Before You Say I Do....

Well, I've just had firsthand experience with an all inclusive wedding situation. This is how it's supposed to work...

There are several venues to pick from. You visit each of them, and you choose which one is the best for your particular wedding. Then, you tell the planner how much you want to spend TOTALLY for the entire wedding minus the rings, gown and honeymoon. Those are supposed to be the only things not included. They ask how many people. In this case, it is 120 guests. No problem so far? Great! Now watch what happened.

The breakdown was sent to the future bride and groom. The budget was right on the amount they had told the planner, but there were some omissions. This ALL INCLUSIVE wedding was to include soup to nuts...meaning, cocktail hour, dinner, band, flowers, photography, videography, invitations, wedding favors, limos, etc. all for the budgeted amount.

But what happened when they received their breakdown? Omissions...everywhere. It's too expansive to list here, and it's also personal to the people I am now working with, but let's use this as a learning tool.

When you go to a planner to organize an all inclusive wedding, right from the beginning you have to have in writing what is included for the price you want. And yes, they can make anything fit your budget...they only give you 3 members of the band, no appetizer at dinner, very slim amount of flowers, etc. etc. etc.

So be careful. Better yet, work with someone you know, or do it yourself and get the aid of a consultant that will help you just for buying products from them. That is the wiser way to go, unless cost is not a problem for you. Then enjoy yourself and do whatever you want! But for the rest of you, don't jump into anything too quickly. Search for the best deal with your budget and with those you want to work with. And don't forget, to get the best deals on wedding favors, wedding products, shower and wedding invitations and gifts, stop by my webstore. You will save tons of money. That is one thing I can promise you. And if you have any questions or comments, either leave them here, or write to me on my website. I will help you any way I can and have tons of ideas for a beautiful wedding that can save you tons of money.

Much happiness is coming your way!
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments

So, when is the right time to buy your wedding gown? Well, normally, I would say 9-12 months before the wedding date. But, if you are not one that fluctuates more than 10 lbs. up or down in weight, you can take advantage of a couple of ways to save heaps of money.

Just as every day clothing is seasonal, so are wedding gowns. And, the best time of the year to buy a gown is late summer and/or early fall. That is the time that the new year styles come not these wedding gown boutiques, so the shop owners are trying to sell off the last year’s trends. So if it doesn’t bother you if you have on something that came out that year or the year before (I mean, who the heck can really tell?), you can save up to 80-90% on your gown.

Also, check around or Google ‘wedding gown trunk shows.’ A trunk show is what a designer has in order to show the people in a specific area the new styles of wedding gowns that are now available. They will go into a hotel or store and literally ‘take out of trunks’ their new gown collection. What is awesome about these shows is that if you purchase a gown from them right then and there, they will give you a substantial discount. It is very worth it.

Lastly, don’t forget that many cities have wedding gown rentals. I consulted on a wedding which was very lavish, that the bride rented her wedding gown. Why? Because it wasn’t a sentimental thing to her and she wanted a gown that was close to $20,000. So for $2,000, she rented it for the day. I know, I know, that is a lot of money for a rental, but for her, it was worth every penny. And yes, there are VERY inexpensive wedding gown rentals.

Hope this helped those that are looking for are about to look for their perfect gown for their perfect day. Also, when you get the gown, (or even before) check out my website for tiaras and other hair jewelry. (See, I told you there was more than wedding favors there!) They are absolutely gorgeous and amazingly reasonable.

Much happiness coming your way!
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments

And yes, the Wedding Bell Blues is more than a song by the 5th Dimension! The wedding bell blues in this case, is a reminder of the “not so fun” things that have to be taken care of because you are tying the knot. Namely, tax consequences and what that means to you both.

If you’re older and been filing a single, filing a joint tax return can be like speaking in a foreign language. So there are several things that you should do before leaving on your honeymoon:

1. Check into whether an adjustment on your withholding tax is needed or not.

2. Let Social Security know if you have a name change. This is very important and could cause a delay in your tax return refund.

3. Update emergency contact information at your place of business and on any other important or emergency cards that you may have.

4. Decide whether or not you are going to file as singles or a joint account. A joint return, be aware, could push you both into another tax bracket. And, it may mean that couple will forfeit student loan interest and other tax benefits. Also, you can check if you quality for the marriage tax. But there are many stipulations here so go to an accountant and find the ins and outs.

5. Review your retirement plans as a married couple.

6. Change your credit card addresses and name (if it’s being changed) and your license.

Speaking of a license, don’t forget your marriage license! Don’t laugh! It’s happened twice that I know of!

Next thing you have to do? Go to my website and save time. Get your wedding favors and gifts for your wedding party as well as invitations at up to 50% less than any retail store! And if you have a question for me, just write me there or leave a comment here and I’ll get right back to you!

Much happiness coming your way!
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 5:57 PM | Permalink | Comments

Okay, so you are the type that likes something new and fresh. You want to find a new experience to share with your new spouse...something that you've never done before and may never do again!

If you know a travel agent, go to them and tell them that and they will have many ideas for you. Also, if you google "exotic vacations" you will get tons of ideas. But if you don't have a clue, I have a few for you.

If you want to be more quiet, travel to northern New England and make plans to stay at a Bed and Breakfast. Speaking of those, you could do the same thing in Canada. Nova Scotia is known for their quiet and quaint Bed and Breakfast Inns.

If you want to be adventurous, try going to the Grand Canyon and hiking or mule down the slopes of the canyon. You can even spend the night or a couple of nights on the bottom of the canyon. Yes, bring a sleeping bag, food and water. You'll need it! And, if that's up your alley, then how about going to an Old West Dude Ranch. They will even teach you how to ride a horse and rope cattle. None of these are for the faint of heart or for those that feel that the Holiday Inn is camping out. LOL

Friends of ours, when they went on their honeymoon, rented an RV and had a cross country trip planned. But that's them. And yes, it was a lot of work. But they loved it and felt it was the best honeymoon they could have ever had. Hey, to each his own...y'know?

You're not going to believe me, but you could even go to Alaska and train and participate in a real dog sled race across the tundra. Hey, for that matter, how about an African safari? If you both love the outdoors and high adventure, one of those might be just perfect for you!

Believe me, whatever you decide to do, as long as you BOTH decide on it, you will love it and have a wonderful time. Remember, you have life waiting for you when you get back! Do a couple of things for me, okay? (That is besides going on my website and checking out my awesome wedding favors!) Do this while on your honeymoon - turn off your cell phone, keep the laptop closed and forget about "real life". You will find yourself back in the rat race before you know it, and if you listen to me, you will come back happy and refreshed!

Have fun. Hope I've helped you make a decision. It will be wonderful, whatever you decide!

Much happiness coming your way!
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments

One of the most amazing vacations I have ever been on, was the first cruise I had ever taken. I didn’t know what to expect and it was so unbelievable and breathtaking…well…let me continue or I’ll be here all day and you’ll never learn about this for a possible honeymoon destination.

Cruises are very popular for honeymoons. Like I had said in another blog, my daughter and her spouse went on a Caribbean Cruise for their honeymoon and then stopped at Walt Disney World for 4 days. They felt it was the best of both worlds.

Basically, a cruise is a floating 5 star hotel. Well, some cruise lines are 5 star! My favorite is Princess, with Royal Caribbean a close second. I’ve been on them all, so that is through my personal experience. The only cruise lines that I haven’t been on are the high end ones, like Crystal Cruises. But they are in a realm all of their own. For what they offer, if you have the money, it may be worth it for you to look into.

There are many different options available to you on a cruise with regards to accommodations. Other than that, you eat the same food, drink the same, enjoy all the ship’s amenities, etc. When you pay more, you are paying more for the kind of room you choose. I personally couldn’t take a cruise unless I had a balcony. Just my preference. But then again, I get a bit claustrophobic…so be it. There are inside rooms that have no window or balcony that can be so much less expensive than staying a week at a hotel with food and activities.

On a cruise, you’ll stop at 2-5 ports of call. This is fascinating to me and can be very enjoyable and very romantic. When you visit each port, there are excursions that you can take (yes, for an extra fee!). If you opt out of the excursions, be very careful where you go. There are some ports (Belize and the port in Columbia) that you have to be very careful. There are taxi’s and others just waiting to prey on unsuspecting tourists to rob them or worse. The ship is there for your enjoyment. They are not there to protect you, so be very wary of doing anything on your own.

Cruise locations can be in the U.S. traveling up the Mississippi River or through the glaciers of Alaska, to the far reaching points of the Orient and everything in between. Although just about everything is included in the cost of your honeymoon, just be sure and ask what is not. That way there will be no surprises.

Tomorrow I will discuss all inclusive destinations. But check out the cruises first. And don’t worry about getting sea sick! With today’s sea bands and medications, you’ll be fine. And if you’d like to know exactly what I use, write to me at my website and I’ll let you know personally. Oh yeah, and while you’re on my site, check out my unique wedding favors! You knew I had to throw that in! What can I tell you? Wedding favors is my middle name!

Much happiness coming your way!

Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments

Another great honeymoon destination is located in Pennsylvania in the Poconos Mountains. My niece went there several years ago when she got married and loved it. Why? Well first of all, it’s away from civilization pretty much and gives you some alone time if that’s what you are looking for. If it’s during the winter, there are all kinds of sports: skiing, sledding, skating, etc. If it’s summer time, there are gorgeous lakes there with water sports. Also, you are only a couple of hours from Niagra Falls and the Canadian border.

There are a ton of resorts in the Poconos which have been known for their Honeymoon packages for decades. For the most part, they are very romantic and peaceful, giving you time to get to know each other as man and wife.

But, make sure that you check the reviews from people who have gone there. I know that many of the Poconos Hotels have redone their rooms, bathrooms, swimming pools, etc. But I also know that there are a couple that are very run down. Again, just make sure that you check on sites like Expedia for reviews by those who have stayed there recently.

For more information about wedding favors…WHAT? How did that get in there? Just kidding! LOL For more information about a Pocono Honeymoon, just call 1.800.POCONOS. You will get all the information you need to discover if this is your honeymoon destination.

Tomorrow’s blog will cover more exotic honeymoons…also more expensive! Have a great day!

Much happiness coming your way!

Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments

Interestingly enough, one of the most popular honeymoon destinations is Disneyworld. I know, I know, you probably don’t believe me. But what a couple usually does, is incorporates this place with another destination. For example, my daughter went on a 7 day cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and then spent 4 days in Orlando. They then came home toward the end of the week and had a few days to chill out and settle into their new home together. That worked very well for them.
Also, there are couples who go to Disneyworld and spend their entire honeymoon. Disney has a list of Fairy Tale Honeymoons in many of their themed resorts that are amazing. The package also includes park hopper tickets for all of their theme parks. And, they also have packages that includes meals. Just make sure that you like the food that they are offering, or the restaurants that you can eat in so that you don’t ruin your honeymoon because of food neither of you like.
And don’t forget, that you can make your honeymoon a Florida trip. Miami Beach and the Keyes are gorgeous and very romantic. And there are islands off of southern Florida that you can visit on a one or two day excursion.
If you want more information about Disney Special Honeymoon Packages, just call 407.828.3400. The operators are real dolls and will help you with putting together a package that is perfect for both of you.
Don’t miss tomorrow’s blog! I’m going to cover another wonderful honeymoon destination!
And don’t forget about purchasing your unique wedding favor! Yes, wedding favors are important! And check out the fun honeymoon ideas that are on my website also!
Much happiness coming your way!
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments

Usually, not as much time is spent on the honeymoon as the wedding, which seems odd to me. The honeymoon is the time that you celebrate the beginning of your married life. This is the one time, probably for at least a year, that you will be away from everyone and all of life’s stresses and can really concentrate on each other.

But this doesn’t mean that you need to spend your life’s savings on this either. After all, it really is a vacation, so be frugal and wise when choosing where you want to go. That is, unless you’re independently wealthy! Then have a ball!

Traditionally, the honeymoon is paid for by the groom. But today, more than not, it’s a joint expense, so start planning what you both would like to do months ahead of your wedding date. Also, if you start early, and you need airfare, it will be much cheaper.

Okay, first things first. Where do you want to go? Don’t just name places, think more generally. Do you both love the ocean? Mountains? Lavish hotels? Bungalow beach huts? An all inclusive vacation? A cruise? You see…there is so much to think about.

After you’ve decided on “what” kind of honeymoon, now you have to decide where to go. There are many places that I will cover in my next blog which are very traditional honeymoon places and some not so traditional. There will be some that are expensive and some that you can enjoy yourselves with much less money.

Either way, you both have to make a decision and stick to it so that you can make concrete plans. But remember, compromise. If one of you really hates the beach and the other person loves it, I would suggest you not go there and find a place that you both love.

Tune in tomorrow! You’ll be glad you did!

Much happiness coming your way,
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments

There are a few things that sometimes go under the radar when planning a wedding. I felt they were important enough to include, before I get off on another topic and they are forgotten!

Well, I’m right now on wedding #3…my son and his fiancée have now approached me re: their future wedding. Well, being originally from the east coast, now living on the west coast, they have many friends and relatives that will have to make a trip to be part of their special day. So, in essence, they are having a “destination wedding” – well, not for them, but for almost everyone else. So I told them that as soon as they decide on a venue for the reception, that they have to send out “Save the Date” postcards. What that is, is a postcard that has the picture of the bride and groom and/or the venue on the front of the card and the date and other pertinent information on the back of the postcard. These need to be sent to everyone that will be invited to your wedding and should be sent as close to a year ahead as is possible. This allows people to save money and possibly make this their personal vacation as well as attend your wedding.

Another announcement that needs to be made is to the local newspaper. This traditionally is the responsibility of the bride’s family. It’s very simple. You just put in a recent pic of the bride and groom and their wedding information.
Don’t forget, wedding invites can go out up to 2 months ahead of time. If you have a “B” list, you’ll want to send them out around that time so that when you get “no’s” you’ll be able to invite others from your secondary list.

Okay, that’s all I’m going to load you up with right now. Just a couple of important pieces of information that are hard to fit in under any other topic! Don’t forget to get your wedding favors early (had to slip that in) and all your other wedding items that you need beside that unique wedding favor. Don’t forget to check my site! I will save you tons of money. The link is below.

Have a wonderful week and take it slow…

Much happiness coming your way,
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments

Here is your last option on who pays – YOU do! And honestly, nowadays, this is more the norm. In fact, 75% of weddings are paid for by the bride and groom. Much of the reason that this happened is that people are getting married much later in life, so they sometimes have more money than their parents saved. Or their parents are elderly at this point and they feel they should shoulder the responsibility themselves instead of saddling a large bill on their parents that are at a point where they need the dollars themselves.

There are pros to this – in fact, many. YOU are now in charge and you don’t have to feel guilty about it or end up in a war with relatives over who does what, or where it will be, or what about this and what about that! You are the final say, and believe me, that is worth every penny. The old saying goes like this “he who does not open their wallet, cannot not open their mouths”…don’t you love it! LOL Also, you can invite whomever you choose and don’t have to invite those that you don’t want to. Now, of course, you have to be gracious and invite Aunt Emily who you’ve only met once and smells to high heaven of perfume and gags you! Mom loves her, so you need to do it for mom. Yes, you still have to compromise in certain areas!

But there are cons to the bride and groom footing the bill. You are spending all of your money on this day and it will deplete your savings or run you up a really nice bill. Also, depending on the type of parents you have, you could offend them by not allowing them to help out financially, especially on the bride’s side. If that’s the case, make a couple of concessions. Let them pick out the wedding favor and purchase that – (from my website of course!) By the way, show your mom or dad this one! This is my Champagne Gel Candle! I can’t tell you how many people go crazy over this one. It says “we are celebrating!” And many people hang a personalized label around the stem. It’s very, very special and at a great price. Check it out under the term unique wedding favor.

Well, from here on in, you’re on your own re: this topic. But if you’d like more advice, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I’d love to help!

Everything will work out…it always does!

Much happiness coming your way,
Bella
Unique Wedding Favors

Posted by Bella Bridal at 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments