Honeymoon Tips

Perhaps the most exciting part of the wedding planning process is choosing the honeymoon destination and making the necessary arrangements. When it comes to dream weddings, the honeymoon plays an important role in topping off the event with the perfect getaway. If you’re hoping to savor your first few weeks as newly married couples and your first real vacation as man and wife, you may want to consider a few of these tips:

1- The first step is to decide if you want to take your honeymoon directly after the wedding and receptions, or if you’d rather wait a few months until things settle down and you are ready for a romantic getaway. Some couples feel that a wedding isn’t a wedding unless it ends with unwinding after the big day by going on an exotic honeymoon; while others prefer to get settled into life for a few months and save up before splurging on a trip together. Whatever you decide, be sure to consult together so you can both be happy about your arrangements.

2- Next, choose a destination. Although this can be one of the most fun parts of the planning process, it can also be overwhelming, as there are literally innumerable places you can go. Before you pick your destination, consider your vacation style. Do you both like to stay busy, using every minute of the day to its fullest, or do you prefer to spend the time relaxing without following a rigorous schedule. Maybe you like to alternate between both options. You and your spouse might have different vacation styles, making it necessary to compromise so both of you enjoy the trip.

3- Decide on a budget and stick to it. Compare costs associated with everything you plan to do, including transportation of all kinds, snacks, meals, entertainment, passes, tickets, gifts, and more. Research romantic getaway places and discuss what your vacation priorities are. Sometimes travel agents are worth the extra money you might pay because they save you time, hassle, and stress, taking care of all your travel needs—even those you may not have thought of.


4- Don’t skimp on your accommodations. Maybe on future trips, but not on your honeymoon. Be sure the place you choose to stay is ambient and special, as most couples choose to spend a lot of time in their accommodations. This could be the single most important aspect of your honeymoon trip, so do it right.

5- Surprise your new love by presenting him/her with a honeymoon gift. This could be something as simple as a love letter or some time spent doing something special for your new spouse. Remember, this is your first time for many experiences together as man and wife, so do what you can to make it memorable and special.

Wherever or whenever you decide to go, be sure to take lots of pictures so you and your posterity can enjoy looking back on your first trip together as a married couple. Since few trips will hold the uniqueness and excitement of your honeymoon, be sure to make the time and effort to plan a trip neither one of you will ever forget!

A Winning Combination

It’s your wedding day, and you want to look perfect. Flawless skin, lush lashes, and a radiant smile are a must for every bride hoping to turn heads, especially the groom’s. So, how can you achieve this winning combination? Here are a few ideas.

Flawless Skin:
It’s vital to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize properly on a regular basis for months leading up to the big day. Avoid intense skin treatments, such as chemical peels or photo-facials eight weeks prior to your wedding to ensure your skin has had enough time to heal. Because facials deeply cleanse the skin and often bring out impurities, be sure to get one at least four weeks before the wedding. Lastly, don’t forget the sunscreen. Be sure to apply some with an SPF of 15 or higher to provide adequate protection from sun damage.

Lush Lashes:
For eyes that look wider and more awake, begin by using an eyelash curler. Then apply mascara by placing the brush at the base of the lash line and wiggling it from side to side to blur the line between the lid and the lashes, making them appear fuller. Be sure to apply the second coat before the first one dries to prevent clumps. If clumping occurs anyway, try using a comb with metal prongs to separate lashes. Waterproof mascara is a bride’s best friend—it makes tears of joy nothing to fear. Remember, the average shelf life of a tube of mascara is about three months. After that, throw it out to prevent bacteria buildup that can cause infection. And don’t pump. Pumping the wand forces air into the tube and dries the mascara out more quickly. Take a minute after applying mascara to examine eyes closely to be sure there is no black dots or smearing on your eyelids. Then face the day with confidence—you’ll be saying “Eye Do” with each blink.

Radiant Smile:
To look your very best on your wedding day, see your dentist six months out to take care of any potential problems, and then again at three months out for another cleaning. If you plan to have your teeth whitened professionally, schedule that one month out. To ensure adequate brushing, try an electric toothbrush that brushes the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth, and be sure to brush for at least two minutes each time so that you do the best job possible. For beautiful teeth, eat more crunchy fruits and vegetables. These foods are high in fiber, acting like tiny toothbrushes scrubbing away at your teeth as you eat.

Now that your skin is glowing, your lashes are dark and lush, and your pearly whites are gleaming, don’t forget to smile! This is your wedding day, and you look picture perfect!

Your Own Unique Wedding

Want to add your own unique flare to your wedding? Although following trends has always been . . .well, a trend, your wedding should definitely be an event that reflects the real you, and although you may wish to follow tradition for some of your wedding plans, here are a few ideas of simple ways you can personalize your day.

1- Hang a series of framed photos of each of you as children around the reception so guests can peruse and catch a glimpse of your lives while growing up.

2-If you're not a big fan of sweets, serve a grand "cheesecake" built entirely of your favorite types of cheese: goat cheese, Roquefort, and more.

3- Order custom labels for bottled water to be served.

4- Make a toasat (can use grape juice) to the woman who has had the greatest impact on your life, then offer her your bouqet as a special tribute.

5- Have your florist design your bouquet in the same style as your mother's.

6- Personalize the bridesmade's flowers by selecting blooms that pair with each girl's birth month. You may want to stick to one color to look more unified; for example, pink rose, pink tulip, pink piony, and so on.

7-Forget the traditional guest book that just gets tossed aside after the wedding. Choose a coffee-table book you love and will want to display at home, and let guests write on the photos or in the margins.

8- Attach a ribbon embelished with your birthstone to your bouquet.

9-Create one large floral cednterpiece out of 10 mini vases and invite guests to take one on their way out.

10-Offer cookies baked from family recipes and provide recipe cards for guests to take home.

Whatever you decide for your special day, be sure to make it your own. Don't be afraid to try something new. After all, this wedding is about YOU and your new spouse, so don't hesitate to add your own special touch.

Marriage--Good For Your Health?

Want to improve your overall health? Experts say to choose your marriage partner wisely then. That’s right, deciding who to spend forever with is even more important than you may have thought. Not only do you want to choose someone you are compatible with, who shares your same values and belief system, and who will be your complete companion so you can be ultimately happy, but research shows that when you are married to someone who truly makes you happy, your mental and physical health increase.

Greater resistance to infection, fewer infections, as well as reduced likelihood of dying from cancer, heart disease and all major killers are just a few of the physical health benefits of a healthy marital relationship. Longevity is another one. So, if you are hoping to live a long life, choose wisely.

There are also many mental benefits to good, satisfying marital relationships. Less depression, less anxiety disorders, less psychosis, less posttraumatic stress disorders, and fewer phobias are included. A happily married person also has fewer injuries due to accidents.

On the other hand, marital stress can double a person’s risk of developing diabetes and some studies show women in marital distress have a three times greater risk of a second heart attack. In fact, studies across the board have traced marital stress to cardiovascular health. Blood pressure was found to be directly related to marital cohesion, an encouraging reason for couples to spend time with each other and share positive experiences together.

All in all, a happy, positive marriage relationship can do wonders for a person—mentally and physically. So, when choosing your marriage partner, remember you are choosing someone, not only to share your life with and create a family with, but also someone who could drastically change your overall health—for better or worse—so be sure to pick someone who makes you happy.

A Piece of Cake

With all your other wedding preparations and deadlines, you may think the cake is no big deal. Think again. Choosing a cake is one of the most creative, fun—and delicious—parts of the planning process. It’s the “icing on the cake,” so to speak, of your decorating and refreshment plans, the final touch that says you’ve got it all together.

When choosing a cake, there are many things to consider, from size and shape, to flavor, color, size and topper. A wedding cake should reflect the personality of the married couple and match the theme, color and mood of the wedding. It may be a good idea to choose the cake once the other decorations are decided to ensure the cake fits in well and compliments your plans.

If you plan to have a professional bakery make your cake, try to set up an appointment about three months before the wedding. Be prepared with ideas including pictures, color samples, and more. Also, be open to suggestions and ideas from the baker; after all, he is a professional and will have much experience in wedding cakes.

Although many brides still choose to follow tradition and display a round, white cake, keep in mind you are not limited to do the same. Cakes today can be made of cheesecake, pound cake, or you can even decide on a cupcake tree. Another option is to have a simple groom’s cake. Whatever you choose, be sure to budget $600-$1,000 for this step. If your budget will not allow you to spend that much, there are ways to cut costs. One idea is to buy a smaller cake for artistic display, using sheet cakes to accompany it. You can also have most of the cake be frosted molds, rather than real cake, which makes it less expensive. If you want to add sentimental value to your cake and you are creative, you may want to make it yourself. That way, you can design it any way you want. Just be sure to practice first—you wouldn’t want your first cooking experience as a married woman to be a disaster!

Whatever you decide, be sure to enjoy this step of the wedding planning process. After all, it is one of the least expensive and most creative parts.

Bridal Gowns--What They're Made Of

Although looking fabulous is a must on your wedding day, nothing is more important than feeling fabulous. When shopping for a wedding gown, keep in mind you have to wear it, dance in it and mingle in it for many hours, so you'll want to choose a fabric that feels and moves as freely and beautifully as you do.

No bride wants to show up at her wedding in a gown that looks similar to a cheap Halloween costume. Textures and fibers play a vital role in the wedding gown's appearance, so be sure to take the time to inspect gowns as you try them on to see what they are made of. Popular wedding fabrics include silk, duchesse satin, and blends of silk and rayon. The dress should shimmer with the luster and gloss and should be heavy enough that it doesn't go flying around every time a breeze drifts by, but light enough that it is comfortable. Consequently, what you're wearing underneath your dress is just as significant. Ideally, you should purchase only the softest and finest fauzes, such as chiffon, organza and tulle, which are also practical choices since they are known for their buoyant properties.

When choosing a gown, you should also consider after-wedding preparations. If you are hoping to pack up your dress and preserve it, keep in mind that cheaper materials won't survive as gracefully through the years as the more high-end fabrics. If you want to hang on to your dress for a lifetime, it may be worth it to invest in a dress made of more resilient materials. If you can't afford the more superior textiles, don't worry. You can still obtain a similar look and feel without going over your wedding budget by using a good rayon instead of silk, or choosing a material, such as satin, that has polyester woven into it.

All in all, what matters is that you look and feel your best. Following these simple guidelines will help you choose the perfect dress for you, from the way it sparkles and moves, to the way it feels and hangs. Then, you can enjoy your wedding day without fussing over your apparel.

Springtime Array of Blooms

If your wedding happens to fall in the spring or summer months, you can enjoy the array of flower options that add life and flavor to your wedding ensemble. From delicate blossoms to bold flashes of color, the flowers you choose are a vital part of the look and feel of your wedding, adding just the right splash of color and scent to shape the mood of your entire day.
Here are some favorites.

The Rose:
A wedding classic, a rose is always in good taste. Roses come in an assortment of colors, so forget thinking you have to choose red. In fact, bi-color and garden varieties are becoming more and more popular, so don’t be afraid to choose an assortment of colors. Circus roses and carousel varieties are also increasing in popularity. One great aspect of roses is that they are affordable and widely available.

The Gerbera Daisy:
For a lighter, fresher look, consider gerbera daisies. Because pink is such a popular wedding color, these bright, fun flowers are a great choice, ranging in tones from light blush to vibrant fuchsia, providing you with many color options. Gerbera Daisies are an especially great option for outdoor affairs.

The Tulip:
Tulips are a great choice if your wedding happens to be in early spring, as their optimal growing season is January through May; however, many tulips are now available year round as well, so don’t dismiss this option if your wedding is in late summer, and you have your heart set on this beautiful, slender blossom. Tulips are considered the perfect spring flower and, depending on whether you choose field tulips or French tulips, can stand up to 24 inches tall.

The Peruvian Lilly:
Looking for the perfect addition to your bridal bouquet? Try this long-lasting bloom that comes in a variety of colors, including pink, yellow, white, purple, red or orange alstroemeria. This unique flower is also an excellent option for topiary centerpieces.

The Asiatic Lilly:
Another option for lilies is the beautiful, exotic Asiatic lily. If you are hoping for a modern or sleek wedding look, Asiatic lilies are a perfect choice with their clean lines and variety of vibrant colors. Lilies of all varieties, including calla and oriental are some of the most elegant of all wedding flowers, but keep in mind that Oriental lilies give off a great deal of aroma, so if you or someone in your wedding party are sensitive to scent, you may wish to choose a less fragrant flower.

Stock:
Stock is a flower you may not have thought to use as it is newer to the wedding flower world, but it is a great option if you are hoping for a fragrant blossom that comes in a variety of soft wedding colors, including lavender, butter yellow, white and even fuchsia. This flower includes a small collection of tiny flowers making up a delicate whole.

While shopping for flowers, keep in mind there are endless options, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for immediately, don’t get discouraged. You are bound to find just the right shade, look, and size you are hoping for if you keep at it. Whatever you choose, enjoy the rich, beautiful freshness blossoms can add to your perfect day!