When the Destination Wedding is Close to the Heart

Destination Weddings here on the West Coast of Florida, have many ties to family, former residences, and everything in between.

This was case with Jessica and Tyler this past spring. With less than five months to plan her beach side wedding at her family's second "get-away home" in Madeira Beach, Jessica turned to Catering By Robert / Event Concepts .FL for our TREASURE CHEST all - inclusive package to achieve her financial and distance planning goals.

The couple and most family and friends resided in the Atlanta area. Her dad, a semi retired orthodondist with a franchise of over 20 offices in the Atlanta meto area, was a Tampa native and had chosen to purchase a second vacation home along the sandy shores of Madeira Beach several years ago.

What better place to celebrate an early spring wedding, right?

A former small efficiency apartment complex, the Pictron "beach retreat" had an amazing large elevated back deck that held a entertaining area for over 100 guests. Jessica's parents spent several months prior replacing the massive back deck structure and enhancing the landscaping during their sporadic weekend visits from Atlanta to Madiera Beach.

Upon leaving every site visit with suggestions on elements that could be changed to accommodate the wedding, we would return to find every item on the knock-out list done. Jessica's dad arranged for guest parking behind a local business just the street; her mom, Jade, made sure the apartment kitchen we were to use as a "base of operations" was cleared out and usable. All of our recommendations were taken to heart.

As a result Jessica and Tyler were able to have a stress-free weekend that was practically flawless with lots of down-time to spend with the family and friends who had made the trip south for their wedding.

Below are a variety of pictures taken by the couple's good friends from Atlanta, Croy & Clawson. Because they knew the couple on a personal basis they were able to capture some very special moments and expressions. Here's a glimpse of Jessica and Tyler's special West Coast Florida wedding:

 

CREDITS 

Event Planning, Event Decor, and Catering: Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL http://www.cateringbyroberttampa.com/http://www.cateringbyroberttampa.com// http://www.floridalovesweddings.com/



Fresh Florals: Carmen's Flowers

carmensflowers@gmail.com

DJ Services: DeLite Entertainment

http://www.deliteentertainment.com/

Videography: Celebrations of Tampa Bay

http://www.celebrationsoftampabay.com/

Photography: Croy & Clawson - Atlanta, GA

Wedding Cake: Sweetopia Bakery

http://www.sweetopiabakery.com/

Bamboo Chairs, Dance Floor, Table Rentals: Coast To Coast Event Rentals

http://www.coasttocoasteventrentals.com/



There's No Place Like HOME for Celebrating

 

 

A home, whether it is your own or a spacious vacation rental, is a great option for celebrating a special milestone.

Here in Florida, many out-of-state couples use their weddings as destination / honeymoon options. In many cases the rental of a home offers wedding week or "weekend" accommodations for the bridal party or close family members.

When you consider the high room rate of staying a waterfront beach resort, a vacation rental is a cost-effective alternative especially when you consider you can have all the privacy you want.

If your own home has a nice open space or large outdoor setting, there's nothing more personalized than a birthday, anniversary, or wedding celebrated right there.

If you decide to explore a "home" wedding or party, consider the many challenges that come with this option. Since most weddings are 50 or more people, you should be aware of the higher costs of hosting a home party vs. an event hall.

Time of Year

If decide on an all outdoor event, make certain you choose a less windy, less humid, and less "wet" time period. Even if you are not on the beach, be mindful of the aggravation wind can ensue. This can be problematic for place cards, bar napkins, taller centerpieces, and even all tablecloths.

Don't wait until the last minute to acquire butane heaters or fans/air units. Put them into your basic budget. The same goes for a tent. These are not just items you can have a rental company provide an hour before your party.

Open Spaces

Having a spacious natural setting amid tall trees may be picturesque, Unless you are prepared, you may find that nature has other plans. Seagulls and other birds can add some unwanted "white garnish" to your tables and food presentations. Avoid placing any open food items in the area two or three hours prior to the start of an event.

Keep guest table settings simple and consider placing flatware on top of napkins. Centerpieces that are low offer better resistance to wisps of wind. If you do go with pieces that are taller, make certain your decorator weighs them well with water and rocks. Avoid flower holders that are tall and skinny with all weight at the top.

In the spring, tree droppings and plant pollen, can ruin the tops of displayed tables and chairs. If you have access to a "blower" at least an hour prior, use it to "shake down" overhanging branches and foliage to prevent spillage. If you are in an area with a number of trees, you might at least consider small canopies or overhang area for food and beverage displays.

Instead of open flame candles, you may want to invest in floating candles or submersible LED lights inside of glass containers. This offers some assurance the wind will not tamper with your flickering light source.

The Kitchen Inside is Still YOUR Kitchen

Most modern homes boast open kitchens connected to entertaining spaces that are likely popular nesting areas for some guests. Avoid having your caterer do any preparation or clean up work in this space. Suggest the use of a garage or laundry room to keep mess contained. This area should be easily accessed from guest tables for clearing purposes.

There also should be some water source available. When ordering rental items, consider "back of the house" long tables for event staff.

Hidden Expenses

If your home is in major residential neighborhood, you may need to consider shuttle transportation to and from a remote parking area. In some cases, if there is street parking, a valet service should be considered to avoid neighbors' driveways from getting blocked.

Besides a contingency tent, consider any and all rentals you may need. This can include a dance floor, dj table or elevated platform for a live band, serving tables and bar. If the vacation rental home you have secured for your wedding weekend has limited or non-indoor use of the home for non-staying guests, you may need to budget in a portable restroom unit. This is ususally a trailer that requires close access to water and electric.

And don't forget any special permitting for beach ceremonies and tent installation.