Playa del Carmen sits just south of Cancun, where it’s a little quieter than the craziness of Cancun. With white sand beaches and a ton of resort options to choose from, it’s a gorgeous spot for destination weddings. Grab your closest friends and hit the beach.

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Tourist Hot Spot

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza isn’t exactly around the corner from Playa del Carmen, but taking the 3 hour ride will be well worth it, as it might quite possibly be the most well-known Mayan city around.  If you have never seen a picture of it before, Chichen Itza has a few pyramids, but you cannot miss El Castillo, or The Castle, as it is the biggest pyramid at Chichen Itza with steep stairs running up the middle of the sides.  Try climbing the stairs to the top, but be sure to look at the crazy details on the side of the pyramid as you hike up.  Bring water!

Local To Do

5^th Avenue

If you’re looking for shopping and restaurants, head over to 5^th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.  It’s a great area to do a little shopping, find some local artifacts, and grab a drink.  5^th Avenue is a pedestrian zone so you won’t have to battle cars and crossing the street.

Off the Beaten Path

Aventuras Mayas

When we were in Playa for a wedding two years ago, one of the coolest things we did was go to Aventuras Mayas.  About an hour’s van ride from Playa del Carmen, Aventuras Mayas allows you to repel down into holes in the jungle, swim underground in the cenotes, or underground rivers which are crystal clear, and zip line through the jungle.  It’s a ton of fun and would be great for a wedding party to do together.

Splurge Hotel

The Tides Riveria Maya

As part of the fabulously chic Viceroy Hotel Group, The Tides ranked as one of the top three resorts in Mexico by Conde Nast Traveler.  The Tides boasts seven miles of white sand and sits in lush tropical forest.  With such seclusion, The Tides is an all-villa, luxury resort with a full-service spa and spot-on restaurant.

Bang for your Buck

Fairmont Mayakoba

This Mayan-inspired super fab resort can be booked at amazingly low prices for a five-start resort.  The Fairmont Mayakoba is a large resort just outside Playa del Carmen and was built with the Mayan culture and traditions in mind.  Here guests can hit the beach, the spa, the golf course, or if you have children, the kid’s club.  There’s a little something for everyone – from couples to families.

Local Food

Mayan Cuisine

One naturally thinks Mexican food since we’re talking about Mexico, but the Yucatan penisula has a huge root in Mayan heritage.  If you get the opportunity to try some Mayan cuisine, be sure to try a dish called Pibil.  It’s a combination of chicken with red sauce, onions and beans on a banana leaf.  Delish!

Best Wedding Venue

Hacienda del Secreto

Every hotel and resort in Playa del Carmen offer different areas and venues for weddings, but what if you don’t want a hotel with loads of other guests?  Our pick is the Hacienda del Secreto, a small compound of three gorgeous villas.  The Hacienda is located in between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, so it’s easy to get to either town.  The property can accommodate 42 overnight guests and up to 200 for a wedding.  Rent the entire property and make it a true get-away for you, your fiancé and your wedding guests in complete privacy.

Cultural Considerations

In my experience with the Mexican culture, the number one thing I can advise on is timing.  Things tend to take a little longer than originally estimated, so just build that into your timeline.  If something is supposed to last 2 hours, it might last 3.  Just relax, things will get done, but at a Mexican pace.

Marriage Requirements

Interestingly, only civil ceremonies are recognized as legal in Mexico.  You can have a religious ceremony, but you must also have a civil one and only a Justice of the Peace can conduct a civil ceremony.

If you have been married before, you must be divorced for at least 300 days to marry in the state where Playa del Carmen sits, Quintana Roo.  Your passport must also be valid for at least 6 months following your time in Mexico. You must have a copy of your tourist visa, including your witnesses of which you must have four.  If you are widowed, you must have a copy of the death certificate.  If you are a bride and are divorced and if your passport is not in your maiden name, you must have a certified copy of your birth certificate, along with a translation from an approved translator.  A Marriage application can be obtained from the local Registry office.  Mexico still requires blood tests, which must be done a minimum of 3 days prior to the wedding.  It’s probably easiest to get this done in Mexico.

At times, engaged couples shy away from destination weddings because they fear that the added travel logistics involved for their wedding guests might be a little too complex, but this doesn’t have to be the case.  Couples can make it easier for guests to attend a destination wedding by providing as much travel information as possible, both in the Save-the-Date and the formal wedding invitation.

Depending on the location of your destination wedding, we suggest working with your destination wedding planner to research different travel options for guests.  Look at where a majority of your guests are coming from and include flight options from those airports, the costs of hotel rooms, whether or not all-inclusive options are available, and if passports and visas are required.  You may be able to negotiate special rates for guests who opt to stay longer and make a vacation out of your wedding day.   Here at Fresh LiME Events, we also suggest providing group transportation to and from the airport in your destination.  It’s one less thing for guests to worry about.

Be sure to greet guests upon arrival at the hotel with a fabulous Welcome Basket, which should include information on the location, along with the different activities that are available to guests.  Your wedding guests will very much appreciate this!

Just a little squeeze of LiME…

Just a short flight from Miami, Grand Cayman offers the tranquility of the Caribbean, but the modernity and luxury of being back home.  It’s the perfect combination.

Tourist Hot Spot:

Stingray City

Strap on your snorkeling gear and go swimming with Stingrays in the crisp blue waters around Grand Cayman!  One of the most popular trips is the half-day trip, where you’ll take a cruise out to a sandbar, where you can snorkel with the Stingrays in about three feet of water.  After that you’ll head out to the Barrier Reef for more snorkeling, followed by the Coral Gardens before you head back to shore.  This trip is for adults and children alike, so this is a great chance for families to experience the stingrays together.  With three trips a day, reservations are certainly recommended in advance.

Off the Beaten Path

Camana Bay

Camana Bay might not be off the beaten path in a true sense of the phrase, but it’s a great place to go for live entertainment in the evenings, as well as grabbing a great meal.  Camana Bay is a relatively new area on Grand Cayman, and is still being developed.  Locals and visitors alike head to Camana Bay to shop and eat, so be sure to check it out.

Local Food

Conch Fritter

Although a Conch Fritter is typically a Bahamaian meal, conch fritters are rampant in Grand Cayman, and they Caymanians might even call them their own.  Regardless of origin, you must try them while you’re in Cayman.  There are several restaurants that offer them, but you might want to try The Cracked Conch.

Splurge Hotel

The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman

Situated directly on Seven Mile Beach, you don’t need to go far to get to one of the most gorgeous beaches when you stay at The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman.  Walk directly out the back of the hotel, past the pool and there you are – Seven Mile Beach and all its beauty.  While you’re out there, be sure to hop on one of the trampoline-y things in the water.  As with every Ritz Carlton, the service in Grand Cayman is fantastic and the food is delicious.  From couples to families, there’s something to do for all of your destination wedding guests.  Depending on when you go, rates can be reasonable considering the luxurious service you’ll receive.

Bang for your Buck Hotel

The Reef

With just over 150 rooms / condos, The Reef isn’t as large as some of the other resorts on the island, so you’ll get a little more peace and quite here.   Despite offering guests condos for their accommodation, The Reef hasn’t forgotten to offer guests the amenities of a full-service resort.  And with some amazing packages and deals going on right now, be sure to take advantage of all that The Reef has to offer, including the spa!

Wedding Reception Venue

Caribbean Club

What’s great about the Caribbean Club is that it’s a luxury boutique hotel with only 37 three-bedroom condos.  That means you can ensure that you’ll have a very private stay and reception for your destination wedding.  All of your guests can stay on the property, and if you’re having a large wedding, you can buy out all of the condos at the Caribbean Club.  With your wedding ceremony on the beach, you’ll move over to Luca, the property’s restaurant, for your wedding reception.  And unlike some venues whose inside space lacks a view of the beach, if you need to move inside due to weather, the views won’t escape you and your guests.  The other benefit of working with Luca is that you’re not tied into catering package like some wedding factories.  With fantastic Chefs, you’ll have much greater flexibility over your menu selections.

Cultural Considerations

Our experiences have been really great on Grand Cayman.  With everyone being extremely friendly, you’ll have little problems on the island.  Take note, however, that while on the island things are a little more expensive than we would probably find in the US.  With everything having to be shipped in, it’s to be expected.

If you plan on renting a car, just remember that Caymanians drive on the left side of the road.

Marriage Requirements

If you’d like to have a legal wedding ceremony while you’re in Grand Cayman, be sure to follow the requirements below:

• You must hire a Marriage Officer on the Island and obtain a Non-Resident Marriage License.  When obtaining a Marriage License, you and your fiancé must show that you both have a Cayman Islands International Immigration Department Pink Slip, which shows your proof of entry.  To get your Marriage License, go to:

Deputy Chief Secretary
3^rd Floor, Government Administration Building
George Town
Grand Cayman
Tel:  534 949 7900

• You must also have a valid passport.  If you don’t have this, your original or certified copy of your birth certificate, plus a photo ID will do.
• If you’re divorced or widowed, be sure to have the divorce decree or death certificate with you.
• Bring two witnesses to the ceremony.
• Fees will total about $200 USD.

Our first guide is a big one – Bangkok, Thailand.  I had the amazing opportunity to live in Bangkok back in the early 2000’s, where I taught English after having graduated from college.  Living and traveling around Southeast Asia was an experience I’ll never forget, so I thought I’d share a few tidbits on Bangkok for you to enjoy.

Tourist Hot Spot:

The Grand Palace

If there’s one thing you have to do when you visit Bangkok, it’s spend some time at The Grand Palace.  It’s a massive piece of property in the middle of Bangkok, so set aside a few hours to really do it justice.  The Palace was originally built back in the 1700s as the official residence of the King.  Today the Palace is open to visitors, but the current monarchy still uses the Grand Palace for ceremonies and rituals throughout the year.   While there’s always a crowd, definitely be sure to make your way over to the building that houses The Emerald Buddha.  It’s absolutely gorgeous, but be aware that there are strict clothing requirements (this applies to all temples in Thailand, really).  No shorts or tank tops are allowed.  This goes for women, too.  Shoulders must be covered.

Off the Beaten Path:

Chatuchak Market

One of the great things about Southeast Asia is shopping, and by shopping, I mean negotiating.  It’s a way of life, particularly for farangs (the Thai word for Westerns).  Chatuchak is the biggest market in Bangkok, and is open only on the weekends.  It’s a little bit out of the way, but once you’re there you are surrounded by what feels like miles and miles of vendors and their products.

Best Local Food:

The Night Markets

Originally I was afraid to eat anything out of the carts or stalls on the side of the street, but they’re a way of life.  One of my favorite things to do during the day when it was boiling hot was to get a fresh banana shake.  At night the streets come alive with the night markets.  Don’t let the fact that it’s coming from a street cart scare you.  It’s delicious.  I loved getting spring rolls with the sweet and spicy sauce.  It’s something I still think about today.

Western Fix:

Starbucks

You can’t get anything more Western than Starbucks, so when you’re really in need of something really familiar, even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you can still find a couple of Starbucks locations in Bangkok.  There’s one right in the middle of Bangkok in an area called Silom.  Good shopping there, too.

Best Splurge Hotel and Wedding Reception:

Royal Meridien Plaza Athenee

There are many fabulous hotels in Bangkok, but there’s something a little special about the Plaza Athenee Bangkok Hotel. Having been designed by a Thai architect, the property luxurious and serene at the same time, despite being downtown and close to shopping and the commercial hub.  The ballroom can fit up to 1,000 guests, so there’s no shortage of space, but I’m drawn to the pool area if you’d prefer an outside space with a very Thai flavor.

Bang-for-your-Buck Hotel:

Dream Bangkok

A 4-star hotel for $77 a night and it has a full fitness center, a full-service spa and many more amenities?  That’s right.  Dream Bangkok is also centrally located to many attractions, and it’s very clean and modern.  Traveling in Thailand is affordable, and for this rate you’re getting a great hotel.

Best Way to Get Around:

Motorbike Taxis

Terrifying at first, but getting on a motorbike taxi is the fastest way to get around the city, particularly when traffic is at its worst!  Many Thais don’t speak English, so be sure to have the address and/or cross-streets of your destination written down.  I recommend having it written down in both Western letters and in Thai.  Ask your hotel to help you with this.

Marriage Requirements:

To have a legal marriage ceremony in Bangkok, there are a few steps you’ll have to take.  Here’s a general guide:

• You and your fiancé will have to register with the local Thai Civil Registry Office.  Bring your passports.
• At the US Embassy you’ll have to complete an affidavit for the wedding, which you can also download online here (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/marriage_affidavit.pdf)  This will have to be notarized and translated in Thai, so ask the Embassy who they would recommend.
• Once you have the affidavit translated, take it to the Amphur (also ask the Embassy) in the area.  You’ll need your passports, any divorce decrees or death certificates if you’ve been married before, and if you’re 20 years of age or under, written permission from your parents.  I know, 20 seems old to us, but it’s the way the Thais do it.

Know Before you Go:

There were plenty of things I read about before I went to Bangkok, and they were true.  So I’m passing these tidbits along to you:

• Thais consider the bottoms of your feet the dirtiest part of your body, and it’s therefore, considered rude to show the bottom of your feet to people.  If you have your legs crossed, be conscious of the position of your feet.
• You will see many Buddhist monks walking around.  Ladies, it’s not allowed to have a female give something to a monk or so speak with them, generally.  If you want to pass something to a monk, hand it to a male first.

There has been a lot happening this week and weekend at Fresh LiME Events, but we are extremely excited to announce the launch of our new exclusive Destination Wedding Guides.

I’ve been really lucky to have been able to live on three separate continents and travel to more than 23 countries.  I’m an adventurer.  I soak in foreign languages.  I thrive on different cultures.  In fact, I’ve had three passports already and I get a little bummed when I have to get a new one because it gets full.  It’s my own personal badge of honor.  We all love to travel here at Fresh LiME Events.

That’s why we’re thrilled to offer our new Destination Wedding Guides to help you and your fiance plan your destination wedding or honeymoon.  Each Guide will be designed to give you a little insight into what’s hot, what to eat, where to have your reception and what the marriage requirements are, plus more.  We’ll also weave in our own stories and pictures as we go.

Our first Destination Wedding Guide is on Bangkok, Thailand, where I spent time teaching English at a Thai university after I graduated from college.  Each week we’ll feature a new destination, so we want to know…where do you want to go?

Just a little squeeze of LiME….

(Image:  Spirit Airlines)

Destination wedding brides and grooms and honeymooners, listen up!  Last week Spirit Airlines announced that they were going to start charging passengers up to $45, yes $45 per carry-on bag.  Can you believe that?  So not only do you have to pay to check your bag, if you travel on Spirit come late Summer, you’ll have to pay for a space for your carry-on bag if it doesn’t fit under your seat.  It blows my mind.

BUT, in this article on MSNBC today, five major airlines have announced that they will not follow suit and will not charge passengers for their bags.  Those airlines are American, Delta, United, US Airways, and JetBlue.

Just a little squeeze of LiME….

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Florence, Italy is one of my favorite cities in the entire world.  There’s just something so special about being in Florence, walking around the piazzas, sipping wine throughout the days.  It’s fabulous.  With a very feel with access to everything you would ever need.  When we were in Florence, I knew it would be the perfect spot for an amazing destination wedding or for you and your husband-to-be to spend your honeymoon.

Fresh LiME’s recommendation is hands down Hotel Savoy on the Piazza della Repubblica.  The hotel is just steps away from the Duomo, as well as the ever-important cafes and restaurants for all-day people watching along the piazzas.  Hotel Savoy is a five-star hotel that touts luxury and unparalleled service.  There are just over 100 rooms, including 14 suites, and every room has a fabulous view, but definitely ask for a room that’s directly on the Piazza della Repubblica with a balcony, or one on the backside of the hotel that has views of the Duomo and the intricate alleys and residential streets of Florence.

The staff at Hotel Savoy exceeded all of our expectations.  Every need was met, and often before we realized we wanted or needed something.  We were lucky enough to stay here for several days and didn’t want to leave.

(All Images via Hotel Savoy)

For a chic and stylish Italian wedding, Florence and the Hotel Savoy should definitely be at the top of your list.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.  The Umberto Banquet Suite can host a traditional seated wedding reception for up to 60 people, more if you do something a little less traditional.

So what do you think?  Book your reservations here.

Just a little squeeze of LiME….

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I spoke with a couple recently who talked about wanting to do a destination wedding with a small group of family and friends, and then wanted to do a reception with their larger guest list after they got back stateside.  After thinking about it, they’re probably not going to do a destination because they don’t want two parties.

But here’s my question — why have a reception after they get back?  Do they feel obligated to have a party for those guests not invited?  They seemed really excited about having a destination wedding and all the excitement that it could offer, so I say forget the reception stateside and stick with a small destination wedding.  Brides and grooms shouldn’t feel like they have to throw a second reception just for the guests that didn’t make the smaller guest list.

Just Fresh LiME’s two cents…

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Having a destination wedding can be such an amazing experience for both you and your guests.  It does add another layer of complexity when it comes to travel, but by providing a little information on differen airlines that fly into your destination, guests will have an easier time saying yes.

Here at Fresh LiME Events, we recommend researching the different flight options from the locations where most of your guests will be flying.  Some airlines offer group reservations for fifteen or more people, but look closely at what this means.  Sometime airlines will require that all fifteen people will have to take the same outbound and inbound flight to qualify; and with other airlines, sometimes the group rate is more expensive than a guest purchasing a ticket on their own, not less. 

So be careful, but do help your guests out a little bit.  They’ll thank you for it.

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(Photo: Nathaniel Thompson Photography)

Like every wedding planner out there, at Fresh LiME Events we are always asked what it is that we’ll do that that’s different from a bride’s on-site coordinator or catering manager.   Um… A LOT!  Nearly every wedding venue or caterer will tell you that they offer event coordination, but this is not the same thing as hiring an independent wedding planner to help you plan the biggest day of your life.

Don’t get me wrong, having an on-site coordinator is helpful, but you should not rely only on that person to make sure each and every aspect of your wedding comes together to make it fabulous.

The list below certainly isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a good starting place to understand where your on-site coordinator’s duties end and where a wedding consultant shines:

• Your Wedding Planner will oversee and coordinate all aspects and details that you want on your day.  Whether that’s ensuring the bathroom caddy is in the right spot, to ensuring your dancing shoes are under your seat, we’ll make sure they’re there.
• Your Wedding Coordinator will triple and quadruple check with vendors what their arrival times are, what their set-up requirements are, and when they’ll break everything down.  Your on-site coordinator won’t confirm any arrival times or requirements.  They’ll assume you will have done it.
• Your Wedding Planner works for you and no one else.  We’ll keep your best interests at heart and figure out plans B, C, D and E to make sure your vision happens, regardless of snafus. Your on-site coordinator ultimately works for the hotel or venue where you’re holding your reception, not you.
• For destination weddings, your Wedding Planner will creative travel itineraries, book travel and put together information on what guests can do in that particular location.  We’ll also confirm travel reservations so you and your groom aren’t stranded.  Your on-site coordinator, simply, won’t.

This isn’t meant to be doom and gloom about on-site coordinators, they can be very helpful, but we are not the same.  There are real differences.  And for a real-life story about what not hiring a wedding planner can lead to, check out this post on Inspired By This.

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