Crystal Blue Planning Tips :: Hair and Makeup

If you are a destination bride, you may not visit before the week of your wedding.  So many think that a few days is not enough time before the wedding to have a hair and makeup trial.  Well, no, it’s not ideal, but it’s definitely do-able.  Schedule your trial for the day you arrive (or the day after if you’re getting here late in the day). 

Be prepared for your trial.  What do I mean by that?? 

                    ::  Have some sort of clue of what you want your hair and makeup to look like. 

                    ::  Bring pictures of examples

                    ::  Bring a photo of your dress

                    ::  Bring any hair accessories you intend on using

                    ::  Have your hair dry and your face clean when you arrive to the appointment

Talk to your stylist(s), be open, candid and honest about what you want.  Remember they are professionals but it’s YOUR day so if something is not as you like it, speak up!!  The trial is the time to practice, tweak and make you feel comfortable on the day. 

Another tip–bring a camera.  When you’re finished, have someone take photos of you from every angle.  That way, on the day, if there is any question about what is to be done, you can just pull up the photos.

Looking for hair and makeup artists in Cayman?  Have a look at the beauty section on our preferred providers page!

Destination Planning Tips for your Cayman Islands Wedding :: Visit!

It amazes me how many people plan destination weddings site-unseen.  Yes, with today’s technology it is definitely easier to “see” locations from afar but if you have the opportunity and the means, your stress level will thank you for coming down for a visit in the early parts of the planning stages. 

Before you visit, do some research and make appointments. 

     ::  Narrow down the locations you would like to see for your big day and other wedding related events. 

     ::  Scour the Crystal Blue Provider Page to learn about all of the spectacular wedding service providers on the island

     ::  Make appointments with coordinators, photographers, venues and all of the rest to ensure you are getting the most efficient use of your time while you are here (and of course, allow some “reflection” time–preferably on the beach with a daiquiri in hand).

While you’re here, get a lay of the land.

Your guests will be asking you a million and one questions.  How far is X from the airport?  How do we get from A to B?  Where do we go for dinner?  Can you eat lunch at Stingray City? 

Since you are the hostess with the mostess you’ll want to make sure your guests are happy and comfortable and have all of their questions answered so make sure you check things out while you’re here! 

Nearly-wed mini moon

One of our providers, TheReef, has a great offer for you.  Whether you are getting married at the Reef or elsewhere, it’s worth checking out their nearly-wed mini moon package for your planning visit.  Learn more about it here.

Do you have questions about your planning visit or need other planning guidance?  Let us know!

Crystal Blue Planning Tips :: Wedding Website

I cannot tell you how many people have asked me, “Should I have a website for my wedding?”  My answer…absolutely, YES.  There is no question about it if you are having a destination wedding and even if you’re local, it helps you in the long run! 

Here are the reasons why…

::  Some of your guests may not know you.  Sounds weird, I know, but friends or family of your partner that live elsewhere may have never had the opportunity to meet you.  A wedding website is a great way to “put a face to a name” and learn a little more about you.

::  Informational purposes.  Of course this is one of the main reason for having a wedding website–especially if you are having a destination wedding!  Your guests need info!  How to get there, where to stay, renting a car, etc. etc.  They will still ask you these questions (trust me) but instead of sounding like a broken record, you can just tell them to have a look on the website for everything they need to know.

::  Insight into your planning process.  I’ve worked with couples who have blogged about their planning process.  If done right, it’s fantastic!  The updates make your guests feel like they are part of the entire wedding instead of just guests on the day.  It gets the excitement going for everyone, not just the bride and groom.  Be careful, though…don’t make it a daily blog about the gripes of wedding planning.  No one wants to hear from a negative Nelly.

::  Introduce your wedding party.  The website is a great place to show off your maids and men!  Photos, bios and some funny stories are great for guests to read and find out more about who these people are standing up for you on the big day!

::  R.S.V.P.  Many folks are opting for people to R.S.V.P. via their website instead of the traditional reply card that comes with the invitation.  This is definitely a personal choice, but keep in mind those who may not be Internet savvy.  You need to ensure that each person invited is able to R.S.V.P.  If not, you’ll be making a lot of calls to find out if their coming!

There are so many wedding websites out there for you to use.  Some free, some not.  For my wedding I used Wedding Window and found it really easy to use and set up.  There are also free website templates on The Knot and Wedding Channel for you to check out! 

Are you using a website for your wedding?  How is it working for you and what website company are you using?  We’d love to hear from you!

Crystal Blue Planning tip :: To pay or not to pay

A question frequently asked by many couples is this…”I want my guests to do everything together, but do not want to pay for EVERYTHING.  What do I HAVE to pay for and what are some ideas for getting together that won’t blow my budget?”

Here are your answers…

What you HAVE to pay for :: 

You have to pay for the same things you would pay for if you were having a wedding at home.  These costs include the ceremony and reception, favors, the brides hair and makeup (and if you’re feeling generous, the bridal party hair and makeup as well), bridal party transportation (if necessary), your photographer, videographer, flowers, coordinator, officiant and all of the other bits and pieces that go into producing your wedding day. 

If you can, work into your budget the cost to transport your guests to and from the ceremony and reception venue.  It’s not a requirement, however, they gone to some expense to be with you on your day and it is a very nice gesture to get them that little last way on your dime.

If your budget allows ::

Plan an excursion as a treat for you and your guests.  Charter a boat and take them to Stingray city for an afternoon.  Go on a sunset catamaran sail one evening.  Head out into the blue and do some deep sea fishing.  Not only will your guests appreciate this treat but they will have the opportunity to meet the others and spend quality time with you.

If your budget does not allow ::

You can still do things together, however, you must make it clear to your guests that you are not paying for it.  (Of course there are tactful ways to do this!) 

Some other ideas…

If you have rented a villa, stock your fridge with drinks and snacks and hang out on the beach outside of your villa for the day.  Make it an open house–anyone can stop by anytime and you are ready for some low maintenance entertaining (e.g. go help yourself to a drink or a snack).  If your budget doesn’t allow for the stock, tell them it’s BYO!

Tell your guests to meet up at XYZ bar for happy hour.  If you can, buy the first round.  If not, don’t. 

The most important thing is that you are relaxed and having a good time.  If you are, your guests are and regardless of who pays for what, everyone will have some fantastic memories of your wedding for many years to come!!!

Are you planning a destination wedding to the Cayman Islands or elsewhere?  What questions can we answer for you?

Cayman Islands Planning Tips :: Officiants

Many of my past couples have asked friends or family members to perform their ceremony.  I always love this because the ceremony becomes extremely personal–not just for the couple but for everyone attending the wedding.  In order for the ceremony to be legal, however, you must have a Cayman Islands Marriage officer present at the ceremony to witness that the ceremony has taken place as well as ensure the appropriate paperwork is signed.  Without a Cayman Islands Marriage Officer, your ceremony is not legal in the Cayman Islands. 

With that said, in Cayman there are some fantastic marriage officers who will also make your day extra special!  They are more than happy to work with you leading up to the day to create a ceremony that is personal, reflects your style and is also legally binding. 

Any questions or any planning tips you need help with?  Let me know!

Crystal Blue Thursday Tips :: Local Flowers

Today’s planning tip is about flowers.   Many bride’s have asked me what kind of flowers are local to Cayman that they can use in their wedding.  My answer…none.  Sorry gals, but it’s just not happening down here.  Granted, we do have a couple of flowering plants that you MAY be able to use for SOME aspects of your wedding, however, flowers (from flowering plants) do not love when they are removed from their plants so don’t count on them lasting for too long.

Bougainvillea is the most commonly use flower from a flowering plant.  I’m not saying I recommend it, but some do use it.  It comes in a variety of shades and the flower is really beautiful, just not exactly what you would call robust.  If you are going to use Bougainvillea in any area of your wedding, you must soak it (and I mean soak it) for a few days before use.  Also, do not use it in your bouquets, boutonnieres or hair flowers–by the time you get down the aisle, all of the petals will have fallen off or wilted. 

How do we get flowers?  Our lovely florists import them for us (isn’t that so nice of them??).  They work with floral farms all over the world and receive shipments about twice a week.  Chat to them about what is in season and what they recommend for your wedding–they will be sure to have a ton of ideas and are always happy to help!  Do not leave this until the last minute, though…orders need to be placed well in advance.

I hope that helps!  Is there anything you are wondering or need help with?  Let me know!

Crystal Blue Thursday Tips :: Ceremony Timing

Hey there!  Today I’m introducing you to Thursday Tips ::  Helpful suggestions for your Cayman Islands Wedding.  Each Thursday I’ll be giving you a few tips to first, make things easier on you in the planning process, and second, help give you the best wedding you could possibly have!

Today we’re talking ceremonies and timing….

FAQ ::  What time should I have my ceremony?

As we all know, the days are longer in the summer and shorter in the winter.  While that is absolutely true in Cayman, since we are closer to the equator, the amount of time the sun is out does not vary drastically from month to month.  First, what I suggest is ask your photographer or planner.  They can tell you the best time for your ceremony in order to have the perfect photographs and enough time for some beautiful portraits after the ceremony.  If you are one to take things into your own hands, look up the sunset time (I use www.timeanddate.com) and work backwards from there.  Your ceremony should be approximately 1.5 hours before sunset. 

What do you need help with?  Let me know–that’s what we’re here for!!

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