TammyWright

It is certainly easy to see why Hawaii destination weddings are among the most consistently popular, and why invitations to attend these destination weddings are among the most coveted. Whether you are planning your own wedding or the wedding of a friend or family member, you could certainly do worse than getting married on the beaches of Hawaii. Hiring A Wedding Planner Or Consultant In fact Hawaii destination weddings are so incredibly popular that there are entire companies dedicated to booking these great destination weddings and making them come off without a hitch. If you are so inclined, you can hire a wedding consultant who specializes in Hawaii destination weddings, and he or she will take care of every detail, from the largest to the minutest. The wedding planner can take care of booking the hotel or resort, booking the flights, renting the reception hall, catering the food, ordering the wedding cake, ordering the flowers and even sending out the invitations. Planning Your Hawaii Destination Wedding Yourself Of course it is not necessary to hire a wedding planner to have a perfect Hawaii destination wedding. In fact many brides can and do plan their own Hawaii destination weddings, but it is important to remember that there is plenty of work involved in planning such a wedding. It is by no means impossible to plan your own Hawaii destination weddings but it is important to start planning as early as possible, perhaps as soon as your fiancé has popped the question. Ask the Important Questions To Ensure That Nothing Is Forgotten On Your Wedding Day When choosing a proper resort for the wedding, it is important to ask plenty of questions, and to determine if the management of the resort has sufficient experience in planning Hawaii destination weddings. It is also important to find out what aspects of the wedding they will be taking care of, and which parts will still be your responsibility. For instance, some resorts will take care of every aspect of the wedding, from the cake and the caterer to the invitations, while others will provide only the setting for the wedding and perhaps the food. When it comes to Hawaii destination weddings, it is vital to determine who is responsible for what, and to plan accordingly. About the Author Shaunta Pleasant is a professional writer and editor on wedding planning topics. Visit my site to learn more about planning the perfect wedding at http://www.best-wedding-plan.com/haw..._weddings.html

source: www.goarticles.com Maui Wedding Planner: 10 Tips for Selecting the Right Hawaiian Wedding Coordinator by Rev. John Souter Maui has been voted "best island in the world" many times over. But perhaps you didn't know that Maui just happens to be the most popular wedding destination in the entire Pacific Ocean. Half of all the Hawaiian weddings taking place in the islands of aloha, are performed on Maui. It beats out Hawaii, Kauai and even much more populated Oahu (where Honolulu is located). There are many reasons for this, including the great beaches, the awesome sunsets, the uncrowded conditions, and the romantic atmosphere like no other island in the world. But before you run off and book your own Maui dream wedding, it might be a wise idea to select a top-of-the-line Maui wedding planner. This article will give you just the information you need to make the best selection of your Hawaiian wedding planning company. 1. Find a Maui wedding planner who has a decent website. It is virtually impossible for any company to do wedding planning on the island of Maui without a website. The competition is too keen to be without one. Therefore, an attractive well thought out website will give you a good clue as to just how busy and professional the Maui wedding company really is. Of course you can be fooled by a company who hires a great web designer, but this is probably the first place to start your search. A good website should make sense. It should give you enough information so that you can make an intelligent decision about their service BEFORE you call the company. It should be well organized, because you won't want a disorganized company coordinating your wedding. And the website should give you a good sense of the philosophy and outlook of those who run the company. 2. Choose a Hawaii wedding planner who gives you their names and address and phone numbers right on their website. In every wedding market, there are always a number of companies who seem to like hiding behind their website. In some cases, they just make their identity hard to find (so that you have to look hard to find it). They will cloak their identity, giving no personal information. They may even cloak their business name and address so that you don't really know who you're dealing with. Some go so far as to eliminate their phone number so that you can only reach them through e-mail. Any of these signs could indicate that you are dealing with a fly-by-night company with no real experience. 3. Pay attention to the way a Maui wedding planner treats you on the telephone. You will want to do business with a coordinator who treats you with with respect. If someone is rude or quick, do you really want them organizing your wedding? How you are handled on the phone is a good indication of how you will be treated on your wedding day. If a wedding planner doesn't have the time to get back to you in the beginning, before you have even booked, how will it be once you've given her your deposit. 4. Select a Hawaiian coordinator who answers their phone. Now this may seem like a silly point. Doesn't everyone in business answer their telephone? Many coordinating companies like to hide behind their answering phone, and call back their clients at their own convenience. If you call them on different days and you can't get through to a real person, or worse, they don't call you back in a timely manner, this could be a sign that they do their wedding planning service on the side, part time. Do you really want a part time Maui wedding planner? 5. Find a Maui wedding planner who has experience. We constantly have young women tell us that they would love to be a wedding planner. Because this is a "dream job" for many, there are many who throw up a website or tell their friends that they are now a Maui wedding planner. Do you really want to be someone's first (or second) wedding? Experience is important, especially on Maui where their are so many different things to know, from wedding locations, to types of flowers, to the differences between ministers, etc., etc. A company who has a track record of having planned and coordinating many different Maui wedding is likely to be good, or they wouldn't still be in business. 6. Choose a Hawaii Coordinator who has planned and overseen a variety of different weddings. If You want a wedding planner who has the kind of experience which matches your needs. For instance, if you are planning a larger wedding with catering and entertainment and lots of details, you don't want to hire a Maui wedding coordinator who has planned few or no larger weddings. Make sure to ask that they have the right kind of experience for you specialized ceremony. 7. Select a wedding planning company located on Maui. There are actually wedding coordinating companies who are trying to coordinate wedding on Maui from Oahu or even the mainland. These companies, inevitably, will have to "farm out" the onsite coordination of your wedding to someone here on Maui. That means they act like a middle-man, and generally have to charge higher prices. But most importantly, they will not be able to effectively follow-up with your wedding if anything goes wrong. The larger your wedding, the more likely this will be true. Can you imagine them solving a large problem long distance? Make certain, before you book, that your Maui wedding planner is indeed, on Maui. 8. Make certain your Maui wedding planner will actually be at your wedding. There are cut-rate Maui wedding companies who only perform front office services. They book a minister, a photographer and maybe a videographer to do you wedding, but they don't send a coordinator to oversee everything (because that would cut into their competitive edge). If no on-site wedding coordinator will be showing up, who will make certain that everyone knows what they're doing? And if for some reason, one vendor (like the minister) is late or heaven forbid, does not show up at all, who will pull everything together by getting a backup? Unless your wedding only involves a Maui minister, and no one else, you want to be certain that a Maui wedding planner will be in attendance when your ceremony is performed. 9. Choose a Maui Wedding Planner with the "Aloha Spirit." "Aloha" means love in Hawaiian. Those of us who live in Hawaii enjoy the attitude that is here and which comes, first and foremost from the native Hawaiians. But all of us who live on Maui and who enjoy the incredible job of planning weddings for all our couples, want to practice the spirit of Aloha. We want to treat you like your family (or ohana, as we say here). It is wise to look for a Maui wedding coordinator who truly treats you like your part of the family. 10. Choose a Maui Wedding Planner who is a member of the Better Business Bureau. This final, and very important tip is so important. In any industry there are always companies who do not treat their clients well. On Maui there are wedding planners who have a long list of unhappy or semi-happy couples. The easiest way to avoid such companies is to check up on them with the Hawaii Chapter of the Better Business Bureau. You can be sure that a company with a number of black marks will rise to the attention of the BBB. A member company offers you one last guarantee that you will go home happily "Maui'd." About the Author John Souter is a wedding photographer who owns Maui Me, Inc., a full service Maui wedding company located online at http://www.maui-me.com. His company has coordinated over 1200 weddings in Hawaii over the last eight years.

source: www.goarticles.com Michael Cottam, one of the founders of TheBigDay, offers advice on how to go about choosing where to go on your honeymoon. So you're engaged...congratulations! One of the most fun parts about getting married is planning that honeymoon trip of a lifetime. And if you haven't even narrowed it down to a country, much less an island or a resort, don't worry-many (if not most!) honeymoon couples are in the same boat. Some couples start by leafing through travel or bridal magazines and looking for pictures that are appealing and romantic-you can do this, but you're more likely to settle on the best-MARKETED destination rather than the best destination for your wants, needs, and style. The following are questions you should ask yourself-it'll help you figure out what your options are, and help you ask better questions of your travel agent...which will help you plan that perfect honeymoon. When are you going? Every destination has its high and low seasons-and this is typically a combination of weather and the times of the year that their tourists typically take vacations. Some destinations, such as Hawaii, have very little variance in their weather year-round; others, like the Caribbean have a definite hurricane season. Yet it's important to know that the Caribbean is a very big place-and different parts have different hurricane seasons, and some parts of the western Caribbean really aren't hurricane prone at all. Other destinations--such as Central America and Southeast Asia-have rainy or monsoon seasons. You really need to know the specific destination in order to have a feel for whether or not their "green" season is too "green" (rainy!) for you. Also, ask yourself if you're willing to delay the start of your honeymoon a couple of weeks or months. Summer months are very popular for weddings, as it tends to be easier for family and friends to get to the wedding; plus, if you're having an outdoor wedding, the odds of good weather are more in your favor. However, this also tends to be the expensive (and sometimes more crowded) season for many honeymoon destinations. Giving yourself a month off after the wedding before leaving on your honeymoon can give you time to relax and wind down from the wedding, write your thank-you notes, and take advantage of the lower prices of what's known as the "shoulder season" (between high and low season). Travel time/vacation time How much time off work are you going to take? And how much of it are you willing to spend on an airplane? If you're going on an African safari, you're going to consume about a day and a half traveling each way from the U.S. This is fine if you're going to be there a couple of weeks, but if those days are coming off your total of 7 days on vacation, you might consider someplace closer. And distance isn't the only factor: how many stopovers is it going to take to get where you're going? If you've got to land on a main island, then wait around for 4 to 6 hours for the "island hopper" flight to take you out to your remote private island retreat, that's going to consume your vacation time too. A great option, if it's available, is a red-eye flight, where you sleep on the plane and wake up at your destination, saving a day of vacation time. Cost The big question! First, some statistics: the average U.S. couple spends about $3700 for their honeymoon package...and this doesn't included expenditures once they're at their destination. When considering a resort that's NOT all-inclusive, take some time to research the area and find out what meals cost, what a snorkel trip costs, what taxis cost, etc. Tourist bureau sites are a good place to start. Costs of excursions and meals can easily add up to much more than your airfare and hotel, and you need to be realistic and prepared for this. Consider staying at multiple hotels on your honeymoon-perhaps one or two nights at someplace really nice to start, then a more moderate property with perhaps less of a view for the remainder. Language This is less of a problem than you might think. Unless you're backpacking around some exotic country, you're going to find people in restaurants, hotels, and the activity vendors all speak English. One bit of advice: try to learn a few words and phrases in the local language, as you'll find you're treated differently if you begin conversations with "hello" in their language, and show you're willing to make the effort to get along in their country. History and culture Do you enjoy visiting ancient ruins...centuries-old cathedrals...seeing native villages? The beauty of the art, architecture, and history of Greece, Italy, Scotland and Ireland, or Mayan civilizations can make for a fabulous honeymoon experience. Europe is an obvious destination, but think also about the Mayans and Aztecs in Latin America...Buddhist temples in Bali and Thailand... Angkor Wat in Cambodia...Buddhist and Hindu temples in India. China is becoming a much more popular destination as well: consider visiting the Great Wall and seeing the Terracotta Warriors. The destinations Here's a quick look at some of the more popular destinations, and what they're known for. Fiji- great scuba and snorkeling, very friendly people, mostly villa-style beach bungalow accommodations in widely-separated resorts. Moderately expensive to very expensive. About 9 hours flying time from Los Angeles. Hawaii- beautiful weather all year round, close to mainland U.S., amazing array of watersports and adventure activities. Not as much of a cultural transition for mainland Americans as many other destinations. Most hotels have 200-400 rooms; hotel density along beaches can be high. Excellent choice for a destination wedding, as prices are very reasonable for high quality and service. Inexpensive to moderately expensive. Tahiti- great scuba and snorkeling, famous for overwater bungalows and phenomenal views. Resorts tend to be fairly far apart; very secluded and private. Expensive to very expensive; food, drinks, and activities can be very expensive as well. About 8 hours flying time from Los Angeles. Mexico- Cancun/Cozumel nearly fully recovered from the past summer's hurricanes, and much rebuilding has resulted in many upgraded resorts. High density of resorts on beaches in places like Cancun and Cabo. Great diving, watersports; some areas close to Mayan ruins. Recently, all-inclusive resorts have become common, and there are some terrific bargains to be had, especially at the moderate to more expensive resorts. A new trend we're seeing is combining the traditional beach vacation with a few days inland at one of Mexico's colonial cities, exploring the history and culture of old Mexico. Easy access from the U.S. Inexpensive to moderately expensive. Caribbean- known for prevalence of all-inclusive resorts, especially in Jamaica. Huge range of cultures, styles, food, music. Great watersports and scenery, and not too long in the air from major U.S. cities. Cruises are a very popular way to explore multiple islands and countries in the Caribbean at a modest cost. Inexpensive to very expensive. Europe - history, architecture, and great food and wine are big draws here. Airfare is less than you might expect, often sub-$500 per person roundtrip. Less of a beach resort destination, although areas of Italy, France, and Greece on the Mediterranean can provide the sun & surf element. Castles in Ireland and self-drive B&B vacations throughout the UK are popular, as are villa stays in France and Italy. In Greece, the Cyclades islands are very popular: Santorini with its submerged volcano, black sandy beach, and breathtaking sunsets...Mykonos with its blue-domed churches, whitewashed houses and beaches...and Naxos, the largest island with golden sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the medieval capital of Hora. Honeymooners often combine stays on these islands with a visit to Athens. Many cruise options are available, allowing easy exploration of a number of Mediterranean ports in one vacation. Moderately expensive to very expensive. Costa Rica & Belize - becoming very popular as eco-tourism destinations, these countries offer terrific beach resorts, watersports, diving and snorkeling, combined with jungle exploration and eco-adventures. Treetop resorts becoming popular here as well; and like Mexico, there are a number of Mayan ruins accessible in Belize. Belize also is famous for its barrier reef, and the scuba diving hotspot known as The Blue Hole. Relatively short flight from mainland U.S., combined with great value for the dollar at many resorts makes these two countries very hot for honeymooners. Australia & New Zealand - enormous variety of things to do for the adventurous types, from Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier reef, Sydney and its renowned Opera House, Surfers Paradise. New Zealand has everything from geysers in Rotorua to jet-boating; hiking and skiing amongst tremendous scenery, and of course the famous Maori hospitality. We often suggest combining a trip to either of these countries with a stopover in Fiji or Tahiti as well. Long flight times (15 hours+ from Los Angeles) mean you'll probably want to stay 2 weeks at the very least. Moderately expensive to expensive. The Seychelles, Maldives, and Mauritius are all fabulous honeymoon destinations, although because of the flying time from the U.S. (around 30 hours), they're more commonly visited by Europeans. Truly spectacular diving and scenery, great food and culture, and very friendly people. Hotels are much more spread out than Hawaii or Mexico-more like Fiji or Tahiti. Private island resorts are common, as in Fiji and Tahiti. Seychelles and Mauritius trips are commonly combined with a week or so in Africa on safari. Expensive to very expensive, even without the airfare (roughly $1500 to $2000 per person roundtrip from the U.S.). Southeast Asia - combines terrific beach resorts with extraordinary culture and historical sites to explore. A relatively long flight from the U.S. (up to 20 hours depending on routing), but a tremendous value once you're there. Thailand, Bali, China, Vietnam and Cambodia are all becoming very popular. Very inexpensive without the airfare; inexpensive to moderate with airfare. Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Chile are becoming more popular, and offer a great opportunity to experience culture, wilderness and traditional beach resorts all in one vacation. The Amazon is a huge draw, of course, but also the culture and experiences to be had in Rio and Buenos Aires make for a very memorable and exotic honeymoon. The Inca city of Machu Picchu is certainly one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world, perched in the Andes at over 9,000 feet in elevantion. Moderately expensive to very expensive. About the Author Michael and Terry started TheBigDay back in 2001 in Terry's garage. Michael's role is a combination of technology and business development. He's an avid traveler, and recently also became a Big Day customer as well, marrying Melinda in the summer of 2005. In his spare time, Michael enjoys photography, racing motorcycles, and working on interesting and unusual cars.

source: www.goarticles.com When you think of Florida what do you think of? I think of FUN! As a child I spent time in Florida every year and we had fun at the beaches, fun at the Theme parks, just plain old fun was had every time we visited Florida. Now that I'm planning my wedding, I'm looking for the ideal spot to hold the ceremony, I keep thinking about the beach wedding I've always dreamed of as a little girl. For those of you whom have never been to Florida, it's a peninsula state located in the Southeastern portion of the United States. It's known for its beautiful beaches, Citrus groves, The Everglades and Theme Parks. It's also known as the place that many people like to spend their days in retirement. It's no wonder why Florida is one of the top vacation destinations in the world. Not surprising, Florida is becoming a popular spot to have wedding ceremonies. In particular the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, this is on the Gulf Coast. These two cities are reportedly hosting 8,500 weddings annually. The beaches on this coast are some of the most beautiful in the world, which make an exciting and romantic backdrop for a wedding. One of the reasons that Florida's gulf coast is so popular is that there are so many options for the bride and groom to choose. Yes, you can have a beautiful beach wedding but there are some magnificent Botanical Gardens here also. The Tampa Bay lighthouse is used for some weddings as well as a number of unique and exotic locations. With so many options to choose from, it's no surprise as to Florida's rise as one of the top wedding destinations! Privacy and romance are top consideration when planning to perfect Florida wedding. Most of the companies that offer beach weddings are geared towards small parties under 60. When considering my budget I was happy to find that the wedding beach pricing was indeed affordable. Prices range from modest to extravagant; there is definitely something for every bride and grooms budget. Guests will be treated to a memorable experience too. The beach setting of thundering ocean waves, snow white sand and warm soothing sun create an atmosphere of bliss for everyone attending the ceremony. As the bride and groom proceed through the ceremony, it's said that all in attendance are moved by the beauty and romance of the beach setting. The soon to be newlyweds are not only providing memories that last a lifetime for themselves but for their guests as well. Yes, Florida does look like a great wedding destination spot. If you haven't considered planning an exotic wedding do you self a favor and look into it. You may want to contact your travel agent or an online service to check to see if flying to Florida will be in your budget. I did and found that the cost would be far less than a traditional wedding at home. Naturally we'll remember this special day where ever we choose to hold it but having the choice of being married in a romantic location like one of Florida's breathtaking beaches or a traditional indoor wedding, the beach wedding just seems so much more special. Little did I know that my dream wedding as a little girl may very well be the wedding that becomes my reality. About the Author Holly Dodd is a webmaster that enjoys including her personal solutions, like planning a wedding and a variety of other topics are covered in other websites.

source: www.goarticles.com Millions of vacationers each year stop in at the beautiful Caribbean islands. A few days of fun in the sun may seem like the ultimate indulgence, but more and more frequently, visitors are arriving with an agenda all their own. Weddings and honeymoons have always been a popular activity for couples visiting the Caribbean, but these days themed weddings put a new spin on an old favorite. Many islands in the region have plenty to offer lovebirds who hope to create their dream nuptials or post-party escape. Incredible scenery and balmy breezes make the perfect backdrop for a tropical ceremony, allowing travelers to make their special day into something truly memorable. Of course, there are also a few ways to make a one-of-a-kind wedding by incorporating some distinctly Caribbean aspects. One fun option that many travelers may not have considered is to add a bit of the local culture to their own ceremony. Though Caribbean wedding traditions are largely Christian, the islands have a history of blending cultural influences, much the same way they have created the fabulous foods and sizzling beats for which the region is known. African and European traditions fused with traces of native rituals in the tropics. These rituals can be combined into your wedding to give it a hint of culture, whether it's set on the seaside or in a beautifully decorated ballroom. - Dress like a local: The new wedding attire the bride and groom show tends to be handmade. Outfits here are designed to help them look their best, and store-bought dresses are uncommon. - Consider a long walk down the aisle: Many Caribbean islands include the tradition of the happy couple walking through the town from their respective homes to the church, whose bells are ringing out news of the occasion. The purpose of this is to show off their new wedding attire. - Pare down the party: In many island traditions, there is no inclusion of a best man or groom's men. Instead the groom waits while the bride's father, and sometimes mother as well, escort her to the altar. A maid or matron of honor position does exist, though she is called "the chief." - Try tropical toasts: Rum is the liquor of choice throughout the region, and this sugar-based alcohol is often included in punches for the toast. A cake heavily laced with rum and rum-soaked fruits is also common at weddings in the Caribbean. - Feast on local cuisine: Every island in the Caribbean has its own specialties, whether it's the jerk marinades of Jamaica or the Latin flare of Puerto Rico, you'll find something unique in each location. Of course, seafood is easy to find and hard to resist on nearly every island. Other traditions may be unique to individual islands. On Bermuda, for example, the wedding cake is topped not by miniature figures but by a tree! Newlyweds plant this tree when they return home, its healthy growth considered an indication of a successful marriage. Another interesting tradition involves gifts of money granted to the bride and groom at the reception. Different islands include this differently: In Cuba, a particular dance has the bride changing partners around the room, during which time they each present her with money to help with honeymoon expenses; in Puerto Rico, a doll dressed like the bride is given money by the wedding guests. Though some of these items might not work for your wedding, taking on a few Caribbean traditions may be the perfect way to add a little flair to your ceremony. In fact, these traditions can help you plan an unusual wedding, no matter whether you hold it in the heart of the Caribbean or in your own backyard. About the Author Jennifer Smith writes for Bermuda-Guide.info, StMartin-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites. © 2005, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc. Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

source: www.goarticles.com If you are planning to get married in Las Vegas, the wedding options available to you are as vast and unique as the city itself. You can have a traditional wedding, themed wedding, Elvis wedding, or a drive thru wedding. Then there are the destination weddings. Lake Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead are all popular Las Vegas wedding destinations. While planning your Las Vegas wedding, you will certainly have many packages to choose from. When researching them all, you may want to take a closer look at what Las Vegas Hotels have to offer for wedding packages. Many people don't realize that many Las Vegas hotels offer more than just chapel weddings. Many of them offer a variety of other wedding ceremony locations in addition to their wedding chapels. Poolside weddings, for example, are offered by many Las Vegas hotels. If you envisioned an outdoor wedding in a serene setting, a Las Vegas poolside wedding may be something you will want to consider. The Aladdin Hotel, MGM Grand, and Sahara Hotel are just a few of the Las Vegas hotels that offer poolside weddings. The Paris Las Vegas Hotel offers them as well but with a unique twist...their pool is on top their roof. Las Vegas hotels also provide some really breathtaking wedding sites with amazing views. At the Stratosphere Hotel, you can say I do at the top of the Tower 800 feet above the ground on their outdoor observation deck. At the Bellagio, you can get married on a terrace overlooking their lake and fountain show. And the Paris Las Vegas Hotel offers weddings on their Eiffel Tower observation deck overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. If you want an outdoor garden wedding, Las Vegas hotels offer plenty of garden wedding venues to choose from. The Flamingo Hotel offers five outdoor garden locations including two which have gazebos and two which feature breathtaking waterfalls. Caesars Palace offers three outdoor wedding sites including one which features a pond and fountains. The Tropicana Resort offers an outdoor gazebo in the midst of a lush tropically landscaped garden area. And the Wynn Las Vegas, one of Las Vegas' newest hotels, offers a secluded outdoor courtyard with trees and fountains. If you want something unusual, Las Vegas hotels offer plenty of unique wedding packages as well. The Riviera Hotel offers weddings on the Stratosphere's roller coaster or at the famous Vegas sign. The Las Vegas Hilton offers Star Trek Weddings on the USS Enterprise at their Star Trek Experience exhibit. And Treasure Island offers a wedding package that includes a ceremony aboard their giant pirate ship. Do your research when planning your Las Vegas wedding. There are a lot of wonderful wedding packages to choose from in this exciting city so you should have no problem finding one that offers the atmosphere that you envisioned for your special day. About the Author Rebecca Johnson is owner of Las Vegas Wedding Informer, a website that offers Las Vegas wedding planning information. Visit it for help finding the right Vegas wedding package for your wedding.

source: www.goarticles.com With more couples opting for destination weddings these days, it has become increasingly common to find in your mail box, a wedding invitation to a wedding in one of the more popular wedding destinations. What does this mean for you, in the shoes of a guest on the wedding guest list? Perhaps the initial thought would be to ponder if you have known the couple well enough and on close relations for you to pick up the phone and say that you are going? Or to decline the invitation politely? You most probably would have an array of thoughts going through your mind. If you go, what are the considerations that you have to think about? If you are not going, will the couple be disappointed or angry? Some guests would feel the pressure to go, if they are on really good terms with the couple. But what are the tabs they have to pick up to say yes? One of the most expensive of all is the cost of the travel arrangements. The cost would vary on the destination and of course, the number of people going. If you are the relative of the couple, most probably you would bring the whole family along. This might add up to a huge strain on your wallet. These costs do not include those you may have to bear while at the destination, such as the meals and transport. So the amount might become overwhelming. Not forgetting, you most probably have to bring a wedding gift over, which might be another cost. If you choose not to go, how should you tell the couple? They might have attended your wedding before. What would be their reaction? Should you tell them the reason? This dissonance might be in your head. You have carefully considered and decided to say no and call the couple to decline the invitation. You might get a mix of responses from the couple. But if they truly understand your concerns, they would be graceful to accept your decision. Of course, you might get angry or disappointing responses from them. Do not take it to heart. Perhaps the only thing you could do is to give a good wedding gift to them and your best wishes. Alternatively, check with the couple if there is a second wedding reception for those who cannot attend. You could then go for the reception and send your best wishes and congrats to the couple. It does seem a tricky issue to decide whether you are attending the wedding ceremony. But whatever decision you have made, do convey it to the couple. Do not leave them hanging in the air. About the Author Beach Wedding Planning Guide has detailed information and tips how to go about to plan the perfect beach wedding.

source: www.goarticles.com Are you in the process of planning a destination wedding? Don't forget your seasons. And, no, I'm not referring to Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. I'm referring to Fire, Hurricane and Tornado. The recent fires in the western United States are a reminder that Nature can sometimes take an ugly turn. But, often times, these "ugly turns" are really part of predictable "seasons" that, if we are aware of them, can help us make informed decisions. Let's take a look at some of these "seasons" and how they might affect your wedding plans: Fire Season: The western United States (California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah) has what is called a "fire season" that usually runs from late April until the end of October. Fed by drought (as in the case of the Arizona), low humidity, lightening strikes and winds, they can burn thousands of acres and threaten communities and resorts. What are some popular wedding destinations which might be affected by fire season? June, 2006 saw the evacuation of parts of the resort town of Sedona, Arizona, including the Oak Creek Canyon area, a location very popular for destination weddings. This fire also stranded visitors to the Grand Canyon, who were cut off from other northern Arizona towns by road closures. The resort areas of Big Bear and Idyllwild in California are also destinations for those wanting to get married in the mountains of California. In recent years both areas have been hard hit during fire season. Fire season also affects the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and the mountains surrounding Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hurricane/Cyclone Season: The Atlantic hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30 and affects the Southeastern United States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and parts of Texas (in addition to bringing heavy rains and flooding to neighboring states). The Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean are also affected. The cyclone season in Australia extends from November to April. What popular wedding destinations might be disrupted by hurricanes? Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular wedding destination, as are the beaches of Florida, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. If you're planning a quick elopement to these areas, it's good to get up-to-date hurricane news from the National Weather Service National Hurricane Center Tropical Prediction Center, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov. Globally, September is the most active month and May is the least active month for hurricane/cyclone activity, according to the Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) (http://www.aoml.noaa.gov.) Tornado Season: Tornado season is generally March through August, with 74% of all tornadoes occurring between March 1 and July 31. Although tornados can happen in many locations, they occur most often in the central part of the United States known as "Tornado Alley." Tornado Alley affects all of Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kansas and parts of Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. Keep the seasons in mind when planning your destination wedding. Of course, just because there is a season for these natural occurrences, it doesn't mean your particular destination will be affected. Should you decide to have your wedding in one of these areas, however, it's always a good idea to be informed of weather updates, and safety precautions you should take in the event of a fire, flood, hurricane or tornado. Being prepared and informed can help prevent the best day of your life from turning into a disaster. About the Author Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a destination weddings website, where you can learn all about wedding locations and bachelorette party ideas.

source: www.goarticles.com Destination weddings to Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Maui, Jamaica and more are becoming more and more popular as destination wedding planning online has become easier and easier. The beach is the most popular destination wedding theme these days and many brides want to start their wedding theme off right with a beautiful beach theme wedding invitation. Many beach wedding invitation sites like BeachWedlockInvitations.com exist to offer hundreds of beach wedding invitations, but beach brides aren't worried about finding the right beach invitation as much as they are worried about their beach wedding invitation wording. Every bride wants her wedding to be unique and her wedding invitation is no different. Finding the perfect beach wedding invitation wording is as important as finding the perfect beach wedding invitation itself, so here are 5 beach wedding invitation wording tips. 1. Know yourself and your spouse to be - Your beach invitation wording should reflect you and your future spouses personalities, love and quirkiness ... yes, quirkiness. Wedding invitations have been done for millions of years, if you want to be original, you are going to have to capture what makes you and your beach love different than other couples. 2. There is no wrong wording - Certain wedding invitation wording ethics exist, but most people don't know them and wouldn't notice if you went according to the rules or not. Besides, more and more brides and grooms are throwing the rules to the wind these days and just writing what they want. Don't worry about trying to follow all the rules. The reason you're probably having a beach wedding is because you didn't want the traditional wedding ceremony anyway, so have your beach wedding invitation reflect the same free flowing spirit that the beach has. 3. Know your audience - Even though we just mentioned that your beach wedding invitation wording should be about you and your future beach spouse by placing your quirkiness in your beach invitation wording, remember who your audience is. If you are sending this invitation to an 80-year-old grandma, you probably don't want to use profanity or other inappropriate language. 4. Beach phrases - Find a single beach phrase that fits you and your spouse but also suits the beach setting you will be married in. "Once upon a time on a beach ..." or "What happens on the beach ... stays in our hearts," are just some examples. More examples can be found at BeachWedlockInvitations.com. 5. Match your wording to your invitation - Simple beach weddings with simple beach themes should have simple beach wedding invitation themes as well. A beach wedding with 10 - 50 people is an intimate setting and the invitations should reflect that. Don't bog down the wording with a 20 line poem to begin the invitation. A beach wedding with over 500 people can be reason for the 20 line poem. Good luck with your beach weddings, your beach wedding invitations, and your beach wedding invitation wording. To see the most beach wedding invitations in the world on one Web site go to: BeachWedlockInvitations.com. Renae C. Judkins is the owner of the largest Web site for beach themed wedding invitations in the world, www.BeachWedlockInvitations.com. About the Author Renae C. Judkins is the owner of the largest Web site for beach themed wedding invitations in the world, www.BeachWedlockInvitations.com.

source: www.goarticles.com Each year, millions of individuals, couples, and families make the decision to schedule a vacation. St. Thomas is a popular vacation destination, unfortunately, a large number of individuals believe that a St. Thomas vacation is out of their reach. If you are interested in scheduling a vacation, you should not let the cost of vacationing there prevent you from vacationing at your dream destination. If you are interested in how you could be spending your vacation on this lovely island without having to be concerned with the price, you may want to examine all-inclusive resorts.. Many couples and families find that they are able to save a large amount of money by booking their vacation at an all-inclusive resort. When examining all-inclusive resorts, you are encouraged to take a number of important factors into consideration. One of these factors is what each resort considers to be all-inclusive. All-inclusive resorts come in all different shapes, sizes, and styles. Each of those resorts is likely to have different resort rules and regulations. You may find that a number of these rules and regulations are placed on these packages. What one popular resort may consider all-inclusive, another resort may not. That is why it is extremely important to determine what is considered in an all-inclusive package, before making your reservations. Fine dining, beach travel, and onsite entrainment is often included in most vacation packages. Alcohol may or may not be included in an all-inclusive package. Some resorts offer their guests all the free alcohol they can drink and others require that alcohol be paid for or a limit is placed on the number of drinks you can have. When examining all-inclusive resorts, you are also encouraged to consider the type of vacation that you are planning on taking. St. Thomas is a popular vacation destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway or families who are on a family vacation. There are a number of all-inclusive St. Thomas resorts that have age restrictions. The age restrictions in place at many resorts are designed to help create a romantic environment. These restrictions often keep children, under the age of eighteen, off of the resort. If you are planning on vacationing with your family, it is important that you schedule your vacation at a resort that caters to individuals of all ages. Below is an overview of two popular all-inclusive St. Thomas resorts that are ideal for family vacations. (1) The Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Resort and Spa comes highly recommended by past vacationers. This all-inclusive resort is located within a short driving distance to the closest airport, making the Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Resort and Spa ideal for couples traveling with their children. Located directly on the beach, the Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Resort and Spa offers an unlimited number of beachside activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to, swimming, sun bathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. Beach lovers, of all ages, will enjoy vacationing at this resort. (2) The Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villas is one of the most highly rated all-inclusive resorts. Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villas is ideal for romantic getaways, weddings, honeymoons, business meetings, and family vacations. On and offsite activities and facilities are geared towards individuals of all ages. Adults and children will have fun playing on the beach, swimming in the hotel pool, playing numerous outdoor sports games, participating in snorkeling tours, and much more. Whatever you and your family are looking for, the Bolongo Bay Beach Club has what you may need. As previously mentioned, additional all-inclusive resorts can be found on the St. Thomas Island. It is important to remember to closely examine each resort and their policies before placing your reservations. By taking the time to examine multiple resorts, it will be easier to make sure that you get everything that you want and need while on vacation. About the Author Dan Farrell has many more travel, vacation articles and resources found at: Travel Tips And Secrets

source: www.goarticles.com A destination wedding is a wedding that takes place in a location that is not home to either the bride or the groom or their families. Couples may choose a location that they have always wanted to visit for the location of their destination wedding. The couple may also opt to have their wedding in the location of their honeymoon so that there honeymoon will start immediately after the wedding. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to having a destination wedding. One of the most defining advantages is the ability to have a wedding in a beautiful and exotic location. Another advantage to a destination wedding is that if you choose to honeymoon in the same location you will first of all already be at your honeymoon location at the conclusion of the wedding and furthermore you will likely receive a discount on your honeymoon stay because you have already had your wedding at the location. One of the distinct disadvantages of a destination wedding is that the planning process can be difficult and that you are often unable to fully enjoy the planning process. Another disadvantage to destination weddings is that they are typically not well attended due to the fact that travel is expensive. A destination wedding can be used as the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend with close friends in a convenient location. The following are a few tips for turning your destination wedding into a fun-filed extended weekend for your guests. Choosing a scenic location such as Colorado for your destination wedding can offer your guests a variety of fun activities to participate in either before or after your wedding. The couple could choose to have their wedding on a ranch or at a ski resort and there are a wide variety of activities available for the couple to participate in. Some of these activities include skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking. Las Vegas is another popular destination wedding location. The lure of a Las Vegas wedding is that there is so much to see and do in this city. Guests can choose to spend their free time gambling, taking in shows or visiting the many famous restaurants in the area. Guests can also choose to visit some of the extravagant and world famous hotels in the area. Another popular destination wedding location is Mexico. This is a popular location for a couple of reasons. Many couples choose to honeymoon in Mexico so that reason alone makes it an ideal destination wedding location. Also, the warm weather and beautiful white sand beaches provide a beautiful setting for a wedding. Guests who arrive early or choose to spend a few extra days in Mexico will not be disappointed with the available activities. Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, sunbathing and travel to ancient ruins are just a few of the activities that the guests can enjoy while in Mexico. New York City is still another popular destination wedding location. Guests who travel to a destination wedding in New York City have a variety of activities to choose from while they are vacationing. Museums, plays, operas and sporting events are just a few of the available activities that guests may choose to partake in. Besides these activities, New York City also has some of the best people watching available in the world. The city is literally teeming with interesting characters that delight visitors with their idiosyncrasies. Additionally there are many nightclubs and restaurants that are definitely worth trying. A destination wedding is basically a wedding and vacation combination. The key to hosting a great destination wedding is to choose a location that provides your guests with a beautiful background as well as a wealth of activities to keep them entertained for at least a few days. Although a destination wedding may sound perfect, it is important to realize that there are a few downsides to hosting a destination wedding. One problem is that many guests will decline your invitation because they are either unable or unwilling to travel for the wedding. This can also work to your advantage by limiting the number of guests as well. While you may be disappointed if close friends decline your wedding invitation, you are likely to be relieved that you do not have to pay for distant relatives or casual acquaintances at your wedding. The advantage, however, to a destination wedding is that the couple does not have to travel for their honeymoon and that the guests have the luxury of spending a few day in an exotic location. About the Author Ex Wedding Planner Assistant Reveals How Anyone Getting Married Can Put At Least $2474.11 Back Into Their Pockets... You may reproduce this article as long as the hyperlink is accompanied with it.

source: www.goarticles.com Las Vegas - the land of love and romantic extravagance. It is where hearts meet. You would be provided with exclusive wedding package in Las Vegas to eternalize your marriage. You would love to visit this place to make your wedding the most memorable event of your life. Wedding package in Las Vegas is quite in style as innumerable couples visit this destination of United States to be proclaimed "man and wife". Each year around 100,000 weddings are celebrated in Las Vegas. Therefore, if you are shortly thinking of getting married then nothing can be more apt and quixotic than Las Vegas - the land where lovers unify. Every bride and every groom aspire to make their dreams come true with a wedding package in Las Vegas. Lovers love to imagine how exquisitely they can organize their marriage ceremony. In doing so, wedding packages in Las Vegas offers them attractive options so that the special event may turn out successful and mesmerizing. There are innumerable stunning and dramatic themes and ideas regarding these Las Vegas wedding packages. In fact, the themes are exotically given form with theatrical lighting; smoke effects, sets and costumed characters. Just have patience and you would see how fantastically the stage is set on fire. Do you want to get married like The King, Elvis Presley? Then you can opt for a magnificent wedding package in Las Vegas from the Elvis wedding chapel. Here you would find an Elvis look alike ready to walk down the aisle holding the hand of the bride and executing each step to the beat of some wonderful melodies of the King's Collection. Some of the most exquisite wedding destinations offering all-inclusive wedding package in Las Vegas include the charming Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston and the Valley of Fire State Park. These are some of the usual ways of getting married. However, if you plan for something exotic and unusual then you can simply arrange for your wedding at the well-known Las Vegas sign, on a roller coaster atop the Stratosphere Tower and at the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Everything is conveniently arranged in a wedding package in Las Vegas. Most Las Vegas hotels have wedding chapels where you would find a coordinator taking charge of the entire event. Starting with flowers and music to souvenirs - everything comes under their duty to supervise and arrange. They can always keep in touch with the couples for feedback and suggestions about likings. However, a wedding package in Las Vegas is not only about getting married. It has more surprises in store for you. After the wedding ceremony is over you can stay back in Las Vegas to enjoy your honeymoon. The cupids are ever flying in the high up blues of Las Vegas to bring forth the feelings of love and romanticism in the hearts of millions. The wedding packages in fact includes all, starting with photography, transportation, flowers, wedding cake, DVD or video filming of the entire celebration. You would also be provided with a minister who would neatly carry out civil, religious or renewal ceremonies. A wedding package in Las Vegas is available in English, Spanish, French and German. Therefore, when you are booking for your desired wedding package it is necessary for you to mention your nationality and your preferred language. Wedding package makes the task simpler for you and it can be can be instantly arranged within a short time too. Therefore, take pleasure in every moment of the event with an astounding wedding package in Las Vegas. About the Author Marry Bellagio is a former wedding consultant who specializes in Las Vegas weddings. If you want to plan a wedding in Vegas the right way then you would definitely want to visit her site at Las Vegas Wedding Packages

source: www.goarticles.com Setting up your own Toronto wedding website is one of the best decisions you can make when planning your Toronto wedding. You and your wedding guests will both benefit from your choice to create web space dedicated specifically to your Toronto wedding. Babylon Productions has teamed up with InFrontOfTheLine.com, a leading edge web developer and web host provider in Toronto to create affordable, and customized wedding websites for your Toronto wedding. A personal wedding website gives you the opportunity to: Share your favourite memories! Your wedding guests will love browsing your personal wedding website to see the photos, stories, quizzes/polls and other special details you choose to display. Talk about everything from how you met and your first date to your engagement and future plans. Your Toronto wedding website also lets your wedding guests do the talking! If you choose to include an online wedding guestbook, your guests can participate by leaving messages that contain their favourite memories of you right on your wedding webpage. Introduce yourselves! There's no need for anyone to be strangers on your wedding day. With the help of your Toronto wedding website you can easily introduce yourselves, your bridal party, your family and close friends to all of your wedding guests ahead of time. If you've hired a wedding planner or a bridal consultant, post his or her bio along with a photo on your wedding website too! This is a fantastic way to ensure your guests will feel acquainted and comfortable with this professional on your wedding day. Eliminate return postage and traditional RSVP cards! Save time and money by taking advantage of the online wedding RSVP capabilities your Toronto wedding website offers. Your wedding guests will appreciate the convenient way in which they may RSVP online through your personal wedding website. As well, online wedding RSVPs provide enhanced convenience with printable lists, instant stats for your RSVPs, meal selection tracking and much more. Communicate effectively! Perhaps the most practical purpose of a Toronto wedding website is that it gives you the ability to post all wedding information online in one organized location. This means your guests can refer to a reliable and up-to-date source anytime they want. Your Toronto wedding website will effortlessly convey details that your wedding guests need to know such as: Gift registry information Hotel bookings (special rates, reservation codes etc) Schedules of wedding events Special requests Travel accommodations Backup plans for outdoor weddings Passport info Suggested or mandatory dress codes for venues Maps and directions Dates, times and addresses Contact information (emails, cell phone and home phone numbers etc) Travel agent details (ideal for destination weddings) ...and much more. Remember: Informed guests are happy guests! And last, but certainly not least... Enjoy the compliments you'll receive! Your Toronto wedding website is the best way "wow" your wedding guests before your Big Day even arrives! About the Author Babylon Toronto Weddings Photography Dj Video Dj Limo Services Wedding Photography & Video Productions Toronto we specialize in individually tailored Wedding Photography, Videos and DVD's, offering an experienced, highly professional.

As a girl, I always dreamed of a church wedding in the rolling hills of the Kentish countryside somewhere. When my big day came, I never dreamed that I would be one of those modern brides who would jet off for sunny climes and marry with the sand between my toes. It just goes to show how wrong a girl can be! Let me tell you what lead to us tying the knot overseas. You only have to mention the word 'wedding' to any UK business and the quote is doubled; I think they must be in on it along with plumbers! Photographers, venues and caterers know that brides don't want to make cut backs in any of these areas and will pay over the odds for their services. This doesn't make sense to me at all. It's the same with travel companies - flights increase in price during school holidays when demand is high. Surely simple supply and demand economics tell us that prices should be lowered at these times because the business is guaranteed? Apparently not! With wedding service providers, you need to book them years in advance! I mean, that's ridiculous. And why do people assume that because you want to tie the knot, you're suddenly rich?! After being told "there's a 3 year waiting list" at every feasible wedding location in the area, we decided to get the holiday brochures out and look at honeymoon destinations to cheer ourselves up. It was here that the idea of combining honeymoon with wedding was suggested. We toyed with it for a while and gradually began to come round to the idea. Of course, it was my fiance who was most keen to do it and initially I wasn't so sure. I was worried that it wouldn't be special or magical enough for me. My only stipulations were that immediate family would have to be there and the service would be on terra firma so that my Jimmy Choo heels wouldn't sink in the sand! In a flash of madness, we found somewhere that we agreed on and just booked it! Everything from there on in, was so easy. We were assigned a wedding co-ordinator who explained that plans for the actual wedding and ceremony didn't need to be settled until 6 weeks before the flight! What? Six weeks? Not six months or six years? Of course, my dress needed to be travel-friendly. This didn't stop me though - I still wore a meringue! The travel company took great care of it and even though our destination was hot, any creases dropped out within 10 minutes of hanging it up. Upon our arrival we met with the wedding co-ordinator. Over a glass of champagne and overlooking a sun-kissed sea, we discussed venue, type of vows, music in the service, bridal party make-up and hair, did we want anything dry-cleaned, what bouquet would I like, whether we'd like a fruit or sponge wedding cake, did I have any favours for place settings, would we like the service put on a DVD as well as 120 photographs taken and so on. All the things that other brides spend 18 months organizing, we had done it in a hour with a bottle of champagne! Our wedding day was the most beautiful day of our lives. Everyone watched us walk past them on the beach and they all cheered and waved. Sometimes couples are married in the UK like battery hens but we were treated like royalty and for a fraction of the price of a UK wedding! I can't recommend it enough and I still got my fairytale wedding, in my fairytale dress and in a beautiful setting. I would do it exactly the same all over again. © World of Wedding Favours ================================================== =========== This article is brought to you by "World of Wedding Favours" - Offering brides high quality wedding favours and bomboniere at low-cost prices. To view our vast range of wedding favours to suit your special occasion please visit: Beach Weddings About the Author Emily Tanner is a writer for World of Wedding Favours - superior quality wedding favours and expert advice.

source: www.goarticles.com Beach weddings are becoming increasingly popular with couples. Beach wedding or destination weddings have grown into multi billion industry over the decades. Being the most special and important event of the lifetime, many couples are opting for theme destination weddings at the popular beach resorts and venues. It seems to be a trend that couples are spending more on lavish weddings. Some opt to have flower gardens or to have a fairytale wedding. The average cost for destination weddings can cost from US$20,000 to US$50,000, depending on the elaborateness and grandness of the event. Some couples also model their weddings after celebrities. They hope to the 'stars' for the event. Some would even tell their wedding planner to plan a wedding similar to their favorite celebrities. Whatever the scale of the wedding might be, do take note of the following: Budget Know your budget can try to work within it. Do not try to include all fancy items or to overdo it. You might find yourself out of the pocket if you do not practice some self restraint. Venue For a beach wedding, the venue is the most important decision to make. Find a place that has fantastic scenery or has fond memories for you both. Do think of what are the available accommodations for the guests. If you decide on an upscale resort with a terrific frontage but is really steep on the price, you might find that you would have a lot fewer guests. Programs Do plan wet weather programs. You will never know when the weather would turn against you. In order to avoid disappointment, do check out alternative wet weather venues. Do inform your wedding planner on this. Wedding insurance Why do I say that wedding insurance is important? For destination weddings, the risk involved is quite high as compared to a traditional wedding. Things could go wrong and thus it's important to be prepared at all times. In case of a cancellation due to wet weather, you could be rest assured that you will get come compensation from the cancellations or postponement of the event. Checklist To me, this does not seem important as the wedding planner would be the right person to advise you and come up with the list. However, if you are on your own, you might need some help and one good resource is the Internet. Do take note that you do not use the checklist from the Internet in its original form. Customize it! Not everything that's written is applicable to you. You might get yourself confused by the details. Planning a destination or beach wedding can be quite taxing, so do exercise discretion and be patient in planning. You may find yourself enjoying the wedding preparation process! About the Author Beach Wedding Planning Guide has detailed information and tips how to go about to plan the perfect beach wedding.

source: www.goarticles.com Hawaii's honeymoon vacation packages attract more couples to the Islands than any other romantic destination in the world. And it's easy to see why - what other slice of paradise is so accessible, and so affordable, especially to visitors from the continental U.S.? Hosting Hawaii honeymoon vacations is a major industry in the Aloha State, and now there's a new addition to the profitable equation: wedding parties. According to travel companies that frequently book Hawaii honeymoon and romance packages to the Islands, there has been a noticeable increase in destination weddings - many that involve large parties - in the past four or five years. "Familymoons," as they're called by some, are popular for a number of reasons: the families of the bride and groom can share in the memories of the wedding celebration, and combine it with a vacation of their own - with a choice of five Hawaiian islands to escape to afterwards for their own Hawaii "honeymoon." Anyone who has been on the planning end of a wedding knows of the pitfalls it can present (remember Steve Martin's angst in "Father of the Bride"?), and that's where travel companies can lift a burden and take charge of the details - at no extra cost. After all, you really don't want to be hassled with keeping track of friends and relatives coming in for the wedding from 10 different cities on 10 different itineraries, where they are staying, whether they're going to another island after the wedding, or any other of the many unique situations and changes in plans that will always arise. A travel company can customize every itinerary and deal with any and all variations, so you can pay attention to your big day - and your Hawaii honeymoon. In doing some personal research on the subject of "familymoons," I found the Honi Honi Romance Package at the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lani Maui. This Hawaii honeymoon vacation package offers plenty of opportunity for romance - and includes accommodations in a suite or villa, a welcome honeymoon gift, one in-suite breakfast for two, one tandem massage at the Spa Kea Lani, a gourmet picnic for two including a Road to Hana CD and island map, a poolside cabana dinner for two, a sunset cruise, and a flower petal turndown service on the last night of your stay. From personal experience, I can say it is marvelous. If your Hawaiian wedding is a small affair, you should have no problem making the appropriate arrangements (e.g. planning personal itineraries, taking care of airline seat assignments, hotel room requests, etc.) online. But as groups become larger, so do the complications. So if your wedding is going to be a large event, be sure to find a travel company that specializes in event and/or wedding travel and leave the arrangements to the experts. About the Author Don Carter is a freelance travel writer who, in his spare time, acts as a consultant for travel companies that create and sell vacation packages, giving them tips on improving their client offerings and rating the hotels and sites featured in the packages. He also contributes to several travel guides.

source: www.goarticles.com If white pristine beaches and picturesque sunsets is your definition of romance then perhaps consider having your dream wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. There are so many dimensions to planning a wedding with many details and stressful decisions to be made. Some couples may welcome the traditional methods to wedding planning however; more and more couples have decided to veer away from the more conventional wedding ceremonies and have decided to include the sun, sand and Island hospitality as a means to starting a new chapter in their lives as husband and wife. For many decades several resorts in Punta Cana have helped couples plan and customize their dream wedding. Ask to consult with their wedding event planner. They will be glad to contribute their expertise towards making your wedding day as memorable and romantic as can be. Most resorts will offer a free wedding service if the future bride and groom book a one week stay at their resort, however the couple will be responsible for the cost of their wedding license. Clearly there are many advantages to having a Caribbean, paradise wedding. For starters there is the obvious; the location. Secondly, couples can begin their life together without the enormous debt most weddings leave behind. There is less planning involved. You're almost guaranteed a beautiful day with a breath taking sunset to end the night. You're able to share this event with the people that really matter in your lives (not your Aunt Ethel who you've never met before!) and lastly, you've already arrived at your Honeymoon destination. Although getting married in Punta Cana may not involve as much planning as a conventional wedding, it is important to inform yourself of what may not be included in your wedding package. There may be some added fees such as; notary fee, private dinner reception (without the other hotel guests crashing your party!), and a photographer to capture every memorable moment and the beauty Punta Cana provides. For more information about weddings in Punta Cana visit {a href=" http://www.puntacana-information-guide.com/weddings-in-Punta-Cana.html" target="_blank"}www.puntacana-information-guide.com Yet keep in mind, if you're someone who's needs to be in control at all times and you live by your watch; a Caribbean wedding is not for you. Island time is not for everyone. Locals tend to move at a much slower, relaxed pace than the rest of the world. So be prepared for some possible delays such as the judge showing-up late or a two o'clock wedding being postponed to four o'clock. Remember to remind yourselves that you're in one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world. Sit back relax, what will be will be, or better yet have another Pina Colada! About the Author Nancy Koluzs is the editor of the Punta Cana Information Guide www.puntacana-information-guide.com a travel guide offering pertinent information ranging from tips and contacts to Caribbean recipes. Nancy and her family have been to Punta Cana scores of times and know more about the region than most of the locals do, their passion for the area definitely

"Destination weddings" seems to be the buzzword now when it comes to wedding planning. It seems everyone wants to leave their familiar surroundings and jet off to some great destination to get married. There are, of course, plusses to leaving your own backyard and getting married elsewhere. For one thing, you get to visit some new location and begin your honeymoon shortly after the ceremony. And, if the ceremony consists of just the two of you, or perhaps a very small group of family or friends, that can reduce the pressure of planning a big wedding back home, not to mention, cut down on costs. But, you still have to decide where to go. And, to some, that is pressure in itself. They feel they have to choose the best place to get married. After all, there are no backsies. Unless you plan on having a renewal of vows sometime in the future, there's only one wedding. Deciding on the best place to get married depends on many factors, such as your budget, time constraints, and the timing of your wedding. For example, the best place to get married in the fall might not be the best place to get married in the summer. Phoenix, Arizona is a good example. Unless you're someone like me who simple adores hot weather, you might want to skip Phoenix as a wedding destination in the summer. But, for all other seasons, Phoenix is a great destination to get married. The seasons are really a very important factor in choosing the best location. Not only do you have to contend with winter, spring, summer and autumn, but you have to consider hurricane, fire and tornado, which definitely have seasons. The western U.S. is currently experiencing one of the worst wildfire seasons in recent history. Definitely not good if you're planning on holding your destination wedding in resorts or towns in forest lands. Make sure you are aware of the hurricane, fire and tornado seasons and how they might affect your wedding plans. If you're planning a wedding in autumn, one of the best choices would be the New England states, where you can wed amid the backdrop of spectacular fall colors. You also have the added benefit of historical inns where you and your partner can have a ceremony and begin your honeymoon. If you're planning a summer wedding, you can't go wrong with a beach wedding. The great thing about beach weddings is you can have a perfect beach wedding to fit any budget. If you've got the bucks you can stay at the fanciest beach resort in Hawaii and have a spectacular wedding fit for a queen. But, if you're on a tight budget, you can obtain a permit, hire an officiant, and have a small affair at any number of Southern California beaches. The good news is, for next to nothing you'll still have a million dollar view. Once caveat about Southern California beach weddings. Southern California has what is called "June gloom," and it is as the name implies. Usually in late May and early June the marine layer sticks around and prevents the sun from shining. You'd never know it was summer. So, if you're planning a wedding in Southern California, best to make it late June or later to avoid the June gloom effect. Some people want glitz with their weddings. They want to get married amid sights and sounds that pummel them from every direction. Sounds like Las Vegas, doesn't it? If you want to tie the knot, then go wild, Vegas is probably one of the best places for you to get married. You have gambling, Vegas shows, and great restaurants. A Las Vegas wedding is also a great place to go if you wish to bring along some friends and family. The endless supply of entertainment will provide your guests with something to do once the ceremony is over. If the idea of a Las Vegas wedding horrifies you, and you'd rather get married amid a more tranquil, spiritual environment, then Sedona, Arizona or Mount Shasta in California would be the best spots for you. Certainly you can find a shaman or two in either of those areas who would bless your union while standing near your favorite vortex. Perhaps you're the sort who would still shudder at a Las Vegas wedding, think vortexes are silly, but would still like to be married in the great outdoors, next to some of the most spectacular forest land America has to offer. Your best choice might be the Great Smoky Mountains outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As a matter of fact, Gatlinburg has been called the "wedding capital of the South." The truth is the "best" wedding destination is what's best for you. And sometimes when you search for the best location, you may also find that it's right in your own backyard. About the Author Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of a blog about bachelorette party ideas and a destination weddings site where you can learn all about New England Weddings.

source: www.goarticles.com Couples can have a Destination Wedding at one of the many islands in the Caribbean, and do not need to be rich and famous to do so!! What could be better?!?! Picture this...sunny tropical weather...sandy beach...ocean waves crashing in behind the ceremony...and the most beautiful wedding pictures you could imagine. How can this be possible? Well let me tell you!! Couples can book a 7 night package at a 6 star resort and get the wedding for free. That's right...FREE!! Couples have the option of getting away by themselves or bringing along their closest family and friends. What can be better then sharing such a wonderful beach ceremony with the ones you love? There are so many resorts in the Caribbean that offer weddings for free, and some that have upgraded weddings that you can purchase to make the ceremony completely unique. Each resort has their own style and inclusions to make this occasion the wedding of your dreams! They offer everything from your own personal wedding coordinator, personal dressing assistant and horse drawn carriage ride to the ceremony, to a separate room for the groom the night before the ceremony....you can even bring your own CD to be played at the ceremony! Since there are many different weddings offered by many resorts, make sure to do plenty of research to figure out what is most important to you. Then you might want to consider finding a travel agent to help get you the right wedding package that will fit your requirements. The resorts also take care of the necessary paperwork required to get married in their country...one more perk to getting married at a fabulous resort! They really do take the stress out of this wonderful occasion so you can sit back and enjoy the dream of an Island Wedding! Planning a destination wedding? Jenn can help. About the Author Jenn Monroe is a Destination Wedding Expert for the online travel website GoAwayTravel.com, a website that specializes in treating your vacation like it's their own.

This is the font i used for my photobook. It is a very pretty script style. To use: download to your computer do a virus scan (always scan anything you download via internet) go to control panel--->fonts--->drag and drop file there.

also, i agree with kash...i think it is the best way to go...use expedia/orbitz as a guide for prices, then either go to hotel direct or a TA. We have a better rate that what most hotels release to the public because we contract with them every year that we will sell their product if they can give our clients a lower price. This does not always happen but usually about 80% of the time. Like one resort in los cabos offers their group rate at $420 per night but we can get it for $320. or another one in cabo san lucas offers $210 per night but our rate is $161. it is best to shop around to get the lowest price as well.

awww.thanks! it was a pretty great day/week...we had a fabulous time!

TammyM won the first daily lottery. CONGRATS TAMMY!!

Chateau Elan For Weddings at Chateau Elan Contact Daniela Hillock at [email protected]

Silverado Resorts Ceremonies can be held in the Grove, Arbor, Patio Terrace and on the Fairway Deck. A Catered Lunch or Dinner function must follow all ceremonies. The Bride and Groom are responsible for securing a Minister/Officiant and obtaining all the necessary paperwork (license, etc). Rehearsals are suggested prior to the ceremony. All meals will be arranged through the Sales and Catering Manager and prepared by Silverado’s Culinary Team of professionals. Facility fees apply for all function space which includes set up, tear down, china, glassware, silverware, guest book table, gift tables, banquet tables and chairs. Silverado offers ivory and white linen and votive candles for the tables. Location Number of Guests Fees Ballroom/Fairway Deck 150 - 350 $4,500 The Grove 100 - 1000 $5,000 Arbor 50 - 100 $1,500 Vintner's Court 50 - 100 $2,000 Patio Terrace 50 - 100 $1,000 DEPOSIT/CONTRACT: A deposit is due two (2) weeks after the event is reserved. The deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. A signed contract submitted by the Sales Department with Terms and Conditions agreement will accompany the deposit. PRE-PAYMENT: An estimated breakdown of charges will be prepared by your Catering Manager. 100% of the estimated balance is due 30 days prior to the scheduled event. The balance of all estimated charges will be due (14) days prior to the event by check or credit card. A credit card is required to cover all unforeseen charges over and above the estimated breakdown prior to your arrival. A guarantee of attendance is to be provided to the Catering Manager at least 72 hours prior to the function. If no guarantee is provided, the number on the banquet event order will be considered the final guarantee of attendance. AVERAGE MEAL COSTS: Hors d’oeuvres $15.00 - $25.00 for a cocktail hour. Dinners $60.00 - $120.00. All prices are per person and subject to 7.75% state sales tax and 20% service charge and gratuity. BEVERAGE: Beverages are charged on consumption. Prices range $3.25 - $7.00 per drink. Bartender charge of $100.00 per bartender. Corkage fee is $20 per bottle. SPLIT ENTREES: For menus selected with two entrees, the cost of the meal will be charged at the higher price of the two. Place cards identifying which entree the guest has selected are required. Exact entree counts must be communicated to the Catering Manager seven (7) days prior to the event. CATERED MENUS: A selection of Served and Buffet Menus click here WEDDING COORDINATION: Professional Coordination is required. Silverado offers an experienced staff for "Day of Services". Contact a sales manager for details and fees. MENU SAMPLINGS: Can be arranged in advance through your Catering Manager and are charged to the individual if the scheduled function is under 100 guest. The tasting must be requested 14 days prior to the date desired and subject to Chef’s Availability. Appetizers, Salads or soups, and Entrees are available for tasting (maximum of 2 selections per item). Hors d’oeuvres, dessert, wedding cakes are not available for sampling. VENDOR LIST: Silverado’s preferred Vendor List is available to assist you. Outside vendor's are accepted. CANDLES: Complimentary votive candles (4 per table) are provided for your use. Additional candles are available at $1.00 each. CHINA AND LINEN: Cake Knife and Server: The use of a cake knife and server is $2.50 per person. Linen: There is no charge for White, Ivory, Black, Burgundy, Forest Green table cloths. Linens are not to the floor in length. Napkin colors offered are: White, Ivory, Forest Green, and Black. Specialty linens can be arranged by your Sales and Catering Manager at an additional cost. PRINTED MENUS: Special printed menus are available for each table or place setting at $3.00 to $7.00 each. FAVORS: Personalized etched wine bottles, wine glasses, specialty chocolate truffles can be ordered at an additional cost. SERVICE CHARGE/TAXES: A 20% service charge and 7.75% State Sales Tax will be added to all food and beverage items. The service charge is taxable in the State of California. COAT CHECK: A rolling coat rack is provided complimentary. A coat check room with personnel is available at $20.00 per hour, with a (3) hour minimum. RESTROOM ATTENDANT: A restroom attendant may be arranged at a rate of $25.00 per hour, with a (3) hour minimum. TRANSPORTATION/PARKING: Limousines, Town Cars or ‘Antique Cars’: Your Sales and Catering Manager can make these arrangements for you. Valet Parking: No charge to guests of the Hotel. Shuttle Service: Shuttle transportation from guest rooms to Mansion within the resort is complimentary. Shuttle transportation from the Mansion to The Grove is required. The fee for this service is $200