Florida Weddings & Wedding Planning Advice

The Wedding Podcast Network is the first and only place on the Internet to listen to advice about wedding planning. Tune in for conversations with brides, grooms, newlyweds and top wedding experts.

Livingston, NJ April 26, 2006 –You’re invited to engage your iPod in something new – The Wedding Podcast Network. Getting married? Have a million things to do before your wedding day? Honeymoon? The Wedding Podcast Network (The WPN) breaks new ground in the wedding industry by providing couples with a new and innovative way to get wedding planning advice. This free service gives brides a variety of firsthand information in one convenient, easily accessible place. With little time to page through magazines or research hundreds of websites, The Wedding Podcast Network is the destination devoted to informing and entertaining couples on planning a successful wedding.

About The Wedding Podcast Network:
The Wedding Podcast Network is the first and only place on the web to listen to advice on wedding planning from brides, grooms, newlyweds and wedding professionals. Founded in 2005, Robert Allen and Holli Ehrlich, co-founders married 14 years, know today’s bride is overwhelmed by the challenge of planning for her big day. She is information hungry and constantly on the move. They realized with the advent of the iPod and portable mp3 players that they could create relevant content with an expanded focus on wedding topics and personalities that brides could listen to not found in traditional media. Their podcasts are educational, inspirational and entertaining. Their hopes are to liven up wedding planning for a new generation of savvy brides.

Robert & Holli realized the need for a portable, on demand listening experience – when and where she wants – at the gym, the commute to work, walking her dog, cooking, as a mid-day treat or a night time escape. Discussion-based podcasting is a way for consumers to get information based on their preferences and timing. A bride can listen time and again to podcasts while planning for the wedding of her dreams. The WPN has exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews covered at premiere bridal shows and events. Professionals share thoughts and insights for brides everywhere. Hear stories of romance, emotion and love! Wedding enthusiasts need a break from the mainstream planning resources. The Wedding Podcast Network offers a personal, authentic way to communicate with their listeners with conversations never before heard anywhere else.

What is a Podcast?
A podcast is nothing more than a digital audio file, just like any other song or MP3 file on your computer. It’s what’s inside the file that’s causing all the buzz. Podcasting is the audio equivalent of TiVo. It is available for easy download and can be played on your computer. Podcasting’s essence is about creating audio content for an audience that wants to listen when they want, where they want, and how they want. In the last 18 months, podcasting has emerged as the single most important media innovation since the birth of the web, with an audience of millions generating hundreds of millions of downloads.

Click here to listen to a podcast about The Wedding Podcast Network

Get inspired. Hear what’s hot and happening in the world of weddings. Bridal advice, interviews, tips, trends. Original programs currently available online at www.weddingpodcastnetwork.com:

Meet the Masters
The Newlywedcast
The LoveCast
Bridal Scene
Grooms With a View
Wedding Workout

For further information, please call 800.882.1259 or visit www.weddingpodcastnetwork.com

Visualize weddings as like a jigsaw puzzle of traditions. Everyone has their own customs they bring from their family and culture. When a man and woman decide to marry, they each bring a piece of the puzzle to create a unique tradition of their own. The lighting of unity candles is one of these traditions that have become more popular within the past ten to twenty years.

When referring to unity candles, there are actually three. Two thin tapered candles stand for two individuals who will unite in marriage. There is also a large pillar candle that will be lit which signifies the joining of the two individuals. Depending on the location and preference, sometimes you will have a special candle dish or holder which will house all three unity candles. Other times you will have the large candle in the middle and the other two flanking it. Individual candle holders may be used for the unity candles as well.

The lighting of the unity candles has no religious connotations, but is representative of what a marriage is all about. There are no written rules on how the lighting of the unity candles should be performed. Therefore, you can create your own traditions and tailor this ritual to suit your wedding ceremony.

Typically, though, the unity candles are lit right after the wedding rings are exchanged but before the bride and groom are announced as husband and wife. There are also variations on who originally lights the individual unity candles. Sometimes, the individual tapered unity candles are lit before the ceremony starts and stay lit throughout the entire process. Other times, the parents of the bride and groom step forward after the ring presentation to light the candles.

The practice of the lighting of the unity candles also may have the bride and groom each lighting their own during the ritual. Then they come together and light the larger one in a symbol of unity, of two becoming one. Some debate exists about whether or not to blow out the individual tapered unity candles or leave them lit. One argument for blowing out the individual candles is that it symbolizes your forsaking the single life and committing to one another in marriage. On the flip side, leaving them lit means that while you are committed to one another in marriage, you are not forsaking your own individualism either.

Now that you have an idea about the ritual of lighting the unity candles, did you realize that are so many to choose from too? The unity candles are made in a variety of styles, shapes and sizes. Some are simple and unadorned. Others are elaborate and showy, decorated in a style suited to match your wedding décor.

These unity candles are customizable too. You can make them personal by having your wedding date printed on it along with your names. A special quote or short poem might be appropriate to convey your sentiments about marriage.

Marriage is the biggest commitment a person makes. Lighting of the unity candles as part of your wedding ceremony makes a big impact. Not only are you reciting vows before your loved ones, but you are also symbolizing your union in a very visual way.

So what do you do with the unity candles once the ceremony is over? Keep them to light for special occasions like your anniversary or the birth of a new child. You will be able to enjoy your unity candles for years to come.

Choosing invitations and thank you notes for a wedding can be a big task. When looking at all the different themes that are available for wedding invitations, choose a theme that reflects you and your fiancé. Also choose a theme that reflects the theme of the wedding. For example, for a spring, fall, or winter wedding, choose a seasonal invitation. If the event is very formal, choose a very elegant, ceremonial invitation. There are also many themes for outdoor or destination weddings.

Ordering

When ordering wedding invitations, consider who is going to address the invitations. Hire a calligrapher or do it yourself. It can be time consuming, make sure you have plenty of time to do the addressing, as well as stamping, and sending. Another important thing to remember when ordering wedding invitations is to order some extras for any mishaps. It is also a good idea to go ahead and order thank you notes at the same time as invitations. It will save money on shipping, and time the bride will need to do other important wedding tasks.

Sending

Invitations should typically be sent a few weeks before the wedding. For a formal event, the invitation can be sent eight weeks in advanced. For less formal events, the invitation can be sent three weeks ahead. In any case, the invitations should be sent out with enough time for guests to make arrangements to attend. If it is a destination wedding, give guests plenty of time to purchase tickets for transportation, if the wedding party itself is not picking up the bill.

Thank you notes are another story. They can be sent up to a year after the wedding. But as with all thank you notes, the longer you wait to send them, the worse off it can be. If there in no written record of who attend and what gifts they gave, a year can too long to remember, and thank you notes are not as personalized. In order to stay organized, keep a list of everyone who attended the wedding, and on the same list, or another list, keep a list of who gave what gifts. Also, try to write and send the thank you notes as soon as possible after the wedding. You will remember more details for the wedding to include in your personal comments, and will also have had time to enjoy all your new gifts.

The wedding invitations and thank you notes that are chosen will be paired with the wedding from start to finish. Choosing the right wedding invitations will shape the wedding from the start, and leave guests with a wonderful feeling.

The feel of sand in our toes, the warm sun on our faces, building sand castles and collecting summer shells, these are just some of the joys of frolicking on a beautiful beach. Now more then ever, couples are choosing the laid back style of a summery beach wedding. What ever you can imagine about a beach style wedding is possible these days with a little help from online wedding favor companies.

Whether you choose to marry at a beautiful beach resort, on a secluded tropical island, or in your own backyard, your summer wedding is not complete until you pick out fun and festive favors! Favors should reflect your style and personality and of course, your wedding theme. Next think about how you would like to present your wedding favors to your guests. You may choose to place favors on reception tables, or have someone hand out favors to your guests as they prepare to leave.

However you choose to place your favors, be inspired and make your wedding your own. Adding a touch of personalization will make your wedding even more memorable for your friends and family.

Personalized beach favors come in a variety of styles and options. Cocktail mixes are the new and exciting wedding favors, with adorable designs such as flip flops and relaxing beach chair designs, these favors will be the talk of the table. Inside these festive favors is your choice of margarita or cosmopolitan mix; personalize these favors with the couple’s names and wedding date.

Choose from beach shell bottle openers, beach glass coasters, personalized Adirondack tea light holders, to beautiful little star fish soaps. Purchase mini pails, fill them with shells that you personally collected, tie a ribbon around the pail with a small thank you note. Taking the time to make one of a kind favors will show your friends and family how special they are to you. Combine different favors together, personalized tea packs and coffee bags in organza bags are a great way to start your loved ones day. Pass out summer themed beach cameras, wedding goers are sure to capture plenty of unexpected moments, for you to enjoy for years to come.

Let’s not forget the bride! Be sure and give the bride and bride’s maids Just Married flip flops, allowing the ladies to show off their perfect pedicures……each time they step in the sand, the message Just Married appears! A wonderful way to spread the exciting news to everyone! With so many styles and options, adding that personal touch to your wedding will be a cinch. Make your wedding anything but ordinary, make it yours!

About the Author

Ruben Soliman has experience with wedding planning. To find beach theme wedding favors for your special day, try http://www.pwponline.com. This site offers a variety of themed wedding favors at great prices.

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No one will argue that one of the most important days of any woman’s life is her wedding day. Little girls play dress-up and teenagers pour over fashion magazines looking at wedding dresses and imaging what it will be like when their wedding day finally arrives. As newly engaged women start to find out- planning a wedding day is more stress than they ever anticipated. Dealing with family, working with a budget, looking after all the little details like wedding photographers and wedding party favors can start to takes its toll. As many brides find out- the hard way- all that stress can have a huge impact on their bodies and skin. Tense muscles lead to headaches, excitement leads to lack of sleep and overall stress can cause breakouts on the face and bloating in the body. No bride wants to face any of this on her wedding day! There are lots of things you can do to help your body cope with stress of planning a wedding.

Plan for problems! The best way to avoid stress is to do your best to make sure you set yourself up for success. Money worries can be avoided if you have a realistic budget. Talk with your partner and come up with a realistic budget. There will be lots of expenses you may not anticipate-gratuities for the DJ, extra wedding party favors and corsages for all your fiancés cousins flying in from Italy.

If overbearing family members might be an issue- its best to get things out of the way earlier rather than later. It’s better to tell your mom that you want to buy your own wedding gown and not walk down the aisle in her grandmother’s antique wedding dress now instead of the last minute. As the wedding day gets closer people will get more and more sensitive and things may upset them more than usual. Try and stay ahead of the game and not just “hope” everything will work out.

Take care of yourself. You have waited for this day most of your adult life. Nothing will be more important than enjoying the day with your family and friends who all love you and want the best for you. You owe it to yourself to make sure your body and mind are able to take in and enjoy the entire day. Stick to a regular bed time and get lots of sleep-or as much as you can. Not only will lack of sleep give you short temper- but it can cause headaches and bloating.You should always drink plenty of water- but the week or so leading up to your wedding make a special effort to drink water and hydrate yourself. This will help with bloating and swelling. Many brides have been shocked to that their wedding bands don’t fit or shoes are too tight.

Pamper yourself. If possible try and get a professional massage the week of your wedding- what a great way to spend an afternoon with your mom or girlfriends. Take lots of relaxing bubble baths, using high quality bath products and lotions. Sprinkle a few drops of lavender oil in the bath- it will help relax you.Take a few practice runs. Try out that perfect nail polish or new makeup before your wedding day. If you are getting your nails done professionally go a couple of weeks before and try out the nail color you will be wearing on your wedding day. If doing yourself- have a friend over and try different colors and see how different nail polish wears. Try out the make-up you will be wearing. You would be surprised how many brides don’t think to try out their new eye shadow before hand- only to find out it makes their eyes puffy and red. A good choice is natural make-up; it is organic and with natural ingredients less risk of any kind of a reaction. Also- when it comes to mascara- water-proof mascara is a must! Even if you are not the sentimental type- you will be on your wedding day and no bride wants their mascara to run. A word of advice- do try for a more natural looking make-up- avoid frosted or glittering make-up for the ceremony. Planning a wedding is exciting AND stressful. By being proactive and taking care of yourself you will help minimize the stress on your wedding day. With lower stress you and your groom will be able to enjoy your wedding day to its fullest and cherish those memories forever.

For years tradition has dictated what was ‘acceptable’ when planning a wedding. The long white gown, the programmed church ceremony, the rented reception hall with the arranged seating and the sky high wedding budget were all considered to be proper wedding etiquette.

Well it is the year 2006 and those traditions are fast falling by the wayside! Today your wedding can be anything you want it to be. Pastel wedding gowns are definitely “in”. Your wedding ring does not have to be a diamond. Your reception doesn’t have to be a stodgy sit-down affair and you guests don’t need to be afraid to cough during the deafening quiet as you exchange vows.

Today, beach weddings are becoming very popular as more and more savvy couples opt for less traditional, more relaxed settings for their big day. Beach weddings can be much cheaper, less stressful, and just all around plain fun. They allow you to involve everyone in the activities. Guests are not restricted to sitting quietly in their seats. They can actually be a part of the celebration!

A beach wedding allows you total creative freedom and there are so many ways to go.

You may choose and elegant sunset ceremony with a formal reception under a grand white tent illuminated by candle light and tiki torches. You may choose to just ‘cut loose’ with an afternoon ‘fun-in-the-sun’ beach party by exchanging your vows at the water’s edge, spreading the beach towels and having a barbeque reception.

Your gown may be a beautiful Hawaiian “holoku”, a beach wrap, sarong or a simple sundress.

Your wedding cake might be a tiered cake, a sheet cake, a sculpted cake, individual mini cakes, cupcakes or even cookies!

Your favors may be elegant chocolate shells or sand dollars tied in pretty tulle bags or just plain fun items such as sunglasses, mini beach pails and sunscreen.

Your music may be as simple as bringing a great sound system and playing your own favorites or you may choose to “limbo” to the sounds of an authentic steel drum band playing Calypso and Reggae music.

Your theme may have a Caribbean or Hawaiian flavor, or you may choose to incorporate your own favorites such as dolphins, mermaids, lighthouses or sea creatures. You could have a western beach wedding and leave on horseback. Have a nautical wedding and sail away into the sunset. Oh, there are just so many possibilities!

If you are lucky enough to live on or near a beach already, you are halfway there. If you don’t, not to worry, there are endless locations that offer beautiful wedding packages to fit your budget.

By the way…don’t rule out your beach wedding ideas because you don’t live near an ocean or can’t afford to go to one. The definition of a beach is - “the shore of a body of water, especially if sandy or pebbly”. That includes lakes and rivers. For that matter, you may have a “beach” by your swimming pool. There are no rules. Be creative!

As with everything in life, there are pros and cons to having a beach wedding. They are nothing to worry about, just be aware of them and plan for them. Your wedding day will be a wonderful and joyous event!

Just remember…it is your beach wedding! It can be anything you want it to be - wherever you want it to be! Most of all…have fun!

Liberty, MO April 18, 2006 — Introducing Adorn Brides — an exciting new concept for the wedding industry: bridal jewelry leasing. Brides, bridal consultants and wedding professionals are spreading the word about Adorn Brides’ unique solution for accessorizing brides for their special day. http://www.adornbrides.com

A Web-based jewelry event leasing company Adorn Brides (http://www.adornbrides.com), provides the finest of handpicked, high-quality jewelry in fashionable, timeless styles – delivered right to the bride’s doorstep. All of the Adorn Brides’ wedding jewelry is authentic, made with genuine precious metals, real diamonds, and pearls. http://www.adornbrides.com/Leasing_Our_Jewelry.aspx

Brides, who appreciate fine jewelry and are searching for an elegant alternative to costume jewelry, are finding the more affordable option of leasing their wedding jewelry. They want the beauty of a fine piece of jewelry around their neck or wrist without the expense. One bride who leased her jewelry from Adorn Brides commented, “It’s such an intimate, personal item that is with you throughout this special day - all day. Why cheapen it with costume jewelry?” http://www.adornbrides.com

“Imagine the fun of opening the jewelry box and seeing that beautiful piece of jewelry for the first time, knowing that you’ll get to wear that magnificent piece on your wedding day,” says Bert Stouffer, Founder of Adorn Brides, “It’s the crowning touch… the excitement and confidence that comes with wearing a real piece of fine jewelry. The best part is — Adorn Brides offers a luxurious experience that’s affordable, convenient and practical.” http://www.adornbrides.com/Leasing_Our_Jewelry.aspx

Bridal consultants and wedding professionals looking for innovative ways to make their client’s wedding day perfect are dazzling their brides with the allure of Adorn Brides wedding jewelry rentals. The concept is fresh and affordable!

“Adorn” is defined in the dictionary as a transitive verb: to enhance the appearance of, especially with beautiful objects. The folks at Adorn Brides know that the wedding day is one of the most important events in a bride’s life and want to be part of making their clients the talk-of-the-town by adorning them with elegant fine jewelry pieces on their wedding day. Hollywood celebrities do it, why not brides? http://www.adornbrides.com/Leasing_Our_Jewelry.aspx

For more information:

Visit: http://www.adornbrides.com
Contact: Bert Stouffer
Phone: 800-892-1345 Ext. 100

About Adorn Brides:

Adorn Brides is a Web-based jewelry event leasing company serving brides and their bridal parties. Our mission is to provide a convenient and affordable solution for brides who want to wear elegant fine jewelry on their wedding day. Adorn Brides – Jewelry leasing for your special day.

The dress was beautiful, you got through the ceremony and reception without a hitch, but just when you thought your wedding was perfect, your pictures come back and you look awful. What can you do to make sure that your photos are as beautiful as the memories you have?

• Never scrimp on your photographer. Nobody’s going to remember if your bouquets had daisies or rare, exotic orchids. But years from now, your great grand children will be looking at your wedding album. They’re not just souvenirs, they’re heirlooms. Spend on them.

• Avoid complicated hairstyles and veils. You’ll be walking around, too busy talking to guests to check the mirror. You don’t want your veil hanging to the side, or your bangs plastered to your face. Keep it simple and elegant. If you want a dramatic veil for your walk down the aisle, look for a style that allows you to detach part of it, leaving you with something less cumbersome at the reception.

• Buy or make a small clutch bag or pouch that matches your gown. It should carry blotting paper, pressed powder, lipstick and blush. Ask your maid of honor to keep it handy for you.

• Wear waterproof mascara. You will cry a lot. It’s guaranteed. Black mascara will run and leave unflattering raccoon eyes.

• Don’t wear heavy powder eyeshadow. Again, you will cry. You will also sweat from walking around in heavy makeup, a thick gown, and hundreds of guests milling around you. Powder smears and cakes, and ends up under your eyes.

• Don’t wear sheer lipstick. You’ll eat it off. Or if you do, wear a matte or semi-matte base and apply the sheer lipstick as a top coat. Be sure to blot well, or it’ll end up around your mouth or on your teeth.

• Don’t wear heavy shimmery makeup, unless it’s applied by a professional makeup artist. It doesn’t photograph well under less than perfect lighting conditions. If you do, apply only on the eyes.

• Bridal makeup should be soft and romantic, not harsh. Natural pinks are most flattering, and really make you look like a “blushing bride”. Avoid hard-edged contouring and dramatic browns, unless blended well and kept close to the eyeline. Even lipsticks should stick to the pinks and brownish pinks. Bright reds look too harsh worn against a white dress.

• You’ll need good foundation that lasts long but doesn’t cake. The trick is to apply moisturizer first and let it “set”. This will prime your skin. Apply a matte or cream foundation, then concealer. Dust powder foundation with a brush.

• Take good photographs right after the ceremony, when everyone’s make up is still intact. You should have solo shots, couple shots, and group photos with your entourage, friends, family members.

• Ask for a few black and white photographs. They always have a soft, romantic feel.

• If you’ll be having outdoor photographs, light is most flattering in the morning and at dusk. Avoid any outdoor shots from 11 am to 2 pm; everyone will just be squinting.

About Mark Saunders:

Lesley-Ann Graham runs http://WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with bridal guides, articles for the bride and bridesmaid, wedding etiquette advice for brides, tips for brides, bridal checklists, wedding planning worksheets, and more! The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can find it all at the http://www.WeddingTrix.com website.

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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.

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If, as a couple, you find that your wedding budget has no room for the services of a professional photographer, the situation does have a remedy. Even though you are not able to take advantage of the creativity and experience of a professional you can still put together a beautiful wedding photo album that is unique and memorable.

You probably know someone in your circle of friends or family members who is an accomplished photographer or at least has a strong interest in photography. Don’t be ashamed to put the word out that you need some help in documenting your special day. The individuals you approach will probably be flattered that you have asked for their help. Some might be a little nervous about taking on this responsibility so it will be up to you to put them at ease and make it clear that there is no pressure.

It is important once you have agreed to work with your photographer that you meet and discuss your vision and expectations of the wedding photos. Please remember though, that this individual is really doing you a favour so treat them with respect and sensitivity and not as an employed professional. Ask your photographer for their ideas and input and work together on the process of planning the wedding day’s photo documentation.

Here are a few quick ideas that you can share with your photographer to get him or her started on the planning process.

1. If your wedding is being held indoors, select a scenic outdoor location in advance where you can stop after the ceremony and prior to the reception to get some photos in natural light, preferrably with a park or flower garden background.

2. When taking photos at the reception, try getting candid photos at the tables and on the dance floor. Many amateur photographers alert the subjects and the results look far too stiff and posed. More interesting shots are natural photos of people having fun and interacting naturally.

3. Every photo need not have a full view of a person included as much of the story can be told by small vignette type photos such as a close up shot of a guest’s hand signing the guest book or just the bride and groom’s hands intertwined showing the rings. Photographs such as these add great interest when interspersed in the album with the people photos.

4. Stand on a chair or kneel down when taking some shots to get differing interest perspectives.

5. Load a seperate camera with black and white film as many of these shots have a nice artistic appeal.

6. If necessary, when photographing the wedding cake, move it to a location free of background distractions.

7. If you are taking a series of group shots, make sure that you move the location as several photos with identical backdrops will get monotonous when viewed concurrently in an album.

My experience has been that having a freind or family member take the photos, often produces a more intimate result because he or she knows the people involved and often captures more meaningful shots.

Don’t forget that in all likelyhood many more people will be taking photos of their own of which some will be keepers, let your guests know that you would be interested in getting copies of their best shots.

In conclusion, while it’s a nice luxury to employ a pro you can get wonderful results using a friend as your wedding photographer.

For more information and descriptive wedding planning articles on every aspect of the process please visit: Perfect Wedding Plans

About the Author

Jim Hutton writes articles on wedding planning, the article library can be seen at:

Perfect Wedding Plans
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