Wedding Planners, Victoria Volpone  owner of  Carillon Weddings and  her associate, Avis Glenister are  both Professionally Designated Association of Bridal Consultant specialists,  based along the Emerald Coast in Florida. Their company, Carillon Weddings, exclusively manages weddings  for the community of Carillon Beach, www.carillonweddings.com  and is one of the most successful wedding businesses in the Panhandle. Carillon Weddings was named one of the “Top 10 Most Talked about Venues”   in the state of Florida by The Knot, and is consistently on the Knots “Best of Weddings” list. The company also plans and coordinates weddings at other locations, with their Coastal Weddings company.

Kristina Breffitt, Princess Wedding Co.

Princess Wedding Co. is a beach wedding boutique company. We specialize in modern Destin and Panama City Beach weddings. Princess Wedding Co. offers high quality beach wedding packages and constant personal support to our brides at an affordable price. Our mission is to exceed the expectations of our brides.

Jessica Miller and the team at Serene Occasions makes your wedding stress-free, stunning, and chic, creating an elegant atmosphere for your celebration.  Our competence at planning multiple events while maintaining a keen attention to detail endorses our success, earning Best Of awards from WeddingWire and The Knot Florida.  Serene Occasions only schedules one event a day for each planner, so that on your big day, you have our undivided attention.  Let us customize a collection to fit your needs and budget.

MMATB:  In terms of an outdoor wedding, what would you suggest a bride consider?   

Victoria/Avis:  A bride considering an outdoor event needs to be a little more flexible than most! The possibility of uncooperative weather always exists. For me, a backup plan is essential. During the planning process, I always make sure the wedding vendors have a fully planned rain backup.  While we plan for a perfect day, we are prepared with a backup, that will be just as beautiful.  It is important that you know in advance, what additional costs you will have, should the rain plan be needed.   In most cases, additional tenting to cover outside tables is all that you may need.

Kristina:  Have a back up plan in case of rain/hurricane.  This cannot be stressed enough.  Secondly, consider the ocean breeze/wind when choosing a hairstyle for your beach ceremony (it can get quite strong).

Jessica:  There is lots of things to consider when you choose to have an out door wedding, weather is a key factor but not the only thing. Consider the time of year/ season, location, and time of day.  Of course consider having a back up plan. A planner is an important key to destination weddings they will ensure your event runs as smooth as possible.

MMATB:  How many site visits are recommended for a destination wedding and what is the standard procedure for these visits? Victoria/Avis:   After you have researched the possibilities for your wedding venues, visited the sites, made your decision, and selected the professional  who will be your fairy godmother, it’s time for the planning process to begin!

For out of town brides, we are fully prepared to setup vendors meetings and plan most of the wedding in one trip. On average we see our couples only twice before the wedding. Our vendors are very skilled with creating the ambiance the couple have in mind.  Once we have the “game plan” we refine the details via phone and email.  When the couple arrives, a final meeting to go over all the details, makes for a flawless wedding day!

Kristina:  In the world we live in today, the internet can provide a lot of information, therefore it allows limiting the number of visits required.  Hiring a local wedding coordinator who can guide you through all the intricacies of beach wedding planning would help minimize visits as well as decrease stress. He/she will be able to share their expertize and be your local guide throughout the planning process.

Jessica:  One to two visits should be perfect, as long as you have a professional planner. The first visit should be used to secure your planner, venue and meet with vendors. The second visit should be used to finish securing vendors that were not secured during the first visit.   Plan to do a walk-through of the venue if needed, and finalizing items that can’t be done over the phone or email.

MMATB:  If you were to offer one piece of advice for destination brides, what would it be?

Victoria/Avis: 

 Victoria’s advice  -Don’t compromise your wedding vision to please others.  Always follow your heart.

Avis’ advice – enjoy the experience of your destination location,  find great people, relax and have fun!

Kristina:  My biggest piece of advice would be to stay organized. It will save you time and decrease stress.

Jessica:  Seek professional help! Secure professional vendors and a planner you can trust, that you feel confident in. Once you do this RELAX these vendors are professionals and will ensure your wedding comes together seamlessly. Just remember the most important thing is that the two of you are married at the end of the day and your family is there to celebrate.