Blogs

Candles and chocolates are practically the staples of any epic love affair — incorporate these sweet touches into your reception to instantly set the mood for the most romantic night of your life!

Let There Be Light

One of the coolest items to come my way recently are these gorgeous handmade GloLite candles from PartyLite. Why? Unlike most candles, these pillars literally glow from top to bottom when lit. Yep, the entire candle (not just the top part), is illuminated!

The effect is quite beautiful — I can just picture them grouped together on reception tables, casting a romantic light throughout the room. (Caveat: Make sure your venue site allows candles!) They’re also perfect for any other wedding celebration, from bridal showers to rehearsal dinners, ceremonies and after-parties.

But why wait for the wedding? Enjoy them in your home now and set the mood for romance and relaxation. Go to partylite.com or call 888-999-5706 and shine the light!

As the owner of a luxury travel company, I’m often asked about the most popular destinations. For honeymooners, there are countries that become trendy for a few years and eventually fade away, and then there are perennial favorites. At Absolute Travel, the top three most popular destinations for newlyweds of all time are:

1. South Africa: There is no denying that there is something for everyone in South Africa: the winding roads of the Garden Route, cosmopolitan Cape Town, the Winelands region and, of course, safaris. The finest lodges pamper honeymooners while also indulging their appetite for adventure. We recommend several days in Cape Town to enjoy the restaurants and do some touring, a few nights in the Winelands region to sample the excellent local cuisine and wine, and then heading out on safari, preferably at two different lodges to see a variety of landscapes and animals. For the ultimate experience, conclude the trip with several days enjoying the beaches of Mauritius or Mozambique.

Searching for vendors whose work you love and taste you trust can be an overwhelming time suck — add creating a registry to your to-do list and the options seem endless! That's where 1-800-Registry comes in: this online wedding advisory service syncs up your vendor searches and registry, so that you can access both in one convenient profile. The website launches TODAY, so create your free profile to start browsing for customized vendors and compile a registry where guests can contribute towards that once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or your starter home with the hubs. If you upgrade to the Gold Service ($19.95/month), you'll earn up to 10% back for every vendor that you book through the site, which goes towards your registry fund. If you're a Platinum bride ($39.95/month), you'll have access to the Wedding Concierge Service and the 1-800-Registry Wedding Planner. Dubious about enlisting the help of an online wedding specialist? Not to worry: They are all pre-screened and highly recommended by real-life brides.

For more information, visit 1800registry.com or call 1-888-734-4787.

— Emily Gardner

MORE ON BRIDALGUIDE.COM

• Reception Site Selection
• Arranging Wedding Day Transportation
• Prepare for Wedding Vendor Meetings

True story: My first flight out of JFK as a New Yorker was blessed by a famous face. It wasn’t the quintessential sighting of Robert De Niro, Woody Allen or even a top model. Nope, instead I was stuck with none other than '80s fitness phenom Richard Simmons. He was dressed in all of his workout garb—short shorts, tank-type top and a sweatband across his hair. Did I mention that it was the middle of February in New York? Pre-boarding, he came down to the gate area and led the entire flight in exercises to “combat all the lethargic movement of being in flight.” And yes, that is a direct quote. A lot of the passengers were into it, although the ground crew tried to convince him that he’d be more comfortable in the first class lounge. It looks like that airline is alone in their thinking, because today I stumbled upon the new air safety vid. Mr. Simmons taped for Air New Zealand:

— Jenna Mahoney

Can't get enough of the Royal Wedding Madness? Neither can we! Despite all of the far-fetched memorabilia — we love Kate and Wills, but that doesn't mean we're going to install a fridge plastered with their likeness in the BG kitchen — it's been riveting to see Ms. Middleton step into the role we've all secretly (or not so secretly) dreamed about since we were little girls. Prepare for the epic event (which will take place on April 29th, only about a month away!) by tuning into "William & Kate: Inside the Royal Wedding," a one-hour special that airs on TLC this Sunday, March 27th at 10/9c. The special gives viewers an exclusive look at all of the deets we've been speculating about for months now, including what Kate's wedding dress will look like and what Buckingham Palace's menu will include.

— Stefania Sainato

Do you ever fantasize about skipping town and sailing away to a private tropical island, where every magical detail of your "I Do" has already been planned for you? Now's your chance: You can "Run to the Altar" with 20 of your closest friends, off the coast of Antigua at Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort. The local government has updated their marriage policies, so in as little as 24 hours on the island, you can get hitched — Caribbean blue has never looked so inviting! 

"Run to the Altar" includes a stunning ceremony in a private setting (Jumby Bay is only accessible by boat), a Guest Services Manager to help you execute your vision, a marriage license and officer fees, champagne on the beach and dinner at the Estate House, a wedding cake for you and your guests, and music to dance the night away to, as well as a bridal bouquet and boutonniere...and that’s just for the wedding!

Worried that your friends and family won't be able to attend? The package comes with a three-night stay for up to 20 people in 10 beachside Courtyard suites, as well as round-trip airport transfers and a White Night Party welcome and rehearsal dinner. 

At the end of the night, you and hubby can retire to an upgraded Pool Suite and celebrate with a massage at SENSE, a Rosewood Spa. Jumby Bay will also provide a romantic wedding night turndown service for the bride and groom.