I am excited about our featured guest today....the beautiful and oh-so-sweet, Alison Hotchkiss....Owner and Creative Director of Alison's Events. Alison took some time out of her busy schedule to stop by the cafe today to share some wonderful "planning tips" with us and I'm so glad she did. Alison specializes in destination weddings......Alison and her team are amazing....their events are always "picture perfect"! So without further ado....I give you Alison Hotchkiss.
TBC: Why should someone consider a destination wedding and what does one need to consider when planning a destination wedding in and outside of the U.S.?
AH: The number one reason is that destination weddings are a great way to have a really unique and memorable event where you really get to spend time with your guests. You can also save a lot of expense by having your wedding and your honeymoon in the same location. Maybe not literally at the same hotel, but someplace that's nearby and doesn't involve additional airfare.
If you have a complicated family dynamic, that's all the more reason to have your wedding in a neutral location. Nobody has to feel like they're the outsiders, nor is there an in-town contingent who feels the pressure to entertain. And the groom's family doesn't have to feel put-upon about flying to the bride's hometown - especially if she's from someplace no one would ever really want to go on vacation.
The most important thing is to find a locale you love, invite the people you love, and stay flexible. With the right attitude and a little planning you can throw a truly memorable celebration. You also have to make sure you end up legally married when it's all said and done. Find out all the legal requirements, both for where you live and for the destination where you're getting married. Or, to be extra sure, just do a quick ceremony at the courthouse where you live before you leave.
TBC: How does a bride incorporate "her personal touch" on her wedding?
AH: Think about what the two of you like to do for fun, where you are from, special places you have visited together, and places and things that make you happy. Then, take all those things and turn them into the little details of your wedding. Some examples.
- If you love to visit tropical places, then getting married on the beach would be a perfect setting for your ceremony.
- If one person is from the east coast and one person from the west coast, then have your Moms pour sand from the beaches close to your home into one glass jar in place of the unity candle.
- If you are both avid snorkelers or surfers, then have that be a part of the wedding weekend activities; take your guests to your favorite spot and give lessons or take everyone on an underwater tour.
- If you love to salsa dance or enjoy listening to a certain kind of music, then have that be a part of your day, as well. You could have salsa instructors or a swing band instead of a traditional wedding band.
TBC: Describe an "Alison's Event".
AH: Generally our events are outdoors or have some outdoor elements to them. They're comfortable and inviting, organized and clean. I like an event to be harmonious with the space rather then taking it over. Some events are colorful, some are monochromatic, sometimes they're fresh and minimal, but they're always happy, fun, and very much a reflection of the couple. I know I've done a good job when people say, "This is so Amy and Evan." Especially if they came to us not having any idea how to make the wedding unique and we pulled it off.
TBC: What has been the highlight of your career to date?
AH: Being offered a book deal with Chronicle books. About three years ago, my friend Mallory did a book on outdoor weddings, and, after that came out, I thought, "How cool would it be to do a book like that - something informative and inspirational!" I submitted my book proposal to Chronicle about a year and a half ago, and now my book is being published in February, 2009. It will be titled: "Destination Weddings: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding From Afar."
TBC: What are some of the wedding trends to look for in 2008?
AH: In 2007, the trend was to go green, and I think in 2008, people are taking that deeper - at least, that's a trend for my events. There's kind of a movement to do things more sustainably. People are trying to be more conscious of what they're using and also trying to support local economies.
I also think another trend is to minimize the guest list to just friends and family and to go somewhere exotic for a week, versus the one day or weekend wedding that everyone is invited to. Fewer people means you spend less money, have less of an ecological imprint, and throw a more intimate event.
TBC: Please give a little advice to couples on a "small budget" that will help them have their dream wedding.
AH: I'd start by figuring out what's most important to you, your fiance and your family, and then start with those decisions first. If your venue, photos, and flowers are most important, then prioritize those and then find ways to save in other areas. If your dress isn't high on your list, then get one secondhand. You could have a friend make the cake or use cupcakes. Or skip the calligraphy in favor of a friend with nice handwriting.
There are lots of great ways to save money, and most of them involve not buying into the way things are "supposed to be" done.
- Enlist your friends and family to help you to do the flowers. Buy all the flowers the day before the rehearsal and spend that morning putting them together. It's a project everyone can be involved in.
- Go simple on the menu. The last thing you want is people too stuffed to dance. You can serve a simple salad, a piece of grilled fish, couscous and fresh local veggies, and, voila! You're done and you didn't break the bank.
- Skip the favors. They can be pretty pricey, and too often I see guests leave them behind.
- If you don't hire a wedding planner, at least hire a friend or a day-of-planner to be the g0-to person the day of the wedding. I promise it's worth it, because it lets you truly relax and enjoy.
- My book comes out in February, 2009, and there will be tons and tons of pointers on where to skimp and where to splurge.
TBC: What are some of your favorite destination wedding locations/venues?
AH: I LOVE Mexico and Costa Rica! I feel like they are the two countries that are still affordable and easy to get to, and the local people are so nice and welcoming. I love the beaches, and of course the surfing, weather, food, music and everything Latin culture. I love doing weddings at private estates: ideally a beach ceremony and big party at the house. I also love the wine country; Napa and Santa Barbara have some great spots. And I have a new love for Harbour Island in the Bahamas. It's my new favorite place, next to Kauai.
TBC: Tell us a little about your personal life so we can get to know you a little better.
AH: I love to travel and embrace adventure. I love to be outside, too. I'm a surfer, swimmer, snowboarder, mountain biker, hiker, runner. I have a vintage motorcycle and enjoy taking it out with my friends and exploring San Francisco and the surrounding areas. I also love taking photos, as does my boyfriend. I like things that are luxurious and things that are down home and cozy. I can hike a mountain and camp out one night, but have no problem spending the next three nights at a five-star hotel. I have two cats, Miso and Tofu, and I treat them like my kids. I am currently planning a trip to South America this winter.
And now let's check out a few highlights from one of Alison's beautiful events!!
Alison shares a little "411" on the event.....Maida & Josh's wedding took place at the Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma, CA in the Fall 2006. During the ceremony, guests decorated small blue balls with advice and good wishes...later turning a tree into the guest-book.
Books were stacked on the table and screen printed with the table names....(Maida & Josh are teachers).
After dinner, guests discovered cupcakes suspending from the ceiling (where the escort cards once were) while they enjoyed Ben and Jerry's mini ice cream cones...the same treat Maida & Josh enjoyed the night they got engaged.
After a send-off with sparklers, the bride and groom wove goodbye from a vintage baby blue convertible.
Alison and her fantastic team....Alex...Alison...and Kelsey!
Thanks Alison for stopping by today and sharing all of the great information with us....we can't wait for the new book to come out...so exciting!!!! Also thanks to Wendy Maclaurin Richardson for all the beautiful images!
