Archive for Honeymoon

Not every engaged couple is going to want fine china, crystal, and a new blender. Many  a couple these days don’t spend much time in the kitchen, and even less time actually cooking. Why make a list of gifts that will probably end up collecting dust in the pantry? If a gift registry is not your (nor your fiance’s) thing, then what options do you have? Aside from asking for money (not a bad idea once you know how to phrase it well), there are more creative options out there.

1. Ask Them to Chip in for Honeymoon Expenses
The whole wedding is pricey, and so is the honeymoon. Why not let them help pay for the romantic getaway of your dreams? With website like Buy Our Honeymoon, you easily can make a list of experiences, accommodations and more. Then your family and friends can select what they want to pay for, which saves you more money in the long run.

2. Have Them Donate to a Meaningful Charity
Perhaps you and your fiance are involved in a charity that means a lot to both of you. Why not politely ask guests to donate money to your preferred charity in your honor? This is truly a gift that keeps on giving, plus they can donate a little or a lot. The I Do Foundation is just one website specializing in charity registries.

3. Ask Them to Purchase the Big Picture
If what you really want is a new couch, who says that a new piece of furniture or maybe a new kitchen appliance doesn’t make a great gift? Now, since these are probably the most expensive and largest of gift idea, you might ask for everyone to pitch in together to purchase that big screen television or new china hutch.

4. Money Is Always Welcome
If you really need financial assistance or just would like to start a saving account, then make sure the word gets out that you would like financial gifts.  One method includes mentioning this on your wedding website, but word of mouth is always best!

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Part three (the final conclusion to my Wedding Budget Series)  will show you how to save money for and during your honeymoon. After the long awaited celebration called a wedding, you and your spouse want and need a little R and R. But like everything else wedding related, you have to budget for this. Luckily you’ve got plenty of options and tools to help you plan and book your dream honeymoon, and I am here to share some great tips for budgeting your dream honeymoon. Here they are.

1- Go all-inclusive and pay a package price for the airfare, hotel, meals, and entertainment.  Best off all, many of these resorts have it all in one location, which means you won’t have to rent a car (unless, of course, you want to do some sightseeing or shopping). Some packages even throw extras like free wine, dinner, or massages. Ask before you book.

2- Stay close to home. If you live in the northeast, consider New York City, Martha’s Vineyard, Philadelphia, or Boston. If you live in the west, maybe you should vacation in the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles or Las Vegas.  Not only will you save on airfare, you also will save yourself from having to renew or obtain a passport.

3- Consider a honeymoon registry where your friends and family can chip in to pay for your honeymoon. This is an extraordinary idea if you want to stay in the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, or Europe. Check out TheBigDay.com or Honeymoon Wishes to get started.

4- Seek a travel agent that specializes in the area you want to stay. Sure you have to pay, but a smart agent will not only save you money, they often will give savvy tips on how to snag perks and freebies during your honeymoon. Who couldn’t use that?

5- Use these two little words that can save you money, “We’re newlyweds!”. Now this is no guarantee to anything, but you could receive a few discounts or freebies by just mentioning these two words.

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When it comes to packing for your honeymoon, you may have stars in your eyes but don’t let your excitement cause you to forget something important such as your passport! Here are some suggestions for packing for your dreamy honeymoon with your new spouse.

Make sure you keep all of your valuables with you at all times in your purse or carry-on luggage. This means your passport, camera, cell phone, jewelry, your glasses and your medication. It is also wise to pack at least one change of clothes (or perhaps just a pair of underwear, socks and a shirt) in your carry-on in case your luggage does not arrive at your destination at the same time that you do. It is also smart to have some toiletry items and your cosmetics in your carry-on for the same potential reason.

When choosing what clothes to bring, coordinating solids are your best bet. Leave your clothes with prints and patterns at home. Think simple and basic. Pack clothes that are wrinkle-resistant. Examples of these are microfibers such as Lycra, spandex, nylon and Tencel (or blends of such). If you will be honeymooning in a warm location, then pack more light colored fabrics than dark. While light colored materials do tend to show stains much more readily than dark colors, they are also cooler.

Bring versatile footwear that can be worn with more than one outfit, but make sure your shoes will be comfortable. If possible, bring shoes that can be worn for more than one occasion. Do not bring shoes (or clothing) on your honeymoon that has never been worn before.

Instead of folding your clothing in your suitcase, roll it. This allows more room and also cuts down on any wrinkles in your clothing. To save on space, place your socks and pantyhose inside of your shoes when you pack them.

When buying luggage for your honeymoon, buy two separate bags instead of one big one for the two of you to share. You might want to place a few items of yours in his suitcase and vice versa in the unfortunate event that one of the two bags gets lost in transit or is delayed. This also prevents either one of you from hurting your back when moving the suitcase from one place to another. Whatever you do, always buy luggage that has wheels! This is with the exception of your carry-on luggage.

Enjoy your honeymoon!

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When it comes to planning your wedding you want to find information anytime, anywhere, and fast. That is the beauty of the Internet. You can find the latest styles of bridal gowns and other wedding attire with the click of a mouse. However, Google isn’t without flaws, and searching for local vendors can become a bit tricky if your sole reliance is on a search engine. That is why websites that specialize in weddings are probably your best bet!  All your information, one website. Here are the best wedding information sites.

The Knot.com
Chances are you’ve seen (and maybe even purchased) a local edition of The Knot Magazine, but the website version is much more comprehensive, as they offer a mix of local resources, wedding ideas from recent brides, honeymoon information, and more. Essentially The Knot’s website is a wedding portal. They also have videos and a community with message boards.

Brides.com
Like The Knot.com, Brides.com is a wedding portal owned by a magazine (well, in their case, three including Brides, Modern Bride, and Elegant Bride). The highlights of this website include their Essential Guide, which are easy-to-follow guides to help you plan everything from selecting a wedding gown to planning a destination wedding. And, as an added bonus, the Wedded Bits Blog is chock-full of fascinating and useful wedding information.

Weddings from About.com
Now this is not a website per se, it is a section of the larger About.com information search portal. Here you will find plenty of interesting articles and information tips from experienced experts on the topic. On this website you will find much more detailed information on planning the whole event.

In the end,  you will want to visit all three of these websites for the vast and varying  information that each one offers. Of all these websites, which one do you like the best?

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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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Destination weddings used to be what fairy tales were made of, but these days destination weddings are becoming more commonplace. Many resorts and hotels all over the world offer wedding packages that save you time and money, making the whole process that much easier. Whether you dream of getting hitched in the Caribbean or maybe back at home, here are some tips to consider when planning a far-flung locale.

Whether you’re getting married here in the United States or in another country, you need to get a valid marriage license to make it legal. Find out where and how to get the license before you start planning the wedding because each country has its own rules and regulations.

It is also a good idea to find out if your guests are going to plan to take the time and spend the money to come to the wedding, especially if it’s far away from home.

Research resorts not only to find the best deal, but to find out if they have the amenities you want, and what is included in the package deal. If you can, try to arrange a three-day getaway to evaluate the resorts or venues before you actually sign an agreement.

While you’re there, you will have to choose the vendors(caterer, florist, disc jockey, etc.) for the wedding locale. If you can, seek assistance in a local wedding planner, or take advantage of a wedding coordinator(if your resort offers one). They will help you with the planning and details of your destination wedding, and they also should help you add a little local flavor to the reception.

Keep the location in mind when shopping for your wedding gown. It wouldn’t be wise to wear a ball gown on the beach.

Don’t forget that you should arrive to the location at least several days early to finalize and prepare everything.

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If you are a shoe lover, then making sure that the shoes you wear on your wedding day are just wondrous is of great importance. Before you attend the first fitting for your wedding gown, you should have picked out the shoes you plan to wear (or at least have an idea of which pair you plan to purchase).

The reason for this is because the heel height needs to be known before your dress is fitted. In that way, the gown can be altered in such a way that it will work well with the shoes you choose. You don’t want to trip on your walk down the aisle. That is one unpleasant memory that no bride wants to be left with!

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when you shop for your bridal shoes:

-If your wedding has a theme, then choose shoes that fit well with it. For example, a beach wedding might be the perfect time to don wedding flip flops.

-The season of your wedding is relevant as well. For example, sandal-like wedding shoes or strappy open-toed shoes are more appropriate for late spring or summer weddings as opposed to autumn or winter weddings.

-The most comfortable heel height for most brides is two inches or lower. Remember that you will be wearing these shoes for the duration of the ceremony and the reception. (Also, if your groom is not especially tall, then you do not want to tower over him!).

-White or ivory colored shoes are standard fare, as they are well matched for a wedding dress. However, depending on the time of year when you are getting married, it may not be easy to find a suitable pair of white shoes. As well, you might not be a fan of white and would prefer a little more color in your shoes. Metallics such as bronze, gold or silver are excellent alternatives. You also might want to choose a color that matches your wedding color, such as pastel pink or light blue. Dying your shoes is another option worth exploring.

-Add embellishments to your shoes, such as small flowers or lace if you like. However, make sure they will not interfere with your ability to walk!

-Light colored shoes tend to make the feet look larger. If you are bothered by your foot size, then select a wedding shoe with a rounded toe.

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Congratulations to you if you have made the decision to take a second honeymoon. A second honeymoon gives a couple the opportunity to strengthen their love and the unique opportunity to reconnect with one another. It is a time to laugh, play and dream.

As you plan your second honeymoon, bear in mind that this is no ordinary vacation. It is not time for the whole family to enjoy, so let the kids know that they are not invited!

A second honeymoon is about quality time for the two of you. Open your heart to one another, keep an open mind and bring your patience, energy and enthusiasm. If you can book a honeymoon suite complete with a hot tub and champagne, then do so.

Plan a second honeymoon that you both will enjoy. All of the activities you choose should surround bringing the two of you closer together. Decide as a couple where you want to go, what your budget is and how long you wish to be away.

Make your second honeymoon a time to create new memories. There is nothing wrong with talking and reminiscing over old times, but recognize that there are good times ahead. Cherish your time together. Be greedy about your time, and do not let anything intrude upon it. If you want to sleep until noon, do so. If you want to sip wine at 10 a.m., then have fun doing it. If you want to go for pizza or ice cream at 1a.m., then by all means- go for it!

A second honeymoon is a special period of time that is set aside to be cherished. Do not let work or family concerns put a dent in the moments you have together. Clear your mind of everything else except the person you love and adore. Make that person your complete focus.

Just as best laid plans can come undone on other vacations, so can they on a second honeymoon. Whatever you do, do not forget your sense of humor at home! When you are packing the massage oil, your sexiest lingerie and your drop dead heels, make sure you bring with you the ability to laugh at yourself, and each other. You just never know what you might encounter on your trip- whether it be delays, room mix-ups, bags that go missing or a sunburn that you have tried to avoid!

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Here we continue our look at the preparations that need to be made when it comes to getting ready to go on a honeymoon.

-If you will be honeymooning outside of the country, make sure that when you purchase foreign currency you remember to get some small bills for things such as snacks, refreshments, tips, taxis, etc. There may be establishments that do not accept large bills, so having smaller bills is preferable.

-Find out at your bank if your ATM card will work in the country you will be going to. If you can use your bank card in the country you will be honeymooning in, then do so, but do not depend on it to the exclusion of other financial means. Issues can crop up using your card that you may not have anticipated. It would not hurt to pay close attention to the systems that your bank makes use of. Some examples of these include Cirrus, Interac and Plus.

-Book an appointment with your doctor before leaving for your honeymoon. If you are currently taking medication then make sure you have enough for the duration of your time away. If you will be traveling internationally, then find out if you need to get any vaccinations.

-Buy yourself a small safe, and place all of your valuables inside it before you leave for your honeymoon. It would be smart to leave your most expensive jewelry at home. You do not want to make yourself a target for any thieves on your honeymoon. Consider leaving your engagement ring at home for safe keeping.

-Make sure your family knows where you will be going for your honeymoon and has flight numbers and times. It would be good to leave an itinerary with them in the event that you need to be reached while you are away.

-If you have a pet(s) find someone who can look after him while you are away or else make arrangements to board your pet.

-Arrange for someone to check in on your home, as well as to bring in your mail and water your plants.

-If you currently have newspapers delivered to your home, then call the company to have it stopped while you are away. (That goes for anything else that you have delivered to your home on a daily or weekly basis as well.)

-Buy a timer for the lights in your home in order that others cannot tell that you are away.

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