The WeddingMuseum.com Wedding Music eBook has been updated to version 2 and is now live. We added about 50 songs and updated all of our song lists. Members of WeddingMuseum.com can view the eBook for free. For more information, please go to our wedding music ebook page.
As stated above all of our wedding song lists have been update. Please visit our wedding music page for more information.
Wedding Napkins – 7 Important Locations They Will Be Needed at Your Wedding Reception Hall
Wedding napkins are a useful but often overlooked accessory to any wedding reception. Here are 7 important locations wedding napkins will be needed at your wedding reception hall to add comfort and style to your wedding day.
Location #1: Cocktail or Refreshment Bar – Cocktail napkins are used to place under a beverage to absorb condensation or soak up a minor spill. The bartender will hand each guest a napkin with their beverage. Paper cocktail napkins are available in a wide range of colors to match your theme.
Location #2: Hors Doeuvres Table – Cocktail and luncheon napkins should be placed at the hors doeuvres table with the plates and utensils. Guests will normally pick up one or two napkins with their plate as they approach the hors doeuvres table for appetizers.
Location #3: Buffet Table – Buffet-style dinners are popular wedding reception venues. As with hors devours and appetizers, plates, utensils and napkins are placed at the beginning of the buffet table for guest to pick up as they approach. Luncheon napkins are typically used for buffets as they are larger than a cocktail napkin and smaller than a dinner-sized napkin.
Location #4: Dinner Table – When guests are being served a formal dinner at their table seats, dinner napkins should be placed with the silverware at each place setting. Dinner napkins can be folded with silverware placed on top of the napkins. Dinner napkins can also be wrapped around the silverware and secured with a napkin ring, decorative ribbon, or adhesive bands.
Location #5: Cake Table – The wedding cake table should be stocked with cocktail or luncheon-sized napkins to present with a slice of cake to each guest. Often, the napkins used at the dinner table have been discarded after the main course and guests will need another napkin when enjoying their cake.
Location #6: Dessert Table – Dessert tables can be arranged at the end of a traditional buffet or stationed in a different area of the reception hall. When providing desserts separate from a buffet it is a good idea to provide napkins for the same reason as the cake table. Guests will have used their dinner or luncheon napkins during the main course and will need a fresh napkin for their dessert.
Location #7: Bathrooms or Restrooms – The most overlooked location for adding a personal touch to wedding receptions and parties is the bathrooms or restrooms. While these areas typically have stocked paper towels or air dryers, disposable paper guest towels can be used to add a bit of color to the bathrooms and pamper your guests as well.
Wedding Napkins are useful accessories that can add flair and character to your wedding reception. For a more personal touch, you can have your napkins personalized with a monogram or a design and several lines of text celebrating the bride and groom or thanking family and friends for attending your special day. Guests will admire your attention to detail and appreciate your thoughtfulness and careful planning throughout your wedding reception program.
About the Author: Ray Miller is the founder and president of My Wedding Reception Ideas.com. My Wedding Reception Ideas specializes in premium personalized wedding favors, accessories, and wedding party gifts. For more information on choosing and ordering wedding napkins for your reception or party, visit http://myweddingreceptionideas.com/wedding_napkins.asp.
It’s that time of year again. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are upon us. As most of the general public will be spending less this year (us included), we want to let everyone know about our Wedding Store and Discounts web pages.
WeddingMuseum.com’s Wedding Store offers gifts in many categories. We have partnered with Amazon to offer many product selections.
WeddingMuseum.com also created a web page of discounts and special offers from our affiliates. Many banner ads listed offer coupons to get better deals when placing orders online. What we learned last year was that many companies have online only sales on particular items. Be sure to review the ads before making any online purchases!
WeddingMuseum.com is teaming up with ClearSky Climate Solutions (ClearSky) to host ClearSky’s Wedding Carbon Footprint Calculator for their clients and visitors. Bridal couples can calculate the carbon generated from their wedding. Factors in the calculator include electricity usage, natural gas usage, transportation, and hotel stays. Once the carbon footprint is calculated, bridal couples have the opportunity to purchase carbon offsets generated from their wedding through ClearSky’s website at www.clearskyclimatesolutions.com.
ClearSky Climate Solutions performed a greenhouse gas assessment of WeddingMuseum.com’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2009 and projected 2010 carbon footprint. WeddingMuseum.com is 100% completely carbon neutral by purchasing certified carbon offsets from ClearSky to offset their 2009 carbon footprint and projected 2010 carbon footprint from the Gordondale Dairy Methane Capture Project (WI, USA). In addition, ClearSky Climate Solutions and WeddingMuseum.com have partnered to offer a wedding carbon footprint tool. Now WeddingMuseum.com is offering bridal couples the chance to calculate their wedding carbon footprint and make their wedding climate neutral.
Online bridal registries are a great idea for brides and grooms to put together a list of items they would like to receive and need as a wedding gift. Guests from all locations can visit an online store’s web site to view and select items chosen by the bride and groom. In most cases, after the wedding is conducted, brides and grooms are offered a percentage off the sale price to purchase the items not purchased themselves.
WeddingMuseum.com has accumulated a list of our favorite 40 online bridal registries. Our list includes sites for charity like the I Do Foundation and Just Give. We’ve included major department stores entailing the likes of Macy’s, Dilliard’s, Kohl’s, and JCPenney. You will also find a few “green” offerings like Green Feet, GreenSage, Vivaterra and Branch. The list also comprises of specialty registries as Marriott, HoneyLuna and Tupperware. Finally, we’ve included many kitchenwares wedding bridal registries like Sur La Table, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and Bed Bath & Beyond. However, we cannot forget the largest online bridal registry: Targert.com.
It’s hard to believe how much the online bridal registry scene has changed in the past several years. May companies have discontinued their online bridal registries altogether like Pier 1 Imports, Lowe’s and Home Depot. In addition, many companies have gone out of business who did offer popular bridal registries like Sharper Image and Linens and Things. As a result, do some research before creating a bridal registry at 10 different online stores. There are many specialty bridal registries from outdoor life to green living that can fit into many particular lifestyles.
WeddingMuseum.com’s list of our favorite 40 online bridal registries is alphabetical by company name. All online bridal registries are also linked directly to the store’s web sites for a quick reference guide. Finally, each online bridal registry is given a brief synopsis to help visitors find the right fit for anyone’s lifestyle.
Rock The Reception! Dance Tips for Colorado Couples
Often receptions are just run of the mill family gatherings— food, drinks and small talk. The question then becomes how to move it from the ordinary to the extraordinary. It’s simple—just get up and dance! And we’re not talking your regular “club” dancing, but moves to motivate your guests to join in. Here, we’ve got three fun tips to help Colorado couples rock the reception!
Tip 1 : Set the Stage
Brides and grooms can do this by preparing a first dance that inspires their guests to join in. “I think the electric slide is a great line dance to kick the party off to” states Havilah Davis, an instructor at Adventures in Dance, a Littleton based dance studio. “When the wedding couple is engaged in creative movement (beyond the grope and sway), the guests then yearn to get up and join in.”
Tip 2: Involve your Parents
Work with your folks on father-daughter and mother-son dances. They are so proud of you on your big day, so give them the tools to feel polished as they take you into their arms. It will result in a beautiful moment to saver now and forever. “We took lessons to learn our first dance and with my parents to learn the father-daughter dance,” raved Colorado bride and Adventures in Dance student Jessica Koehler. “They really were affordable, got down to business, and helped us feel more confident. We got a ton of compliments on our dance!” To help ease performance stress, consider doing the mother-son and father-daughter dance at the same time.
Tip 3: Grab Your Wedding Party
Bring them into the joy of preparing for the wedding with dance lessons. Once they have the knowledge of what to do, they can’t wait for the big day to get up and celebrate with their new found skills. From slinky swings and salsas to line dances, they can prepare to have fun at your wedding.
With any special social event like a wedding or ball, taking a few lessons prior to the big day is a great way to learn a few new moves or simply fine tune the ones you already know. Finding an experience dance instructor or studio will make all the difference. Before you make the commitment to signing up for dance lessons, take into account the learning curve. To be on the safe side, give yourself six months prior to your wedding. Now you’re ready to get out there and rock the reception!
Holly Collins is the owner of Adventures In Dance, a complete service dance studio located in Downtown Littleton. She has been in the dance industry for more than 15 years and is certified in international and American styles of ballroom dance. For more information about Holly and her studio, visit Adventures in Dance or www.adventuresindance.com
Words of Love – Choosing Your Ceremony Readings
by Jean Neuhart
You’re getting married and you want the world, or at least your closest friends and family, to know what’s in your heart. Choosing ceremony readings that represent the beauty and love of your relationship is a wonderful and relatively easy way to share these feelings and personalize your ceremony. Your readings should be beautiful, moving and interesting to your guests, reflect the words and feelings in your heart, yet still adhere to the formality and “feel” that you want for your ceremony.
There are so many wonderful sources to find suitable readings. You can find them in scripture; (I Corinthians 13:4-8 – “Love is patient. Love is kind . . . ,” Ephesians 5:21-32 – “Honor Christ by submitting to each other. . . . And the two shall become one.”, Song of Solomon 6:3 – “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine . . . ”; from selections of poetry (Alfred, Lord Tennyson – “In true marriage lies, Nor equal, or unequal,” anonymous Chinese poet, Han Dynasty – “O, celestial beings, Let our feelings for each other, continue without diminishing,” ); or excerpts from literature, William Shakespeare from As You Like It – “ . . . no sooner met but they looked, no sooner looked but they loved, no sooner loved but they sighed, no sooner sighed but they asked one another the reason, no sooner knew the reason but they sought the remedy . . . ”). However, since there are so many, it can get so overwhelming. Don’t let this send you down the simple route of merely looking at a list of possible selections (usually provided by your officiant or person who is helping with the ceremony), and picking a couple readings only because they’re on his/her list and therefore must be the appropriate choices. Visit your local library and look under topics such as poetry, literature, and wedding readings. Check your (and your fiancé’s) bookshelves, and music collection. Some of the most beautiful words of love are song lyrics.
Don’t be too quick to dismiss readings that have “been done.” If you find yourself hesitating over a particular selection because you’re afraid that your guests will groan, “Oh, no! Not this one again,” stop a moment and give it a thorough once over. Read the selection out loud, or have someone read it to you. The spoken word has a much greater impact than just seeing them on a piece of paper. You may need to back up a bit to include a preceding verse or sentence or two, or if you have someone who is creative with words, can write a suitable introduction. Including this intro can help make the “same old” come alive, becoming something that is new and fresh. In a beautiful introduction to Corinthians 13:4-8, an aunt of the bride described the differences between love and infatuation. An excerpt follows. “Infatuation is fleeting desire. True love is a friendship that has caught fire. Infatuation says we must get married right away, I can’t risk losing you. Love says be patient, don’t panic, plan your future with confidence. Infatuation might lead you to do things you will regret. Love never steers you in the wrong direction. God, in His amazing, infinite wisdom, said it perfectly in Corinthians.”
Of course, you’ll want to take special care in choosing the person(s) who will be your readers. Look for someone who is comfortable in front of a crowd, and can read in a good speaking voice. Even the most beautiful, emotion evoking words will lose their meaning if read in a droning, monotone voice.
Finally, to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your wedding day, make sure to obtain a list of rules and regulations from your ceremony site regarding what they do and do not permit for a wedding ceremony, and get your officiant’s okay before finalizing any choices. And remember, if worse comes to worse, and you aren’t allowed to use a reading that you just cannot imagine doing without – have someone read it at the reception. Words of Love aren’t just for the ceremony.
About the Author
Jean Neuhart is the owner of Weddings From The Heart. As a Professional Bridal Consultant, she helps busy brides and their fiances plan creative, personalized and stress-free weddings. Visit Jean at www.weddingsfromtheheart.net. You can email her at jean[at]weddingsfromtheheart[dot]net.
Planning a Memorable Wedding Ceremony
by Jean Neuhart
Congratulations! You and your beloved have decided to get married. Romance and excitement fills the air as you think about what you will wear, what your bouquet will look like, who will be invited, and where the wedding reception will take place. But don’t forget the wedding ceremony. These days there’s so much emphasis on planning the “fun” parts of a wedding (reception, music, food, gown, etc.) the ceremony itself can easily become nothing but an afterthought.
So what is a wedding ceremony? It is a rite of passage in the form of a public exchange of vows. Note the keyword here – “public.” Two people state their vows in the presence of their guests, who are active witnesses, and an officiant. It is interesting to note that the officiant (minister, pastor, judge) doesn’t actually marry the couple, instead they marry each other, by means of stating their intent, reciting their vows, and the other formalities customary to the wedding ceremony. The officiant is merely the formal representative of your witnesses. Your officiant can also lead you through the customs and rituals associated with the ceremony.
Does this mean that you have to have hundreds of “witnesses?” Of course not. You may have your heart set on inviting hundreds of friends and family members to celebrates, and have a maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, jr. bridesmaids and groomsmen, ring bearers and flower girls. Then again, you may prefer to have a simple ceremony in front of your immediate families with only have a maid of honor and best man. Some areas only require your officiant to be the official witness. Be sure to inquire at your marriage license bureau to see what local rules apply.
Sit down with your fiancé and decide what style of ceremony will be the most appropriate for both of you. Do the two of you prefer a religious, non-denominational, or perhaps civil ceremony? Do you want readings, and if so, would you prefer them to be from scripture, literature or from another source? Are there any cultural or ethnic customs you want incorporated into your ceremony? How many guests do you want? Don’t forget to think about your parents, and the expectations, if any, they may have for your wedding day.
Adding personalized touches to your ceremony is fun, and can make for a much more meaningful event, not only for your friends and family, but for you and your fiancé. Personalization can make the difference between a cookie cutter wedding and one that is charming and expressive.
The variety of ways to add personalization is easy and abundant. You can include a special reading or prayer. A special hymn or song can be played. You may choose to compose all of your vows, or just a portion. The observance of ethnic or family customs is a nice touch. Perhaps you can carry a handkerchief or pin that was carried by your grandmother or mother when she got married or incorporate a flower that was in your sister’s bouquet into your own . . .
Be sure to inform your guests as to the meaning behind any unusual or particularly special personalization, or cultural rituals. Keeping your guests informed during your wedding ceremony, and allowing them to understand and appreciate the events happening before them will make your event more meaningful and memorable for everyone. One of the easiest, and inexpensive, ways to provide this information is by using a program, which also makes a lovely keepsake of your special day. With the use of a home computer, a color printer, and some pretty paper from your local craft store, you can easily design and create a unique program for your wedding.
But regardless of how simple or how elaborate your wedding ceremony will be, please give it some serious thought while planning your wedding. After all, your ceremony is the reason for the day, and the celebration that follows, isn’t it?
About the Author: Jean Neuhart is the owner of Weddings From The Heart. As a Professional Bridal Consultant, she helps busy brides and their fiances plan creative, personalized and stress-free weddings. Visit Jean at www.weddingsfromtheheart.net. You can email her at jean[at]weddingsfromtheheart[dot]net.
A Wedding to Remember: Unique Wedding Ideas They’ll Never Forget
There are very few once in a lifetime events quite like your wedding day. From the flowers and dress to the flavor of the cake, the option to plan and personalize your wedding with your own unique wedding ideas is truly in your court. And we’ve all been to dozens of weddings that follow the standard format – the rehearsal and subsequent dinner, the wedding ceremony where the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and couple walked formally down the aisle, and, finally, the reception, where dancing and dinner is bound to follow.
And yes, points are given to the couples that take the time to personalize their wedding with fun favors, unusual refreshments, decorations, and other unique wedding ideas. But have you ever thought about shaking up your own wedding, perhaps even changing the very structure of it? With a little ingenuity (and planning), you can personalize your wedding in a way that’s fun for everyone!
My Favorite Memorable Ideas for Unique Weddings
Consider the rehearsal dinner. Whereas most couples elect to run through the standard ‘meet and greet,’ practice their walk down the aisle to get rid of those pre-ceremony jitters, and then sit down to a light repast, some brides and grooms choose to infuse this gathering with their very own unique wedding ideas. One example I’ve heard of is eliminating the sit down dinner entirely, which is usually more formal in nature anyway. The brides then invite the rehearsal dinner guests over for a picnic (in warmer months) or a potluck supper (great any time). This option not only takes away a lot of wedding stress, but also encourages the guests to interact more.
The wedding ceremony itself is, of course, meant to be solemn and respectful, but that doesn’t mean before or after the priest or minister marries the couple you can’t infuse the ceremony with your own unique wedding ideas. One of the more unusual examples I’ve heard about is the entire wedding party dancing up and down the aisle to the delight of the guests who get in on the act. Without so much as a hint as to what is going on, an upbeat tempo begins playing and guests start clapping. The bridesmaids and groomsmen get footloose up and down the aisle, making way for the groom’s and bride’s grand entrances. After all, a lively entrance is certainly one way to personalize your wedding and make sure guests never forget your nuptials!
Another way to personalize your wedding is seating guests at round tables at the wedding venue itself (serving as both the ceremony and reception area). Though it appears to be the reception, the guests actually watch as the bride and groom are married while seated at tables, and then after a quick swap out, the area becomes a beautiful reception. The perks? The bride and groom save lots of money because there’s no need to secure two venues, and your guests don’t have to travel.
And, of course, if you choose to have a wedding theme, you can incorporate all sorts of unique wedding ideas. Take the idea of a renaissance-themed wedding. Both the bride and groom, for instance, will be wearing flowing fabrics and unique headpieces, while the entertainment could feasibly be even more entertaining. Couples have hired ‘court jesters,’ ‘jugglers,’ and ‘dancers’ to lighten the mood, carry on the renaissance theme, and personalize their wedding in a unique way. However, whatever your wedding theme may be, just remember to explore all the unique wedding ideas and possibilities available to you. If it’s historical in nature, do your research! If it’s hobby-themed, ask your friends to share their ideas. Not only will collaboration on unique wedding ideas help you to envision a better wedding, you’ll also have the support of your friends.
At your reception, just about anything goes. It’s your day, so plan and personalize your wedding reception how you want. Some brides feel as though they have to please their guests. Bottom line – if you plan and personalize your wedding activities and events, your guests will want to stay all night long. Consider, for example, the buffet or sit down style dinner served at most weddings. A few brides have elected to have wait staff circulate with heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages or have had multiple refreshment tables set up around the room. Usually, one of the most popular attractions at these refreshment tables is the giant chocolate fountain, with fruit and pretzels for dipping.
Another one of the more unique wedding ideas I’ve heard about is a groom’s cake made entirely of meat. Ideally, the groom’s cake is meant for him and his right-hand men, so, in many ways, it’s appropriate. And you might just have a lot of extra ‘cake’ left over to enjoy later!
Memories that Last a Lifetime
These examples of unique wedding ideas are just a few of the more memorable highlights I’ve seen at weddings over the years. Regardless of how you choose to personalize your wedding, it will always be a special day – a celebration of love and romance with your closest friends and family members. And if you ultimately decide to play it on the traditional side, don’t worry – you have those beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
About the Author: Cherie Johnson is the founder and owner of Creative Bride, a one-stop shop for personalized, unique baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, anniversary, and wedding favors, helping countless couples and families make their big events a success. Cherie’s wedding advice has appeared on several websites including Women Of, Wedding Lenox, and The Wedding Guide. Before she launched her company in 2006, Cherie worked as a professional wedding photographer, capturing the most special moments of the bride and groom’s big day. For more information on Creative Bride or to find a variety of colorful, customizable gifts and favors, please visit www.Creative-Bride.com.
1-800-DENTIST is giving away $30,000 worth of free dental care!
All you have to do is be willing to share your story with us – and America – from start to finish. America will help choose the top contestants and 1-800-DENTIST will select the winner!
There’s no fee to enter the smile makeover contest. Contestants need to simply to upload a short video explaining their dental problems and how it affects their lives. Entries must be received by November 10.
Details can be found online at http://www.1800dentist.com/my-smile-bites.
Fall in Love with Festive Fall Wedding Favors
When it comes to picking favors, seasonal products still give you limitless options. And fall wedding favors are no different! There are candle holders, bottle stoppers, bookmarks, champagne flutes, and so many more things that are designed specifically for autumn themed weddings.
Fall is the season of rich colors, warm lighting, and cozy, inviting spaces – all the things you want to emulate throughout your wedding day and reception. And it’s easy to carry on that theme with appropriately selected fall wedding favors – favors that evoke the spirit of the season and give your guests a beautiful reminder of your wedding day.
When choosing fall wedding favors, remember your theme or color set. Bright yellow sunflowers are always big for autumn themed weddings as are rich red, brown, yellow, and orange autumn leaves. However, fall wedding favors with bright, deep colors will help set the stage at each person’s plate setting. But today’s bride wants to give more than just mints or candy; she wants to offer her guests a little gift to thank them for coming – one that is not only functional but well worth the price.
Our Favorite Favors for Autumn Themed Weddings
Here are our favorite fall wedding favors that incorporate both the beauty of the season and show your guests how much you appreciate them coming!
1. Wildflower Seed Favors: Give your guests a way to look forward to warmer weather – as well as integrate more green initiatives into their routine – with wildflower or tree seed favors. The younger set will especially love this, and it will give them a chance to plant a beautiful garden with the help of their parents. Seed favors are ideal for environmentally-friendly brides and grooms who want to make a difference at their autumn themed weddings or simply serve as a way for couples to celebrate the birth of something new.
2. Glass Coaster Sets: Everyone loves coasters. They keep furniture free from water stains and can be customized with names, dates, or special pictures as well as pastoral fall scenes that are the perfect backdrop to autumn themed weddings. We suggest glass in particular because it fits with almost everyone’s design scheme and is a decidedly elegant option for fall wedding favors.
3. Wine Bottle Stoppers & Bottle Openers: Functionality is the name of the game for many brides who are shopping for autumn wedding favors. And guests love favors that they can use. Many wine bottle stoppers or bottle openers are painted in lovely, vibrant fall colors or are embellished with a beautiful sunflower or autumn leaf as the decoration.
4. Fall-themed Photo Albums: Many couples nowadays provide disposable cameras at each table so guests can snap away at events the bride and groom may have missed. If you and your loved one are more sentimental about the images your guests capture, why not provide everyone with a fall-themed photo album, so they can put their own pictures from the wedding in it? And whenever they browse through the album, they’ll remember your happy day and the role they played in it.
5. Cookie Cutters: With the holidays right around the corner, cookie cutters – either in autumnal shapes or other fun shapes you choose (hearts, doves, stars) – are an excellent gift to give guests at autumn themed weddings. After all, functionality plays a role – and your guests will admire your “good taste” when they find these lovely keepsake fall wedding favors at their plates.
6. Candles and/or Tea Light Holders: Flickering candle light is oh-so-romantic, so shouldn’t you share that essence of fall with your guests? Adorn your reception tables with pretty fall leaf shaped candle or tea light holder, and you’ll be hearing, “What a wonderful favor!” all night long. These fall wedding favors allow your guests to bring the memories of your special day as well as the warmth of fall into their home.
Autumn Themed Weddings Are Meant to Be Warm, Cozy Affairs
The mystery and beauty of the fall season creates the perfect setting for autumn themed weddings. Fall is the season of transformation – an ideal that likely carries over into your marriage vows. From invitations and decorations to the cake and gown, you have all of your ducks in a row so to speak. But choosing fall wedding favors doesn’t have to be complicated, and you certainly don’t have to match your theme exactly. Just don’t forget to spice up each table at the reception with thoughtfully chosen wedding favors that showcase the fall season – and your wedding’s style – appropriately!
About the Author: Cherie Johnson is the founder and owner of Creative Bride, a one-stop shop for personalized, unique baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, anniversary, and wedding favors, helping countless couples and families make their big events a success. Cherie’s wedding advice has appeared on several websites including Women Of, Wedding Lenox, and The Wedding Guide. Before she launched her company in 2006, Cherie worked as a professional wedding photographer, capturing the most special moments of the bride and groom’s big day. For more information on Creative Bride or to find a variety of colorful, customizable gifts and favors, please visit www.Creative-Bride.com.
The World’s Top Places for Destination Weddings
Planning a wedding is hard enough in your own home town, but pulling off an event out of town is a true challenge. You barely know your own way around, and now you have dozens if not hundreds of people to account for. But the perks of a destination wedding (and planning one) truly outweigh the negative elements – you experience the romance and mystique of another location while having a wedding/honeymoon/getaway all at the same time.
Many couples choose certain locales because they cater specifically to destination weddings and hosting numerous guests; they are the places that everyone on your list wants to go to and may not have had a chance before, but now have an iron-clad reason to make the trek. Here are the most popular spots for destination weddings – as well as what you can do while you’re there! (Just remember to choose a locale that suits you both; if you love water, a beach wedding is best, but if you would rather have a more rustic affair, opt for the mountains!)
Five of the Best Destination Wedding Planning Picks
· Italy: There’s nothing more romantic than Italian destination weddings. Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan – you name it; this is the ultimate getaway for many couples and their families. But going overseas also has a lot of challenges. As part of your destination wedding planning, you’ll have to ensure that all guests have or acquire a passport well in advance, and you’ll be responsible for finding suitable accommodations and transportation to and from the events. Your guests will want to do a little sightseeing while in town, so creating a list of places to visit and how to get there is a must. Fortunately, there are many destination wedding planning specialists who cater to foreign couples, so use their abilities fully. And the true perk of destination weddings: you can honeymoon right where you got married!
· Hawaii: This tropical island is a mecca for couples who want a relaxed beach wedding with little fuss. And hundreds of thousands of couples flock here to celebrate their nuptials Hawaiian-style. Many airports in the U.S. have direct flights to Honolulu, but if you decide to get married on another island, your guests can easily catch a flight the same or next day, giving them time to explore. And whether you choose to have an impromptu, informal affair or a giant, tropical bash, there are many knowledgeable destination wedding planning companies that can help you decide where to have your event, what to serve, where to spend your honeymoon, and much more.
· The Bahamas: One of the top destination wedding locations, the Bahamas truly evokes the Caribbean spirit in more ways than one. If all of your guests are U.S. citizens, then you’re in the clear (though, based on recent legislation, you are required to have a valid passport to enter). Citizens of other countries are advised to check entry requirements before booking tickets, and you can make it easier on your guests if they are flying from another country by verifying the requirements beforehand. Many couples choose to have their destination weddings take place among the centuries-old cathedrals or fortresses or at the famed city harbor in Nassau. And once the wedding is over, you and your guests can experience the best seafood, golfing, shopping, and casinos available!
· Napa Valley: For couples who love wine and/or the idea of getting married in a vineyard, Napa Valley is a great choice for destination weddings. Proximity to the big city – San Francisco and all of its unique sights – and the pastoral beauty of countless vineyards lure thousands of couples here each year to tie the knot with the help of a destination wedding planning specialist. From Spring to Winter, the change in seasons provides a new and different look to the Napa Valley countryside. Some wineries even host on site and have event planners at your disposal who specialize in destination weddings! And what would be more fun than touring the Wine Country on The Napa Valley Wine Train for your honeymoon?
· Lake Tahoe: For many years, the scenic charms of Lake Tahoe have routinely been voted one of the top spots for destination weddings. And it’s no wonder why this vibrant city appeals to so many different people. There’s biking, hiking, boating, camping, fishing, golfing, and skiing, all right there for you and your guests to enjoy. If you choose a wedding resort, which not only takes care of the accommodations for you and your guests, you’ll be provided with a dedicated destination wedding planning guide who will see to all of the details.
Destination Weddings: a Break from the Norm
Many couples think destination wedding planning is an outrageous expenditure. While this belief is true in some instances, you’re actually saving yourself from many hassles. Wherever you choose to have your ceremony and reception, you’ll be matched with event planners skilled at making sure that the tiniest aspects of destination weddings flow smoothly. And, you’ll also have your honeymoon built in to the cost. The best part you ask?…experiencing a brand new place with your family, friends, and loved ones.
About the Author: In 2006, Cherie Johnson decided to blend her love of weddings with a business model by starting Creative Bride, a one-stop shop for graduation, baby and bridal shower, anniversary, quinceañera, and wedding favors. Cherie’s helpful wedding planning tips have been featured on many websites including Wedding Museum, Little Wedding Guide, and The California Chronicle. Over the past few years, Cherie’s favors and guidance have helped thousands of couples and families make their big events a success. Prior to starting the company, she worked as a professional wedding photographer. Browse Creative Bride’s colorful selection of favors by visiting www.Creative-Bride.com.
We wanted to let all of our engaged couples know about a contest sponsored by Wedding Paper Divas and El Dorado Royale. Please visit http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/contests/destination-royale/ for a chance to win a luxury destination wedding package to El Dorado Royale Resort!
Have you ever dreamed of getting married on the Riviera Maya in Mexico? Well one lucky couple has a chance to win a gourmet inclusive destination wedding from El Dorado Royale, a spa resort by Karisma! Highlights of the package include: A three-night stay in the luxurious bridal suite, The Gold Wedding Package, A $500 gift certificate to Wedding Paper Divas and more!
All you need to do is visit the site and submit your contact information for a chance to win. The deadline for submissions is Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 11:59pm PST.
Surviving Your Wedding: Stress-Free Wedding Tips
It’s down to the wire, and you find yourself pulling out your hair because the florist is slow at returning your calls, the tailor is taking too long to alter your gown, and you can’t decide which dish to serve at the reception. It’s enough to make anyone go crazy, but surviving wedding stress is possible.
Even if you have a wedding planner, you’re still facing hurdles of your own when it comes to surviving the wedding stress, trying to make sure that everything flows smoothly on the big day. But what do you do when unexpected issues arise? Have you considered your plan of action and which stress-free wedding tips you’ll rely on if something goes wrong? In these instances, a hands-on approach to the problems you’ll encounter will solve everything right then and there.
So, with all the potential problems that can happen before and during your wedding day, how do you handle, manage, and overcome wedding planning stress? Here are a few of the best stress-free wedding tips that brides swear by to get them through the wedding planning stages.
Stay in Control with These Stress-Free Wedding Tips!
1. Surviving wedding stress involves giving yourself enough time to plan. Your wedding is what you make of it. If you allot no more than six or seven months for an extravagant affair, chances are it may look like it was rushed. With extra time, you can plan, make changes, hire the right vendors the first time around, and choose the best venues that match your budget (because you can shop around). And if you’re in a rush to get married, opt for a simpler ceremony and reception – one that’s affordable but doesn’t cause you stress in the long run.
2. Remember that a holiday wedding, while beautiful, is more stressful. Not only do you have a wedding to plan, but you have to worry about the added stress from the holidays. At Thanksgiving, for instance, you’ll have guests coming in from out of town, and you’ll worry about a big dinner, while at Christmas, you’re focused on buying gifts and decorating—all at the same time. This is not to say that surviving the wedding stress (and holiday stress) can’t be done; holiday winter weddings are some of the most elegant, joyous events. But you need to keep in mind that you will have added stress to deal with. Make sure you have a dependable wedding planner who can offer valuable stress-free wedding tips as well as many helpful friends who have the time to help you plan your big day.
3. Hire the right wedding planner – and get knowledgeable stress-free wedding tips. This is a given when it comes to surviving wedding stress. Of course, some brides do not hire a wedding planner, and that’s fine. Planners simply provide a sort of stress buffer for you and your family so that you can concentrate on other elements of the wedding. You’ll have the opportunity beforehand to interview wedding planners in your area to see if they can accurately align with your wishes and carry them out as you see fit. Plus, you can evaluate his or her personality to see if it’s someone you can work with on a regular basis.
4. Surviving wedding stress when one of your vendors goes MIA. Yikes! This is a tricky situation. You’ve planned for months that your vendor will show up at the time agreed upon. But it’s the day of the wedding — what can you do now? If at all possible, try to find a replacement; this may not be feasible since it’s truly last minute. A missing vendor does not spell immediate doom however. Here’s your chance to save the day – if the florist doesn’t show up, make a pit stop at the local grocery store and buy all the flowers you can. If the DJ cancels, enlist a friend to bring along an MP3 player with music everyone can dance to. And if the minister calls out sick, there’s a possibility a notary (in some states) can marry you, or you can have an eloquent guest perform the ceremony. After all, once you have that license in hand, you’re officially married regardless.
5. One of the best stress-free wedding tips for you (and your family) is to avoid being a ‘bridezilla.’ Stress can bring out the worst in anyone, and tackling and surviving wedding stress is the most difficult. And no one knows it better than the friends and family of the bride, who may witness a change in her demeanor over time. There’s no need to subject your loved ones to your emotional outbursts. Always give yourself time to reflect and relax. You don’t have to spend every waking moment making plans. Trust your friends to help you when it comes to planning the wedding and surviving the wedding stress; don’t go it alone.
Proper Planning Means Surviving Wedding Stress
Managing and surviving wedding stress is not easy. There are so many things that might make you want to call the planning off. Just remember that one of the most helpful stress-free wedding tips out there is to make sure that you allow yourself enough time to plan and make the day right. This is, after all, your wedding day, and while everything will not go the way you planned, keep a smile on your face and appreciate the many people who made the time to celebrate with you.
About the Author: In 2006, Cherie Johnson decided to blend her love of weddings with a business model by starting Creative Bride, a one-stop shop for baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, anniversary, and wedding favors. Cherie’s helpful tips have been published on many websites including The Wedding Source, Little Wedding Guide, and The American Chronicle. Over the past few years, Cherie has helped countless couples and families make their big events a success. Prior to starting the company, she worked as a professional wedding photographer. Browse Creative Bride’s colorful selection of favors by visiting www.Creative-Bride.com.