Destination Weddings - Are They For You?

Would you like to get married on your honeymoon? Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular with couples who are eager to skip the fuss of a traditional wedding and jump right into the fun. Around the world, you'll find hotels and resorts that offer on-site help to plan your wedding, from details like the wedding license to extras such as music and photos. Whether the special day involves just the two of you or whether you'll be inviting friends and relatives to join in the occasion, a destination wedding can be a way to create wonderful memories.

But, first, the down side. Destination weddings aren't for everyone. If you're in love with the idea of a large wedding with all your friends and family, skip this idea. Even with a year of planning, it's just about impossible to get everyone's schedules coordinated for this kind of event.

But many couples are saying "I do" to the idea of destination weddings not only as a way to make the occasion more special, but also as a means of simplifying the whole process. "Just say the word, and we'll take care of everything," explains Ava Burke-Thompson, Director of Guest Services at the Sheraton Grand Resort Paradise Island, Bahamas. "We can arrange for the marriage license; minister, priest or rabbi; the florist and the photographer; the wedding cake and champagne; and the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception."

At resorts like the Sheraton Grand, on site wedding coordinators take care of every last detail, some with just a one day notice. "We do it all the time," says Burke-Thompson. "It's now legally possible to get married in the Bahamas with 24 hours' notice."

POPULARITY OF DESTINATION WEDDINGS

Destination weddings have caught on for several reasons. According to hotels and resorts around the world, they're especially popular with:

* couples on a budget who don't want the expense of an elaborate wedding.
* couples who don't want the fuss of a wedding and all that goes with it at home.
* couples on their second marriage looking for something a little different.
* those on their second marriage who'll need to bring along children on the honeymoon. The children's programs at many resorts offer privacy for the couple and a chance to enjoy a vacation with their new family.
* couples who are bringing a small wedding party. Sometimes the bride and groom stay at one resort and the wedding party at a neighboring resort, giving everyone privacy.
* couples who are bringing a sizable wedding party and would like to take over a resort.


Many small resorts like Florida's Little Palm Island offer groups the option of taking over the entire property. This type of stay must be arranged far in advance. The wedding party has the run of the resort for their stay, with plenty of room to party and play. "Little Palm Island is a really private, secluded getaway for wedding groups," explains Susan Belanski, Director of Sales. "We close off the entire island." When wedding parties take over an entire property like Little Palm Island, regular house rules, such as no guests under age 16, are suspended so wedding parties can invite anyone of their choice.

DETAILS, DETAILS

Before you say "I do," plan to do a little research into the "do"s --and "don't"s -- of the local marriage laws. Many countries have loosened their marriage regulations, making it easier for foreigners to tie the knot. Even so, you'll need to do some research.

"The reason some couples have problems with their overseas wedding is that they are unfamiliar with the marriage laws, rules and regulations of where they want to be wed," explains Ruth Keusch, co-owner of Ottley's Plantation Inn, located in Caribbean federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. In researching your destination wedding, Keusch recommends that couples make sure they learn:

* if their home country will recognize a wedding in the designated country as valid.
* the minimum residency period before the marriage can be performed.
* what paperwork you'll need to bring from your hometown house of worship if you're planning a religious ceremony
* what proof is required if you're divorced or widowed
* if blood tests are required and, if so, if you can bring them from your home doctor or if must they be performed locally
* if there will be English-speaking staff members available to assist you
* costs and fees
* typical weather during the month of your wedding
* special hotel rates for members of the wedding party
* what previous experience the hotel or resort has in planning foreign weddings


Destination weddings can also lead to another joyous celebration: destination anniversaries. Couples who wed on their honeymoon can revisit the very spot where they married and share the memories of that occasion.

Wedding Costs - Who traditionally pays for a wedding

One question that usually comes up when a couple announces their engagement is, "Who will pay for the wedding?"

Traditionally, the majority of the wedding expenses are paid for by the bride and/or her family. In our more modern times, however, another approach is to divide the costs up between the bride and groom and each set of parents.

Below is a list of the traditional guidelines for wedding expenses. You may choose to adapt this list to your own personal needs and preferences.

BRIDE/BRIDE'S FAMILY:
- Any needed rental items
- Arrange for accommodations for out of town guests* (grooms family can also arrange this, depending on whose hometown the wedding is taking place at)
- Bridesmaids wedding gifts
- Ceremony Costs
- Ceremony Decorations
- Ceremony/Reception Flowers
- Entertainment (DJ, Band, Harp, etc.)
- Favors
- Flowers (bridesmaids bouquets, all corsages, ceremony)
- Gratuities/Tips for services
- Grooms wedding gift
- Grooms wedding ring
- Guest Book
- Her blood tests/medical checkup
- Invitations, thank you cards, announcements, mailing expenses, etc.
- Lingerie
- Photographer
- Printed items such as napkins, matchbooks, etc.
- Programs
- Reception costs (hall fee, etc.)
- Videographer
- Wedding Breakfast
- Wedding Consultant/Coordinator's Fee
- Wedding Dress, Veil and accessories


GROOM/GROOM'S FAMILY:
- Accessories for men in wedding party, such as socks, gloves, etc.
- Alcohol at the reception
- Arrange for accommodations for out of town guests* (brides family can also arrange this, depending on whose hometown the wedding is taking place at)
- Bride's wedding gift
- Bride's wedding rings
- Flowers (Brides bouquet, all boutonnieres)
- Groomsmens gifts
- His blood tests/medical checkup
- Honeymoon
- Limosine/Carriage costs
- Marriage License
- Officiant Fee
- Rehearsal Dinner expenses
- Wedding Attire


ATTENDANTS/USHERS:
- Any necessary travel expenses
- Shower gift
- Wedding attire and accessories
- Wedding gift for the newlyweds

2010 Styles For Wedding Band Rings Available at Affordable Prices

Wedding is an occasion – The occasion that binds people through love and devotion. The most integral part of this ceremony is the engagement rings that are exchanged between the partners. The event is religious and binds the bride and the groom through vows, their love and commitment for each other.

Wedding ring is part of the religious ceremony called wedding and often worn as a reflection of ones individuality and sometimes the convection that bounds wedding. It should also reflect your style. Identically designed rings were exchanged earlier, but now stylish and more characteristic bands have replaced the whole idea of the wedding rings.

There is a whole new style and brand name every year that features and replaces the trends. The trends now in 2010 are:

Diamond Rings: Diamonds are always trendy because it’s eternal. Diamonds are worn for ages as an engagement ring. Still it is the most popular and often stated as the women’s best friend. Most popular form of diamond rings is the solitaire but according to style as well as status, often people exchange rings that are pricey or are merged with other forms of gems. Diamonds are used on yellow as well as white gold. It is also used o platinum and other elements. 14k Two Tone Diamond ring is the best one too.

14k White Gold Bands: Gold is actually very soft element but when amalgamated with other alloys it becomes stronger and longer lasting. White gold is preferred among the many gold varieties available. Some go for the yellow gold shine and matte finish, but most go for 14K white gold rings. Studded with diamond the 14K white gold comes out much trendier than the others. It is also the most popular.

Budget varies according to the diamonds you want to set onto your ring. The cost varies according to the quality and the purity of diamond as well as according to the clarity of diamond.

Gold Wedding Rings: Gold wedding rings are just as popular as it was earlier. Traditional yet highly on budget you can also go for diamonds on this gold wedding rings.

Celtic wedding bands: are the hot favorite of 2010 wedding bands. These bands are handcrafted and particularly well suited for newly weds who want to bring character to their wedding with this special piece of art.

Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands: Upcoming and new in wedding bands Tungsten Carbide rings are cheap, trendy, stylish and available in great designs. As against for $1000 gold and platinum or diamond rings you can easily go for tungsten carbide rings that are available at around $100.

Titanium Wedding Rings: Titanium wedding rings are light weight, and additionally these rings is one of the most popular trends in 2010. Titanium rings also comes in white color that gives the ring the effect of platinum. Price range varies from $50 to $150. Additionally you can put gems and artistically designed your rings to suit your persona.

Quick Recap:
2010 styles for the wedding band rings available at affordable prices are:
1. 14k White Gold Wedding Bands
2. Diamond Rings
3. Gold Wedding Rings
4. Celtic wedding bands
5. Tungsten Carbide Wedding Bands
6. Titanium Wedding Rings

IDEAS FOR THE RECEPTION

As you walk into the reception hall, have a 3 part display board... on one side, show pictures of the groom alone as a baby, child, teen, young adult, etc... on the other side, do the same for the bride... in the middle, have pictures of the couple together (engagement photos, etc.).

Will there be young children at your wedding reception? Create a kids table with wedding related coloring books and washable markers. This gives the parents a little time to breath and also gives the kids something to do.

Bouquet-tossing can be scary for the shy single girls at a wedding, so a sweet alternative is to have each married couple get on the dance floor, and start by calling the couples who have been married 5 years or less off the floor, then up to 10 years, then 15, 20 and so on. When the last couple is standing (the longest married couple) you give them the bouquet as a celebration of their long lasting love.

Have guests ring bells as bride and groom leave church, instead of throwing rice or bubbles that may spill.

To make your special day more memorable and breathtaking, dedicate a special song to the bridal party. You can also dedicate special songs to parents, grandparents and other special friends or relatives at your reception.

Have guests sign a table cloth (of your choosing) with permanent markers, instead of the book and the feathered pen. You can always pull it out once a year and use it for your anniversary table.

Have the lyrics of your wedding song displayed in a frame near or next to the entrance of the reception room for your guests' viewing pleasure.

Put disposable cameras on the guest tables and collect them at the end of the reception. This will give you more precious pictures to put into your Wedding Photo Album.

Put baskets in the bathrooms at the reception hall. A basket stocked with hair spray, clear nail polish, extra pairs of stockings, trial size lipstick & perfumes for the Ladies Room... combs, hair gel, mouthwash and trial size colognes for the Men.

Buy a large umbrella and a package of fine tipped permanent markers in various colors. Have guests sign the umbrella with their thoughts at the reception. This made a great keepsake from our wedding! Now every time it rains we think of our special day.

Ways To Personalize Your Wedding

Planning a wedding yourself can be very challenging, but there are plenty of advantages that will come along with it. There's nothing else that will make your wedding so you than working on details yourself. You can make your wedding more personalized by doing it yourself, and by considering the following ways below:

Through your wedding invitations...

You can personalize your wedding through wedding invitations that could be handmade or feature a several details about you and your husband-to-be. Don't limit yourself to monograms alone, because there so many personalized ideas you can use to create a more personal invitation. You may consider folded origami-style invites that would look like a crane once folded. Or you can use calligraphy for a small monogramming. There are even wedding invitations that feature a brief story of how the bride met his groom, while there are others that go beyond that story. Just think of possible ideas you can include to your invitations in advance.

Through your wedding songs...

Another common way to personalize your wedding is through your wedding songs. Compile some of your favorite songs that will be played on the day of your wedding. You can have some songs played during the wedding entourage or in some parts of the wedding ceremony, while the rest are to be played at the wedding reception. Pick songs that you both like and have inspired you throughout your relationship.

Through your wedding decorations...

Use your photos to create personalized touches on your wedding centerpieces. For example, you can use photo glass vases to hold flowers on each table. These photo glass vases are available in many online stores at relatively cheap prices. Or, you can include monograms to your place card holders and centerpieces if it is possible.

Through your wedding favors...

There are so many personalized wedding favors available today. These favors could be edible or non-edible, which can be personalized with your names or monograms, and wedding date. If you wish to make your own wedding favors at home, that would also be fine and a personalize idea as well. Personalized wedding favors could also be cheap monogrammed candles or soaps. If you want something elegant and classy, you can find engraved pewter favors. Almost everything can be personalized, it is all up to you to choose which is the best and personalize it with the right specifications.

Personalizing your wedding doesn't mean you have to spend a lot. If you can make some of your wedding supplies, feel free to do so. Personalized favors, and centerpieces could also be something inexpensive. You can find lots of cheap novelty items at your local thrift stores or online stores that can be personalized. You can find also personalized wedding favors on many e-stores that come with free engraving. You can really save a lot on these choices of wedding supplies, plus you'll get a chance to create additional an touch that reflects you and and your spouse-to-be.

How To Plan A Wedding Gift List

Creating a wedding gift list seems like the older version of little children's hobby during Christmas that they would write down the things they like on a piece of paper and hoping that Santa would come and make those gifts come true. It may not really be as simple, but at least you get the idea. Sure you can receive the gifts you want at your wedding, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when you start planning your wedding gift list.

It has been a modern way to leave your gifts you want under the care of a department store or gift store. With the rise of wedding gift registry, it made the lives of many brides and grooms, and guests a lot easier when it comes to choosing the right gifts for the wedding. All you need to do is to decide the gifts you would like your guests to buy for you and register them at a store of your choice. Your guests will likely to appreciate such idea, as they don't need to worry too much about the right present to offer. The wedding gift registry will serve as their reference, plus they will also know what items have already been purchased by someone. Before, many couples got problems of what to do with duplicate items they received from their guests, but now with the help of the registries, giving duplicate gifts can be avoided.

Once you've made up your mind that you are going to have a wedding registry, the next thing you will need to do is to decide where you are going to register the items. You have two options: whether to have it at a local store or register it at an online store. Whichever you choose, all the guests should know about it. Informing the guests about your gift registry should be in an appropriate way, since you don't want to simply say “Hey, here's where you will see our registry.” A bit of politeness is needed, so what you will do is to let them in the right way.

So how they will be informed? One great practical way you can do is to include the information about your wedding gift registry on the wedding invitations. This will save you from waking up in the middle of your sleep just to answer inquiry calls from the people who are clueless of the gifts to offer.

You might find it hard to convince your guests that all items in your registry are personal even though they were chosen from a sample list that you followed. Yes, this happens sometimes, so another goal for you is to make the everyone believe in your wedding registry, as they will tend to choose something personal which is out of the list. Make sure that they are aware that all the items included have been carefully though out so they won't get hesitant to buy wedding gifts according to your list.

Bridal Accessories For A Tropical Wedding

You are having a tropical wedding and you need some ideas about the bridal accessories you will need. Bridal accessories for a tropical wedding might include tropical table decorations, leys to give your guests, candles or tiki lamps, flowers and wedding favors. You want the day to be special and with a tropical wedding theme, your wedding will be one that everyone will enjoy and remember forever. Whether you have it on a beach or in a hall, you can decorate the place in order to create a tropical theme that will create the atmosphere of the tropics.

For the wedding dress, you will want to accessorize it with some bridal accessories for a tropical wedding. You may want a lei to compliment your wedding dress or some jewelry such as seashell earrings or a bracelet. When you have a tropical wedding, you can choose from many different kinds of accessories to match the tropical theme of your wedding. From leis to seashells to different styled dresses and wedding favors. Your bridal accessories for a tropical wedding will include flowers if you wish, which might be orchids, or a flower customary to the tropics. Everything you need for your tropical wedding can be found online or at a party store, that carries themed accessories.

Bridal accessories for a tropical wedding will also include table decorations and wedding favors. You can find seashell wedding favors that include a seashell candle, mint tins with pictures of seashells or a seashell keychain accessory. These are some of the ideas for that special wedding occasion that will delight the guests. You can use tiki lamps to line the beach area, which adds a Hawaiian touch to your wedding and reception. Couples have even been known to rent silk palm trees to line the walkway leading to the alter, were the vows are exchanged.



When you plan your tropical wedding, the bridal accessories will include a headpiece of flowers to bring out the beauty of your dress and bouquet. The headpiece can also have a tiny veil attached or by itself. These headpieces make the statement of a tropical wedding. The bridesmaids can also were the traditional headpieces that match their dresses and flowers as well. Tropical weddings would not be traditional without the garter. You can find garters with a tropical looks or a garter of traditional looks. The garter is not seen until after the reception, therefore, it can be either a tropical or a traditional garter.

Bridal accessories for a tropical wedding might also include your cake knife for cutting the cake, guest book with a seashell cover or a tropical scene and of course the cake topper. You have so many things to choose when you plan a tropical wedding and there are so many things to choose from when you start planning. From you dress to your shoes, to your wedding invitations to the thank you cards, you can plan the perfect tropical wedding and have everything just perfect on that special day.

Bridal Shower Party Favors

Bridal showers are generally hosted by the family friends or bridesmaids about a fortnight or a month before the wedding. These events offer you the perfect opportunity to celebrate an upcoming wedding with the beautiful bride to be. This is also the best time to give the bride gifts that will please her and probably help her start a new life. Since the occasion calls for gifts, it is important that you go for the bridal shower equipped with the best gift you can think of.

Generally, bridal favors have some theme. In the past, it was common to find a kitchen theme where the gifts given would help the bride set up her new kitchen from scratch. However, these days, themes have become more modern. As brides get older and wedding showers become hasty affairs, you may not find themes in many bridal showers now. So, instead of cuing in to the theme, it is better to go by the bride and groom’s registry. You may get great gift ideas from these.

Whether you decide to give something useful or something that looks infinitely pretty, it is important to choose bridal shower party favors carefully. Keep in mind that you are contributing to an event that will likely stay in the bride’s mind for the rest of her life. So you do not want to goof up and give her something that will embarrass you and probably enrage or disappoint her. Here are some tips that will help you select the best bridal shower party favors:

Ø Find out what the bride likes. If you are a close friend, this should not be too difficult. Does she have a liking for porcelain stuff? Or is she a lingerie person? Or perhaps her taste lies in jewelry? Once you know what she likes, finding the right gift becomes a much simpler task.

Ø Draw your budget, and stick to it. Since you are celebrating a joyous occasion of someone you love, it is easy to get carried away by the romance and solemnity of the occasion. But, it pays to be a little cautious with your financial planning. So, set a budget before you begin hunting for a gift. While this budget may not be written in stone, your figure will be a safe benchmark that will help you decide how much to splurge on the event.

Ø Purchase your gift from a reputed company. A lot of people goof up when they try to cut costs by buying from the wrong shops. Remember that the bride will be keeping her gift for a long time. So, you need something that can stand the test of time. Even if you are paying a few extra dollars, quality counts. Do not compromise on this.

To make your bridal shower party favor more pleasing to the bride, you may opt for a personalized gift. A personalized gift will add much to the warmth of the gift, though it may be a little costlier than an ordinary gift.

Bridal showers are fun affairs. It is a happy occasion when a woman is at the threshold of a new life. So, it is important to present a gift that means well, looks good and gives pleasure.

Do I Really Need a Wedding Video?

Our wedding day will be a blur to you and your parents. You plan the many details for months, but your wedding day goes by so fast that you will miss a large part of it.

A wedding video is like a “time machine”. It lets you relive your wedding day as often as you like, anytime you like. As a fellow videographer put it, “It let’s you attend your own wedding at your leisure without the stresses and distractions of the day.” It is also a significant and important “living” document for your families, your children, and grandchildren. Some couples don’t realize just how important their wedding video will become until they experience the loss of a loved one that attended their wedding.

I Want a Wedding Video but I Have a Friend With a Camcorder
Some couples use a friend or family member to videotape their wedding day. Would you have a friend or family member take all of your wedding photographs? Probably not.

We have heard numerous stories of people running out of tape or batteries, not shooting important activities, and taking shaky or bad footage. Using a friend or relative can cause hard feelings and ruin relationships if your video is poorly done or not done at all. Also, that person can’t enjoy themselves at your wedding while they are videotaping it.

A wedding video is a movie of your wedding day, a lasting memory that contains 30 pictures every second and includes the timeless sites and sounds of every important event that took place on your special day. A professional wedding video should tell the story of your wedding day. Using creative camera work, a keen attention to detail, and artistic editing using music, the right blend of effects and transitions, the professional wedding videographer should produce a video you will watch often and be proud to show others.

I’m Having a Photographer So I Don’t Need a Video
Both your photographs and your wedding video are of equal importance. You can’t frame your wedding video or carry it with you in your purse or wallet to show a friend.

But, you can’t hear your marriage vows, see a tear as it rolls down your cheek, or relive the sights, sounds, and emotions of your dad walking you down the aisle or your first dance as husband and wife.

Photography and videography are both artistic expressions and vary from artist to artist. It is important to view the work of each and meet one-on-one with the person(s) that will be producing your photographs and your wedding video. Make sure that their style and personalities match your expectations.

How Much Will It Cost?
There is a misconception that your wedding video should be less expensive than your photographs:

* A professional videographer should attend your rehearsal to meet the Officiant, become familiar with the order of activities, and offer ideas and assistance to improve the video.
* A professional videographer will invest around $20,000 or more in equipment plus training and experience.
* Typical wedding day coverage includes two cameras with operators that shoot almost continuously for five hours or more.
* Your wedding video will take 20 to 30 hours or more to edit so that the raw footage is transformed into a smoothly flowing story of your wedding day.
* And, unlike Steven Spielberg or even your photographer, your videographer has only one take to capture your wedding day activities. The ceremony or special events can’t be stopped and done over if something isn’t perfect.

Your wedding videographers must be the:
- producer
- director
- lighting technician
- sound person
- cinematographer
- editor

and they must perform all of these jobs well to produce the wedding video that you hope for and deserve.

Pricing varies depending on experience, services offered, time spent, etc. Choose a videographer based on how their work makes your feel when you see it then discuss pricing based on what it will take to produce your personal video memory.

Couples tell us that the best money they spent was on their wedding video and are so happy they made the decision to have one.

When Should I Book a Videographer?
As with your first choice for your ceremony, reception, and other vendors the best wedding videographers will be booked first. You should meet with videographers as you would photographers, if not earlier in your planning process. There are fewer videographers than there are photographers. Eight months to one year prior to your day is not too early.

Do I Really Need a Wedding Video?
It’s up to you. Your wedding day will only happen once in your lives. Don't regret not having your precious memories preserved in a video that you can see and relive over and over.