Modern Toile Address Labels, and Black Damask Martini Glass from Sur La Table.

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From top to bottom, left to right: Seaside inspired candy bar from the Knot, Stylish Stripe Wedding Invitations in Aqua, Banana Republic embossed envelope clutch, Mini cake favors from Brides, Going Nautical Drink also from Brides, Dessert Buffet Chocolate and Cream from Martha Stewart, J. Crew Silk Chiffon Juliet Dress, Amsale White Gown with French Blue Taffeta Sash, Blue bouquet ribbon from Martha Stewart

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1. Great for Save the Dates or Thank You cards, this photo just requires two plain t-shirts and stick-on vinyl lettering which you can get everywhere from Office Depot to various online stores. (MarthaStewart.com)

2. Another idea is to have your photo taken during certain holidays. Dress up in costumes as a bride and a groom, or dress up your pets (costumes from Buycostumes.com) for a funny and certainly unique Save the Date Card.

3. If you are lucky enough to have your proposal on film, use it in your save the date cards as a creative way to introduce friends and family to your engagement and your upcoming wedding.

Here are a few unique cards to ask that your guests save the date!

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Give out mini bottles of sparkling cider so that everyone will have something sweet and sparkling to celebrate your anniversary with. And this Forever Yours Anniversary Party Invitation is perfect for couples with simply modern taste.

I’m not sure if this couple’s genealogy tree counts as “paper,” a traditional 1st wedding anniversary gift, but it’s beautiful, practical and sure to be a winner!

Get out your old cake topper. It’ll look brand new when atop a vintage inspired cake like this one from Martha Stewart.

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I opted not to do this or have the bouquet toss out of consideration for my single friends. There are definitely pros and cons to sticking with this long-time tradition. If you decide to do it, however, make sure to sit at an angle where you won’t be flashing your guests. And another tip? Either take the garter off yourself or ease it down a bit so its not so high on your leg. And if you have sensitive and conservative guests, I’d say avoid having your groom taking the garter off with his teeth.

Sources: Wikipedia

Blue bow garter from Victoria’s Secret.

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1. Pink Ribbon embroidered silk passport holder from the breast cancer site safely holds your passports on your way to honeymoon heaven.

2. Make at statement on your wedding day with M&M’s Promise Blend, a delicious mix of dark pink and white milk chocolate m&m’s.

3. The Special Edition Oreck XL Power Team Vacuum cleaner makes cleaning beautiful.

4. The couple that cooks together stays together. KitchenAid’s Cook for the Cure program offers a variety of pink cooking products to help the cause. Blend up your margaritas with the KitchenAid Cook for the Cure 5 Speed Blender w/ Poly Jar.

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Amsale red taffeta gown from Bluefly. Romantic Rosette wedding invitations in Crimson.

Three tiered wedding cake from the Knot, burgundy calla lilies bouquet from Brides, and Christian Louboutin pumps from Neiman Marcus.

Leiber small curved minaudiere from Neiman Marcus, Magohany dinnerware from Crate & Barrel, and Red Bolero chandelier from Horchow.

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Pros:

1) Your friends, family and you and your significant other will be able to share an experience of a lifetime!

2) You might save money by having a shorter guest list and less people who will actually come.

3) You will already be at your honeymoon site! No need for paying the extra costs of travel. You’re already there!

Cons:

1) Having a destination wedding may upset some of your friends and family because they might be unable to go, or if they can afford to, will still have to spend extra money on plane fare and hotel.

2) You won’t have as much control over planning and won’t be able to meet often with vendors prior to your wedding day.

3) You’ll have to pack and bring all of your wedding things like your gown and his tux so make sure you find out about your airline’s baggage requirements before you leave and about the marriage requirements before you get there.

Send out wedding invitations with a destination wedding theme like this Palm Trees Wedding Invitation.

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These autumnal luminaries from Martha Stewart are so festive. They would work perfectly as a centerpiece or to light the way from ceremony to reception. Use battery operated candles to prevent any unwanted accidents.

Check out this one from the ever reliable Etsy. Made with handmade paper, this Autumn Leaf luminary from PaperPlanet make beautiful take home favors for guests.

These white pumpkin candles from Pottery Barn (also comes in orange) add fall decor and lighting to your wedding. Use them to decorate the sign-in table or the cocktail area to bring a beautiful glow to an evening affair.

Invite guests to a fall wedding with this nature inspired wedding invitations from Wedding Paper Divas.

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One thing that I’m glad I did was pack one light jacket and one heavy jacket and an umbrella. Though we checked the weather a few days before we left, even the weather report couldn’t predict the sudden cold shift that affected a lot of Europe. While we were expecting sunny skies with 60-70 degrees weather, we got rain and temperatures up to 51 degrees. Without my one warm sweater and an umbrella, I would have been so cold. 

Another thing that I would advise is to put together a little toiletry see through kit and keep it in one place. I had my toothbrush in one bag and my soap in another and it drove me crazy! Keep everything together and remember to pack things like toilet paper and seat covers just in case.  

And if you get motion sickness and are crazy enough to ride boats, plane and trains like me, either pack motion sickness medicine or one of those special wristbands. Try sea band or the psi band which prevents sickness and nausea by pushing down on an acupressure point on your wrists.

I had a memorable trip and I’m sure you will too! Just remember it’s easy to get lost in the romance of your honeymoon but coming prepared will make everything all the more better. 

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