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| 7.20.10 Michele Damon Events is now a member of the "Little Black Book" by Style me Pretty. Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book is a highly edited collection of wedding service providers – from mom and pop boutiques to A-Listers. Bottom line, these vendors are the best of the best. For more information about the Little Black Book, & Style Me Pretty visit http://www.stylemepretty.com/
3.27.10 New Bridal Salon Opening Soon....  Elizabeth Sallie Bridal is now taking bridal gown consultation begining June 22, 2010 at the salon located at 519 N. Charles St. Suite 200 Baltimore MD 21201 Elizabeth Sallie is a classic mix of simple wedding elegance and timeless beauty. The designers featured understand classic or contemporary, understated or extravagant every bride has a singular vision of her wedding. The salon offers intimate service in a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere. Your Personal Bridal Consultant will help you find the bridal gown that takes your breath away - the one made just for you.  Elizabeth Sallie puts your bridal experience at the forefront of your bridal experience. With their love for fashion and very successful business experience, the true calling is working with brides to find the couture gown of their dreams! Elizabeth Sallie understands the importance of trust and confidence during this exciting, but often stressful time. The staff of Elizabeth Sallie strives to make every bride, along with her family and friends, feel welcome and respected. Michele Damon Shops Your complete resource for fabulous favors and gifts for special occasions and special deliveries. Inside, you’ll find the perfect favors for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, girls’ night out and more. Plus, we offer the most adorable, presentation-ready gifts designed especially to delight both babies and new moms. We’re sure you’ll find something perfect in our treasure trove of ideas. Enjoy! PRESS RELEASE January 25, 2010 |
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| Bride's Choice Awards™ 2010 |
Baltimore, Maryland - January 19, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding technology company, just announced Michele Damon Events has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride's Choice Awards™ for Wedding Planning & Event Design!
The annual Bride's Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.
Michele Damon Events is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.
"We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community" said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire's Chief Executive Officer. "The annual Bride's Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year."
We are happy to announce that Michele Damon Events is among the very best Wedding Planning & Event Design Company within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride's Choice Awards™.
For more information, please visit Michele Damon Events at today at www.micheledamon.com
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.
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Blogs, Tips & Insider Secrets! How to Choose the Perfect Cake Baker Identify your cake preferences and ideas. Collect:
pictures of cakes you like
swatches of colors you'd like to match
design elements you'd like to incorporate
favorite recipes you'd like to duplicate
Ask friends and wedding venues for bakers that might suit your tastes; a good referral is often an indicator that you're onto the right baker.
Start calling these bakers to schedule appointments for tasting and portfolio viewing; note that smaller bakeries may require more lead time, as popular May and June wedding dates book early.
6-9 Months
Meet with targeted bakers. Be sure to have the following information handy:
your wedding date
the reception location and start time
a preliminary guest count
your preferences and ideas collected earlier
Sharing such information with the baker will allow him or her to quickly assess your needs and to determine if (s)he is capable of serving you.
Ask each baker for the following items:
his/her wedding cake "philosophy" (for example, are cakes made from scratch and with high quality ingredients? will the baker entertain a custom design?)
a listing of available cake flavors
a cake sample (note that smaller bakeries may require you to specify the sample in advance)
a portfolio or pictures to review
pricing (be sure to distinguish base cake pricing from other incidentals; labor-intensive or custom designs will merit a surcharge; delivery and cake-top flowers are also generally extra)
contract requirements (industry standard is a 25 - 50% deposit)
Gathering such data will allow you to better evaluate a baker's skill and flexibility.
Evaluate the flavors and designs of each baker.
Gauge your personal compatibility with each baker; "chemistry" is often the best determinant of a successful working relationship.
6-3 Months
After carefully weighing your choices, select the right baker for you.
Have the baker draft a contract and review it carefully.
Send in the necessary deposit to hold your date. Most bakeries will not reserve dates without this formal commitment from you.
3-1 Month
Finalize any remaining style or flavor details with your baker.
Provide your baker with key contacts at your reception site and florist, so that (s)he can coordinate any last minute details directly.
1 months - 1 week
Call your baker to confirm delivery time, place and any other critical items. Chances are that the right baker will contact you first!
The Big Day!
Relax and enjoy your cake. Relish the fact that careful planning and the right baker have given you the cake of your dreams!
RSVP? It has been suggested that some people do not understand what RSVP stands for, because the abbreviation comes from the french répondez s'il vous plaît, which directly translates to respond if you please. It might help clear up the confusion if you use Please Respond and then a date. Or you can spell it out even further and just write Please Respond, regrets only, which will mean that people only call if they're not coming. Unfortunately most people do not RSVP, so try to follow up your invitation with a phone call or an e-mail to confirm whether or not they're coming. Do You Know Whom to Tip at Your Wedding?
One of the areas that couples tend to neglect when planning their wedding budget is the subject of tipping. From caterers to waiters to clergy members, it is customary to provide an additional tip on top of the regular costs and rates.
When planning out your budget, be sure to allow an additional amount to the quoted price, so that you aren't caught unaware and short of cash. Following, is a general idea on the amounts you should set aside for different wedding suppliers. Remember, these amounts are not set in stone. Plan according to your budget and the type of service you receive from each.
* Caterer and/or Banquet Manager - 10% for extra special service or $5.00 per guest. Usually, the gratuity is already included into
the set fee. Be sure to check on this. If it hasn't been, add 15% to the price.
* Bartenders - 15% of the liquor bill.
* Bridal Consultant - 10% for extra special service.
* Powder Room and Coat Room Attendants - 50¢ per guest. You could also arrange to pay a flat tipping fee instead.
* Clergy members - $250 or more donation, depending on the length of the ceremony.
* Civil Ceremony Officials - $100 and up. However, look into this first. Some judges cannot accept money.
* Florist - $50 - $100 directly to the driver who delivers the flowers. (Don't include it when paying the bill, the driver will never see it.)
* Photographer - 10% for extra special service.
* Videographer - 10% for extra special service.
* Cake Decorator - 10% for extra special service, or for a difficult/very large cake.
* Musicians or D.J. - 10% for extra special service.
* Limousine Driver - 10% to 15% paid directly to the driver. (Double check this many times it is included, but it never hurt to slide him/her a tip for extra special service!)
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Wedding Cake Some practical tips for ensuring a memorable and delicious wedding cake.
The Cake Designer's Style
Pay close attention to the cake designer’s portfolio and make sure that you like their style. Every cake calls for the designer’s aesthetic discretion, even if the designer has been given a picture as guidance. Therefore, if you don’t like the overall look of the designer’s work (e.g., the designs are too busy, colors garish, designs look dated, etc.), chances are you won’t be happy with your cake, even if you give the designer a lot of direction.
Cake Quality
Besides the look of the cake, taste is very important. You will be spending a great deal of time and money planning your wedding and reception and your dessert should be as great tasting as the rest of your menu. Ask the cake designer if the cakes are made from scratch or from a mix. You would be surprised at how many designers use mixes for their cakes, fillings and/or frostings. Are the cakes made fresh to order or are they baked in advance and frozen? Compare the cakes of 2-3 designers and you’ll soon be able to identify the high quality bakers.
Design Ideas
It’s best to have the reception site and florist booked before meeting with your cake designer as you’ll have a better idea of the style of the wedding as well as color and floral themes. However, don’t follow a theme too rigidly. Some brides, in an effort to match the cake with the rest of their color scheme, ask for decorations or colors that aren’t going to look good on a cake. A good cake designer will work with you to design a cake that complements and enhances your wedding.
Getting the Most Value
Designing and making a wedding cake is a labor-intensive and expensive process. For example, it may cost anywhere from $5-20 per serving in the metro area. Be aware of some of the hidden costs or complimentary perks that other cake designers may charge for. Does the wedding hall or caterer charge a cake-cutting fee? Does the cake fee include a complimentary top tier that the couple can save for their first anniversary or do additional servings need to be ordered? Is there an additional charge for more than one flavor? Is there a rental charge for any of the equipment (pillars, plates, etc.)? Will the cake maker create a one-year anniversary cake for you, and is there a charge? Finally, if you’re on a budget, be realistic. Designs from magazines often represent the most complicated and cutting edge designs of the day. Be open to taking certain elements from a cake you like and working with your cake designer to make it more economical.
Expect Customer Service
The cake designer, like all your wedding vendors, is hired to provide a very special service to you on one of the most important days of your life. Is the cake designer a good listener and communicator? Are they really listening to your ideas or are the trying to steer you to the most popular cakes (e.g., cakes that are easy for her to create)?
Keep in mind that the size and volume of the bakery will determine the level of service you can expect. How many wedding cakes is the bakery doing on any given weekend? If a bakery is doing more than 10 cakes, chances are your cake will not get the personal attention it would with a bakery that handles only five. In a high volume situation, the person in charge of decorating your cake may be a staff person who has never even met you.
Getting the Perfect Smile for Your Big Day
There is nothing like a great smile to make a person look and feel their best on their wedding day and everyday. Whether you are considering an extreme makeover for your mouth or you just need some simple tips to look natural and relaxed in your wedding day photos, it’s important to consider your options early, since some procedures take longer than others to complete.
Enlist Expert Help
The most drastic and expensive ways to give your smile some SOS is with the assistance of a cosmetic dentist. The most common procedures they can use to fix broken stained or uneven teeth include laser whitening, bonding, enamel shaping, braces and veneers. Veneers are popular because they can drastically change the look of your smile in a minimum amount of time. These are the types of procedures dentists usually use on the reality makeover shows that are so popular on TV. They are permanent (the process involves shaving off some of the tooth’s original enamel), and today’s premier veneers are virtually as strong and long-lasting as real teeth. That being said, they are also the most costly dental procedure at an average of $400 - $1200 a tooth, so look at it as a lifetime investment. However, veneers are still susceptible to staining, same as real teeth. So how do we make sure our teeth are shiny bright on the big day and all the time?
Whitening – Timing is Everything
There are 3 main ways to get a whiter smile.
Laser whitening
This is the quickest and most expensive form or whitening. It commands drastic results in only about an hour with a cosmetic dentist and costs approximately $500-600.
Trays
This process can vary in price from about $300 for custom trays from your dentist that take 5-7 days to work and last up to a year to over the counter tray whitening kits from names like Rembrant (drugstore.com) and GoSmile (sephora.com) that range from $14 - $100.
Strips and Pastes
These forms of whitening take longer to get a noticeable result – at least 10 days, and the results are sometimes mixed. However, you can incorporate the cost into your everyday pharmacy spending, and there are products like Sensodyne Extra Whitening that work well for sensitive teeth.
The most important thing to remember when embarking on use of any of these products is don't wait until the last minute! Not because of the possibilities of disappointing or disastrous results, but because all whitening products or processes are going to cause some discomfort for most people. Gum sensitivity is the most common side effect (although all whitening processes are considered safe), and can absolutely ruin wedding festivities. Make sure you are finished with whatever procedure you choose at least 2 weeks prior to the big day. Look for some websites with ratings system and personal reviews section for each product, it is exceptionally helpful when trying something like a whitening product for the first time.
Say Cheese – Finding a Naturally Gorgeous Smile for Photos
Now that you have all the facts to prep your smile for the big day, how do you feel about having your photo snapped a couple thousand times? Does the mere thought of being a cover girl for a day make you nervous? Here are some tips for making sure you and your mate look fantastic in every photo opportunity and every minute of video footage.
Ditch the stainmakers
Skip coffee, tea and especially red wine during wedding related events. Red wine can make teeth and gums look discolored after only a few sips.
Bleach as a couple
Make sure your teeth are equally white so you don’t inadvertently make your new hubby look bad if he doesn’t do the same. A couple that bleaches together… Looks great in photos together!
Beauty pagent secrets
We’ve all heard the rumors about how beauty queens use hemorrhoid cream to avoid under eye puffiness, well that thing about a little bit of Vaseline on your upper teeth really works too! Just the tiniest bit can keep your lips natural even if dry mouth sets in with the last minute jitters. Put a tube of petroleum based lip balm in your handbag with the lipstick and gloss!
Open Wide
OK, maybe not wide, but slightly parted. That is the best way to hold your mouth when smiling. Don’t clench your teeth, keep your lips slightly parted, and make sure the smile reaches your eyes.
Say Cheese!
If having your photo taken makes you nervous, try concentrating instead on the people who love you in that photo with you and the moment you are sharing. Ask the photographer to do more candid than posed photos, and forget trying to ‘pose’ every time someone points a camera in your face. Live in the moment, and that moment will be captured whether you are paying attention or not! Bora Bora  No Words Needed... Wedding Guest Etiquette Things the Ideal Wedding Guest Will Remember
When your friends or family get married, there are all kinds of wedding etiquette and rules that govern their behavior. But did you know there are rules for wedding guests too? To ensure that you don't inadvertantly commit a faux pas or do anything mistaken at a loved one's wedding, follow these simple rules.
Don't be late! If a wedding invitation says that the ceremony will begin at 5, be sure to arrive there by 4:45 so as to give yourself time to find a seat and get settled. You wouldn't want to interrupt the processional.
Avoid taking photographs during the ceremony. Leave that to the professionals and respect the sanctity of the ritual in front of you.
You don't need to bring a gift with you to the wedding. In fact, you have up until a year after the wedding to give a gift. Bringing a gift with you means that someone in the wedding party will have to worry about how to get it home.
If you are unable to attend the wedding, it is customary to still send a wedding gift.
Don't bring a date unless your invitation specifically says their name or "+ Guest" Remember that the cost for each person attending a wedding is generally high, so bringing unexpected guests is very impolite. This includes your children or other relatives!
Many ceremonies have parts where the congregation alternately stands and sits. The program or officiant may tell you when to do so; if not, follow the lead of others around you. If you are physically unable to stand, remain quietly seated.
RSVP promptly. The couple will be making many decisions based on the number of people who will be there. Additionally, if you must cancel after you have accepted, do so as soon as possible.
While a wedding is a time to enjoy yourself, no one appreciates a drunk guest embarrassing themselves. Drink alcohol in moderation.
Above all, enjoy yourself, and tell the happy couple that you are so pleased for them.
Should You Change Your Name When You Get Married?
Taking His Name, Keeping Your Own Name, and Options In-Between
According to recent surveys, somewhere between 60 and 80 percent of brides take their husband's last name when they get married. But is it right for you? Here are some things to consider before you take his name:
The Pros of Taking Your Husband's Name:
If you're planning on having children, you'll find life is much easier when going on trips (especially when traveling internationally), dealing with schools, and even just dealing with other parents, if you're easily recognizable as being one family.
If you don't like your own last name, here's an easy excuse for a change
Remember doodling Mrs. Janet Presley or Mrs. Janet Timberlake on your notebooks? If you were this type of little girl, now you'll have the satisfaction of doodling a name and getting to actually use it.
Many brides find that having the same last name as their husband helps them feel more like a family, and a new name is an important symbol of the journey they are embarking on together
Monogramming, personalized doormats and dinner reservations become easier (although I hope you're not changing your name for a doormat!)
Let's face it, since so many brides do take their husband's last names, people will expect it and will already start addressing you as Mrs. Jones, whether you like it or not. (You may even get that personalized doormat as a wedding present) Perhaps going with that flow is not a bad option.
The Cons of Taking Your Husband's Last Name
You're getting married, not becoming a different person. Changing your last name may feel like a loss of self or a loss of identity.
It may go against your politics – after all, why does the woman have to change her name, and not the man? Furthermore, changing your name may imply that you are more old-fashioned or traditional than you actually are.
If you are the last of your family with your last name, you may not want to give it up.
If your name is interesting, or alliterative, and his name is hard to pronounce or just dissonant, it may be better to stick with the name you were born with.
If you've become known in your career field, it may be hard to reestablish your reputation with a different last name.
Fortunately it's not just as black and white as his name or your name.
Other options besides just taking his name
Hyphenating your last names – sometimes just the bride hyphenates, while the groom stays with his last name solo, but most of the time both change their names. You all can decide whose name goes first!
Keeping your maiden name as a middle name. This way, you can choose to sometimes put Amanda Smith Jones and sometimes just Amanda Jones, depending on the circumstance
If you're worried about being the last in the family with that name, consider taking your husband's name, but using your maiden name as a first or middle name for a child. So if your name was Lisa Alice Fielding, your son could be Fielding Charles Burwell.
He could take your last name. While only a small percentage of couples are going this route, it will mark you all as modern folks who aren't afraid to change up tradition. If you've got the cool last name, and his is, well, dorky, both of you can win with this option.
You can combine the last names into a new name. If your last name is Miller and his is Peltson, why can't you all become the Millsons? Or there's really nothing stopping you from choosing a new name all together – think of it as a chance to make a clean break.
Consider changing your name legally, so as to make traveling with the kids, dealing with schools and other personal matters easier, but still using your name professionally. It will be a small hassle setting things up when you change jobs, but will make day-to-day life much simpler.
Just because I love this... Filene’s Basement is known for its bargains on everything from fashions to home goods, but perhaps the store is most famous for its annual Bridal Gown Events when brides-to-be can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on designer wedding gowns.
The sale is held in selected Filene’s Basement stores once a year (twice a year in Boston). News reports so often compare it to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain that the event is now officially called the “Running of the Brides.”
The day of the sale, brides-to-be and their helpers line up early. When the doors open, they run full speed towards the racks. In less than 60 seconds, the racks are stripped bare (store employees have to hold on to the fixtures so they don’t topple). The women grab whatever gowns they can, haul them off to a corner, strip down to their underwear and start trying on dresses. Minutes later the trading begins. Every dress, no matter what size, style or color, gets bartered for another, as each bride tries to find the gown of her dreams at a cut-rate price.
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the “Running of the Brides.”
When did the sale start?
Filene’s Basement has occasionally sold wedding gowns ever since the store first opened in 1908. Through press coverage and letters from customers, we determined that a special one-day wedding gown event was held as early as 1947, although it was probably a little tamer than the sale is today.
How many gowns are there?
Anywhere from 1300 to 2500, depending on the store.
How much do they cost?
$249, $499 and $699.
What were the original prices?
$900 to $9,000 plus—Gowns bought from other retailers usually have the original price tags attached, so customers can see the savings instantly.
What labels do you carry?
Filene’s Basement carries some of the most famous labels in the wedding gown industry. Because we sell these gowns at such a huge discount, we have an agreement with our vendors that we will not advertise the names. What we can say, though, is that these are designers and brands you see featured in all the big bridal magazines.
Where does Filene’s Basement get the gowns?
We get them from bridal gown manufacturers and from bridal salons and boutiques. Our buyer has developed great contacts in the wedding gown industry, both in the United States and in Europe. Dresses become available for a variety of reasons-- a cancelled order, a cancelled wedding, a small shop needing to make space for new gowns, and so on. We buy nothing ‘sight unseen.’ The buyer travels to where the gowns are, and hand picks the best ones.
Do I need to make an appointment? What are the hours of the sale?
No appointments needed—we’re not that formal. Brides-to-be are welcome any time during store hours.
Doors open at 8:00am, but brides-to-be start arriving much earlier. In fact, some brides arrive the day before and bring lawn chairs, sleeping bags, and even pop-up tents. Most brides arrive between 7:00am and 8:00am. The sale continues all day until store closing (which varies by store).
What if I don’t want to partake in the actual “Running of the Brides,” or I can’t get there till later in the day, will there still be dresses left?
Plenty! When the store opens, the racks get cleared quickly because people take as many as their arms can hold. Not knowing what they’ve grabbed, they quickly relinquish the sizes and styles they don’t want, putting them back on the rack or giving them to empty-handed brides. If a bride gets impatient waiting, we tell her to go have a cup of coffee and come back later—by 10:00AM, most of the dresses are back on the racks and you can shop in relative calm.
If you don’t get out of work till 5:00PM, or you’re just not up to the frenzy of store opening, the odds of finding a dress are still excellent. Only one in three or one in four people in line are shopping for a wedding gown. The others are helpers. For instance in Boston, usually the biggest event, there may be 800 people in line but only 250 of them are brides-to-be and there are up to 2500 gowns for sale.
What happens when the doors open?
Customers run full speed to the racks; they grab as many dresses as their arms will hold. It takes less than sixty seconds for the racks to be stripped bare; the record is 36 seconds. The brides-to-be stake out a spot on the selling floor, preferably in front of a mirror and start trying on dresses. Even though we sometimes build a temporary fitting room on the selling floor most brides try on gowns in the aisles. Some women wear sports bras and shorts, others wear the lingerie they plan to wear under the gown.
Should I bring help?
Definitely bring help—your mother, bridal party, a style-savvy friend. You need people to help grab gowns off the racks, make trades with other parties, help you in and out of the dresses, and guard the ones in your “maybe” pile from prowlers. It’s a good idea to have a team “uniform”—something that will help you find each other in the crowd, like wearing the same color shirts or big hats. Some teams get very creative. They print their team name on t-shirts, carry whistles or walkie-talkies, and so on. Some teams have strategy meetings before the sale; one woman created a Power-Point presentation for her team all about the dress she wanted.
Why aren’t the dresses organized by size?
1) We don’t want give the first people in line the unfair advantage of taking all of one size. 2) Any order we start with would break down as soon as all the gowns come off the racks. 3) Wedding gown sizes vary—often they run small. Try on any dress that looks close to your size and see how it fits.
I’ve heard that people trade dresses. How does this work?
Over time, a unique trading strategy has evolved. Any gowns that are rejected by the bride are ‘shopped’ around to the various groups looking for fresh merchandise. This can get complex—one trade could involve multiple transactions. For instance, bride #1 wants a gown that bride #2 has, so she offers a gown in trade; #2 has her eye on a gown being held by bride #3, so she sends bride #1 to negotiate with bride #3. Got it?
Often you’ll see helpers making their way through the crowd holding signs that read “size 10 – 12 in ivory” or “simple size 20 wanted.”
I’ve heard all kinds of stories about how people behave at this sale—are they true?
This is an emotional purchase so we see a range of behaviors. At the start this event can bring out the worst in shoppers—shoving, elbowing, hoarding, and so on; but eventually it brings out the best. A lot of bonding takes place between the bridal groups. Everybody stops what they’re doing and cheers for brides when they declare a dress “the one.” Once, when it was discovered that one bride’s mother couldn’t fly in from Chicago because of bad weather, all the other mothers acted as surrogates and helped her find her wedding gown. Brides-to-be who are shopping alone have met on-line and in line and joined forces and help each other.
The behavior of Bridal Gown Sale customers has been studied by two professors of marketing at Bentley College, near Boston. They have shared their findings in scholarly journals and at academic conferences.
How far do brides travel for this sale?
We’ve talked to brides who traveled from Alaska, the U.K., Switzerland, all over. A group from Fresno, California flew to Boston for the sale after hearing about it from an uncle who lived in Taiwan. The gowns themselves have traveled too. One woman sent 4 dresses to her nieces in Russia; another from Brazil shipped a gown to her future sister-in-law, who loved it.
Are men allowed in the store during the sale?
Sure, if they dare. We’ve seen the occasional brother, male friend, father and even fiancé. There have even been instances of fiancés doing the shopping for their brides-to-be—yikes!
Besides saving money, why go to the sale?
As one bride put it, “if we get a gown here, we can invite twenty more people to the wedding.” Her fiancé had other ideas for the savings, like extending the honeymoon.
And there’s the fun factor—this sale has become part of the wedding planning experience for brides and their helpers. In some families, it’s a long-standing tradition to shop for a wedding gown at this sale.
What was the most expensive wedding gown ever sold at the sale?
One was originally priced at $10,000. At the time, the price for gowns at the Filene’s Basement sale was $199, so some lucky bride got the bargain of a lifetime.
What is the most unusual wedding gown sold?
A few stand out. One was custom designed gown and train made of white lambskin. The skirt was gored alternating leather with different patterns of ecru lace. Another was hand-made by designer Michelle Roth for a runway show. The skirt had five layers—one layer was hand painted with flowers and it was sandwiched between two layers with three-dimensional flowers sewn on, underneath, a layer of crinoline, and finally, a layer of lace. Two other gowns were memorable for their hand-painted skirt designs: one was a peacock and the other, a map of the world.
Are the dresses returnable?
No, because Filene’s Basement does not carry wedding gowns other than the day of the sale.
Do you have any tips for finding the perfect dress at this event?
Yes, we have a compilation of tips from brides-to-be who found their wedding gown at this sale. E-mail Pat.boudrot@filenesbasement.com to request the “Secrets of Success—finding your dream dress at Filene’s Basement’s Running of the Brides.” 2010 Dates to be Published Soon! Ideas for the Urban Arty Set
If you live in a big city, wear lots of black, and spend your evenings at gallery openings, you'll want a sophisticated wedding - no princess froufrou for you! Incorporate your passions into your wedding day with these hip tips.
ATTIRE:
Groom: A hip designer suit, no tuxedo. Check out Prada, Armani, or Ermenegildo Zegna.
Bride: A contemporary designer such as Bonaparte- NY by Junko, Therez Fleetwood, Richard Tyler, Badgley Mischka, or Monique Lhuillier. You might be as daring to incorporate leather or feathers into your dress.
FLOWERS: Flower arrangements and bouquets should be made of only one kind of flower such as deep plum calla lilies, rununculus or orchids. Boutonnieres could be any of these flowers or a single chocolate cosmo. Check out bloom.com for ideas.
REGISTRY: Forgo registering for fine china and bread makers and instead register for modern art, or for contemporary home furnishings.
MENU: Have a sushi station with a chef making custom maki rolls and sashimi. Or have a full raw bar with several different kinds of seviche, and extra fresh oysters. Serve the most au courant cocktails, such as caiprinhas.
SPECIAL TOUCH: Have an after-party at a hip downtown bar.
Don't Skip the Cocktail Hour While you are off being in love and grasping the concept that you are a "Mrs.", your guests are left at your reception site awaiting your arrival. Be generous and have sumptuous treats to greet them. Create an environment conducive to mingling and conversation with soft music playing in the background. You do want people to get to know each other and talk-so don't blast it. Opt for Jazz classics, songs that make people feel like they are at something important. Another thing you should definitely consider springing for is extra wait staff. It is quite a hassle to have to repeatedly go to the bar, and once there wait in line. It also adds a sense of refinement to your event with butlered drinks being passed-it makes your guests feel important. Here is a chance to incorporate your personality by having a signature drink passed and available at the bar. Put up a little sign in a silver plated frame explaining the significance. Your guests will feel included and also get the chance to try something new! Engaged couples are always talking about it -- cash gifts. The little-known secret? Many definitely prefer money for their marriage over traditional registry items like china, silver and crystal. Everyone loves the gift of money, but how do you get it? Read on for the history, etiquette, and how-to of getting wedding gifts of cold, hard cash.
The Reasons
Maybe you're getting married for the first time and would rather have a lump sum to put toward your first home, or you're remarrying and have long since set up house. The truth is that quite a few of us have already accrued all kinds of appliances and amenities to outfit our lives. But there are very few who couldn't use a helping hand toward buying a home or new car. That's when money may be the most useful, thoughtful, and appreciated gift of all.
The History
Time was when the mavens of manners turned up their noses at the thought of giving money as a gift. But today, there are plenty of people who can't think of a more appropriate present for two people just starting out in their new, shared life. In fact, monetary gifts have long been considered proper and acceptable in different regions of the country, as well as among different cultures. Guests invited to a Korean wedding often present envelopes containing cash or checks to the parents of the bride and groom, who in turn present the money to the newlywed couple. Guests at a Chinese wedding often hand the bride monetary presents in red envelopes (red symbolizes luck). There's an Italian custom called "The Grand March" -- the wedding reception ends with a receiving line in which the couple gives each guest a sweet in exchange for an envelope of money. During the traditional Polish "Dollar Dance," guests dance with the bride and give her money as a gift by pinning money to her veil or dress.
How to Spread the Word
If you decide to set up such an account, or simply want your guests to know that you'd prefer checks -- let your parents, close relatives and friends, and wedding-party members know that when guests ask, they can tell them that. But don't completely forego some sort of traditional registry. Give guests a choice -- some may really want to give you something material, rather than just writing you a check.
Quick Tips
If anyone asks, checks before the wedding should be made out to the bride OR groom (i.e., they should use the bride's maiden name, even if she's planning to change it). After the wedding, checks should be made out to bride AND groom. This just makes cashing 'em easier, and it's also the traditional way it's done. As far as checks brought to the reception -- put someone in charge of collecting them. The best man is a good choice. You might want to make him and the maid of honor responsible for keeping the checks for you while you're on your honeymoon.
Registering for Cash?
These days, there are actual registries set up around the concept of monetary gifts. You can sign up for the Create-A-Gift on The Knot Registry to receive AmEx Gift Cheques to be used toward whatever it is you want for your wedding gift -- a down payment on a new home, a massage for your honeymoon -- traditional or not.
It's the Thought That Counts
The one potentially awkward thing about a cash gift is that there's no hiding how big or small that present is. But the thought behind each one remains the same -- and your thanks shouldn't vary in size, either.
Destination Wedding Destination weddings, meaning weddings held in a vacation location away from the couple's home town, have gained in popularity in recent years. Today, this hip alternative allows a couple to combine the best of an adventurous honeymoon with a more traditional ceremony, and sometimes save money in the process.
Some destination weddings just involve the eloping couple, others include a few close friends and family, and still others are full blowout affairs with multiple parties over a long wedding weekend.
So is a destination wedding right for you? Here are the pros and cons:
Pro: A Complete Package
Resorts and tourism organizations have seen the dollar signs behind this trend and so work hard to keep a destination wedding stress-free and simpler. As part of a package deal, many offer the complimentary services of their on-site wedding consultant who will help you coordinate all of the ceremony essentials (marriage license, cake, officiant, etc.) All you have to do is show up! Also talk to your wedding coordinator about organizing activities for your guests such as sightseeing, SCUBA or snorkeling excursions, sports, or shopping. If your resort has a spa onsite, give your guests gift certificates for spa services to help them really enjoy their stays.
Con: Planning a Wedding Long Distance and Legal Red Tape
For those of you not getting married at a resort, you'll have to juggle all those details yourself long distance. If your destination wedding is in a foreign country or even another state, you might run into complications when trying to get a marriage license. Consider hiring a coordinator who specializes in destination weddings to help you over these speed bumps. You can also consult the marriage site at about.com for marriage license laws in popular destinations. And, check with those tourist boards, who may have literature available to help you find local florists, photographers, and venues.
Pro: Avoiding Stressful Family Situations
With a smaller invitation list, you can avoid feeling "forced" to invite the cousin you can't stand, or the in-law that everyone fights with. Just invite your very closest friends and family to the intimate ceremony and celebration, or keep it romantic and don't invite anyone. You can always send them pictures!
Con: Family Members and Friends You Love May Not Be There
Particularly for far-away locations, some guests may not be able to attend due to the expense, or the difficulty of getting time off of work. Older guests may not be able to travel so far away from home. Talk to those who are truly essential before you book tickets and send invitations. On the plus side, you'll have far more time to spend with the guests who come to a destination wedding than those who come to a more traditional wedding.
Pro: You'll Save Money By Not Having 200 People at a Reception
Spending a luxurious wedding weekend in a dramatic location can often cost less than a seated dinner at a nice location. Destination Wedding Etiquette calls for the bride and groom to pay for the hotel rooms, food and most of the guests' expenses. Guests pay for their own airfare. If money is an issue, look to domestic locations or countries with a favorable exchange rate, and consider keeping the guest list small.
Con: Some of your loved ones may not be able to afford to travel that far
Again, talk to those who are truly essential before you've made the final decision on your destination wedding location. Consider paying for some of your guests' airfare, and look into group discounts through travel agents.
Pro: By Combining Wedding and Honeymoon, You Can Afford to Go to that Dream Honeymoon Locale
Instead of spending your honeymoon at a Bread and Breakfast close to home, you can have the trip of a lifetime in an glamorous location. Best of all, you'll have an excuse to return there for a 5-, 10-, or 25-year anniversary.
Con: With Your Family Around, and a Wedding to Worry About, Will You Really Get a Honeymoon?
Of course, you'll be in a beautiful place, but will you have enough romantic alone time? To get around this, make sure you schedule it and insist on it. Arrive a few days before everyone else (you may need to do this anyway for marriage license requirements), or have a honeymoon nearby afterwards. If neither of these are possible, find interesting things your wedding party can do while you and your fiancé have couple time. Types of Receptions When envisioning your wedding reception, do you see the beauty of early morning light dancing through the trees or an all night, all-out party? There are so many different types of wedding receptions, there's going to be one right for your style, AND your budget. Breakfast or Brunch Reception
If you're having a sunrise wedding, or just envision getting married bright and early in the morning, then you'll want to have a breakfast or brunch reception. Traditionally, menus include breakfast classics like quiche, frittata, and eggs benedict. It's great to have stations where guests can get food like omelets, and French toast made to order. For a touch of luxury, consider adding smoked salmon, caviar, or a carving station with ham, turkey or roast beef. Spice things up with Bloody Mary's, Bellinis, and Mimosas. And don't forget the coffee!
Pros: It's inexpensive; people will drink considerably less alcohol, and the types of food served are typically cheaper as well. If you want to get a jump-start on your honeymoon, a brunch reception perfectly allows you to leave the same day.
Cons: Consider your guests, especially those who live two hours away. They'll have to get up very early to make it to your wedding. Also, you won't have as long to get ready in the morning.
A New Twist: A cocktail-style brunch. Have your caterer reinvent breakfast classics into hors d'oeuvres such as mini-eggs benedict, bite sized French toast, and scrambled egg bites topped with caviar. Keep those Mimosas and Bellini's flowing!
A Lunch Reception
If you want a morning wedding, but need a little bit more time to get ready than a breakfast reception would allow, consider a lunch reception.
Pros: It allows you to serve some of the same favorite dishes that you would at a dinner reception, for a cheaper price. You still may be able to leave for your honeymoon the same day.
Cons: If you don't leave for your honeymoon that same day, you'll have to figure out what else to do with the rest of your wedding day! Your reception might also be more staid than it would be later in the evening.
A New Twist: A picnic reception! Have your caterer (or a favorite restaurant) package individual meals in disposable cardboard picnic boxes. Spread out big pieces of colorful cloth and offer pitchers of basil lemonade and raspberry iced tea. Be sure to have some tables and chairs available for those who prefer not to sit on the ground.
Afternoon Tea
If you've ever been to an old-fashioned high tea, you know that it's an indulgent fun time. It's not every day that we get to gobble tea sandwiches and cute desserts in the middle of the afternoon. Serve a variety of hot teas, champagne, finger sandwiches, tartlets, petit fours, éclairs, and of course, wedding cake. Be sure to plan your reception for the middle of the afternoon so that guests aren't expecting a full meal.
Pros: Again, it's cheaper than having a dinner reception. It's also a little different, and it's perfect for adding hand-crafted and vintage touches.
Cons: Afternoon tea is a little girly, and so your male guests may not feel entirely comfortable.
A New Twist Be a bit cheeky, and serve Long Island Iced Teas (a potent cocktail) along with the other tea offerings.
Champagne and Cake Reception
This is probably the least expensive type of reception, and it's what was once the norm for most weddings. Gather everyone after the ceremony for a bit of cake and a few toasts. But don't ask your guests to get in their cars again. Have your reception in the garden of your ceremony venue, or even right in the same room. I also suggest that you put on your invitation "champagne and cake to follow" so that guests will know there isn't a meal.
Pros: Did I mention already that it's cheap? If you're not a fan of big crowds or lots of mingling, a champagne and cake reception is often short and sweet.
Cons: Some guests might expect more. You might find that it's over far too fast for your liking! And you'll have to skip out on some of the traditional aspects of a wedding reception.
Cocktail Wedding Reception
Cocktail receptions can be elegant and stylish, and allow your guests to really mingle and meet each other. They tend to be a bit more relaxed than a sit-down meal, and often feel like a great party.
Pros: If your venue is small, cocktail receptions allow you to have more people. They're typically shorter than a sit-down meal, and they allow you to really circulate and enjoy the party.
Cons: While you might anticipate that a cocktail reception would be cheaper, your guests will likely drink more than at a dinner reception. Since most people won't be seated, some guests will have trouble seeing events like the first dance.
Dinner Wedding Reception
The most classic and formal type of wedding reception, a sit-down or buffet dinner allows you time to really celebrate your wedding, treat your guests, and still have everyone up on the dance floor afterwards. You'll start with a cocktail hour, then proceed into an adjoining room for dinner, followed by dancing, cake cutting, bouquet tossing and more.
Pros: Your guests will feel like you really went all out, and feel special. You won't feel rushed or hurried.
Cons: Typically, this is the most expensive type of wedding reception. You might also feel a little sad that your wedding night in the hotel room is starting so late! (wink).
A New Twist: After an hour or two of dancing, your guests might have worked up an appetite again. Serve a "surprise" treat at midnight of packages of donuts, an early breakfast, or even fast food. Rehearsal Dinner What is it?
A rehearsal dinner is typically an informal meal after a wedding rehearsal, which takes place the night before the actual wedding. It's a chance for the wedding party to get to know each other better, and most importantly, it's a chance for the bride and groom to thank all the people who have helped them out with the wedding planning.
Do I have to have one?
You don't have to have one, but there are very few reasons not to. You're going to need to eat on that night anyway, why not eat with your loved ones?
Who pays?
Traditionally the groom's parents pay but nowadays you'll often see couples include the cost in their overall wedding planning budget. Another scenario is for both parents to host it together.
Who plans it?
It is traditionally the realm of the groom's mother. Check in with your mother-in-law and see if she is willing and able to do so. If she wants to, it's a good idea to let her – it gives her a role in the wedding and even if the rehearsal dinner is completely different from your taste, guests will presume that you didn't plan it.
What happens at a rehearsal dinner?
Along with eating, of course, the bride and groom offer up thanks and toast their families and the wedding party. There are often many other informal toasts. Sometimes this toasting becomes a roasting of the bride and groom – but it's all in good fun. You may also plan ice-breaking games or other activities including poker, pool, darts, a short funny home-movie, or backyard games. If you're not having a bridesmaid's luncheon, this is also an appropriate time to give bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts.
How do I invite my guests?
Typically, printed invitations are sent a few days after you send the wedding invitation. These don't need to be elegant and expensive – the easiest thing to do is to get the templates to print on your home computer.
Do I have to invite out-of-town guests?
Once upon a time, a rehearsal dinner was only for the wedding party and the immediate family of the bride and groom. Now, wedding magazines will tell you that you have to invite all of the out-of-town guests. Here's my opinion: it is a nice gesture, so that you don't leave them at loose ends in a strange town the night before the wedding. However, if you don't invite them, you can include a list of restaurants or things to do in the area on your wedding website. Also, you can hold the rehearsal dinner on the early side, and then include a note in your invitations saying "If you're in town the night before the wedding, we'd love to see you! We'll be at the East Side Pub after 9 pm – please join us if you can make it." A nice touch is to get the bar to provide pub snacks and appetizers to your guests, which will still be less expensive than providing them dinner.
What if I can't afford a rehearsal dinner?
First, reexamine your expectations – it doesn't have to be some grand formal thing at a restaurant or catering hall. Some of the best rehearsal dinners I've seen are relaxed backyard barbecues which allow people to really get to know each other. Set up a volleyball net or get a game of touch football going. It can even be a potluck. But do have one – it's your opportunity to thank all the people who made your wedding day possible. Selecting a Photographer Many bridal couples glaze over the wonderful images that a photographer shows them and then will suddenly change their minds if the price seems out of their reach. It is important, one of the most important decisions (after choosing each other to marry!), to select the best photographer to photograph your wedding. When it is all said and done the only tangible memory you have are your photos, a dress that you will not even wear to dinner for your first month's anniversary, and possibly preserved flowers.
The presentation of pricing is a good guideline for the finished production. You cannot buy good photography after the wedding day, only a good package to show the work. Select the photographer who you feel comfortable with and, by their presentation exhibits a style of work you would like to hold on to in the future. Find out if an hourly rate and cost of film rate is available. After the wedding, perhaps, as your budget permits work with them to design a produced display of photos in albums or framed work.
You will have the best photographer your money could buy, and the best work that cannot be replaced. Who Knew.... Money and Time Management tips:
*Think about obtaining a joint credit card for you and your fiancé that earns you frequent flyer miles. Use this card just for wedding purchases if you can afford to pay for it outright don't bother no one wants to begin life together with debt. This will help you keep track of all of your expenses and earn miles for your honeymoon at the same time. The majority of florists, photographers, and reception locations now take credit cards.
*Ask your travel agent about "honeymooners" insurance. The cost varies based on your destination but can help safeguard your honeymoon investment from weather disasters, medical emergencies, theft, etc...
*Send a "Save the Date" note to your out-of-town guests in your holiday, birthday, and Valentine's Day cards. This will help save on postage and guarantee people will read this information as they are being wished a happy birthday or happy Valentine's Day.
*Create an e-mail distribution list for your bridal party that updates them monthly as details, times, and locations change, keeping them well informed in writing.
*Make sure you weigh your wedding invitation in its entirety before buying postage. With the addition of various maps and hotel information, invitations may surpass the required weight limits and you, not your guests, will be getting your wedding announcement.
Planning Tips:
*Make a master list of all of your guests prior to sending out your wedding invitations. On each of the reply response cards put a small number (in pencil) on the back of the card identifying which response card went to which guest. This will ensure when you receive your response reply cards that you know who sent them back to you. Often people forget to say who they are on the card but that they will attend. This way you know that response reply #11 was Uncle Kevin and his wife Karen... who knew?
*Worried about the forecast, try www.weather.com for your up-to-the-minute forecast. Just type in your zip code and pray for sunshine!
*Make sure you have your calligrapher lined up prior to sending out and ordering your wedding invitations. Weddings come in waves and calligraphers can only handle workloads on a case by case basis. Also, don't forget about the place cards, they too need to be done by a calligrapher.
Tasty Tips and Tidbits:
*Create a special "signature drink" in place of champagne and use it at your rehearsal dinner for toasts and well wishes. Name this drink, for example, infamous "Michele's Wedding" drink. Print the ingredients of the drink on the back of each place card as a keepsake for guests. All of your guests will now know what to serve you to drink when you come to dinner to show off your honeymoon pictures.
*Put a small star on the back of specific place cards (mother of the groom, favorite aunt) these stars will designate who gets to take the centerpiece flowers home at the end of the evening. This is a nice way to give a gift of thanks to certain special guests.
*Use the leftover food from your rehearsal dinner to create box lunches the next day for the groom and groomsmen, just in case anyone drinks too much at the rehearsal and forget to eat the next day. *For the bridesmaids, we suggest catering high-energy, low-calorie salads and sandwiches to munch on while they are having their makeup and hair done.
Health, Fashion and Life Tips:
*Schedule a night each week that you and your fiancé do "non-wedding" things, a time for the two of you to reconnect and remember why you fell in love...
*Every bride willingly gives up her garter during the garter toss, but you should remember that you may need two garters - one to throw at the wedding and one to keep as a sentimental souvenir.
*A must for the bride: visit your OB-GYN for appropriate antibiotics that may come in handy if that ever-dreaded UTI occurs during the honeymoon. It's better to be safe than sorry when you're in the middle of an island and agony strikes!
Don't feel bad asking questions - many of them! As with any industry, there will unfortunately be some un-ethical people who might be looking to take advantage of a couple getting married. To avoid any mishaps, misunderstandings and headaches try the tips below: *Always get everything in writing and where possible, a contract should be drawn up. If you are dealing with a reputable business, you will find that this is often standard procedure. Remember not to assume anything, always read the fine print, terms and conditions. Do not sign anything until you full understand what you are signing for.
*Ask about cancellation policies. What happens if you wish to cancel a service you have booked? Will there be fees involved?
*When dealing with caterers or reception venues, find out if there are extra fees for things such as set-up and clean-up. Do not be afraid to ask about charges for cake cutting, coat rooms and corkage fees. All costs should be itemized in the contract and request that no additional fees are to be added after these fees have been agreed upon.
*Always find out about overtime fees. Whether this is for your reception venue, transport or any other service on the day, you do not want to be slapped with an unexpected bill for overtime fees. Play it safe and find out what options you have if your wedding runs overtime.
*Be cautious of a deal that seems too good to be true. If you shop around and do your homework, you should have a general idea of how much a certain item or service should cost. If you find an offer that is suspiciously cheap, don't be afraid to ask why.
*Double bookings can sometimes happen, particularly peak wedding seasons. If you know that another wedding is booked for the same day in the same room as yours, be sure that you specify your exact time, from which hour to which hour you require the room. Remember to allow for enough time to clean-up between weddings.
And remember, it is highly reccommended to work with a professional wedding photographer who specializes in weddings. This is especially advisable for shooting the ceremony. A professional will have the experience to be able beautifully capture your wedding day. Save the Date! There are many ways to be a courteous bride... welcome baskets, thank-you notes, beautiful wedding favors, but one of the nicest things you can do for your guests, is to let them know the specifics of your upcoming special event. Phone calls are nice but time consuming, and word-of-mouth announcements are helpful but unreliable. One of the best ways to ensure your guests reserve your wedding date is by announcing your wedding via "Save The Date" cards!
"Save The Date" cards are one of the hottest trends in wedding planning today, quickly changing their status from luxury to a necessity. Typically sent out four months before the wedding, "Save The Date" cards are a wonderful way of notifying friends and family of the upcoming event. The cards come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from a simple card listing the date and time of the wedding to beautifully designed booklets that list all the details of the upcoming event.
No doubt, out-of-town guests benefit the most from "Save The Date" cards since it gives them plenty of time to reserve the date, make all travel arrangements, and shop around for the most affordable travel deals without feeling rushed. More detailed "Save The Date" cards can list activities scheduled around the event so both the local and out-of-town guests get a perspective of the weekend agenda and plan accordingly. The Scoop.....
ITALY BEATS OUT HAWAII’S 10 YEAR WINNING STREAK FOR # 1 HONEYMOON DESTINATION
Modern Bride Magazine unveils the results of their eleventh annual World’s Best Honeymoons Survey in the August/September issue. The survey was conducted through Virtuoso, a network of 6,000 luxury travel agents who are among the nation’s top travel bookers. Travel experts ranked their overall favorite honeymoon destination, the hotels and resorts with the most luxurious amenities, as well as the destinations that offer the best in categories such as romance, seclusion, affordability, adventure, nightlife, food, and culture.
This Year’s Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations are:
1. Italy (3rd in ‘06) - the number one honeymoon destination for the first year ever, with vibrant cities, tantalizing cuisine, and a culture that has embraced true love for centuries
2. Hawaii - a top destination for eleven years with its luxurious resorts and sprawling beaches
3. Tahiti - for lovers looking to savor the sights, scents and flavors of a French Polynesian treasure
4. Costa Rica (26th in ‘04) - exotic rainforests, erupting volcanoes, and wildlife reserves promise an adventure lover’s paradise
5. Mexico - for a blend of rich culture, endless fiestas, and thousands of miles of white sand beaches
6. France (9th in ‘06) - for exquisite works of art and architecture, decadent desserts, and an amazing countryside
7. Maldives - over 1,000 secluded isles offer out of this world sailing, diving, and swimming in crystal blue waters
8. Anguilla (34th in ‘03) - where the beauty of the Caribbean meets with posh resorts and eclectic cuisine
9. Fiji - a South Pacific oasis of limestone caves, Asian inspired cuisine, and pristine coral gardens
10. Greece - a convergence of sumptuous food, enchanting island hopping, black sand, and emerald seas
Expertly acclaimed hotels and resorts with the most luxurious amenities include:
Ultimate honeymoon suite: Premier Overwater Villa at the St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Ultimate resort for seclusion: Le Taha’s Private Island & Spa, French Polynesia
Resort with best service: The Peninsula Bangkok, Thailand
Most luxurious bathroom: Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, CA
Best resort private plunge pool: Ladera, St. Lucia
Resort with the best bed: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island, HI
Resort with best beach: Caneel Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Resort with best bar: The Setai, Miami Beach, FL
Resort with best spa: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
Best hotel brand: Four Seasons
Best all-inclusive brand: Sandals
Top three honeymoon destinations organized by category:
Most up-and-coming honeymoon destinations: Dubai, Croatia, Costa Rica
Best cultural experience: Italy, France, Greece
Most romantic: Tahiti, Italy, Hawaii
Sexiest Ambiance: Tahiti, St. Barths, Brazil
Best nightlife: Las Vegas, New York, Brazil
Most affordable destinations: Mexico, Las Vegas, Dominican Republic
Most secluded: Maldives, Seychelles, Tahiti
Best beaches: Turks & Caicos, Hawaii, Tahiti
Best snorkeling/diving: Belize, Cayman Islands, Australia
Best for winter sports: Switzerland, Colorado, Canada
Best food: Italy, France, New York
Best adventure: Costa Rica, South Africa, New Zealand
For more info: www.brides.com/modernbride
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