How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or more. The big question is: who foots the bill?

The 21st century has heralded a shift in the way these costs are handled. We have moved away from the days when the family of the bride would pay all costs associated with the wedding ceremony . Today it may come down to who can afford it or, who can qualify for the personal loan from the lending institution.

Weddings may, in most cases, be a one time special event deserving of all the pomp and pageantry associated with the memorable day. However, there are ways to cut costs and still maximize the moment. Careful planning and budgeting are key to getting the most out of this experience at a reduced cost.

What should go into a wedding plan? When is too much, too much?

There are many things which makes a wedding a wedding. The old adage, "Something New, Something used and something blue, is a reliable guide to save.

Knowing what you need and how much it cost compared to your allotted budget for each item is essential. Your check list should include: Bride Gown and accessories, Groom's wedding attire, wedding rings, flowers, wedding cake, wedding site, reception site, photography/video services, limousine, ceremony fees, decorations, licence, honeymoon/travel, music/entertainment services, invitations, wedding consulting fees, beverage/drinks and type of wedding.

Generally, all of these items should be carefully itemized and an actual cost should be obtained from the service providers. Your budget fro each service or product should be include to help guide you and/or your wedding consultants. From this list you can determine things like the size of your guest list, bridal party and reception, cake and amount you can actually allocate to each specific area.

A good example is: if you are purchasing a wedding gown and accessories which can easily run into $1,500 or more and your budget is $600, you can opt to rent a gown and accessory which typically at the high end is around $400.

Knowing where you would like to host your wedding and the type of wedding you want is also very essential. Many people typically choose a traditional wedding (religious). These can go into many different cultures i.e. African, Jewish, Islamic, Irish etc. Different types of weddings typically carry varying price tags depending on the culture and how complex the ceremony or extravagant it is.

Honeymoons can be a another costly expense. Honeymoons can extend from that drive to another state to the extended Bahamas vacation or Carribean cruise. Many companies are now incorporating wedding and honeymoon packages in their vacation packages. This has its upside and downside. Marriage laws also vary from country to country.

June typically is noted as the wedding month. So, expect costs to be higher. However travel this and hotel charges during this time of the year to many destinations including the Bahamas may be less expensive.

If you know your budget then it may be beneficial to allow a wedding consulting firm to handle the arrangements. Statistics show that couples are so tired and stressed after the wedding 705 do not have sex on the first night of the honeymoon.

Hiring wedding consultant doesn't mean you lose control of your ceremony. It just saves you the hassle and stress of coordinating and implementing each individual activity and duty.

Your honey moon can be like any other vacation as far as proper planning is concerned. In order to save money, you must know what you want to do? Where you want to go? What you want to see? Consult with travel consultants in the country or area you plan to visit. Research well. Your trip does not have to be robotic or mechanical, but it can be cost effective and well organized.

TIPS

Below are a few cost saving tips for your special day:

Trim your guest list

Reduce the number of attendance in your bridal party and reception

Budget your honeymoon well

Choose the kind of wedding you like but can afford

Research: at least 6 months in advance

Book in advance: try the internet

Stay near home: try a friends remote cottage, town house or timeshare

Shorten your vacation stay

Travel and wed in the off season

Go on a Cruise: They are usually all inclusive

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About The Author Sidney Strachan is a young entrepreneur. In 1998 he and Rudolph started resource Marketing Services a B2B service oriented company. He has written many articles and is presently about to release a book of poetry entitled On and On. His website is entitled Bahamas Aficionados. It is a site promoting vacations in the Bahamas while providing services for the pleasure or business vacationers. Services include organizing and arranging Bahamian weddings, specialty tours and seminars/conferences, providing business equipment for rental and many other business and vacation oriented services. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sidney_Strachan

Tips For Booking Your Honeymoon Package

Getting Married? Congratulations!

Part of the wedding planning process for many happy couples is to plan a honeymoon, which is a trip taken after the wedding. A honeymoon is usually just for the newly married couple, and allows for a romantic break after the hectic pre-wedding and wedding period.

Many resorts and vacation destinations offer special packages for honeymooners. These special offers can range from price incentives, to room upgrades to romantic little 'extras'. Such extras can include:

* A welcome gift in your room upon arrival. Possibly including champagne, fresh fruit, chocolates and/or flowers. Some hotels even offer these every day as part of their honeymoon packages.

* Complimentary daytrips such as excursions into a local town for shopping, a romantic boat ride or helicopter ride.

* Sports extras such as parasailing lessons, scuba lessons for two or horseback riding on the beach.

* Spa treatments for two, such as a couples massage or other body treatments, sometimes available in the privacy of your own room.

* Private meals served on your balcony or elsewhere within the resort complex. Some resorts will set up a romantic setting just for two of you right on the beach so you can revel in sunset dinner complete with champagne, flowers and butler service.

* Complimentary breakfast brought to your room each day or on your first morning.

When planning your honeymoon, be sure to mention the occasion so the travel agent booking your trip will secure any special offers available only to honeymooners at the destination of your choice. If you are calling and making reservations yourself, be sure and mention your newly-married status to the reservation agent. You may also find that there are deals on plane and hotel tickets combined for honeymooners - ask your travel agent .

Note that some hotels require proof of your recent marriage in order to honor their honeymoon incentives or gift offers.

Have a great time on your honeymoon!

If you are interested in saving money on your honeymoon planning, try the tips and insider books at Travel-like-a-pro.com and Wedding Planning Makes Perfect. Shauna Arthurs is a writer/editor, and founder of a network of web-based help sites, including Travel-like-a-pro.com - home of the Travel Industry Secrets guide to never paying retail travel rates again! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shauna_Arthurs

10 Tips For A Honeymoon On A Budget

With all your other wedding expenses, setting aside a substantial amount of money for your honeymoon may seem impossible. Though you want to have a wonderful trip, you also don't want to go into debt. Here are ten ways that you can save money on your honeymoon. Book a Package Deal
If you are headed to a honeymoon resort, consider an all-inclusive deal. These packages combine airfare, room accommodations, meals, tips, spa services and other activities in one all-inclusive price. Not only is it cheaper than bookin separately, but it's also great not to have to worry about paying along the way. Register for Your Honeymoon
Nowadays, you can register for your honeymoon just like you register for your wedding gifts. A honeymoon registry allows your friends and family the opportunity to contribute to your honeymoon rather than buying wedding gifts. If you don't need another toaster or a bread maker, register for your honeymoon instead! Stay Domestic
Choose a honeymoon location within the U.S. A cabin in the mountains of New Mexico or a beach front condo in Maine can be just as romantic as anywhere else in the world. Many couples don't even think about honeymooning within the United States and they really miss out! Travel Smart
Avoid traveling on the weekends. Travel Sunday through Thursday for the cheapest hotel rates and airfare. Avoid holidays, Spring Break and other popular travel dates. Be flexible as to your time of travel. Normally early morning and late night flights are the least expensive. Choose the Off-Season
Wherever your honeymoon destination may be, from the Caribbean to Europe, you should try to visit in the off-season. If you are heading down South, travel during less expensive times of year such as the green season. If you are headed to Europe, travel from January through March when you can get rates as much as 60% off peak prices. Cut it Short
No one says that your honeymoon has to be a week or two long. You can find a variety of 4-day/3-night packages that are relatively inexpensive, but still offer all the fun and romance of a longer honeymoon. Eat Cheap
Don't dine at 5-star restaurants or order room service on your honeymoon. Instead choose local eateries, such as cafes, mom-and-pop restaurants and pizzerias. If you have a kitchen in your suite - use it! It can be fun to cook with your new mate! Skip Shopping
The boutiques at resorts and in other tourist areas are often overpriced. And most of the clothes and other items in those shops are tacky anyway. Just save your money for something else on this trip. Locate Discounts
Search online for promotional codes. Airlines, hotels and car rental agencies all offer special promo codes and discounts. If you are a member of AAA, carry a Diners Club card, or belong to any organizations, you may also qualify for a discount. Also, ask your travel agent if there are special honeymoon packages that may include a free meal, gift basket, champagne or spa treatments.

Learn more about planning your wedding on a budget by reading the Truly Wedding Blog. Join other brides and share your wedding journey in the fastest growing wedding community, Truly Wedding. This and other helpful articles are sponsored by Truly Wedding Favors. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Ingram

How to Pick a Travel Agency
"How To Pick A Travel Agency"
By Nathan Lynch
www.SouthBeachUncovered.com

The trip of a lifetime can take a lifetime to plan unless you know how to pick a travel agency.

A common misconception is that travel agencies add to the cost of your trip. In truth, finding and using a good travel agency to plan your trip usually saves you time, money, and frustration. So how do you pick a travel agency?

Ask around!

The best way to find a good travel agency is through word of mouth. Ask your family and friends who they’ve used and then ask them about their trip. How did they travel? Where did they stay? Was their trip enjoyable? Getting a few referrals from friends helps you to know in ahead of time what to expect from a particular travel agent and helps you weed out the good from the not-so-good as well.

Are you a member?

Many clubs and organizations offer travel services for their members and many corporations have established relationships with travel agencies that their employees can use. “Members only” travel plans frequently offer the best values.

Compare

Shop a couple of experienced firms. Travel agencies come and go like any other businesses. The ones that stay in business add experience and know-how to each trip they plan. Make your first inquiry with a travel agency a listening experience; judge how well the agent listens to you and how comfortable they make you feel.

A good travel agent will ask you to outline your trip. They’ll ask where you’re going and why, how you’d prefer to travel, how long you plan to stay, and what your travel budget is. Be open and honest with your answers. A good agent will readily put together a sample itinerary that describes availabilities in transportation, accommodations, and estimated costs.

If you feel like you’re getting the “hard sell” or the travel agency tells you there’s only package available, keep shopping. You can always go back if you find that they’re right!

In addition to finding the best rates in lodgings and transportation, an experienced travel agent can also give you some helpful tips about your destination and here’s the bonus— generally it costs nothing to use a travel agency! Because they can buy in volume, travel agencies get discounts on prices for both tickets and lodgings!

For travel made easy, use the services of a travel agency to make your outing a time to remember well!

6 Ways to Save on Honeymoon Travel

It's hard to imagine spending another dime after the nightmare of expenses involved in planning the wedding of your dreams, let alone forking over thousands for a luxury honeymoon vacation. But after months of tireless planning, you will need to get away and spend some alone-time with your new hubby. Honeymoons can be as costly as a month-long excursion across Europe or as cost-efficient as a weekend getaway at your local B&B. With these budget travel tips, you can escape without sacrificing your ultimate goal: relaxation and reconnection.

Think Outside the Season

Off-season does not necessarily equate to bad weather. Many tropical locations have ideal weather year-round, but rates soar upwards when cold climate residents are looking to escape the winter blues. If you want to hop on a flight immediately following your wedding, consider booking your honeymoon travel arrangements at an off-season location; if you have your mind set on a particular destination, be flexible with your either your wedding date or your departure date to reap big savings.

Consult an Expert

Look to a professional to help you book your vacation - and enjoy big savings. Travel agents provide all sorts of money-saving expertise and can often access on-going sales or last-minute deals on honeymoon travel. They'll work with you to find the best vacation packages to suit your preferences and budget.

Ask for a Helping Hand

If time away is more important to you than a waffle iron, consider setting up a honeymoon registry. Many travel agents offer services to collect, record, and apply contributions from your guests toward honeymoon resorts and expenditures. Some even allow guests to contribute to specific activities at your destination location, such as scuba diving lessons or boat rides.

Do Your Research

Don't let your honeymoon take a backseat to the wedding planning process. Start thinking about your vacation once you have established a wedding date, and keep your eyes peeled for deals posted online or in the paper. Give yourself plenty of time to comparison shop. This complete honeymoon travel guide will help you get started.

Earn Rewards

If your credit allows, open a credit card with the best frequent-flier and other travel rewards. Start charging your wedding-day expenses, and cash in on the bonuses for airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and other upgrades. Be careful here though; you should be able to pay off all expenditures at the end of every month to avoid finance charges and racked up debt. Also be sure to check black-out dates before making your travel arrangements.

Consider the Alternatives

You aren't bound by the typical island retreat when it comes to honeymoon options, but be sure to weigh the pros and cons of all your choices before booking. While all-inclusive resorts once carried a negative connotation with "mandatory fun" activities, their inclusive honeymoon packages afford you the luxury of a flat-rate and a carefree experience. Bed and breakfasts, on the other hand, offer romantic retreats at typically affordable prices, but can lack exclusive privacy. The point here is that you should do your research, discuss the types of honeymoon vacations available with your fiance, and decide which priorities take precedence. Our guide to honeymoon accommodations can help you weight the options.

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a comprehensive wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, along with articles, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to lead brides through every step of the planning process. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Russell

Buying Honeymoon Packages Online
If you're just about to get married then you are probably sick of planning everything down to the last detail. No doubt you have spent ages planning the church, reception, food, flowers and music. Not to forget the time you've spent choosing your wedding dress!
But even once you have planned all of those things there's still something else that you need to think about. You will need to plan your honey moon, but that doesn't mean you have to plan it in exactly the same crazily perfect way! Why not relax a bit and just buy an all inclusive honeymoon package which can take the hassle out of your special day!
Defining All Inclusive Honeymoon Packages
Honeymoon inclusive packages are not suitable for those people that want to fiddle about with everything. These are only suitable for people that actually want to relax! You can forget about all the detail and just buy a package. You don't have to book the flights, hotels, cars and activities separately. Everything can be booked through the same travel company which will not only save stress but also time!
The only decision you really have to make with inclusive honeymoon packages is where you want to go and how you plan to get there. You can purchase packages to many different locations, these are not just limited to beaches, you can also go to ski destinations, cruise and even outdoors! If you go to your travel company you will be amazed by the number of different options which are available. Honeymoon package holidays should also be cheaper than if you book each component separately.
What do you get in your package?
All package holidays are different, and honeymoon packages are no different. You should carefully check what is included in your own package, but normally you will get cheaper hotel accommodation, airfare, car rental, activities and even some restaurants may be included. Some packages even include the tips that you may want to give during your stay! This means you don't even need to worry about how big a tip you should leave.
Another reason why honeymoon packages win hands down is because everything is planned in advance for you. You don't have to make any decisions unless you want to, you're free to sit back and relax. Everything you may want to do is available to you, you don't have to organize it, it's already ready!
One of the easiest ways to find these all inclusive honeymoon package deals is to visit some of the popular online travel agents. Don't rule out looking through the newspaper and going to your local travel agents as the internet isn't always cheaper. You want to find a good deal so you don't have to hock your rings to afford the honeymoon. It is possible to get some fantastic deals if you're willing to take a long time to find them! Enjoy your honeymoon and good luck for your future!
Greg Hansward repeatedly publishes summaries on issues corresponding to plenty of types of engagement rings and platinum engagement ring. Sharing his passion in detailed writings such as http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com  , the columnist showed his capability on subjects dealing with tips about rings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_K._Hansward

Workouts That Travel

A vacation can do wonders for reducing stress levels, but it can derail a healthy fitness regimen. Even some of the most die-hard exercisers find it difficult to stick with a workout program when away from home. Sure, many have good intentions. They may even pack their workout attire. Unfortunately, their gear never makes it out of the suitcase until they’re back home.

But travel doesn’t have to result in an interruption or complete abandonment of your healthy habits. You can still fit in exercise time when away from home, regardless of whether you find yourself in a warm or a cold climate. Even if bad weather forces you into seclusion in your hotel room, there are exercises you can complete without a single piece of equipment.

Below are some tips to help you stay fit while traveling and avoid coming home with unwanted extra baggage.

·Be realistic. You probably won't be able to fit in your normal weekly workouts and that's okay. Shoot for completing at least 50% of your normal regimen.

·Plan ahead. Before leaving town, find out what type of workout facilities your accommodations will have or if there is a nearby park of jogging track (weather permitting, of course).

·Scope out local gyms. If you are staying somewhere that doesn’t provide a workout area then inquire at the nearby local fitness centers for their rates. Often they offer day passes for minimal fees.

·Pack a resistance band in your suitcase. The band takes up very little space, yet can provide you with an entire upper and lower body workout routine.

·Don’t deprive yourself of all local delicacies. You can enjoy some special meals without going overboard. Ask the restaurants to prepare your favorite dishes with a few lower fat ingredients.

·Be creative. Find unique, fun ways to exercise instead of doing the same routine you do when you are at home. Try biking, hiking, a pedal boat excursion, water-skiing, beach volleyball, etc. Effective workouts aren’t limited to the standard fares of walking, jogging and fitness machines.

·Try out your travel routine at least once at home. A new workout that you’ve never done before will require more time and preparation. This type of frustration just makes for an easy excuse to skip the workout.

·Prepare snacks. If your journey includes a lot of time in the car, be sure to pack some healthy snacks so you aren’t forced to eat at all the fast food and convenience shops along the way.

·Play in the pool. If lounging poolside is part of your vacation plans, then hop in the pool every 20 minutes for 5-10 minutes of pool walking (try it in waist-deep or higher water for a really challenging workout).

·Get comfortable. Don’t forget to pack comfortable workout attire that fits your destination’s climate.

Here is a quick, simple circuit workout that only requires a resistance band and can be done anywhere. Complete at least one set of 8-12 reps of each exercise.

·Bicep Curl

·Tricep Dip

·Lat Pull Down

·Front Raise

·Push-Up
·Squat
·Abductor lifts

·Adductor splits

·Hamstring Kicks

For detailed instructions for each of the above exercises, visit www.workoutsforyou.com ravel_plan.htm

About the Author

Don't return home from traveling with extra baggage. Workouts For You can custom design a workout for you that will help you stay fit while away from home. You don't even need any fitness equipment! We’ll help you stay fit while still fully enjoying your trip. Visit www.workoutsforyou.com/travel_plan.htm for more info.

Written by: Lynn Bode

Cheap Honeymoon Packages – Choose Honeymoon Destination Packages

Plan a honeymoon after getting married is a dream of every couple. This is expected to be an unforgettable vacation for your spouse. Obviously you want the best romantic honeymoon and full of nuances. Great desire to make a luxury honeymoon, sometimes have problems with our finances. Of course, each couple will have a different plan in terms of budgeting for the honeymoon. If your financial excesses, this will not be a problem. But what happen if you not have much money. You must be smart and choose the package travel destination for the honeymoon.

There are many options for a honeymoon destination, you can choose for cheap honeymoon packages or you choose more budgeting. There are brides who prefer to honeymoon on a luxury cruise ship. They enjoy the existing facilities in a romantic cruise, dinner atmosphere, a beautiful sea view, and stop at some exotic island. There are also couples who choose to explore the honeymoon somewhere challenging, as well as the cold mountains or tropical forests. Or you and your spouse enough to enjoy the beauty of Kuta beach in Bali and Bali community cultural distinctiveness. Or even a honeymoon couple to a remote village that is still natural, for a beautiful and cool atmosphere, as well as locals friendly. The atmosphere is far from the noise of the city and also the price was cheap. Back again, it all depends on well with your financial condition.

On the Internet, many agencies offer a cheap honeymoon packages. For the example : cheap honeymoon packages to Bali, cheap honeymoon packages to Switzerland, cheap honeymoon packages to the Caribbean, cheap honeymoon packages to Greece, cheap honeymoon packages to Paris, cheap honeymoon package to Africa and more other cheap honeymoon packages. All depends on your budget; all depends on your perception of the honeymoon. If you consider that the honeymoon is a very important thing, of course you will do your best to prepare your partner. Usually cheap honeymoon packages that includes your hotel accommodation both during the trip. So you only need to prepare for surprises needs to your partner, right.

Cheap honeymoon package you choose, will depend on the nature and personality of you both. My friend chose to honeymoon on the top of the mountain with his partner. My friend likes something challenging and exotic atmosphere. But there are friends who prefer cheap honeymoon packages to Italy. It all depends on you and your couple. You know about the personality of each.

Wherever your honeymoon destination, the most important thing is planning. You must have planned well in advance before your wedding took place. So after the wedding, you will not be bothered anymore to search for travel agents for your honeymoon packages.

Some tips for cheap honeymoon packages you have done well:
If you choose to use travel agents for honeymoon, do bookkeeping in advance. This is certainty and better planning. Sometimes, you will also get a discount honeymoon packages.

Learn, what is given in cheap honeymoon packages, Is it include travel costs, hotels accommodations, meals and other accommodations. This is important, let us not be misunderstood by the travel agent.

Choose cheap honeymoon packages that match your financial situation. Do not force it just for fun, while coming home from the honeymoon, you're busy with debt receivables.

Choose a honeymoon package that suits your personality you both

There is good things for discuss with your partner about cheap honeymoon packages. To get a cheap honeymoon packages, choose the package that shorter time.

That little tips, about choosing a honeymoon destination. If you think that your honeymoon is an important moment, so plan well.

Cheap honeymoon packages, it is the dream for all young bride. But, are there a cheap honeymoon packages using luxury cruise with cheaper prices or cheap luxury cruise travel packages?

Ok friends, you must have loved your wedding or your spouse. And of course, you want the best for your couple, but in fact you may lack of money to make your honeymoon. I’m sure, with your money, you can do. So, prepare your cheap honeymoon packages. Do not be too deep in thought, only with a little careful planning and mature, you can bring your spouse into the most beautiful places for honeymoon. There are many inexpensive honeymoon packages are available online and one of them is cheap luxury cruise travel packages.

Cheap honeymoon packages with luxury cruise there, and do not ever think again that the package tour with a cruise always expensive. Imagine, this is the most beautiful experience you want to be alone with your couple, so I recommend you, not too save costs your honeymoon package budget. To get cheap honeymoon packages, you must take a cheap luxury cruise travel packages with short-term, only a few days. Although cheap honeymoon package with two days, but with this cruise you will get both experiences are not forgotten. So Take cheap honeymoon packages with a shorter period.

To get your cheap honeymoon packages, you must prepare and plan ahead and not too close to departure time. So you can prepare in detail, about the activities you want to do during the honeymoon, the goods must be brought, scenario surprise for your spouse, gift for your spouse and others. Why is that? If you prepare thoroughly, so the honeymoon departure, you are not thinking about the little things and your concentration with your spouse for beautiful things that will pass together. Besides, if you prepare with sufficient time, you can more freely choose cheap honeymoon packages with a cruise on the Internet. You will have enough time to assess, which is more suitable for you and your spouse. And of course about the cost you will pay. And once again, choose shorter travel time.

You will enjoy every moment with your spouse on a cruise ship, from the atmosphere cruises, romantic dinner, a beautiful sea view, beautiful destination place. Anyway, every second, it would feel wonderful for you both. And do not forget preparing surprises for your partner. Not necessarily with something expensive. With full sincerity of heart and soul flow, will be very meaningful to your spouse. Whoever your honeymoon couples will get an unforgettable atmosphere throughout life. Be the king and the queen during your honeymoon.

Remember, and I believe. You really love your partner, and then give the best for your partner. And you also have to remember, with a cheap honeymoon packages using cruise, will give a deep impression on your partner throughout life. So, is not true, something that cheap is not impressive.

To search for cheap honeymoon packages on the Internet that suit you, I suggest you to consider the conditions provided for the package. For the example: prices, facilities provided, the length of time, travel destination, the packet's reputation in the eyes of the readers on the internet and others. So you get enough consideration to decide in choosing your cheap honeymoon travel package.

So, a cheap honeymoon packages with the cruise ship really exists, prove it and prepare for the best gift for your couple
for other information, please visit : www.cheaphoneymoonpackagesdeal.com