If you are thinking of getting married in Mexico, the Sandos Hotels & Resorts on the Riviera Maya are having an incredible deal.
If you book a minimum of five rooms for five nights for your wedding group (and every destination wedding would need at least five rooms for friends and family), then you will get the following fabulous services free of charge:
Personalized service from the wedding coordinator
Decorated wedding site such as a private area on the beach or a tropically-inspired, private location (including guest seating)
Wedding cake
Décor for the entrance to the wedding ceremony
Background music during the ceremony (or bring your own songs and use the hotel’s CD player)
Commemorative wedding certificate
Room upgrade for the wedding couple (based on availability)
In-room amenity of fine pastry, fruit basket and sparking wine upon arrival
Special guest room decoration
Plush bathrobes for the wedding couple to use during their stay
Gifts for the couple including a basket of aromatherapy products, “Just Married” “his” and “her” t-shirts, and a commemorative wedding photo of the couple, presented in a keepsake Mexican-style picture frame
A romantic dinner for the bride and groom at one of the resorts’ a la carte restaurants with VIP service and a special menu
Priority reservations at the resorts’ a la carte restaurants (subject to availability)
15% spa discount that can be used throughout the stay on all treatments
10% discount on motorized sports including banana boat rides, jet skiing and parasailing
To qualify for this FREE “Sandos Wedding Package,” you must book a minimum of five rooms for five night each, now through the end of October. You also must make and pay for the reservations at least seven days before the wedding date.
The four all-inclusive Sandos Hotels & Resorts on the Riviera Maya, Mexico include four properties:
Caracol Beach Resort & Spa
Select Club Beach Resort & Spa
Playacar Beach Resort & Spa
Sandos Playacar Riviera Hotel & Spa
An all-inclusive Sandos Hotels vacation features: all meals and beverages; sporting activities; watersports; use of fitness center and spa; daily activities program; water and beach activities; supervised “Kids Club” and a “Teen Club;” nightly entertainment and entrance to the disco; and all hotel taxes and service charges.
To learn more about the Sandos Hotels & Resorts, please visit sandoshotels.com or call 1-866-887-5601.
Requirements for getting married in Mexico:
In order for U.S. citizens to get married in Mexico, the bride and groom must arrive in the country at least three working days prior to the wedding date and provide valid passports and a tourist visa (given to all travelers upon entry to Mexico at the airport). Brides and grooms are required to take a blood test in Mexico (arranged by the wedding coordinator at a cost of US$200 per couple, payable in cash) and must have four witnesses to the ceremony who have also been in Mexico for at least three business days prior to the ceremony (witnesses can be provided by the hotel at a cost of US$30 per witness). The Judge’s transportation to the hotel (US$30) and a translation fee (US$40) are not included in the price of the package and must be paid in cash on the day of the wedding.
First Daughter Jenna Bush will be walking down the aisle in less than a month at the President’s Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. Details have started to emerge in recent days about the wedding between the 26-year-old and Henry Hager.
The bride will have 14 attendants, who will wear short chiffon dresses designed by Lela Rosa. Jenna’s twin sister Barbara will serve as the maid of honor.
Reportedly, the outdoor service will begin at 7:30pm, then the 200 guests will enjoy dinner and dancing under a tent.
As for Jenna’s dress, Oscar de la Renta has created a simple beaded gown for her with a small train. The low key affair will take place on May 10th. Though the events won’t be as extravagant as you might expect for a president’s daughter, I’m sure they will be still be quite beautiful.
“I was raised in Texas and it just felt right,” Jenna told the Washignton Post. “It means a lot to Henry and me to be outdoors. We wanted something organic and low key.” She said she considered a White House wedding but decided it wasn’t for her. “That’s not really my personality. There’s a glamour to it, I know, but Henry and I are far less glamorous than the White House.”
On your wedding day, you will be on your feet for a long, long time. Wedding day activities usually start very early in the morning and last well into the night. You don’t want your feet to ache all day, therefore it’s imperative to have a great pair of bridal shoes.
Consider the location of your wedding. For garden and beach weddings, stilettos probably are the best idea. Choose chunkier heels or flats.
You don’t need to stick to white. Metallic sandals are a trendy option. You can also select bridal shoes that are trimmed with rhinestones, gemstones and embellishments.
Here are some top choices in bridal shoes in various price ranges.
Filippa Scott Helena Bridal Shoes
These beautiful designer bridal shoes come with a big price tag - over $300. The white silk satin pump is dyeable, so you can probably change the color and wear them after your wedding day. However, as with any high dollar shoe purchase, make sure you are going to wear them more than once before buying.
Nina Cason Simple sandal with crystal square
If you really want to wear a high heel, these bridal shoes are a great choice. These silver shoes feature a simple silhouette that is accented with glitzy crystals and a thin ankle strap. At $79.95, they are very reasonable priced.
Coloriffics Ballet Flats
These ballet flats are all about comfort. They feature a very simple design, a flat heel and a sueded sole. These shoes are only $25.20, so you really can’t go wrong.
According to People.com, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were married on Friday in New York at the hip hop mogul’s Tribeca apartment.
The wedding buzz began on Tuesday when the couple received a marriage license in Scarsdale. A tent was set up on top of Jay-Z’s apartment building and flowers began arriving on Friday afternoon.
Also spotted heading into the apartment were Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams (Beyoncé’s fellow Destiny Child members), Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband, Chris Martin of Coldplay.
If they did get married, it was just a small affair for close friends and family. But could they have just been celebrating something else?
Jay-Z recently completed a $150-million deal with Live Nation for all his music-related businesses. That’s certainly reason to celebrate!
I’m not sure if we will ever get all the details on this one. The couple, who have been together for six years, have never even publicly acknowledged their relationship to the press.
New York based wedding planner and caterer Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs was kind enough to talk to us about wedding trends for 2008.
Elegant Affairs Caterers is a 5-Star, full-service catering company that has been catering to social and corporate clientele of Manhattan, Long Island and the Hamptons for the last decade. Andrea has extensive experience planning all types of weddings from the simple affairs to the most lavish galas.
Here are some tips and trends from Andrea and Elegant Affairs Caterers:
What’s In & What’s Out
Round tables for reception seating is out and a combination of square, rectangle, and round tables are in.
Symmetrical floral centerpieces are out and varying size and shape floral centerpieces are in (different vases and vessels used at each reception table).
All white weddings are out. Chocolate brown accented with either pale blue, celadon, or pale orange is the hot color combination for 2008.
Fried food and heavy entrees are out. Lighter fare, organic cuisine, and vegetarian cuisine are definitely in.
Gift Trends
Many brides are requesting that a donation be given to their charity of choice in lieu of wedding gift.
For bridesmaids gifts, it’s a great gesture to take the girls for a spa treatment, or manicures and pedicures followed by a ladies lunch catered at the spa or at a local restaurant.
Using an online photo shop, create personalized photo books of memories throughout the years. Try shutterfly.com to get some great ideas.
Wedding Cake Trends
Round cakes are out and square cakes are in.
The days of the white cake are over. Brides are opting for cakes with bold colors and abstract shapes.
Do you want to add some red carpet glamour to your wedding day? Shannon Nelson at Pierce Mattie Public Relations says that many brides are extending the definition of “something borrowed.”
From Shannon: “Renting a tux is no longer the only thing that is being borrowed for the big day; brides are also taking part in this wedding tradition, but in a whole new way. Just as celebrities don borrowed jewelry and other items for their walk down the red carpet, brides are seeking out retailers who also have a rental option available for their accessory needs. Bag Borrow or Steal is one such retailer that allows jewelry rental from such names as Vera Wang, Miriam Haskell and Chanel to handbags from Rafe New York and Badgley Mischka for as little as $10 a week.”
When wearing glitzy jewelry, it’s essential to wear your hair in an equally glamorous up do. In this video, Joe Carol’s Tolga Ackay creates a gorgeous up do with lots of height and style. He places rose petals into the hair and adds a wonderful tiara.
With the cost of an average wedding in the United States growing to nearly $30K, setting aside a large amount of money for a honeymoon may seem impossible. However with some planning and know-how, you plan a wonderful honeymoon without going into serious debt. Here are some basic tips for planning a honeymoon on a budget.
Use a Honeymoon Registry
Just like you register for wedding gifts, you can also register for your honeymoon. With a honeymoon registry, your family and friends can contribute to the costs of your honeymoon instead of buying wedding gifts. This is especially good for couples who don’t need a lot of items for their household. After all, an extra day in Hawaii is probably a better gift than another toaster. You register for hotel accommodations, airfare, food and beverages, activities, merchandise and more. Some people think honeymoon registries are tacky, but you should be no more ashamed of having a honeymoon registry than you are a wedding gift registry.
Travel in the Off-Season
Depending on your honeymoon destination, some times of year are cheaper to travel than others. For example, in Europe you will find cheap flights and hotel rates from December through March. In the South America, Central America and some parts of Mexico, there are “green” or rainy seasons when you can find hotels rates as much as 60% off the peak prices. You should also avoid traveling on weekends. Arrive Sunday through Thursday for the lowest rates. Additionally, don’t travel near holidays.
Honeymoon Domestically
Honeymoon destinations within the continental United States can be just as romantic as those abroad - but much cheaper. If you are honeymooning on a budget, look for destinations within the country. Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, California and Nevada are all popular honeymoon locations. Consider off the beaten path destinations, like a ranch in Montana or a cabin in the Colorado mountains. Call a travel agency in your destination city. They will be able to give you information, insight and maybe even discounts that you cannot find elsewhere.
Book a Package Deal
To find cheap tickets look for travel package that combines both airfare and room accommodations at one discounted price. At LowFares.com, you can search, compare and buy from leading travel sites all from one website. It’s really one of the best ways to find the lowest rates available.
Find Promotional Codes
Search online for promo codes. Car rental companies, hotels and airlines all offer special promotional codes and discounts. If you are a member of AAA, carry a Diners Club card, or belong to any civic or military organizations, you may be able to get discounts between 10-30% off. Some discounts are rarely advertised, so it doesn’t hurt to ask for them. You can also oftentimes frin special honeymoon packages that may include a free meal, gift basket, champagne or spa treatments.
Eat Cheap
If you decide to splurge for a luxury hotel, cut cost in other areas. One way to do that is by eating cheap. Instead of dining at hotel restaurants and pricey eateries, choose to eat where the locals eat. Have lunch at a diner or dinner at a local pizzeria or cafe. If you are staying at a hotel with a kitchenette, buy groceries and stay in and cook.
Your choice in flowers can really add to the beauty of your wedding ceremony and reception. Sometimes brides get overwhelmed by all the floral choices. Though the decision is ultimately yours, you should try to talk with florists, wedding experts and other brides to get an idea what is working (and not working) in wedding flowers this year.
Clara Varga-Gonzales, owner of Tiger Lily Florist in Charleston, S.C., which has been named Elegant Bride Magazine’s Top Wedding Designers for 2005 and The Knot Best of Flowers 2007, offers up the following trends they are seeing for wedding flowers:
First there is definitely still a curiosity about natural elements. Flowers and botanicals, such as grasses, pods, herbs and lichens, are incorporated into all aspects of the wedding - from boutonnieres to pew markers and cake flowers.
Designs that focus on grouping materials such as chocolate artichokes, fern curls and green Goddess Callas lilies are presented in artisan containers and gracing the tables at outdoor receptions.
In color palettes, green is still the most sought after color with accent shades of creams and white or hot pinks and mango coral. However, combinations of deep burgundy red Black Magic roses, Black Forest mini Callas and rich purple, almost black, tulips are striking against ornate damask linen. No more white linen on guest tables for sure.
Ceremonies that are being held outdoors are letting nature provide the back drop, which can be quite dramatic here in the Lowcountry. Emphasis on ornate aisle starters and chair markers allow the bride and groom to be the main focus for guests during ceremonies.
This spring, David’s Bridal is offering fresh, modern colors and silhouettes in three distinct themes - Garden Delights; Destination: Romance; and Black & White.
Back in January, we told you more about the Destination: Romance theme. Now, here’s the scoop on Garden Delights, straight from David’s Bridal.
Silhouettes: Inspired by an elegant wedding set in a formal topiary garden, this trend encompasses a variety of gowns featuring tailored designs and structured silhouettes. Shapes range from traditional ball gowns to fit-and-flare styles that capture the glamour and elegance of the red carpet. A whimsical strapless trumpet gown in Swiss-dot tulle with lace appliqués and a satin empire band (Style T9359, $699) perfectly illustrates this theme. Brides can even choose from a variety of sleeve options that can be easily added to strapless gowns, creating a unique style that is all their own, without the custom price tag. Key looks for bridesmaids include streamlined designs with long tapered skirts, such as a satin A-line gown with an embellished V-neckline and empire banded waist (Style 82900; $155).
Colors: This season, must-have colors range from pale and soft to rich and dark. New mid-tone shades, including a warm Terracotta, make their way from the runway to the bridal aisle. For a fresh splash of color, brides can accent their gowns with an Apple or Marine sash, or choose classic shades like Cabernet, Champagne, Latte, or Peridot. The new trend in colors makes it easy to coordinate the entire wedding day, starting with the bridal party. To create a look that flatters both their personality and figure, bridesmaids can select from a diverse range of fashionable dresses, such as a sleeveless satin trumpet gown with beaded empire waist and straps (Style F12910; $170), or choose stylish mix and match separates from the Make A Match Collection.
Fabrics: Consistent with the latest ready-to-wear trends, these designs are created with high quality fabrics chosen for their unique structural properties. Contemporary satin faille and lush taffeta provide the basis for beautifully constructed gowns and flattering silhouettes.
Accessories: Geometric shapes offer a new alternative to traditional floral details. Crystal, pearl and rhinestone necklaces take on new proportions with larger, stand-out jewelry taking center stage to complement the clean, structured dresses. Bridal shoes are adorned with bold crystal accents, which also influence handbag designs. Veils are voluminous, featuring multiple layers, and hair jewelry is sculptured and embellished, intended to be worn in sleek and sophisticated hairstyles.
Catering to brides of all shapes and sizes, David’s Bridal recently introduced two special sizing options. For the first time, David’s introduces the Galina Woman Collection, boasting soft, flowing gowns, available up to size 26W, with added support and control for full-figured brides. Petite brides now have more options than ever, with an expanded assortment of petite gowns (Sizes 0P–16P) designed specially to fit the proportions of a petite shape.
David’s Bridal also recently unveiled the db Online Collection, an impressive collection of 15 beautiful new bridal styles, available at www.davidsbridal.com. Dresses start at $99 and are available in both missy sizes (2–16) and David’s Bridal Woman sizes (14W–26W).
With more than 50 years of bridal experience, David’s Bridal features more than 280 locations nationwide. David’s Bridal continues to expand its retail store locations, while maintaining its philosophy of superior quality, value and service. To locate a store nearby, consumers can call 1-877-693-BRIDE or visit www.davidsbridal.com.
The dress pictured is the Swiss-dot tulle trumpet gown (Style T9359) discussed above. The gown comes in ivory or white. It is priced at $699 and features a chapel train.
Actor Rhys Ifans attempted to ask actress Sienna Miller to marry him last August and December by sending her Welsh text messages and hiding rings. The extravagant methods didn’t work that well with Sienna saying no both times. But her rejections didn’t stop Rhys from asking her a third time.
On her 26th birthday in December, the 39-year-old asked again and this time was a success.
The couple is now reportedly planning a quiet wedding for sometimes this summer.
A source told the UK’s The Daily Mirror,”Rhys is over the moon and finding it hard to keep quiet … he can’t believe she finally said yes.”
The couple, who have been dating for about a year, are currently in Los Angeles where Sienna is filming her new movie GI Joe.
Congrats to the cute couple. I can’t wait to see Sienna’s dress and find out more about their plans.
Planning a destination wedding?
First Daughter Jenna Bush will be walking down the aisle in less than a month at the President’s Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. Details have started to emerge in recent days about the wedding between the 26-year-old and Henry Hager.
On your wedding day, you will be on your feet for a long, long time. Wedding day activities usually start very early in the morning and last well into the night. You don’t want your feet to ache all day, therefore it’s imperative to have a great pair of bridal shoes. 
According to 
This spring, David’s Bridal is offering fresh, modern colors and silhouettes in three distinct themes - Garden Delights; Destination: Romance; and Black & White. 
Actor Rhys Ifans attempted to ask actress Sienna Miller to marry him last August and December by sending her Welsh text messages and hiding rings. The extravagant methods didn’t work that well with Sienna saying no both times. But her rejections didn’t stop Rhys from asking her a third time. 