Wedding etiquette - hear what the experts have to say

Bridget Mora published an article for CNN, "8 wedding etiquette dilemmas solved", which has some great advice on wedding etiquette. In today's world there are some new considerations regarding wedding etiquette, such as do you invite someone who does not support your same-sex union. And of course, there are the long-standing problems such as whose opinion wins out in choosing the wedding gown. I especially liked the advice of TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress", Randy Fenoli, in response to this question.

I do wonder about Southern Weddings magazine's advice on how to respond to friends and relatives giving advice on the wedding planning.  The magazine editors' response was to "Smile sweetly, and thank them graciously.  Perhaps try this line:  'Well, bless your heart -- thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.  We'll definitely take that into consideration."  I think the response should end at "Smile sweetly, and thank them graciously".  Adding the last part is a bit too sarcastic for me.

Etiquette is often dismissed in today's society but it shouldn't be.  Take a look at the article and maybe there will be some answers to your own wedding etiquette questions.

Weddings and honeymoons in the Cook Islands

Looking for one of the most romantic place to start your new lives together?  The Cook Islands are the perfect place for a destination wedding or honeymoon.

Weddings in the Cook Islands are legally recognized internationally and the couple only needs to be in the country for three business days prior to their wedding to obtain their marriage license.  There are exceptions which can be made to the residency requirement if given advanced notice.  The only documents required are passports and birth certificates, plus divorce decree or death of spouse papers, if applicable.  There are wedding coordinators available at many of the properties as well.

Locations available for weddings range from an ancient limestone church to a barefoot ceremony on a beautiful white sand beach.

For honeymooners, there are plenty of secluded places to explore.  The couple can enjoy candlelit dinners on the beach, have a picnic on a private island called a motu, stay in a luxury resort on both Rarotonga and Aitutaki in a luxury villa or hut on the beach.  The possibilities are endless!

Why you should use a credit card when paying for wedding expenses

In addition to the tips in the article below, I always recommend paying for your honeymoon with a credit card.  Some couples choose to pay by check, but the credit card provides extra coverage when it is needed.

6 Wedding Expenses you Should Always Charge on Credit

Wedding-related mishaps can turn any mild-mannered bride into a bridezilla, but sometimes your credit card can come to the rescue.  This is a great article every engaged couple should read.

Honeymoon in the Maldives

Looking for something exotic? Have you thought about a honeymoon in the Maldives? Here is an all-inclusive special that is priced from $3400 per person and includes a sunset cruise. Also included: round trip air from New York to Male on Qatar Airlines, inter-island flights, 7 nts Kuredu Island Resort, meals including afternoon tea, unlimited select beverages and more! Valid for travel 01 Aug - 06 Dec’13. Taxes included. A night in Doha is required on return trip, price not included.

Honeymoon tip #2

Is trip insurance really necessary?  You bet.  Your honeymoon is an investment, not just monetarily, but emotionally.  Should something come up last minute that causes a couple to either cancel or postpone their honeymoon, they will lose any money that is non-refundable.  There are many reasons to have to cancel:  weather, medical emergency, accident on the way to the airport, illness in the immediate family.  Or perhaps your boss says you are needed and you have to postpone your trip.  Trip insurance also covers missed flights, travel delays, lost luggage, medical or dental emergencies while traveling, and emergency return if warranted.  You wouldn't drive your new car without insuring it.  Don't take a chance with  your honeymoon - insure your investment.

8 destinations for a Fall honeymoon

Getting married in the Fall? It's a great time of year for a wedding, especially after the intense summer heat we have experienced this year. If you haven't already planned your honeymoon, you'd better act quickly! Here are some romantic destinations for your honeymoon.

1. Greece - especially Santorini, which is probably the most romantic destination in the Greek Islands for honeymooners. The weather will still be warm but not too hot and there won't be the large crowds you often see in June and July. Check out the Aspaki Hotel and the Oia Castle in Santorini.

2. Costa Rica - November is the end of the rainy season for Costa Rica. This country is very diverse in its climate. I suggest starting in the Arenal Volcano area, then heading over to the Pacific with a stay in Papagayo. This is definitely a destination for active honeymooners. There are all kinds of activities available, including zip lining, horseback riding, hiking, rappelling, surfing, and more. Recommended hotel:The Springs (Arenal), which was made famous by The Bachelor and the Four Seasons(Papagayo).

The Pacific Ocean at Manuel Antonio Park, Costa Rica

3. Italy - Fall is a perfect time of year to visit Tuscany. There will also be fewer crowds, giving you time to really explore this beautiful part of Italy. This is a great destination for those who love food and wine. Recommended hotel: Hotel Palazzo del Capitano

4. South Africa - this is South Africa's spring season and with that come the baby animals you will get to see while on Safari. I suggest visiting Cape Town and Kruger Park so you can get a little bit of a cosmopolitan feel and then the adventure of being on safari. Recommended hotels: Twelve Apostles Hotel and Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town; Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in Kruger Park.

5. ABC Islands - the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are just below the hurricane belt, so there is little worry of your honeymoon being ruined by weather. Aruba has a great nightlife and plenty of wonderful restaurants, Bonaire is more laid-back and a perfect spot for divers, and Curacao is known for private little coves along the beach, perfect for honeymooners. Recommended hotels: Aruba - Hyatt Regency Resort and Casino; Bonaire - Harbour Village Beach Club; Curacao - Baoase Luxury Resort

6. Mexico - especially Riviera Maya, this is a great spot for those who have a bit more limited budget, but still want to treat themselves to luxury. The Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun, is known for all-inclusive resorts. There are plenty of activities available, both day and night. I would suggest waiting until the end of the Fall season to avoid the hurricane season. Recommended hotel: Secrets Maroma

7. Napa Valley, California - Fall season is the time for farmer's markets, wine tastings, and hot air ballooning. There are a number of great little romantic places to stay, among them the Inn at Sonoma, a Four Sisters Inn.

8. Vermont - a perfect time of year to see the brilliant colors of the changing leaves, if your honeymoon is in September or early October. The cool, crisp fall air will invigorate you to go to hike the Green Mountains, or visit some of the shops to buy the world's best maple syrup and enjoy some apple cider. Recommended - Four Chimneys Inn (Bennington, VT)

No matter where you decide to go on your honeymoon, make sure to contact a travel agent for help with the planning. He or she will be there to answer questions, give recommendations, and may be able to add some little extras to your trip, such as free breakfast, spa credits, or a free dinner.

Honeymoon Tips: Tip #1

Be original.  Just because your friends had their honeymoon in St Lucia and absolutely loved it, doesn't mean that this is the best destination for you.  Talk about what you like and, more importantly, what you don't like before deciding on a destination.  And think about being original.  Choose a destination off the beaten path, one that will live in your memories forever.  That could mean an exotic island, an adventurous safari, scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.  Think outside the box and plan the trip of a lifetime!