The Essential Honeymoon Travel Checklist

Organized and advanced planning for your honeymoon can save you a lot of travel headaches, especially in today's travel environment. Save this checklist of important items to ensure a smooth travel experience!

Must Haves:

• Airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation (note flight number and departure/arrival time)
• Cruise tickets (note cabin number and departure/arrival time)
• Resort/Hotel address, phone, and confirmation number
• Passport/Visas
• Driver's license(make name on ID matches name on passport/visa)
• Credit cards (take only those you will need) 
• Phone number(s) to report lost/stolen cards (pack separately from wallet or purse!)
• Traveler's checks 
• Phone Cards (especially if traveling internationally)
• Medicines & Prescriptions (make sure they are in their original bottles and that you have enough to last your entire trip)
• Doctor's phone number (packed separately from your wallet/purse)
• Contraception
• Extra contact lenses and/or glasses
• Phone number(s) for your house sitter and/or pet sitter
• Camera
• Travel locks for your luggage and ID tags for luggage (MAKE SURE your locks are recognized by the TSA ... more information here!)
• Photocopies of IDs, cards, and contact numbers, plus medical information.  Leave one set in your hotel and carry one with you at all times.Consider leaving a copy of these documents with a trusted friend or relative at home too!

Web sites to review BEFORE you travel:

• FAA Travel Tips
• Carry-on Bag Tips
• Flying Safe
• International Travel
• TSA (Transportation Security Administration)
• Prohibited Items on Airlines
• Rules for Liquids in Carry On Luggage
• ID Requirements for Airport Checkpoints
• Checkpoint friendly laptop bag procedures
• Guidelines for traveling with special equipment (golf clubs, sports gear, etc)
• US Department of State
• Tips for traveling abroad
• Current travel alerts
• Current travel warnings
• Worldwide cautions
• What to do in an emergency  (if something applies to you or your destination, bring two copies of information with you, including contact information for the local US Embassy)

Bon Voyage!

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Tell us what us we should include and we'll update our list!

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Updating Your Name After the Wedding

60-80% of brides take their husband's last name after the wedding. If you are taking your husband's surname, it's generally advised that you wait until you return from your honeymoon ... especially if a passport is involved. This ensures the last name on your ID matches the name on your passport, airline or cruise tickets, and your credit cards.

One you return, make a checklist  list of all the places you need to update your last name. This will help ensure you don't miss anything!

Here's a short list to get you started:

• Auto Registration
• Auto Insurance Policy
• Bank Accounts
• Credit Card Accounts
• Deeds & Titles
• Dental Records
• Driver's License
• Employee Records
• Investment Accounts
• Life Insurance Policy
• Medical Records
• Memberships
• Online Accounts
• Passport
• Post Office Records
• Social Security Records
• Stock Certificates
• Tax Agencies (State and Federal)
• Voter Registration Card
• Will / Trust

Did we miss anything?  
Tell us where else you need to update your name and we'll update our list!

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Who Pays for the Engagement Party?

The engagement party is a fun way for both families and close friends to get to know one another before the wedding. Engagement parties can range from high-end celebrations to low key family cookouts and they are typically hosted within three months of the engagement.

Traditionally, the bride's parents host the engagement party. However, today just about anyone can do the honor, including the bride and groom!  An engagement party is really an optional piece of the wedding pie, but since you can really make it informal and inexpensive, you don't have to let budget drive your decision.

A few fun ideas for low cost engagement parties:

1. At the right time of year, host an outdoor cookout.  Anything from succulent ribs, to grilled veggies, or simple burgers and brauts will do! If your backyard isn't large enough, host it at a local park.

Personalized Stainless Steel Torches Make Fun Outdoor Decorations

2. If you are a wine lover, consider a wine tasting engagement party. Ask each guest to bring their favorite bottle of wine. Setup the tasting with a complement of appetizers that pair well with reds and whites.

Wine Bottle Stoppers Make Fun Favors for a Wine Tasting

3. Host a themed dinner party with the couple's favorite cuisine. A Mexican Fiesta or a Tapas party are fun examples. If budget is an issue, get the guests involved and invite them to bring their favorite recipe along with a recipe card for the engaged couple. You can assemble the recipe cards into a wonderful keepsake for the bride and groom to be.

Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook Make a GREAT Engagement Gift

4. A cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres is always a safe bet.  If the bride is a beach loving girl, you can design the party around that theme. Some fun cocktail napkins, a few simple favors around the theme, and viola ... it looks like you planned for weeks!

By the Shore Sand Dollar Coaster

Regardless of what type of party you host, remember its purpose ... this is what is most important.  There's enough stress around planning a wedding. The engagement party should not contribute to that stress.  Keep it fun, keep it simple, and you'll set a wonderful tone between the two families ahead of the big day!

Fun Engagement Party Invitations

Visit WhereBridesGo.com for all your wedding and pre-wedding party supplies!

Use coupon code VIPBRIDE to take an additional 10% off your entire order at WhereBridesGo.com!  Free shipping on all orders over $100.

The Perfect Practical Wedding Favor

Every now and then we find a perfect practical wedding favor that everyone loves!  Beautifully packaged and ready to give, these photo coasters will be lasting reminder for all of your guests of your incredible day.  At less than $4 each, they won't break the bank either!

Elegant enough for even the most posh event and playful enough for more laid-back occasions, our black-and-white polka dot coasters will find the perfect "spot" at your tables, too!

Features include:

• Set of two black glass coasters with white polka dots and space for a photo in the center.
• Each coaster measures 3 ½" square.
• Photo space measures 2" h x 1 ½" w ( perfect for wallet size engagement or wedding photos!)
• Gift presentation includes a white base, a clear display cover, a "For You" insert in the photo space, and a white-satin ribbon and bow.
• Gift box measures ½" h x 3 ¾" square.

Readers of our WhereBridesGo.com blog and fans on Facebook take 10% off your order with coupon code VIPBRIDE.  Shipping is always free for orders over $100 within the continental US.  WhereBridesGo.com ... the ultimate online wedding favor and supply store!

5 GREAT Wedding Favors Under $3

Wedding favors are an important part of your event because they show your guests appreciation for sharing in your day. With most brides on a tight budget, favors are often overlooked ... but we've got a solution! Here are five of our favorite wedding favors, all under $3 each.

• Fill these Damask Design Mint Tins with the treat of your choice including candy, confetti and more, for a favor that really packs a punch! And the delicate damask design is nothing short of a classic. Each silver metal mint tin measures 2” square x 1” tall with a coated white and black damask design, with a removable lid. Refreshingly appropriate as black and white favors, and stylish mementos for all occasions.  These tins are so affordable at only $1.50 per tin!!  Please note that contents shown are not included.

• Weddings always bring tears of joy. Why not offer your guests Personalized Tissue Weddings Favors? At $1.25 each, these are a bargain! Talk about a favor that’s sure to be useful and memorable. These travel tissue packs are destined find a place in your guests’ purses, suitcases, cars and more. And, they’re customized for your event to be truly one-of-a-kind! Each pack measures 4 1/8” x 2” x ¾” and contains 10 folded white tissues that open up to an 8 1/8” square in an elegant black paisley/damask design. The front of each pack is perfectly fit for the application of the personalized label of your choice. Available in an exceptional selection of colors, themes and customized titles for any special occasion, the labels are included in self sticking sheets for you to easily apply. There's a minimum order of 60, but most brides have more than 60 guests at their wedding.

• What words come to mind when you think of love? We came up with quite a few charming terms of endearment. And, we used them to make this Words of Love Frame a love-inspired work of art! From romance, to kisses to forever and beyond, these words will make sure that your guests know that love is definitely in the air.  Each frame is made of glass with a black background decorated in words of love and measure 3.375 x 4.25".    The opening will hold a 2.75" x 2" photo or place card and the cost is on $2.75 each.

• Here’s a favor that’s truly fit for a king – and queen. That’s because these Fleur di Lis Letter Opener showcase the treasured Fleur di Lis - symbolizing greatness, royalty and tradition. Each letter opener favor measures 5 ½” x 1 ¼” and has a silver metal blade base with a silver poly resin Fleur di Lis charm on top, enhanced with multiple shimmering rhinestones that accentuate the beautiful carved detail. Great as French themed favors or for any occasion, each Fleur di Lis letter opener comes in a clear topped box with a black base and royal checkerboard design inside, tied with a white organza bow and attached matching “For You” tag.  Treat all your guests to a delightful favor at only $2.95 each.

Unlock the fun and give you guests a classic memory maker with these Antique Key Design Key Chain Favor   Usability and outstanding design are the key elements in a great favor. So, we took those key elements and put them into this classic key design key chain to create one great favor! It's guaranteed to be useful and its intricate antique key shape with modern rhinestone accents makes it an instant favor classic!  Each key measures 1 7/8" x 7/8" (3" x 1" with chain) and is made of durable poly resin in an antique silver finish.  The charm is attached to a sturdy silver metal chain and ring.  Comes packaged in a clear topped box with a black textured base.  Wrapped and tied with a white satin ribbon and finished with an attached round silver striped "for you" tag.  Priced at $2.95 each.

At WhereBridesGo.com, we are ALL about practical and affordable wedding favors.  That's why we offer brides 10% OFF any size order with coupon code VIPBRIDE.  Plus we offer FREE shipping on all orders over $100.  With hundreds of cool and unique wedding favors to choose from, we guarantee there's something PERFECT for your wedding guests in our wedding favor department!

Be Prepared with a Bridal Emergency Kit!

Did you ever wonder why Mom always had the biggest purse in town? I asked mine once; she said you never know when you might need something!

It’s true for the biggest day of your life as well.

Smart brides prepare a bridal emergency kit to have available on the big day. Trust us, it will come in handy for you and your maids!

Here is a list of items to include in your Bridal Emergency Kit:

* Sewing kit with safety pins and small scissors

* clear nail polish

* nail file

* nail polish in the Bride’s shade

* straws so you don’t mess up your lipstick

* static guard (or dryer sheet!)

* tissues,

* baby powder

* contact lens solution

* button up shirt to protect your dress if you are eating or touching up makeup

* moist towelettes

* digital camera for candid shots

* first-aid kit

* aspirin

* cell phone charger

* bottled water

Pack all these items up in a cute wedding keepsake tote (available at WhereBridesGo.com!) -- you can reuse the tote for your honeymoon emergency kit. And don't forget about the groom and his guys --- you can surprise them with a kit stocked with essentials for men too!

BRIDES -- ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE A BRIDAL EMERGENCY KIT?

WE WANT TO KNOW -- WHAT WILL YOU INCLUDE?

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Use coupon code VIPBRIDE at WhereBridesGo.com to take 10% off your entire order! Visit us online for more great wedding planning tips too!

Golf Theme Wedding Ideas & Inspirations - Take It To The Links!

GOLF THEME WEDDING	IDEAS FOR GOLF WEDDING THEMES	GOLF WEDDING THEMES
GOLF Themed Wedding Ideas If you’ve known from the first tee that you wood spend the course of your lives together, these suggestions should help you avoid any bunkers in planning a par-fect golf-themed wedding. Golf Theme Wedding Location Ideas The perfect location for a golf-theme wedding and reception is a golf course or country club. The existing décor already sets the stage for your celebration. Remember to have a solid back up plan if you are planning to hold the ceremony and/or reception outside on an actual golf course. Golf Theme Wedding Announcements & Invitations Announce your engagement on cards that look like flags on a golf green! If you are planning a formal wedding, use an elegant invitation that has been printed on card stock that has a pattern similar to the indentations of a golf ball. Use a sheet of vellum paper to soften the look. To continue the theme, glue tiny “golf balls” (pearls) to the top of the invitation. The couple heading out for a day on the links will surely let your guests know how much fun is in store for them on your wedding day! Golf Theme Wedding Colors The color scheme should be white and green with subtle splashes of yellow and red. Think late spring or summer day at the golf course! Golf Theme Wedding Ladies’ Attire Your dress should be a simple summery dress. Consider a halter style or sleeveless dress with a detachable train. Pearl beading on your dress and a pearl encrusted tiara will go a long way toward reinforcing the golf ball theme! If your wedding is to be a casual affair, consider having golf attire made out of lace and satin. Attach veiling to a matching golf visor! Your bridesmaids should be dressed in a style that is similar to the bride. Consider green or yellow for their dresses or golf attire! Have them wear pearls as their jewelry to provide continuity to the theme. Golf Theme Wedding Men’s Attire Your groom will look very handsome in either a sports coat with a fun golf-themed tie or in traditional golf attire. Set him apart from the rest of the men in the wedding party by having him wear a different color tie or shirt. Again, the groomsmen and ushers should be dressed to complement the groom. If the wedding is casual, set the groom apart by honoring him with a golf cap that lets the world know that this is his big day! Golf Theme Flower Girl’s Attire Dress the flower girl in a simple summer dress, either in white or yellow. Have her carry a basket that has a large pearl (golf ball) as the focal point of the décor. An option to having her scatter loose flower petals might be to attach flower blossoms to golf tees and have her drop these on either side of the aisle. Golf Theme Ring Bearer’s Attire Dress the ring bearer in the style of a caddy—complete with knickers, sleeveless sweater vest, long sleeve shirt and argyle socks! Decorate the ring pillow with plastic white golf balls or golf charms. Another option might be to decorate the pillow with a golf flag and have the rings carried in on the flagpole. Golf Theme Rehearsal Dinner Ideas Instead of a traditional rehearsal dinner, hold a golf tournament the day before the wedding. Gather for a picnic at the end of the day to present the awards (attendants’ gifts) and for toasts to the bride and groom. Don’t forget the flower girl and ring bearer and all their hard work in making this a very special day! Golf Theme Flowers/Decorations Pew bows could have small round white flower balls attached to them or use golf flags on each pew. The bridal bouquet should be all white to resemble a golf ball. Accent the bouquets with stephanotis, gardenia, camellia, and orchids. The arrangements at the ceremony and reception site should be informal, as befitting a golf club. Golf Theme Wedding Ceremony Accessories Use indoor/outdoor grass/carpeting as an isle runner. Keep a supply of mini-pencils handy for your guests to send you their best wishes in your guest book. Attach tees to your unity candle to complement the links feel as you seal your wedding vows for now and for always. However, if your wedding is actually taking place on a golf course, consider sealing your vows with a shot for the hole together! Gold Theme Wedding Transportation Use “Just Married” decorations for the golf carts that will carry you and your wedding party from the ceremony site to the reception. Golf Theme Wedding Reception Ideas The 19th Hole of your favorite golf club is the ideal location for a golf themed wedding reception. The décor is already in place, and the room needs only a few added touches to create a festive atmosphere. Decorate the food table with an ice sculpture that is in the shape of a golf bag. Display food trays on top of different shaped green placemats to simulate different greens. Use white chocolate golf balls to hold up the tiers of the wedding cake. Decorate the groom’s cake like a golf green with a bridal couple taking a shot at the hole! Use golf tees to hold place cards in place on the tables. Consider using scorecards as place cards! Simply write only one name per card! Have guests capture the spirit of the day with sparkling wedding cameras! Golf Theme Wedding Favors Have golf balls personalized and present them in these great holders to your guests as a token of your appreciation. Any golfer would appreciate a golf themed bottle opener to have on warm days on the links. SHOP FOR GOLF THEME WEDDING SUPPLIES More Wedding Themes Have a unique theme of your own? We want to know about it ... tell us about it on the WhereBridesGo.com Facebook page!
Wedding Dance Floor Decals Wedding Gift Card Holder Signature Picture Frame LOVE Plates