridal show, place your $50 commitment fee and confirm your wedding at any Palace, Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana or Mexico, or LeBlanc Spa Resort, YOU will have an exclusive opportunity for a free 15 minute wedding consultation at the show! With whom, you ask? An expert from celebrity wedding designer, Colin Cowie’s team of course! Once you confirm your wedding at one of the resorts mentioned above, e-mail planit@destinationweddings.com to set-up your free consultation! Once we confirm on our end, we’ll also send you 2 tickets to the Spring National Bridal Show! *Appointments are subject to availability, so sign-up today!*

Do you dream of a destination wedding or destination vow renewal in paradise, surrounded by family and friends? Or do you know someone who dream of or deserves one?

That's what we thought! And, that’s we’re giving away a FREE destination wedding or destination vow renewal in Riviera Maya, Mexico to one lucky couple!

Entering is simple but there are only 3 days left!

Simply visit us on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DestWeds , LIKE our page, and enter the contest!

Once entries close on Saturday, December 31, 2011 voting will open from Sunday January 1, 2012 to January 14, 2012.

At the end of the voting period, if your entry has the most votes you will win:

• 7-night stay in a casita suite at the AAA Four Diamond El Dorado Casitas Royale, A Spa Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico for bride and groom
• $1,000 air credit for you and your fiancée’s flights
• Upgraded private round-trip airport transfers for bride and groom and
• Gold Wedding Package at El Dorado Royale, which includes:

• Professional services of a wedding coordinator • Wedding guest’s concierge • Bride’s personal in-room wedding attendant on wedding day • Groom’s room on wedding day from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. stocked with a selection of beverages and bites • In-room mannequin with cover to display wedding dress for 3 days • Spa hairstyle for bride and haircut for groom and spa gift • Filing of all documents for legal ceremony, translation of ceremony and Mexican wedding certificate translated to English and delivered after ceremony via Fed Ex • Chilled bottle of domestic champagne • Bride’s fresh floral bouquet and Groom’s boutonniere • Dinner reservations for the wedding group (restaurant and maximum group size varies) • Romantically decorated suite on wedding night with rose petals, aromatherapy and candles • Breakfast in bed on first honeymoon day • Professional wedding photographer, 36-color picture package plus negatives and handmade wedding album • Post-wedding day brunch reservations for wedding group • Logo beach bag • Romantic sunset dinner cruise for bride & groom including transfers at Maroma Beach • Late check out for bride & groom • Blood test performed onsite • Spiritual sand ceremony with keepsake souvenir • Heart-shaped petite wedding cake for two • Personalized menu card • Justice of the Peace • King-size bed • Welcome with a bottle of domestic • Champagne on ice in your suite • Romantic candlelight dinner for two on the beach served by beach waiters • Half-hour massage lesson for the two • Deluxe bathrobes • Daily suite decorations •

The prize for this contest is valued at a whopping $12,000 so don’t delay, enter today!

Complete details, contest instructions, and prize eligibility can all be found on our Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/DestWeds.