More and more couples today are looking at destination weddings for their special day. At first glance they seem like the perfect choice because you get to enjoy your wedding in the location of your dreams. There are some negatives to consider though.
Some people won’t be able to afford to make the trip so your wedding may be smaller than you would like.
If your destination wedding is in the same place as your honeymoon you will have all your friends and family with you on this important experience.
Planning can be difficult since you are so far away from the wedding location.
If you have the time and money to do it right, there are few things more exciting than a destination wedding, but you really have to make sure you plan out every detail ahead of time because you won’t be able to make changes at the last minute.
Every bride has an image of what her perfect wedding day will be since the minute she understood what the concept of marriage meant. While some women are content with their wedding taking place in a Pancake Parlour or backyard, most women want their childhood dream transformed into reality. A recent article revealed that the average Australian couple spends over $36,000 on their wedding, not including the honeymoon. While important aspects of the wedding like bands, caterers, flowers and dresses cost a substantial sum of money, the most significant amount of money is spent on the venue. The cost of the venue will depend on lots of different things but today we are going to have a look at the location of the venue.
HAWAII
A common cliché for weddings is by the beach. Hawaii offers a vast range of exquisitely beautiful islands with locations like sunset boats, volcanic tops and beach fronts. Hawaii is a tropical paradise designed for any dream wedding with a range of companies offering packages for Hawaiian weddings. The ease of having the venue, photographer, band, hotel stay and transportation all covered prompts an additional bonus attraction for Hawaii as a popular wedding destination.
Cost Rating: 7/10
FRANCE
The tranquil and lush countryside of France is another sought after wedding destination. Complete with French chateaus, country retreats, magical lakes and of course, the city of love, Paris. Many couples are drawn towards this location. French weddings generally take place within an old church with overflowing flowers and incense with a silk canopy hanging above the newlyweds. A tradition carried on from the Middle Ages consists of each wedding guest bringing a small cake and stacking them in a pile as high as possible in the center of a table. If the bride and groom can kiss over them without knocking them over, it symbolizes a lifetime of prosperity.
Cost Rating: 9/10
ITALY
Italy is a consistent attraction for brides and grooms across the world. With it’s historic villas, unique old towns and stunning countryside. Deep in the heart of Tuscany lies an elegant twentieth century demure villa named Villa Magi. Villa Magi holds an elegant combination of the beautiful Tuscan landscape and an Art Nouveau style to provide a perfect destination for weddings. Lucca is another prime location in Italy sought after by brides and grooms worldwide. Lucca is situated on the River Serchio near Tuscany. Lucca holds a vast array of historical gardens, buildings and churches such as the Church of San Michele in Foro and the Romanesque church of San Giusto. Wedding goers looking for a more traditional wedding often head to Italy.
Cost Rating: 8/10
INDIA
While initially India doesn’t seem like a contender for a popular wedding destination, it is surprisingly appropriate for those looking for a bright and cultured wedding. Beach retreats and palaces are the wedding trend in India. There is a vast range of places such as the HariMahalJodhpur which imitates the shapes and colors of the TajMahal and provides services for wedding functions as well as providing accommodation for the guests.
Cost Rating: 5/10
Author Bio:
Jessica Josh is a freelancer and blogger from Sydney Australia. For the past 5 years she has made a living writing about weddings, wedding photography, and articles for companies like J.Crew Photography.
The countdown has started and friends and family are all very excited and have already RSVP’d for your big day, but it is the special time after the wedding day that should not be neglected by the bride and groom to be. Deep down all they really want for their honeymoon is this special time to just be about them as a new couple, entering the world together. Being on honeymoon is a special time to absorb the excitement of the past few months (or year!) and to cherish the reality of your future commitment to each other.
There are so many possible honeymoon destinations these days that it can be really hard to choose the perfect location. From beach resorts to tropical island getaways, sun, sea and sand do seem to be the popular attraction. The one underlying ‘thread’ for most couples going on honeymoon is to take themselves off to a beautiful place on earth that will inspire a lifetime of love, friendship and amazing memories.
I have just the location for any couple reading this and I pose the following question to you – have you ever considered going on a honeymoon safari? There is no doubt in my mind that this is truly one of the most romantic experiences for any ‘budding’ new couple and I ask you to give me just a few minutes of your time to convince you why a honeymoon safari in Africa will be the most romantic experience yet.
To start off, ‘Love’ in the lingo of a safari honeymoon means “Loving our Outdoor Vibrant Earth’ and this is exactly what you will experience. From your first open air drive through the reserve to the safari lodge there is an immediate sense of adventure and excitement that fills the air. Hand in hand you will be welcomed by friendly staff and lodge hosts and with a sense of warmth and caring you will be given time to settle in and soak up the African atmosphere of your private and romantic suite that will be your little retreat for the next few days.
Enticing enough? Well, there is more. Most safari lodges have a communal deck area that overlooks the spectacular and breath-taking landscapes of the African bush or one that provides a bird’s eye view of a waterhole down below. It is here too, that you will find yourselves sipping an aroma filled cup of coffee in the early morning to watch the sunrise or dwelling in the enjoyment of the last rays of sun kissing the horizon with a cocktail in hand. There is truly no finer and more romantic place on earth to share in the magnificent wonders of Mother Nature on your honeymoon.
Waking up to the sounds of the African bush is an indescribable experience and there is no better way to start your day of African adventures than going one of the popular activities when on safari, an early morning game drive, to search and experience the awaking of the African bushveld and wildlife as the sun slowly rises up into the sky. Keep your eyes peeled for members of the Big Five traversing the landscape or heading down to a nearby waterhole. Cast your eyes to the skies to catch the silhouettes of some of the most spectacular species of African eagles. Your senses are truly going to tingle all over.
After a busy day, filled with exciting safari activities, enjoy a refreshing dip in the lodge’s pool and delight in the magnificent evening that approaches. Indulge in some of the highest quality of fine dining and African cuisine under the stars, while listening to the beat of the African drums that fill the night sky, a more capturing and memorable experience you could not wish for on your honeymoon.
You need only give yourselves a day or two before you are truly relaxed and soaking up the totality of this once in a life time experience. From the exclusive safari lodge accommodation and impeccable hospitality to the breath-taking scenery and experiences of the African bushveld, these few days away on your honeymoon safari will leave you loving life, the outdoors and most importantly each other, guaranteed!
Paula van Breda is editor at Safari Guide Africa who arranges honeymoon safaris for couples from all around the world. For more information about what options are available visit their website on http://www.safariguideafrica.com/honeymoons.php or call them in South Africa at +27 (0) 21 880 0105.
We’re proud to announce that Best for Bride now carries exquisite bridal designs from Alfred Angelo and Alfred Angelo Disney. These fashionable wedding dresses evoke the fairytale beauty that our brides-to-be really crave, so we know that both collections will get rave reviews from our customers.
If you’ve always loved Disney’s, The Little Mermaid, the Ariel gown shown above (from our Alfred Angelo Disney Bridal Collection) will be sure to inspire you and to thrill you.
From classic to romantic to drop-dead glamorous…this stunning assortment of bridal gowns truly has something for everyone.
To give you a sneak peak into the collections, we’re showcasing a few dazzling choices, and we know that you may fall in love with one of these unforgettable frocks. You may find our Alfred Angelo Bridal and Alfred Angelo Disney Bridal collections at our retail outlets (bridal shops in Toronto, wedding dresses in Barrie, wedding dresses Mississauga), or you may order them from our online bridal store (right from the comfort and privacy of your home).
Whichever option you choose, you’ll find that we back up our high-quality, expertly-tailored wedding gowns with the ultimate in caring, experienced service. Our team of bridal specialists will be there for you (on or offline) as you begin to make your fairytale dreams come true. When you choose Best for Bride, you’ll be in good hands.
Now, let’s look at some exceptional gowns from the new collection…
Alfred Angelo Disney Collection
Could anything be more romantic than the frothy, light-as-air wedding dress shown above? Your fairytale prince will swoon as you walk down the aisle in this delicate and feminine showpiece. Designed to give you the authentic Disney princess look, this Alfred Angelo gown will fulfill your romantic fantasies beyond your wildest dreams. If you grew up watching Sleeping Beauty, you’ll adore this gown, which echoes the fancy dress of the cartoon’s lovely and endearing heroine, Aurora.
Alfred Angelo Bridal Collection
If you prefer simplicity, you’ll appreciate the clean lines and elegant details found in the Alfred Angelo bridal gown we’ve featured above. This strapless stunner features a flattering high waistline that gives you the willowy silhouette you want for your wedding day. Refined embellishments and fluid draping will make you feel like a goddess as you walk down the aisle, and this gown is perfect for casual or formal weddings.
If you like, treat yourself to a headpiece or veil to accessorize the look; however, the simple, yet striking beauty of this signature design needs little adornment. To play up the sophistication of this gown, wear your hair down, and put on some sparkly drop earrings.
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of these new collections, it may be time to visit us on or offline. Once you’ve tried on a gown from the the Alfred Angelo collection or the Alfred Angelo Disney collection, you’ll find that few other bridal gowns really compare. These designs are surprisingly affordable, and their quality is unsurpassed.
