From Here to There...

...what's the appeal of destination weddings?

Very recently we did our tenth or eleventh destination wedding. We've traveled to Montana, Wyoming and even Hawaii, but the most recent was our first international destination wedding which happened to be in the very warm (actually HOT) glamorous Costa Rica where humidity partnered with 98 degree temperatures making for a very difficult set up for our aging staff; however, big floppy hats and a ton of water breaks made the conditions tolerable.

Working with Aimee Monihan of Tropical Occasions or Mountain Occasions (depending on her current location or the destination of your wedding) was a godsend. She previously resided in the tropical country and had partnerships with many local vendors. However, this was her first attempt to have us design a wedding from Colorado and then transport it across borders.

Costa Rica being a smaller country is extremely concerned about using local products so they tax anything luxurious coming across their border at 100%. So you ask, "what is considered luxurious"? Almost EVERYTHING that could be sold.

Our original plan was to pack everything in a container and ship it, but once we found out about the surprise with taxes we had to rethink everything. I took a quick trip down with Aimee to reconnect with her vendors as well as meet some new ones. We toured around for miles and miles looking at what each vendor had to offer as well as a trip to the coast where the wedding was being held.

We selected appropriate items of interest with pricing and still felt like we needed more to make the impact DesignWorks is used to. After some thought, I designed several large pieces such as the wedding arbor, escort structure, plexi planter boxes and many other items. This process made me a little nervous (actually very nervous) as I had no idea if the local talent could produce up to our standards and quality control.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with most of the vendors. Here’s a tidbit of advice: Be sure to grill your potential vendors and do the research with referrals. It will save you from worrying.

Once everything was in motion, deposits had been paid to vendors, flights had been arranged and production began, Aimee flew back down to check on the progress of the work, sending images back to me. I have to be honest, I had a sigh of relief and felt much more confident in their product and actually began to get real excited.

I flew five of DesignWorks staff down, mostly florists, myself and Trudy to set up this massive event; trusting the local vendors to take care of the drape and lighting. With approximately 60 event professionals setting this up for two days, it still ran down to the wire getting it wrapped up. I am always surprised how long perfection takes to complete.

The bride, a Texas social light, and the groom a NASCAR driver had an incredible romantic evening filled with aromatic florals, rocking music, family and friends. Photographer Jose Villa and videographer Joel Serrato captured the entire event from start to finish and is also the reason I can't show any of the images at this time, as they have submitted the event into a very influential magazine. Stay tuned for the incredible spread.

So back to my original question. What is the appeal of a destination wedding? From a designers point of view it's difficult, stressful, unpredictable; but, from a bride and grooms perspective it's romantic, exotic, exclusive and most importantly a step out of the traditional box. It builds an exponential hopefulness, unanticipated excitement for their guests where, when it's all over, they can relax and enjoy themselves.

Just don't forget to include us when you're planning yours!