Elegant Wedding Designs
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • SERVICES
    • RESORT- BOOK NOW
    • DESTINATION WEDDINGS
    • HONEYMOONS
    • ESCAPADES
  • OFFERS
  • RAVING FANS
  • BLOG
    • TIPS & HACKS
  • GALLERY
    • EVENTS
  • CERTIFICATIONS
  • RESORT- BOOK NOW

BLOG


Micro Wedding and Elopement during COVID-19, should you have one?

11/20/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
It is time for real talk!
Most couples rightfully so have concerns about having a wedding during a COVID-19 outbreak.  For those that are considering, you can still have a wedding.
Micro weddings and elopement which are both intimate with all the element of a big wedding with traditions but with less guest.  These options are perfect.  
Luxury all inclusive resorts in my opinion are absolute good picks because guests have room to spread out and even with the smaller group, some resorts will offer a bigger area to hold the event.  Resorts are taking all the precautions to safeguard their guests and staff.
Be aware that destinations requires a negative test taken within 72 hours of arrival and into quarantine for 7 days.  If you arrive without the test, you will be tested upon arrival and 7 days later.
My obligation as your wedding designer, is to advise you of  CDC updates, resort and travel protocols for specific destination and ultimately the decision to move forward with your wedding plan is yours.   If you decide to move forward and have us plan your wedding,  I will send you off with the travel kit that includes essentials like, mask, gloves, and hand sanitizers. 
For those that would like to plan in 2022, here is a little bit of a tidbit… the most common request is February 22, 2022!  Go figure!
Whenever you are ready, you are not alone.  We are here for you through this tough times!

0 Comments

The Essentials on Guest List

11/18/2020

0 Comments

 
​​Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels
Picture
There are a lot of ways to build your guest list and it is the toughest task ever.  Let’s divide and conquer between the two of you.   If you want, you can share a third for each of your parents, and then a third of the list for you two.  Make sure that you are clear on total number of guest you wanted to invite… this is not a free for all list for both sets of parents.   List all names that you could imagine attending your wedding and be realistic on the number of guests that the budget allows to avoid stress. It's much better to keep your number on the conservative side. If there's room in the budget or you end up having more space than you thought you would, add later on.
I am all about making it easy, so here are some rules:
  • If neither of you has spoken to or met them or heard their name before, don't invite them.
  • Not crazy about inviting children to your party? Don’t feel obligated and feel bad about having an adults-only wedding.
  • If neither of you has spoken to them in three years and they're not related to you, don't invite them.
Our guest list has a column to indicate if the guest is Category A or B.  This list will also calculate how many guests you have (i.e. adult vs kids), it also gives you an option to mark their choices of food if you have a sit down meal.  Category A means that these are the people that you cannot imagine not attending like your family.  Category B are guests that you want to attend.  If you are getting RSVPs with “regrets” and there is enough room, then you can start sending invites from Category B eight to ten weeks before the wedding. Do it without being obvious and not make them feel like they are second best.   
 
Click below to Download a FREE, easy to use the guest list with seating assignment!
​

SAY NO TO WEDDING PLANNING STRESS!
wedding_guest_list.xlsx
File Size: 88 kb
File Type: xlsx
Download File

Contact Us Now!
0 Comments

All Inclusive Luxury Destination Resort

11/12/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
amr_weddings-stand-alone_part-_secrets__adult_.pdf
File Size: 1491 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

http://www.secretsresorts.com
  • Secrets is unlimited luxury "adult only" resort
  • SECRETS ST. MARTIN RESORT & SPA • Just 35 minutes from Princess Juliana International Airport • Exclusively situated in Anse Marcel Bay on the French side of the Island • Luxurious all-suite resort with a hip, vibrant atmosphere featuring stunning ocean, marina and mountain views • View of neighboring Anguilla island, only 20 minutes away by boat* • Largest infinity pool in the Western Caribbean • All Preferred Club Ocean Marina View and Marina Bay View Suites offer whirlpools on the terrace • White sand beach stretching 600m/2,000 ft with calm water perfect for swimming, snorkeling and water sports • Guest access to the resort’s private catamaran* • Features wedding gazebos overlooking the ocean • State-of-the-art Convention center, with 300 m²/3,229 ft2 • Situated near St. Martins famous Orient Bay Beach and other local points of interest​
  • Poolside Butler Service
0 Comments

Must Have Insider Guide for Worry Free Catholic Destination Wedding

11/10/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photography by Josh Applegate via unsplash.com
Help!  I am overwhelmed by planning a Catholic Wedding!
Are you trying to figure out how you are going to pull together the legal requirements for a Catholic Destination Wedding?
Are you at your wits end with the information you have to sort through?
Are you dreaming of saying “I Do” by the beach and want to practice your faith? 

For those couples who desires to be married in the Catholic faith, be aware that Catholic weddings need to be held on consecrated grounds….not in someone’s backyard and not on a cruise or on the beach but some resorts now have chapels onsite that can be used for weddings.  Do you know what the requirements are and unique challenges for Catholic Destination Weddings?

Good news is, my specialty is helping busy couples, just like you who are struggling to connect the dots with all the requirements for a worry-free, Catholic Destination Wedding.  From weddings to honeymoons to vow renewals, we can help with your destination dreams become a reality.
We have created a list for you to help with the planning.
  • Begin your process with your local pastor for initial interview, paperwork and pre-marriage preparation program.  Catholics need to mention of any previous marriages and annulments even if one of the couple is not Catholic.
  • Begin the process one (1) year prior to the desired date. This is a collaboration between your local priest, and permission for the church where you desired to get married.  Do not worry, we have you covered.  We can help with the required forms.
  • Keep in mind that most Catholic churches require you to choose a date at least six months in advance, and some require a full year.
  • Expect deposits and application fees.  Why do they require a deposit?  This is due to some that will reserve the church and without notification will change their venue or wedding is called off and no notification to the church. 
  • Be prepared with your vows and program of worship
  • Have your list of any special requests available
Yes, there are few things to do but with careful planning, we can keep things calm!   Important to note:  One option is to have a civil ceremony at home, and a religious/symbolic ceremony at your destination. 

Have more questions about religious ceremonies? We are ready and waiting to make your life easier.  Get in touch with us today to start planning your perfect destination wedding and request for COMPLIMENTARY CATHOLIC WEDDING TIMELINE.

Your Wedding Well Planned!
0 Comments

Simple Strategies …Who To Invite To Your Destination Wedding

11/4/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Photography by DreamLens Production and Dmitri Zvolskiy via Pexels.com
​There is no fast rule when it comes to who you should invite.  It is a matter of your preference.
Do you want an intimate wedding? While big wedding seem grand, it is not for everyone. For those of who want to spend their special day with their closest friends, destination wedding is the answer.  If desired, you can host another party at home for those that will not be able to make it but there is no expectations to haul hundreds of your friends and relatives, just the ones that are closest to you.  Intimate weddings are budget friendly and it allows the couple to think be creative a little with your event choices.  Most destination wedding has an average group of 25.
Let us talk about budget.  Many couples take the budget for granted. Knowing your budget will prevent any problems and stress in the future.   If your budget calls for a smaller wedding, invite those that are dear and closest to you.   Do not worry that some friends will be offended.  Surprisingly, most are understanding about destination weddings. With our family being an extended family, a huge part of the family was not able to go including yours truly when my nephew got married in Mexico.  All we can do is wish them well and send our apologies.  Guess what?  They had a memory of a lifetime!
Let us discuss your preference.   Do you prefer an adult only wedding?  This does not mean that you hate kids, it is simply a preference and stick to it.  No matter what family and friends say, you do not have to invite kids to your wedding. If you do decide going this route, make sure that you indicate allowable age group in your invitation such as “No Guest 16 years old and younger”  You may also find childcare for the little ones as a grand gesture so your guest.
Your next chapter starts with us finding your perfect destination wedding venue.  It is up to you how you turn the page.  Designed based on your vision a venue where your dreams becomes a reality, and stress free.

Like this blog?   Get even more inspired for your destination wedding by contacting us for a 30 Minute Free Consultation!
​
​Let Your Journey Begin With Us...Your Moment Well Planned.
0 Comments

    Get To Know Agnes...

    Hello there and congratulations on your engagement!

    The passion all started with helping out a coworker plan a wedding.  There was no Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration but in the process, I had the satisfaction of seeing the couple enjoyed their special moment and from there my desire got stronger to help busy couples turn their destination wedding vision and honeymoon into reality and worry free.
    I am the owner of Elegant Wedding Designs, I  worked as a Logistics Manager for more than twenty years.  This is where I learned the value of customer service, executing deliverable correctly and on time.
    I enjoy being married to my best friend.  We both enjoy traveling and creating shared experiences.  I also enjoys painting, cooking and swimming.
    My superpower is being a good communicator and finds it easy to relate to other people which allows me to provide the highest quality service possible.
    ​

    Are you ready?  Let us plan your dream wedding in the Caribbean or Mexico.

    Picture

    Archives

    January 2023
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020

    Categories

    All
    Destination Weddings

    RSS Feed

HOME | ABOUT | BLOG | CONTACT

408-464-6377
​agnesmvelasquez@gmail.com 
COPYRIGHT 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Images in this website courtesy of www.https://unsplash.com and www.https://www.pexels.com
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • SERVICES
    • RESORT- BOOK NOW
    • DESTINATION WEDDINGS
    • HONEYMOONS
    • ESCAPADES
  • OFFERS
  • RAVING FANS
  • BLOG
    • TIPS & HACKS
  • GALLERY
    • EVENTS
  • CERTIFICATIONS
  • RESORT- BOOK NOW