Honeymoon On A Budget

I came across this article while browsing throught the interent. It is no secret that everyone is looking for ways to make their dollar stretch just a little bit further. Below is an article from a briliant new website, Para ti Novia.


Top Five Recession-Friendly Honeymoon Planning Tips 2009

Getting married is a whirlwind of to-do lists, excitement, and mind-blurring decisions. Planning the honeymoon destination amidst all of those life-changing and momentous decisions can almost seem like an afterthought. Then, throw a strict budget into the mix and you may feel like you want to tear your hair out. But, it doesn’t have to be a challenge, here are our tips to help get you on the road to planning the trip of your dreams:

1. Travel in the Off-Season
Consider planning your honeymoon for the off season. For some brides and grooms, this may mean postponing the honeymoon until the Fall or even Winter. But, the bottom line is that if your wedding date falls on the ‘off season’ for tourism, you are more likely to get good rates on hotels and travel for your honeymoon destination. Then, for even more savings, make your reservations for hotel and car well in advance.

2. Go the Boutique Hotel Route or even better, the Pensione
You don’t need to be a millionaire to travel to boutique hotels. You just need to do your research. Finding amazing deals are just at your fingertips, as the internet is a great resource to begin the process of digging to find a beautiful boutique hotel where you can stay for about $80 to $150 per night. Or, pensiones are a great lodging alternative to the boutique hotel. Think Bed and Breakfast Inns. Either choice make for an inexpensive alternative to a standard hotel; and, they are often cheaper.

3. House Swap
The latest top honeymoon trend for anyone on a budget is to do a house swap. List your home and make your request for areas you want to go on your honeymoon. Make the arrangements to let the people who live in the honeymoon destination of your choice to come to where you live while you go there. You save on the expense of lodging which is one of the biggest expenses of any vacation and get to enjoy exotic locales for fractions of the cost.

4. Bid on Your Honeymoon Travel
Websites like LuxuryLink.com and Priceline.com allow you to offer a price bid to be able to travel to an ideal location. You often times can make very low bids and get huge savings on beautiful hotels.

5. Go Camping in Romantic Locales
Can’t find someone to swap houses, or don’t feel comfortable letting strangers into your home? Then do the next best thing and really experience the honeymoon destination of your choice by enjoying all that the great outdoors has to offer and consider then next top honeymoon trend—camping. Snuggle close together on a moonlit night under the stars. You can’t get more romantic than that.

A few other cost saving options
Of course traditions are traditions for a reason and weddings bring to mind the traditional honeymoon ideas as well. Niagara Falls is still the top honeymoon destination in North America and it is not a budget breaker either. Other great low cost local honeymoon ideas are right in your own backyard like the beautiful Sonoma Valley, or the romantic Napa Valley. Hike, bike or camp out in the wonderful wine country or check out some of the local B&B’s for great deals.

A little planning and careful thought will get you that unforgettable honeymoon that will set the tone for happily ever after.




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Martha Stewart's Red, White and Blue Cupcakes

In honor of the Fourth of July, here is a recipe from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes Book.
Click on the links below for the full recipes. You can go with either Chocolate Cupcakes or Vanilla Cupcakes iced with Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Decorate patriotic cupcakes in July with stars piped in blue buttercream and stripes cut from red licorice laces.

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Unique Wedding Favor Idea of the Week

I have decided to pick a different and unique wedding favor idea every week and share it with all of you. I found these via Flicker. If not for all of the guests, these would definitely be a great gift for members of the wedding party. I would love a bowl of these on my coffee table. If you can't supply a bowl to put them in, they can be packaged in a decorated bag and tied with a ribbon.

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We are in Brides Connecticut!

We were so excited when we opened up the new Fall/Winter issue of Brides Connecticut to see the article they wrote about Wedding Runways! Check it out for yourself...please click on the article to read a larger version.



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Wedding Photos And The Rain

With all the rain that we’ve been having lately, there’s a chance that it may be raining on your wedding day. So, here are some simple tips to make sure you and your wedding party and guests, can make the most out of the rain, and use it to your advantage for some awesome photo opportunities. If you think it may rain or just want to be prepared, have a bunch of large brightly colored and fun umbrellas handy. If you would like to go for a more classic look, consider a big black golf umbrella. Rain boots or flip flops are also a must. They can be used just from getting to and from your destination. They will also look cute under a hiked up dress for some photos. Lastly, have fun! Rain is considered to be good luck on your wedding day, so if you are able to relax and go with it, then your day will surely be spectacular! Here are some photos I gathered that show what a great time these brides and everyone else had.








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Martha Stewart's Cupcakes

Last Thursday, I had the chance to go to Martha Stewart’s book singing in Madison for her new book, Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes. The book is filled with 175 different cupcakes, all with different flavors, themes, toppings, you name it! I arrived later than I had planned, and waited in line for almost 2 hours, but it was well worth it. After all was said and done, I had an autographed Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes book and an inspiring line from Martha. She thought Wedding Runways “was a fabulous idea!” (I snuck her a business card as she was signing the book). She loved the idea of custom printed wedding aisle runners. Martha referred me to Darcy Miller, Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Weddings and I sent her some information today. We’ll see how everything goes, but when Martha picked up my card and spoke to me, that was all I needed. Here’s to a hopeful week!

Steve DePino was there to capture Martha during the book signing. He is an amazing photographer from Guilford, CT. Steve has had his work featured in The Knot, Modern Bride and Style Me Pretty, to name a few. Excitement, passion and energy are Steve’s key ingredients for making his photographs come to life. He is best known for his engagement portrait sessions and of course the beautiful stories he tells through his photographs during a couples wedding. For more photo’s, visit Steve’s Blog or contact him at steve@stevedepino.com.

Sarah True of True Event

It’s such a small world, really. The other day Stephanie and I met with Sarah True, formally Sarah Tomalski, of True Event. We had gone to high school with Sarah years ago, but we’ve been in touch just recently, again. Sarah and her business partner Lucinda own 2 separate companies, but collaborate together to make 1 outstanding result. Whether it’s from start to finish or a “day of” event, Sarah will work with you, (and your budget), to create the results everyone in the planning process is looking for. Sarah has built everlasting relationships with the best in the business, and she believes as long as she is a good match with her clients, she can work and create with them the vision they are looking for. From interacting with other vendors to family members, Sarah is a great person to have by your side. Her business partner Lucinda, of Chocolate Creative Design can create the perfect invitations and save-the-dates to tell your story. “True & Wesson is a partnership that just makes sense.”

Alexandra's Cookie Dreams

How excited were we this morning when a box of 6 of Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams cookies arrived for us! Alexandra uses all natural, no preservatives, local ingredients and companies as much as possible so they will be they’re freshest for 6 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 3 weeks and they will taste as fresh as they did the day they arrived! They’re freezable for 3 months, too! We warmed our cookies before we ate them and let me tell you, they are double the deliciousness warmed! Our favorites are the Toffee Doodle Dream and the Double Stuffed Chocolate Nightmare, but we really loved them all! They have the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and everything in between. Try them for yourself, or for others, they would make the perfect wedding or bridal shower favor.

Alexandra really customizes the cookie gift to meet the theme of the event, and the personalities of the couple. “We create a custom front label (oftentimes using an image or color from the invitation or photo of the couple or bride), custom back label, including personalized cookie name (for example, for an engagement party we named the cookie "Taste of Sweet Wedding Bliss, For The Future Mr. & Mrs. Liss" and then the cookie description was customized as well) We add matching ribbon, (sometimes we use the same ribbon from the bride or bridesmaid's bouquets) and we add a personal message from the bride/couple. It's a lot of fun to work closely with people at such an exciting time of their lives.” - Alexandra

Alexandra’s Cookie Dreams™ Signature Cookie, the chocolate chili crunch represents the blending of Alexandra’s two favorite places, Texas and New York. A fudgy Ghirardelli© chocolate dough is excited by the subtle touch of Texas Chili powder and the un-expected crunch of New York Pretzel, forming a unique indulgent flavor that will make you want to kick up your boots and hit the city!

A chocolate lovers dream! Chunks of Callebaut milk chocolate and Ghirardelli© semi-sweet chocolate are layered and stuffed into a vanilla cookie that is chewy on the inside with a crispy outside.

Chunks of creamy Ghirardelli© white chocolate are combined with sweet dried cranberries and salty hand-cut walnuts in a cakey vanilla cookie that's a lovely complement to a cup of tea, or a glass of champagne.

Buttery, gooey toffee overflows from this chewy vanilla cookie, combined with a touch of semi-sweet chocolate and wrapped in a crackling cinnamon sugar coating.

Extreme peanut butter cravers beware! This deliciously nutty cookie is loaded with both creamy peanut butter and fresh roasted, salted hand-cut peanuts forming the perfect balance between savory and sweet.

The chocolate, espresso, cayenne punch is created by first melting Ghirardelli© semi-sweet and un-sweetened chocolate; Illy© dark roasted espresso powder and salty hand-cut walnuts are then added to create a delicate, chewy mocha cookie that is finished with a welcomed jolt of red cayenne pepper.

A portion of each cookie profit is donated to Austin and New York Public Schools through the organization DonorsChoose.org to support education and the love of learning.

Like unique wedding ideas? Visit Wedding Runways for custom printed wedding aisle runners.

Go Green!

Both in color and ecologically.

We will soon be using eco-solvent inks and material for our custom printed aisle runners. And, what better timing, than for the summer? This inspiration board above, done by Finestationary, illustrates the vibrancy of all of the different shades of green one can use. And the only thing would make this “green” wedding theme even better is to use eco friendly materials whenever possible. Here are some tips from The Wedding Lens to help create your own “green” wedding.

Use recycled paper for your invitations

By using recycled paper, you can save a lot of paper and a lot of trees, especially considering how many pieces of paper get mailed out (directions, return envelopes, etc… )

Consider treeless paper

You can also get invitations made from bamboo, hemp or kenaf.

Don’t use toxic ink

When printing your invitations, make sure the ink you use, is not toxic. Many inks are, so this is something you can easily ask about (or purchase if you’re printing your own).

Make sure your ring is not a blood diamond

A simple web search can tell you all of the negative things associated with blood diamonds; make sure your ring is conflict free. A jeweler should be able to tell you the origin of your ring. If they’re not willing to help you figure it out, go elsewhere.

Reuse & Recycle

If you know someone who recently got married, then perhaps they have some decorations, silk flowers, ideas, or suggestions that you can reuse or recycle. If nothing else, it will save you time researching these things!

Pick a venue that is outdoors (and free!)

Selecting a venue like an area of a forest or part of a beach is beautiful and free! It takes advantage of the nature that is easily accessible.

Think about where your guests are from

When picking a venue, consider where your guests are traveling from. Try to find a place in the middle. After all, the less your guests will have to travel, the cheaper for them and the less oil consumed. If you pick indoors, pick with windows

Try to select a venue that has natural light so you don’t have to use electricity as much.

Car or van pool from hotel to reception Rather than have everyone drive from their hotel to the wedding reception, organize a car pool or hire a van or bus to transport everyone to & from the venue. You save fuel and ensure your inebriated friends get home safely.

Require a color, not a dress

Ask your bridesmaids to buy a dress that they will wear again – in whatever color you choose, if you want. If they can re-wear, it’s that much better.

Plant a tree as a Favor

Plant a tree (or many trees) as the favor to your guests.

Give seeds

Give seeds as the favor so that people can plant on their own. Give a basket of green products

Come up with a list of some green products and items and give those as the favor.

Make the favors the centerpieces

By using the favors as the decorative centerpiece, you don’t have to use more flowers or purchase other decorative items. And hopefully the favors will be useful and re-useable.

Buy natural

If you purchase a new dress, get one that is made from natural, organic materials such as organic silk or help.

Donate when you’re done

When you’re done, donate your dress to a charity that can sell it; it will create funds for them and save someone else from having to purchase a new dress.

Don’t use disposable cameras

Disposable cameras require you to print all the photos AND dispose of the camera. It’s much more cost effective AND green friendly to use digital cameras (like the ones that your guests are already bringing).

Share your photos digitally

By storing digital images on your wedding blog/website/ The Wedding Lens for family and friends to download as they please, you save money on postage and processing. You also don’t use toxic chemicals to print too many pictures.

Go organic

Use organic foods wherever possible.

Go local

Hire a catering company that uses only local ingredients.

Donate the leftovers

Donate any leftover food rather than throwing it out. There are lots of shelters that would love to receive such a great donation.

Use non-disposable plates and utensils

If at all possible, use non-disposables so that you don’t create a huge amount of waste, especially if you’re having a large wedding reception.

Use recycled materials

If you can’t avoid using disposable plates & utensils, opt for the recycled version or treeless options.

Use flowers that are in season

When you use flowers that are out of season, they have to be imported. Transportation and care of the flowers requires extra resources that in-season flowers don’t require.

Go local

Flowers that are local don’t need to be transported or cared for in the same way as flowers that are transported and moved around.

Use silk or dried flowers

Get silk or dried flowers as an eco-friendly alternative.

Use potted flowers and plants

Potted flowers and plants look great and they can be used after the event for your home or garden. Or you can give it to guests to use in their home or garden.

Go with singers, not DJs

Vocalists won’t require the amount of amplification that DJs requires.

Register for earth friendly products

A registry can prevent people from buying gifts that you don’t really want (however well-intentioned they were!). It can also allow you to register for earth friendly products and things that you would want.

Consider registering for non-consumptive gifts

Register for non-consumptive gifts that you would like, such as massages, wine, soap, or free trade coffee.

Don’t print programs

People don’t necessarily need a program, especially if you can have a DJ announce who the wedding party is. It will save you money on printing costs and save paper.

Use flower petals as confetti

Use flower petals instead of paper confetti, rice, or seeds. It’s biodegradable!

Recycle!

When you clean up or hire the clean-up crew, make sure they recycle instead of throwing everything away and filling landfills.

Please visit Wedding Runways and ask how we can help make your wedding environmentally friendly!

Look For Us In The Upcoming Issue Of Brides Connecticut!

We were so excited when Lauren Matthews from Brides Connecticut contacted us on Friday to let us know they want to feature Wedding Runways in the upcoming Fall/Winter 09 issue. We have an ad in their magazine but to have a story featured about our custom wedding aisle runners, table runners and “step & repeats” is so motivating and inspiring. This would be our first editorial press and we can’t wait for everybody to read about us!