EM Vallarta Wedding Blog

Tropical Destination Wedding Fashions…Lovely!!

2010-11-29T10:19:00.001-06:00

Having a little trouble picking out the perfect dress for your destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta?

Take a look at these fabulous creations by Elizabeth Anyaa, featured on Good Morning Texas, with Stylist Christian Iles and our very own Zac Campbell!!

They are lovely, one of kind designs, some in the latest pink hue that is all the rage on the runways this season. Heads will turn as you make your way down the aisle in one of these gorgeous gowns, you can be sure of that!!

We’ve even got something stunning for Mom!!

DESTINATION WEDDING FASHIONS by EIZABETH ANYAA

EM Vallarta on Good Morning Texas!

2010-10-25T12:11:00.000-05:00

Very exciting and busy morning we’ve had!! Eventful Moments Vallarta had it’s television debut today!! We were featured on Good Morning Texas (WFAA-TV)!!

Our very own Zac Campbell was on the show this morning talking about the ease of planning a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, along with one of EM Vallartas’ wonderful newlywed couples, Laura and Nik, who graciously agreed to join him!

They all did a stellar job and everyone looked just fabulous thanks to super stylist Christian Iles of Dallas, Texas!!

Take a look…

DESTINATION WEDDING IN PUERTO VALLARTA by EVENTFUL MOMENTS VALLARTA

Laura and Nik were married in Puerto Vallarta this past March at the Martoca Beach Club in Bucerias. You can see more of their wedding (as well as others) on our website in the the Featured Events section, as well as the Gallery section, at www.em-vallarta.com.

Last but not least!!…. Zac and Christian will be appearing on Good Morning Texas again, November 29th, talking about the appropriate attire to wear at a destination wedding. I believe you’ll be in for a little fashion show as well….Don’t miss it!!

Wedding Guest Etiquette….. Tips to being a Great Guest!!

2010-09-20T14:49:00.001-05:00

You’ve just received the invitation! What a fabulous couple, you can’t wait to attend their spectacular wedding!! What’s the next step?? How do you make sure you’re the best guest ever??

Sometimes, people do not know how they should behave when attending a wedding. Although most people assume that wedding etiquette is reserved for the bride, her groom and their family members, certain etiquette applies to guests too and starts well before the day of the wedding.

Embarrassing the bride, groom or their family should be avoided at all costs especially during the most important day for the newlyweds. The rules for the guests are much easier to follow and they come naturally to most people. Here are a few tips you should be aware of that will help make you a great wedding guest!

Your Invitation

Each invitation has an RSVP date. Because an accurate count is needed well before the date of the wedding, it wouldn’t do to respond late, even if you don’t plan to attend. Failure to respond in a timely manner is considered rude and disrespectful and can be very stressful to the bride and groom. Many vital decisions are based on the number of guests who will be attending a wedding and it is therefore very important and polite to confirm one’s attendance as soon as you can, to make work easier for the couple and the planners. From meals to décor to the seating list, if the bride and groom don’t have their guest count, many things cannot be finalized and their budget remains in flux. There are enough last minute details they will have to handle, try not to make your RSVP one of them.

There are other things to note on the invitation. For instance, if you’re allowed to bring a guest, this will be indicated as “and guest” next to your name on the envelope. If this isn’t indicated, you should assume the host is requesting only the honor of your presence and not that of your guest. It’s very bad manners to show up at the wedding, guest in tow, when you didn’t RSVP for two people. This means the caterer will have to scramble to make sure they have enough meals, and the host will have to pay for that extra meal and place setting after the reception. In addition, if children are invited, this too will be noted on the invitation, either as “and family” next to your name on the envelope, or inside the invitation where children’s names will be notated. If this isn’t the case, assume you’ll need to hire a baby sitter.

Your “Go To” Person

Don't assume that the couple to be wed should be your first stop with all your questions simply because it's their wedding. Not sure where they're registered for gifts? Wondering about which hotel to stay at? Will there be transportation? Need to know if there will be a babysitter at the wedding reception?..….. Don't pick up the phone and immediately call the bride or groom -- chances are, they've got enough wedding stress of their own. First try the bridesmaids and groomsmen, or the couple's parents. Find out if the couple has a wedding website (look on the invitation), which could very well have all the information you need. If you still have no luck, it's okay to contact the couple -- just make sure you've tried other avenues first.

Your Attire

When you’re picking out your wedding day wardrobe, do try to be respectful to the bride and groom. Traditionally, only a bride wears white to a wedding. For another guest to show up in white is disrespectful, no matter how cute the dress is.
On the other hand, in the case of a beach destination wedding, it is often requested that all the guests wear only white. Be mindful of the wishes of the bride and groom. If they have requested all white, this is not the time to let your unique personality shine and wear your new fabulous red outfit…. leave that for your own wedding where you’re setting all the rules.

Black is also considered disrespectful in some cultures. Although these days it is very acceptable to wear black, you’ll still want to check with the bridesmaids or the couples’ parents to make sure you’re not wishing bad luck for the bride and groom, before you choose this color. It’s probably best to err on the side of caution and wear something a little more colorful if you’re not sure. Keep in mind as well, that black can be a very hot color to wear in a tropical destination or a summer outdoor wedding.
Always take the location of the ceremony into consideration. For instance, if the ceremony is held inside a church, it is often considered disrespectful to bare ones shoulders or wear something considered risqué. Make sure you check the rules, regulations, customs and traditions.

Your Accommodations

No matter how far you've traveled to attend a wedding, the couple isn't required to pay for your hotel -- or even let you crash on their couch. Many couples will reserve blocks of hotel rooms to get a good rate for their out-of-town guests, but don't expect them to foot the bill. If you're not sure where to stay, ask a member of the bridal party for recommendations.

The Ceremony

The first rule is getting to the wedding on time. All wedding invitation cards indicate the time the wedding ceremony is scheduled to start and as a guest it is your responsibility to arrive on time, actually at least 15 minutes before the ceremony time is the rule of thumb. Arriving just as the bride is walking to the front of the church or ceremony location is a big NO-NO! If you are late, stand in the rear of the wedding location and watch from afar. Walking down the aisle after the bride and shuffling around trying a find a seat is a HUGE faux pas!

Another simple wedding rule to remember is silence. The only noise to be heard should be as directed by the officiate in order to treat the wedding ceremony with sanctity. This act of silence shows the deserved reverence and also creates a sense of order for the event itself. In addition, it is important to follow the leads of other guests or the officials if the ceremony requires guests to sit and stand during the ceremony.

Even though we always see wedding guests snapping away during the ceremony, in reality it’s considered bad manners to take pictures. Even worse is getting in the way of the professional photographer and/or videographer to get “that perfect shot”. The bride and groom have hired a professional for a reason and it is very important to them that you don’t interfere with the professionals doing their jobs. The photographer will have copies you might want to purchase later, or you can wait until after the ceremony is over…you can take all the pictures you want at the reception!

Your Seating

At the reception it’s likely you will have assigned seating. Your hosts have taken the time to see that you will be seated with people you know or are at least compatible with. If you’ve never made the acquaintance of some of the people at your table, start off the evening by making introductions. Before long, you’ll all be chatting like old friends.
Changing seats or even worse, tables, is considered disrespectful to your hosts. They have planned every detail carefully and have thoughtfully seated guest where they have for a reason. Also, changing places can wreak havoc with the dinner service. The caterer will have been given a schematic of all the tables and where every guest is seated. They know, seat by seat, who gets the fish and who gets the chicken, that the guest at table 6, seat 5 is allergic to nuts and there are vegetarians at table 1, 2 and 3 in seat 3, 7 and 9 respectively. Changing places and/or tables can end up resulting in guests getting the wrong meal and being unhappy…. or even worse. It’s not something the bride and groom need to deal with on the happiest day of the lives.

In the same vein, make sure you remember which meal you chose on the RSVP that you sent back to the couple. The bride and groom have only ordered and paid for a set quantity of each entree according to what was pre-ordered by their guests. Changing your selection during dinner service not only confuses things it may also mean that another guest will not receive the entree they ordered because it was given to you.

The caterer receives a list from the bride and groom with the names of each guest and the meal that they ordered. This list is used by the wait staff during dinner service. If you feel there was an error on the list and you did not order what it says, or you’ve just decided that you want something different from what you ordered, instead of causing a commotion and interfering with the rhythm of the dinner service (as well as stressing out the bride and groom) wait until all the tables have been served and then speak to your waiter, the wedding planner or the caterer about a possible entree change. Generally the caterer prepares a little extra of each entree and will be more than happy to accommodate you.

Your Behavior

Be mindful of speeches and announcements and the first dances. Guests conversing amongst themselves while something important is going on is not acceptable behavior.
Watch your alcohol consumption….everything in moderation. An open bar is fabulous but it’s no reason to overindulge and there’s nothing more apt to ruin the day for the bride and groom than a drunken and unruly wedding guest. Guests should show the newlyweds that they are happy for them but they should not embarrass them while doing it.

And Lastly….

The most important rule of attending a wedding is to enjoy the day!! Leave your worries, gripes and moods on the doorstep! The bride and groom planned this special day in celebration of a joyous affair and took their guests’ comfort and entertainment into heavy consideration. Be respectful, be polite and be a good guest and everyone will have a wonderful and memorable time!!!

Now test your skills…..Here’s a link to The Knot and their “Are You a Great Wedding Guest” Quiz….. Have fun!!

Put Bling Bling into your Wedding and Sparkle up your Step!

2010-08-23T11:30:00.003-05:00

Just came across a FABULOUS foot wear idea for a destination wedding on the beach!

Instead of regular run of the mill flip flops, why not style your feet with your very own, custom made, one of a kind, Bling Bling Flip Flops.

Bling Bling Flip Flops is a boutique company out of San Antonio, Texas. Owner and designer Valerie Cole Melson creates these “WOW” flip flops one crystal at a time. They’re custom crafted and designed for each client, so you can personalize your own dazzling pair and even match them to your wedding colors!

Bling Bling Flip Flops on weareaustin.com

Bejeweled wedding flip flops are perfect for any bride who wants to sparkle up her beach wedding…. they make wonderful bridesmaids gifts too!!

To contact Bling Bling Flip Flops and have Valerie design these works of art for your wedding, please follow the link below:
Bling Bling Flip Flops on Facebook

Fantastic White Wedding Dresses go "GREEN"

2010-07-21T17:09:00.001-05:00

I was chatting with one of our new brides today and she asked me if she thought renting a dress was a good idea! Now I've heard of renting the newest and most sough after purses but I have never heard of renting your dress.

In my search for further information, I ran across this site for Pre-owned wedding dresses!

http://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/

And there are some amazing deals out there! I love it! One, it couldn't be more environmentally friendly, and TWO) you can a amazing dress for a lot less money than you would have paid for it new!

Happy Shopping Brides!

Example 1 Originally $6000 Asking $4000.

Example 2 Vera Wang Original Price $9000 Asking $5500

Example Three:

Or in a entire other price range and quite stunning, especially for the Destination Bride's needs

Paid $4300 and asking $500

A 2010 Trend that is staying with us.. Swarovski Crystal Adornments

2010-07-16T12:04:00.000-05:00

Hello from the Big D ( or Dallas for those of you not in the know!)

We are having a great time searching all around Dallas for the next new thing in Bridal Trends. One trend that keeps coming up again and again is a continuation of a trend from last season. Last season many brides, included into their event design, the use of Swarovski Crystals. We had Crystals hanging from hand strung Orchids that appeared to be floating, crystals interwoven into the bride's hair, beaded into the bridal bouquet and even a touch of bling on the Groom's lapel. What we are seeing more and more of are Swarovski crystal bracelets to add a bit of sparkle. They are great for travel, as they are far less of a concern than traveling with diamonds and yet add a lovely touch of elegance and sparkle that our destination brides want to have. Nothing screams CHIC like bling on the beach! Enjoy!

And at Night ( a video still)

For the bride's wrist! They can even been done in multiples for a bigger impact!

Edith Bangle

A twist in design makes this rhodium-plated hinged bangle even more desirable! Two clear crystal pavé bands cross over at the centre making this beautiful bangle stand out and gleam in all its spendour. It is quite an eye-catcher!

Casting Call for your Special Day.

2010-07-06T10:41:00.000-05:00

For all of you multi cultural multi country brides and grooms who are doing a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta with Eventful Moments, MTV is looking to cover your wedding. If you get selected let us know and we will be happy to help in any way we can.

Good luck!

Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress Sale in Los Angeles

2010-06-21T15:58:00.001-05:00

I just recently found out about a fantastic opportunity for you all to acquire a dress from one of my favorite designer's at 40% -90% off! Monique Lhuillier is having a sample sale! Known for both her red carpet design as well as her wedding dress line, we have had a number of our Puerto Vallarta brides wear them as they can be elegant and also lighter weight... a perfect look for a tropical destination wedding. Fly, run but don't walk to this amazing sample sale.

Rain On Your Wedding Day – A Message in Reality

2010-06-17T17:36:00.001-05:00

Now that rainy season is upon us here in Puerto Vallarta (mid June - mid October), it seems apropos to say a few words about rain on your wedding day. Some say that it's good luck...the same people say bird poop is a sign of future prosperity. I say its all how you choose to look at it.

Here is a story of a lovely bride and groom, who decided to get married on June 10^th. From a rain perspective June 10^th is touch or go. Our event company, EM Vallarta, requires that tents be budgeted for starting June15th just to be safe. I digress: now back to the story.

It’s the morning of June 10^th and the weather has been touch or go for days; sunny one minute and threatening rain filled clouds the next. Our lovely couple, we will call them “Jenni” and “Nelson”, to protect the innocent, have decided to take our “suggestions” that tenting is the way go. And lucky they did. As the EM Vallarta team arrived to set up in the late morning, the skies above Nuevo Vallarta opened and the rains came flooding down into the golf course. The small puddles became ponds and the ponds became pools.

The EM Vallarta team sets up the space. The square tables, dressed with chartreuse linens, chocolate brown Avant Garde chairs, and square glass vases bursting with sweet peas, and flowers in shades of pink and cream. The towering lamps in chartreuse and cream echoed the tables and turned the outdoor space on the golf course into a chic, modern, party sanctuary for the families to create memories and photo ops to last a lifetime.

Fast forward to 5:30! Jenni is standing in her lovely gown with her attendants by her side. Her hair is up and her makeup -perfection. Only a few feet away on the other side of the door, Nelson and his groomsmen stand under the protection of the roof. They are all smiles as one by one they proceed to the palm leafed palapa where the ceremony has been moved. The space is filled with family and friends, soft candlelight and is illuminated by the sounds of gumdrop size raindrops hitting the pathway.

On queue, the entire crowd turns as Jenni walks over the threshold of their home. She is escorted by her parents and the unusual but highly necessary “umbrella holding wedding assistant and official skirt holder”. Donning a black and white golf umbrella, the size of a small country, you see Jenny’s cousin radiating with joy knowing that she is playing an unexpected yet key roll on this very important day.

With her gown hiked up to protect the lace embroidered train from the rain, the small group of family make their way to the protection of the thatched palapa. The ooohs and ahhhs can be heard from all as the bride enters the enveloping space. She allows her dress to fall to the floor as she gracefully makes her way town the isle toward the man who she is about to embark on a new life with. There wasn’t a dry eye to be found.

From there the festivities began. The smokey sounds of the Latin Jazz band created a sophisticated mood that was echoed by the passed canapés, hand made margaritas and blood red sangria. Smiles adorned the faces of all their guests. The Texans and the Irish families alike were giddy with joy. Neither the rain nor the humidity could squelch the joy of this loved filled memory in the making.

I tell you this story for one basic reason. Your wedding day is about the two of you and who you are in the world. It is up to every bride and every groom to set the mood and the tone for their wedding day. Rain, hurricane, blowing tents, stained dresses, forgotten rings, screaming mothers, fainting fathers, cheating cousins: none of these can truly destroy a day if the bride and groom stay focused on why they are really there. The flowers, food, booze, location, and all those little “important” details could all be taken away and it wouldn’t affect the end result. This is your day to celebrate the amazing commitment you are making and to profess to the world the love you feel. NOTHING ELSE and I mean NOTHING else really matters.

The EM Vallarta team works to perfect your day but while we are the foundation and the icing we can only be as good as you the hosts. The tone, the mood, the fun or lack of are all set by the bride and groom. The fallen wedding cake, the drunk maid of honor, the crying cousin swimming in the pool, along with the ceremony, the teary parents, your best friends toast, are all part of what makes the memory of your wedding day. Celebrate them like you celebrate life. We are all at choice as to how we deal with the curve balls we are thrown. Your wedding day is a glimpse into the future you are creating together. Take your cue from the rainy day couple, “Jenni and Nelson” and let it be filled with ease, joy and purpose.

Happy Planning…

To Mexico with Love!!

2010-06-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

Anyone who has an internet connection or subscribes to CNN has been shivering with fear. Many people have been asking us what’s really happening! Ahh and you are the smart ones! Anyone buying all of the hype needs to get out a bit more! Even the industry self-proclaimed “insiders” have bought into the hype. Causing what we call “BRIDAL FREAK OUT” !

Ok...enough ranting....

The EM Vallarta team of Wedding Planners has been asked numerous questions as to what is really happening in Puerto Vallarta. The clients themselves know very quickly that this is all sensationalized but it’s the guests that can be fearful.

Here is what we suggest all of our clients do. Stick to the facts and let your guests know that they will be safe and sound. Let the information flow.

For example… Puerto Vallarta had ZERO cases of the dreaded “SWINE FLU” errr..... “H1N1” errr….. ‘regular ole flu”. Please… you were more likely to get this in NYC than you were in Puerto Vallarta….a media frenzy, blown out of proportion and now just a faded memory....

Puerto Vallarta is not a border town. Mexico is a huge country….what happens in one state or city is not necessarily happening in another. It would be like asking people in Florida if they are being affected by a snowstorm in New York.

Puerto Vallarta does not have drug wars nor people being kidnapped.

Vallarta DOES offer a chic, tropical, bigger bang for the dollar location than you are going to find anywhere. Ask our brides and their families.

Vallarta offers some of the best Wedding Planners and Caterers in the Country and the level of service and professionalism is on par with any North of the boarder planner.

Here is my “insider” advise on planning a wedding here:

All the same rules apply.

Do your research.

Ask questions.

Check references.

Review your contracts before making any payments. Ask more questions.

As we always recommend, purchase event insurance no matter where it is. Do you insure your car?

Then sit back, relax and know that the team you have hired is going create the event that you have always envisioned. Magical, memorable and perfect!

Are you behind in your wedding planning? Are you avoiding inviting everyone from you mother’s list of guests. A destination wedding might be your answer. Call us, write us, check out our current clients.

Size Does Matter………

2010-06-15T14:13:00.000-05:00

You are both bursting at the seams with excitement over your engagement. And you have ever right to be. This is going to be one of the most, if not the most, important days of your life. You want everyone to share in the love and joy and festivities.

If you happen to have deep pockets or as the new touchy feeling term goes “willing to make a larger investment” a.k.a. SPEND SOME SERIOUS BLING and you surround yourself with people who are in the same boat, by all means the sky is the limit. Charter planes, rent compounds of Villas, keep the Vueve and Dom flowing. Create a level of a celebration that you have never experienced before. Go for it! We love it! And you will too!

However, if you are like the majority, champagne taste on a beer bottle budget, you have to make choices. There are a number of considerations to any guests list and a destination wedding adds a few more. Here is one way to start creating your list.

Each of you, independently start with a blank pieces of paper (or computer screen - which ever tickles your fancy).
Begin with your family and write down everyone that comes to mind that you want in attendance. Remember this is a private list that you are going to narrow down. After doing the first run through, go back and check the list again. Invariably you forgot someone like Mom or Dad, this is totally normal and doesn’t mean that you don’t love them. Just don’t tell them you spaced!
After completing the family list, it is time to start with the friends. This can be the hardest part of all. There are always considerations including the possibility of parental invitees. At this point, put those considerations aside and just start writing. An exercise in free flowing consciousness if you will. Later on we will eliminate the riff raff and get the advise from the parental units.
You’re done! Congratulations. Draft 1 is complete. Now the two of you sit down together and be awed by the guest lists that you have created. If you are like most people, you have everyone from Auntie Ethel to the nice lady you talked to while waiting in line at Starbucks about the new rock on your hand. It’s time for the red marker.
Now you need to start considering the realities. There are a number of considerations but two important ones and will give you a place to start. Independently go through you list and cross out the folks that fall into the “what was I even thinking category”. Do this while asking yourself, “Would I call ______ (fill in name here) and ask them to go out to a dinner and when the $200 bill comes, pick it up?” Suddenly "lady at Starbucks" has lost her appeal. Now while the $200 dollars is an abstract number do keep in mind that weddings are costly now matter how you look at it. For the sake of the list use the $200 dollar figure and see what your reaction is.
Now that you have both completed this level of cuts it is time to start seriously considering the list.
At this point I think it best to compile the two lists, this will automatically reduce the number of invitees as there is generally cross over.
Using a red pen, or other obvious color, go through your combined list together and next to each name label them with one of three letters, A, B, C. “A’s” come hell or high water (including paying for them to be there yourself) down the “C’s”, people who you would like to see there but it wouldn’t kill you if they didn’t show up. Do also consider that this is a destination wedding. Someone who might be an “A” may also be a person who is horrified of flying and won’t come, they would get a “C” rating. Also consider people who have time restrictions, like teachers. Or money restrictions. While the decision is up to them it can make a difference in the possibility of their attendance. Remember this list will be destroyed later on. The worst thing is for someone who considers himself or herself an “A” list person is in fact a “C”. Especially given that the “C” rating has many factors added in. And yes I personally learned this the hard way.
Now tally up each category and you can quickly get a glimpse of where your numbers are going to be.
If you are like many of clients, your list totals will come in between 80-100 people. Of that your attendance will fall into the 60-70 guests that will actually be bale to make it for various reasons. Unfortunately there is no true formula as to the number of guests who come vs. the number of guests invited. You really must look at the demographic of the group and determine if you think they will come or not.

Now that you have spent hours mulling and culling this list, it’s now time for the two of you to have a discussion. What is the tone of your wedding? Do you want a blow out bash and celebrate with everyone that is on your list? Or do you want to create a smaller more intimate event that focused on quality rather than quantity. Or do you want both? Can you afford both? Is both what you want? Talk about it. Talk about what aspects are important to you. Are you going to focus on the Food and Beverage or would you rather go more simple and have an over the top venue? Is having a live band key? Or do you want a super star DJ to come in? Are you happy hooking up your iPod to a speaker system? Talk about these things. Talk about what you both want your day to be like. This is not a conversation that will lead to any immediate conclusions but it will help you both to define what the day is to be like. It takes weeks of discussions, thoughts and getting quotes to see what your final decision will be.

This season alone, EM Vallarta will have completed 52 destination weddings. Ranging in size from 25 people to 200. Money aside, we have found that events that are under 80 people tend to be the most intimate, unique, memorable and quite frankly the most fun for the bride and groom and their guests. You have time to see everyone. You have time to thank each and ever person for coming to share this special day with you. Everyone in attendance speaks to your heart. The memories are solid. The “investment” is truly that. Imagine yourselves standing in front of all these people thanking them and honoring them for sharing this day with you. This is what a wedding is about. This is what a destination wedding produces. Memories that will last a life time.

Next article: “Budgeting…. Right from the get go!”

Choosing your Wedding Planner and Why

2010-06-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

The decision has been made.. “ Let’s Get Married in Mexico”

NOW WHAT?

As the old adage goes, one decision leads to another.

The first and most important aspect to ensure that your wedding day in Paradise is as you imagined, is to begin the process of finding that perfect person or company that is going to guide you through the numerous stages…aka THE WEDDING PLANNER.

“ Well why do I need a wedding planner? I’ve read every Martha Stewart Wedding Book, Modern Bride Magazine and I even planned my high school prom! How hard can it be”???

This is no time to find your inner party planner! You go to your doctor to find out if you are healthy. You go to your lawyer to make sure you have all your ducks in a row. You hire financial professionals to manage your money, why oh why would you spend all the time and money you are going to spend on the most important day of your lives and not hire someone who knows the ins and outs of what you are taking on.

Prior to becoming an event and wedding planner, the biggest regrets I had ever heard from brides and grooms is that their families and friends had too many responsibilities. They couldn’t enjoy the festivities because they were so tired and worn out from running around and dealing with all the months and months of details leading up to the big day. You want everyone that has taken the time to fly down here to enjoy every moment of their trip. Not be running around making sure that every candle is in perfect position. Honor them as they have honored you by making the time to spend with you on your day.

The second biggest consideration is that, while you are a very well traveled couple who has trekked Mt. Kilimanjaro and spent night after night wandering the Left Bank in search of the perfect cabaret, you have never planned an event in Mexico. You have never created an itinerary for 75 people all arriving at different times from different locations. Your idea of a dinner party is calling the Orchid Garden and having the party platter for 10 delivered, let alone planning rehearsal dinners, menus, specialty cocktails, cake flavors, hotels, villas, ground transport (a.k.a. automobiles) etc. Did I mention the additional factor that you have never planned an event in Mexico!

Be Smart. Make a wise investment. Hire a Wedding Planner!

Now that you have come to your senses you ask, “How do I know whom to hire?”. Years ago there was only one choice in Vallarta. Times have changed and as one of the world’s top wedding destinations, Vallarta has also attracted some great wedding and event planners as well as some duds. Your planner needs to a person or team that is keenly aware of what your needs are going to be. Someone that is going to provide you with the level of service you are accustomed to. You need someone who you trust to guide you down the road. Someone who you can trust to have a conversation with your mother of father or better yet, someone who can deal with the inter-family politics: THE MONSTER IN LAW! Most importantly, someone who has the resources to handle the scope of your event. This includes staff, reliable vendors, a solid business, and above all happy clients.

Ask the right questions. You are going to be spending a lot of time with your planner. Choosing a wedding planner is like choosing a lawyer or any other kind of professional. The reality is you need someone who can get the job done, on time, on budget and they need to be on page with you. They need to be accessible, and not just on Fridays because that is the day they send email! It is also key that you trust this person. There is a lot of money, time and responsibilities being given to this person. Do your homework. Choose wisely.

Check REFERENCES. Check References. Check References!

Listen to what their past clients have said about them. What were their strengths? Weaknesses? How do they look back on your big day? If someone has the huevos not to honor your request for references or just refers you to their web site “praises” page, MOVE ON! They are not worth the salt on the table next to the empty Tequila glass!

Bottom Line:

I’ve never known anyone who walked away from their wedding experience and said, “WOW, you know what? I really didn’t need a planner. I sooooooo could have done that on my own”. Now go ahead, start searching. You will regret not doing it.

Come back next week when we start looking at “Choosing the Perfect Location”.

Destination Weddings: The Good, the Bad and the Fantastic!

2010-06-15T12:27:00.000-05:00

So he popped the question!!! Now what?

You both have been to so many weddings at Yacht clubs, hotels and quaint B&Bs that you can’t bare the thought of your wedding day being like every other. You want it to be memorable, fun, casual yet elegant, and most importantly a day without a lot of stress. A day that your friends and family will remember for a life time and most importantly a day that set the stage for the rest of your lives together.

As a thoroughly modern woman; the first place you go to start doing research is the Internet. Your palms begin to sweat as you click through the numerous choices. You begin to realize that the “Bank of Ma and Pa” has set for you or what your savings account can handle, is not going create the day of your dreams.

“ 8 dollars for a piece of wedding cake? Are you kidding me?” That is the reality of hosting a wedding in a major US market that meets all of the criteria you and your honey have determined. This is when the depression sets in. “How am I going to have the day of my dreams when all I can afford is Burgers and Chips at the local Burger Barn!” Then one night, as you commiserate over a tall Cosmopolitan at an even taller bar, your future maid of honor reminds you of a coworker she had that got married in Mexico.

" Do tell!....."

There are a number of places in the world that specialize in destination weddings. Mexico and specifically Puerto Vallarta has become one of the world’s top destinations. Why? Easy, besides the obvious, natural beauty, amazing sunsets, a Hollywood legacy, world class cuisine and accommodations, you also have the necessary infrastructure to create the wedding you have always dreamed of. And if you live in San Francisco, New York, Seattle or any other major metropolitan city you will save about 30% off of what you would have spent at home.

So now you are warming up to the idea of getting married on the beach with the sunset behind you, the sand between your toes, or below the Minolas pumps you bought just for this occasion. You ask yourself, do I really want to do this? You couldn’t be asking a better question.

If you are a micromanaging, hyper planner, turbo-Martha, who must be clear as to every detail 18 months before the wedding day, who requires that everyone from the office is there, and who will have the day ruined by one of the cocktail umbrellas falling out of the Mother of the Groom’s Pina Colada, a destination wedding might be considered a challenge for you but one well worth investigating.

If you and your fiancé want your wedding to be an eventful experience that reflects the inner world traveler and wants a memorable night filled with laughter, memories, amazing food and drink, awe inspiring sunsets, lush flowers, close friends and family, mouth watering cuisine and don’t mind that mom’s umbrella fell our her drink you very well might be a candidate.

Tune in Next week when we discuss how to choose a wedding planner and why?

Welcome to the EM Vallarta Blog

2010-01-15T22:51:00.000-06:00

Award Winning
Custom Designed Weddings & Full Service Catering

Imagine a Puerto Vallarta wedding or commitment ceremony free of hassles and complications. Welcome to Puerto Vallarta . . . and welcome to Eventful Moments Vallarta.

The key to planning a successful event or an unforgettable destination wedding is early planning, early booking and an experienced company with dedicated planners committed to providing premium vendors, excellent service, and attention to detail.

Puerto Vallarta, with its Old Mexico charm and stunning natural beauty, offers the perfect setting for celebrating weddings and special events - and Eventful Moments Vallarta provides caring, personalized service and first-class international cuisine with an emphasis on style, creativity, and flexibility for every occasion.

Eventful Moments Vallarta is two companies in one; a full service destination wedding company and a gourmet catering company. So whether you are planning a Puerto Vallarta wedding, a big blow-out party or a good old-fashion Mexican fiesta, Eventful Moments Vallarta can handle it all with flair, enthusiasm and good taste.

While much of our work focuses around Puerto Vallarta destination weddings and commitment ceremonies, from the ceremony itself to coordinating the wedding flowers, photography, videography, music, reception venue - even guest accommodations and activities - we can also take care of every detail for all of your celebrations and special events in Puerto Vallarta.

Let our EMV team of professional Wedding Planners perform all the work while you have all the fun. With years of experience coordinating Puerto Vallarta weddings and special events for groups of all sizes, EM Vallarta is the most well-rounded catering and event company in the Banderas Bay area.

From lavish dinner parties and gala events to cocktail parties, anniversary parties, and weddings for up to 600 guests, EMV offers full-service catering, event planning, complete menu packages, service and bar staff, floral arrangements and decorating services, entertainment, rental equipment and more. We know our way around town and have selected only the best to be part of our team.

Whether you are a Puerto Vallarta resident or planning a destination wedding celebration in our beautiful city, the high quality of our cuisine and the attentiveness of our professional staff will reward you with sweet memories to last a lifetime. Let us help you plan an event that is memorable . . . from start to finish!