After hectic months of planning and bringing together a wedding, a honeymoon is a massive relief for most couples. This is the time when you and your new husband can finally find the time to relax and enjoy each other’s company and eventually settle into being newlyweds.
While a honeymoon is more about the experience than the place you go, you may find that specific destination more enjoyable than others. So, the place where your best friends enjoyed their honeymoons may not always be the best place for you. The ideal place to honeymoon depends on your personality, budget, and many more factors. And this is why you need some help to choose the location you should go to.
Here are ten top tips to help you plan and enjoy your honeymoon after considering all possible factor
Weddings in quaint European towns and the exotic Caribbean are no longer a novelty. Many brides and grooms are packing their bags, and getting married in attractive locations far away from home. Nevertheless, it is a fact that while these weddings are possible, they involve more long-distance and detailed planning than weddings near home.
It is not only the couple, but also the guests at the wedding who have to make allowances to attend a destination wedding. As it is far from home, there will be lot of things to consider. From paperwork to aero plane tickets and accommodation, there are many factors to consider.
Since these weddings involve travel, the rules and expectations are slightly different than in the case of a regular wedding. Let us find out what these are today!
1.Be prepared for a smaller and more intimate wedding
It is highly unlikely that all the people on your guest list can practically attend your wedding, when it is held far away from where they stay. If you have a large friend and family group, narrowing down your guest list can be difficult. However, it becomes necessary when you consider the expenses involved. Be reasonable with your expectations when you invite people. The entire scenario is different when you ask someone to travel for a wedding. Not everyone may have the time or the finances to make this long trip. So, when you decide to have a wedding far away, prepare to be satisfied with a small and intimate wedding with the people who matter most in your life. You can always host a reception once you are back, and include all your friends and family in it. This way, they get a chance to be involved in the wedding without having to travel. All the same, this is in no way compulsory. If you are satisfied with celebrating your wedding with just those who attended it, keep it that way.
2.Send out save-the-dates earlier than is usual
Planning a destination wedding is complicated, and you may not be certain of all the details of the wedding till much later. Even so, you should inform your guests of your plans well in advance, so they can plan accordingly. Attending a destination wedding is comparable to planning a holiday—in terms of money involved and time off work. So, the earlier you provide information, the more convenient it will be for your guests to attend. Anywhere between 4 to 8 months before the wedding, is a good time to send your save-the-dates. Include all that you know at the time, particularly the date and location. Take care to highlight the date on the RSVP, so you can plan your final guest list and confirm the rest of the arrangements based on the number of attendees. If you are very particular about having certain people in your wedding, check their availability prior to planning the wedding date. This way, you can avoid disappointment if they have constraints that do not allow them to travel to your wedding. Once you finalize your plans, don’t delay sending out the invitations. Destination wedding invitations should be more detailed than the customary wedding invitation, as your guests need to know much more to plan and budget their trip.
3.Wedding websites are your best friend
When you plan a destination wedding, your guests will usually prefer to find out as much as they can to make their trip easier. Since a wedding invitation for what it can hold, then use your wedding website for the rest. Include anything and everything your guests should be aware of, on your wedding website. Provide links to places where they can find accommodation, the weather at the time of your wedding, any dress requirements that they should be aware of, what they should carry and transportation options they have. Also share all the details of the wedding program, so they can carry all that they need to attend it. You could also go further and add some information on the local attractions, as it is likely that your guests will want to tour the place. Since you will anyway be seeking all this information out for yourself, do your guests a favor by sharing it with them. Since websites allow you to organize and provide all this information in a streamlined format, your guests will have no trouble finding what they want to know. They will also appreciate your effort in helping them plan their trip so well.
4.It isn’t considerate to guilt your guests into attending
It is your wedding, and you deserve to be happy. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t be at the expense of making someone unhappy or miserable. If an important person in your friends or relative’s circle is unable to attend, don’t pressurize them too far. Remember that the case would be entirely different if you were having your wedding closer to where you stay. Consider the different logistics that they have to work out, financial constraints they may have, or how impossible it is for them to travel so far and take time off work. So, be reasonable with your expectations and life will be a lot easier for everyone. Be understanding of those who can’t attend and answer “No” to your invitation. This is why it may be a good idea to hold a reception party later, when all those who couldn’t participate in the actual wedding, get a chance to congratulate you.
5.Everyone at the engagement party and whoever receives a save-the-date receives an invitation too
Whether your save-the-date RSVP says Yes or No, the addressee is eligible for a formal wedding invitation. The same goes for the guests at your engagement party. This is one area where traditional wedding invitation etiquette applies. Even if your guests have confirmed that they won’t make it to your wedding, they still deserve a formal invitation. Some couples worry whether sending an invitation to someone who won’t be coming, is like they are fishing for gifts. It isn’t! The guest you send the save-the-date card to, might in fact feel ignored or slighted if they do not receive a follow-up invitation to the wedding. Things may also change along the way, and if they find a way to make it to the wedding, they may be disappointed when they do not receive an invitation. The other way you could handle it, is to send an invite to the reception you will host later, if they confirm they won’t be attending the wedding. So, if you have an engagement party, make sure that you choose the guest list properly, so that it will only have those people who will be invited to the wedding as well.
6.Your wedding dress should be low-fuss, easy to transport and manage
Wedding dresses are yards of fabric, delicately and intricately woven into splendid designs. Most of the traditional style wedding dresses are heavy, and may easily crinkle or look shabby if handled too much. If there are too many embellishments on it, over-handling can displace stones or crystals and ruin the overall look. These factors make it important to choose a wedding dress that is practical to transport. You will have to carry your wedding dress in your hand luggage when you board the aircraft. So, it should be a dress that is possible to stow away in the overheard luggage compartment or be hung above your seat. Once you are at the location, you may have to steam the dress to get rid of wrinkles and creases. So, it should also be made from fabric that can be ironed easily and not be damaged. Dresses in light, breathable fabric with just the necessary amount of embellishments are your best bet. Uncomplicated gowns without too many layers are practical to be transported and restored to its original look after the long journey to your destination. Dresses from collections such as the Mori Lee Voyage bring you plenty of options that will be perfect for a dream wedding away from home. Here is a sample.
This beautiful Mori Lee 6784 in poetic lace is a dress perfect for a vintage style wedding in an exotic location. The slim silhouette is formed of light layers that hold their shape during handling and the minimal embellishments reduce your risk of damaging the gown.
7.Your guests and wedding party will appreciate it if you offset some of the expenses
You are in no way obligated to foot the expenses for any of the factors that are normally paid for by your guests or bridal party. So, destination wedding or not, your guests will have to arrange for accommodation, bridesmaids will pay for their dresses and the wedding guests have to find their way to the venue. Nevertheless, if you have the funds to help with some of their expenses, like the accessories for bridesmaids or transportation on the day of the wedding, it would be very helpful for them. You could consider hiring a van or arranging a cab to pick your guests up from the airport, to transport them to their hotels. Or you could sponsor a guided tour on a day they are there, and we are sure your guests will love you for the thoughtful arrangement. Another thing you could do is to sponsor breakfast on the days they are there. It will be one meal they don’t have to pay for, and also allows everyone to meet and get together ahead of the wedding.
8.You can still register for gifts
Don’t think twice about registering for gifts. The people at your wedding will be spending a lot of extra money to make it to your wedding venue. Nevertheless, they will still want to gift you something to remember them by. The others who are unable to attend your wedding may also like to gift you, since it is a wedding after all! So, do set up a wedding registry. The only thing to remember is that your registry should contain affordable gifts of different prices. This way, your guests will have plenty of options. It will also take the burden off them to buy an expensive gift, after they’ve spent so much money to attend your wedding.
9.Your guests will appreciate it if you help them find cheap travel and accommodation deals
Air tickets are expensive, and so are hotel bookings. While this is on the cards when your guests agree to attending your destination wedding, you can still do a little in helping them along the way. The first thing you can do is to choose off-season wedding dates, so the entire transport and stay will be much cheaper. You could also research bulk airline booking discounts and hotel stay discounts that will lighten their expenses. If you inform an airline that there will be a group of people traveling together to your wedding, it is likely that they will offer you a discount. If you do your hotel reservations in advance, you may be able to block a set of rooms for a lower price and help your guests this way too.
Destination weddings have their pros and cons, just like every other wedding. Despite all the difficulties of planning and getting people to attend it, it is a unique, one-of-a-kind wedding that you should consider if you can afford it. The memories of getting married in an exotic location with the people you love the most, is definitely worth it.
So, if you have a destination wedding in mind, come visit us on Best for Bride and check out how we can help you nail your wedding vision. From the ideal wedding dresses to vendors and everything else you need for your wedding day, we can help you make your planning a big success.
Your wedding is fortunately at a time when a stunning variety of bridesmaids dresses, accessories and styles are available. This widens your choices and allows you to pick the best and most stylish options for your bridal party.
Your bridesmaids are all unique. So, their dresses and accessories should also reflect this uniqueness. Although it used to be a common practice to dress bridesmaids to look the same, this is no longer a trend. One-of-a-kind bridesmaids dresses that come together beautifully are a delightful sight. Add the finishing touches with accessories that pop, and your bridal party will look stunning. Not only does this speak eons of your taste in fashion, it also shows that you want your bridal party to be happy. Let their personalities shine through the dresses you choose for each of them. This will make the day extra-special and very memorable.
In today’s round-up, we take a look at the most stylish options of all times in bridesmaids dresses. As fashion trends change every day, these are styles that never lose appeal. Enjoy the tour and don’t forget to tell us which of these trends you will choose for your bridal party.
Enigmatic florals
Spring or summer, floral prints are never out of style. In fact, the Fashion spot suggests floral prints are a classic favorite that never go out of style. Whether large or small, floral details on a dress are always feminine and romantic. Perfect for garden weddings, these prints can easily be tied to any theme. Floral bridesmaids dresses have taken on varied forms and in every imaginable color of the spectrum. We have of course, always been fans of soft and subtle watercolor florals. At the same time, pastel and neutral backgrounds and bright blooms on shimmering fabric have been equally appealing. The dresses are even more delightful when paired with features like fluttery sleeves and ruffles. Floral prints also look beautiful on both long and short gowns. Here is a sample.
This printed chiffon gown from the Mori Lee bridesmaid collection is stylish and feminine, with its sweetheart neckline, off-the-shoulder neckline detail and side slit. The floral details add a whimsical touch, making the dress perfect for an outdoor wedding.
Silky slip or sheath silhouette
Figure-hugging and sexy, slip and sheath dresses look amazing in silky fabrics like satin. Choose dark jewel tones and your girls will look their glamorous best. This style that was in the limelight in the ’90s is just ideal for formal weddings. The dress exudes sophistication and the slinky look can take several years off the woman who wears it, especially when it is in satin. Pair sheath and slip dresses in solid colors with accessories to match your color theme and create a cohesive effect.
This shift dress from the Alfred Angelo bridesmaid collection has a halter neckline that adds to its fun and flirty look. Simple and youthful, the dress falls over the natural curves, with the drape along the hemline wrapping around the silhouette. Pair it with shoes and jewelry in the color of your choice, and you have a stylish choice that will make your girls love you a little more.
Tea-length gowns
Neither long nor short, this is the ideal dress length that all your girls can carry easily. Tea-length dresses look lovely without revealing too much skin. They also have the sophistication to suit semi-formal events. The dress style goes very well with most wedding themes. You have an amazing variety of options to choose from, to match it to the bridal look. Dresses in airy fabrics like chiffon, lace and tulle look best for this length.
This beauty from the Mori Lee Tulle Affairs collection is sure to impress your bridesmaids. The textured bodice contrasts well with the satin waistband and layered tulle skirt. The length is just right for your girls to carry comfortably and look elegant. The classic scoop neckline with spaghetti straps is refreshingly feminine, and the dress is available in various colors.
Tiers in the skirt
Tiered skirts have been popular in bridal fashion.. This feature is just as attractive in bridesmaids outfits. Not only is it a romantic detail in a dress, it is a refreshing change to very simple dress styles. Light fluttering tiers in airy fabrics like chiffon look very beautiful. Your girls are sure to welcome this dress style that is dramatic, but not overwhelming. Whether done in asymmetric fashion for a modern twist or simple, tiered dresses are amazing and bound to make your bridal party photos interesting.
Despite the simplicity of this gown, this Mori Lee bridesmaid dress packs a punch. The even tiers in the skirt evoke interest and make the dress one of a kind. The texture in the skirt balances out the monochromatic color and also diverts attention from the simple bodice.
Romantic rose gold sequins
Replace pretty pastels, unobtrusive neutrals and monochrome dresses with the bling of rose gold. Bridesmaids dresses embellished with rose gold sequins are very dressy and will make your girls shine like stars. The soft tint of rose gold looks good on most complexions. The other good thing about this choice is that you needn’t worry about accessories. In most cases, the dress will be a statement piece by itself. Additionally, the light color blends well with most themes, and almost acts as a neutral. Opt for dresses with rose gold sequins only in the bodice, if you don’t want too much bling.
Here is a ravishing sweetheart sheath with rose gold sequins all over, from the Alfred Angelo collection. The silhouette as well as the sparkling embellishments make this dress a winner. Choose it for a banquet venue or a country club, and it will shine at either location.
Also take a look at the dress below, that features rose sequins in the bodice alone. The embellished empire bodice contrasts beautifully with the smooth finish of the rest of the dress. This has a fun and flirty look and is ideal for semi-formal and casual weddings. This dress is also from the Alfred Angelo collection.
Interesting back details
We cannot think of a single bride who doesn’t love dresses with amazing details in the back. This design factor immediately draws focus to this angle of the dress, and adds to the glamour. While brides have intricate and very interesting details like illusion backs and keyhole cut-outs, bridal collection designers haven’t forgotten about their best friends either. Bridesmaids dresses that feature interesting back details will be loved by your girls. Most ready-made dresses feature details in sheer fabric and are combined with textured bodices for a beautiful effect. There are also designs with open backs, crystal and beaded embroidery and similar details that add style to the rear angle.
This Mori Lee bridesmaid dress has a diamond shape cut-out in the back. The detail is crafted in lace, and is the statement feature of this dress. Since the cut-out makes the dress interesting from the rear angle, consider highlighting it with a hairstyle like a high bun that keeps the hair off their shoulders. With a bateau neckline in the front, this feature adds an interesting element to the otherwise simple dress.
Jewel tones for warmth and drama
Jewel tone colors are always more attractive than plain hues. The deep richness of these colors will add an air of sophistication to the overall outfit. Hence they are perfect for adding more color to your wedding palette. The refined shimmer of jewel tones also makes it easier to match the dress to any complexion. Like this article on the Oprah website suggests, jewel colors make everyone look more radiant. This will make it easier for you to find colors that work for most of your bridesmaids. It is also easier than working with pastels and plain shades.
This mulberry colored dress from the Mori Lee collection is exquisite for its jewel tone. Imagine the same dress sans the shimmer and you will understand how simple it would be in comparison. The rich and bold color is what makes this dress stand out and look vibrant.
Flutter sleeves
Flutter sleeves are ultra-feminine and flatters women of all sizes and shapes. The length and texture can be customized according to individual body types. This is a feature that will add a romantic vibe to your wedding scenery. It is suitable for both full-length and short dresses. While adding a modest touch to the outfit, flutter sleeves are also youthful. Soft, fluttering sleeves in airy fabric like chiffon look beautiful on dresses with ruffled details in the bodice and skirt.
The fluttering sleeve on this off-the-shoulder gown from the Mori Lee collection adds a vintage feel to this bridesmaid dress. The fluttering sleeve extends into a ruffled neckline, which is the signature element of this beautiful dress. Soft and romantic, this is a dress your bridesmaids will look lovely in. Don’t be surprised if they choose to wear it more than just once.
All-white setting
All white palettes are a safe option for your wedding. Instead of searching far and near for the perfect color for your bridesmaids,dress them in white. Then choose accessories for accent colors that tie to the palette. White bridesmaid dresses look classic, and are relatively easy to match to the bridal look. Also, white is a universal favorite that flatters every complexion. Why would wedding dresses otherwise be in white? Whether you pick your bridesmaids dresses in soft chiffon, beautiful lace or crisp organza, the color or lack-of it is bound to work seamlessly with the rest of your wedding theme.
How adorable is this cute white bridesmaid dress from the Alfred Angelo collection! The ruffled bodice and illusion neckline work in harmony with the gathered A-line skirt. The waistband adds a pleasant pop of color to the all-white dress. It is very girly and this dress would look beautiful at a semi-formal wedding.
Sleek silhouettes
As fashion edges towards minimalist and crisp, clean lines and sleek silhouettes are the rage. After all, bridesmaids do not need frumpy, frilly dresses to look great. Instead, smart and sleek silhouettes are stylish and attractive. Slim-cut skirts, fitted tops and clean necklines with minimum embellishments look great in simple colors. These are especially smart in grays, browns and black. They can be paired with colorful accessories and bouquets for a perfect Pinterest album.
Simple and elegant, this no-fuss dress from the Alfred Angelo is classic and perfect for any wedding theme at all. While the dress features a dipped halter neckline, it also has a gathered waistline and fitted silhouette. The skirt is softly fluted to create asymmetric draping over the body. The back features a racer-back detail. It is the statement element of this dress.
We hope you enjoyed this collection of dresses for bridesmaids. All these designs are from our bridesmaids dress collection at Best for Bride. So, which of these design styles do you love the most? Tell us in the comment section below.
Whether you have a traditional and classic wedding on the cards or intend to have an edgier, modern theme for your special day, find all that you need at Best for Bride. Check out our wide array of bridal dresses to interesting bridesmaid dresses, accessories, dresses for the mother of the bride and more. For more details on our inventory and services, visit the Best for Bride website.
Weddings are wrought with thousands of details that you may overlook or forget a few things. While some of these may not matter in the big picture, sure, others will make your guests unhappy. Unfortunately, after the wedding, the couple usually realizes they should have given more attention to these factors. After all, a wedding should be a satisfying and fun event for those in it and for all those who attend it.
Here is a list of the nine most common problems wedding guests complain about. We also have the solutions to each of these issues to help you handle them easily. Make sure you prioritize these potential issues when planning your wedding, and your guests will be a happy bunch.
