Wedding Centerpieces

Express your individuality and personality through creative decor.  There are countless ways of decorating your tables that don't include homogenous centerpeices or flowers, that can come out looking just as beautiful.

Your centerpieces don't have to match your tables.  Be creative by mixing it up and bringing life to your decor.  Some examples are - mixing up the vases, experimenting with different flower holders that are unconventional, include candles or ornaments if it's a special themed wedding (e.g seashells, mini waterfalls, miniature sculptures), design wreath of flowers, add different heights, textures, and colors to your flower holders.  A big trend is adding fruits or vegetables in centerpieces.

If you would like to have smaller flowers than the typical large centerpieces, include small vases of flowers that may stem from low blooms, wildflowers, or a single bloom.  Low blooms are ideal for cluster effects. Create your own unique and unforgettable styles.  Choose items that compliment you.

There is no rule of thumb that says that all of your centerpieces have to match.  Part with tradition and open open up to creativity.




Have a great reception!
www.iriedreamwedding.com

 

Planner Smarts: Who Owns the Photos from Your Event?

Planner Smarts: Who Owns the Photos from Your Event?http://blog.cvent.com/blog/executiveoasis/planner-smarts-who-owns-the-photos-from-your-event#.UQ3qU9xtNBc.blogger

The Best Time To Book Your Caribbean Wedding

Before you choose your Caribbean Destination Wedding, be sure to look into the weather conditions.

The high season in the Caribbean runs from mid-December to mid-April.  After April rates go down as much as 35% but some places do close down between August and October (check with your Wedding Consultant).  The humidity and rainfall are low with temperatures averaging between 72 and 87 degrees year-round.  Although hurricanes are infrequent in some islands, it's best to be aware of any warnings before you sign on the dotted lines.

The hurricane season lasts from June through November. For an outdoor wedding, make sure that there is a back-up plan should in case it rains.  Meet with your wedding coordinator on site to reconfirm an alternate location close by to move your guests with ease.  It pays to be safe, therefore when you meet with your wedding coordinator, be prepared with a long list of questions including any surcharge for moving your guests indoors.

It's your most memorable day so celebrate it with little stress.


Irie (i-ree) wedding!
www.iriedreamwedding.com

Marriage License in St. Maarten

St. Maarten:  This is one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean. This island has lots of elements of romanticism (I always enjoy visiting this island) and elegance!  What are the requirements to get a marriage license in St. Maarten?

·        Both parties must be at least 21 years of age and over in order to contract a marriage without consent of their parents.

·        Both parties must submit birth certificates.

·         If one party member is a resident of St. Maarten, he or she should provide legal proof of residency. For non-resident, a temporary tourist permit must be requested and approved by the Lieutenant Governor of the island. This permit will be valid for no more than three months.

·        Before the wedding, all documents must be translated in Dutch by an official translator, or a Notary Public with their signature, stamps and seal.

·        It is best to send in documents by mail or fax a month in advance. The waiting period before the ceremony can be performed is approximately two weeks.

·        Proof of return ticket to the country of origin is also required.

·        Divorced persons must provide valid divorce documents. Divorced women may marry after ten months of getting a divorce.

·        Two witnesses are required.

·        A blood test is not required.

·        The wedding fee varies according to the day of the week. Tuesday to Friday fee is approximately $105, Saturday and Sunday is approximately $200 to $210.

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare all of your documents, and work closely with your wedding planner to make sure that everything is in order.  FOLLOW UP!  FOLLOW UP!  FOLLOW UP!

For further information contact:  info@iriedreamwedding.com; sjpmcintosh@gmail.com

www.iriedreamwedding.com

Elopement - "Keeping it Simple"

Elopement is marriage done in secret, haste and without any public period of engagement.  Couples elope because of many reasons such as in the case of arranged marriages where a suitor is disliked.  Other reasons for eloping are the lack of finances to plan a wedding, family feud, teenagers in love and parents object to their decision...the list could go on and on. Whatever the reason is, eloping is personal and secretive.

A big "DON'T" of mine when you elope is, registering for gifts.  This is not just a poor taste but inappropriate.  Don't expect friends and family members to send you a barrage of gifts when you secretly excluded everyone from your list.  I do not object to anyone eloping, it is a personal choice for whatever reason, and your happiness. Another "Don't" is to call up a loved one immediately after you are married and announce "just married."  Wait until you get back and explain in a nice note to everyone and also at the reception.  As in the case of parents, it is more respectful once you get back to meet in person and give your explanation before the wedding celebration.

A big "DO" of mine is when you both get back from eloping, send a personal note to family members and friends explaining why you eloped. Don't wait to surprise people in the grocery store, or at a family picnic, reunion, or for a loved one coming across a name change or reading about you in the Bridal column of your local newspaper. Plan and invite family and friends to a reception and again, do not expect a barrage of gifts because this is a sudden "wedding celebration."  Another big "DO" is to announce during your reception your reason to elope and, express the joy of sharing this special day with everyone in whatever setting is ideal for your budget.

Elopement is "keeping it simple" on the other hand, keep it tasteful!

Happy Planning!

Theme Weddings!

Get creative and personal when planning your wedding - it is FUN!

Do you want your wedding to be remembered?  Are you the type that do not want the traditional wedding set up but looking to add something you are passionate about as the theme? What offbeat themes do you have in mind? 

Based on your budget there are a wealth of ideas that you can incorporate into your wedding to make your theme come alive. It's your vision!  It's your decision!  I met a couple once that created a Rastafarian theme (althogh they did not practice the religion). The entire setting was done in the colors - red, green, gold, with lots of Bob Marley slogans,  african decorations, and they both wore wigs imitating the "dreadlocks." This was one of the most fun weddings I ever attended.

Here are some great offbeat wedding themes:

• Get married in Las Vegas - Vegas style!  Are you an Elvis fan? then go back in time and plan  an Elvis theme, songs...etc.
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• Beach wedding. For example you don't have to go to Hawaii if you can't afford the expense you can set up "Hawaii" right in your back yard. With the help of a wedding planner (if your budget permits) or simply, researching a typical Hawaiian setting.  Another beach theme is a bonfire with live band, or just a simple beach wedding in just bathing suits.
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• Halloween wedding from a casual black and orange to a formal  masquerade ball.
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• Bungee jumping!  This is becoming a popular one.
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• In a hot air balloon (I recently received a request to consult with someone on this theme).
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• Cinderalla theme.  Get our your slipper ice sculptor, your horse drawn buggy, pumpkin, glass slippers, black tux with tails...it is your fairytale!
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• Beside a waterfall.  This can be one of the most gorgeous settings.
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• Underwater (officiant may be limited)
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• Slope side - a ski theme.

There are so many themes I could list, but this is just a rule of thought that you don't have to get into the traditional place of worship or the traditional set up for your wedding.  Choose what you are most passionate about and capture your interpreation of this wonderful day.

Have a splendid wedding!