Spend a day in Playa Del Carmen- Riviera Maya's most spirited beach town

Once you have both chosen Riviera Maya as your Mexico wedding location, you need to start thinking about all the little details and create a fun itinerary that your wedding guests will enjoy. Not only are they traveling for your festivities, they are also looking forward to enjoy vacation time and take advantage of all the fabulous attractions in the area. Make sure to include a day trip to nearby Playa Del Carmen in their busy schedules; it will have them bragging about their getaway (and your wedding) for a long time to come.

Recognized as ‘the heart' of Riviera Maya, the breathtaking landscape of Playa Del Carmen's turquoise waters and white sand beaches stretch for miles on end. One glimpse of this sunny paradise transports you to old exotic movie scenes of Marlon Brando and a golden skinned beauty sprawled lazily by the shore. Whatever the size of your group, transportation to Playa Del Carmen can easily be accommodated. Private car, van, shuttle and even limos services are available to ensure that your guests are comfortable and relaxed to enjoy Playa Del Carmen's charm.

The small city boasts some of the most unique shopping, restaurants, bars and live entertainment for Mexico weddings. Visitors from all over the world have discovered this gem, giving it a cosmopolitan flair that meshes seamlessly with the art, cuisine and customs of the local Mexican culture. This is definitely the place to buy a few rounds of margaritas for your bridesmaids and invite your groomsmen for a ride on the wave runners or round up the entire wedding party and take a stroll on horseback along the beach... just make sure everyone is wearing gigantic sombreros, it'll make your photo slideshow so much more interesting.

It is guaranteed that a day trip to Playa Del Carmen before or after the big event will ease the stress of the occasion. Whether your guests choose to roam around the lively streets or snorkel among the impressive coral reefs, there's something for everyone to enjoy and discover in this oceanfront wonderland.

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

Congrats to Camille, one of our senior DW Specialists, for the save of this DW!  Great testimonial Camille - I just had to share! 

Just another day in the life of a Destination Wedding Planner...

We began our wedding planning with Destination Weddings in August of 2008 for our October 9, 2009 wedding in Mexico. We choose Destination Weddings due to its "all-in-one" knowledge of wedding resort locations and travel agent experience. Signing up was incredibly easy and inexpensive ($50.00 to sign up and is applied to your travel package) and we were put in touch with a Specialist within 3 days. 
 
We began our process of selecting a resort with our Specialist Camille H. and from the very beginning she was a true "blessing" to us and our overall planning process. Through her assistance, we choose Mexico and the Riveria Mayan area. She spent countless hours on the phone and email to help us weigh options for resorts. Camille was also a critical component to ensuring that not only our guests travel packages were coordinated appropriately but also ensured that the communication, contracts and "promises" made by the wedding coordinators of the resort were handled appropriately. I can point to several instances where Camille assisted us in ensuring our wedding details were correct. Examples include her assistance in obtaining a "comp" for our colored wedding chair bows and another included securing an upgrade to our resort suite. 
 
We can point to one another area that Destination Weddings was critical to our wedding success and was the one major challenging aspect of our planning process. We had originally chosen a brand new resort (with an established company) for our wedding. Being a new resort it was experiencing several months of "teething issues" and we went back and forth with Camille on whether to "stick it out" or change resorts. We can count two different occasions within a seven month period that we looked at alternate locations with Camille. As always, she continued to be patient with us and provided quotes on new packages and contract details.
 
Approximately two months before our wedding date, we made the difficult decision to move our wedding to a sister resort. Again, Camille was able to move our entire party (over 16 rooms, 33 people) to the new location; secure a new contract and ensure that our wedding planning details were transferred to the new location. We can tell you that without Camille's help we would not have been able to switch resorts in the timeframe that we did. Not only did we save money on cancellation fees, but the time and effort alone to rebook everyone and finalize a new contract would have been nearly impossible in the timeframe we had left if we had to do it ourselves. Camille's patience, attention to detail and empathy were much appreciated during this process.
 
Our wedding day was amazing, truly breathtaking. The resort was perfect for the size our wedding party and was exactly as we had pictured it. The service, food and amenities were beyond expectations and we can't say enough about our experience.
 
We want to personally thank Camille H. with Destination Weddings and all staff members at Azul Beach resort who made the best day of our life come true!

Bree and Nick

 

Hawaii weddings during sunset are absolutely gorgeous. Being on the beach with the sun setting down over the ocean is the perfect backdrop for Hawaii weddings. If you are thinking of having your Hawaiian wedding during sunset, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when planning.

Be sure that when you are booking your location for your sunset wedding, that the area of the island you book actually experiences sunsets. Don't end up booking a location only to find that the actual sunset happens on the other side of the island.

Realize that if it you get a shower during part of your wedding day, which is not uncommon in some parts of Hawaii, that a sunset may not even be visible in the background. Although Hawaii weddings during sunset are breathtaking, no one can guarantee that the sunset on your wedding day is going to be visible.  You can always go back out for some photos later in your stay.

When booking your photographer for the wedding, ask if they have ever done sunset shots before. You want to make sure that you get a professional photographer that can capture the colors of the sun while still making sure that you and your groom look good in the photos as well. It's harder than you think trying to take pictures of the sun setting in the background and making sure that the lighting is perfect with the pictures.

Be sure that you do your research to see when sunset will occur in the location. Some brides like to have the sun setting during the actual ceremony, while others will have it setting slightly after to get pictures after the wedding.

Hawaii weddings during sunset can make for some great pictures, but remember that no one can plan nature, so even if it all doesn't work out, you can still have an amazing wedding on a Hawaiian beach.

Thanks to our guest bloggers at the wonderful Karisma resorts in Mexico for this series about the Riviera Maya, which is our #1 most popular destination with our couples.  Stay tuned for more posts from the actual wedding coordinators and concierges at these great DW resorts.

Celebrate your Mexico wedding, honeymoon, or anniversary in one of the top destinations for romance.

If you're a newlywed and the flames of passion are burning bright, it's definitely a good idea to visit the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya for one more fling before returning to the routine of daily grind. If you're not a newlywed and can't remember when the last time was that you and your Mr. Big took a long walk on the beach or played footsies under the dinner table, then it's also a good idea to plan an escape that will reignite the sparks.

 

Located south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya is bursting with activities and entertainment for Mexico weddings, and all couples. For thrill seeking types, the area offers exciting adventure tours that include zip lining through the jungle, riding wave runners and ATV's and swimming with whale sharks (the largest fish in the world). This part of Mexico is very rich in culture and history so taking time to visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza together is another not-to-be-missed experience. Also on the not-to-be-missed adventure list is exploring the ‘cenotes', majestic caverns filled with crystal clear pools of water perfect for an afternoon of diving and snorkeling. After reconnecting with nature, and your significant other, share a romantic dinner on the beach with nothing to distract you but the sound of the waves and the breeze.

Enjoy paradise and truly disconnect by staying at an adults-only resort where the opportunities for romance are without end. El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, by Karisma offers amenities such as gourmet dining, private open air showers for two, beach beds to lounge all day (and night) and even your own beach butlers- the only finger you will have to lift is to dial for 24-hour room service! Surprise your partner with a couples massage under the moonlight and then pop a bottle of bubbly in the in-suite Jacuzzi, surrounded by candles and flower petals. The only thing that will cross your mind is why you both fell in love in the first place.

 

Nothing says ‘romance' louder than watching the sunset with the love of your life on a distant beach, with Mariachis singing old Mexican love songs. Start packing the bikini and flip flops for a rendezvous in Riviera Maya that both of you will never forget.

-Paula Negrete

Chief Concierge
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels

 

Handing out programs at Hawaii weddings is very common. Wedding programs are a great way to let your guests know what exactly is going and also a way to show appreciation to your wedding party and other people who you want honor. If you are choosing to have some Hawaiian traditions and customs incorporated into your wedding, then the program is a great way to explain what is going on and what the history behind the tradition is.

Most brides who have Hawaii weddings like to keep the program as a memento for their scrapbook or photo album. This is another piece of Hawaii weddings memorabilia that can be saved to show loves ones back home that may have not been able to make it to the wedding. There are several different programs that you can have at a wedding.

For Hawaii weddings, a cute idea is to have the program act as a paper fan for the guests as well as a program. Place a piece of heavier paper like cardstock on a wooden stick and make that your program. If it is hot for your wedding, which is most likely will be, guests can use these before or after the ceremony to keep cool.

Another way to keep your guest cool at the wedding is to include a bottle of water inside a program or attached to the program. These can be placed on the chairs for the guests instead of handed out to each individual guest.

Another great idea for the programs is to incorporate the Hawaii culture and attached a flower lei for each of the guest to wear at the wedding. This is a simple way to get your guests more involved in the destination wedding aspect of the wedding.

Not all Hawaii weddings have to have programs, but they do make a wonderful addition for your guests.

One of the best ways to save money on Hawaii weddings is to get married during the off season in Hawaii. Most people tend to visit Hawaii when the weather is bad elsewhere, which is between from the months of December to the end of April. This is called high season, when the hotels are filled to capacity no matter what the rates are. Most hotels as well as airlines, restaurants and resorts will raise their prices during high season because they know people will still pay the higher amount during that time.

 

The off season for Hawaii weddings is between the end of April to the end of June and then again from September to the beginning of December. People who book Hawaii weddings during those times may just be able to save a significant amount of money on their wedding since most hotels, resorts, airlines, and other businesses usually lower their rates to try to attract more tourists during those times of the year.

If your wedding date is not set in stone and you are open to different dates, you may just be able to save a substantial amount of money on a Hawaii wedding if you get married during the off season. That means that you can then stay longer on the beautiful islands.

If you don't have the proper marriage license, you can say goodbye to getting married in Hawaii. All Hawaii weddings require that a couple get a marriage license prior to being officially married.  It is not complicated or that difficult to obtain a Hawaii marriage license but it is something that must be done.

To obtain a marriage license for Hawaii weddings the future bride and groom must appear together in person before a marriage license agent for the state of Hawaii. They need the necessary proof of age and any required consent forms for minors from the age of 15-17. Proof in age documents can be a birth certificate for anyone over the age of 18 or a driver's license for ages 19 and older. A fee of $60 is needed to be paid with cash only at the time the application is being made.

There is no waiting period for the marriage license as in some other states. Although it does expire in 30 days after it has been issued. It is also only good in the state of Hawaii and no other state. If you want to speed up the process a little bit you can download a marriage license application from the Hawaii Department of Health website, but both the groom and bride must be there to turn the application into the agent.

To apply for a marriage license for Hawaii weddings, visit the Health Department Building located in Honolulu. They are open Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and are closed on holidays. You can also call the Hawaii Department of Health to find state licensed marriage agents on other islands if you are getting married on a different island than Oahu or you can't make the trip to Oahu from another island.

A good idea is to get your marriage the first day that you are in Hawaii so that you know that it is done and over and you don't have to worry about possibly not being able to get married due to no license. Hawaii weddings can be beautiful and majestic, but you need to make sure you follow the proper guidelines or may not be having that beautiful Hawaiian wedding of your dreams.  It's also good to make sure you work with a wedding specialist that is very familiar with Hawaii requirements, as they can change.

 

For Hawaii weddings happening on the island of Oahu, there are several must-see sights for the bride and groom. Why not make your Hawaiian wedding more than just a ceremony and go see what the island has to offer.

Arizona Memorial

A simple, white structure stands over the hulk of the U.S.S. Arizona, which sank with 1,102 men aboard the ship when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Tickets are distributed on a first-come first-serve basis, so make sure that you are standing in line early in the morning as it is common to wait anywhere from 1-3 hours just to get a ticket. There is no fee to go see the Arizona Memorial. Although, there are long waits, it is definitely worth it to see the video that goes with the tour as well as set foot on the memorial and see the sunken ship underneath the water.

Polynesian Cultural Center

If you really want to experience Hawaii weddings then you need to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and learn all about the history and culture of the island. It has re-created villages that showcase the lifestyles and traditions of Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand. It has also restaurants, luaus, and several shows that consist of fire dancing, tribal tattooing, and ancient ceremonies. Depending on what you are going to see at the center will depend on the price you will pay.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

After seeing action from World War II to the Persian Gulf War, is now moored near the Arizona and serves a museum and interactive educational center. You can see the exact spot in the ship where the agreement for the Japanese surrender to end World War II was signed. They have guided tours and also tickets for non-guided tours which are less money.

Why not take advantage of Hawaii weddings in Oahu and experience everything that the beautiful island has to offer.

 

If you really want to experience Hawaii weddings, then you need to be sure to include some island food on your wedding menu. This is a great way to pay some homage to the island and its culture and chow down on some very good food. When it comes to Hawaii weddings, keep these food ideas in mind when planning your menu.

Hawaiian food is a mixture of American, Filipino, Japanese, Polynesian, and Korean cuisine. Many of the foods take advantage of the luscious fruits and plants that grow on the island. There are some Hawaiian dishes that are very common and have become regional favorites. There are slight variations on the cuisine depending on what island the Hawaii weddings are taking place on, but there are some common foods that stretch across all the islands.

Fresh fruit is a large part of the Hawaiian cuisine. Fruits like pineapple, papaya, mango, jackfruit, and lychees are commonly made into a large fruit platter or salad and can serve as an appetizer for the wedding.

Being that Hawaii is an island, seafood is a popular choice for Hawaii weddings. Lobster, crab, shrimp, scallops, and all kinds of fish like mahi-mahi, tuna, and swordfish are very common in Hawaiian cuisine. Other common options for weddings would be some type of pork or prime rib. These entrees are usually made with the flavors of the island such as teriyaki sauce, pineapple relishes, and kalua.

There are also specific side dishes that people tend to choose for Hawaii weddings to get the flavor of the island. Poi one of the most common side dishes served in Hawaii. Many people use it as an alternative to potatoes. Poi is made by smashing the corm of the taro plant, which is the underground stem of the plant. Poi does look like mashed potatoes but taste much different.

You can finish the wedding menu off with a lilikoi tart or a Kona coffee cheesecake in addition to your wedding cake.

Adding island specific foods into Hawaii weddings is a great way to make your wedding more involved in the destination and to get your guests to be able to experience the food of Hawaii as well.

 

Dressing your bridal party for Hawaii weddings may just be as difficult as finding your own wedding dress. When you consider what type of wedding that you are having, it is much easier to choose the bridal party attire. Here are some great tips for bridal party attire Hawaii weddings on the beach.

First and foremost, you want to make sure that your bridal party is going to be comfortable. The main people that you may have to worry about when it comes to comfort are the groomsmen. Many brides choose to forego traditional suits and tuxes for more of a relaxed attire for the men. Hawaii can be quite hot and standing on the beach for 30 minutes in a full suit or tux may not be that fun. If you do choose a full suit for the men, look for ones that are lightweight and then allow them to remove the jackets after the ceremony for some of the pictures. You can keep it more casual instead with dress pants and a tie or khakis and a polo shirt.

When it comes to the bridesmaids, there are plenty of options for dresses for Hawaii weddings. One thing that you may want to consider when having a beach wedding is long dresses will drag in the sand and get dirty very quick. Tea-length bridesmaid dresses are very popular and work awesome for Hawaii weddings. If you want something more casual you can even go for a shorter length at the knee.

Avoid using dark colors such as black or chocolate brown with beach weddings. Not only will this make your bridal party much hotter in the sun, but it may not fit the style of the beach wedding. Hawaii weddings are a great excuse to have your bridal party wear bright colors like yellow, pink, and turquoise. Pale colors such as light yellow, pink, and blue also work well.

Remember that you have the final say in the bridal party's attire but it is always nice to remember that your friends and family have to wear the attire the whole day.

Planning successful Hawaii weddings may not be as easy as you think considering that you don't live on the island and you may have not even been there before. You may not have any local contacts or know of any reputable vendors, which is why it is so important that you find a company that specializes in DWs to work with so you can get the wedding of your dreams.

Besides getting help to plan Hawaii weddings, here are 5 other tips for a successful destination wedding.

1. If you are having guests at your wedding, be sure that you send "Save the Date" letters or cards, letting them know where the wedding is, what day, and what accommodations they will have as soon as possible. With Hawaii weddings, hotels can get booked really fast and plus you want your guests to have as much time as possible to plan their trip to Hawaii.

2. Check out travel guide books and websites on Hawaiian travel to find activities to do while in Hawaii. You can even choose to book some of these activities like a luau for you and all your guests.

3. Don't wait until the last minute to back your bags and dress. It's a good idea to make a list of all items that you will need both for the wedding as well as for your stay in Hawaii. Consider packing two different bags, one with only wedding items and another for your vacation or honeymoon stay.

4. Relax. The most successful Hawaii weddings happen when you relax and know how to go with the flow if anything knocks you off schedule or isn't quite exactly as you planned.

5. Make sure that you ask your fiancé for his input as well. There is nothing worse than having one of the best Hawaii weddings planned and your fiancé not being happy that he didn't have a say in anything.

Successful Hawaii weddings are possible, but you will need some help and make sure to remember these 5 simple tips as well.