Some of the Best Beach Wedding Locations in Florida

This place known as the “sunshine state” because of its generally warm climate has become a top beach wedding destination in the world. Florida, which is located in the southeastern region of the United States, boasts of its long stretches of beaches, spectacular coastlines, and great beach activities like surfing and boating. This state has always been a top tourist destination but over the years, couples have begun flocking to this place to exchange vows and tie the knot. If you are planning to hold your beach wedding here, here are some of the best beach wedding locations you can consider.

Captiva Island

Captiva Island can truly captivate anyone who visits this place. The soothing tropical atmosphere coupled with the crystal turquoise waters, you would love every bit and piece of thing that this island has to offer. It can be the best backdrop to your romantic Florida beach wedding.

Marco Island

Nestled at the northern tip of the Ten Thousand Island in the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island is as romantic as romantic can get. The virgin white beaches, breathtaking sunset, and tranquil ambiance makes this a popular destination for couples who want nothing but the most romantic type of wedding.

Daytona Beach

Locals and tourists fondly call this beach, “the world’s most famous beach.” This is the beach you would want to go to if you want life and excitement for your wedding day. Daytona is always bustling with people, automobiles, activities, and many things to do. You can ride the waves, get a tan, or party with people before or after you exchange I do’s with your loved one.

Fort Walton Beach

If there is one thing that Fort Walton Beach would do to you, it is that it would enchant you with its sparkling gulf waters, wonderful warm breeze, and emerald green waters. It is not called the “Emerald Coast” of Florida for nothing. Having your wedding here would be like having a paradise wedding of the year.

Panama City

You will be allured with Panama City Beach’s sugary white coastline and emerald green water. This is another wonderful destination in Florida that would provide the perfect setting for your big day.

Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral

Pretty sandy beaches and a pier full of life with lots of activities such as fishing, dancing, dining, socializing, and so many more—these are what people love about Cocoa beach and Cape Canaveral. Cocoa beach is in fact dubbed as the “Jewel of the Space Coast” which would provide your wedding with a relaxed and romantic ambiance that would prepare you for your new life together as husband and wife.

Clearwater Florida

The vast array of beautiful white beaches all over Clearwater Florida make it a top wedding beach destination of all time. It is also a wonderful place to hold your wedding. Not to mention, there are plenty of choice when it comes to hotels so booking for yourselves or for guests will be a cinch.

These choices are only some of the best beaches in Florida. Explore your options and have fun on your wedding day! You would surely have a grand time.

What Wedding Style Expresses Your Personality?

In their desire to have a unique wedding, many couples search the ends of the earth trying to find ways on how to come up with a one-of-a-kind wedding. What these couples fail to realize is that they do not have to look far. The secret in having a distinct wedding is to look within one’s self. After all, each person is unique and by incorporating your own unique personality into the wedding, it would be easy to have an exceptional wedding celebration.

Therefore, before you plan your wedding, ask yourself this question first, “What wedding style can best express my personality?” Here are some possible answers to this question.

Budget but Stunning Wedding

If you and your spouse are known for being smart, practical and resourceful, a low-cost but beautiful wedding will reflect this kind of personality. You have the attitude and skills to come up with a stunning wedding with a surprisingly low budget. Guests will be amazed at how you two were able to pull this one off and they would actually think you spent thousands of dollars in this expensive looking but low cost wedding.

Wedding with a Creative Twist

For the couple who thinks out of the box, a wedding with an extraordinary theme will be ideal. Make sure that you choose a theme that is reflective of your personality. For example, for the golf fanatic couple, golf wedding is the best way to celebrate their union. For the artistic couple, a wedding in a gallery will be most fitting. There is an endless list of theme options that you can choose from.

The Trendy and Fashionable Wedding

If the bride and the groom are the kind of people, who are always updated with the latest trends and fads of the season, having a trendy and fashionable wedding is the way to go. Know what the latest trends are in wedding fashion and wedding accessories and be sure to incorporate all of these in your wedding event.

D-I-Y Wedding Project

Do-it-yourself weddings are ideal for couples who have hands-on skills and knowledge when it comes to wedding planning. If you plan weddings for a living (or you have been a wedding planner to friends a thousand times before) or your spouse-to-be owns a wedding catering service, this can be the perfect type of wedding that will best illustrate your personality and expertise in weddings.

Destination Wedding

For couples who cannot stay put in one place and for those whose lifestyles revolve around taking trips, a destination wedding is the perfect way to tie the knot. Wedding destinations like Bahamas, Barbados, and Hawaii are great for the beach loving couple. Those who like romantic getaways would prefer Paris and Italy. For the exotic couple, a far-flung destination in Fiji, Costa Rica, Mexico or Philippines can be an option.

The Traditional Love Affair

A classic wedding event is ideal for couples who are traditional and who want to conform to the norms of a conventional wedding celebration. In this kind of wedding, the bride will wear a white gown as expected, the couple will go exchange the traditional “for better or for worse” marital vows, and the bride will toss the bouquet the traditional way.

Weddings mark the beginning of your new life together as husband and wife so it is only right that you would want to make it a special event. There is nothing more special than holding a wedding celebration that is evocative of you and your partner’s personalities and style.

Destinations Weddings in the Sun – Tips and Ideas

Destination weddings have a romantic, magical allure that the entire wedding party is sure to enjoy. After all, what could be more romantic and fun than a destination wedding right next to a pink sandy beach? The party begins just seconds after the wedding.

There is something bewitching about getting married away from your home town. Sure, you can have a wedding in Canada, in February (brrrr…), or you can go to Jamaica! (hm… let me see now…) But before you start to research weekend wedding locations for a destination wedding or commit to a deposit, it’s a good idea to weigh all of the factors.

Travel agents tell us that destination weddings have grown in popularity at an amazing rate. The majority of weekend weddings are fairly small with a couple of people invited up to twenty. Larger destination weddings are currently on the rise due to families and friends traveling together.

Hawaii remains the number one spot for destinations, with Jamaica, Las Vegas, Mexico, Disneyworld and the Bahamas also being favorites. Resort weddings at these locations usually proves to be cost effective.

Most brides are known to think that you spend all that money and planning for one day with a traditional wedding and it’s over so fast you don’t get to talk to everyone.

A destination wedding is an opportunity for friends and family to spend quality time with each other. As soon as the guests arrive, a cocktail party is a good way for everyone to get to know each other before the wedding takes place.

Prices for destination weddings can vary greatly, from free to thousands of dollars. But most are in the $500 to $3,000 range.

There are a few things to remember when planning a destination wedding.

For instance, “different countries have different regulations for getting married”. In Mexico, for example, you have to be in the country for four days before you can get married. And have a backup plan in case it rains. Most hotels will move you into a meeting room or ballroom in case of bad weather.

Have a Hurricane free Destination Wedding

While a destination wedding seems like the smartest thing if you ‘re looking for alternative winter wedding ideas, the majority of destination weddings and honeymoons still take place during the summer months. The temptation to head to the Caribbean for a destination wedding is always high. Unfortunately, June through November is also the peak season for encountering a destination wedding destroying hurricane.

So what precautions can you take to ensure you can have a hurricane free destination wedding? There are always your basic Caribbean ABC’s which are Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao of the Dutch Antilles. These three islands are generally not considered to be located in the high risk hurricane zone.

And here is an additional hot tip: There are great deals to be found during the summer months (low season). You can find a week in Aruba from August 1 through October 30 for around $650 at some of the better hotels. This cost is per person and often includes air travel from some of the larger cities as an added perk.

Curacao offers European style architecture, beautiful beaches, good art and great food with packages for about the same price.

Also reasonably priced during the low season months, Bonaire offers an abundance of activities for all of the wedding destination guests such as a vibrant night life, world class restaurants and scuba diving. Biking and car rentals are available for spending time in the tranquil natural preservations areas for which Bonaire is known for.

The Island of Magarita which is located off the coast of Venezuela is also extremely low hurricane risk for those seeking a wedding destination spot.

Airlines May Help With Destination Weddings

Check with different airlines to see if they are currently offering discounts for destination weddings. If you are taking 10 or more relatives and friends on a destination wedding trip, ask for a discount. 10 or more seems to be the magic number for getting 10% to 50% off on airline tickets for wedding parties. Many airlines offer special extras for the bride and groom such as upgrade coupons, discounts for car rentals, and free movies. Of course the complimentary glass of champagne is usually included if you tell the flight attendant you are off to a destination wedding.

Top 10 Beach Wedding Destination Locations for 2010

Many a bride has dreamed of her very own beach wedding.  Because weddings come is a wide range of budgets, we are going to explore the top 10 beach wedding destinations for the upcoming wedding season.  If you have always wanted your wedding to take place at the beach, perhaps you will find something within this list that will suit you to a tee.

1.  Hawaii is a dream land full of wonderful beach wedding locations.  However, the Hawaiian beach destination that has a great reputation for wedding bliss is Kapalua Bay.  This gorgeous coastal area is located between two lava points, which turns the shore into a crescent shaped heaven.  The surf that laps the shore is serene and smooth; perfect for a romantic wedding ceremony.  The best time of day to schedule a Kapalua Bay wedding is at sunset, of course.

2.  In Southwest Florida are the hidden treasures of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.  Located off the coast just west of Fort Myers, these two islands offer the most romantically serene beach wedding locations in the area.  The island of Sanibel is a mere 12 miles long and just 3 miles across.  Captiva Island spans only four miles long and a half mile wide.  The average temperature in the area is 75 F, which is perfect wedding weather all year round!   For the ultimate in seaside romance, exchange vows at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea.

3.  Coronado, California and the world renowned Hotel del Coronado have hosted countless weddings throughout the years.  Just a short jaunt from downtown San Diego, the island boasts warm sandy beaches and glorious sunsets that never fail to draw crowd.  Of all the beach wedding locations around, this is an all-time fan favorite.

4.  Jamaica beach weddings are being planned more and more often.  Having a wedding ceremony in Jamaica not only gives you the opportunity to experience something truly special with your new spouse and all of your family and friends; it also gives you plenty of options.  This tropical place is not only affordable but also very versatile.  This is a beach wedding destination that will also play host to your honeymoon and a vacation spot for all of your guests.

5. According to Conde Nast Traveler, Turks and Caicos is simply one of the  “Best Tropical Beaches in the World”.  The beaches of Turks and Caicos surround acres of secluded nature, and are home to friendly people, making this an ideal beach wedding location.  The average temperature is 85-95 from June to October and 80-84 from November to May, which means that it’s always a good time for a Turks and Caicos wedding.

6. Ocracoke Island is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and boasts almost 16 miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches.  This island, which is accessible by ferry, private boat, or plane, is located at the southernmost tip of the Outer Banks.  Because under 1000 people call Ocracoke Island home, this is the ideal location for those who really want to get away from it all!

7.  Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a favorite vacation spot for beach lovers and golfers alike.  Perhaps it is this combination that makes this serene area an ideal location for a beach wedding.  Before and after the wedding day, guests can stay in town to enjoy the mild climate, beautiful shoreline, and naturally romantic settings found all over.  Because of the quaint charm of the area, it also makes an ideal honeymoon location for the ultimate romantic.

8.  Because almost two thirds of the borders of Costa Rica are sun-filled coastline, happy couples have plenty of beach wedding locations to choose from.  Costa Rica is a budding tourist destination, with tropical temperatures and beautiful scenery.  The area is full of romantic wedding locations, but also replete with activities to keep you busy throughout your honeymoon!  Some of the activities newly marrieds can engage in, besides being blissfully happy, are Surfing, cruises, zip line tours, canopy tours, scuba diving and white water rafting.

9.  The Bahamas is home to countless beach wedding locations.  First and foremost, there is the Atlantis resort in Nassau.  This resort alone has numerous venues from which to choose, and also comes complete with a team to help you plan your perfect day.  If you desire something more quaint and personal than a large resort, resorts such as Compass Point offers a smaller venue for up to 100 guests and is seen as a top vacation spot.

10. The Cayman Islands have long been a favorite vacation spot for lover, but this group of islands also offers unique beach wedding venues that are sophisticated in their one of a kind natural setting.  Couples can choose from beach weddings, or venues such as chapels or churches or even posh resorts.  If romance is what you seek, and you know it is, the Cayman Island certainly delivers.

Celebrate Your Special Day On A Cruise Ship

There are two different ways to make your wedding memorable via a cruise ship wedding theme. The first is to have a wedding that utilizes cruise ship oriented favors, collections, decorations and colors. The second is to actually hold your wedding on a cruise ship and give your guests, family and friends the opportunity to enjoy your ceremony, reception and honeymoon all in one. This article covers both options.

Not everyone wants to or can afford to book a cruise for the entire occasion. Additionally, not every guest can afford to or would even want to spend the money to travel on a cruise ship, essentially taking a vacation as the new Bride and Groom spend their first few days of married life. To pay for the entire guest list out-of-pocket can also be very pricey. For those in this situation, giving your wedding a cruise ship wedding theme is one way to capture the flavor and fun of a cruise without breaking the bank or potentially having desired guests opt out of the event.

A cruise ship theme can be replicated in a variety of ways. One is to incorporate a nautical theme for decorations, favors and any events. You can have Metal Boats offering mints to guests on tables that evoke a nautical or “sea” like feel or you can give your guests Boat Flag Stickers, Miniature Folding Beach Chairs or Boat Wheel Favor / Place Cards. The goal of this is to create the feel of the sea or sea going excursions, even if you are landlocked or dockside.

Another option, if you live near a larger lake, river or the ocean is to book a boat cruise for your day that specializes in day cruises or is even moored to a dock, but still captures the feeling and allure of boats and the sea. In some cases, larger boats offer day and casino cruises that offer plenty for guests to do to entertain themselves during the time surrounding the wedding, cocktail hour or reception. These typically will run in four to six hour increments or overnight.

Since the main goal is to utilize the fun and tranquility of a cruise ship wedding theme, the key is to make sure that all decorations are light, airy and resemble the sea. A Seaside Allure Collection will give your events the look and feel of an ocean related wedding and by using other associated articles, you can create that cruise ship feel without actually having to set foot on a cruise ship. Your guests will appreciate the theme and effort, but do not have to invest a lot of time and money to enjoy your day, but will still experience a wonderful theme.

Actually holding your wedding on a cruse ship is another increasingly popular option. Luxury cruise ships are fun and exciting and give your guests the option of spending just the ceremony and reception or your entire honeymoon with you in pre-determined ports of call. Weddings and receptions are held in the “home port” and couples have the option of holding the ceremony onboard the ship or on land.

After the ceremony, you can invite your guests onboard for a cocktail hour and reception or they could join you for your entire honeymoon, depending on your preferences. Because they have the option of picking the amount of time they want to spend, you do not have to worry about excluding someone because they cannot afford an extended stay or have other obligations that prevent them from doing so. If you opt for an entire cruise ship wedding theme trip for you entire wedding party and guests, you also have the option of getting married in one of hundreds of ports of call.

Packages are pre-determined and usually a wedding planning company is associated with the cruise line to help you plan the details. A cruise ship wedding theme also obviates the need for costly and often stressful transportation arrangements after the festivities; you are essentially at your honeymoon destination, the moment you set foot in port. Regardless of what options you choose, a cruise ship will provide a day that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime.

Personal Wedding Website – Do you Want one for Your Beach Wedding

Welcome to our video series of the top 20 questions brides ask when planning their wedding.  I’m going to deviate a bit here, by telling you of a great tool to help you with your wedding plans—having your own website.

Read along with the full text of the video below:

Our modern lifestyle often has engaged couples with family and friends all over the world, and it’s nice to keep them informed of your activities.  How do you do that?  By having your own personal website, called a blog, where you can say what you want to say.  Wordpress is the #1 blog software in the world and it is free.  It’s also really easy to use.

You can tell everyone how you got engaged.  Share some pictures of you and your fiancé.  List your parties and share pictures of those parties after they have occurred.  You can tell everyone about your bridal party—who you chose and why.  Put pictures of them up on the site.  You can publish a list of your bridal registries. Do you like recording video with your digital camera?  Put a video up on your site telling everyone about your wedding plans.  There are many uses for a website, and when you have family all over the country, or all over the world, it is the easiest way to keep connected to them.

Go to wordpress.com, and click on Sign Up Now.  Enter a user name, password and valid email address and click next.  Then create a blog name.  For example, if you wanted to use the blog for your wedding, and then continue to use it in the future to share vacations and new additions to the family with distant family and friends, you could use your names like Joe & Sue Smith.  If you just want to use it for your wedding, you use Joe & Sue’s Wedding.  The blog DOMAIN can’t be changed, so choose wisely.  The Blog Name can be changed to suit any occasion you want to share with family and friends.  Click sign up, and follow the confirmation email instructions.  You have a blog.

Once you log in to your blog, it will take you to the dashboard.  On the right, you can enter a post and click publish to see it on your blog.  On the left column under settings you can pick a nice look for your website.  Play around and explore.  Let the world know all about your upcoming wedding.

Once you have some information on the site, email the blog address to all your family and friends.  You can send an email out every time you update the site to let everyone know the latest news, or your family and friends might invite them to check it out on their own every week.

Good luck, and congratulation on your upcoming wedding.

Destination Weddings – Free Wedding Planning Series

Welcome to our video series of the top 20 questions brides ask when planning their wedding.  One of the topics I regularly get is about Destination Weddings.  Brides and grooms often plan to have their wedding at a destination, and then have a reception for family once they come home.  But, there is often a feeling that many of their family will miss the magic of the actual ceremony.

If you prefer, you can follow along reading the full text below:

Well, times have changed.  What would you say if you could broadcast your wedding live over the internet to everyone who cannot attend your ceremony or reception!  Imagine the possibilities. Everyone back home could gather and watch your destination wedding ceremony live.  Or family who live in another part of the country could tune in and watch your wedding live—see you walking down the aisle, being able to see your gown, the flowers, and all the decorations.  Maybe you’ll set up the web cam at the reception, and guests can come along and say hi to family and friends miles away.  Imagine the possibilities.

There is a place called ustream.tv that lets you do a live broadcast and all you need is your laptop, a webcam, and an internet connection.  Just go to www.ustream.tv and sign up.  Once you complete the sign up, you can create a show.  The instructions are on the site, and it’s easy to do.  For the brides out there watching this, you might consider getting your fiancé to get this up and running.  Most guys like the techy stuff, and it will get him more involved in the wedding planning.

With ustream.tv you can automatically let your facebook group know you are live, or twitter comments to your friends.  There is even a chat room, for a full interactive experience!  How much fun would THAT be at your wedding?

Oh, and ustream.tv is free.  Yes free. Is that cool, or what?  Will you be the first amongst your friends to get married and have a high tech wedding?  The possibilities are endless.

Check it out.  www.ustream.tv Enjoy!

Good luck and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Wedding Lists, Checklist and Actionlist

Juliet may have said: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.”. Well, I say: “What’s in a list? That which we call a list, by any other name would be as useful.”

Ah, you can tell we are getting to the end of our video series. I’m getting whimsical and quoting Shakespeare! Well, you may have figured out that today’s video is about LISTS.

Lists need to become your best friend during the wedding planning process. Start with getting a bunch of wedding planning checklists. Take what YOU need from them, and make YOUR list. You don’t need to do everything on every list. For example, if you are having an informal wedding in your backyard, you don’t need to book a church—but you might need to book a tent in case it rains. So takes those lists, and make it YOURS.