Wednesday, September 9, 2009

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!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

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!