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Casa Interview: Destination Wedding Planner Alison Hotchkiss (Part 2)

CasaSugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:00:47 -0700

Alison Hotchkiss, the creative director of Alison Events and the author of Destination Wedding Planner, has plenty of smart advice on planning destination weddings. If you, or a couple you know, are planning a destination wedding, I highly recommend Alison's new book to lend a guiding hand in your planning process. You can read the first half of the interview here. Alison has more great advice in the second half of this interview.

CasaSugar: When you plan a destination wedding, do you try to use local artisans, caterers, and other services?

Alison Hotchkiss: I definitely try to use as much local support as possible. It’s cost-effective, puts money back into the community, and is a positive way to support the area. I will sometimes hire a local planner to serve as my eyes and ears locally, and then I have someone to help us when we’re there. Especially in smaller beach communities, a lot of negotiations and contracts are over a handshake, not a formal agreement, so it’s important to respect the way that the local community does business.

To see Alison's advice on everything from wedding favors to organizing activities, read more.

CasaSugar: What’s your take on wedding favors? Have there been any that have stood out? Have there been any alternatives that were creative or impressive?

Alison Hotchkiss: One of my favorite favors was from my Costa Rica wedding. All of the guests were given Holga cameras preloaded with film, so everyone was able to take photos throughout the ceremony. There was a big beautiful glass bin where everyone could drop their film and they could reload throughout the evening. At the end of the evening the bride took all of the film, processed it, and put it on the Pictage website, so everyone could see all of the photos that were taken.

Another trend I’ve been seeing is people paying it forward by offsetting people’s carbon footprint for travel. This is often seen on the bottom of the menu or program. Other couples have donated to schools or children’s community shelters. I’ve seen a lot more of that than people purchasing favors. I think it’s a waste of money to do a favor these days when there are so many other things you can put your money towards.

CasaSugar: How do you deal with gifts at a destination wedding?

Alison Hotchkiss: I rarely see gifts at a destination wedding. Most people know to not bring gifts and to ship them in advance. If somebody were to get gifts they’d have to pack them and bring them back. You’d have to arrange for shipping, and oftentimes if you’re staying at a hotel that’s something they can execute for you.

One other great story is that some of my clients, in lieu of wedding gifts, the client included a notecard in the invitation asking everyone in lieu of gifts to “pay it forward” and do something for someone else, be it a family or an organization in their name, and then to write it on the notecard. Then, when people got to the wedding, the guests had the same card that had their name and their table numbers on it, so they replaced the name cards with the pay it forward card, and we had this really awesome display of what people had done to pay it forward. They ranged from deep, meaningful stories to really silly stories, such as “Oh, I paid for the person’s toll behind you,” and someone else said, “I rescued a bird off the side of the road.” That was a really cute idea and a great way to say, Let’s not focus so much on material gifts, and focus more on giving back to the world.

CasaSugar: Once guests get to the destination, have you found a fun way to organize activities? Do you let guests know a schedule beforehand, or spring it on them as a fun surprise? How would you say is the best way to organize this?

Alison Hotchkiss: I’d say the majority of people these days are creating their own wedding websites, which is the best way to communicate all of the information that can happen. It can have directions, wedding activities, local things to do and see, all of that. Or, rather than asking people to sign up beforehand on the web-site you can have people, during the rehearsal dinner, sign up for the following day’s tours. We have used a chalkboard so it was more fun than writing it on a 8.5x11 piece of paper. Different activities we have done are a snorkeling adventure, massage, or horseback riding. It’s nice to not have to determine things so far in advance.

CasaSugar: Given the economic climate right now, if you were going to recommend one area where guests can squeeze their budget, what can be downsized?

Alison Hotchkiss: I’d say music. We always tell people to go with a DJ vs. band, it’s thousands and thousands of dollars for a band. A band can run from $2,000 to $10,000. That’s one area. Another is limiting favors. You can also choose beer and wine instead of an open bar, or limiting the time of the open bar. Pick your battles and consider what’s most important.

Another area is the flowers. Instead of doing flowers, consider using a combination of herbs, flowers, succulents, and fruits. We did a wedding recently in the tropics and cut bougainvillea petals from the local branches and made a carpeted aisle for the ceremony. It was so vibrant and so colorful, and it was free. Use what you have locally.

CasaSugar: What would you have at your destination wedding?

Alison Hotchkiss: All I know is I want it to be somewhere tropical (with good surf), laid back, and I would be totally happy with fish tacos, a DJ, and local beer, Oh and I think I am going to wear a short dress and lose the shoes!

CasaSugar: That sounds excellent.

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Gail Simmons on Eco-Friendly Weddings

partysugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 08:00:41 -0700

Last week when I spoke with Gail Simmons about weddings, I was blown away by her inspirational ideas. Although she may not come across as a green goddess when she's judging Top Chef, she's actually very eco-conscious. Having an environmentally friendly wedding was very important to her and her now-husband, Jeremy. To find out her suggestions for throwing an eco-chic event, read more.

Send a save the date email. Instead of sending formal save the date cards, Gail chose to save paper. She let her loved ones know when and where her wedding would take place through a short, but sweet email.
Cut back on the invite. Gail examined every aspect of the invite and asked herself where she could use less paper. "I've never understood why wedding invites come with two envelopes. What is that second envelope for? Why is it necessary?" She ditched the extra envelope and sent information on hotels and lodging to only out-of-town guests.
Use recycled paper. This is a no-brainer! Gail printed all of her wedding stationary on regular sized, 100-percent recycled paper.
Don't waste the flowers. "Flowers are such a big thing, but they are wasteful. They cost so much money, are on a table for a couple of hours, and then what?" Gail came up with a clever way to lengthen the life of her wedding flowers. While she and her guests were dancing the night away, her wedding planner gathered the vases and wrapped each bouquet in craft paper. When her friends and family left the wedding, they were given a bouquet of fresh flowers to take home!
Give an eco favor. Gail's wedding favor was a reusable farmers market tote bag. "My friends still use them to this day."

Did you go green at your wedding? Share your stylish eco-tips with us below!

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Roundup: Weekend DIYs

CasaSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:00:47 -0700

Since it's a holiday weekend for many of us, why not try to cram in a couple DIY projects over the next three days? I've got some great garden projects, wedding favor ideas, and more this week.
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Off to Market Recap: Wedding Favors

partysugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 01:00:29 -0700

Finding the perfect wedding favor is not an easy task. A good wedding favor should spark the memory of the wedding, be representative of the couple, and be somewhat useful. To inspire our blushing brides, I asked you to help me find the internet's most fabulous favors. You bookmarked the favors in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Wedding Favors.

My favorite favor was this pear shaped kitchen timer. It's ideal for a foodie fantasy wedding because it encourages guests to get cooking! Serenityspeaks discovered this timer that's functional and fabulous. Take a look at all of the favors below and let me know which one you love!

Don't know how to use the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar? Have no fear, geeksugar has created an easy how to. More ideas for your big day can be found at IDoSugar.

Off to Market: Wedding Favors

partysugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 03:01:33 -0700

Finding the perfect wedding favor is not an easy task. A good wedding favor should spark the memory of the wedding, be representative of the couple, and be somewhat useful. If we all search for excellent favors, imagine how many fresh ideas we can come up with! Let's head off to market in search of a variety of wedding favors. Bookmark the favors in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Wedding Favors. I'm extremely excited to see what you discover!

Don't know how to use the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar? Have no fear, geeksugar has created an easy how to.

To check out where I shop online, read more

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market

Party Favors for Your Geek Chic Reception

GeekSugar — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:45:36 -0700

A geeky girl's dream wedding would include an awesome reception where everyone mingles, fills up on delish food and drink, and has a total blast while celebrating your big day. To help make this dream a reality, you'll want to check a few things off your "To Do" list beforehand. Of course you'll need music and entertainment, plus something fun to fill your guests' time. Party favors are a hit with crowds because it gives people something to do while the food line goes down and occupies the kiddies while the 'rents are busy networking your other guests for photoshop tips.

What kind of party favors would a geeky couple provide? Well, besides going green and sending your guests home with plantable trees from the Arbor Day Foundation, you can let them entertain themselves with a number of inexpensive and totally geeky gifts. For example, Rubik's cubes on the tables, or even take home Rubik's Cube Keychains will keep the nerdiest of guests focused, and will satisfy the younger geeks-in-training by keeping their hands (and minds) busy.

I have more geeky party favor ideas when you read more

Make it a team effort with crossword puzzles or Sudoku printed tablecloths or napkins. Seriously, what geek hasn't been obsessed at one point with beating the Brain Age Sudoku puzzles on their Nintendo DS? Having them show off their puzzle prowess will surely make a long lasting impression. Just by going to any custom printing shop with a tablecloth of choice and a puzzle or two, you can get a unique geeky wedding activity. Just don't forget to provide pens and/or crayons so that people can actually do the puzzle!
Handing out USB Flash drives is an uber geeky gift that you can personalize with your wedding day message. Have it engraved with your names and the date, or customize with a personal message. "Live long and prosper" would be my personal choice. Since this could get a little higher on the price scale, you can reserve the flash drives for the wedding party alone if you are running low on cash.
Since I got this as a Christmas exchange gift once, I can personally tell you about the joys of the keychain digital camera. These little guys are super fun and will hold up to a beating by your keys (if you actually keep it on your keychain). Plus, guests can take photos while at the wedding and have them to remember later. Think about designating a Flickr/Shutterfly tag (ex: Geek and Geekette's Wedding) so everyone who took photos at the event, whether it be from the keychain camera or their own, can upload and tag them properly, making a huge virtual photo album online.
Hand out pre-burned CDs of your wedding soundtrack. This is an easy and fun project to complete together before the wedding, since you can pick out tracks that you both love, select a photo for the cover, and if you have a printer that prints on CDs, like the Epson RX680, you can customize the look even further!

Be sure to check out more of our wedding coverage on I Do Sugar.
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Build Your Own Energy Bar With YouBar.com

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

I'm a fan of energy bars for pre- or post-workout snacks, but with this whole peanut butter salmonella scare, it worries me that some of my favorite bars have been recalled. If you've been a little nervous too, then you'll love YouBar.com. You choose the ingredients to build your own energy bar, so you know it's safe and a mix of all your favorite ingredients. You choose a base, such as almond or cashew butter. Then you choose a protein if you want, such as soy. Then you get to choose up to two kinds of seeds or nuts, like hempseed, flaxseed, or sunflower seeds. Then choose up to two fruits, including goji berries, dried apricots, or dried cherries. Then pick a sweetener, such as clover honey, and up to four seasonings such as cocoa, cinnamon, peppermint oil, or ginger. Then finish by choosing up to two grains, such as rice cereal or granola.

After your have created your perfect bar, the site supplies the nutritional info on your YouBar. Plus, you can name your bar anything you want, and when you receive them in the mail, the wrapper has the name you've chosen. Cute, huh? They cost about $3 a bar, so a case of 13 costs $39. Not only is it a brilliant snack idea, but would also make a great gift or wedding favor.

Reminds me of Me & Goji customized cereal.

Eco-fy Your Wedding!

GeekSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:30:12 -0700

In honor of Earth Day (and wedding planning week here on the Sugar Network) I thought it would be a grand idea to serve you up some easy and simple ways to make your wedding just a bit more earth friendly from a geek's perspective. These days, getting down with protecting Mother Earth can be simple.

From your wedding shower, to the big event and to all the details in between - from flower and utensil selection to reducing your meal's carbon footprint by choosing local food and beverages - little changes like this can certainly help our planet and our pocketbooks! Making your wedding eco friendly has never been more simple (and surprisingly) cost effective. Besides, wouldn't you rather spend all that extra cash on the honeymoon, or better yet? That flat screen HDTV you've been eyeing? Go, Earth!

Invites - We've already talked about some great wedding websites like ewedding that you can set up at little or no cost. The best part, since all of your ceremony and reception information is in one place, no one will be losing the details on your big day. And since your guests can RSVP directly on the site at any time, there really isn't any need for paper invites anymore. Another option is to create a DVD wedding invite - high tech, yet super simple to make! However, if you are a traditionalist and want to send out your dream monogrammed paper invitations, make sure your paper is 100 percent recycled or even paper free like what's offered at Atlanta based Earthly Affair, who offer recycled invites as well as eco friendly printing and shipping.

For a few more tips, read more

Favors - No more mint candies in little bags from the earth friendly couple! There are lots of online options for some pretty unique and planet saving wedding favors. For example, The Arbor Day Foundation offers gift trees for your guests to plant, and nurture, just like your marriage! Or, you can send your guests away knowing that you have donated funds in their name to a charity of your choice, with the help of great charities like I Do Foundation.
Go Green With Transportation - Why take separate vehicles and burn all those fossil fuels when you can double, even or triple-up in something like a stretch limo? Or better yet, rent lots of hybrid cars instead of getting that earth un-friendly hummer your hubby has been longing for.
Rings - Sorry to be a "Debbie Downer," but If you haven't seen the film Blood Diamond, I suggest you take a gander before purchasing that rock you've dreamed of since you were a little girl. Times have changed and it's imperative that you make sure you aren't getting a diamond at the cost of someone's life! Research where your diamonds come from before you buy, whether it's online or from a store, or even consider going for a man made gem. Also, since mining for gold does a number on the earth's ecosystems, consider recycling your old rings that you aren't wearing, and turning them into a new piece that you can enjoy forever through a company called GreenKarat that does just that. By reusing gold or silver you already have, you can make your new rings as geeky, or as traditional as you'd like, and help reduce mining damage!
Go Digital! - Why do it the old school way and waste tons of rolls of (toxic) film when you can go digital?! With digital cameras, you can easily email your captured memories to friends and family, or upload them to lovely digital photo frames! Simple, easy on the environment and super cheap!

For more wedding coverage, check out I Do Sugar.

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How-To: Making Your Wedding a Little Greener

CasaSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:30:30 -0700

Unfortunately, just because you're holding your wedding ceremony in the great outdoors that doesn't mean your celebration is good for the planet. If you want some ideas for cutting down on the environmental impact of your big day, take a look at my tips.

For a Greener Wedding

Who doesn't love flowers? You can keep your flowers eco by buying organic blooms or buying the flowers locally.
When considering where to hold your wedding, think about where most of your guests are located. Midwest? East Coast? The Southwest? Then, consider holding your ceremony there. It will cut down on travel expenses as well as the environmental cost of planes, trains, and automobiles.
You can now buy compostable cups, plates, and utensils for your shindig. This means that your guests' plates will end up enriching the soil instead of sitting in a landfill.
If guests are traveling from a long distance, ask them to offset the carbon produced from their travel. It's cheap, quick, and easy. In lieu of wedding favors, which are often thrown away or forgotten, you could also offset your entire wedding guest list's carbon output. You could have a message telling them about the carbon offset "gift" printed up on wildflower seed cards that are left on each guest's plate. Make sure the guests take the cards home and plant them.

For the rest of my tips, just read more.

Instead of cut flowers, arrange small potted flowers in groupings on reception tables. Encourage guests to take the plants home to their garden at the end of the party.
Keep your registry eco-oriented, with gifts from green designers, artists, and furniture stores. Crate and Barrel and Ikea are two big retailers that have consistently scored high marks in terms of environmental responsibility.
Print your invitations on recycled paper that use nontoxic, soy-based inks.

Anyone else have some great ideas to make your wedding greener? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

For all of our wedding coverage check out IDoSugar.
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How To Plan a Wedding Shower With Online Tools

GeekSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 08:00:35 -0700

Planning parties has become infinitely easier with the advent of the Internet. I've shown you online tools for planning your wedding and your registry, but there's also a ton of help on the Internet for planning a wedding shower!

Whether you're the one getting married or a friend of the bride and groom throwing the party, trust me - online planning is where it's at.

Online party planning site My Punch Bowl can help you plan your party, with ideas and advice for every step of the way.

To see the rest of the tips, just read more.

Since the wedding shower is not quite the big, formal event a wedding is, I think email invitations are perfectly acceptable (not to mention eco and ultra-convenient). My favorite, of course, is eVite. They have a few pages of wedding-themed invitations that would be great for a shower, and you can always design your own.
Whatever theme or color scheme you're going for, Pearl River Mart and Plum Party are my favorite online party retailers - they have a ton of awesome party favors and decorations, and supply products in bulk.
Don't let anyone get lost! If you're using eVite, Google Maps is already integrated, but if not, you can email the Map or get the embed code for the map and embed it in your invitation.
After the party, remind people how much fun they had and upload your photos to a free photo site like Picasa, where a free account gets you 1GB of storage.

And don't forget to write your toast! This is the one thing that shouldn't come from Google.

To see more of our wedding coverage, be sure to check out IDoSugar!

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