As most of you know by now from my previous Destination Wedding entry, my wedding is being held in Cartagena, Colombia.  Planning a destination wedding is tons of fun even though it is a bit stressful.

This has taken a lot of planning and thinking ahead of time.  I want my little Magnolia Dude and I to have our dream wedding, but I also know a lot of our guests are making a big effort by traveling there to be with us. I understand the worry and stress of traveling to another country, especially one where they speak a different language, so I have taken all that into consideration and made sure that I make this as easy as possible not only for myself but for them.

One of the reasons I chose Cartagena out of all the beautiful cities in Colombia is that it is truly a paradise, and it has been kept away from most of the issues we hear about on the news. Cartagena is the friendliest, most tourist-oriented city in the WORLD. Once you arrive there you really do not need to worry about anything… cab drivers even speak a bit of English and know exactly where to take you. Most taxi rides won’t cost you more than a couple of bucks so there is no need to rent a car.

They have the nicest beaches, nicest people, and a ton of things to do and history to see.

I came up with a little itinerary that I will be handing to guests (or asking my bridesmaids to hand to guests) as they arrive. It includes times, and prices for everything and gives everyone an idea of what they can do while in Cartagena. I hope that this, along with all the information on our wedding website, will make this trip a wonderful experience for everyone.

This is my ‘working’ itinerary, it isn’t final yet.

Thursday, May 21: arrival to Cartagena
Wedding party is Checking-in at the Decameron Hotel
Bocagrande Cra 1a # 10-10
Tel: +57 (5) 665-4400

Friday, May 22:
Relax by the pool, go to the beach, enjoy the day as guests arrive.
2:30pm-6:00pm:  Cartagena City Tour. Cost: approx $21US
Meet at the Lobby of the Decameron Hotel.
8:00pm: Bachelor & Bachelorette celebrations begin with a Rumba en Chiva (a Cartagena Party Bus including drinks & music). Departs at 8:00pm, meet at the lobby of the Decameron Hotel.  Cost: approx $14US
We will continue our RUMBA at a nightclub in Cartagena. Erik and Caro will enjoy their last night as single people!

Saturday, May 23:
Sleep in after a long night of partying or take advantage of this trip by booking a tour of Islas del Rosario, the most beautiful beaches in Cartagena. From there you can also visit the natural aquarium.
The tour is from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Inquire at the lobby. Cost: approx $38US
7:00pm: Bridesmaids/groomsmen/parents ONLY – Erik & Caro invite you to a nice elegant dinner, last night before we tie the knot! – meet either at the lobby no later than 6:45pm or at San Pedro restaurant located at Plaza San Pedro Claver No. 30-11.

Sunday, May 24:
10:00am: Join the Bride & Bridesmaids for a Spa Day at Diego Moya Salon (famous stylist in Colombia) located at xxxxxx. Massage/manicure/pedicure Cost: approx $40US. Hairdo & makeup Cost: approx $58US.
Bridesmaids & moms: We will have a full day of relaxation at Diego Moya’s Salon where we’ll be pampered with a massage, followed by a manicure &/or pedicure as needed, & our wedding hairdo. Bring your dresses & anything you need to change for the wedding as we will be heading to Hotel Charleston from the Spa to get ready.
5:00pm: Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Teatro Heredia

Monday, May 25: the newlywed couple leaves on their honeymoon!