Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

There is something special about being asked to be part of a destination wedding party. Most friends and family members feel very honored to be considered for the role of bridesmaid, groomsmen or the VIP title of maid-of-honor or best man.

And as couples find themselves having to call or email to ask these dear loved ones to be a part of their big day - there is something much cooler they could be doing. They could be sending them cookie messages.

The Flour Pot "Will You be My" cookies ask the question with a little more care and thought than a simple call or email. They are only $10 (includes the cookie and adorable wrapping) so it won't cost you a fortune either.

Just think of what your bridal party is about to embark when being entrusted to your sacred society. The least you can do is ask them in a yummy and unforgettable way!

Unique Wedding Cake Toppers

Personalized details for destination weddings, such as wedding cake toppers - can not only be unique but also hand-made and specific to your theme. We've been logging on to http://www.etsy.com/ and finding everything from hand-stitched veils to beautiful bridal jewelry. This time, we went on to check out what they had as far as cake toppers and here are some adorable items they have for sale:

Aren't these the sweetest tweets? In black and white from Etsy.com

For the couple who loves autumn foliage: Tree Cake Topper from Etsy.com

Can't get enough of each other? Than maybe The Love Bird Cake Topper from Etsy.com is for you!

This one is my personal favorite for a nature-loving couple: Owl Cake Topper from Etsy.com

The beauty of these personalized creations is that they are affordable, unique and something you can keep for years to come!

Bridal Party Gift Idea Perfect for Your Destination Wedding

One question we get all the time at the magazine is, "what should I get my bridesmaids as a thank you gift that's meaningful and personalized?"

Because you've decided to do a destination wedding, it also needs to be portable. Jewelry is always a great idea, but many items can't be personalized or worn after the wedding, not to mention they can be expensive.

Recently we uncovered one jewelry designer who gives you everything you need - a personalized, unique gift that is easy to transport and even easier on the pocketbook.

Introducing, Lisa Leonard Designs:


Her jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes. Each piece is hand-made and can be personalized with initials or messages.

With a reasonable price tag of between $18 and $98, each one of your special ladies will be stylin' and you won't go over budget.

Personalize each piece with their names, their children's names or a sweet message to commemorate your special occasion.

I actually have the "cherish" necklace shown below and loved it so much, I ended up ordering one for a friend.

Lisa Leonard's collection includes everything from unique stamped necklaces, stackable rings, cuff bracelets and much more. To check her beautiful line, click here.

Wedding Accessories For Less Than $100

Another amazing Etsy.com designer to the rescue! Introducing Modern Romance - a uber chic, inexpensive alternative to the high-priced boutique standbys. The owner and designer, Christine, offers customized wedding accessories ranging from $30 - $95. These pieces are essential to add a little modern pizazz to any wedding ensemble - especially perfect for destination weddings!

Accessories for the bridesmaids are available too - she loves to come up with new things - so just tell her what you want and she'll make it! Above are some of her sweet little creations.

Visit her http://www.modernromancepdx.etsy.com/ site or her blog!

Cooookies!

I have a sweet tooth. A bad sweet tooth. So when I get to a wedding and find out there is a wedding favor in the shape of this, I get very excited.

Being in the wedding industry, we are always looking for the latest in wedding ideas. This one is perfect because it works for any kind of wedding - especially destination weddings!

Brought to you by Flour Pot Cookie Boutique, you can find cookies in almost any shape.

For example: sand dollars! These are perfect for a beach wedding, or just a beach theme.

For the couple who loves a long walk in the park or a bike ride, these bicycle cookies are adorable and delicious.

These swimsuit cookies are colorful, fun and perfect for a tropical wedding.

If you are planning a winter wedding, what better than some snowflakes to get the theme right?

Or a wedding in the Cape? These nautical themed favors are a perfect compliment, to a wedding, shower or pre/post party.

Doing a city wedding? These taxi cab cookies are the way to go.

Just promise me this, if you are planning your upcoming wedding and decide to go with these favors, will you send me an invitation?

The Bridesmaid Dress Dilemma - Solved

Dressing your favorite gal pals isn't easy. All women struggle to find the perfect outfit for a special occasion - and what's more special than a wedding?



So here you are with your entourage of bridesmaids, all equipped with completely different "assets," wanting desperately to look perfect as they saunter down your matrimonial aisle. Top that off with the fact that you've decided to do a destination wedding,therefore the more traditional options won't work for your event . So what's a girl to do?

Log on to BariJay.com, that's what.



Bari Jay Bridesmaids has created dresses styled for any woman, influenced from top trends and colors in European and American fashion. All silhouettes are flattering and easy to wear. So easy, in fact, girls are able to wear and re-wear the dresses for numerous occasions.

Even better, BariJay.com is complete with interactive tools so you can see the dress in several colors before deciding. They have so many styles, colors and fabrics to choose from, you’re sure to find dresses suitable for all your lovely maids without braking the bank. You can email your bridesmaids straight from the site with the styles you love to get their input.


Plus, Bari Jay has several styles perfect for destination weddings– breathable fabrics great for casual beach-side destinations, while some of their longer gowns complement cool temperatures or more formal events.

Just in case you fall in love with a silhouette for yourself, keep in mind most of their styles are available in white or ivory. Now you can rest assured that your bridal party will be well dressed, happy and ready to walk down the aisle looking their best.

For more information visit: http://www.barijay.com/

Who Needs a Traditional Wedding Cake?

Cupcakes have been climbing the ladder of dessert popularity for some time now. Bridal showers, corporate events, and now even weddings will feature a tower of cupcakes rather than the more formal desserts. And what's not to love? They are easy to share, easy to eat and lend a signature feel to any event.



Recently, one of my dear friends and loyal writers, brought me a cardboard box filled with the most amazing frosting topped cupcake I've EVER eaten. Moist red velvet cake baked to perfection and garnished with a healthy helping of butter-cream frosting was inhaled and accompanied by moaning and fingers licked clean. What was this heavenly decadent dessert you ask? And can you get some for your wedding or event? The answer is Sprinkles Cupcakes and yes, you can get them for your wedding or event.



Sprinkles can do a tiered tower of cupcakes in white or you can customize your tasty treats with signature colored ribbons or decorations.

If you're not down with the tower de cupcake, but are interested in maybe a personalized favor that won't break the bank, Sprinkles offers single serving cupcakes with details on top served in individual cardboard boxes for $5 each.

Now, I'm hoping the people at Sprinkles read this - I'm ready for my next Red Velvet trip to Cloud Nine and I'm confident they will oblige. http://www.sprinkles.com/wedding/index.html

Yummy Favor Idea for Destination Weddings

Everyone loves an edible favor! Here's a new one on the market by Haute Choklet. A box comes filled with two chocolate covered fortune cookies. You can even personalize the fortune! Each one is available for $3, so it won't break the bank if you're watching your budget.

Available online at: http://hautechoklet.net/cart/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5

More Ways to Pop The Question

Just this week we were contacted by someone who works for Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba after they read our blog post on wedding proposal ideas. She had some additional original and romantic proposals she had learned about and wanted to share.

One very creative man had the ever-willing Bucuti staff carefully package the ring in a waterproof box and hide it beneath the water at a nearby reef snorkeling site. The team then coordinated with the snorkeling charter regarding the ring’s location and made sure the couple was dropped in the correct spot. He “found” the box and brought it up to her; they both got on the boat curious to see what was inside. He then opened the box, got down on one knee, pulled out the ring and popped the question.


Another very inventive gentleman had the Bucuti team help him create an adventurous scavenger hunt to lead his fiancé-to-be to the ring. Earlier in the day he had gone off and coordinated with the staff to hide the ring in a spot which they subtlety guarded until she found it. While enjoying a meal at the Pirates’ Nest Restaurant, he invited her to partake in a thrilling hunt for buried treasure, complete with a pirate’s map and small beach shovel. The clues led her directly to a big X in the sand marking the spot of the buried treasure – a gorgeous diamond ring.

One gentleman asked the Bucuti staff to set up a picnic on an isolated area of Eagle Beach near the resort. They laid out a blanket, candles, red roses, chilled champagne with glasses and chocolate covered strawberries. At sunset he took her for a walk and they stumbled upon this romantic beach setting, where he got down on his knee with a surprise proposal.

So sweet! Thanks Caitlin for sharing these stories with us. If you have a great proposal idea or story, we'd love to hear it. Email us at info@destinationidomag.com with "Proposal" in the subject line.

Something Blue - Accesssories For Your Destination I Do's

By: Jamie Taylor

Something Old - check
Something New - check
Something Borrowed - check
Something Blue...

As you try to decide what that "something" is, veer away from tradition. Most brides would find themselves reaching for the blue garter - but if you're reading this, you're not in the category of "most brides" and are likely wanting something a bit different.

Blue is a salient color that can bring the best out in any outfit, and it can really add some pizazz to your wedding ensemble. Rather than wear your "something blue" under your gown, why not flaunt it? Here are some affordable accessories to help point you in the right direction:

*Note: Products that are made by Ten Thousand Villages aids under privileged designers in under developed areas such as Africa, Asia and Latin America. Proceeds will benefit this fair trade organization.

Chrysalis Designs - Seriously Blue Cuff - $35
http://www.madeitmyself.com/item-detail.aspx?itemid=21000


Ten Thousand Villages - Tara Project Beaded Cuff Bracelet - $18

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/product.detail.php?product_id=5543

BelaBrazilianDesigns - Blue Orchid Hair Pin - $39

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24518927

BelaBrazilianDesigns - Morpho Manelaus Butterfly Necklace - $89

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18822763

Ten Thousand Villages - Manos Amigos - Peruvian Turquoise Pendant- $170

http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/catalog/product.detail.php?product_id=8990

Jadecicada - Lapis Pyrite Necklace - $139

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21986247

For Boys Only - A Guide to Popping The Question

Okay gentlemen - we know that popping the question is one of the most nerve-wracking situations you'll be faced with. To drop to one knee and proclaim your love and intent to commit is about as heavy as it gets.

You want to impress her and show her that you've thought through a special proposal, but you may be stumped for ideas. We've got a few:

1. Take her on a weekend getaway

Lots of resorts offer proposal packages. One destination offering a special deal called Bethrothal Butler is LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida. The package comes complete with a personal sit down with Cartier to find th perfect ring, private beach side dinner, an after hours couples massage and penthouse suite post-proposal party. All of this and two nights for $998. Check em out: http://www.laplayaresort.com/

2. Have a picnic

Take her to a special quiet place - in wine country, in a park by a lake, in a butterfly garden or on the beach - check out the local digs or ask around for a cool place. Bring some champagne, a blanket and a basket filled with gourmet cheeses, bread, fruit and of course - chocolate. If you have a portable music player - put together a playlist of your favorite music and don't forget to include your song. When it begins to play, take the ring out and pop the question!

3. Go camping

If your lady is the adventurous/outdoorsy type, this is just the ticket. Spice it up by bringing some candles (be careful of fire restrictions in your area though), music, a big blanket and some pillows to sit on. Offer to roast her a marshmallow and when she goes to take it, put the ring on the end of the skewer and drop to one knee. I promise, she'll love it.

4. Do it while you're shopping

Ahead of time, go into the store where you plan to buy the ring and ask if they would be willing to help you. Most jewelers are going to want your business, therefore are willing to do just about anything you ask. After you've purchased the ring, have the jeweler put the ring into the display case with a little sign saying "Julie (or whatever her name is), Will You Marry Me?" Next, take her shopping. Nonchalantly ask her to come into the store with you. Pointing at the sign in the display case, ask her to take a look. By the time she's done reading, you can be on your knee asking for her hand in marriage.

5. Hire a professional photographer

Proposing is a HUGE deal, so it's a good idea to get it on camera. Hire a photographer for the proposal and take her out for a special evening. She'll be dressed up and looking pretty if she knows you'll be taking her out on the town, therefore, ready for a closeup. When you're at dinner, have the photographer sit at another table or in the background so that they aren't noticeable. Once you've popped the question, you can go out and take some shots together. Your bride-to-be will be thrilled that you thought through these specifics since it will allow her to use your engagement photos for things like your guest book and save-the-date invites.

6. Do something she loves and you may hate

So maybe she's a huge fan of River Dance and you loathe people in tights jumping around to the sound of bag pipes (I don't blame you), but it's not about you. The proposal is ALL about her. Take the time and learn about something she loves. Perhaps it's the opera or the ballet - just suck it up for an evening and take your lady out. She'll love that you put in the effort and put her desires first. Toward the end of the evening, she'll be gushing and you can move in with the ring. This also will increase your chances that she'll say yes!

Once you've popped the question, she's going to need your help. If you plan to do a destination wedding, you'll find you can actually have a pretty active role. Maybe offer to handle getting some of the group activities underway or handle scouting out a good DJ or band. A good marriage takes team effort, so your wedding planning will too.

Good luck and when she does say yes and you're finished saying your "Destination I Do's" send us your wedding photos and we'll put them on the blog! You can email your submissions to info@destinationidomag.com

Sassy Sidekicks - Destination Wedding Accessories

By: Jamie Taylor

Brides of 2009, if you are looking for fashionable finishes, we've found accessories that will add a little pizazz to your already stunning attire.

In Lieu of a Traditional Veil:
Go with a 1920’s flapper girl headband or a birdcage veil with a big accent piece to evoke a modern and classic look for your destination wedding. As we all know fashion is cyclical and in 2009 brides should look to the Great Gatsby era, or the classic Grecian goddesses for inspiration when searching for the perfect destination wedding accessories.

http://www.mariabernalphotography.com/ & http://www.unveiledbridaldesigns.com/

http://www.jenniferbehr.com/

http://www.jenniferbehr.com/

For Your Bouquet

Every bride wants to have an original wedding style, especially when it comes to the floral design. Add a unique stem wrap, crystal jewelry pieces, or change the look of the traditional flower bouquet altogether.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10643831

http://www.weddingaccents.com/

Stay tuned for more fashion forward ideas or pick up a copy of Destination I Do at your nearest Barnes & Noble (or on our web site of course - www.destinationidomag.com/subscribe) for the latest in what's hot this season.

“EXTRA’S” Wedding Week of Giveaways!

Love is in the air and the celeb wedding bells keep on ringing! Now YOU can say “I do” like the stars and “Extra” will help you pay for it.

All week on “Extra,” they are giving away wedding essentials – from the gown and the honeymoon to wedding bands and even the photographer!

Today’s giveaway is wedding bands courtesy of Tacori Jewelers. One lucky couple will win a woman’s wedding band in platinum with diamonds, and for him a band in 18 carat white gold.

Later this week, “Extra” will give away a honeymoon to Conrad Maldvies Rangali Island, a trip valued at $13,000! Plus, “Extra” will give away designed wedding invitations at Soolip.com and even a renowned photographer.

PLUS - What’s a wedding without the wedding party? “Extra” will give away 4 bridesmaid dresses and a flower girl dress by Kirstie Kelly Couture. PLUS, 4 pearl necklaces from Pearl Paradise and one pair of pearl studs for the bride.

Tune in to “Extra,” listen for the secret word and sign up on http://www.extratv.com/ to become an “Extra” friend for your chance to win!

A Sentimental Gift Idea

It's never easy to find a perfect gift for someone, especially when it comes to your wedding day. One gift that just about anyone loves is a photograph. If it's a photo of you and that person, a group shot from a fun trip or a collage of photos documenting your history with them, it's sure to bring an emotional reaction from the recipient.

Want to take it one step further?

Give the gift of photography in the form of an eco-friendly handmade vase. Made by Jenny Gaynor Glass, this small photo transfer vase retails for $425 and is handmade using 99% recycled glass. Each photograph is individually sized and cut, making this truly a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The photo transfer process is intricate, beginning with the careful placement of photos around the curves of the glass and ending with a full day in the kiln.

Visit http://www.jennygaynor.com/ for more details.

All the Single Ladies, All the Single Ladies

The Ritz-Carlton NY, Battery Park Announces an All-Inclusive Bachelorette Party Package...

Who doesn't love NYC, chocolate, red wine and some time with your lady entourage? I do, I do! And to think, you can put all those together in a hotel like the Ritz?

Sounds like an episode of Sex in the City!

Invite lifelong girlfriends to celebrate the bride-to-be and receive five-diamond treatment as you check in to a luxurious Liberty Suite, experience the "hotel within a hotel” exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club® Level and delight en-suite in a divine private chocolate tasting.

The all-inclusive Bachelorette Party Package includes the following:
• Overnight luxury accommodations in a luxurious two bedroom Liberty Suite with Club Lounge access and panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor.

o The Ritz-Carlton Club® Level redefines the luxury hotel experience, combining intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with the personalized service and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton. This oasis is often referred to as a "hotel within a hotel” with a well-appointed, relaxed lounge environment and continuous culinary offerings featuring breakfast, light snacks, hors d' oeuvres, beverages and sweets.

• La Maison du Chocolat en-suite gourmet chocolate tasting paired with red wine or Champagne.

o Experience a private 90-minute gourmet chocolate tasting in the comfort of your suite with a Chocolatier from the world-famous La Maison du Chocolat boutique. Two bottles of either red wine or Champagne are included in the tasting.

This package is available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights beginning March 15, 2009 starting from $599 USD per person; there is a minimum of four girlfriends per package. This package must be booked at least 7-days before arrival, is exclusive of taxes and gratuities, and is subject to availability.

Please contact the hotel directly for information on additional room rates and additional person prices.

For hotel reservations and information, visit online at www.ritzcarlton.com/batterypark , or call 800-241-3333, or the hotel direct at 212-344-0800.

Gadget Gifts for the Groomsen

If you've got some gadget lovers in your group and you're doing a destination wedding - some of these gifts might be great for your special guys on the go!

For the James Bond type, try the Swann PenCam DVR for $119. This working pen conceals a color camera, 2GB DVR & microphone. With 2GB memory it records over 3 hours of video,
USB connector for easy transfer of video, audio surveillance up to 3 feet and a lithium-ion battery that operates for 90 minutes, he'll be quite the undercover groomsmen!http://www.swannsecurity.com/

For the guy who's always playing DJ, give him the Hercules Mobile DJ MP3. Available in black or white, this wireless digital mixing mini-controller for PC will allow your groomsmen to host parties like a DJ. It comes complete with 2 decks for mixing, scratching and synchronizing, automix feature,2 jog wheels emulating two vinyl/cd decks and for only $99, it's a steal. http://www.hercules.com/us/DJ-Music/bdd/p/69/mobile-dj-mp3-black-/

For the athlete in your bridal party, check out the iLuv i303 In-ear Sports Ear Clips. He can jog to his hearts content without ever missing a beat. They're washable and will be available for only $29.99 at http://www.i-luv.com/ next month.

Another sound-worth gift is the iLuv iSP100 Mini Portable Stereo Speaker. Perfect for the man who enjoys sharing his music while camping, entertaining by the beach or just kickin' it pool-side with his pals. Powerful built-in surround sound speakers with jAura Acoustic Speaker Technology, a carrying pouch included and for only $34.99 - this gift will be a crowd pleaser. http://www.i-luv.com/