Destination Wedding Questions and Answers...ask Diana!

Email all of your wedding questions to :  Diana@tootsieworld.com

Hi, Diana,

How can I find out when its high tide so I don't schedule my beach wedding when the tide is in?  Thx, Abby

Hello, Abby,

Here are some web sites that can help you with determining when it is high tide.    www.saltwatertides.com  covers the beaches in the USA.  Tides and Tide Prediction  and Tides.INFO: Tide predictions from around the globe: the world cover the rest of the world's beaches. 

You might also check out the Weather Channel Wedding Planner - My Wedding Weather, Set the Date, Wedding Planning Tools and Tips, Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Planner.  This site includes sunset calculator if you want to schedule your wedding at sunset and great outdoor wedding tips.

Cheers, Diana

Diana,

I am getting married in Las Vegas and its the second marriage for both of us.  Is it appropriate for me to wear a wedding dress and for him to wear a tuxedo?  The wedding chapel says yes, my family says I shouldn't.  I really want to wear a wedding style dress. After all, this IS my wedding to my soulmate.  Thank you, Jan

Hello, Jan,

It is completely appropriate for you to wear an informal style wedding dress. Its still a wedding dress and they can be very elegant.   You can find informal dresses done simply or with lots of glam and glitz.  Stay away from the rouched skirts, which are the full pick up skirts, and long trains.  Look for a sleeker more sophisticated dress, it can even have a small sweep train.  After all, you are still a bride! Don't wear a veil, a simple rhinestone headband or small tiara will suffice. And yes, its appropriate for your happy groom to wear a tuxedo.  Cheers, Diana

Dear Diana,

What should I know about a Caribbean resort before I book the wedding there?  Andi

Hello, Andi,

Your wedding should not be held to chance.  And chances are, you've not been to the resort, nor can most brides and grooms afford to take a pre wedding trip to the location to check it out in person.  I advise you to check with others who were married there by asking them for references from newleywed couples.  You can also check various internet newsgroups and bulletin boards for real life experiences from newleyweds. 

I know that the all inclusive Sandals and Beaches resorts get high marks from my clients.  I've had family members honeymoon at the resorts and they give them 5 stars for quality, luxury, value and fun.  I've personally toured one when I was in the islands and didn't want to leave!  Click Here for Specials from Beaches - Save up to 45% !    Click Here for Sandals Specials- Up to 50% off !

I also advise my clients to look for opinions at Travelers Advisor.  Click here: Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Caribbean.  You'll find honest travelers opinions.   I use it as my travelers bible BEFORE I book.

Is the resort all inclusive?  All inclusive means all food and beverages are included in addition to your lodging. Some resorts include top shelf alcohol and cigarettes.  Most resorts will have dining choices and all inclusive will offer money savings.

Ask the following questions: Does the resort include a free wedding planner/ consultant?  What is included in the price of the wedding, like flowers, wedding cake, champagne? Can you steam my wedding dress?  Are rooms available at discount  for guests? Are tours included or extra? Make yourself a list and ask BEFORE you book!

Cheers, Diana

 Hi, Diana,

We are planning a beach wedding and of course, my parents are paying for it. Now a question that I have before talking everything out with the folks is how is everything paid for. The plane tickets and the hotel, are they paid by the guest or the parents? Does that include everyone or just immediate family? Or do they pay a percentage of the cost? Thank you very much,

Aubrey

 Hi, Aubrey,

Great question!  The costs of the guests travel and hotel rooms is usually paid by the guests.  It is the responsibility of the guests.  Your hotel may sometimes offer discounts to your group. 

It is entirely up to the bride's parents to decide what costs they wish to pick up. They generally will pay for their accomodations and travel and those of the immediate family, their children.  If you book an entire wedding at Sandals, that is, wedding, accomodations and travel, the bride and groom's travel expenses are all handled in the package.  That's why Sandals is such a great deal. 

 If your parents want, they can contribute to the travel costs of the guests.  Its entirely their call on what they are willing or able to spend.

Cheers,

Diana

Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor  

Hi, Diana, What should we do if it rains at the time of our ceremony? We are having it on a beach,  TYVM   Jen

Dear Jen,

I always advise wedding couples to have a plan B in case of inclement weather.  This might mean renting a beach house or condo or using a hotel.  If you use a hotel, they'll have the plan B in place for you and you won't have to handle anything yourself.  They'll host the wedding inside and when the rains lift, you can take your photos on the beach.  We recommend you using a wedding coordinator in the area where you are getting married for reasons such as this.  They'll handle it, you don't have to.

Cheers, 

Diana