wedding planning


If It’s Your Wedding Day – Shouldn’t It Be Your Wedding Song?

YourSongmaker.com can easily create a one-of-a-kind wedding song from your vows, love letters, poems, or the memories that lead up to your special day.

Your own words – not a wedding song written for someone else. Say exactly what you want to say!

Your wedding song - YourSongMaker.com

YourSongmaker can also create the perfect father/daughter, mother/son songs for your wedding dances.

Capture that memory of your wedding celebration with a personalized wedding song – special to your family, loved ones, and friends.

Most importantly – special to YOU!

Your wedding song will be produced in a way to ensure it can be played at your ceremony or by your DJ at the reception.

Also, you can request sheet music so you can have your song performed live by a band or framed as a gift for the couple.

Want to learn more? Read the stories behind and listen to some of the proposal and wedding song ideas on the YourSongmaker featured songs page.

YourSongmaker Makes It FUN and Easy to Do

At YourSongmaker, you don’t have to know how to play any instruments or be a singer.

If you can write your thoughts out on a piece of paper, one of their many production teams can write you a fantastic custom song – just the way you’d like it.

Highly Talented Human Music Producers

YourSongmaker uses the best composers, producers and vocalists in the music business. You’re giving your words to a human being who has vast musical and producing knowledge.

In essence, you’re saying – here are my words. Make them sound like this.

And they do!

Quick Turnaround Times!

The turnaround times are FAST at YourSongmaker. Their composing teams, producers, and vocalists have many, many years of experience!

Within ten days, you get a 45 second sample of your song via email to critique for 48 hrs.

Once you’re done, just send YourSongmaker your thoughts and they finish the song 4 days later!

Two weeks is the total turnaround time. Very quick for this industry of high-quality produced music.

YourSongmaker.com is a unique, one-of-a-kind service that creates high quality, original wedding song using the stories and/or words of their clients.

Clients are everyday people, not professional musicians or writers. It’s an emotional, memorable, and impactful experience.

Their number one goal is for you to love your song. Let them sing what you want to say in any style of music you desire.

It’s an experience like no other.


How to Create Your Perfect Beauty Routine Before the Big Day

Looking like a queen on their wedding day is the dream of almost every bride-to-be.

Following a perfect beauty routine before your wedding will not only help you look beautiful, but you’ll have peace of mind as well.

Unfortunately, exhaustion naturally starts to build up as the big day approaches. This ultimately makes it harder to look like the best version yourself possible.

Rosacea, dark under eye circles, and acne are some of the most common skin problems associated with these more grueling and backbreaking times of our lives.

This is why most beauty experts advise that brides begin thinking about their beauty routine at least six months before the wedding so that they can experiment and compare results.

The year leading up to the big day can be a busy time for the bride. Following these tips will help step up your beauty routine for wedding day confidence that is second to none.

Create a Sleep Schedule

Develop a sleep cycle as early as possible. This requires you to pick a time to go to bed, as well as a wake-up time, each day. Creating a sound sleep schedule and sticking it can help your body find its pace and settle into a routine sleep-wake rhythm.

A good sleeping schedule will also result in fewer wrinkles, less puffy eyes, and glowing skin. It should be noted that an irregular sleep schedule often leads to mood swings, poor concentration, cognitive problems, drowsiness, and irritability.

Stay Active

Lifting weights and regular exercise is essential in boosting energy levels and cleansing your skin. It is advisable to join the gym or add an industry-approved machine like a seated-dumbbell press to your exercise regimen. This is an excellent way of having more toned and powerful arms, shoulders, and back.

Exfoliate

While washing your face daily can do wonders to your overall appearance, it is important to note that this won’t quicken the cell regeneration process. As we age, the body becomes even slower to get rid of old skin cells and produce new ones. The moment old cells begin to accumulate on the surface of our skin, it can leave our face looking dry, rough, and dull.

This is why proper exfoliation is needed to eliminate the multitude of dead skin cells that are blocking fresh new cells. In a nutshell, a regular exfoliating pattern will help your skin look healthy and fresh.

Create a Hair Plan

Let your stylist know your goals and have them create a hair plan to get you there. You can also start to experiment with hair treatments a few months before your wedding by combining your favorite conditioner with products that increase the silkiness of your hair.

Visit a Dermatologist

Weddings are often considered as red-carpet moments for brides. With all the anxiety and stress involved in planning, there is a great possibility that your red-carpet moment can quickly turn to a cold shoulder day. It is recommended to visit a dermatologist six months before the wedding to make sure that your skin is healthy and in perfect condition.

Are you ready for your big day? Keep our tips in mind and create the perfect beauty routine for your big day and look your absolute best.

Contributed by Elise Morgan @elisemthewriter – Elise is a freelance writer from North Carolina that regularly covers health, wellness, and stress management topics for Mattress Advisor. She is especially passionate about understanding and researching helpful tips to reducing stress and anxiety, and loves to educate others on the topic through her writing.

Image courtesy of pexels.


Planning a Post-Wedding Move – Useful Tips

Your wedding is a big day. However, another big day is coming, too. The moving day. This means that not only do young couples stress out about the wedding, but also about the whole moving in process. However, with the right strategy, everything can go smoothly and easily. You just need to stay calm and be organized. We are going to help you with some useful tips on planning a post-wedding move, so you can enjoy your big day without thinking about moving issues.

Why Move After the Wedding?
Many couples wonder what the best time to move in together is. Some of them do it long before the moving day – they get used to each other before they say “I do”. However, other couples feel that planning a post-wedding move is more special in many ways. Even though this way is more complicated since you need to plan both the wedding and relocation – it’s much more special and romantic for the couple. If you are one of these love birds, be sure to stay organized and plan everything in advance. Also, learn how to reduce wedding planning stress and actually enjoy the whole process.

A couple hugging holding a house key during a post-wedding move
Be sure to start to planning a post-wedding move in advance, so you can
do it stress-free.

Planning a Post-Wedding Move – When to Start?
The main thing you need to remember about planning a post-wedding move is to start early. Arranging everything in advance gives you enough time and energy to parallel-organize both the wedding and the move. If you need to plan your relocation to Brooklyn, NY, you should have enough time to browse neighborhoods, find the right home, a moving company, etc. Therefore, time is everything. If you start organizing months in advance, you will do everything without delays and stress, and enjoy the most beautiful events in your life.

Extra tip: Hang a big calendar in a visible place, so you can follow your progress until the wedding and moving day. It will be much easier to do the tasks when you know how many days you have left until the big days.

Declutter Your Home
Yes, you are moving in together after your honeymoon and that’s very exciting. However, a less exciting part is decluttering your items before packing and moving. But it is a necessary step in the moving process. Go through your items and see if there are some things you don’t need or use. If you get rid of the unnecessary/broken items, you will have more space at your new home for some new things (wedding gifts included). Additionally, you can reduce the packing time and save on moving costs, too.

Inventory List is a Great Idea
Making a list of your possessions is useful in many ways. Firstly, if you and your spouse both have these lists, you can easily see what you have and compare. Furthermore, this list can be used to check the moving boxes after the moving company delivers them to your new home. After the wedding, be sure to include the wedding gifts on the list, so you can plan the storage of those items, especially valuables. Going through the wedding gifts will certainly feel good after all the wedding-planning stress.

Agree on Double Items
Before you even start packing, both you and your partner need to go through all the items and check if you have any double items. Then, you need to decide which one of these two you are going to bring to your new home. It shouldn’t matter whose items they are, but if they function properly, look better, etc. Choose the things that will serve you better in your new house, and figure out what you are going to do with the items you don’t need. You can always sell, donate or recycle them, depending on the item condition. You may have a difficult time to say goodbye to some items, but try focusing on the new life chapter in front of you.

A couple holding hands.
Moving in together means you should planning a post-wedding move together and agree which items stay and which ones should go.

Have a Moving Budget
You may have a wedding budget – you need to find the perfect venue, dress, decoration, without breaking the bank. The same goes with the moving process. It’s good to have a moving budget and follow the plan. This way you will avoid unexpected costs and unpleasant surprises.

Money bank - save money with good post-wedding move planning.
Moving and wedding budget are very important part of the organization.

Find the Right Assistance
Moving is a complicated process. But if you are doing it right after your wedding day – it’s even more overwhelming. That’s why you should ask for some assistance for your household relocation and get the work done by professionals. Finding a reliable moving company should be one of the most important tasks on your moving to-do list. This way you can trust them all the moving work and enjoy your wedding without worrying.

Do the Packing Right
If you are packing by yourself, be sure to do it wisely. This way you will save a lot of time when unpacking, avoid damage and additional costs and be more efficient in the post-wedding period. When packing for a post-wedding move, be sure to:

Pack your items by room, so it is easier to unpack and find certain items later on.
Label all the boxes – write what’s inside each box and mark boxes with fragile items.
Put heavier items on the bottom – lighter on the top.
Don’t overpack the boxes – too heavy boxes are difficult to carry and more prone to damage
Use quality packing supplies – you ‘ll need sturdy moving boxes, a lot of tape, bubble wrap, scissors, markers.
Pack valuables carefully – pack your expensive and fragile items by yourself, and move them with you. Moving companies usually avoid transporting these types of things.

Enjoy Your Day
After all everything is about your big day and enjoying this beautiful chapter of your life. That’s why planning a post-wedding move should be a breeze. Make sure you don’t stress out about small things and take your time to enjoy this period with your spouse. Make this the best time of your life and look forward to your honeymoon!


How to Find the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding

Wedding venue with flowers

 

There are few things as important as the venue when it comes to organizing a wedding. Actually, the importance of the venue might even be on par with finding the perfect dress. After all, your wedding day is not simply one thing – it is an amalgam of the tiny perfections you’ve chosen that celebrate your love. And a venue is definitely key for the most important day. However, choosing a venue can also prove to be quite stressful and daunting. But, with the right preparation, the perfect venue is certainly not unattainable. So, here are some tips on how to find the perfect venue for your wedding.

To Find the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding – Talk to Your Planner

Finding a venue is one of the most important steps of planning your wedding. But, it is best if you consult a wedding planner before you start choosing. You need professionals who will be able to see what can be done with the venue you like. Remember, this is their job, and they’re much more equipped to deal with the “messy practical bits” of wedding preparation. They will be able to see whether your dream venue can actually support your dream day. Talk to them about what you want and what you dream of. They will be able to tell you whether it is achievable.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

These days, there are wedding ideas basically everywhere. And yes, the perfect wedding in a chateau is certainly astonishing. Marrying in a place where once kings and queens resided is truly exciting. But it is also technically challenging. And what about marrying in a foreign country, on a sandy beach somewhere? While it may truly be a miraculous event, planning a long distance wedding is not that easy. It’s not impossible, but it’s also quite stressful.

That is why you should think about yourself and your partner first and foremost. Ask yourself what feels right to you as a couple. Will you both be having fun on that day? Does this venue reflect your relationship?

Wedding venue with smiling couple
Ask yourself whether the venue reflects your relationship.

While doing research online for a theme, as one does, try to select ideas here and there. Some may fit you better than others. Then blend these ideas with something that you have envisioned. Once you know your theme, choosing the perfect venue will be a piece of cake.

Deal With the Practical Side

Wedding preparations can pass in quite the haze. It is not uncommon to forget that, sadly, there are practical issues that need to be addressed. When trying to find the perfect venue for your wedding, make sure to first sit down and put some things on paper. There are issues like the budget and the guest list that need to be dealt with. And they are essential for selecting your dream venue. So, here are some of the practical things you should consider when you’re trying to find the perfect venue for your wedding.

Make a List of Necessary Factors

This will make your job later on much, much easier. With clear factors, you will be able to look at the places you’ve selected (somewhat) objectively. First and foremost, set a budget for your venue. A good rule of thumb is that the price of the venue should not exceed 50 percent of the total amount paid for the wedding.

Wedding venue may cost you
Set a budget for your wedding.

Then, you should consider the size, which correlates to the number of your guests. Talk with your partner about the guest list. You should at least have a ballpark number of guests at this point. This will also help when you’re considering the budget, since some of the costs depend on the number of people.

Then, you should choose the location of the wedding. If you have any out-of-state guests, then you should find a venue relatively close to a hotel. In addition, think about the facilities of the venue. If you want to find the perfect venue for your wedding, it should have everything you need. For instance, it should have a ceremony location if you will be getting married there. Also, if it’s out of town, it should have enough parking places.

Go Online and Select a Few Venues

When you’re browsing the Internet, select at least five venues that you find appealing. Remember, they don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to show potential! Work with your wedding planner. You will be able to get a better “read” on some places with the help of a professional. One of the things people neglect to look at is the reviews on the pages of the venues. And they are quite important, as they tell you a story about someone’s perfect (or possibly ruined) wedding day.

Now, there is one thing that should be mentioned. If you find a perfect venue that your heart is set on, but there is a slight issue, always try to discuss with the wedding planner whether that issue can be overcome. After all, if the problem can be fixed, definitely try! For instance, if you like a venue, but it lacks space, there are other ways to solve the problem. If you see that a venue has no room for wedding gifts, but it’s perfect in any other regard, short term storage solutions can be your best option. That way, you get the perfect venue for your wedding and the extra space you need! With a little know-how, small issues like these are a thing of the past!

Wedding venue research
Go online to find the perfect venue for your wedding.

Call the Venue(s)

Now, when you’ve selected the five venues, make sure to ask them for dates of availability. Some of the venues can even send you a list of available dates. Your options will be much more extensive if you have several dates in mind for your wedding. Once you’ve done that, try to compare them objectively. Of course, if your dates are not available, then those venues are out of the picture. The ones that remain should be put under scrutiny. Check whether the venues fulfil most of the conditions you’ve set. Then rate them accordingly. Select the top two or three and get ready for the next step.

To Find the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding – Visit and See for Yourself

There is truly no better way to find the perfect venue for your wedding but to go there and see for yourself. You will be given a tour of the place. This is then when you should let your imagination run wild. Imagine what you can do with the place. But, most of all, imagine your actual wedding day. If you can envision yourself getting married there and enjoying yourself with your loved ones, then that’s it. You’ve found your perfect place!


Most Popular US Honeymoon Spots in 2019

Ah, how priceless is that moment when your wedding ceremony and reception are finally over, all the guests have left and you are about to board the plane and depart for your honeymoon. There is nothing that beats that feeling, especially if you were lucky enough to afford some luxurious destination. But, to enjoy the tropical paradise and romantic spots, you don’t have to leave our great country! Instead, forget about the wedding planning stress that you have been faced with in the last few months, and book your room in some of the most popular US honeymoon spots in 2019. And no – not all of them will break the bank, so stay tuned!

Honeymoon spots are nice with an ocean view
After joining your lives in holy matrimony, the time is right to celebrate!

Hawaii Graces All the Lists of the Popular US Honeymoon Spots in 2019

Year after year, Hawaii never ceases to amaze. This tropical paradise has been one of the best honeymoon destinations for a long time, and it isn’t highly likely that it will be taken off its throne any time soon. Moreover, Hawaii is not only a popular honeymoon destination for US citizens. Quite the contrary, people all over the world save for months, some even years, in order to afford this amazing destination. Now, we do have to admit that this is a pricey option, and it won’t be easily affordable for everyone. It will be especially difficult to afford a honeymoon in Hawaii after all the wedding costs you just had. But, should you be lucky enough to manage to do it, here are some of the top spots in Hawaii to consider:
Kauai
Oahu
Lanai
Maui

How exotic do these names sound? If you can’t afford to honeymoon in Hawaii, don’t exasperate. There will be plenty of time to visit it in the future. For now, you have a plethora of other, more affordable options!

Sarasota, FL is an Affordable Option for Everyone’s Enjoyment

Have you always pictured your honeymoon on some tropical beach? Would you like to lay around all day long on a white sandy beach, overlooking the turquoise waters and working on your tan? Well, if you add beautiful sunsets in cotton candy colors to that description, you get Sarasota, FL. With an average nightly hotel price being $162, and with slightly over 50,000 residents, this Florida city will amaze you with its livelihood, as well as affordability. And that’s more than enough for Sarasota to become one of the best destinations for honeymooners in US.

Honeymoon spots like Sarasota have sunsets, beaches and palm trees.
The sunsets in Sarasota, FL are truly a marvelous sight!

While you get to bask in the glorious sun during the day, you will get a chance to lead a rich social and cultural life after the sunset. From ballets to jazz concerts and theatrical performances, the life in Sarasota will amaze you. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t dwell too much on packing, and just throw in a few floral shirts, your bathing suit, and some comfy shoes. That’s all you’ll need to enjoy your days in this piece of heaven that is right at your fingertips.

Cape Cod Can Never Disappoint


Admit it – never in a million years would you think that Massachusetts could be a great honeymoon destination. But, the fact is that this state has plenty to offer, starting with Cape Cod. Granted, the beaches here may not be something you see only in movies and travel magazines, but you are trying to have a romantic getaway while being on a budget. And for that purpose, Cape Cod will be perfect. Feel the serenity that only a place such as this one can offer, and enjoy the beautiful restaurants that grace the streets.

And if you ever get bored during those ten days of your honeymoon, you can always take a field trip. Ever heard about the majestic city that Boston is? Well, it will certainly provide you with plenty of fun, and plenty of places to see. But, beware – you wouldn’t be the first family to consider relocating to Massachusetts after visiting it. This state is simply too good to pass, and you might find yourself faced with a dilemma at the end of your vacation.

Seneca Falls is a Romantic Destination – Guaranteed to Capture Your Heart

According to data, New York is the most expensive place to get married in the US. So, if you are an NYC resident, we have some good and some bad news. Your wedding reception will be expensive, but your honeymoon doesn’t have to be! You have Seneca Falls to enjoy after tying the knot. Named for the 11 lakes that spread around the area, Seneca Falls is a beautiful and romantic getaway for couples of all ages. There is a good reason why it is considered as one of the most popular US honeymoon spots in 2019. It’s due to its affordability and beautiful scenery that Seneca Falls has landed on this list.

Honeymoons spots can also feature great wineries and tasty wine
Beautiful wineries are just one thing to enjoy in the most popular US honeymoon spots in 2019.

While Seneca Falls is a perfect summer destination, you do need to be a bit more careful during the winter. As you know, the temperatures in NYC can get out of hand. The key to packing correctly is being prepared on time. Although, preparedness in a timely manner is the key to almost all things in life. Trying to plan a wedding? Start on time! Planning to move to your spouse’s house down the block? Then you better prepare in advance for your local relocation. Wanting to pack the best outfits for your honeymoon in Seneca Falls during the cold days? Be prepared by watching the weather forecast.

Charleston Could Be the Most Surprising Spot on the List

But, if you think about it, it makes perfect sense. This city in South Carolina is so charming that it promises to leave no one indifferent. Walk the cobblestone streets while holding hands with your new partner for life and enjoy the beautiful vistas. If you want to take things up a notch, treat yourself to a carriage ride. Now, nothing screams romance quite like a carriage ride on a romantic summer evening, in a city with beautiful lighting.

As the last piece of advice, we would just like to tell you to enjoy it while it lasts. Soon after the wedding and honeymoon are over, you will have to go back to your ordinary lives. And then, instead of having the pleasure of reminiscing on your time spent in one of the most popular US honeymoon spots in 2019, you will be sorry you didn’t let all of your worries go to waste. And now is the perfect time to forget about the world and focus on the two of you, and this new life you are embarking on together.


Tips for Planning a Wedding Long Distance

Planning a wedding can be a wonderful and chaotic experience at the same time. You are marrying the love of your life, which is great. Good for you. That is why this should be a happy occasion, when you and the people who are close to you are celebrating your love. However, since this is a complex event to begin with, it tends to be pretty stressful. And all that stress magnifies by a hundred if you are planning a wedding long-distance.

Long Disgance Wedding Planning

So, you definitely need help. But, you also need to talk to yourself and your significant other. Both of you must adjust your expectations to the reality of the situation, no matter how perfect you want everything to be. We have prepared some guidelines for you so you know what the crucial tips are for planning a wedding long-distance.

What Should You Know Before You Start Planning a Wedding Long Distance?

One of the first questions to ask is when you should start planning a wedding long distance. There is no specific answer to this question, but generally – the sooner the better. It all depends on how far away you are from the wedding location and how often you can visit it. But, whatever the case, you and your significant other should figure out some things before you start the actual planning. And we are not talking about deciding which side of the bed is whose.

What ypou should know when planning a long distance wedding
Planning a long-distance wedding requires great organization and professional help

Important questions regarding the planning of the wedding:
• When do you want to get married and how much time you have to prepare everything?
• How many people you want at your wedding and who are the most important ones?
• What are the crucial things you want at your wedding, and what can you live without?
• How big is your budget for the wedding and honeymoon?

When you to sit down and discuss these important topics together, you will be able to resume the wedding planning with reduced stress. Because, if you can’t compromise on what you want your wedding to look like, who to call and how much you are willing to spend – how do you expect to make compromises further on in life?

Do Your Research On Time

Right after you establish the main course of your wedding, you must start researching. Answering the basic questions of who, what, when, where and how much will play a great role further on. It is an excellent thing that we live in a modern age, when you can find out almost everything you need to know about any subject online. So, get down to business – you have a lot of work to do. Especially if you haven’t spent your whole life imagining your wedding day.

You will need ideas, from what kind of wedding bands you want, to what songs you want to play at the reception. Also, you will need inspiration and some advice from the people who have experience in the subject. That’s when friends, family, relatives, and coworkers will be able to help.

Hire a Wedding Planner at Your Wedding Destination

If the wedding is happening in your hometown, you can probably get some help from your closest family. However, that is probably not going to be enough. And if you are planning a wedding long-distance, you definitely need the help of professionals. A wedding planner at the location is going to be a real lifesaver. That is someone who will do everything for you. Again, it’s a good thing we are in the era of technology, so you can be present online throughout most of the activities. Use all the apps you can to stay informed, and you will be on top of the situation, no matter how far you are.

How to plan a long distance wedding
A wedding planner can help you choose the venue and almost everything else.

Some people think they can do everything by themselves, so they want to save money and not hire a wedding planner. But think about this. If you and your future spouse are currently in different locations, after the wedding, one of you will need to relocate to the location where the other person is, right? And in that case, you will hire assistance for your long distance relocation from a professional moving company because they have the expertise and you can rely on them to be quick and punctual. So you won’t spare money, right? Well, it is the same with a wedding planner. If you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly and without delays, you should definitely hire one.

Make Time for Visits and Arrange Transportation and Accommodation Well in Advance

As online apps aren’t always enough to make decisions, when you are planning a wedding long distance, you should set aside some time for visits to the wedding destination. That way, you can do all the work you couldn’t over the phone. You can try out the menu, the cakes or listen to bands and sign papers, whatever is necessary. Use that time to make arrangements for the accommodation and transportation of your guests, so you can be certain that everyone important is taken care of before the big day.

Buy What You Can Where You Are

If you don’t want this wedding to turn into a living hell, you should do everything you can where you are currently. Don’t try to buy your wedding dress from a remote location or online because, no matter how beautiful it is, you really need fittings. So, look for it at your current location. If you want to create the perfect custom rings, you should also do it somewhere nearby. The less stuff you outsource to your wedding planner and family members, the more you will be in control. However, you can choose flowers from where you are, so some things can definitely be done long-distance. The less stuff you outsource to your wedding planner and family members, the more you will be in control.

Long distance wedding planning - shop for everything but the dress.
Some tasks can be outsourced, but buying a wedding dress isn’t one of them.

Arrive at the Destination a Week Prior to the Wedding and Enjoy

It is a great thing to have a wedding planner and family members to help. However, you should be there for the photo-finish. Make the arrangements to arrive at the wedding destination at least a week before the wedding. That way, you will be able to make changes or put the final touches to anything you like.

If you follow these tips for planning a wedding long-distance, you will come to realize that it’s not so hard. Even though it is complicated, with a lot of moving parts and variables, it is still doable. So, whatever happens next, just remember there is no such thing as a perfect wedding or life. You did your best to make it the most wonderful wedding and now it’s time to enjoy. The best part is yet to come since the wedding is merely the beginning of the mutual adventure called life. So, make sure you relax and enjoy it.


6 Tips for Reducing Wedding Planning Stress

Reducing Wedding Planning Stress

When you only have a few months to plan what’s likely the biggest event of your life, it can be easy to feel like you’ve got the whole world on your shoulders. From venues and catering to decor and entertainment, there are so many things to get on top of to make your day go right. So, how do you do it all while keeping your sanity in check? Read on to find out.

Learn How to Say “No”

The planning process is stressful in and of itself; add social obligations to the mix and you’ll wonder how you’ll ever get anything done. It’s normal to want—or even feel obligated—to spend time with family coming in from out of town, or your bridesmaids that are traveling miles just to see you, but you also need to know when enough is enough. After all, asking for some alone time will come across far better than reaching a breaking point and saying something you shouldn’t.

Do Something You Enjoy

So what do you do when you have your alone time? It’s simple: do something you enjoy. Read a book, catch up on your favorite Netflix series, go to the spa, whatever helps you keep your sanity in check. Taking one day off will work wonders for alleviating stress tied to wedding planning; you’ll come back feeling fresher and more rejuvenated.

Seek Some Alone Time with Your Significant Other

Ironically, couples often forget to spend quality time with each other once planning gets underway. In fact, according to a recent survey by Zola, 43 percent of couples admit that planning put a strain on their relationship. But don’t forget the very reason why you’re doing all the prep in the first place! Nurture that relationship by spending time alone with your significant other. You might even find them to be the best therapist since they likely understand what you’re going through better than anyone else.

Cut Back if Necessary

When it comes to wedding planning, one of the biggest areas of contention is how much money is being spent. Perhaps you’ve had your eyes set on some extravagant venue since day one, or perhaps there’s a 5-piece band that you can’t imagine your reception without. Well, as nice as all of those things are, they come at a lofty price tag; one that may have you feeling a bit reluctant about spending so lavishly. It’s important to realize where exactly to draw the line. Your wedding budget will be the biggest indicator of where that line is. Therefore, abiding by your budget is the surest way to reduce spending apprehension. To create more room in your budget, there are also alternatives to building your savings rapidly and at no cost.

Eat and Sleep Right

You wouldn’t feel your best if you weren’t eating and sleeping right on a normal day, and you certainly wouldn’t feel your best if you aren’t whilst wedding planning. As simple as it sounds—and yet, as difficult as it can be to pull off—you need to be getting the full 7-8 hours of sleep per night and maintaining a proper diet for your mind and body to function optimally. During moments of stress, many people turn to food for comfort. However, forming a habit out of this will end up costing you in the long run. To make matters worse, junk food can also increase feelings of irritation, reduce energy levels, and impair cognitive function. So, as the old saying goes, eat an apple a day to keep bridezilla at bay!

Know When to Ask for Help

You might have known exactly what type of wedding you wanted since childhood. Or perhaps you haven’t even thought of your wedding until the moment you said, “I do.” Regardless of your starting point, don’t try to be a Jack, or in this case, a Jackie of all trades (terrible joke, I know). Sometimes, delegating responsibilities to a bridesmaid with more experience, a family member, or even an expert can be an instant cure for your stress. A wedding planner is a great example of this. By hiring one, you can relax knowing that most of the calling and booking will be done for you. Looking for a more affordable option? A wedding coordinator will work with the venue and vendors you’ve already booked to make sure your wedding ceremony goes to plan, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying your big day!


Coastal Mendocino – California’s Secret Wedding Wonderland

If you like the dramatic cliffs of Half Moon Bay –  and the foodie charm of Napa – but don’t want your destination wedding to be a budget buster for your guests, you should check out the coast of Mendocino County. Just north of the rolling vineyards of Sonoma and a three and a half hour drive from San Francisco, Mendocino has award-winning wineries of their own, a generations’ old tradition of hyper-local cuisine, and most of all, miles and miles of pristine coastline with sweeping views of the Pacific. Uncrowded, with a friendly casual atmosphere, Mendocino has been a favorite secret destination for couples who love the outdoors for many years.

Activities abound. Hike through some of the oldest redwoods on earth, explore sea caves and gentle rivers on a kayak, wine taste without the fees, or just stroll the quaint Victorian village of Mendocino and browse art galleries and boutiques.

You won’t find big chain hotels on the Mendocino Coast but you will find inns with charm to spare and experienced wedding planning staff.

Here are two Mendocino inns that have particularly attractive packages for weddings of up to 200 or 99 people, respectively:

You can host up to 200 at The Little River Inn, the Mendocino Coast’s only full service resort. The original inn is a stunning wedding cake Victorian overlooking the Pacific that has been augmented with more modern buildings tucked around it. The property has 66 rooms at every price point – every single one with views of the ocean. Run by the same family for five generations, the Inn is extremely geared to families and kids – they even welcome the family dog. Amenities include an onsite spa and salon, an award-winning restaurant, and Ole’s Whale Watch Bar, where you can do just that over a locally brewed beer and a chat with a crusty local. Packages start at $6,000. Options include the fun Game Day package that takes advantage of the inn’s regulation tennis courts and golf course (for up to 80; starts at $11,500). Or select the elegant Mallory Cliff Top, (starts at $24,000 off-season for 200 people) with a romantic bluff-top ceremony, an additional catered event, and four nights use of a stand-alone seaside cottage complete with two private ocean-view hot tubs.

For a more intimate affair, the Inn at Newport Ranch is an elite playground on a 2,000-acre private preserve where you can have a wedding of up to 99. The recently built inn oozes rustic chic – from the Main Inn with a walk through fireplace to the Fireside Spa in a grove of redwood trees. The fascinating buildings were handcrafted with the object of bringing the stunning outdoor setting inside and the property is totally unique. It has the ambiance of a 5-star resort and much of their “ranch comfort” cuisine comes from their own organic gardens. There are 20 miles of trails, empty beaches, stands of ancient trees, and 50-mile panoramic views across the sea from their 7-person hot tub on a re-purposed water tower. You can explore on foot, horseback, or via an ATV-tour. Because the wild and wonderful experience is why you come to this wind-swept corner of the world, all of the packages require you to reserve all of the property, which sleeps 34. Kids are only permitted with a buyout of the property and pets must be left at home – the inn is adjacent to a working ranch. Weddings for 6-34 people start at $20,000. At the upper end, the Coastal Bluff wedding for up to 99 starts at $55,000 and includes three full days of events for your guests – from your rehearsal and welcome reception the night before overlooking the Pacific to the full ranch breakfasts the day after your ceremony.

**Contributed by Emily Polsby | Images used with permission.


Wedding Dress History – A Tale of Two Dresses

If you are shopping for a wedding dress, take a moment to think about how you may be paying for it. You might take out your debit card. Or credit card. Some may even write a check. It sounds like an easy and normal transaction.

But Queen Elizabeth (then Princess Elizabeth) did not have such an effortless way to pay for her wedding dress. When Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip married in November of 1947, the British government was still recovering from the ravages of war. Rationing was still a way of life for everyone. This included the royal family. So, the princess saved up clothing coupons to buy her wedding dress.

That’s right – she had to save just like anyone else. This was a very important time of recovery for England. Times were tough.

There was a slight exception as Princess Elizabeth was granted 200 extra ration coupons for her royal nuptials, and citizens tried to donate theirs through the mail. However, each mailed-in ration coupon had to be returned. It was illegal to transfer them. The princess had to make her budget work.

And she did!

Made from ivory silk and decorated with 10,000 seed pearls, her wedding dress was simply beautiful. It was made from Chinese silk from China (as opposed to Japan or Italy, given it was still so soon after the war) and its 15-foot train was inspired by Bottielli’s painting of Primavera from 1482. The dress was also covered in delicate floral designs.

The wedding dress was meant to symbolize “rebirth and growth” in Britain after the war. In total, the gown took 350 women seven weeks to make.

Princess Elizabeth followed the rule of the day. Her wedding was just as royal and regal. In fact, it’s a legendary part of English history.

Now let’s turn to another story. Image having a wedding dress that’s literally part of your family history. A dress that your great grandmother, grandmother and mother wore. It’s been in the family for 85 years!

Maria Teresa Moreno ― known by her relatives as “Grande” ― first wore a single silk long-sleeved gown way back in 1932. Grande’s granddaughter, Marta Prietto O’Hara, wore it in 1983. Followed by Elena Salinas, Grande’s granddaughter and Marta’s younger sister, in 1997. Most recently, the wedding dress was passed along to Pilar O’Hara Kassouf, Grande’s great-granddaughter, to wear in September 2017.

This unique family wedding dress tradition started when Grande, a talented Los Angeles seamstress who was born and raised in Mexico, fell in love with a wedding dress she saw in a department store window. Instead of rushing in to buy it, Grande took the time to recreate it by hand for her wedding to Manuel Moreno.

While a typical wedding dress usually is a bright shade of white,  this dress has been described as creamy gold in color. To the touch, the fabric has a luxurious, buttery texture. Believe it or not, it’s never had any major alterations. Generation after generation – it just fits. The only alterations made over the years include removing a portion of the original 9-foot train, changing the back of the gown to a deep V shape. Changes to beading, lace trim and other minor elements have also been made. But overall, its appearance has remained similar.

Sources:

The True Story of Queen Elizabeth’s Wedding Dress 

4 Women in One Family Wore the Same Handmade Wedding Gown From 1932


Thoughts About Reality Wedding Shows and Wedding Planning

wedding shows

Wedding planning has everything needed for successful reality television – ups, downs and everything in between. The importance of the day combined with preparation demands provides enough drama to make for interesting viewing. It is no wonder why the many wedding shows such as Four Weddings have thrived.

Bravo is known to feature specials typically for housewives that are getting ready to tie the knot. Real Housewives NeNe Leake, Kim Zolciak-Biermann, LuAnn de Lesseps and Bethenny Frankel were all front and center for Bethenny Getting Married. Their dramatic personalities, when combined with the stresses of wedding planning, make for great entertainment.

On the other hand, wedding shows like Four Weddings have what I find to be an interesting nature. It essentially rates how the day went based on many factors such as food and venue. However, aren’t the differences in wedding simply a reflection in different individual preferences? Isn’t a special wedding day by nature supposed to be unique? How is execution of such a special day confined to such generic categorical ratings?

These are all the questions that run through my mind when I tune in to such shows. I mean – at the end of the day visions will obviously differ. So how is it rated on such a simplistic and standardized scale? I realize that I am over analyzing this to the upmost degree, but I am doing so because I think reality TV is some cases can DILUTE ACTUAL REALITY.

Believe it or not, I am not completely against these shows, as I watch them! In fact, some good can come of these shows. They can serve as source of wedding planning ideas and plain reassurance that it all works out in the end. There has yet to be an episode in which the bride and groom have not been completely smitten with one another at the end of the night. Despite dramatic twists and turns that run its course throughout an episode, there is always a moment of gratification shown. In the end, both bride and groom could not be any happier for the fact that they are spending the rest of their lives together. These days, everyone seems to need a little reassurance that it all works out in the end.

Are you interested in checking out some of the best wedding shows on TV? Ranker.com has a great list of wedding shows, and you can vote for your favorite.

If reality TV isn’t your style, then maybe a featured wedding movie on Netflix is more to your liking.

Happy Wedding Planning!

Article by Kelly Rupinski.


Wedding Costs – How to Keep Them Under Control

In life, there are certain facts to face. When it comes to wedding costs, it’s simple! Weddings are expensive. In fact, they are VERY expensive. These days, you really have to be smart about your wedding costs. Whether you have a lot ($100,000) or a little ($1,000) to spend, all it takes is a little advice, some serious planning and a few money-saving tricks. The truth is –  you can have the wedding you always wanted.

And guess what? You can keep your wedding costs reasonable without anyone missing anything.

TheKnot.com recently reported that the average price of a wedding is over $35,000. That’s sometimes what a starting salary is for a young couple just out of college. Getting married might not be easy as it seems.

So, if you are looking for help with your wedding costs, our friends at Investment Zen have come up with this AWESOME infographic that helps break everything down for you. They look at the expenses, trends, and statistics of weddings from 2016 and provide a few tips to help you keep more of your money in your pocket.

And with more money in your pocket, you can think about making sure that the groom-to-be buys a precious metal ring instead of settling a cheap alternative metal ring that can’t be sized. But that’s another story for another day!

The State Of American Weddings In 2017: Costs, Trends, and How to Save Money

Via: InvestmentZen.com


See Novell at Steve Quick Jeweler in Chicago (March 10 -12)

Novell wedding bands at Steve Quick

Are you engaged and living in Chicago? Are you getting married soon? Then it’s time to shop for wedding bands! This weekend, our wedding band specialist Howard will be at Steve Quick Jewelers’ Clark Street location. He can help you choose the right metal. Decide on the appropriate ring width for your finger. Or answer any questions you have. Stop by!

Steve Quick Jeweler
2471 N Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 404-0034

When: March 10th – 12th, 2017

Store hours: 11am – 7pm

Get directions


Need an Awesome Designer for Your Wedding Flowers?

Your list of wedding preparations gets shorter as the big day approaches. You’ve just checked off wedding music and invitations. Next up – wedding flowers. You have numerous floral-related pins on Pinterest. Wedding flowers are constantly on your mind. The only problem is getting started. If you need help turning your wedding flowers vision into reality, Cassandra Shah may be the perfect floral designer for you!

 

Cassandra freelances for renowned floral designers all over the United States. Although based in New Jersey, she can travel anywhere for the right bride. She recently has had the opportunity to work with designers from England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Australia.

Her services include all things flower-related. If you can dream it, she can create it – centerpieces, bouquets, flower walls, hanging installations. The crazier the better! Her goal is always to make every bride and groom happy. And to enhance the inherent beauty of the wedding.

When Cassandra designed the floral arrangements for the Sangeet (cocktail party) of Kabir B., he and his sister Amy were amazed by her stunning designs:

“Cassandra makes sure that you feel comfortable and have a good idea of her vision for the centerpieces and décor. She made sure to take our ideas and colors of what we wanted and turned them into masterpieces. The most amazing thing she did was a beautiful banister wrap that covered our whole staircase. It was so lush and vibrant. It looked like it was taken right out of the Indian jungle.”

Having an eye for beauty, Cassandra taught herself how to design floral arrangements after observing other designers work. She first started working as a designer in 2013 at Tracey Reynolds Floral Design. A graduate of Rutgers University with a B.S. in Marketing, Cassandra is now starting her own business.

If you love her beautiful floral arrangements as much as we do, contact Cassandra today!


Try Wedding Planning with Pinterest

Logo for Pinterest wedding planning

Not long ago, when a bride-to-be wanted inspiration for her wedding planning, she ran to the local book store and bought every magazine on the newsstand. If the magazines weren’t enough, she went over to the book section to browse through whatever they stocked on the shelf. Aside from Martha Stewart, the wedding section usually contained the latest (yet often outdated) advice penned by the so-called experts of the day. Unfortunately, many of these books featured similar wedding advice and guidance. So if that eager bride-to-be wanted fresh ideas, she may have had to look far and wide.

These days, things are a little different. The social media explosion has put a ton of wedding planning information on almost every phone or tablet in America. Alongside the typical Google search, wedding websites TheKnot.com and Engagement101.com introduce brides to the latest advice from a variety of established wedding resources and brands. The days of lugging half a dozen magazines home every month are gone. The expense is also almost completely eliminated. It’s easy to sit back on a couch and browse. Tons of wedding ideas are at your fingertips.

One of the latest resources for wedding inspiration is Pinterest. Google Trends recent reported that more and more people are typing “Pinterest wedding planning” into their mobile devices. Instead of having to read through search results and hope that a link contains wedding planning gold, there’s an almost endless stream of graphics. Pinterest offers a vast supply of insights and wedding planning connections.

Need proof? Feel free to browse our Pinterest wedding planning board below!

[pin_board url=”https://www.pinterest.com/weddingringblog/wedding-planning-ideas/” size=”custom” image_width=”100″ board_width=”1000″ board_height=”1450″]


Need a Wedding Singer in New Jersey? Meet Anna Bansil!

New Jersey wedding singer Anna Bansil

Wedding singer Anna Bansil from New Jersey

Your wedding is almost all planned. You’ve tasted dozens of hors d’oeuvres, smelled quite a few flowers, and planned the seating arrangements. You’ve even decided against that costly ice sculpture (which melts away anyway). Now it’s time to make a decision on one thing that really helps sets the tone for the entire event – your wedding music.

For most, the decision boils down to whether you want to have a DJ or live music. If you are having an intimate wedding and love live music – why not hire a wedding singer? Anna Bansil just might be THE wedding singer who can add that extra sparkle to your extraordinary day!

Based in New Jersey, Anna can travel anywhere in the Tri-State/Eastern Pennsylvania region. Having a performance style reminiscent of Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, Anna specializes in heartfelt singer-songwriter/folk-pop songs and accompanies herself on acoustic or electric guitar. Her crisp, clear voice has been said to be “soothing like honey.”

Anna’s repertoire consists of songs that are perfect for first dances and cocktail hours. Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love,” Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to The Moon,” Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am,” and Otis Redding’s “That’s How Strong My Love Is” are just a few numbers she performs. Do you have a special request in mind? Anna is able to learn songs just for your occasion. Although she may include her own spin here and there, she always tries to stick as close to the original as possible.

When Anna sang at the wedding of Kevin and Audrey M., the happy couple was overjoyed at her performance:

“We’ve always known that Anna was an amazing musician, but when she performed ‘That’s How Strong My Love Is’ by Otis Redding for our first dance at our wedding we were floored. From her voice to her stage presence, her performance was emotional, powerful and memorable. It certainly was one of the highlights of our wedding.”

Anna has been singing since the age of 3, having developed a love for singing after watching the movie The Sound of Music. Throughout middle school and high school, Anna participated in All-State, regional, and church choir. She was also a member of the John P. Stevens High School Choir and Khorikos, an a cappella group based in New York City. Her education includes a BA in Music and a BS in Nursing.

Aside from singing at weddings, Anna also records her own music. Some of her work can be found on YouTube. If you find yourself captivated by her voice, as we are, contact Anna today and make your wedding day truly unforgettable!


Wedding Lighting – Have You Given It Any Thought?

Your wedding planning is all set. Your flowers will be fresh. Your gown is stunning. The photographer is highly recommended. And – God willing – the weather will be picture perfect. Every detail from what you’re wearing to the ice cubes has been combed over. But what about the lighting? Will your big day have just the right lighting? Or how can you make sure that your lighting is environmentally friendly? These days, the latter is an important issue!

Wedding lighting

A Few Ideas for Lighting Your Wedding

Our friends at LED Lights UK have a few ideas. You can keep your fingers crossed for great weather and have an outdoor wedding. Natural light always looks great in pictures if everything falls into place. Although many consider rain on a wedding day to be a sign of good luck, most brides-to-be pray for a sunny, cloudless afternoon. Sunlight is also free. Your hors d’oeuvres, sadly, are not.

Another nice lighting source is lit candles. Candlelight is very romantic, while flickering lights create a wonderful ambiance. When placed close together, candles also mix flame with shadow, which will look very cool in wedding pictures. And who doesn’t want THE COOLEST wedding pictures in their album? Yet there is a downside. Imagine your drunk uncle losing control dancing the Macarena and tumbling into a table. Flame on! Candlelight is also affected by drafts or sudden winds. You may find yourself lighting and re-lighting things all wedding long.

But WAIT! What about rechargeable candles? They give the same appearance of flickering light without the muss and fuss of real candles. I think we may have a winner!

Yet another option is soft, power saving light bulbs. If you really want to get on the good side of your socially conscious friends, you can lessen the environmental impact of your entire wedding through solar power. A solar powered generator can run the heat or air conditioning. It can even help plug-in the band. Not practical? String some little fairy lights that collect energy during the day from the sun. They’ll provide a little glow all around the reception.

A final consideration for your wedding lighting might be utilizing just a little bit of everything. Have rechargeable candles on the guest tables. Place wax candles on the buffet or around the drink bar. Fairy lighting hanging from the ceiling. Or even in between seating areas. Don’t settle for just one form of lighting when a little combination of everything might get the job done. There are a lot of choices. Mix and match. Above all – have fun!

For more ideas about lighting, please visit LED Lights UK today!


Advice for After the Wedding and Honeymoon

Wedding planning is all at once exhilarating and stressful. There are a million details that you may never have previously thought about. Nor knew how important something particular may be for your special day. Once it’s all over, hopefully you have a million awesome pictures and even more awesome memories to last a lifetime.

But what happens when the honeymoon is over? And it’s just the two of you? Where do you turn for advice?

Many younger couples tend to live together prior to their wedding. However, some do not. Suddenly waking up next to someone on a daily basis may need some adjustment. There will be good days, bad days, wonderful days and boring days. It’s important to remember that marriage is a long, winding road with bumps and turns. One day will be smooth. The next might be lousy. And you won’t always get along. Here are some common but sometimes overlooked issues you will probably face after the honeymoon is done.

Talk about Finances: Have a talk about debts, spending habits, budgeting, and whether or not you’ll have joint banking accounts.

Reconnect with Friends and Family: Wedding planning can be long and drawn out. You sometimes don’t realize that you’ve been neglecting your friends. Now is the time to wind down and get back to socializing with friends, family, and even other couples.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: It is important to pick your battles wisely. This is especially important. It is common to go through arguments about things. But don’t let it carry over to the next day.

Cry Around Each Other: Crying in front of the other person is a milestone. Especially an ugly cry- it means that you’re totally at ease with one another.

It’s Okay to Have Alone Time: Everyone gets moody. It’s okay to just take a second to yourself. Or a minute, or an hour. But try not to take more than an hour. Things can fester. As mentioned before, it’s better to resolve a dispute sooner rather than later.

Sounds easy – doesn’t it? Hopefully there will be plenty more good days than bad. Building a happy life can be hard work. It may even be easy at times. But it definitely will not be the same for every couple.

Best of luck to all!


Vera Wang Launches New Wedding App

Vera Wang Wedding App

**Photo courtesy of philippineweddingnews.blogspot.com**

Vera Wang has designed wedding dresses for top celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Ivanka Trump, Mariah Carey, Khloe Kardashian, and many more. She is now launching her very own wedding planning app. Now only does the app help brides search for wedding dresses, but also flowers, cakes, and other wedding related things. The app is called “Vera Wang on Weddings” and will be sold at the app store for $9.99.


Will You Let Strangers Plan Your Wedding?

The Knot Dream Wedding Couple

**Photo courtesy of The Knot**

Most brides like to plan their wedding from top to bottom. But, would you let strangers plan your entire wedding for you if it was free? This brave couple did. Sierra and Andre entered into a contest on The Knot.com where they thought they would be winning an all-expense paid wedding. However, when they won they didn’t realize that The Knot’s readers would be planning their entire wedding. From wedding dress, to venue, even down to the cake. There  marriage would also be live-streamed on the website for anyone who wants to attend. Pretty scary right?


Some Great Caribbean Honeymoon Locations!

Are you looking for some fun in the sun? Great! A Caribbean honeymoon destination will be perfect for you. The Knot is helping you chose between 9 perfect sun-drenched islands. Bahamas is one of the most visited islands, and also voted as a “favorite” by recent honeymooners. If you’re in the mood for great island cuisine, try Jamaica. Any of the 9 islands provide to you by The Knot will be an amazing experience for you and your lifetime partner.


Wedding Day Beauty Tips to Help You Look Perfect!

Wedding day beauty tips

**Image courtesy of ABeautyStyle.com.

Looking absolutely fabulous on your wedding day goes without saying. Everything from your hairstyle to having a picture perfect face has to be just right, as they are preserved forever in pictures! Although you probably have things all mapped out, here are some awesome beauty tips provided by Real Simple to keep in mind while you get ready for the big day.


Need Help with Your Wedding Planning? Join Us on Pinterest!

Pinterest wedding planning

These days, social media is the hub of daily life. Pet pictures. Status updates. Location tags. Images of yesterday’s dinner. It’s all on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and many other social media or blogging platforms. Should you need ideas for just about anything associated with planning your wedding – jewelry, travel suggestions, planning advice, cakes – just visit our Pinterest page! We update almost daily on a vast variety of topics. It really is your one stop for a plethora of wedding-related suggestions. Follow us today!


10 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Belize

belize-mayan-wedding-12-12-12

In case you didn’t know, Belize is a small coastal country in Central America. After reviewing and featuring dozens upon dozens of honeymoon or vacation destinations, we’ve found that Belize is a lesser-known treasure. It’s easy to get to and very affordable. So when considering your perfect honeymoon spot – why not put Belize on your list?

Here are ten facts that you probably didn’t know about this very cool country:

  1. As of February, 2016, the Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors. The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize for every $1 USD. Basically – you double your money. So it’s pretty simple to see how much something costs in USD when you go shopping.
  2. Almost everyone speaks English in Belize; it’s the only English language-speaking country in Central America. While English is the official language of Belize, Kriol is the language that the natives all speak as well. So save your money on that online Spanish class. You’ll be able to communicate just fine!
  3. The climate is always just right! With an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C), it’s always warm, yet still comfortable. Costal sea breezes along with jungle rain forests keep you cool even in the hottest summer months. Even in winter (November-March) the temperature in Belize rarely falls below 60°F (16°C), while the summer (May-September) is around 86°F (30°C). Worried about your hair frizzing? Humidity is also fairly consistent at around 85 percent. Overall, the climate is pretty much near perfect. So don’t pack your boots or mittens. It’s all flip-flops and shorts.
  4. Like cats? I mean – really BIG cats? Belize has the only Jaguar reserve in the world, otherwise known as Cockscomb Basin Wildlife sanctuary.
  5. Like fast food? Sorry, you may be out of luck. Popular franchises such as McDonalds, KFC and Burger King cannot be found. You’ll have to stick with fresh local food and great weather. A typical Belizean lunch might include tamales, meat pies, seafood, cassava, garnaches (fried tortillas with beans, cheese and sauce), panades (fried maize shells with beans or fish), chirmole (soup), coleslaw, escabeche (onion soup) and vegetables
  6. Do you snorkel or scuba dive? The Barrier Reef is Belize’s top tourist destination and in 2014, it attracted over 300,000 visitors, which is about the same as the official population of the country. The reef is also vital to Belize’s fishing industry.
  7. Are you a bird watcher? Over 540 species of our little feathered friends have been recorded in Belize.
  8. Get your monkey on! Belize’s Black Howler Monkeys are one of the top 10 loudest animals in the world.
  9. There are two seasons in Belize – rainy season (May to November) and dry season (February to May).
  10. Whale sharks, which are harmless to humans, are also spotted in Belize waters. The best time to watch for them is in the spring. Whale sharks are actually quite gentle and can be playful with divers. See? Not all sharks are man-eaters. The biggest risk associated with swimming with whale sharks is being accidentally hit with one of their big tail fins. Keep your eyes open!

Have we peaked your interest about Belize? Feel free to contact our friend Lara at RomanticTravelBelize.com to arrange for the honeymoon or vacation of a lifetime.


Not Your Average Wedding Cake

 
cakes

**Image courtesy of TheKnot.com

Finding the perfect wedding cake is a super sweet experience. It is becoming ever so popular for brides to choose a more unique, and less traditional cake for their special day. The Knot’s article 10 Naked Cakes You Have to See is sharing some sweet wedding cake ideas that are sure to win you over.

 

 

 


Need Help Choosing Your Perfect Honeymoon Spot?

Perfect honeymoon destination

Choosing the perfect honeymoon getaway can one of the toughest wedding-related decisions you make. It ultimately comes down to how you would like to spend your first days as a newlywed couple. What do you enjoy –  lazy sun bathing on a Caribbean island, visiting historic landmarks, or zip lining through a tropical forest? How to Choose the Perfect Honeymoon Spot details the most popular honeymoon locations in terms of price, ratings, and overall newlywed experience.

**Image courtesy of Huffington Post/damien_p58 / Flickr.


Are You Worried About Weather on Your Wedding Day?

 

Wedding day weather

A bride’s worst nightmare is having horrible weather on her special day. It’s just that one variable that you can’t control despite how well you’ve planned. But don’t let a little rain spoil your big day. How to Weather Proof Your Wedding provides you with useful ideas on how to make your wedding day spectacular whether it’s rain, snow, or even humid sticky heat.


The Knot’s The New Rules of Wedding Etiquette

Wedd ing planning advice from TheKnot.com

Announcing an engagement is such a memorable and joyous event. Nonetheless, revealing that precious news in an appropriate way is essential. But not to worry –  New Rules of Wedding Etiquette provides you with a helpful set of rules to follow whether you are the bride to be or even an overly excited guest. They also offer great tips on when to take photos, what not to share on social media, and when to change your relationship status on Facebook.


Boone and Sons Jewelers teams with Hyatt Regency for your wedding day.

The perfect ring leads to the perfect proposal, and the perfect proposal deserves the perfect celebration. Let Chevy Chase, Maryland’s Boone and Sons Jewelers take care of your engagement ring and wedding bands, and let Hyatt Regency take care of the rest. You have their promise that no detail will go overlooked.

For the wedding day that you’ve always dreamed of, please contact Hyatt Regency Bethesda’s Wedding Specialists at 301.657.640, and reference the code Boone and Sons.

Visit Boone and Sons Jewelry website to see their vast selection of wedding bands and loose diamonds. Become a fan of Boone and Sons on Facebook.