Posts Tagged ‘Couples’

Traveling elsewhere for weddings is quickly becoming a popular trend in the modern wedding category. Offering the opportunity for your wedding guests to have some fun in the sun while attending your special day is a great way to add a little extra to your wedding and make it an event that your family and friends are sure to remember. Going to a vacation destination is also a great way for the happy couple to enjoy their honeymoon at the same time as their wedding, without the hassle of travelling after the ceremony.

Choosing destination wedding invitations can be a little tricky. There is quite a bit of information that you need to include in your invitation, but you do not want to overwhelm your invitees either.

The first step for choosing your destination wedding invitation is to choose the design you love. Most couples usually want to incorporate the theme of the destination into the design: sandy beaches, expansive oceans, shells and palm trees are popular choices for warm destinations. However if your destination is elsewhere, choose images that speak to that particular area when designing your invitation.

Next you should make a list of the information you might need to include in your wedding invitations. Standard invitations only have sparse information: who, what, where, when, and why. A destination wedding needs to include much more information so your invited guests can make informed decisions if they plan to travel and attend your special day.

The information that you should give your invitees includes:

Time, date and place.
Transportation suggestions (especially if you can get a deal from an airline for booking multiple tickets to the destination).
Accommodation information – if you’re staying at a resort, many offer wedding packages for guests that are attending at a special rate. If this is being offered, you need to include this information in your invitation. However, if you don’t have a registered deal with a resort or hotel, you should include some local information about the destination. Possibly including the names and numbers of close by hotels or rental properties.
Other rental information – don’t forget to include car rental information, including the names and numbers of businesses offering this service. This is particularly important if you aren’t staying at a resort and your guests need to travel to get to the location of your wedding ceremony.
Suggested dates of travel – this helps you coordinate the date and time that your guests arrive at the destination.

You should also include local maps and information about the destination. Offering some additional information about local attractions that your guests may enjoy and maps of the area can offer them the opportunity to have some vacation time of their own while attending your wedding ceremony. Perhaps you may arrange a tour or special event other than your wedding that you will offer your guests. Regardless, be sure to include some local information so your guests know what they can expect upon their arrival. You should include the local time zone, weather type (hot and sunny!) and available recreation areas and attractions.

Choosing a double sided invitation is a great way to ensure you will be able to incorporate all the information that is needed to be given. This allows you to put the basic invitation information on the front side and the more detailed information of travel arrangements on the back of the invitation card.

Many couples choose to have a local celebratory reception as well, to allow those invitees who could not attend the ceremony to still share in the festivities. This will mean an extra piece of stationery to include with your invitations. If you are having a separate, local reception, be sure to include a second invitation to that celebration as well.

It is also important to remember that when you plan a destination wedding that you leave plenty of time for your guests to decide and arrange for travel. Somewhere between three to four months should be an adequate amount of time for your guests to decide and prepare. The more time you offer your friends and family to plan and make travel preparations, the more people you are likely to have at your wedding ceremony.

It is always a good idea to try and secure some kind of deal at your destination. Many resorts and tropical destinations offer wedding packages that include specials for guests as well. If you do not have this as an available option, you might want to find a hotel that will offer deals for multiple rooms. You may even be able to get your wedding suite free if you reserve enough rooms. You obviously want your wedding day to be a day you will remember for the rest of your life. Be sure to find a great destination for everyone involved.

While some couples may dream of traveling far, far away to an exotic island for their dream honeymoon, that just might not be possible in today’s economy. A lot of newlyweds-to-be are looking for cheap affordable honeymoons that will still provide them time to get away and enjoy each other without breaking their bank. Well here are some tips for shopping around for a five star honeymoon on a two star budget.

Stay in the U.S. If you are getting married in the United States, you might consider visiting on of the beautiful resorts that are located in Florida or maybe stay in a log cabin on a wild horse ranch in North Dakota. There are just so many great ideas here at home that you don’t have to take a cruise or splurge on a fancy resort in the Bahamas to get the relaxation that you need. Consider traveling in the off-season. Even if that means you have to postpone your honeymoon for a month or two, you will be amazed at how much you will save if you are willing to wait. This is a great idea for couples that are determined to honeymoon in places like Mexico or the Bahamas. You can call the resort you are considering and ask them when their off-season is, so that you can plan to book your honeymoon around that time. Have people donate to your honeymoon as a wedding gift! This a great idea for couples who want to go somewhere above their budget and it’s a creative and easy wedding gift for those who hate trying to figure out the registries at local department stores. If you use a travel agent, you might ask how your wedding guests can give a monetary gift that can go towards your honeymoon. They will probably be able to set you up with a toll-free number people can call or arrange for guests to come by their office to make the donation and pick up some kind of “receipt” they can place in a card to give you on your wedding day. Shop the deals! You can search for your honeymoon last minute, which might save you some money, or you can travel during the week instead of over the weekend, which may save you on your flight. There are so many great deals out there if you are willing to put in the time and search for them. Ask if anyone in your family has a timeshare they would be willing to let you use as a wedding gift. This is a popular option for many young couples and is actually a surprisingly common way of taking your honeymoon. Maybe your great aunt, grandparents, or even your parents have a timeshare, which gives them access to hundreds of resorts all over the world. Don’t be afraid to pipe up and see if they’d be willing to let you use it. All-inclusive resorts are definitely the best way to get the most bang for your buck. For a set price you usually get your room and all your meals, which will save you considerably in the long run. Some all-inclusive resorts even include your alcohol! Just do some shopping around to see what kinds of deals and prices you are looking at for your honeymoon destination. Don’t overlook a cruise which is a lot like an all-inclusive resort, only you get the luxury of visiting more than one destination and they are surprisingly affordable! If you are your honey like the great outdoors, why not consider a camping honeymoon. Camping is an affordable way to get out and enjoy each other and a beautiful location. Just be warned that especially if you camp without a place to shower you are going to get to know each other a little better than maybe you want to for your first week of marriage. If that kind of stuff doesn’t bother you, than by all means, don’t be afraid to enjoy this cheap honeymoon option.

Financial Sense: Wedding season is here, so plan for a financially secure marriage
Even for couples who have been living together for awhile, the decision to marry marks a new financial beginning, the first real moment that two people will share a lifetime financial future.

Read more on Greeley Tribune

Yours Truly til the End of Time: Capella Pedregal Vows to Share Couples’ Journeys Through Life and Love, From “I Do …
CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO–(Marketwire – 06/17/10) – From the moment of “I do” to “I’d do it all again,” Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas’ most exclusive new resort, has unveiled Yours Truly , a signature wedding, honeymoon and anniversary program that courts couples throughout their lives together. The resort’s commitment begins with a destination wedding, Capella style, for betrothed couples and …

Read more on Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance

Congratulations! You’re getting married. Are you an adventurous couple? Do you prefer active vacations rather than simply lounging on a beach? You’re in luck. There are many amazing honeymoon destinations for adventurous couples.

Caribbean

Dominican Republic: This island has become a beautiful, affordable destination. You can get some fabulous deals because this is a larger island that doesn’t focus strictly on tourism. There are many all-inclusive hotels, enough to satisfy all types of couples. For the ultimate experience, try the Majestic Elegance Punta Cana.

Jamaica: A top destination for honeymoons. An all-inclusive resort paradise, Jamaica offers clear blue seas, tropical vegetation, breathtaking beaches and gorgeous waterfalls. Great shopping, cuisine, shopping and art. Top Jamaican resort pick: Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay.

Mexico
This country is a top stop spot for romance. Many couples go to Mexico for its beautiful beaches, but adventurous couples know that Mexico offers a variety of exciting things to do and see.

Puerto Vallarta: This exotic destination offers many fabulous attractions. Naturally, the beaches are divine. Tons of fun sports. There are many festivals, as well. Enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s tempting nightlife, fine dining and score great shopping deals. Stay at the Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa.

Cancun: Mexico’s own Caribbean island. There is a natural aquarium there – a warm lagoon brimming with tropical fish. This water enthusiast’s paradise offers sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. Try the LeBlanc Spa Resort, an all-inclusive, adults-only paradise.

Europe

Paris: Pack your bags and take off on a Parisian 7-day Monograms Independent Vacation Package. Revel in post-wedding bliss in the City of Light. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the opera, the Seine…the list goes on and on… Paris likely has more landmarks than any city on Earth. This city has it all: adventure, romance and sightseeing galore.

Rome: One of Italy’s top travel destinations, Rome is loaded with attractions. This vibrant city oozes all things antiquated, yet offers many modern luxuries. Visit ancient monuments, elaborate fountains, revered architecture and famous museums. The Italian capital boasts cuisine that is out of this world, as well as bustling nightlife. The historic center is fairly small, making it easy to hit all your desired tourist spots. For a perfect romantic Roman honeymoon, choose The St. Regis Grand Hotel.

Hawaii

Oahu: What more can be said about how gorgeous Hawaii is? You know about the beaches, but do you about the Polynesian Cultural Center? This 42-acre spread showcases seven island villages that display the indigenous cultures of Tahiti, New Zealand, Polynesian Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji and the Marquesas. Might sound dull, but it’s not. Rather, it’s a fun and fascinating thing for adventurous couples to do on an Oahu honeymoon. Stay at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa. Indulge in their fabulous couples massage.

The Big Island – Hawaii: For big island decadence, spend your honeymoon at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Take a sunset sail for two, stroll the lush gardens, embark on the many adventures available to guests. This classic yet modern resort lavishes you with leis upon arrival. Surprisingly, this is not featured at all Hawaiian resorts. Make sure you stay somewhere that embraces this Hawaiian tradition. You’ll be glad you did.

Cruises
Why not spend your first trip as husband and wife on a fabulous honeymoon cruise? Modern cruise ships offer everything that resorts on land have to offer… and frequently more! Did you know that honeymoon cruises have higher couple satisfaction rates than any other honeymoon trips? Cruises offer it all: romance, cuisine, nightlife, top attractions, sports, pampering, luxury accommodations and more. Consider these cruises for your honeymoon.

Royal Caribbean International offers a 5-night cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas, featuring Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, and Puerto Costa Maya.

Take a 7-day cruise aboard Holland America Line’s ms Noordam. See Civitavecchia, Cannes, Barcelona, Palma De Mallorca, La Goulette, Trapani.

For a break from the norm, experience a 12-night Alaskan cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Mercury. See Vancouver, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, San Francisco and San Diego. Only a cruise allows you to take in the sights at so many different cities.

A 5-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas takes you took such amazing locales as Malaga, Ajaccio, Provence. Sheer romance!

You find yourself married and looking forward to the next best things. I’m talking about the honeymoons. Honeymoons can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very tough to decide on the right honeymoon destination with so many to choose from. It could either be a country, or an island or a resort, but you’re not alone when it comes to being flummoxed while trying to make the right decision. Many couples go through the same dilemma, but here are a few points that’ll help ease out the process for you.

Points to Keep in Mind while Planning Honeymoons

• The best place to start is bridal magazines or travel magazines as they have plenty of pictures and articles to pore over to your heart’s content. Most of them look romantic and beautiful, but it’s important to consider which destination will most suit you. Do not fall for destinations which are simply marketed well. They don’t show the entire picture. This is where a little researching pays off.

• First off, decide where it is you want to go. There is the factor of high and low seasons. There are times in a year when the tourists are most likely to crowd a place and times when they lay low. Then there is weather. It’s very important to know which places are rainy and which are not. Places like Hawaii have very little change when it comes to weather all the year round, whereas places like the Caribbean are rife with hurricanes. But at the same time, the Caribbean is a large place and not all places are consistently hurricane prone. Western Caribbean, some parts of it, for instance has very few cases of hurricane cropping up. Central America and Southeast Asia have seasons which can be extremely rainy. Therefore, it’s important to have in mind the exact destination in mind, so that it doesn’t turn out too rainy for you.

• Its also a good idea to sometimes delay the honeymoon by a month or so, for the simple reason that its best to take some time off to cool off and send your thank you cards to all of your well wishers and instead opt for the “shoulder season”, which falls between the high and low seasons, and this season is comparatively inexpensive. Summer months are probably the best time for weddings as family and friends find it easier to take time off from work. Also, outdoor weddings are better held during the sunny dry weather of summer. Summertime is also extremely expensive a time for honeymoons, and thus should be avoided for the shoulder season if possible.

• The cost is another huge factor. The average couple in the US spends nearly $3700 behind their honeymoon packages non inclusive of added expenditure once they’re finally there. It’s best thus, to comprehensively research the area and check out all the possible prices, from food to taxis and snorkeling trips. Tourist bureau sits are a good place to begin your research regarding this matter.

Be practical and realistic, because if you’re not careful, your excursion and meal cost could far exceed that of your airfare and hotel expenditures. Staying at multiple hotels could be another option: stay at someplace really nice for a couple of days, then go to someplace slightly cheaper and inexpensive, with less of a view for the rest of the trip.

Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world; mainly because of its fabulous white sand beaches and crystal turquoise waters. In addition, the weather is very stable. It is also known for having fair pricing on all-inclusive resorts and the most stunning beach in the world. Punta Cana is an awesome looking place, perfect for relaxation and fun, making it one of the most attractive places in the Caribbean. That is why so many couples have decided to celebrate their wedding in Punta Cana.

Anyone thinking about a wedding in Punta Cana knows it sounds expensive but with these simple suggestions you will understand how affordable it can actually be comparing it to a traditional wedding. The first thing you should do is plan the wedding months in advanced to find out the best prices. If you are on a budget invite only the closest people to you and your significant other. Also, find out an average of how many guests will actually go to the wedding. Do a little research with friends, family, the Internet, etc., for opinions on the all-inclusive resorts and choose the one that attracts you the most and that has the best deal. Another good idea is that all the people attending the wedding should book at the same all-inclusive resort as the couple.

Usually the resorts in Punta Cana offer wedding packages that will make you save a lot of time and money; at the same time it allows you to focus on what really matters: enjoying the wedding! These packages normally include: the license, a judge, decorations, cake, beverages like wine, champagne, etc. They may also include unique stuff in your room or even a room upgrade. Don’t forget that most prominent resorts in Punta Cana have wedding coordinators to help you in everything.

Aside from having an amazing wedding, imagine all the amusing things you will be able to experience in Punta Cana. You can enjoy the beach, horseback riding, go wind surfing, scuba diving, go to special restaurants that are located outside resort, have a massage at the spa, visit parks, go shopping, meet the locals, dance at modern disco/pubs, and much more. Furthermore there are diverse excursions available at good prices in which everyone can have a fun time.

Celebrating your wedding in Punta Cana will give you unforgettable memories to share with your family for a lifetime.