Here is a great project for couple who loves to travel.  Cute idea for a bridal shower invite.  Step-by-step tutorial here.
Materials:

-An Old Envelope and Card

-Map(s) or Atlas

-Pencil or Pen

-Scissors

-Glue Stick

-1 Piece Of Card Stock or Construction Paper

Photography & Project:  Wear The Canvas

After agreeing with your fiancé to plan a destination wedding, you may quickly realize that there’s a lot that goes into planning an event like this. A wedding in itself is quite the ordeal – and a destination wedding can introduce a few unwelcome twists into the planning process. But the end result will be well worth the effort if you plan well.

Planning a destination wedding shouldn’t be that difficult as long as you give yourself ample time to setup. By being aware of a few tricks and tips, you can make the destination wedding a success. Yes, even if you aren’t planning your own wedding, like me (I love my sister though so I agreed to help).

Know the Location

The most important part about the location of the destination wedding is choosing one. After all, you’ll have to consider the costs associated with the locale, along with appropriateness in terms of your guests (they might want to make it into their own vacation) and the wedding itself.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect location, consider using some quick tips to help you along the planning process:

• Obtain the true cost of the wedding (add in a buffer zone), including costs for the guests.
• Get pictures and media of the wedding site, reception and other specifics so you aren’t unpleasantly surprised. Plan a trip there before the wedding date if possible to make sure it’s exactly what you expect.
• How exotic is the location? Is it easy to get to, and to turn into a vacation for your guests?
• Natural disasters, changes in management, and language barriers can be items to overcome.
• Look into marriage regulations, and make sure you can obtain a license easily.

Make sure you have realistic expectations as well. Once you pick the location for the destination wedding, it’s possible that there will be a few friends or family members who won’t be able to make the trip. It’s very important that you make note of these and other little things that can come into play.

From Insurance to Linens

Take a proactive approach to planning a destination wedding. In other words, take care of what you can control and have backup plans for everything, just in case. Even the best plans can have slip-ups, and destination wedding plans aren’t always airtight.

Temporary medical insurance could be an important addition to your plans, especially if you’re leaving the country. Along with wedding insurance, temporary medical insurance could safeguard everyone from possible emergencies. Traditional insurance may not cover items in exotic locations, and may not provide for top-notch care and financial protection.

What other tips can you take care of now? Consider these two insider tips for a destination wedding, which can help ensure you are getting what you want in the details:

• Instead of getting items locally, consider shipping them to your destination. One insider argues that this gives more control. With regard to table linens, menu cards and welcome letters, it’s easy to see how this simple solution can make a difference.
• Consider getting an expert. A local wedding consultant can provide valuable recommendations and help with some of the more difficult aspects, such as flowers and travel accommodations.

Making the Day a Success

Plan well in advance to give yourself adequate time for the destination wedding. From legal items to those last decorating touches, it’s best not to be in a rush. Give yourself the time and space to make certain decisions without immediate deadlines and other stressors that can come your way. Also, give your guests time to prepare financially to prepare for the trip as well.

Speaking of stressors, one of the best tips that you can expect is that things may not be perfect. Having a calm approach to certain items can allow the day to be a success, even if some details are off slightly.

With some of these tips in mind, you can certainly plan a destination wedding that will create lasting memories. A lovely destination wedding can be within your grasp.

Photo credit: Anna Kuperburg

How wonderful will be the wedding balloons? Well, in case you asked about, it’s as wonderful as flowers on wedding occasions. They’re going to sure add serenity for the unforgettable occasion. Imagine if your son’s bride will walk through an arch of balloon smoothly gliding while in the aisle with balloons privately making her strategy to her groom. It is especially enchanting, isn’t it? That’s the wonders that could be brought by the balloons.

The marriage balloons might be of a typical shapes, colors and fashions. The treatment depends about the motif of the wedding, the couple’s preference and also the place where it’ll set its purpose. Balloon decors is often built for an arch for church aisles. And you can even have one out of your altar. You have nothing to fret when you have a church wedding, garden or beach wedding, considering that the balloons will not ever leave place. Balloon arch decors can be placed from the entrance door or pathway on your wedding dinner. It’ll certainly be a wonderful solution to welcome all your guests, friends and well-wishers.

Wedding balloons can also be arranged as balloon bouquets which have been excellent for table centerpieces. Either display it available or hang it on the ceiling. In either case, it will always be displayed artistically making your venue more outstanding. So instead of the usual expensive flower arrangements, balloon bouquets really are a much better alternative. They might even be outstanding back draft and decor for your center stage which enables it to certainly outstanding whether or not placed in corners because of its artistic forms and vibrant colors. The balloon arrangements will definitely lighten up marriage ceremony parties. Flowers on the other hand, though how breathtaking they can be, could get really messy and you’ll need to sweep off removed petals leaving so you sure have to be wise in ordering it to prevent untimely decays however with balloon decors, you don’t be concerned may be. Regardless of whether they can be scattered in the grass, they may still look artistic and lovely. With ribbons and ties, balloons will be transformed from simple kid’s toy to your masterwork.

These balloons be less expensive than expensive flowers and also have longer life, too. So it’s value the cost. That’s why most party organizers and wedding planners go with balloons that could be easily arranged and customized as decorations. They fit anywhere which enables it to take part in any celebration and weddings aren’t any exceptions. You’ll be able to go surfing and examine the most wonderful balloon creations which will look perfect in the big event. And although ordering, ingest mind of the colors and design that will compliment on your wedding motif.

Wedding balloons are going to be an admirable element in your greatest day. You could ponder over it being a little detail in weddings but balloons sure brings out pleasant effect to anyone. His or her sat there artfully, being everybody’s party favorite. They are a kind of simple yet colorful stuff that will certainly warm our hearts that’s why they are great and plays a big part on weddings.

Surprise your bride along with everyone with enticing balloon bouquets, simply click here – Wedding Balloons

Photography: Han Dressia

 pic via southernflourish.com

Inspirational Board: Inspiring Bride

Sources:
Place setting, brides look, centerpiece w/ table number ~ 100 Layer Cake
Headband ~ So Your Engayged
Bouquet & centerpiece ~ Style Me Pretty
Church ~ Santorini
Dress ~ Wedding Gown Town

It’s that time of year again where everywhere you look stunning white dresses, frilly accessories, yummy cakes and beautiful photo albums seem to be showcased. With the arrival of spring, so comes wedding season. This is an exciting and romantic time of year, filled with hope, nice smelling flowers and love struck couples committing, for better or for worse! But what if you want a unique and fun way to preserve the day, not something that is going to be tucked away for ever, only to be pulled out occasionally, such as an anniversary? Or maybe you are looking for the perfect wedding gift for the new couple, offering them a fun and everlasting wedding memory? Here are some unique and inexpensive personalized wedding gift ideas, offering some different ways for newlyweds to showcase their wedding day long after the event.

Not just a guest book:

I think this is a great way to offer up a New Spin On An Old Favorite. How often do you see those stunning and intricate guest books at the wedding that are later tucked away and not seen again for years. The personalized ‘wedding wishes’ frames make an awesome and unique wedding gift, a really practical solution to preserving the memories of all the guests that shared in your wedding day. Once the wedding is done the happy couple can add in a photo of their choice and proudly hang the frame anywhere in their home so that it does not become just another thing that gets packed away. This tasteful, brushed silver plated frame comes personalized with both the bride and groom’s names and their wedding date. You can add up to 2 lines with a total of 20 characters per line.

Another spin on this wedding gift theme is the canvas signature guest frame. Easily able to hold over 200 signatures and messages, this custom printed crisp, white canvas comes in a stylish black veneer casing frame and a clear Plexiglas cover. You can have the canvas printed with whatever message you would like, or simply just the bride and grooms name, leaving lots of room for guests to fill in the signatures and well wishes for the newly married couple. This gift offers a unique and elegant way for the newlyweds to prominently display their ‘guest book’ to be enjoyed long after the wedding “I Do’s” are finished being exchanged.

Finding the right personalized and unique wedding gift can be tricky. Hopefully these suggestions offer you some fun and different ideas for gifts that both the bride and groom can enjoy for years to come by preserving the special day in an unconventional way!

About Us

BlueChopsticks.com is an online e-commerce store specializing in chic gift products suited for the modern individual and lifestyle. Established in 2001, BlueChopsticks offers a wide variety of functional lifestyle products from USA and around the world, that serve as ideal gifts as they are beautiful and unique. Our wide variety of engravable items allow you to personalize your gifts to suit the special occasion. http://www.bluechopsticks.com

I love handmade gifts. This is so cute on so many levels.  You could make these as a gift to the bride and groom.  Create them as favors for your guests.  Or make a set for each person in your bridal party.  Wrap a bow around them – too cute! Check out this great tutorial by The Cottage Home.

Supplies Needed:
-4 square tiles from your local hardware store (4.25″ x 4.25″)
-4 pieces of scrapbook paper (3.75″ x 3.75″)
-4 pieces of felt (3.75″ x 3.75″)
-Mod Podge
-Sponge brush
-Glue (i.e. Fabri-tac or other strong adhesive)
-Clear acrylic sealer

Photography & Project:  The Cottage Home

Here are some names of flowers and their meaning:

Baby’s breath = Everlasting love
Calla lily = Magnificent beauty
Carnation (pink) = Woman’s love
Carnation = Pure love
Cornflower = Delicacy
Crocus = Cheerfulness
Daisy = Innocence
Fern = Magic
Forget-me-not = Remember me
Freesia = Innocence
Hyacinth = Sport and play
Iris = I have a message for you
Ivy = Friendship
Lady’s mantle = Comfort
Lilac = First emotions of love
Lily-of-the-valley = Return of happiness
Orchid = Beauty
Pansy = You’re in my thoughts
Peony = Bashful
Peppermint = Warmth of feeling
Ranunculus = Radiant with charms
Rose (white) = I am worthy of you
Rose = Love
Rosemary = Remembrance
Snowdrop = Hope
Sweet pea = Delicate pleasures
Sweet violet = Modesty
Sweet William = Sensitivity
Tulip (pink) = Caring
Tulip (variegated) = Beautiful eyes
Tulip = Declaration of love
Violet (blue) = Faithfulness

Photography: Brides & Bloom

Wedding planning is fun, but let’s be honest, how much more fun is honeymoon planning? I mean, there are less details to worry about, less people to worry about, and ultimately you are planning one of the greatest trips of your life with your hot new husband!

So why choose an over-crowded caribbean island? Now don’t get me wrong, the caribbean islands are absolutely beautiful, but if you already have the time off and the budget set aside, why not plan a honeymoon to a spot you may have never considered as a honeymoon destination?

In the last few years I have been fortunate enough to travel to some pretty awe inspiring locations with my fiance that I think would make for some seriously sexy honeymoons, without draining your bank account.

With that being said, these three destinations are for the couple who want to shake things up and kick off married life with a bang. So get ready to copy and paste because these countries will have you googling up a storm in no time.

Thai’ing The Knot

Koh Tao, Thailand is a tiny slice of paradise close to the Gulf of Thailand, is only 21km in size, is wonderfully inexpensive, and is possibly the most beautiful island I have ever visited.

From the clear turquoise waters to the laid back beach vibe, the inexpensive luxuries to the friendly people who frequent the island, Koh Tao has everything you could ever want to kick back and relax or throw caution to the wind and get adventurous with your hubby.

Some of the most popular adventures offered on Koh Tao include scuba diving, boat cruising, zip lining, rock climbing, hiking, dining, drinking, and some of the best snorkelling I have ever done.

If however you are looking for a more relaxed honeymoon you can indulge in a lavish massage, for about $15/hour, sample some of the gourmet restaurants, or sip cocktails at one of the many beach front bars that feature fire twirlers who will captivate you with their serious skills.

And did I mention it’s unbelievably affordable? Well let me repeat that again for all you brides who, like me, prefer to stick to a budget. Koh Tao is not only a stunningly beautiful island but it is also the cheapest tropical paradise I have ever been to.

We rented a 2 bedroom suite at a local resort with a beautiful ocean view overlooking the neighbouring island and only spent $100 a night, including a full breakfast every morning.

Meaning not only do you get to honeymoon like celebrities, but you get to do it at a fraction of the cost, surrounded by perfect beauty, amazing sunsets, and 2 for 1 happy hour drinks. Now THAT is how you honeymoon.

God’s Country

Josh, my fiance, and I lived in New Zealand for 6 months yet I never understood why it was called God’s Country. Until we stepped off the plane in Queenstown.

From the moment we landed in the South Island of New Zealand we were surrounded by glacier lakes that were so blue you have to see them to believe them, soaring mountains, waterfalls, mountaintop glaciers, and of course, sheep.

And while the South Island is stunningly beautiful, it is the locals, the wine regions and the sheer amount of activities, both adventure and relaxed, that makes this tiny spot at the bottom of the world one of the most entertaining places I have traveled to. Heck, I even bungy jumped while I was there!

But there is not just bungy jumping and wine drinking. Oh no. There is also skydiving, helicopter riding, skiing, snowboarding, rafting, hiking, jet boating, kayaking, fishing, parasailing, boat cruising, glacier climbing, biking, horseback riding, hot pooling, 4-wheeling, and Lord Of The Rings sight-seeing. All on one tiny little island.

The South Island is essentially a giant adult sized playground, and one that will help you kick off married life in true style.

You, Him, And Yangshuo

I had always been a little cautious of traveling China, not for any specific reason, it just really wasn’t on my travel radar. However, when I first met Josh he was living in China and had been for 8 months.

Ever since he left he has raved about it and begged to go back, so I finally gave in. Well girlfriend, am I ever glad I did!

While we did the typical touristy adventures in China such as The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, and Shanghai, it was a little town surrounded by mountains in central China that stole my heart.

Yangshuo, or more specifically, Guilin which is the city you fly into is a 3 hour flight from Beijing and less than a 2 hour flight from Shanghai. We flew roundtrip into Guilin for $300 and took an hour taxi ride from Guilin to Yangshuo for around $50. There are cheaper options such as a bus, but we just wanted to get to Yangshuo so we opted for a taxi.

But I digress.

As we drove into Yangshuo my heart skipped a beat. This little town is surrounded by hundreds upon hundreds of mountains that date back 200 million years, is beautifully lush, full of life, and best of all, dirt cheap.

While it may not sound like a typical honeymoon destination, Yangshuo is a destination for the adventurous couple and the best sights are often found outside of the town.

From bike riding and sight-seeing to bamboo raft cruising and hiking, shopping and dining to relaxing and indulging in the various massages, Yangshuo offers a more raw experience for couples who like to take themselves out of their comfort zone.

Although the language barrier might be a deterrent for some people, it is easily overcome with any translation app you can get on your smartphone. We personally like Memeo, which has been a saviour on many occasions.

But don’t let the language barrier or cultural differences dissuade you, Yangshuo is a destination where your best tool is an open mind and a keen sense of adventure.

All in all, your honeymoon is supposed to be one of the greatest trips of your lives so why not throw caution to the wind? After all, life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

{GB – Guest Blogger} Jill is the chief bridal bloggin’ babe for A Bride’s Wedding Guide where she blogs and vlogs about all things wedding including, summer themed wedding invitations . The best part about her job? She gets to indulge her girly side each and every day!