weddings

“I Do” Turns Into “I Give”

November 13, 2012 by Denise McGrail Leave a Comment

Charitable Wedding Trends Focus On Giving Back to the Community

Weddings are timeless affairs that are, for the majority of people, the largest social party they will ever plan or be a part of. The wedding industry earns billions of dollars every year from bridal gown purchases, catering services, DJ services, limos, photographers, videographers, florist. Do I need to continue? You get the point. A wedding is not only timeless, but costly.

Over the past few years, a new trend has emerged among engaged couples. Wedding industry planners are recognizing a shift in the focus being diverted away from the couple and redirected towards charitable causes . The bride and groom, once the center of attention, are now contributing to a more social conscious wedding by highlighting and giving back to their local communities with charitable weddings.

How Does a Charitable Wedding Work?

Charitable weddings are as unique as the individual couples saying, “I Do.”

Sarah Kingston of Grand Rapids, MI chose to give back to her local chapter of Autism Speaks by making a cash donation in each of her guests’ names.

I spent nearly a year planning my dream wedding. Wrapped up in all the minute and, at times, senseless details that it started to feel overwhelming. The final breaking point was when I spent nearly 3 days agonizing over the perfect favors to give to my guests. Then, a childhood friend of mine and I went out to lunch to discuss her life and what was going on with her five year old son who suffers from Autism. It was then that I realized I could do so much more. The answer was clear.

Sarah convinced a local chocolate shop to donate chocolate-dipped strawberries for each of her 100 guests. The money that she would have spent on the favors, she donated to Autism Speaks.

It felt amazing to know I had given back when I had spent so much time thinking about me, me, me and my wedding day. I would do it all over again and encourage every bride to consider doing the same.

If your budget doesn’t allow you to contribute to a special cause like Sarah did, you could also consider asking your guests to donate in lieu of gifts like Kay Middleton of Sacramento, CA.

This was my second marriage to a man who had been married before, too. We both had established homes with all the trimmings. Registering for gifts that we didn’t really need seemed ridiculous and pointless. So, we asked our guests to donate money to the animal shelter where we had adopted our Sheltie, Murray. We were able to raise just shy of $5000 for the shelter. Knowing we had given back to our community made our wedding memorable and special.

Do you think charitable weddings make sense? How did, or would, you give back to your community on your wedding day?

Brides Take Note . . . Registering for Gifts Requires a Certain Etiquette, Too

October 8, 2012 by Denise McGrail Leave a Comment

The older I get the more weddings I am invited to. I suppose that is how it goes. Better than attending funerals which also happens the older you get. I much prefer weddings. Receiving the wedding invite in the mail is always exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. What am I going to wear; formal or evening? What gift should I buy; where are they registered? I am friends with both the bride and the groom; which side do I sit on? Wedding etiquette for guests can be overwhelming, but there are also etiquette tips that the happy couple-to-be should follow, too. Especially, when registering for gifts.

If you are a bride preparing to create your wish list keep these wedding registry etiquette rules in mind to make it a little easier on your guests.

1. Start Early

Register for your gifts wants and needs before sending out your invites. I am a procrastinator and will put off getting your gift before I arrive at the reception hall, but not every is like me. For those people whose social calendars are booked with weekend weddings for the next century, they would like to be able to buy your gift as soon as possible.

2. Price Matters

Okay, register for what you want. This is the only time in adulthood that we can ask for outrageous items. So, go ahead and register for the Tiffany vase. Ask for a pony. But remember to keep some of your items at a lower price point to accommodate those who may not be able to purchase a $300 blender. Otherwise, you may wind up with a lot of gift certificates to the Dollar General. Yikes!

3. Location and Accessibility

If you have a lot of out-of-town guests, consider registering at nationwide department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom or Target. This will allow your guests to be able to shop in-store if they prefer. Registering at one of your favorite local boutiques is absolutely fine for those who live close by. Everyone likes to present an unique wedding gift, but by putting common registry items on your list at more accessible locations you can be guaranteed that you get more of what you want.

4. Mix It Up

This goes along with location and accessibility. Recently, a friend registered for her wedding entirely at one store and, to make matters, worse it wasn’t a traditional stone and mortar location. You could only purchase online. She thought this would be convenient for everyone. Her guests wouldn’t have to wrap and carry a present to the reception while her maid of honor wouldn’t be stuck trying to lug everything back to her place. The problem? She neglected to account for the fact that over half of her wedding guests were old-school and a couple generations older. Not everyone is comfortable or able to shop online.

5. Do Not Be a Demanding Bridezilla

Never demand that your guests only bring or purchase gifts from certain vendors. Crazy, right? But it happens. I received an invite to a bridal shower a few years ago and on the invite were specific instructions to only purchase gift cards from “. . . the shops mentioned below, to reduce the stress and headache Bill and Mandy [names changed to protect me from their wrath]may incur from trying to return gifts or gift cards from other locations.”

Brides, never do this. If I have to explain why, then we have more issues than your poor bride etiquette.

Do you attend a lot of weddings or bridal showers? What advice do you have for brides who are registering for gifts?

Filed Under: shopping/gifts Tagged With: brides, gifts, wedding gifts, wedding registry, weddings

Desirable Honeymoon Locations for Newlyweds

September 17, 2012 by Denise McGrail Leave a Comment

I am not going to tiptoe around it or sugar coat reality, planning a wedding is a hellish nightmare. When the engagement ring slips over your finger any excitement about a picture-perfect wedding usually dissolves when the wedding plannning begins. Your honeymoon is about more than celebrating your new life together. It is about recovery. Here are ten exquisite honeymoon destinations that provide relaxtion, adventure and romance.

Tortilis Camp, Kenya

Photo of the Private House deck, courtesy of Tortilis

What better way to recover from months of wedding planning than sipping champagne on the deck of your own private house on the Tortilis Camp property with gorgeous views of Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. Um, nothing! Don’t forget to plan a little adventure, too. The Tortilis Camp offers world-famous safari tours.

Provence, France

Lavender and Sunflower fields of Provence. Photo Courtesy of John Miller.

When considering a honeymoon in France many people immediately assume Paris is the way to go. However, consider an inland honeymoon to the south of France, specifically the region of Provence. Provence is a tapestry of medieval beauty among fields of sunflowers and lavender. Wine lovers will be treated to exceptional regional wines cultivated from the grapes found in the endless vineyards that create a beautiful landscape.

Santorini Island, Greece

Photo courtesy of Travel Guide Greece.

While you may be beginning your future as a newly married couple, exploring the rich history of the Greek Isles is as romantic as you can get on a honeymoon. Crystal blue waters, amazing food and a welcoming atmosphere will beckon you to leave your honeymoon suite at least once in a while.

The Alps, Switzerland

Photo courtesy of Weddings and Flowers

While some couples prefer a tropical honeymoon, snow bunnies may prefer a Swiss honeymoon where they can ski picturesque slopes during the day and warm fires for nighttime snuggling. St. Moritz, Switzerland, pictures above, is famous for its honeymoon ski resorts.

Istanbul, Turkey

A stunning honeymoon destination

Why be like everyone else? Take a chance and spread your traveling wings. A trip to Istanbul, Turkey is an exotic way to spend time together as newlyweds. Rich in history and luxury, Istanbul will not disappoint.

Thailand

Photo Courtesy of The New Indian Bride

Who says luxury honeymoons are only for the wealthy? Thailand is an affordable honeymoon destination for the average newlywed couple. You may not be able to land digs quite as luxurious as the one pictures above, but clean properties with Western amenities can be found at reasonable prices. Don’t forget to indulge in the local cuisine and, just maybe, catch an elephant ride or two.

These six honeymoon destinations are incredible, but are you a couple who prefers to keep in simple and stay stateside? No fear. Our Top 10 list of desirable honeymoon locales continues with four spectacular locations in the United States. Read here for our final four desirable honeymoon locations.

Filed Under: Top 10 Lists Tagged With: honeymoon, travel, vacation, weddings

Four Romantic USA Honeymoon Locations to Relax and Rejuvenate

September 17, 2012 by Denise McGrail Leave a Comment

Previously, we brought to you six out of ten desirable honeymoon locations for newlyweds: Kenya, Provence, Switzerland, Turkey and Thailand. However, we recognize that some newlyweds prefer to stick closer to home within the borders of the United States. Here are four unexpected places to visit on your honeymoon that will afford you memories to cherish.

Mystic, Connecticut

Photo Courtesy of Destination I Do Magazine

Some people may only connect Mystic to pizza thanks to one of Julia Robert’s first films about a pizza joint called Mystic Pizza. However, if you and your groom enjoy the water and are looking for a charming location to forget about the rest of the world for a few days, this New England town is the perfect place. Here you will find endearing bed and breakfast establishments, family-owned restaurants and enough romantic charm for a three honeymoons. The prices here are reasonable, too. Always a plus, right?

Cumberland Island, Georgia

One of Cumberland Island’s deserted beaches

This remote island off the Georgia coast, accessible only by a daily boat ride, is a remote and relaxing way to spend your honeymoon without interference from the outside world. For true adventurers, you could rough it in the rustic camping areas, but if you prefer your water and electricity try the Greyfield Inn. The only property on the island that offers lodging and really the only place you will find electricity and other amenities. This island is home to feral horses, untouched beaches, plantation ruins and Southern charm.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is the romantic honeymoon destination. Photo Courtesy of Napa Marriott.

If your budget will not allow for an Italian or a Provence honeymoon, the Napa Valley is just as spectacular and closer to home. Spend your evenings sipping wine, overlooking rolling hills. Looking for an adventure? Inquire about a hot air balloon ride over the wine country for a different perspective.

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe, California. Photo courtesy of Google Images

The crystal blue waters of Lake Tahoe will trick you into believing you are in a tropical paradise. The mountains and jagged cliffs that rise out of the lake waters are breathtaking. Honeymooning in the winter? Consider adding a ski package to your honeymoon plans. Be sure to find a location with a hot tub to enjoy sizzling nights under the starry Lake Tahoe sky.

So, that’s it! Of course, these locales are only a few of the millions of choices for newlyweds to honeymoon. Where did you spend your honeymoon?