Episode 32 – Destination Weddings
Special Guest
Heidi Radkiewicz – Veteran, Mom & Author of Honeymoon in Baghdad
https://www.amazon.com/Honeymoon-Baghdad-Heidi-Radkiewicz/dp/1947368753
Colleen & Catie’s Weddings
Colleen – Salzburg, Austria
Location: Salzburg, Austria
Accommodations: Schönbrunn Palace, Hotel Schloss Mönchstein
Food: Filet mignon
First Dance Song: Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Honeymoon: Salzburg, Austria
Wedding Tip: For a destination wedding, hire a coordinator
Catie – The Palmer House – Chicago
Location: The Palmer House
Accommodations: The Palmer House
Food: Steak and chicken
First Dance Song: Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Honeymoon: 3 days in San Francisco
Wedding Tip: Invest in a good photographer. Nobody remembers the favor you gave, or how many desserts were on the table. Your photos are memories you’ll have for your special day.
“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”
What’s in Your Suitcase?
Bliss Ball Bath Bombs from Life Elements – Starting at $14, these bath bombs are perfect for soothing away the stresses before your special day, or even relaxing on your honeymoon! They even offer anti-inflammatory benefits and are cruelty free and organic. https://lifeelements.com/products/bliss-ball-bath-bombs
What’s on your phone?
BACtrack Mobile Smartphone Breathalyzer – $99 on Amazon or $21.99 for a keychain version.
This is a police-grade quality breathalyzer connects with your smartphone to give you an accurate reading of your alcohol level before you drive.
What’s the tip?
Tips for How to Plan a Destination Wedding (from brides.com)
- Choose a meaningful location – But also keep in mind that your destination must have all of the resources you need.
- Notify guests well in advance – This is one of the most important destination wedding tips. It’s important to give your nearest and dearest have plenty of time to calculate if they can afford the cost of traveling to your ceremony and reception
- Embrace the setting to save big – Slash your décor budget by incorporating local blooms and serve local specialties at the reception.
- Consider your guests – Try to put everyone in one reasonably affordable hotel. If price is an issue, find a less expensive spot 10 – 15 minutes away. Don’t set your date until you’re sure there’s room availability for everyone.
- Hire a pro – Make sure to find a planner or coordinator that specializes in destination weddings to avoid a language barrier or having to make executive decisions from miles away. If a planner isn’t in your budget, look for a resort with an on-site coordinator.
- Visit in advance – Ideally, you’d see your venue once before booking and again three to four months before the wedding to finalize details. If a second trip’s not possible, arrive at least five days early to make those decisions and do a hair and makeup trial.
- Pick your vendors in person – In advance of your first site visit, set up meetings with the better-known florists and rental companies in your destination. But also ask for referrals from your venue on the ground; you might uncover local talent you didn’t know about.
- Budget for vendors – If you decide to bring specialists from home, expect to cover their travel and lodging costs; a clean, safe hotel within 30 minutes of your venue is a must. Negotiate these expenses up front so things don’t get out of control.
- Stuff that suitcase – Shipping overseas is risky and expensive, so I always pack as much as possible into checked luggage.
- Tailor your wedding dress to the destination – Breathable fabrics work best in hot, humid locations.
