Destination Wedding Etiquette: What To Do For Those Not Invited or Unable to Attend

One downside to throwing a destination wedding is that it is an inevitability that certain people that would be present under normal circumstances will not be able to make the trip. Furthermore, because of the size constraints that many destination weddings impose, it may be that you don't plan on inviting as many people. If either of these are the case, you will still want to find a way to celebrate with those friends and loved ones that either couldn't make it or are not invited. Consider having a party for your stay-at-home friends upon your return (or even beforehand.) This way they'll have a chance to participate in the festivities and you can share pictures and experiences from the trip. Whether this means two full receptions -- wedding dress and all -- or something more casual back home, it's a great way to make sure everyone's included in celebrating your destination wedding!

Destination Wedding Etiquette: Paying for Guests

Over the next several days I will be highlighting several common destination wedding etiquette questions and offering some advice and guidance. To start things off, I wanted to touch on a question that I've heard echoed several times from individuals planning destination weddings. The question of whether or not you are obligated to pay for your guests' plane flights and/or hotel rooms. 

The answer I have to give is a resounding no. You are under no obligation to take on the costs. It's understood when planning a destination wedding that you will have a number of guests decline that would likely be able attend if the wedding were closer to home. With that said, the couple being married also has to understand that there will be people that will not be able to make the trek. 

Before sending out your save-the-dates, see if you can cut the financial burden of your guests down a bit. Call a few airlines and ask about group rates. Do the same for hotels. Finally, try planning your celebration in the off-season, where flights and hotel costs will likely be significantly lower. 

Bobby Flay's Registry Picks

One of the most popular categories for wedding registries is kitchenware. Because great it can last a lifetime, it's important to put thought and consideration into what items to select when creating your registry. When factoring in kitchen items, it only makes sense to take the opinion of a true expert -- celebrity chef and restauranteur Bobby Flay gives his opinion on the top items to stock your registry with for grilling and more. Here's he had to say:

1. Grilling Kit: It only makes sense that first and foremost would be a great grilling kit, Flay suggests the 5-piece Griller's Kit, $80, Kohls.com


2. Large Serving Dish: serve hot items straight off the gril on a large stoneware platter -- consider Le Creuset Fennel rectangular serving platter, $50, SurLaTable.com

Sweet Forest E-session in Monterrey, MX

Sweet Forest E-session in Monterrey, MX: "Check out this extremely inspiring and sweet e-session from Daniela Garza, one of our favorites from South of the Border. If you don’t already know about her, you should. She is an incredible photographer who has been on our radar for a long while."

'via Blog this'

Style Me Pretty for Destination Weddings

Are you in the early stages of planning your destination wedding to sunny Mexico? The popular site Style Me Pretty offers a great resource for just this. Style Me Pretty's Mexico section of their Little Black Book allows you to start by selecting your location, and then provides great recommendations for everything from event planners, cinematographers and photographers, florists, beauty resources and more based on the location. With gorgeous locations ranging from Cabo san Lucas to Cancun to Riviera Maya, the site is sure to offer something for you. Take a look! 

Heart Shaped Churros - A Delicious Treat For A Mexican Wedding

While looking through pictures recently from a gorgeous destination wedding in Mexico, I was struck by one of the pictures that featured the idea for a tasty wedding treat that I just loved! A churro, which is sometimes referred to as a Spanish doughnut, is a fried pastry-based snack popular in Mexico, Spain and much of Latin America. They're generally covered in sugar, and they are delicious! This wedding served a big pile of churros -- shaped like hearts! What a wonderful and creative idea for adding a special romantic touch to this Mexican staple, not to mention a delicious wedding treat.

Photo Credit: Wedding Nouveau (Right)

Fall Wedding Colors at Your Beach Wedding

As we move into fall, and the days turn colder, I love looking to rich warmer colors for wedding inspiration. Deep purples, golds and dark greens are a few of the colors that I love best for an earthy fall wedding. Planning a fall wedding on the beach and think that these same fall wedding colors don't apply? Think again! Don't shy from playing up the season back home at your beach wedding, check out this great inspiration board with a deep rich red -- perfect for a fall wedding on the beaches of Mexico!

Photo Credit: Project Bride