It’s funny how much the weather affects us. It’s a common conversation starter with strangers, it often affects people’s moods and it actually plays a huge part in decision-making – including when to have a wedding!

For the typical at home wedding, we all know most couples choose June. Why?

Spring is traditionally a time of rebirth, perfectly symbolic of starting a new life with your mate. June is that beautiful transitional month that lands smack dab in the middle of late spring and early summer, so you get the symbolism without the rain AND benefit from warmer, summer weather.

For destination weddings, the trends show May as the most popular time of the year. Why? Again, spring plays its symbolic part. And early spring down in the Caribbean and Mexico is more like their early fall – still much balmier than North America!

Here are some fun facts about the Caribbean and Mexico based on its weather patterns:

• The best (and therefore busiest) time to visit is December through March. (peak season)
• The busiest time is spring break in February and March where destinations are often overrun by teenage travellers. (peak-peak season)
• April and May are great options when you want to avoid crowds, save cash and still get beautiful weather conditions. (off season)
• Hurricane season is the worst time to go which typically runs June through November. (off-off season)

Why May is the most popular destination wedding month

As you can see from the fun facts above, those who travel to the Caribbean and Mexico in April and May can save in expenses, enjoy less populated destinations and hotels, and benefit from gorgeous tropical weather.

According to Caribbean-guide.info, the average May temperature in the Caribbean is 27 ºC (81 ºF). Average highs: 30 ºC (86 ºF) and average lows: 25 ºC (77 ºF).

May is right before the start of hurricane season so travellers find the best travel and accommodation deals for this month. When you have a wedding group of 30 guests, you’ll benefit from group rates AND the off season prices.

Why November is the 2nd most popular destination wedding month (and rising in popularity!)

They say (see fun facts above) that hurricane season lasts through November but more Beachside Brides & Grooms are coming to believe these are merely guidelines. According to this About.com article, you get all the benefits of May during the month of November.

The Caribbean-guide.info says that the average November temperature in the Caribbean is 27 ºC (80 ºF). Average highs: 29 ºC (85 ºF) and average lows: 24 ºC (76 ºF).

If you want to save a ton of money for you and your guests, both May and November dates are equally beneficial!

Think it’s too late to have a 2011 destination wedding? Think again. If you book a November wedding now, you still have six months to prepare and many couples pull it off without a hitch – especially with the help of a destination wedding specialist! Contact us to make your dream wedding happen this year.

Related posts:

1. November is the New May for Destination Weddings
2. Why Consider a Fall Destination Wedding?

This is exciting news for both us and our Beachside Couples – we’ll tell you why in just a moment. But first, for those of you just tuning into the blog we’ve been publishing a series on destination weddings in Jamaica:

• Why Jamaica for Destination Weddings
• Secrets Wild Orchid hotel review
• Couples in Jamaica resort review

Reading these posts, you can tell that our agency has become raving fans for Jamaican weddings since two of our Destination Wedding Specialists (DWS) returned from their FAM trips to inspect Jamaican destination wedding resorts.

This product launch news tickles us because many of our Beachside Brides prefer to customize their destination wedding to suit their desires. However, in order to simplify the wedding planning process for couples and increase resort efficiency, most resorts offer specific wedding packages that do not allow for much wiggle room.

Grand Palladium in Jamaica Exclusive Wedding Packages

If you’re sold on marrying in Montego Bay, Jamaica, now you have more options thanks to the Fiesta Hotel Group partnering up with New York-based wedding planner, Karen Bussen! Ms. Bussen authored Simple Stunning Weddings and has been featured on national television, including Good Morning America.

The 5 wedding packages she designed for Grand Palladium resorts are based around theme and mood. Most importantly, they allow for added personalization with colour changes, various upgrades and extras (like welcome kits, parasols and bridal tea parties).

The only catch is these wedding packages are offered only at Grand Palladium resorts in Montego Bay, Jamaica:

1. Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
2. Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa

To find out more about these packages, click on the above links or hear about them from Karen Bussen herself:

Related posts:

1. Why Jamaica for Destination Weddings?
2. Secrets Wild Orchid for Destination Weddings in Jamaica
3. Couples in Jamaica: Destination Wedding Resort Review

All the destination wedding specialists in the Weddings By Oceans’ office are psyched to visit this new hotel in the Spring. But after this post, maybe you’ll decide to check it out sooner and tell US about it.

Making Rock and Roll History

Grand Opening week: January 26-30, 2011

The first and only all-inclusive Hard Rock resort is celebrating its Grand Opening and they want YOU to experience history in the making. As a guest for this special and one-time-only event, you’ll enjoy:

• Featured performance by the Gypsy Kings on January 29, 2011
• Grand opening entertainment
• Killer parties
• Outrageous special events
• Opportunities to rub elbows with celebrities

Now these are just the extras associated with the Grand Opening. But we know you’re wondering, “What makes a Hard Rock Hotel so great?”

What to Expect from an All-Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel

There are so many things about this hotel that has gotten everyone in our office bickering over who will get to inspect this new hotel in Punta Cana! Here are a few of them:

• Elegant rooms and suites
• Fine Dining
• Endless activities
• Rock Spa
• Casino
• Nightlife & Entertainment

Destination Weddings

One of the most exciting aspects of this hotel for us is their special focus on weddings. They provide some handy wedding planning tools and offer different wedding locations such as the beach or floating wedding gazebo.

Here are their wedding packages and current promotions to peruse and if you’re ready to commit to tying the knot here at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, you can check for wedding availability or contact us as your destination wedding specialists and we’ll do all this work for you.

Example of Pricing

May 15th, 2011 for 7 nights based on double occupancy. Air Canada Vacations:

1636 + 177 tax per person

So are you ready for a rock ‘n roll theme to your destination wedding while offering your guests the ultimate in relaxation and stimulation, depending on their moods? Don’t wait any longer and contact a Cyber Maid of Honour here at Weddings By Oceans.

What do you think of this Hard Rock Hotel & Casino? Can they be more than a Cafe?

Related posts:

1. A Dream Destination Wedding in Punta Cana
2. Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana Review for Destination Weddings
3. 3 More Punta Cana Resorts Reviewed for Destination Weddings

Last week we attended Caribbean Week in Toronto and even though we’re getting ready for our Fall Destination Wedding Event, our dedicated destination wedding specialists live for destination weddings – and this is exactly why we won’t ever sell you wedding accessories.

Our latest industry news-escapades lead us to the popular roaming bridal show, the Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase (WWBS).

Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcases have been recognized as Canada’s largest and most respected bridal shows. Operating from coast to coast, Welcome Wagon is a Canadian-owned, free greeting service for families experiencing a lifestyle change.

Although admission is free (for the bride-to-be & guest) and it’s metaphorically on wheels, the Welcome Wagon is like any other bridal show that charges an entry fee:

• Exciting door prizes
• Fashion shows
• Exhibits from local businesses
• Planning guides
• Special displays
• Free gift bags – includes a copy of Today’s Bride Magazine and Perfect Wedding Guide - for the first 100 brides!

Our main Cyber Maid of Honour, Megan, took some time last night between work and packing for her Mystery Destination to attend Welcome Wagon’s bridal show at the Richmond Hill Country Club. She met with numerous couples interested in a destination wedding and would like to thank all of them for taking the time to speak with her.

If you missed us at this show, Weddings By Oceans will also be at the next WWBS in Vaughan at the Destiny Banquet Hall on Tuesday, November 16th, 2010. Come meet our destination wedding specialists in person, we’d love to discuss your wedding plans and answer your questions. (Click here for a map and event details.)

And if you can’t make that one either, register for our Fall Destination Wedding Event – it’s going to be a hoot! Have you been to a Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase before? What did you think? Will we see you at one of these bridal events?

Related posts:

1. Toronto Bridal Shows Warm the Winter Blues
2. Happy Holidays! (& January Bridal Shows)
3. Bridal Show Take Aways

Caribbean Week in Canada is a celebration of the sights, sounds, colours, culture and unique vacation attributes of the Caribbean. Tourism officials, the media, artistes, performers, celebrity chefs, sponsors and strategic partners as well as the youth of the Caribbean Diaspora will participate in Caribbean Week activities in Toronto.

If you’re a regular reader, you know we’re dedicated destination wedding specialists. When we’re not in the office helping couples plan their destination weddings, we’re travelling throughout the Caribbean and Mexico conducting site inspections and making certain we’re up-to-date with destinations, hotels, industry news and connecting with our partners. (This focus is why we won’t ever sell you wedding accessories.)

So those of you who know us won’t be surprised to hear we’ve been enjoying the 4th annual Caribbean Week!

We’ve been soaking up the fun, steamy Caribbean scene, meeting new people and reacquainting ourselves with previous contacts. Our brains are filled with additional knowledge on this popular destination spot and all of which we plan to pass on to you for your destination wedding.

Thursday night we attended an exclusive trade show event and schmoozed with…

Tourist Boards

• Anguilla
• Antigua
• Grand Cayman
• Jamaica
• Cuba
• Barbados
• US Virgin Islands
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent
• The Grenadines

Hoteliers

• Anse Chastenet
• Jade Mountain
• Coconut Bay
• Sandals
• Resort to the best (check out their extensive collection of hotels here)
• And many more

After the tradeshow, we attended presentations by Air Canada Vacations, Transat Holidays, Nolitours and WestJet.

A Special Highlight

Appetizers with a Caribbean flair were served and we learned how to make Jerk Chicken from Chef Selwyn Richards of The Art of Catering. We also sampled this incredible treat topped with Mango Salsa!

Rum & Rhythm Festival

Caribbean Week culminated with a spectacular event open to the public which took place last night at the striking Andrew Richards Designs in Toronto.

Rum and Rhythm combined everything that is culturally unique and appealing about the Caribbean. Caribbean chefs, entertainers, rum aficionados and industry professionals (including us!) were on hand to educate and entertain guests.

There were Caribbean beats and award-winning Caribbean rums, traditional Caribbean cuisine and rum-infused delicacies prepared by Celebrity Chefs from the Caribbean. A mixologist showcased many of the distinctive rum-based cocktails enjoyed by visitors to the region.

Those who came out to Caribbean week got a taste of what awaits them on their Caribbean vacation. A big shout out to the Caribbean Tourism Organization for organizing such a successful Caribbean Week 2010!

Did you attend this year’s Caribbean Week? If you missed it and are thinking about a Caribbean destination wedding, feel free to ask us anything you’d like in a comment or contact us at the office.

Related posts:

1. Destination Wedding Event & 4th Annual Bride’s Bash: A Smashing Success!
2. Save-the-Date for our Annual Destination Wedding Event!
3. Thank You for a Successful Fall 2010 Destination Wedding Event

This is great news but it’s not entirely new news to us as destination wedding specialists. Not only are destination weddings more affordable than traditional weddings, but the beach is the ideal location for comfortable attire. Just think: Could you ever get away with wearing flip flops at a home wedding?

Photo: courtesy of Nitro:licious blog

So it was exciting for us to read earlier this week how the down-to-earth, budget-friendly trend (common in destination weddings) has been catching on!

Not only have we seen it in movies, like Carrie Bradshaw ditching the usual frock for something more simple in Sex in the City 2, but also in clothing store chains and mainstream articles written by fashion reporters.

The Toronto Star’s fashion reporter, Derrick Chetty revealed in his article, “The Style List: Street style, budget bridal and British retail mecca,”  that fashionable clothing store J. Crew recently opened a bridal boutique in Manhattan to supply customers with what they want.

Since we don’t have J. Crew here in Canada, Chetty went on a hunt for something similar to accommodate Canadian brides. He found what he was looking for at H&M. He describes this white gown as, “casual and breezy, yet romantic, making it perfect for a beach wedding.”

It’s only $59.95 and 25% of the sales goes towards youth HIV/AIDS awareness programs. A win-win-win scenario if we’ve ever seen it.

You can read more about H&M’s support of AIDS awareness on Nitro:licious blog.

However, if you’re dream is to walk down the aisle in a big, beautiful, frilly wedding gown for your destination wedding, don’t let fashion dictate your decision! Even so, this post may still be useful to you. Why not buy the inexpensive option and use it for some phenomenal, unusual trash-the-dress photos?

As destination wedding specialists, it’s always our pleasure to share up-to-date wedding industry knowledge with you. Just a reminder, though, if you’re looking for a wedding gown – we won’t ever sell you wedding accessories! Unlike some destination wedding specialists, we prefer to focus so we can always provide you the best service.

Was this information valuable to you in making your destination wedding dream come true? Let us know in the comments below and if you have any questions you’d like answered, put those in the comments, too, or contact us the old fashioned way.

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Fall Destination Wedding Trends
2. Welcome Wagon Bridal Shows

The Government of Cuba announced travellers must now present proof of health insurance before they enter the country, effective May 1, 2010.

This is what you can now expect at Cuban customs:

Upon arrival, travellers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or medical assistance card valid for the period of their stay in Cuba.

Those who do not have proof of insurance coverage may be required to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company when they arrive.

By the way, temporary residents and Cubans living abroad must also hold valid health insurance policies.

Additional information you should know:

• Although proof of Canadian provincial health insurance (such as OHIP), is sufficient for visitors to enter Cuba, your provincial plan may cover only part of the costs and will not pay the bill up-front, as required. It is therefore recommended that travellers purchase supplemental health insurance. (Note: some private insurers also require the traveller to pay costs up-front and be reimbursed later.)
• Cuban authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country.
• All health insurance policies will be recognized except those issued by U.S. insurance companies, as they cannot provide coverage in Cuba.

For additional details concerning this new travel requirement, please consult the Embassy of Cuba in Canada and/or click here for the information they’ve published on their website.

If you’re Canadian and plan to visit Cuba, consider investing in supplemental health insurance. Our provincial health care insurance, while worthwhile here at home, is limited and covers only basic needs. While travelling, you may need prescription drugs and expenses associated with unforeseen health care emergencies.

We recommend travelling (especially to a destination wedding) with insurance – it’s the most important travel tip ever – and we trust RBC to provide top-notch products and services. As an RBC partner, you can contact us to help you with the most appropriate travel insurance for you.

Are you Cuba bound this year? What do you think of these new Cuba travel regulations? Will you be purchasing supplemental health insurance for your trip?

Related posts:

1. Attn: All Cuba Bound Destination Wedding Goers
2. The Most Important Travel Tip Ever
3. Tips for Healthy Travel

According to our sources, recently published articles have advised that all visitors entering Cuba will be required to purchase health insurance beginning May 1, 2010.

Although the procedures and requirements by the Cuban government have yet to be fully disclosed, the preliminary reports state:

“…all tourists, foreigners with temporary residence in Cuba, and Cubans living abroad visiting the country, will be required to purchase health insurance when travelling to Cuba. This health insurance is to be sold by non-Cuban insurers approved by the Cuban government, or by Cuban firms providing insurance products at Cuba’s ports of entry. Diplomats and representatives of accredited international organizations will be exempt.”

Our chosen insurance provider, RBC Insurance, is currently communicating with the appropriate government officials to determine traveller requirements. They expect to have additional information within the next two weeks when the Cuban Government announces their list of approved out-of-country insurance companies.  

RBC Insurance is also communicating with the Cuban Consulate in Ottawa, the Canadian Embassy in Cuba, the Cuban Tourist Board, the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada and Asistur to obtain full details. Asistur, the Cuban Government’s assistance agency, and RBC Insurance has enjoyed a very strong partnership lasting 18 years. They have worked closely to assist and settle claims for insured travellers to Cuba.

Stay tuned in the following weeks as we keep you up-to-date on this mandatory Cuban policy regarding health insurance for travelers heading to this beautiful, tropical country. If you haven’t already, sign up for our RSS feed or have new posts delivered to your email.

Weddings By Oceans has complete trust in RBC Insurance and we recommend their products to all our clients. If you’re planning a Cuba destination wedding this year, please contact us for advice on all of your out-of-country health and trip cancellation insurance.

Related posts:

1. Got Health Insurance? Can Travel to Cuba
2. Destination Weddings in Cuba: Amy & Chad
3. How to Save a Destination Wedding Gone Wrong

Following the recent amalgamation of TUI (Signature) and Sunwing, we would like to share with you some upcoming changes at Sunquest (Thomas Cook Canada) with Riu Hotels & Resorts.

Riu has advised us that they will be making certain hotels available to The Sunwing Group in Canada going forward. For the winter 2010/11 season, the portfolio of Riu’s Caribbean and Mexican hotels will be split between Thomas Cook Canada and The Sunwing Group.

Weddings By Oceans has enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership with Sunquest and Riu Hotels. We are very proud of our achievement as one of Canada’s leading Riu supporters in Canada. We plan to fully support both companies as we continue to sell Riu properties.

Thomas Cook Canada (Sunquest), is pleased to have secured their strategically important Riu properties in our high-performing destinations for next winter:

Aruba – Riu Palace Aruba
Nassau ( Bahamas) – Riu Palace Paradise Island
Costa Rica – Riu Guanacaste
Los Cabos (Mexico) – Riu Santa Fe
Puerto Vallarta (Mexico) – Riu Vallarta
Cancun & Playa del Carmen (Mexico) – Riu Cancun, Riu Palace Mexico, Riu Tequila, Riu Playacar
Jamaica – Riu Palace Tropical Bay, Riu Ocho Rios
Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) – Riu Palace Macao, Riu Bambu
Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) – Riu Bachata, Riu Mambo
Florida (Miami – South Beach) – Riu Florida Beach

Sunquest assures us that:

“Scaling back our Riu relationship gives us a significant amount of flexibility, and we now have an opportunity to complement our high-performing Riu properties with a broader portfolio of exclusive product. We are very excited about our product line-up, and we’re especially pleased with the new properties we’ve been able to secure, which fit our strategy of offering quality and exclusive products, representing excellent value for money.”

Weddings By Oceans is excited to see more exclusives come our way from Thomas Cook Canada next season!

We have not yet received official word from Signature/Sunwing (Sunwing Travel Group), however we speculate that they will be given Riu Palace Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Riu Palaca Cabo San Lucas (Los Cabos, Mexico) and Riu Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Mexico) to name just a few of the remaining Riu’s up for grabs next winter.

We are hopeful that with the addition of Riu to their program, the Sunwing Travel Group and Weddings By Oceans can continue to support this fabulous chain of properties.

“Weddings by Oceans has worked closely with Riu Hotels & Resorts and I am happy to say that they have always conducted themselves professionally. They sell many weddings with us and we have confidence in their ability to sell our product. In the few years Weddings By Oceans has been selling Riu they have already risen to one of our top agencies and is a Riu Partner Club Gold Member (highest level of sales).” Nova-Lee Black, Riu Resorts Representative – Canada

Related posts:

1. 4 Varadero Resorts for Destination Weddings in Cuba
2. Our Top 5 Honeymoon Resorts
3. Exclusive FREE RIU Destination Wedding Packages

Punta Cana is home to fragrant coconut groves, lush rainforests, limestone caves and many natural glories to behold. Its beaches are among the best in the world; stretching adjacent to a beautiful sea with 7 different hues of turquoise waters.

The Dominican Republic (DR) shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and there have been several inquires from clients with regards to the impact this may have on their upcoming travel.

The DR Ministry of Tourism is assuring visitors that all of its cities, tourism and resort areas are conducting normal business operations:

“The DR government, consulates and embassies are also working diligently with international communities to provide earthquake relief for Haiti. Millions of Dominicans have donated time, money, supplies and expertise to help Haiti in these critical hours of need,” said one statement.

All of the tourist areas, hotels, resorts, airports and seaports are open and receiving visitors. The DR experienced NO damage from the earthquake or its aftershocks.

Major tourism regions, including Punta Cana and La Romana on the east coast, as well as the popular destinations on the north coast, are welcoming tourists from all over the world, says the ministry.

• All of the DR’s eight international airports are open.
• All Of the DR’s cruise terminals and seaports are open.
• All of the DR’s  beaches, hotels, resorts and tourism businesses are conducting normal business operations.
• The DR did not experience any damage from any aftershocks that occurred in Haiti.

Wedding By Oceans would like to wish all of you who are preparing to depart in the upcoming weeks for the Dominican Republic a wonderful trip. We will see many of you there, as we are escorting several destination wedding groups.

If you’re interested in a Dominican Republic destination wedding in Punta Cana, please contact us.

Related posts:

1. Punta Cana Review for Dominican Republic Destination Weddings
2. Destination Wedding in Dominican Republic: Jason & Angela
3. One More Tip for Healthy Travel