Your Honeymoon

Whether it’s a secluded island , a romantic cruise, a European adventure, or a weekend getaway, you can be assured of finding the perfect retreat by working with a professional travel consultant.  Travel consultants are trained to ask questions to determine the type of trip and destination that will be perfect for both of you to celebrate, and have a wonderful time. They know unique out-of-the way places, the best travel packages, and travel and custom information that you need to know, in order to have a relaxing trip. The can also make last minute adjustments, time changes, flight cancellations and more, something that discount websites cannot do. And, they don’t charge for the service.

Today’s honeymooners are often looking for unusual honeymoons. They are not looking for the “perfect” honeymoon; they are looking for a unique time and experience at their destination. Life can be hectic and planning a wedding can be stressful, so the reward for the completion of your wedding planning, is to get away together, to share some quiet time,  with a lot of romance and memory-making.

Steve Pomerleau Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

Traditionally, the honeymoon was the responsibility of the groom. Today, it is often a joint decision. Many couples prefer not to embark on their honeymoon immediately after the reception;  but they wait until the following day or week, spending their wedding night or weekend at a nearby hotel, resort or bed and breakfast inn. This allows flexibility in planning and a less hectic schedule with some breathing space, after dealing with so many wedding details.

Making travel arrangements yourself can be frustrating and time consuming, and costly. Travel agencies are connected directly to airlines, cruise lines and resorts and can offer money-saving packages that include everything,  including food and drinks.  They are your best ally, but you must begin to make plans as soon as you set your wedding date.

They can also assist with destination weddings and work with the resort you’ve chosen, to accommodate all your plans. They will also assist all your guests that will be traveling to your celebration and take all the stress off everyone’s shoulders.

Ask them about a Honeymoon Registry, where your guests can contribute to your trip, in lieu of a traditional wedding gift. It is a great option and your family and guests will know that you were able to choose that truly special destination, because of their assistance.

If you are considering a cruise or tour, ask questions and make sure you will be comfortable with the age group you will be with.  Resorts  and cruise ships today can be geared to different age groups.

You can have a luxurious honeymoon regardless of your budget, if you plan carefully. The more time you give yourselves to plan, the better  the amenities will be surrounding your honeymoon.

It is important to keep your honeymoon on a priority list. This may be the only time you get to celebrate together for many years to come. Make it a special time and one that is unforgettable for the two of you. This is your time together so relax and enjoy!

Wedding Planning About Contracts

Just as you would any other legal documents for large items you purchase, such as a car or a home; be sure to have a written contract and/or a letter of commitment from each of your wedding services. This is the only way to assure that you and the service provider agree on all details. Include a departure, goods that will be delivered and time of delivery, contracted costs, overtime costs, deposits required, balance due and due date.

Brandon Scott Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

If you have a  list of details (such as types of flowers in each bouquet or arrangements or items to be included (like your total number of tuxedos and their sizes, that you are renting) amend the contract to include that information. Both you and the service provider should sign, and you should both have copies. The contract should clarify any price increases and clearly state that you will pay the original quoted price.

Since your reception will likely be the most costly item in your wedding budget, the contract should contain the most details.  If you are purchasing a wedding “package”, make sure that all those items are specifically listed in the contract, from the exact food items and courses that will be served  to the brands of liquor poured at the bar to the style of the service (white glove, full tuxedo) that will be attending to your guests during the reception.

If your reception facility is undergoing a renovation, that should be noted in your contract, along with the completion date,  as well as any provisions they will make should the renovation not be completed for your day.  Any special considerations for your event that are being made by the facility should be noted in your contract.  For example, if they are providing table arrangements for you or they are providing extra bar during the cocktail hours, make sure the contract states that clearly.

Other services such as D.J. or limousine, invitations, catering, etc., services should provide times when events are happening and when and where they will be to service you.

Have someone bring your contracts to the wedding to answer any last minute questions or concerns.  Purchasing wedding services is the same as purchasing any other item during your daily life.  Any time money is exchanged and particularly when it deposits are given months before the service is delivered, it is important for both yourself and the service provider to know the terms of the sale and how it is going to be handled.

 

 

Wedding Planning Making Your Guest List

Compiling a guest list is for many couples the most challenging part of their wedding plans. You should first determine the size of your wedding based upon your budget. Then divide that number into thirds, among your friends and those of each of the two families, before you ask your families for their lists. It’s much easier to start with a firm number than to ask your future in-laws to remove people from their list. If possible, all guests should be invited to both the wedding and the reception.

Steve Pomerleau Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

If you can’t trim the list enough to stay within your budget, review your menu and other details of your reception. A more modest celebration may make it possible to invite more friends and relatives. By choosing one wow factor for the day and focusing on it, you will get major impact without breaking the bank.

It is possible to have a beautiful wedding day within the budget you have.  You can have a morning sunrise ceremony,  a mid-day luncheon  or schedule  a champagne and hors d’ouevres  afternoon reception.  There are as many ideas as there are weddings.

Today, weddings are as unique as the couple being married and they reflect the personalized style of the bride and groom. If you aren’t a traditionalist, there are many options available. Spend time together discussing how you envision your day so both of you are on the same page.

The notion of an outdoor wedding at home is often viewed as a cheaper alternative. This is not always the case, so do your research and tumble the numbers before making your decision.

With your own style and vision,  you will be able to have a wedding day to remember;  all within the budget that you establish. Local area wedding professionals will work closely with you to provide beautiful ideas that don’t have to cost a lot, but will provide the special impact you are both looking for.

Wedding Planning Marriage and Matters of Money

It is important to have a frank discussion with your spouse-to-be about matters of money.  Each of you has a money-management style and by writing it down and having a  discussion them, is an important area of your soon- to- be marriage.

Different scenarios may arise when you have this discussion. One partner may see an early retirement in their future, while the other may want to buy a new home or look at debt reduction. Different priorities need to jell together to avoid any future misunderstanding. Budgets need to be set and life style and future goals made a  priority.

There are many financial decisions a couple must deal with before the big day.  Included in these decisions are- how pay cheques will be used; whether there will be joint accounts and how household bills will be paid.

Photo: Sheryl Davies

Priorities may include debt reduction, reviewing insurance, a home saving fund and establishing an investment plan.  You also need to talk frankly about credit cards use. A saving plan strategy  and establishing an emergency fund should also be priorities.

It really matters that you sit down and have a pre-marriage talk about money. Each of you come from a different perspective and by talking openly and honestly about your future stability is essential to a good relationship in the future.

Wedding Planning – Tips & Secrets

The wedding professionals will all agree- if you are on time, you will avoid most wedding day hiccups. When you or someone in the wedding party is late, it can start a string of events that will throw everything off schedule for the entire day.

If your wedding starts late, the food may get cold. guests get impatient, and there will inevitably be something that will be hurried or completely eliminated.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

To save some on food costs and a simpler evening, host a late night wedding with champagne,  dessert carts and a coffee bar.  Marry at an elegant hour like 7 p.m.  and following your nuptials, celebrate with dancing and decadent sweets and wedding cake. The entire evening is still ahead of you,but the food costs are lower and the feel of the evening is very sophisticated.  This is a simple style, but very elegant!

Or hold a morning ceremony with a over-the-top brunch. Your food and alcohol costs will be less and your honoured guests won’t mind the early scheduling.

For an outdoor summer wedding offer punch and other non-alcoholic libations as the guests arrive.  Typically they are thirsty and you can offer a toast post-ceremony with champagne cocktails or sparkling wine.

Taking your photographs first thing in the morning when your make-up and hair are fresh.  You and your attendants should meet with an Image Consultant or a Make-up professional, well before the wedding day. They can make suggestions that will make your photography more flattering and eliminates any late minute surprises.

Not meeting with a consultant is like waiting to try on your beautiful gown the day of the wedding!