Post # 1
Member
22 posts
Newbee
I am currently writing a paper for my world business course and I have to come up with a micro credit business idea for Italy (because it’s my assigned country). Now, I had a whole cakery/bakery designed as my business (because it’s pretty much my dream business) but then I found out it had to be in Italy and relevant to their country. So now I am doing some sort of destination wedding business that makes it easier for brides in North America plan their weddings while their on the other side of the Atlantic.
Can you guys tell me about your experiences trying to plan a wedding while living so far away from the "destination"? If you are already married, was the wedding to your specifications and was it easy to plan? Would you do it again? What were the best and worst parts about planning?
Thank you so much, ladies! I’ll be brainstorming this topic with whomever answers until Wednesday evening. Thanks again! 
Post # 3
Member
22 posts
Newbee
Is no one planning a destination wedding?
Post # 4
Member
22 posts
Newbee
Please help me! I’m looking for anyone who is planning their wedding from a distance.
Post # 5
Member
253 posts
Helper bee
I planned a semi destination wedding, but not across a large body of water, just across the US. PM me if you have specific questions you would like me to answer for you.
Post # 6
Member
46 posts
Newbee
Well, I am currently in the process of planning a destination symbolic wedding in Paris, France. (We live in AZ and will be officially marrying by JOP in AZ to make it legal prior to leaving for Europe for the symbolic wedding.) Though we haven’t had the wedding YET, I can tell you a few things:
Since I don’t speak the language, I was limited to corresponding and making initial inquiries by sending translated e-mails. (I sent them in English and in French, which I used a translator online to write.) Unfortunately, I did not receive one single reply to the 20-odd e-mails I sent out to both Wedding Planners and churches/venues. It was very frustrating.
Finally, after losing all hope, as a last ditch effort, I contacted a lovely American travel planner who lives in Paris and has been sending me Paris newsletters since I visited there in 2004. I explained to her my troubles. She agreed to help me with arrangements for a fee for her time.
It turns out, the reason I was having such difficulty is that (a) French prefer to deal with people directly, not by e-mail and (b) nobody wants to plan a wedding for someone with only 12 guests. It’s too small and they can’t make any money on it and (c) sending an e-mail to tell me that was too much trouble for the French. Oh well. 🙁
In the end, I managed to arrange the service/church, hotels, transportation, etc., all by myself. The only thing I am getting help with is securing a hair stylist, a make-up artist, a florist and the restaurant for the post-wedding dinner and she agreed to arrange all these things for a simple 100 Euro fee. Not bad. Beats thousands on a wedding planner.
Hope that helps you with your project.
~ Kelly
Post # 7
Member
22 posts
Newbee
Thank you, Kelly! That is so helpful!!
Post # 8
Member
491 posts
Helper bee
You should really post this under one of the Destination Wedding sections. Or personal message someoe on one of those boards. Might have more luck!
Post # 9
Member
288 posts
Helper bee
I’m planning a destination wedding across the Pacific (wedding in Hawaii, I live in Australia) and by myself too – all my helpers (mom, Maid/Matron of Honor, etc. are in Boston).
Basically it’s really hard not being able to meet any vendors or see/taste/etc anything firsthand. I have to be very trusting and let go of control, which is hard for me. Please message me if you have any specific questions, I am happy to help.