Check out this article in The Washington Post about Beaufort.

While not wedding-oriented, it gives readers a wonderful taste of this Crystal Coast seaport town. Beaufort is  becoming one of the Crystal Coast’s leading wedding locations off the beach.

With top-notch wedding venues such as The North Carolina Maritime Museum and the Beaufort Historic Site, this town offers a wonderful historic ambiance with a salty flair.

Brides, grooms, and their families are invited to attend the Crystal Coast Wedding Salon, January 8-10, 2010, at the Sheraton Oceanfront Resort in Atlantic Beach, NC.

The Crystal Coast Wedding is the area’s only destination wedding showcase that welcomes brides to a weekend at the beach for an experience in coastal wedding planning.

The Salon isn’t an average bridal show. It begins on Friday night with a rousing welcome party sponsored by the Sheraton Atlantic Beach with music, fun, food, and drink On Saturday morning, January 8, couples can take a chauffeured limousine tour of 20 Crystal Coast event venues from Emerald Isle to Beaufort. Brides and grooms will have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne while participating limousine companies transport them to area venues set in wedding style.

Later that day, The Wedding Salon showcase 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. Brides will experience first-hand how over 30 Crystal Coast wedding vendors can make their beach wedding a dream come true.

On Saturday night, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will host the hottest ticket in town: After Party for Salon guests. Complimentary transportation will be provided from the Sheraton to the Aquarium where food, drink, dancing, prizes, and great fun await.

Couples will also receive a luxury swag bag worth hundreds of dollars in gifts, services, and area dining and shopping offers.

All-inclusive tickets are $20 for couples, and $15 for singles with discounted tickets available online at www.CrystalCoastWeddingSalon.com. The Sheraton is also offering a special accommodations and breakfast package available by calling 800-624-8875.

Our friend, Pam DuVal at Promised Hearts Wedding Planning teaches a Certified Wedding Planning course at Carteret Community College, and the next class starts September 1.

The wedding planning certification program is perfect for the individual looking to get started as a professional wedding planner right away or someone that needs validation for their current skills as a wedding planner. This comprehensive program covers everything from contracts to etiquette, flowers, music, day of services, marketing, business practices, trade secrets and industry specific applications. Whether you plan on working part-time, planning only a few weddings a year, or a full-time career, this program will provide all the tools necessary to work as a professional wedding planner or start your wedding planning business.

Students meet each week in class as well as take class trips, site tours, and even participate in assisting at real weddings during this class.

Candidates for the Wedding Planning Certification Course at Carteret Community College can register by contacting Kris Workman at 252-222-6204 or krw@carteret.edu. Tuition is $795 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Here’s an interesting article from the San Francisco Gatedetailing one California bride’s journey to make her wedding eco-friendly–and save a bit of money. While some of the details apply to Northern California, we think her experience is applicable to any wedding. Help save the environment and wear and tear on your budget.

E.H.

By Eric Hause, Producer of the Crystal Coast Wedding Salon

Today’s bride knows that it is impossible to put a price tag on love. And believe it or not, many brides are looking at drive-to destination weddings as a way to economize and yet still have the wedding of their dreams.

Many brides think of a destination wedding as cost prohibitive, but the truth of the matter is that they can cost less than traditional weddings. This may be advantageous to brides and grooms who are feeling the effects of today’s economic crunch. For example, in 2008, the average traditional wedding cost $27,000, while the average destination wedding cost $16,500.
 
While exotic destinations abroad continue to be popular wedding sites, many brides today are looking for that same ambiance closer to home for less.  Each year, hundreds of brides find that North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is the ideal location for a spectacular destination wedding, especially during the current economic squeeze.

“We’ve seen destination weddings on the Crystal Coast holding steady in most cases, and actually growing in others,” said Eric Hause, producer of the Crystal Coast Wedding Salon, a destination wedding showcase in January, 2010.  “The rough times have not really affected brides who want a magical wedding at an exotic beach location like the Crystal Coast.”

Hause reports that most brides planning a Crystal Coast destination wedding live within a four-hour drive of the Crystal Coast. “They are enamored by the idea of packing up their car, inviting their closest friends and family, and coming to the beach for their wedding,” he said.  “They not only love the area, but know they can have their dream wedding at a fraction of the cost of a traditional event at home or nuptials in much more distant locale.”

Here’s why:

Destination weddings automatically mean a smaller guest list. While brides planning traditional weddings often feel obligated to invite everyone in town, destination brides often limit their guests list to family and only closest friends. The size of the average traditional wedding is 165 guests, while Crystal Coast destination weddings average 75 to 100 guests.

Destination weddings are often combined with the honeymoon.The wonderful advantage of having a Crystal Coast wedding is that the wedding and honeymoon can often be combined into one vacation (often called a weddingmoon). For example, by renting a Crystal Coast vacation home for one week, brides can hold their wedding and reception on Saturday, then enjoy a quiet week at the beach through the following Saturday.  Often, some of the wedding guests and family will stay the week as well, enjoying an extended vacation with the newlyweds.

Destination weddings are not bound by traditional wedding conventions.A Crystal Coast beach wedding can be an informal affair, offering flexibility with the wedding gown and some of the other traditional wedding accoutrements that add up. For that reason, a Crystal Coast destination wedding is a popular alternative for second weddings, vow renewals, or those who prefer less tradition.

Travel costs need not be prohibitive. Crystal Coast destination brides and their wedding parties who live within driving distance of the beach save on flight and other exorbitant travel costs. In addition, by planning a weekday or off–season wedding, brides and their wedding guests can take advantage of lower lodging rates.

North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is an exotic wedding destination in its own right.Miles of unspoiled beaches, luxurious vacation homes and resorts, talented wedding professionals, and a wealth of natural beauty have captured the hearts of hundreds of couples who come here to be married each year. “Plus, there’s plenty to do for your wedding party from museums and charter fishing to golf or just enjoying the beach,” said Hause.

To explore all the Crystal Coast has to offer brides, makes plans to attend the Crystal Coast Wedding Salon, January 8-10, 2010, in Atlantic Beach.

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

By Eric Hause, Publisher of Crystal Coast Bride Magazine

Oceanfront weddings are beautiful and romantic. They also require a bit of extra planning. Here are a few tips from Crystal Coast Bride Magazine.

• ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN. Please do not plan the most memorable day of your life without considering Plan B! Set a specific time for the final weather call and have your plan ready for action if necessary. Make sure you know specifically how you will inform your guests should you have to go to Plan B.

• CONSIDER YOUR GUESTS. Take a close look at your guest list and know how far they will have to walk to your beach ceremony. Include maps in your wedding invitations. If some of your guests are elderly or handicapped, make sure you provide assistance. Also, think about restrooms, water, and other comfort needs for your guests.

• KNOW WIND SPEEDS AND DIRECTIONS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY Check a weather web site or local forecast and be prepared as wind is notoriously fickle on the Crystal Coast. Fall north winds could carry insects from the sound and marsh, so prepare with insect repellent. Summer southerly winds could make for a blustery beach wedding.

• KNOW TIMES OF TIDES AND SUNSET ON YOUR WEDDING DAY. Avoid ceremonies at high tide if possible as you will have very little dry beach in certain areas on the Crystal Coast. Chairs should be set up about one hour before your ceremony if the tide is coming in, so you can gauge where the tide line will be during your ceremony. Plan your ceremony 1-2 hours prior to sunset for the best photography light. Discuss natural lighting with your photographer to establish the best time for you.

• CONSIDER THE ELEMENTS WHEN PLANNING YOUR FLORALS so that they will hold up during your ceremony. Your florist should be able to assist you with selections that work well on the beach at any given time of year. Potted tropical foliage lends an exotic air to any beach wedding and can be reused following the ceremony.

• BUY INSURANCE if your wedding is during hurricane season. While rare, nothing will ruin your wedding day more quickly than a mandatory hurricane evacuation with no financial recourse.

• CRYSTAL COAST BEACHES ARE PUBLIC PLACES and you may have to contend with beachgoers near your ceremony site. While most people are respectful and excited to be a part of such a special occasion, you can schedule your ceremony late in the day to minimize the impact.

By George Adamakis, Twlight Limousine Company

When shopping for a wedding limousine you want to ask 4 main questions.

Question 1) How long before the wedding should I book my limousine service?

Most experts will tell you to start looking for limousine 3-9 months ahead, and the reason for that is certain times of year (like April & May), it will be hard to find nice limousines due to prom season.

Question 2) What size limousine do I need?

Limousines are designed on the assumption that every person will way 150 lbs or less or 15 inches  wide per person. So thinking you can seat 10 people in a 10 passenger limousine will just not work most of the time, especially if its daytime in July, you will be creating a hot uncomfortable situation. Always get a limousine a little bigger than you think you need.

Question 3) Now the price?

A typical wedding limousine can run from $300-$500 for 3 hours plus 15-20% gratuity for the chauffeur. Brand new limousines and Hummers, Navigators etc will run more. I know it may sound like you’re paying for the chauffeur to sit and do nothing but the chauffeurs will be busy outside setting up. Also think of it as not having to worry about time, weddings usually run a little behind and the limo might have another job scheduled so he has to leave creating another situation. Most people will shop by price which is a big mistake. I’m sure you know by now you pay for what you get!

Question 4) How do I find the right limousine co.?

Most reliable limousine companies will have a web site and belong to some Limousine Associations so look for these when shopping around. When you call ask the year of the limo, type of limo your looking for and GO see it if possible. Remember, a 10 passenger limo will seat only 8, a 12 passenger limo will seat only 10. Ask about packages and whats included. Ask for references or read testimonials on their web site. Most of all get a contract stating all this; make, model, year, color of limousine you rented. Believe it or not the Limousine is a BIG part of you wedding you will see the pictures the rest of your life. Do you want to look back and say why didn’t I spend a little more for my special day?

Article submitted by George Adamakis
Twilight Limousine Company

In today’s economic conditions many brides are looking for ways to scale back on costs. While you may need to give up a trip to the Caribbean or Hawaii for a romantic beach wedding, there are more affordable options. For example, North Carolina’s Crystal Coast offers an escape to the beach but is within comfortable driving range of many urban areas such as Washington D.C., Long Island NY, Richmond VA, Charleston WV and many other East Coast and Midwestern cities. Featuring uninhabited barrier islands, quaint sea faring communities, and a history dating back to colonial times, the Crystal Coast is a wonderfully exotic spot for a wedding yet more affordable than most popular destination wedding locations.

The Crystal Coast features one of the few southern facing beaches along the United States’ east coast. Bogue Banks, the largest inhabited barrier island in the area, stretches 21 miles, bordered by lovely beaches on both the ocean and sound sides. Fort Macon State Park is located at the East end of the island and offers a pristine beach uncluttered by beach houses, condos and hotels. On the opposite end of the island is the community of Emerald Isle. A number of other popular resort communities are located on the island including Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach and Salter Path. The beaches and associated beach houses are all popular locations for Crystal Coast wedding photography, wedding ceremonies and receptions. A variety of beach clubs, such as the Dunes Club, the Ocean Club and Dolphin Ridge Club are popular wedding venues as well. Additionally the North Carolina State Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores makes a spectacular setting for weddings. There are a number of island themed bars and restaurants that also make great locations for wedding receptions.

On the mainland side several communities sit along the sounds and waterways. Beaufort is a quaint town with a rich sea faring history. Stories of pirates, colonial ghosts and other romantic historical figures abound. There are a number of venues in this sea side community that are available for weddings, receptions and wedding photography. The Beaufort waterfront is an excellent location for capturing romantic,engagement, bridal or wedding day portraits. Morehead City is the largest community on the Crystal Coast. While not as historically quaint as Beaufort’s, it too has a lovely waterfront lined with charter fishing boats, seafood restaurants and specialty shops.

There are a number of activities to entertain guests and members of the wedding party before and after the wedding. The Crystal Coast is known worldwide for both its off-shore and inshore saltwater fishing. There are many charter operations in the area. There are also several nice golf courses that are open to the public. Of course, being a resort community, boutique shopping opportunities abound. There are also a number of museums and educational attractions such as the Core Sound Waterfoul Museum, Fort Macon State Park, The History Place, and the NC State Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

When planning a Crystal Coast wedding from outside the area a wedding coordinator is almost indispensable. You can find additional information about the Crystal Coast and local wedding planners by visiting the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority’s site or Crystal Coast Bride Magazine, Coordinators/Planners directory. Enjoying a romantic, beach wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, an exotic escape, close to home.

The Crystal Coast is not only known for the natural green hue of the water and the warm beige tone of the sand but also for the relaxed refreshed feeling that comes over you with your first breath of salt air.  To incorporate that feeling into your reception here are some tips on creating a comfortable lounge space.

What will I need?

One of the hottest party rental trends is lounge furniture.  It brings a modern yet casual feeling to any wedding reception.  It can be a pricey rental piece but one you and you’re your guests will surely remember and worth every penny!  Most rental companies will deliver, set-up and break down lounge furniture so you don’t have to do the heavy lifting.

Where?

Indoor or outdoors.  It can be a place guest’s gather for a cocktail or for a quieter conversation after dinner.  There is no bad place for a lounge area.  Visit your reception site with your wedding planner or with a representative from the rental company to determine the best place for your lounge.  If you’re planning an outdoor lounge area you might want to think about patio heaters for a cool night or a small tent to create a more intimate space.   

Lounge furniture is usually available in a natural color (tan or ivory) with the option of renting custom pillows to compliment your event decor.  Keep in mind that rental companies may have certain safety rules for placing lounge furniture around pools or on top floor decks.  So pay close attention to your rental agreement.

Use it!

Your big day will be a long one and you’ll be tired by the time the last piece of cake is served.  So stroll over to the lounge area with a cocktail and share a moment with your sweetie, shoes optional.

Submitted by Jamie Wax,
Island Essentials
Emerald Isle, NC