Because pets are often considered part of the family it’s no surprise that some of them–dressed to the nines in tuxes and fluffy tutus–are often included in the wedding festivities. We think it’s cute…and it makes for great photos if your pooch is absolutely adorable and you happen to train animals for a living. However, it’s not always a great idea. In fact, wedding planners, brides and grooms are split on whether to include Fido in the ceremony. A www.pawnation.com, a Web site for pet owners, poll in 2009 revealed that of the 1,480 respondents 54 % said it was an absolute must to include pets in wedding celebrations. Meanwhile, 33 % said they would if they knew their pet would behave and 13 % said not a chance. That said, if you are planning a destination wedding, we urge you to make sure you really, really think about including your furry best friend. For one, think of traveling. Traveling with a pet isn’t always easy, or affordable. Flying? It’ll cost you extra. As for hotels, you’ll need to find one that is OK with pets. Then, of course, you will have to care for your pet while you are trying to enjoy a sunny vacation. Most San Diego beaches are OK with dogs but you’ll have to keep that pup on a leash. There are, of course, designated off-leash dog parks. Taking that all into account, look at the balance sheet. If it’s worth the time, money and energy to travel with your pet then go on, get it fitted for a tux. Thinking of a calm, beautiful wedding? We urge you to also consider a pets’ unpredictable nature. Is Lassie going to pee on Aunt Betty’s shoe? Is Flipper gonna poop on your train? Do you want your wedding to remembered for that?
The one thing we often hear about any wedding, destination weddings included, is that the affair often leaves the new couple worn out and exhausted. That’s why honeymoons can be so relaxing, right? Well, when you head over to a sunny vacation destination like San Diego for your big day it is easy to tack your honeymoon on the trip, or consider the trip your honeymoon. We’ll warn you: This can leave you starving for a real vacation for you and your honey. Destination weddings, depending on how many people attend, are often treated as reunions. Parties here, gatherings here, dinners here, brunches there, family hikes around Torrey Pines… and much, much more. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just keep in mind you may want to break away from the fun to spend time as husband and wife before you go home and link your bank accounts or fill in your “thank you” cards, or any other newlywed administration. You’ll need a vacation from your, well, vacation. Lucky for you, San Diego is a port city for many great cruise lines into the Mexican Riviera and more. And given the economy, deals and steals are abundant. Check with your travel agent or cruise on over to Carnival Cruise Lines.
Unless you plan on buying a plane ticket for your wedding dress, chances are you are going to have to pack that pretty little thing, either in a just-for-destination-wedding dress box, a shipping carton prepared by your dress shop or tailor, or an extra suitcase. Imagine arriving at your hotel. Imagine checking into your suite. Imagine unpacking your dress, unfurling ruffles and ruffles of tulle and satin, and finding– Oh my dear!– something is off. It’s wrinkled. A seam has come undone. There’s a tiny stain on the side.
That’s why you may want to have these items on hand. Note: Be very, very careful handling the hand steamer. Use the bleach pen only if your dress is pure white and only after diluting the solution. Have some needles pre-threaded in a color that matches your gown. And if you only have a minute and have the jitters, opt for the double-sided tape.
The words wedding and insurance are about as romantically matched as chocolate truffles and vinegar. However, since weddings can cost a small fortune, insuring the big day is one thing a bride might want to think about just in case. Especially in the case of a destination wedding, where a wedding dress on its way to San Diego could end up lost in the airport in Dallas or your maid of honor might wind up delayed in Chicago, wedding insurance— costing as little at $160— ought to be on the budget next to favors and photographer.
According to a 2009 analysis of wedding insurance claims by Traveler Insurance Co., vendor and venue bankruptcies and service issues remain the most frequent causes of wedding day mishaps for couples. Now for the scary numbers and nitty gritty. The insurer, which provides wedding coverage, found that a total of 62 percent of all wedding insurance claims from 2009 were the result of vendor and venue problems, a 19 percent increase in this category in comparison to a similar study Travelers released last year. Claims data showed mishaps with banquet facilities, caterers, photographers and flower shops left some newlyweds without important wedding day details. The most common vendor and venue related problems include the facility or vendor going out of business (Hello economy!), flowers and photos not being delivered, DJs not showing up and caterers not delivering what was promised. And, to all your destination wedding planners, 8 percent of claims in 2009 had to do with a key person not being present at the wedding due to circumstances like travel delays.
Travelers, which released its study just in time for Valentine’s Day (and the tidal wave of proposals!), offers a no-deductible Wedding Protector Plan, is helping a growing number of couples protect their budget for as little as $160 by covering items like lost deposits, unavoidable cancellation due to weather or military leave, lost or damaged photographs, gift breakage, host liability concerns and more. A simple four-question quiz on protectmywedding.com can help brides-and-grooms-to-be understand the coverage and limits they need to protect their wedding budget. To learn more about wedding insurance, including the costs and buying online or through an independent agent, visit protectmywedding.