Win A Couples Getaway To Riviera Maya!

Destination Weddings and Honeymoons are giving away a couples romantic getaway to Hacienda Tresrios on Riviera Maya.  The lucky couple will win 5 nights all inclusive accommodations...that means food, too! You'll also receive a couples spa treatment, a bottle of wine and a dinner at the chef's table.

The resort is totally sweet, it even boasts a nature park!  Enter to win your getaway here!

Beach Wedding Invitations

Really amazing beach invitations are hard to find! Here are a few that we found from Wedding Paper Divas.  Love that name, love this company.  This company has super high quality products with contemporary to traditional invitations.  There is always a savings coupon on the front page of their website.  
Grab the coupon and save some money on some amazing beach wedding invitations!!

 

Our Wedding On the Beach!

Love this invitation, this just screams beach wedding, sun, sand, surf and love!

Coastal Sky: Paradise

Palm Trees: Coffee

Nassau Chic

PopShops™ affiliate stores

Amazing Tropical Beach Destination Wedding Invitations

Congratulations, you are getting married in a tropical paradise on a beach at sunset!
Finding the right wedding invitation or announcement has been a long fruitless search. The flowers and doves just don't fit your wedding and the plain invitations just aren't you. Our search has turned up these awesome invites that convey tropical paradise and can do double duty as an invitation or announcement. Love them! Click on the invitation for more information.

Destination Beach Wedding Dresses

You've set the date, you've picked the location, now you need to find THE perfect wedding dress. A destination or beach wedding dress needs to be easy to pack and transport. It needs to be lightweight if the weather is hot. Your dress needs to look like a wedding dress, but not over the top. Destination dresses are considered more of an informal wedding dress. Your dress needs to be easy to wear and comfortable at the wedding. And finally you will need to be able to navigate the terrain, like sand at the beach, in the dress without stumbling, tripping and dragging around a heavy dress.

Consider light weight fabrics like chiffon, taffeta, natural silk (which actually breathes)and light weight satin or natural fabrics like bamboo. Make sure if you are getting married in the sunlight that the dress doesn't shadow, it must be lined well enough so that nothing shows through.


What do do? We've got some suggestions of sizzling, beach worthy, easy to pack destination wedding dresses. Oh, yes, and the prices are right!




4030 Wedding Gown - $ 179.00



ED-1187 Eden Wedding Gown - $ 403.00



ED-1357 Eden Wedding Gown - $ 337.00


Sexy back of the dress above...LOVE IT!



FV-6120 Dress - $ 268.00
Check out the back below!!


OMG, what an amazing back!!

All Inclusive Destination Weddings

An all inclusive wedding is a wedding where
everything is included. Your wedding site,the officiant,ceremony, flowers, cake, reception,travel, room, food, alcohol, entertainment,tips, taxes and transfers from the airport to the hotel. You also have the services of a wedding coordinator to make the wedding flawless.

You need only to make the decisions regarding the destination site, set the date, get a passport if traveling outside of the USA, apply for the marriage license, pack and travel. And they can help all your guests get there and arrange their accommodations. They'll even steam or press your wedding dress when you arrive.

Most all inclusive wedding sites are in Mexico, Hawaii and in the Caribbean.

The benefits are that everything is done for you. You don't have the stress of planning a wedding. The next big plus: after the ceremony, you are on your honeymoon. No need to repack andtravel, the honeymoon starts instantly.

Since everything is paid as a package, there are no additional expenses. You can dine at any of the restaurants on the property or other resorts that have exchange privileges. Or you can stay in your room and dine on room service. You can dance the night away, watch the nightly entertainment or relax in your room. You can lounge at the pool or at the beach. You can golf, take part in beach activities, games and barbeques, or do nothing at all but chill. All alcohol is included, some resorts will even supply cigarettes.

The all inclusive resorts are popular as destination wedding spots and also for honeymoons. Many couples return on their anniversary for a vacation. Your guests have so many activities to enjoy, they won't bother you and most resorts will place you away from your guests so you get the privacy you want when you want. Your wedding party and guests will probably only stay for the weekend.

Dream Honeymoons; Destination Weddings at Sandals Resorts!


All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacations

How easy is it to have all the details taken care of for you? No stress, little fuss, all fun! Our brides have raved about the all inclusive resorts of Sandals and the Riu resorts in Mexico. Happy planning!

Get Married In The Serenity of Gatlinburg, TN

I was surprised to find out that Gatlinburg
Tennessee was such a hot spot for destination
weddings. Mountain lovers choose it for its
location in the Smoky Mountains. Cool mountain
air, quiet serenity, mountain streams make it
the perfect location to have your wedding.
Not everyone is a beach person, but if you
want to marry next to a bubbling stream,
Gatlinburg can make it happen.

You can rent hotels, chalets or cabins.
The cabins aren't what you are thinking,
while they may have rustic cabin look on the
outside, the insides are amazing.
They are modern, comfortable and quite
plush. They sport hot tubs, game rooms
and pool tables. Renting a chalet for your
wedding is a great way for a family
get together and celebration. You can
even get married in the chalet and have
your reception there.

You can get married in your cabin, chalet,
chapel, church or outdoors. Weddings start
at the budget price of $90, not including
your marriage license.

You are near Dollywood, great shopping,
quaint shops and great food. You can
hike or fish or sit in your private hot tub.
In the winter you can ski and warm up
in front of the fireplace in your chalet.
You can relax or take part in the local action.
And there are plenty of activities for your
guests to enjoy.

Want more info on Gatlinburg weddings? Click here.

Or contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce for
information on lodging, chalets and things to do.

Just Married Flip Flops on Sale

On Sale at The Knot Wedding Shop


I came across these cute just married flip
flops on sale for an outrageous $2.99 a pair
at the Knot. These are so cute for beach
weddings. Many couples slip them on after
the ceremony to leave a trail if "just married"
on the sand and have the photographer
take pics of their vows on the sand.

They can be worn on the honeymoon and
you can gift your wedding party with these
to wear during the beach ceremony.
They are fun, cute and the perfect touch
for a beach wedding. Not long ago, these
same flip flops were nearly twenty dollars
in bridal boutiques. This is a real
deal! Are you frugal brides listening?
Your guy will love them, too.
Everyone can use another
pair of flip flops, go for it!

Destination Weddings & Honeymoons On A Budget

Yes, you CAN have a destination wedding
on a budget. Travel bargains abound right now,
the airlines are slashing air fare, the resorts
and cruise lines are enticing you with specials
to get you to travel. They'd rather have their
rooms full and their staff working than have
empty rooms. There has never been a better
time to travel and combine your wedding
and honeymoon.

Here are some specials that we just came
across:
Get on board for a cruise ship wedding.
The prices are UNBELIEVABLE. Your
food is all included, your room and your
entertainment. Just sign up on the website.
The deals are so good right now that I'm
booking my own trip. I've been on a few
of these ships and had a wonderful time,
and paid close to a thousand dollars a person
for the same itinerary. Sign up for Carnival's
newsletters and get the deals!
3,4 and 5 day Carnival Cruises from $249
This is a bargain!

Beaches Resorts is having a special but you
have to book by May 28, 2009.
Get 1 Night Free plus save up to 60%
at Beaches Sandy Bay until May 28th, 2009
Sandy Beach is a 7 mile beach of pure white
sugar sand located in Negril, Jamaica. Beaches
is a Sandals Resort, known for their all inclusive
pampering treatment. Everything is included.
You can leave your wallet at home. Just make
sure you take your ID so you can travel!

Vegas is dirt cheap right now, that is, if you can
stay out of the casinos! We've found the Flamingo
hotel for $40 a night and the Bellagio which is one
of THE top hotels in the world $ 139 a night.
Both hotels are top rated, in excellent
strip locations and there are more deals here:
Top Hotel Deals in Las Vegas

We also found some great deals on hotel
rooms in Las Vegas here:
Las Vegas Hotels from $29!
and here:Las Vegas Hotels

And you can always get a great deal on
Las Vegas here: Las Vegas - 5-star -
from $79 per night from Hotwire.com!

Las Vegas is trying to keep the action rolling
and you get the deals! I just got back from there myself
and the room rates are rock bottom but not likely
to remain there forever. I scored Wynn's for
$129 a night and the Venetian for $79 a night by
using the links above. Woo Hoo, I love to travel
first class on a beer budget. And the beds at
Wynns are the most comfortable bed you'll ever
find. I want one!

The top hotels In Las Vegas are Wynn's, the Venetian
and the Bellagio, but other great hotels include
the Flamingo, the Luxor, Monte Carlo, Treasure
Island, the Mirage, MGM Grand, Harrah's,
Golden Nugget, The Palms, Rio, Hard Rock
and more. If you tell them you are there
to get married, you may get a room upgrade and
a bottle of champagne!


We found amazing airfare deals to Las Vegas here:
$36 & up -- Fly Throughout the U.S. & Canada
into June --As seen on Travelzoo's Top 20

If you are ready to tie the knot in May, check
this out:
VEGAS: May Weekend Flight Deals on Orbitz!

Looking for a great wedding chapel in Las Vegas?
We love the Little Chapel of the Flowers.
We've had family marry here and the service was excellent
and the prices are affordable.

Punta Cana in the Caribbean is a new hot spot that
is still affordable and has 4 and 5 star resorts
and wedding packages. The beaches are gorgeous,
and our brides have raved about the service and
the food. Go the all inclusive route and save a lot
of money. Once this area is hit heavy by
tourists, the prices will increase. Enjoy
paradise NOW while its affordable.
Dominican Republic - Punta Cana Vacations

If you are looking for a flight and don't want
to wade through tons of sights looking for the
best travel deal, this site will do it all for you.
Find Cheap Flights from 100+ Sites with One Click.

If you want a destination wedding, plan it while
the prices are down and start packing.

For all the legalities, go to Beach Bride To Be
and have a happy wedding!

Destination Wedding Announcement & Invitations

Destination brides have been searching for
a destination wedding announcement or
invitation that is made SPECIFICALLY for a
destination wedding. Most traditional wedding
invitations and announcements are too
uber traditional and don't convey the
spirit, excitement and adventure of
a destination wedding. We just came
across these invitations and had to share them
with you! Click on the pic for more info.


The perfect wedding announcement of your
destination wedding and invitation to a post
wedding party. Everyone wants to see the bride
and groom dresses up for their wedding.


This invitation is called Tropical Tryst.
Isn't that a great name? Or a great destination
wedding theme?



Here is the perfect invitation for a beach wedding.
It features the sand dollar which also has
religious significance. And its pretty, modern
and simple, everything a beach wedding should be!



The card below can easily be adapted into a wedding
invitation, save the date card or wedding
announcement. The palm trees against the
Caribbean blue remind me of a tropical paradise.
And yes, the Caribbean seas are really this color!



Getting married in Hawaii? Hawaii is synonymous with
Hibiscus flowers and bushes.



Natural coral and the beach is a no brainer.
Love the simplicity of this invitation.



Weddings in sunny Mexico are a reason for a fiesta!
This can be adapted into an announcement, wedding
invitation or a fiesta at home after the wedding.
This just makes me want to celebrate!

Reasons Couples Choose A Destination Wedding

Couples used to elope to get secretly
married. Couples headed to Las Vegas
or Niagara Falls. It evolved into a full blown
destination wedding when couples decided
to go away and have their dream wedding
away from home.

We asked a lot of couples why they
decided on a destination wedding and
here's what they said.

We've always dreamed of getting married
at a beach. We're beach people.

We got engaged on a vacation to Cabo.
It seemed like a natural place for
our wedding.

It was a second wedding for both of us.
We didn't want a large church wedding since
we'd both been there and done that. We
wanted something meaningful and less showy.

Our family was driving us nuts. Both moms
wanted what THEY wanted. The stress was killing
us and we got tired of this not being about
our wedding. So we planned a destination wedding
and it was amazing.

We have a big blended family and they don't
get along. We didn't want to deal with doing
seating charts to keep them apart. You can
choose your friends, but you can't choose
your relatives.

My husbands father is an alcoholic and we could
either have a reception with no alcohol or
have someone watch him all day long so he
doesn't create an incident. My husband had a
hard life because of his dad's drinking and even
though he loves him dearly, it wasn't fair
to my husband to worry about his dad on our
wedding day. We decided a destination wedding
was the way to go.

We went to a friends wedding in the Bahamas. It was
beautiful. We enjoyed it so much that we decided
when we got married, that we wanted a destination
wedding at sunset on a beach.

We come from different religious backgrounds. It
isn't a problem for us, but it IS a problem for
our parents. So, we decided on a nondenominational
chapel wedding to avoid the religion argument.

We wanted a vacation and we wanted to get married.
Killed two birds with one stone..LOL.

A destination wedding was less expensive and fit
into our budget. I thought I wanted the big
fairy tale wedding, but the economy made me realize
that we shouldn't be spending that money for a huge
wedding. So we decided on to upgrade on a destination
wedding and we are so glad we did!

Keeping Your Destination Wedding Guests in the Loop

A destination wedding means you have to
keep the information flowing to the
guests who are traveling to your wedding.
They need to know of any change of plans
that will affect their travel plans.

Save the date cards should be sent out
as far in advance as possible. Your guests will
need time to arrange their finances, save for
the trip and get the time off work so they can
attend your wedding. You should include a link to
a personal wedding web site where you can
keep current information.
wedsimple.com - View our beautiful website designs

Post on the site special information for your
guests such as travel agents or sites you
are working with to help them make their
travel arrangements. Post discounted hotel
options for the guests. Most resorts or hotels
will discount a block of hotel rooms for your
guests. You, as the bride, need to arrange
this either by negotiation or by using a
wedding planner in your location.

You might want to include a schedule of the wedding
events as well as local things for them to see
or do. Include information on local weather and
transportation. Ask yourself: If I were a guest,
what would I want or need to know so I can attend
this wedding. Then answer them on your personal
web site.

The more information you give to your guests, the
easier it will be for everyone to attend the
wedding and have a blast! Remember, your guests
are spending a lot of money to travel to the wedding
and this is also a vacation for them. Give them
free time to enjoy themselves and take in some of
the local color, lounge by the pool or beach or
just chill.

Destination Weddings and Dealing With the Humidity

Tropical climate equals humidity. Lets say
you are getting married in Florida, and yes,
Florida does have tropical weather and the
humidity is off the charts. Normal Florida
weather, so to speak. Its humid and you
are in a wedding dress for a beach wedding.
How do you stay picture perfect and look fresh?

My nephew had an awesome beach wedding in Florida.
Everything was perfect, except for the humidity.
It was so humid in the evening that my teeth were
sweating. We'd been rocking out on the dance floor
that was on a huge deck surrounding the hotel.
There were fans, but no ocean breeze and the
brides makeup looked fresher than a daisy.
Mandy, the bride, asked me to help her remove
her crinoline. No one could figure out how to
peel it off her because of the corset back but
me. So while I was helping her cool off,
she told me she had on makeup primer.
Head smack! Why hadn't I thought of that?

Rule number one: Wear makeup primer. It
will keep your makeup on through the
most wicked humidity.

Carry some makeup blotters that blot your
skin and remove the oils and leave the
makeup intact.

Rule number two: Don't wear a heavy crinoline
if you are having a beach wedding. Most
dresses already have a built in crinoline
and you don't need more fullness and added
fabric to make you warmer.

Rule number three: If you are having
an outdoor or beach wedding with an
outdoor reception, keep the cold drinks
flowing. Limit your alcohol intake, it
will make you warmer. Drink ice water, ice
tea and lemonade to rehydrate.

Rule number four: Let your groomsmen take
off their ties and jacket after the ceremony
and the pictures. Tuxes are hot, in both
senses of the word. ;)

Rule number five: Enjoy yourself, a cool
shower when you get home and you'll feel
great!

We've Relaunched Our Destination Web Site!

After months, our revamped website is
finally online for all of our destination
brides! Beach Bride To Be
has been expanded with new destinations, more wedding
planning tips and more ideas. Our old web host had
change their platform, and made it nearly impossible
for us to update the site. So, after months of
hard work, we rebuilt the site from the bottom up.

Our revamped site is a work in progress, we will
be adding more destinations, more advice and more
comments from real life destination brides who
have been there and done that and give their
honest impressions.

If you have destination wedding questions, we
have answers. Comment on the blog or
email through our FAQ page and we'll find
the answer for you!

Flying To Your Destination Wedding

Most destination weddings involve the bride
and groom or wedding guests flying to the
destination. Flying is becoming a pain in the
rear with all the new rules and regulations implemented
by the airlines. Educate yourself BEFORE you leave
so that you don't end up paying excess baggage fees or
repacking your bags at the check in counter.

I recently was in line to check in at a Delta counter.
Most of the people in line didn't know that there
were weight limits to their suitcase and ended up
repacking their bags at the counter. No one wanted
to pay the additional $25.00 for a few extra pounds.
I didn't blame them, but the line didn't move for one
solid hour and tempers were short.

The airlines are changing their baggage rules
by the second. US Airways, American and United
are charging $15.00 to check ONE bag. Only
Southwest isn't charging a bag check fee unless
you have a third bag. The second bag price varies,
but that is the latest gotcha to get you to part with
your money. Some are charging for seat selection!
US Airways is even charging for soft drinks.
How long will it be until they figure out
how to charge for a seatbelt?

Pack your own snacks to eat on the plane. Easy to bring
along snacks are grapes, crackers, cookies, trail mix,
granola bars, etc. You'll save a bundle, but remember,
you can't bring any beverages from home. You'll have to
buy them at the airport at an inflated price.

Learn to pack lighter to avoid a lot of pitfalls
at the check in counter.

Know the latest rules and regulations by
going to RickSeaney.com.
He is updating his chart to reflect the latest
airline fees so there isn't any unpleasant surprise
on the way to your destination wedding!

Weddings In Sedona Arizona, Scenery, Spirituality and Serenity

Today is my birthday, and if things go according to
plan, I will be celebrating in Sedona, Arizona, my favorite
spot on earth. (Fingers tightly crossed!)

Sedona is becoming a destination wedding spot for
those who admire the red rocks and gorgeous juniper
forests. It is one of the most beautiful spots on earth.
Its probably the most beautiful backdrop in the southwest.
Sedona is known as Red Rock Country, and every evening
the sun sets into an amazing array of purples and orange
lights on the canyon walls.

Many people feel that Sedona is very spiritual because of
the vortexes in the earth. They feel that the energy emitted
by the earth is spiritual and healing.

Sedona can acommodate your any wish from a chapel wedding,
resort wedding, outside wedding or a shaman wedding
performed by a Native American officiant. How cool is that?
We actually witnessed one a few years back. They played a
haunting flute melody and the backdrop was the mountains.
It was breathtaking and so unique! For more information
Click Here. Weddings In Sedona

Don't forget that Sedona is a romantic honeymoon
destination! The bed and breakfasts in Sedona are
just amazing and romantic.

Orbitz Helps You Pick Your Perfect Beach!

This is so cool. Orbitz came up with a tool to help
you pick the beach that is perfect for you. The tool
is more like playing a game. The sound of the sea
lapping on the shore sets the background for the questions.
Answer the questions, the tool will help you
find your perfect beach.

You first select who will be traveling:
Honeymooners, couples, families, etc.
Then you pick your interests and this page
is so cool. Up on the beach floats a shopping bag,
a scuba mask, disco ball, a shrimp on a fork and more.
The next step is hotel options and on the beach floats
cucumbers for the spa, a do not disturb sign and more.
This is just FUN.

My best beaches are in Punta Cana, Jamaica and St. Lucia.
I thought no beach could top St. Marteen, but I guess I'll
have to give the other spots a whirl.

Cruise Ship Wedding, Great Food, Exotic Ports, Total Relaxation!

Cruise ship weddings combine the best
of the best for destination weddings.
Carnival offers wedding packages to
fit every budget.

You have your wedding on board the ship
before you sail or at an exotic port
of call. All the details are handled
for you by the cruise lines. Make the
arrangements with the cruise line,
get your passport and pack! All you
have to do is arrive in advance for
your marriage license, which gives you
time to relax and explore the port city.

Cruise ships are your floating hotel.
Your hotel will transport you to tropical
islands, you'll feel the trade winds blowing
and you can sip a fruity drink as you
lounge on the deck and watch the clouds
float by. Heavenly AND relaxing.

You have unlimited food and dining options
as well as room service. Eat on the Lido
deck or the dining room. Cruise lines
are introducing special dining rooms where
you can dine by romantic candlelight at a
table for two by reservation.

All your entertainment is on board. You
can dance the night away in the disco,
try your luck in the casino or attend
Broadway shows or Las Vegas style shows
in the showrooms. Look for comics doing
late shows at midnight, have a drink at
a quiet bar later.

You can join in the activities on
board the ship or you can do your
own thing. Every ship has the newlywed
game and they are hysterical. Some also
have parties for the newlyweds so you
can dish about your wedding to others
on the ship. Or you can meet other newlyweds
to go ashore and with them.

Cruise lines include your food, entertainment,
room and taxes in the cost of the cruise.
Special dining rooms may have a surcharge.
You'll need money for tips which you pay
at the end of the cruise and are done
on a per person per day basis. For the
level of service you get on cruise ships,
its a bona fide bargain. Alcoholic drinks
are extra, but you'll find free drinks
flowing freely at the captain's cocktail
party. Shore excursions are extra as is
the money you spend in the casino.

The cruise lines will help you with your onboard
wedding. You'll have to arrive a day or so before
sailing to get your marriage license. Their wedding
coordinator will handle all the details for you. Their
package deals cover the entire cost. And, you are
automatically on your honeymoon!
Ship board weddings take place in port on board the
ship or in the exotic locales when the ship docks.
Enjoy the romance of the high seas!