10 Tips to Honeymoon Planning

This weekend after learning that our Saturday couple was going to Aruba on their honeymoon (jealous!) we decided to brush up on our latest honeymoon gossip when we ran across a fun article that touched on 10 tips to honeymoon planning. While they may seem like small changes to make to the planning process, we thought they were helpful none-the-less! They are as follows:

1. Wait a day or two before heading out to paradise. While we know you are just as excited to jet set as you were for the big day, it may be a good idea to wait a few days to head out. You may not think so, but your wedding day takes a lot out of you! Between waking up early to get ready and spending hours catching up with family and friends, you will be pooped. The last thing you will want to do is stand in lines at the airport the next day.

2. Do not use the bride's newlywed name for the reservations. We know you have practiced writing 'Mrs. John Smith' all over the place since you first got engaged, but using your new name is not the best idea for honeymoon planning. It usually takes a little bit for the new names to register on all the official documentation. It will save a lot of time when trying to get tickets and check in!

3. Always specify the kind of bed arrangement you want. Whether you specifically want a king or are fine with two queens, make sure you let the hotel know ahead of time- You want to make sure they don't put you in a room with two single beds!

4. Always let your travel agent/flight company/hotel/etc. know you are on your honeymoon. Whoever you are making plans with, let them know you are on your special vacation. They are usually more than willing to issue and upgrade and give you special treats to celebrate. But make sure to bring proof! Places now a days require you to provide documentation.

5. Don't skimp on any aspect! This is an occasion, like the wedding, you will remember forever. You definitely would not want to look back on the things you did and wish you did more!

6. If you ARE on a fixed budget... Consider postponing the honeymoon- There is nothing wrong with this! Postponed trips are just as special. And it will allow you to make sure you are able to go and do everything you want to. Also consider shortening the trip- It may be better to go to a more luxurious hotel for fewer nights as opposed to a less fabulous one for longer.

7. Take heed when getting advice from family and friends. They of course have your best interests in mind, but sometimes their likes and dislikes are completely different than what you and your hubby's will be. It's always good to get advice, but make sure you are planning the trip the two of you want!

8. Plan the deets together. It may not be something of interest to both of you (you know who we are talking about) but make sure to get both opinions and wants involved in the planning aspect. It's a trip for both of you, after all!

9. All inclusive resorts? No, its not a scam. With everything you will need to include and pay for on the trip, it is a good idea to look into options like this. You can still plan other things outside the resort, but it helps with covering a few of the crazy costs like food and alcohol.

10. Choose a place neither of you have been to before. It's nice to have your own special places, but these are places you can go all the time. Choose a destination that neither of you have been to before, and it will be fun to experience it all together for the first time!





blog inspired by~http://www.weddingshoneymoons.com/honeymoon_planning_tips
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Decisions, Decisions- Planning Entertainment for the Big Day

With today's changing and evolving wedding trends, music and entertainment can sometimes be almost as important as the food. It is the first thing your guests will experience before you make your grand entrance, and will be something you will want to be able to enjoy as you celebrate the night away. Before you go booking the first DJ you meet, take into consideration a few trendy entertainment ideas and tips that will keep your guests rockin' the night away.

IPods are SO out. Ok, so you may have the coolest new jams that you just downloaded to your new iPod. But let's save that for your next road trip. While iPods are a resourceful way to keep your entertainment budget down, it totally takes away from the entertainment value a DJ or live band provide. They know how to entertain your guests, make announcements, and help keep the flow of the reception. Plus, it saves everyone from having to hear 'My Humps' replay all night...

Plan out the music. While your guests may not remember every single song they hear, music is an important aspect of the wedding experience. They are more than just songs- they are the songs that play before you walk down the isle, songs that play as you dance your first dance, songs you get to jive to as new husband and wife. Not every song needs to be planned out in a minute-to-minute schedule, but make sure that the big moments feature some of your favorites.

Set the trend. While weddings never get old (at least we don't think they do!) they can always be spiced up with a little bit of unorthodox entertainment. A rising trend more and more couples are beginning to use are photobooths. No, not just the ones you see set up all over the mall. These can be a fun way to get your guests to unveil their goofy sides. And the cool part about these are the printouts: guests get to take home a reminder of the fun they had, and you get a silly picture they can act as a guestbook to document those who attended. Another classy idea is to get a caricature artist to draw pictures of your guests. They usually book by the hour so you wouldn't necessarily need to book them for the entire time, but it is a fun thing for the guests to do when they need to rest their tired dancing feet.

No matter what you choose to have at your wedding your guests are bound to have a good time...the important thing is that you do, too!

*picture courtesy of gismodo.com~inaframe.com
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The ABC's of Wedding Party Picking

Picking family and friends for your wedding party can often times be somewhat of a tough choice. You want to make sure you choose people who are close to you, and who you can trust and rely on, but at the same time don't want to hurt any feelings- if only bridal parties could consist of 100 people! Before you fret about who to choose, take a look at some of our ABC's to help you narrow down your search.


 A-Squad- No matter what, there is no wrong choice in who you choose. You want to think about who you want standing beside you, who you will be able to depend on, how many people you want to have in the party. You don't have to invite the same girls who asked you to be in their wedding, and you don't have to include your long lost distant cousin twice removed: there are no rules as long as it is your dream team.

Before- Prior to making any decisions, don't be too hasty to make assumptions about your choices, i.e. assuming someone wont be able to afford the dress you choose, or wont be interested in helping you plan. If there is someone you have these concerns about, confront her. Maybe the situation isn't as you thought. Or, if it is, maybe you can find something else for her to be involved with.

 
Choosing- Remember, like with all of the other decisions that need to be made, this is your day. Don't worry about what others will think or about hurting people's feelings: They know it is your special day and you have your own vision.
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Picking Your Wedding's Theme

An exciting aspect of planning a wedding is picking out the theme. Not all weddings have to have a theme, but it can be a fun way to tie both the bride and groom's personalities in together. Looking for that o-so-unique idea? Check out some of these that we found!

Alice in Wonderland




Cajun/Mardi Gras

   



Tiffany




Pirate

    



Western

   



Under the Sea





Pictures courtesy of*Blushingbridezilla.com*weddingboss.com*theweddingideas.co.cc*projectwedding.com*bridalcookie.com
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Going Old School

Looking for some neat ideas to turn your wedding into a classy, vintage one?  Why not?! Turning your big day into an old-fashioned soiree is a piece of cake!

Intrigue your guests by showing off your style right from the beginning. Do you remember using tea bags to make your 2nd grade history report look aged and unique? Use that second grade knowledge towards making your invites look charming and classic. Calligraphy pens can also help to make your wedding details simple and distinctive.


What about the centerpieces? Some of the best vintage centerpieces are things that are actually...well...vintage. Old or faded framed family pictures always make wonderful table decor, and add a little bit of family to the decorations. Pictures of old classic movies are also always a good way to help with your blast-to-the-past. Oldies like Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, and My Fair Lady are noted romantic films. Want to incorporate flowers into the centerpiece? Try picking out things from the garden like old water cans to give the piece an old-fashioned flair.


Now for the accessories. Adding lace to something almost makes it look vintage. Lace wedding dresses can be found in just about any bridal store. Not a fan of wearing lace from head to toe? Incorporate it other places, such as the table cloths, or the pattern of the wedding cake. Substitute a floor length veil or tiara for a birdcage style veil that drapes the side of your face. Vintage brooches or neckalces can help spruce up your look as well.


No matter what you choose to do, we know your wedding will be a 'thing of the past'. Just remember to keep it simple, and you'll be a success!
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