The dates for the 2011 Crystal Coast Wedding Salon  are January 7-8, 2011.

The Salon isn’t your average bridal show. It’s a weekend party by the sea full of destination wedding planning events and fun for one low ticket price.

Events include chauffeured limousine tours of Crystal Coast event venues from Emerald Isle to Beaufort; the Wedding Salon Showcase, which gives brides a chance to meet select Crystal Coast wedding vendors in a relaxed oceanfront wedding reception setting at the Sheraton Oceanfront Resort in Atlantic Beach; and a rousing After Party at the North Carolina Aquarium complete with dining, dancing, and door prizes.

Couples will also receive a luxury swag bag worth hundreds of dollars in gifts, services, and area dining and shopping offers. Details and tickets online at CrystalCoastWeddingSalon.com. Check out pictures from last year’s Salon on our Facebook page.

One of the coolest events at the Crystal Coast Wedding Salon are the Wedding Venue Tours on Saturday morning. You and your groom can choose a tour of wedding venues on the beach or in Beaufort and Morehead City.

Climb aboard one of our luxurious limos, pour a glass of bubbly, and enjoy a tour of the Crystal Coast’s finest wedding venues from Beaufort to Emerald Isle. The tour of your choice is part of your All Access ticket price! And, really, what other bridal show does this?

Check out photos from last year’s venue tours.

Check out our new TV commercial! You’ll see it on TV from Raleigh to the Coast in the the next few weeks, but I thought I’d give everyone a sneak peek!

The Crystal Coast Wedding Salon is going to be a big time at the beach in January: limo tours of wedding event venues, a rocking After Party at the NC Aquarium, our wedding showcase with the Crystal Coast’s finest wedding vendors, and so much more for one ticket price.

Also, the Sheraton Atlantic Beach (our host for the Wedding Salon) is giving away a fantabulous week-long oceanfront honeymoon, complete with sunset cruise, spa treatment, dining, and more! You don’t want to miss the chance to win that.

Come join the fun and plan your Crystal Coast Wedding, January 8-9. Advance discount tickets on sale now
www.CrystalCoastWeddingSalon.com.

Crystal Coast weddings and receptions can take place at so many beautiful venues indoors, outdoors, next to a giant fish tank or amongst local history. Where ever you are hosting your event, every venue is unique.  Decorating your event sets the tone and mood for you and your guests.  Whether you are looking to recreate a feeling or to have an unforgettable experience, picking the right decorations is key.  Here are some things to think about.

What is your personal style?  Are you laid back, casual, trendy, sophisticated or romantic?  You may want an evening wedding with rich hued flowers and glowing candles.  Or a more contemporary setting with lounge furniture and jewel toned linens.  Maybe an outdoor party with hanging party lanterns and a tropical tiki bar.  What ever you decide make sure it reflects your personal sensibility.

Know your budget and work it!  This helps determine exactly how many decorations you can have at your wedding or reception.  It’s likely that equipment and decorations will be the next to the last thing you purchase or rent.  Careful budget planning and execution will help avoid unwanted stress and disappointment.  If your budget it tight think about renting the more expensive pieces you won’t reuse.  Some rental equipment companies you work with may even be willing to purchase reusable items after your event.

Take pictures of your event site.  We know you’ll be watching “Who’s Wedding is it Anyway” and Googling pictures of your wedding ideas.  You can easily overwhelm yourself with great ideas!  Taking pictures of your event sites allows you to look back at the site to visualize if your idea will work.  It also helps your wedding planner and/or vendors share your vision for the big day.   

Less is more.  Many venues at the Crystal Coast are already festive since many of them are local attractions or locally owned and operated.  If you are having a 4 course meal your reception tables will already be crowded with place settings, you may only need one tall centerpiece instead of a centerpiece and candles.  The natural beauty of the beach only needs enhancing during your ceremony with maybe a few decorative starfish hanging from a beach bench or chair.

With thorough planning and a little creativity you can plan the wedding of your dreams, not break the bank and give your guests an affair to remember.       

Submitted by Jamie Wax,
Island Essentials
Emerald Isle, NC