Thrive Bridal Guide 2011

1 February 2011 Thrive Bride Guide www.thriveswla.com

BrideBride Guide

A true wedding day companion.

February 2011

2 www.thriveswla.com Thrive Bride Guide February 2011

A National Historic Register Site for Your

Historic Event844 Ryan Street • Lake Charles

(Corner of Pujo and Ryan Streets)

801 Enterprise Boulevard • Lake Charles(Corner of Broad Street and Enterprise Boulevard)

Tommy Eastman(337) [email protected]

Pat Shult(337) 721-8000

[email protected]

Visit our website for 360º views of both locations.

www.empireoftheseed.com

The Vault


Wedding TrendsDressesBrideBrides these days are looking to be more simple, sleek and elegant. “I see a lot of simple necklines, like strapless or sweetheart, with vintage-looking accents such as pleating, lace, bows or flowers, and crystal broach details,” says Chelsi.

Bridesmaids“Darker bridesmaid dresses such as black, navy, deep purple and dark red are becoming more popular,” says Chelsi. There’s a running joke that

brides always tell their bridesmaids: “You can totally wear it again!” And 99% of the time, the dress ends up in the back of a closet. According to Chelsi, dark dresses are much more likely to be worn again, possibly at a cocktail party or even a Mardi Gras ball.

ColorsBrides base their color choices off of their bridesmaid dresses. “If the bride chose a dark color, an alternative light color is usually chosen to brighten things up,” says Chelsi. “For example, ivory can be added to black or aqua can be added to navy.”

FlowersFlowers and floral arrangements are still a staple in weddings today.

Roses are always a top pick but can be a little pricey. Chelsi

suggests choosing a cheaper alternative such as a mixed bouquet that compliments the bridesmaid dress color. The bride can choose an eye-popping display without paying top dollar. “My favorite was a wedding with bouquets and centerpieces made of parrot tulips and hydrangeas. It was gorgeous!”

ReceptionsWhen planning a reception, couples

are focusing more on entertaining and celebrating with their guests. DJ’s with turntables are gaining popularity when planning receptions. They are able to create a unique mix of music personalized for the newlyweds and their guests, guaranteeing a night full of dancing. Photobooths are also gaining in popularity, as they are able to make receptions fun, unique and most of all, memorable.

FoodFinger foods and buffets are taking the place of sit-down, plated dinners at most receptions. “The bride and groom want their guests to eat well, and eat quickly, so the celebration can start,” says Chelsi. One of the newest trends is gourmet foods served by carts or trucks. Brides are now opting for these carts during cocktail hour or even food trucks for late night snacks.

Whether it is waffles, donuts, tacos or sliders, this trend turns an average celebration into more of a club-type atmosphere.

Whatever you choose, the best wedding ideas will be the ones that reflect your style and personality. For more information on wedding tips and trends, contact Chelsi Nabours with Events by Chelsi at (337) 802-3734.

by Katie McDaniel

Wedding season is upon us and brides are looking for the most popular and unique trends to incorporate into their own weddings. When preparing for the big day, keep these tips and trends in mind,

courtesy of Chelsi Nabours with Events by Chelsi.


Mortgage payments, credit scores and debt calculation may not be the most romantic topic for pre-marital conversations, but financial experts agree that it’s essential conversation for the foundation of a strong marriage. Disagreements over money are a leading cause of divorce in the United States, with many expert sources naming it the number one reason couples do not stay together.

“This is why your financial compatibility is an issue that should be addressed well in advance of the wedding date,” says Gail Brame, Vice President with Cameron State Bank. “When couples talk about marriage, they typically only consider the emotional aspects of it, but the truth is, when you decide to make that commitment, there are some very practical financial concerns that should be addressed.”

You certainly don’t have to be wealthy to have a conversation about financial logistics in your upcoming marriage, stresses Brame. “Whether you’re a pauper or a prince, there are still several topics to tackle.”

Couples need to openly and honestly discuss the most obvious questions: “How much money do you make?” for example, to the less-obvious, such as, “What is your credit score?” or “How much debt do you have?” It’s also important to seriously consider your partner’s spending habits, according to Brame.

“Before couples get married, they usually have an idea of how their partner spends money. In a dating relationship, it may not seem like such a big deal. It’s easy to blow it off as carefree spending or penny-pinching,” she says. “But when you get married, spending habits become a serous issue. If one person saves like a miser and the other person spends like a millionaire, that can create some significant problems in a marriage. Recognizing these potential land mines of financial incompatibility ahead of time can provide a more stable environment for the marriage to grow. These aren’t the types of issues that are going to go away if they aren’t resolved.”

Too often, couples jump into marriage and when it comes to finances, they choose to “wing it,” determining their disposable income on a pay-as-you-go basis. This can definitely create friction, especially in the first few months of marital bliss, which often is more

stressful than blissful, says

Brame. It’s best to make decisions before the dotted line has

been signed on the marriage certificate. These decisions, such as whether or not to have joint or separate checking accounts, how much to save or who will be responsible for paying which bills, can always be revisited and arrangement modified later. However, if no decisions have been made initially, it can make for unexpected– and unnecessary– confrontations in the early days of a marriage.”

Typically, the couples who have the least financial disagreements in their marriages are those who understand each others’ spending habits, saving habits, financial philosophies, earnings and debts before they get married,” says Brame. “When you don’t have that understanding, it’s easy to be caught off-guard when financial bombshells hit, especially if the couple has opposing philosophies about spending and saving.”

And Brame says there are more selfish reasons to be worried about

a partner’s financial situation: Once you are married, your

financial records are often combined as well, and one

spouse’s immaculate credit score can sometimes be threatened by the other’s poor one.”

“Discussing your individual financial

situation is very personal, so some couples choose not

to go there,” says Brame. “But a marriage is built on intimacy, trust and

honesty. What better way to express that than to trust your future husband or wife with your most personal financial information? Doing so before – rather than after vows are said – may mean the difference between years of wedded bliss and a quick trip to divorce court.”

Tying the Financial Knot

by Kristy Armand


LDL_5160_Wedding_TBG_AD_c1.indd 1 1/24/11 10:18:54 AM


Five years ago John Niles was in the check-out line at Albertson’s when he picked up something that wasn’t on his grocery list – a divorcee named JoAnn.

She was bringing dinner to her son, an employee at the store, when she decided to pick up a few items for the house. The man in front of her in line was “a handsome fella,” but she didn’t think much of it, even when he lingered around the lane as she purchased her items.

“When I was finished up with my groceries, he said ‘Hi, JoAnn.’ I said hello, but had no idea who he was until he told me – homeroom, LaGrange, 1974. Once he said his name, I remembered him. I didn’t recognize him because when we were kids he had glasses and a full head of curly hair,” JoAnn said.

In high school both of them were shy; although they remembered each other, they’d barely spoken before. JoAnn told him she’d been divorced for two years and was currently working at a local retirement home. He said he’d never married, but was engaged.

After their brief catching-up session they didn’t speak for a few months. In the meantime, however, John’s engagement broke-up and he decided to look for his old high school classmate to see if she wanted to get together. There was just one problem: He couldn’t remember where she worked.

When he finally found her, it turned out to be worth it. She accepted his offer for a date and things moved quickly – they were married six months later.

“God has been good,” JoAnn says. “John is the love of my life. He is my soul mate. He makes my heart grow. I never knew life could be this good, and he says the same thing.”

Although the Albertson’s grocery line proved to be more fundamental than the homeroom class they shared in 1974, high school played a much more significant role in the romance of Katie and Josh Harrington.

They met 14 years ago, when they were both freshmen at Barbe. “The second-to-last day of school we were in the cafeteria before school started. He asked me if I wanted to go for a walk (and) as we walked toward our first-hour classes he said, ‘So I heard you like me.’ I replied, ‘I heard you like me too.’ He said, ‘So, you wanna date?’ And the rest, as they say, is history.”

Maintaining a high-school romance into the real world is challenging for many couples– as people mature, the dynamics of their relationship changes. But Katie and Josh, now parents of two daughters, feel that their six-year marriage will continue and strengthen into a lifelong partnership.

“The greatest reward of being married to my high school sweetheart is that we have literally grown up together and our history with each other is so rich. We can still laugh and cut up with each other over the silliest things, like we are two teenagers,” Katie says. “That rich history can also be a challenge, however. We have had to grow up together over the years and as

you grow, a lot of times you change who you are as a person. This can be a challenge to adapt to when you have known someone for so long. Still, there is a lot of comfort in knowing that I am married to my best friend and that he knows me better than I know myself most days.”

Research by sociologists at the University of Chicago indicates that school and work are the most common places that married couples meet, accounting for as many as 20 percent of married couples in America. Not surprisingly, parties and bars were ideal grounds for one-month flings, providing environments for up to 25 percent of these short-lived romances, but they are also responsible for 8 to 10 percent of modern married couples getting together.

According to the research, 11 percent of married American couples met at church, while less than one percent met by personal ads or dating services.

There was no research on how many married couples have met in Albertson’s check-out lines, but JoAnn insists she’s been “checking John out ever since.”

When Cupid Strikes

JoAnn and John Niles

Katie and Josh Harrington


4421 Nelson Road • Lake Charles, LA 70605

337-478-0955 www.paintingwithatwist.com

Looking for a fun night out with friends

while creating your own masterpiece? If you are planning a bridal shower,

bachelorette party, or just a night out for the girls, Painting with a Twist is a one of a

kind event that you and your guests will talk about for years to come. Everyone will also

take home a painting as a keepsake to remind them of the special occasion.

A little wine…a little paint…and a whole lot of fun!

Pick a date and a painting that fits your schedule. If you bring your friends, please call us to

make sure you sit together

Bring your favorite beverage and paint along

with a local artist! They will show you step by step how to paint your own beautiful

work of art.

We provide the canvas, paint and brushes for a fun-filled

evening with friends! Amateurs welcome!

3129 Ernest StreetLake Charles, LA 70601

(337) 564-6617

M–F: 10:30–5:30Sat: 11:00–5:00

Sun: Closed

The party dress store with exclusive brands, great prices and great styles

for every occasion!

Upscale contemporary ladies’ apparel and accessories

Frankie & Co.

Wedding Showers

Hon

ey-Do S

how

ers

Reh

ears

al

Din

ner

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Wedding Receptions

Ba

chel

oret

te P

art

ies

Stock

-the-B

ar P

arties

Engagement Parties

by Erin K. Cormier


• Vi Chemical Peel

• Enhanced Skin Rejuvenation

• Laser Hair Removal

• Acne Laser Treatments

• Leg Vein Treatments

• Skin Resurfacing “Laser Peel”

• Weight Loss Clinic Also AvailableCall 337-477-4744 today for a consultation.

GiftCertificatesAvailable.

Rhonda Salvador, LPN, LT4150 Nelson Road, Building C, Suite 11 Lake Charles

337-660-1214 Fax: 337-474-0277 • [email protected]

GET youRSELF

Picture PerfectGET youRSELF

Picture Perfect

3101 Ernest St. Suite 1 • Lake Charles, LA (across from JC Penney)

M–F 11am–5:30pm; Sat 10–4337-564-5818 • www.mimosa-boutique.com

Top brandsNew styles

Affordable fashions

Wedding Seasonis coming up

what are yougonna wear?

For all your wedding outfit needs… • Rehearsal Dinners • Bridal Showers • Couples Showers • Bachelorette Parties • Honeymoon

Take the CakeFlavorWedding cakes come in a huge variety of different sizes, shapes and colors. Most popular flavors include chocolate cake, sponge cake, red velvet and even cream cakes.

SizeWedding cakes are usually very large. It has become fashionable over the years for the cakes to be multi-leveled or tiered. This not only makes the entire cake balance but also helps to make it aesthetically pleasing. Be sure to be choose a wedding cake size based on the number of guests you are inviting.

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Take the Cake ColorThe color of the wedding cake should usually tie in with the chosen wedding colors. You could match the color of the brides maids’ dresses, the grooms men’s ties, the flowers and the wedding favors.

t


SCC Stacked Cake Co.

[email protected]

Possibly the biggest decision you will face in preparing for your big day is finding the perfect dress. The process of shopping for a wedding dress can be a great adventure, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming--particularly because a bride-to-be often starts shopping for her gown before many other details are determined.

The important thing do is to relax, and remember that there are as many different kinds of dresses out there as there are different kinds of brides.

You should start shopping for your gown at least nine months before your wedding in order to give yourself enough time to have the gown ordered and have alterations made.

To start off the process of choosing the perfect gown you should plan ahead. Take a few minutes to think about what you want. It will be helpful to know what your budget is, any details that are essential, and an idea of

YesSay to the Dress

Whatever your special occasion think...

C Bridesmaids dressesC Mother-of gownsC Wedding accessoriesC Bridal accessories

2214 Ryan St. C Lake ChaRLeS, La 337-439-1418


337.802.3734 | [email protected] us on Facebook: facebook.com/eventsbychelsi

Weddings & Anniversaries • Holiday Parties • Personal Shopping Corporate Events & Gifts • Invitations & Stationery

Let us help you plan the happiest day of your life.

Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Conner Photography

337-439-2054901 Pujo Street

Lake Charles, LA [email protected]

Check us out on Facebook.

Say to the Dresshow traditional you want your dress to be. Also, keep in mind that on your wedding day, you’ll want to look great, but you’ll also want to be comfortable- it will be hard to dance and laugh if you’re constantly pulling your dress up or have boning poking into your ribs.

Consider which type of wedding dress is most appropriate for your day –short or long, strapless or straps. Look for a wedding dress with removable sleeves or straps to give you the widest range of options.

Think about your body type and what kinds of dresses generally look good on you. Take a look at what you regularly wear that makes you feel confident and beautiful, and then look for a wedding dress with similar lines.

If money is an issue, remember that the most expensive kind of dress is not necessarily the best kind. Many brides find a bridesmaids dress in white or off-white that works perfectly, and is hundreds of dollars cheaper. There are thousands of dresses to be had at sample sales, thrift stores, and ebay. Consider taking pictures from magazines to a friend who sews or seamstress and getting a price quote. If you choose to make your own dress, don’t delay. The sooner you finish it, the sooner you’ll be able to attend to the many other details of your wedding.

Most of all, remember this is your wedding day. Wear whatever makes you comfortable and feels like you. And have fun shopping for your wedding dress. It should be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

by Haley Armand

Now opeN 6 Days a week for your coNveNieNce!

Monday–friday 9 am–6 pm every saturday 9 am–3 pm

we have an incredible team of stylists & makeup artists that will create a

custom look for your special day!Give us a call to set up your

appointment today!

803 w. McNeese st. Lake charles, La 70605 337-478-4433 • www.signaturessalon.biz


The Perfect Fit Boutique

312 Pujo Street • 433-5855 • perfectfitlc.com

Eleg

ance

One

of a

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• For all your wedding party needs Motherofthebride•Motherofthegroom•Grandmothers

• Custom fit to your body• Choose your own color & style

Featuring Lourdes Chavez Designswww.lourdeschavez.com

Water - If your wedding is held in the warm months, plan on enough cold beverages for your guests, and keep them available throughout the day. Chilled bottle water or pitchers of iced water is a simple but thoughtful drink. The wedding party will also appreciate a handy cold beverage if they are being photographed outside.

Umbrellas - Have a few umbrellas available. In the event of rain or hot sunshine, your older guests, babies, and those that sunburn easily will appreciate having one. This thoughtful touch will be remembered because guests will know you cared about their comfort.

Chairs– For health reasons, some people cannot stand for any length of time. Have a few chairs or benches available.

Shade - Your musicians will need shade.

Shoes - what kind of shoes do you plan on wearing for your wedding? Flip flops, flat or low heels, wedge type, and ballerina slippers allow you to walk smoothly. Three-inch heels will have you tripping down the aisle.

Hair - Hair spray, gel, pins and a great stylist are your best bets for a wedding day hairstyle with enough staying power to withstand the Southwest Louisiana humidity.

Outdoor Wedding Tips


Keep your catering events in your hands. Call for a variety of discount options.

919-A N. Lake Arthur Ave. • Jennings, LA 70546 • (337) [email protected] • www.freyscrawfish.com

Contact us for hours of operation.

“Specializing in Cajun Food”

Frey’s Crawfish House

Frey’s Crawfish & Catering

Rough Terrain - If guests must travel over grass, gravel or sand, ask ushers and younger relatives to help older guests make their way safely to the ceremony area.

Bugs– Have a plan for pest control.

Plan B – Have a contingency plan in place for rain


Planning a wedding is exciting, and probably something you’ve looked forward to your whole life. But if you are not careful the process can also become overwhelming. What you hoped would be the wedding of your dreams can turn into a chaotic nightmare quicker than you can say, “I do.” According to Beth Dawdy, owner/manager of Treasure of Marilyn’s, it takes organization and teamwork to prevent this from happening. “We’ve found that the key is to make sure everyone involved understands their responsibilities at the beginning of the process. A well-thought-out division of labor can definitely prevent confusion and problems along the way, and allow everyone to enjoy what the big event itself.” Dawdy says who does what is strictly a matter of preference in many cases, but there are some traditional roles that many people still follow. “Just keep in mind that this is your wedding and you can decide who is responsible for whatever details you want.” She provides the following “checklist” of duties typically handled by the primary members of the wedding party:

Wedding Party ChecklistBride• Discuss your budget with parents and fiancé. • Book your coordinator, caterer, DJ, florist,

photographer, videographer, wedding cake baker, and other wedding industry professional you need.

• Help compile guest list.• Choose your wedding gown, hair style and

accessories.• Address invitations. • Purchase groom’s wedding ring and have it

engraved. • Purchase wedding gift for groom.• Pack for honeymoon and obtain all necessary

travel documents for honeymoon (i.e. passport, birth certificate, visa).

Groom• Choose all wedding attire and accessories

for the male bridal party members. • Help compile guest list. • Rent or purchase wedding attire. • Plan and pay for honeymoon. • Assist as needed with planning of

ceremony and reception. • Pay for the bridal bouquet and all

corsages and boutonnières for wedding party.

• Obtain all necessary travel documents for honeymoon (i.e. passport, birth certificate, visa).

by Haley Armand


Wedding Party Checklist

Don’t let just anyone hanDle your special event.put over 30 years of experience to work for you!

Treasures of Marilyns • 3510 5th Ave. • Lake Charles, LAwww.marilynscatering.com • 337-477-3553

• Plan rehearsal dinner and send out invitations. • Scout out hotels for out-of-town guests. • Bring marriage license to ceremony site. • Make payments to officiate and musicians.• Purchase bride’s engagement and wedding rings and arrange

engraving. • Purchase wedding gift for bride.

Bride and Groom• Decide on your budget. Consult with your parents, if they are

paying for or contributing to the wedding. • Decide on and set the style, theme, date, time, and the place of

ceremony and reception. Make the reservations and deposits. • Meet with your wedding officiate and participate in any premarital

counseling required. • Order your Save-the-Date cards, wedding

invitations, and thank you notes. • Choose your attendants and their attire. • Purchase gifts to honor your Bridesmaids,

Groomsmen, and children in the wedding party (flower girl and ring bearer).

• Acknowledge all bridal shower and wedding gifts you receive with a handwritten personalized thank-you note from both of you.

• Obtain your marriage license and any needed blood tests.


Mother of the Bride• Assist bride in the selection of wedding gown and accessories,

and other details of ceremony and reception.• Help prepare guest list. • Help record gifts received. • Select a dress that will complement the color scheme of the

wedding.• Assist in details of ceremony

and reception (i.e. caterer, DJ, photographer, etc.).

• Arrive dressed before the bride and the bridal party.

• Serve as official hostess at the wedding and reception.

Father of the Bride• Pay for majority of cost of

wedding and reception.• Purchase or rent

wedding attire that matches that of the groom and other male wedding attendants.

• Ride with the bride to the ceremony.

• Co-host the reception.

Mother of the Groom• Assist in compiling guest list. • Purchase a dress that is

complementary in color and style to the mother of the bride’s dress.

• Plan the rehearsal dinner.

Father of the Groom• Purchase or rent wedding attire. • Pay for and host the rehearsal dinner. • Propose the first toast at the

rehearsal dinner. • Pay for all beverages at the wedding

reception.

Maid (Matron) of Honor• Assists bride in choosing a bridal gown as well as in choosing

attendants’ gowns and jewelry. • Purchase gown and accessories that she will be wearing. • Plan and host bridal shower and bachelorette party. • Records gifts received at showers.• Helps the bride assemble and decorate wedding favors. • Helps bride and bride’s family decorate the reception hall, if

necessary. • Arrive early to assist the bride in dressing. • Organize bridesmaids and their gowns.

Best Man• Plan and host the bachelor party. • Rent or purchase wedding attire that is the same as the

groom’s. • Arrange for transportation

to ceremony for self and groom.

• Arrange for transportation of the couple as well as self to the reception.

• Arrive with the groom in advance of ceremony.

• Supervise groomsmen and ushers.

For more information on wedding planning services, call Treasures of Marilyn’s at (337)477-3553.


1737 W. Sale Road, Suite 103Lake Charles, LA

337 • 480 • 1100www.specialtouchlcla.com

Treat your bridal party to a spa day! Our wedding packages are great for bachelorette parties, bridal parties & spa parties for the big day!

EO422

Weddings • Receptions • Meetings • Balls

www.castlelouisiana.com • Sulphur, LA • 337-570-9739 • 337-527-1964

Celebrate Your special occasion with us at Chateau de Bon Reve.

Here Comes the Bride - Take Two

Tips for Second Marriages Weddings the second time around can be joyous and celebratory, or quiet,

intimate gatherings. It all depends on the situation and mood that the bride and groom wish to have on their special day. If you’re planning a

second wedding, here are some tips to keep in mind: If children from a previous marriage are involved, they should

be the first to know of wedding plans. Talk with them, answer their questions and involve them as much as possible in planning. The feel of the wedding can be as elaborate as you want. In the past, most second marriages were toned-down events, but these days, a wedding the second time around often means finding a true soul mate, and that’s worth celebrating any way you’d like! Most second brides choose a pastel colored dress, like lavender, pale pink or champagne. Wearing white is also considered appropriate, if that’s what the bride wishes. However, most agree it best to forgo a veil and opt instead for fresh flowers tucked in the hair-do. You aren’t obligated to invite ex-spouses to the wedding, but can do so if everyone is on friendly terms. Be sure to talk with the children about what they would like and let that dictate a solution to make everyone as comfortable as possible.

Above all, follow your heart and enjoy your day – again!


WeDDinG PlanninG CalenDaR GUiDeline:There’s so much to do before a wedding, it can be difficult to prioritize. Here are some suggestions to help you know what details you should take care of at what time, leading up to the big day:

Twelve or more months before the wedding• Research: wedding websites and bridal magazines • Wedding dress• Church or venue for the ceremony• Reception location, caterer and photographer

Six to nine months before the wedding• Wedding party members• Wedding flowers• Bridesmaid dresses• Wedding music• Registry

Four to six months before the wedding• Wedding cakes• Wedding invitations• Wedding favors• Wedding decorations• Honeymoon• Hotel rooms & guest accommodations

Two to four months before the wedding• Wedding rings• Wedding vows• Wedding ceremony plan

Four to eight weeks before the wedding• Wedding hairstyles• Name change kits

Source: www.littleweddingguide.com

Hire photogra

pherPick ou

t

invitati

ons

We can cater anywhere you need us, as well as host events out on our patio.

Letuscateryourshowers,rehearsaldinners,receptionsandmore.

Anyeventneeded,wecancaterit.

FullDJserviceavailable.

719 Ryan St., Lake Charles • 337-494-LUNA

Hair & Nail SalonIt’s a family thing

Updo’s • Styles • Make-upManicure • Pedicure

Wedding packages available. Call for details or check out our Facebook page

4401 Lake Street • 474-4606

Phyllis Babin and Daughter, Laura

Smith. Together they have been loyal

clients for a combined 34 years!

The Ritz


MONDAY–FRIDAY 10:00AM–5:30PM(337) 474-0080 • In Magnolia Square across from Prien Lake Mall

Your Wedding Band StoreThe Lake area’s largest bridal selection

Custom designs and unique stylesComplete line of fine jewelry

DiamonD PenDanTs • DiamonD eaRRings • PRofessionaL RePaiRs

Will you marry me?

© Thrive Magazine836 University, Lake Charles, LA 70605

P:337.310.2099 • F:[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

The Honeymoon

Pack Smart. Make a master list of the things you’ll need to pack. Refer to it as you pack, and then again as you pack for the return trip. It’ll help you avoid leaving your items in the hotel room.

Passports. If you’re planning to go overseas, apply for passports now. It can take several months, in some cases, for processing.

Pass the word. When making hotel and flight reservations, mention that it’s for your honeymoon. They may upgrade or tell you about unadvertised packages.

Talk to the Locals. The hotel or resort concierge, fellow passengers, waitstaff – any of them can help you find the best deals, local flavor and fun events to check out.

Go with the Flow. If something does go wrong, don’t stress. Sometimes the most memorable events happen because plans went awry.

Because of the long list of details to consider, people to please and schedules to accommodate, planning the honeymoon can often be more fun than planning the wedding. After all, who doesn’t love a vacation? For a fun and memorable trip, here are a few tips:

Getaway

Thrive Bridal Guide 2011

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