District Weddings

Today we have learned so, so much about planning a destination wedding from local planner Aimee Dominick.  Thank you to everyone who sent in questions for Aimee.  I’ll make sure you receive your answers by the end of the day today.  The single most popular question that we received is also one of the top reasons that guests consider destination weddings…

What type of acceptance rate should we expect for RSVPs for destination weddings (50%, 80%, etc.)?

Regarding RSVP acceptance rate, for a domestic destination 80% is realistic and for international plan for closer to 60% to accept. 

A HUGE thank you to Aimee for taking the time to share her advice on planning a destination wedding from D.C.  I hope you all learned a thing or two that will help you on your wedding-planning journeys!

Photos by Andrew Reilly

Thanks to everyone for making this a wonderful first week on District Weddings!  Have a fantastic weekend!  I’ll be back bright and early on Monday morning with a special week-long feature.  Oohhh I can hardly refrain myself from telling you about it right now — trust me, it will be great!

Don’t forget — if you are free on Sunday, be sure to stop by the Washingtonian Bride & Groom: Unveiled bridal showcase.  Sip champagne with D.C.’s hottest wedding vendors while watching a gorgeous runway show of bridal gowns from Carine’s Bridal Atelier.  If you are planning a wedding in D.C., you won’t want to miss this fabulous event!

Okay, even if you’re not considering a destination wedding, you have to scroll down to see the pictures from earlier today.  They are bea-u-ti-ful.  Granted, most any wedding in Mexico is going to be gorgeous, but these pictures really paint the story of an oceanside wedding filled with laughter, beauty, and lots of fun.

I am so thankful that local planner Aimee Dominick, of A.Dominick Events, is taking time today to share her inside tips on planning a destination wedding from D.C.  Aimee has also agreed to answer your questions on destination wedding planning.  I’ve already received a few from brides thinking about planning a wedding outside of the D.C. area…

What is a ‘hot’ destination spot for D.C. brides?   

Aimee:  D.C. brides love Mexico.  It is an inexpensive and relatively easy to reach location. 

Aimee:  A planner from the destination may know the local vendors and locations, but a planner from your home town, if they are well versed in destination planning, can be a better advocate for you and your budget.

If you have a question for Aimee, leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I’ll be sure to pass it on to her!

 

It’s Friday in the dead of winter and I just can’t think of a more delightful topic than destination weddings!   Local wedding planner Aimee Dominick is joining us today to discuss the advantages and challenges of planning a destination wedding.  If you are thinking at all about a destination wedding, you just can’t miss these incredibly helpful tips!

From Aimee… 

Keep in mind that you need to get all of the elements for your wedding to the destination.  Shipping items to a foreign destination can become every expensive, especially if you have to pay tariffs or duties. One option is to ask a family member or bridesmaid if they will carry an extra suitcase for you packed with your programs, favors etc.  Getting your dress to a destination can also be a challenge.  Never ship your dress.  It is just too risky.  Check in with your airline about the rules for carrying on your dress.  Make sure to check in early and ask the gate agent about finding room on the plane.

Photos by Andrew Reilly

This information is oh-so-good to know!

More from Aimee…

Multiple events are part are part of what makes a destination wedding such one of a kind experience.  Some kind of a welcome cocktail is a great way for your guests to meet the first night they arrive.  Typically, a rehearsal dinner for all the guests is given the day before the wedding and a brunch the day after.  It can also be fun to organize an activity like a guided tour or a boat cruise, but make sure guests know that smaller events are optional.  Your guests may want some time to explore on their own or just relax.

Aren’t these pictures spectacular?  They make me want to hop on a plane and fly to Mexico for the weekend!

Much, much more to come from Aimee Dominick!

Although District Weddings focuses primarily on weddings in the D.C. area, I’ll periodically cover a popular topic that is especially appealing on these chilly January days…destination weddings!

Whether on a warm-weather island or a cold-weather mountaintop, destination weddings are both a pleasure and a challenge to plan.

Local planner Aimee Dominick of A.Dominick Events is one of a handful of D.C. planners who offers the service of destination wedding planning. I’m so excited that Aimee has agreed to lend her expertise and share her thoughts on planning a destination wedding from D.C. If you’re entertaining the idea of a destination wedding, you’ll want to take notes!

From Aimee…
Destination weddings allow you to create a total experience for your guests rather than just one evening. It is also a great opportunity for your friends and family who haven’t met to really get to know one another as the weekend progresses.

These gorgeous photos were taken by Andrew Reilly, a District Weddings favorite.  The wedding was held in Mexico in the summer of 2008 and planned by Aimee Dominick of A.Dominick Events. 

More from Aimee…

There are often hidden costs associated with destination weddings. Many resorts charge extra to bring in vendors that they do not recommend or require costly work permits.  Some destinations do not have many vendors to choose from and this can make it difficult to negotiate lower prices. 

It is important to embrace the location you have chosen and work with local customs and artisians.  If you want all of the items that you can get at home, it might be best to get married at home.

More to come from planner Aimee Dominick later today!