Archive for July, 2009

Last week, I wrote a post about romantic honeymoons in the United States of America-this week is part 2 and the conclusion.  I’ve already mentioned beach getaways and big city vacations. In this post I include ski trips, all-inclusive vacations, and more. Read on for more ideas.

Are you looking for an adventurous winter getaway? Check out Colorado’s mountain ski town resorts, such as Aspen or Vail.  While there are plenty of ski towns in the state of Colorado, Aspen and Vail offer a mix of small town charm with modern luxuries, such as high end boutiques, nice resort hotels, and nightlife. In both cities you can ski, snowboard, ride a Snowcat, dogsled, and more. Another good resort town is Park City (in Utah) which is a lot like the former. You can choose from about  5 good ski resorts, including the stylish Deer Valley and the child-friendly Park City Mountain Resort, both of which are the most popular choices.

All-inclusive resorts aren’t just in the Caribbean, you can find a few good ones in the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania. Stay at Caesars Poconos Resort or Penn Hills Resort where you pay one price for almost everything including hotel, food, entertainment, and activities. Caesars has several packages and special activities just for honeymooners. Both offer winter sport activities and golf as part of the package deal.

Looking to get away from it all and have a little fun? Go to Orlando, Florida- the land of theme parks including Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios. Better yet, spend some time in the actual city of Orlando, and discover some of the beautiful parks and other nature reserves around the area.

Another fabulous option, especially for wine connoisseurs, is to visit California’s wine country which includes Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino. Spend a few nights in a romantic B&B, tour various wineries during the day, and cap off your nights at a fabulous restaurant.

From small towns to big cities: the United States has it all. Why not stay here for your honeymoon?

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After months and months of stressful wedding planning, a honeymoon is a relief. Jetting off to Europe or the Caribbean is something that most engaged couples look forward to. However, with the recent economic downturn, it seems that we now have to focus on budgeting for the honeymoon. A fun way to save money on your honeymoon is staying right here at home- the good ol’ United States of America. Here are some fabulously fun honeymoon destinations to consider.

If you crave a cosmopolitan beach getaway, consider Miami, which is a mix of glamorous nights on the town and sun-filled days on the beach. Stay at the newly renovated Fontaineblue, which used to be more of a hotel suited for the business crowd and now has become a hotel for partying with a  30,000 square foot nightclub.  Want to visit an island? Go island hopping in Hawaii: enjoy the beauty serenity of  Kaihalulu, which a hidden gem in Maui, the glitz of Honolulu, and learn to surf the waters off of Waimea Bay.

Some honeymooners want to escape to a big city where the culture, shopping, and nightlife is abundant. Visit New York City (also known as the Big Apple) for the best of everything a city has to offer. Check out the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), rent bikes and navigate your way through Central Park, and just revel in a city that is forever on the move. If you want to take the more hedonistic route, then head to Las Vegas.

Only in Vegas can you live like a rock star (stay at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino) and gamble all day if you want. You can take in a few good entertaining shows and relax at a spa- many of which are in your hotel).

Stay tuned for part two

of Honeymoons In The USA.

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Having a flower girl in your wedding can provide that extra touch that makes your ceremony even more special and helps to put a smile on the faces of family and friends alike. Some weddings have one flower girl, while others have more than one. Read on for some suggestions that can help you choose the right little girl for the job.

To begin with, the responsibility of walking down the aisle and scattering flower petals is something that should be given to a girl who is eight years of age or younger. Most people choose a sister, cousin or niece of the bride, but the flower girl also can be a child of a friend or a relative of the groom.

It is important to bear in mind that the flower girl is a young child, and while some may enjoy the attention they receive, others may find that they are scared and nervous once they see everyone in the church looking at them. For this reason it is essential that there be an adult nearby who can assist the flower girl if she becomes upset or needs help. For example, the flower girl might walk halfway down the aisle and then stop in her tracks in fear. Having someone who can take her hand and lead her the rest of the way while encouraging her is very beneficial.

The flower girl is supposed to remain standing with the rest of the bridal party throughout the ceremony. However, the younger the child is, the more difficult this can be to accomplish.

The History of the Flower Girl

Traditionally, flower girls have been a part of weddings going back as far as the Victorian days. The role was created so that the flower girl could make the guests smile and relax because of her innocent and sweet demeanor. She helped to put everyone at ease and to bring laughter and humor to what otherwise was sometimes a very formal event.

The purpose of scattering rose petals along the aisle before the bride takes her walk to the altar is to create a pathway that stands for the beauty of the bride. It is also symbolic of the new road that the bride is taking in joining with a husband to forge a new life together.

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When it comes to planning your dream wedding, saving time and extra money is important. That is why many engaged couples choose to enlist the help of a wedding consultant. Not only can a professional wedding planner help you come up with the minor details, like decorating, and help you devise a wedding within your budget, she also can help you find reliable vendors and even save you extra money by alerting you to deals you might have not been otherwise aware of. Read below for tips that will help you select the right wedding consultant.

You can start searching for consultants by looking in the phonebook, or better yet, you can ask your recently married friends and family member for references. Another place to look is the Association of Bridal Consultants, as they are considered one of the most professional associations for wedding planners. Make sure you get a list of wedding planners and arrange for a meeting (with your fiance preferably)- this way you can meet the wedding consultant and interview him. Be sure to devise a list ahead of time of questions that you want to ask. Don’t forget to let him ask you questions so he can get to know you better, what your wants and need are, and most of all, to find out if your ideas are in sync.

Don’t be afraid to ask for recent references and to sign a contract-any consultant who doesn’t do either of the above is not professional, and not worth your time. Try to research 2 or 3 wedding consultants if you can. You also want to look for a wedding planner who is open to ideas, works on a realistic schedule, knows vendors, and is willing to help out with the finest details. Remember to find out how much the consultant charges, usually 15% of the wedding’s total cost.

In the end, the right wedding planner will save you money.

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