Well I’m back and I have to say it was a wonderful honeymoon! Lots of beautiful things to see and experience and so worth all of the headache it took to get there. I did learn a few valuable lessons along the way. One thing I wish I did was pack lightly. Since we were in Europe and traveled to several cities in a short amount of time, I had to lug my suitcase with me, plus a backpack everywhere! Did I really need to pack 4 dresses and 4 pairs of shoes? 

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. 

The key to planning a memorable wedding is to include personal touches unique to you, the couple everyone is there to celebrate! One way to incorporate a piece of your history and personality is to offer a Signature Drink to your guests. There are some great resources across the Internet for finding a perfect drink, matching it to your wedding colors or just finding something that sounds delicious!

-Stirrings.com has a great Wedding Guide full of tips on building a theme, including incorporating your wedding colors into your drinks, creating custom drink labels and more. You’ll also find recipes for endless ideas for that perfect cocktail concoction.

-Bridal Guide has some creative recipes and gorgeous photos of drinks that are sure to make an impression on your guests.

-For colorful drink ideas to please every palate, check out The Wedding Workroom’s Signature Drink of the Month

-You’ll find some great tips for making your signature drink your own, including incorporating local and seasonal vegetables into your drink and giving a shout out to your hometown with your drink on SheKnows.com.

-Finally, if you’re looking for a drink option without the alcohol, look no further. SJB Weddings and Events has some great ideas that will still give your wedding the punch it deserves!

One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is sharing the festivities with all of the closest people in your life, especially your bridal party. While celebrating and picking out dresses can be a blast, being a part of the wedding party is also a big job. Because most people will consider being selected a great honor, it’s important that you ask your closest friends and family to be a part of your bridal party in a special and memorable way.

I’ve compiled some of the best links to help you ask your bridal party to…well, be your bridal party!

-About.com Weddings has a great list of creative and fun ways to ask your bridesmaids.

-Wedaholic has compiled a huge list of unique ideas for asking your friends to be a part of your wedding.

-This bride from New York shares her tips for popping the big bridesmaid question. Although many of the suggestions are specific to New York, each of them can be adjusted to fit your situation, no matter where you live.

-How about an edible delight to make any of your sweet-tooth friends smile?  Aisledash suggests these adorable custom-printed cookies.

-Check out this cute thank you note on Wedding Paper Divas.  Because all of our cards are easily customizable, you can feel free to change the wording on the front to “Will you…?” or even “Be my Bridesmaid.”  A personal note inside will make this a special keepsake for any of your maids.

Another great idea is to purchase a set of customized personal stationary as a small token of your appreciation.  Instead of a couple’s name, use your friends name and initials to customize this great monogrammed note card or this sweet bouquet card.  Any of our thank you notes can be personalized to fit your bridesmaids, and they’ll receive a thoughtful stationary set they can use again and again!