Puebla, Mexico Makes It to The New York Times' Top Places to Go in 2012 (Via Mexico Today)

Deciding on where you'd like to travel for your destination wedding?

Every year The New York Times selects the top places readers should travel to. Puebla, Mexico, a city especially noted for its historical significance and culinary offerings, has earned the thirteenth spot on this famed travel list of places to go in 2012.

Located in East-Central Mexico, Puebla is about a two hour drive from Mexico’s capital, Mexico City. Puebla is a city overflowing with fascinating architecture and in-tact colonial relics that demonstrates the city’s pride in history and adds to its overall appeal. ... Keep Reading

Spanish Bridal Fashion with Mexican Wedding Inspiration

I fell in love with this unique twist on a Mexican wedding theme with soft pastel colors in lieu of the expected bright colors on the Heavenly Blooms blog -- and wanted to share! With gorgeous photographs from Stephanie Williams of This Modern Romance, here is just a taste of this stunning Spanish Bridal Fashion + Mexican Pastel photo shoot for your wedding inspiration...

View more of this beautiful Mexican wedding shoot!

Reception Music: Getting Started - TheKnot.com

Reception Music: Getting Started - TheKnot.com: If it’s done right, music will energize your celebration, heighten romance, and inspire guests to get down on the dance floor. "If music be the food of love, play on...." So said Shakespeare, and we echo his sentiment wholeheartedly. Here are eight notes to keep in mind.

Finding Your Muse

The best way to find the perfect band or DJ for your reception? Firsthand knowledge. Have you been to a wedding where the band kept the guests grooving all night long? Were you all smiles until the very last dance? Get the band's name and contact info. Alternatively, poll your recently married friends: Did they love their wedding band or DJ? Have they been to an event with great music? Word of mouth is still the best way to get the best musicians.

I've always loved putting together different color ideas, and looking at inspiration boards for combinations that I find...well, inspiring. One of my favorites is to use fall wedding ideas and rich dark colors for a destination wedding theme. Most people immediately think of bright and airy colors when planning for a beach wedding, but that doesn't have to be the case! Take a look at this gorgeous wedding inspiration board with red, peach and brown.

Picture from: Delightfully Engaged

The End Of The Vintage Wedding Trend

Huffington Post contributor Harmony Walton tells us that the vintage wedding trend is on its way out, and she couldn't be more thrilled. Personally, I actually like this trend (if done correctly and tastefully), but it's never a good idea to channel too much of your weddings style toward something that is trendy and could ever be viewed as kitschy. Take a look at what Harmony had to say!

Harmony Walton: The End Of The Vintage Wedding Trend: Sprawling fields of high grass, hillsides off in the distance, and ... a gorgeous bride and groom perched on a vintage velvet burgundy chaise. Oh, the memories of the vintage wedding and its somewhat silly staged photographs. The not-so timeless vintage theme is one that often incorporates elements such as 50's era luggage used as décor, mismatched chairs reminiscent of a casual backyard event, and floral vessels made from all types of throwback food canisters.

Thankfully, the vintage wedding trend that took the nation by storm (in no small part due to the relentless plugging by us bridal bloggers), is finally starting to see the shade of its own sunset. And not a moment too soon -- I say let the trend end!

Read more on the demise of the vintage wedding trend.

Turquoise Dream: Destination Wedding in Mexico

I just came across some absolutely stunning destination wedding pictures from Bridal Musings. Turquoise has always been one of my favorite colors, and I think it's absolutely stunning for a destination wedding -- the contrast against the white sand, the way it melds in with the color of the sky and ocean -- I just love it. Check out these pictures from Bridal Musing's feature on this stunning wedding on the Gulf of Mexico!

Photos from: Bridal Musings

Aeromexico Airlines Expands New Flight Routes says MexicoToday

In planning a destination wedding, flights are a major consideration and priority. The cost and availability of flights and the can be a major factor when your wedding guests are making their plans and deciding if they can make the trip for the wedding.

MexicoToday has just reported some good news for those traveling to Mexico! Aeromexico Airlines, Mexico’s leading airline company, has expanded new flight routes within Mexico and between Mexico and the United States. This is anticipated to increase their capacity by 12 to 13 percent in 2012. Read more from MexicoToday!

More Dia De Los Muertos Inspiration!

Gorgeous wedding inspiration from Green Wedding Shoes!! You've got to love this bold and
whimsical wedding, especially so close to Dia de lose Muertos!

A Touch of Wedding Whimsy - Pinwheels!

As mentioned again and again, I'm a big fan of small touches that make a wedding unique, that add a touch of whimsy, and provide a little fun (perhaps serve as a prop?) for a wedding. Of course, this specifically applies to destination weddings for me, but the same goes for all sorts. I love drawing inspiration from stateside weddings and adding a fiesta twist to make them ideal for a wedding south of the border. The second that I came across this couples wedding photos on The Wedding Chicks, incorporating pinwheels as a fun decoration, I knew that I wanted to include the idea. This would be a perfect touch for a casual beach wedding. Pinwheels are fun, inexpensive, and would look great sticking out from the sand and whirling in the beach air. Furthermore, there are all sorts of ways to customize your pinwheels for a Mexican ceremony. Mexico colored or themed pinwheels would look great with your fiesta wedding on the beach, not to mention you can give them to your guests as a fun souvenir!

Fall Wedding Inspiration

Halloween is over, and with a chill in the air, it feels as though fall has finally arrived. Fall is hands down my favorite season, so I personally could not be more thrilled. And whether you're planning your nuptials stateside or below the border, there's no reason not to celebrate your fall wedding with deep autumn colors and food and decorations that are fit for the fall months. The Wedding Chicks seem to be on a roll. When hunting down fall wedding inspiration, I absolutely fell in love with their gorgeous ideas for a glamorous fall wedding. Cider? Caramel? Decorative gourds? Yes please! And might I add that I love me a decorative gourd display. Furthermore, the adorable "Fall in Love" wall display would make for a perfect backdrop for photos. Who needs a photo booth when you have this?!

Photo Credit: The Wedding Chicks

Destination Wedding Spotlight - Baja California

Baja California, known for its pristine beauty and multitude of activities, Baja has become one of the most desirable travel destinations throughout Mexico. When considering locations for a wedding south of the border, Baja certainly tops the list. I've featured this location on the blog in the past, and today I wanted to highlight this video which offers all that Baja has to offer. Not only is it a wonderful location for a beach wedding, but it is sure to keep your guests entertained from the moment they arrive until they leave.

Rehearsal Dinner Fiesta Inspiration

I loved this inspiration board fro The Sweetest Occasion for a great rehearsal dinner fiesta! Flags and paper lanterns hanging from palm trees, dining al fresco with your feet in the sand and the sounds of the ocean and acoustic guitar in the background…this looks like the perfect way to kick off a laid back beach wedding weekend!

Planning the Perfect Beach Wedding: The Reception!

Over the past two days We've gone over tips for dressing appropriately at your beach wedding, and how to make the most of your ceremony. To wrap up, I wanted to include the final segment from Destination Wedding Magazine: The Reception!

Anchor decor. Wind can topple tall floral arrangements, blow out candles and send other table elements flying. “Stay away from glass vases, which can easily break in the sand,” warns Bussen. If tall centerpieces are your dream, Helmstetter recommends having the florist secure them to the table with heavy objects. “She can always cover these mechanics by lining the vases with ti leaves, palms or other natural elements.” For lighting, “use hurricane-style lanterns or LED candles, which are flameless and longlasting,” says Bussen. When wind-proofing place cards and favors, a little creativity can go a long way. “Tie sea horses to each place card,” Helmstetter suggests, “and weigh your menus and napkins down with maracas or coconut shells.”

Rent a powder room. If marrying on a public beach, find out if there are bathrooms. If not, Natalie John of Dreamy Weddings & Tours suggests, “Hire an upscale portable lavatory for a few hours, especially if there will be lots of drinking during the reception.”

Keep warm. To help you and your guests fight a wind chill, Bussen advises, “Arrange a basket of comfy, color-coordinated pashminas to warm ladies’ shoulders.”

Planning the Perfect Beach Wedding: The Ceremony!

Yesterday, I featured tips from Destination Wedding Magazine on how to dress accordingly for the perfect beach wedding. Today I wanted to include some great guidelines for ways to make the most of your destination wedding: At the Ceremony!

Photo Credit: Tim Otto Photography

Stay natural. A gorgeous ocean backdrop doesn’t need to be too dressed up. Instead, highlight the natural beauty of the setting. “A beach wedding can be about shells and starfish, but it can also take inspiration from the harmonious color palette of sand, dune grasses, stones and water,” says Karen Bussen of Simple Stunning in New York. “Decor should be simple; avoid going over the top with fussy flowers.”

Add color. To make your setup really pop, Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events suggests, “Choose colors that contrast the sand and the surf rather than blend in, like corals, greens and other vibrant tones.”

Go local. Celebrity-wedding planner Colin Cowie recommends hiring local vendors as much as possible. “Otherwise you might find your favors or chair covers stuck in customs.” Tracey Kumer-Moore of Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge adds, “When it comes to food, look for caterers who are conscientious of local markets and respectful of the beach environment.”

Studio 563 Destination Wedding Pictures

Today I stumbled across some destination photos that I just fell in love with. Studio 563 did a superb job capturing the joy of this couple, and just what a fun time they all had south of the border! 

Studio 563 made an understatement saying that great destination wedding takes a ton of preparation. "The pre-wedding events can be just as amazing with some amazing memories made," says the site -- and I couldn't agree more! Mandy Millen with Every Little Detail Weddings & Events put on this wedding's events, and these events certainly looked like a blast. Follow the link below to check out the Welcome Reception, Tequila Tasting and Rehearsal Dinner.

Check out the pictures at Studio 563! 

Planning the Perfect Beach Wedding: Dress Accordingly!

Many people choose to go the beach wedding route to lower stress, and ensure that their wedding is about exactly what it should be -- having the time of their life with their future spouse, and closest friends and family. That said, there are certain unique things to keep in mind when planning for a destination wedding. Destination Wedding Magazine provides a great list of tips and suggestions for planning the perfect destination wedding. Over the next few days, I'll be going over different components of planning such an event. To start: Dress Accordingly

Skip the big dress. Let’s face it: A ballgown belongs in, well, a ballroom. “You may be able to get down the aisle in a full dress and long train,” notes Paulette Davis of Bahamas Wedding Planner, “but walking on the beach and taking photos won’t be easy. If a large dress is a must, make sure it can bustle easily.”

Think light. “Dresses with lace trim can be difficult because they pick up debris from the beach,” says Kate Bentley of Happily Ever After Wedding Planning & Design in Key West, Florida. “Instead, choose a lightweight fabric like chiffon or charmeuse so your gown flows in the ocean breeze.”

Nix the veil. “When marrying outside, think twice about a long veil,” cautions Stacy Mulcare of Ceremonies of St. John. “If it’s windy, it will be a nightmare for you and the photographer.” Instead, accessorize your ’do with fresh flowers or a fascinator.

3-D Save-the-Dates - Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates - Destination Weddings - MarthaStewartWeddings.com

Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates - MarthaStewartWeddings.com: Destination Wedding Save-the-Dates are a great chance to be creative and have fun with planning your destination wedding. Here are some great ideas for fun save-the-dates for your Mexico wedding!

3-D Save-the-Dates
Sure, you could hire a plane to trail an aerial banner broadcasting your wedding date, and invite your friends and family over to watch it fly by. But posting these 3-D announcements is far more practical (and just as creative). Plus, your invitees will love opening the tiny envelope to reveal your happy news. While the airplane motif is apt for a destination wedding, these cards are also suited for local celebrations. The Details: Bird & Banner save-the-dates. Postage from Champion Stamp Co.


Postcard Save-the-Dates
For a destination event, this is one of the first steps in the process. After all, your guests have a trip to book! Inform them of your plans about six months before the big day. Choose a card that captures the spirit of your location and also provides plenty of space for important travel information. One of these colorful retro-inspired announcements is just the ticket. Lab Partners for Hello!Lucky save-the-date cards.

Check out more details on this and other interesting ideas for destination wedding save-the-dates from Martha Stewart Weddings].

'via Blog this'

Mexico Wedding | Des and Cary

Love these stunning photos from this couples destination wedding. Des and Cary exchanged vows south of the border, with photography by Lise & Eirik. Here are some pictures of their wedding in Mexico for inspiration!

Photo Credit: December Photography

Wedding Money: Who's Footing the Bill? - Wedding Planning - Wedding Budget - TheKnot.com

Wedding Money: Who's Footing the Bill? - Wedding Planning - Wedding Budget - TheKnot.com: These days, the cost of a wedding makes a year at Harvard and Yale look affordable. How are you going to scrape together the bucks so you can have the bash you want? Put that idea about sticking up the Federal Reserve on hold. You have options -- legal, time-honored, respectable options. The kind of options that, unless you're in the habit of bouncing checks, won't land you behind bars. Here's a rundown of some of them, plus their pros and cons. Keep in mind that a combination of two or more may be how you end up getting your wedding paid for.

The Bride's Parents Pay
The traditional -- and still pretty popular -- way of paying for the wedding.

The Pros:
You don't have to dip into your nest egg to pay for the wedding, which means you'll probably be driving a better car, buying a better house and taking better vacations a year from now than your contemporaries who are paying -- in full or partially -- for their own wedding.

The Cons:"The person who pays ultimately gets what he or she wants," says JoAnn Gregoli, a wedding consultant and owner of Elegant Occasions in Denville, New Jersey. Which means that if you want 100 guests but your parents want 250, you'll probably end up with at least 175 to 200 people at your wedding. "Having your parents pay for the wedding doesn't hurt your wallet," notes Gregoli, "but you have to be willing to compromise on what the wedding will be like." Another downside: Having your parents pay for the wedding -- especially if they're retired, on a fixed income, or just not that well off to begin with -- could strap them down with some major debt.

Amansala Eco-Chic Resort in Tulum!

Are you looking for a gorgeous and eco-friendly location for an intimate destination wedding? I feel in love with the pictures and descriptions of Amansala, an eco-chic resort in Tulum. Aside from the stunning resort, Tulum is considered to be hands down one of the most tranquila and beautiful locations in Mexico. And for those yoga-loving couples, squeeze in a little yoga practice to calm your nerves before the big day! Check out these pictures of the beautiful resort!