https://www.facebook.com/canvasandcanopy/

After five years of being engaged, it’s time to pop the champagne because my fiancé Edwin and I are finally throwing an engagement party this summer! What I love most about engagement parties is that more couples are opting to create events that speak to their personalities — they can be as formal or as casual as you'd like. The real-life parties featured below have gotten my wheels turning, and I hope that they inspire your upcoming celebration as well.

1. A Sunset Cruise
I love that this couple — the bride is Jen Huang, photographer extraordinaire — celebrated their engagement on a sunset river cruise around New York City. I relate to it on a personal level because my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida is also referred to as "the river city," but this steal-worthy idea is perfect for anyone who lives by water. Getting married by the ocean? This would be a great rehearsal dinner option as well.
Tip: Activities such as a river cruise or wine tasting are a great way for guests to break the ice, since this is usually the first time that everyone on both sides of the couple's family will be together in the same room.

Imagining the moment when my fiancé Rigo and I will be introduced to our guests as husband and wife always brings a smile to my face. One of the first things we'll do as newlyweds is have our first dance, and although it'll only last about four minutes, tops, we feel that it can set a beautiful tone for the rest of the evening.

We enlisted the help of the pros at our local dance studio, Arthur Murray Dance in Merrillville, Indiana, to prepare us for our June wedding. Dance lessons are based on time, budget and "ability" level, and they usually start at $100 and up. Our package includes 10 private sessions, choreography, and free group lessons three times per week. Here's what we've learned so far!
Photo Credit: Elevate Photography

1. Pick the perfect song — don’t let the song pick you.
The first step is choosing a song that reflects your relationship as a couple. Start your list early and remember that half the fun is making it together. Although there are many contemporary songs that Rigo and I enjoy listening to, we didn't want to fall into the trap of choosing a song that's too trendy — we want something that will stand the test of time and speak to all generations.

In a past life, I must have been a travel agent. I dream about jet-setting across the world on almost a daily basis, and although I'll never turn down swanky five-star digs, there's nothing more romantic than experiencing a new country from a local's perspective, rather than a tourist's. Getting lost walking down winding cobblestone streets, finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants that weren't mentioned in the travel guide, and attempting to have a conversation in the local language — these things all define my dream honeymoon. What defines yours?

Here are two of my favorite honeymoon getaways, including local hotspots and what brides should pack with them. Enjoy!

Source It: Images via Lungarno Collection

Famous Landmarks
Rome at Twilight. Take the three-hour "Rome at Twilight" guided tour, where you'll visit famous landmarks like the Fontana di Trevi and the Spanish Steps — this has newlywed mush written all over it. It's also perfect for avoiding the crowds and heat, if you'll be visiting during the summertime!

Tivoli’s Villa d’Este. Then, take a stroll through some of the most enchanted gardens in all of Rome.

Guest blogger: Dana LaRue, creator of thebrokeassbride.com.
Dana LaRue is the creator of The Broke-Ass Bride, helping brides use creativity as currency to rock bad-ass weddings without breaking the bank. Her sassy, savvy approach to weddings and money delivers entertaining and informative outside-the-box planning inspiration. Because it’s not about how much you spend, its how you spend it!

Don't know where to start when it comes to packing for your honeymoon? Before you spend hard-earned cash on a brand-new vacation wardrobe, here is a list of things you'll actually use vs. what you only think you'll need (ahem, six different négligées).

Bathing Suits

What you don’t need: A bikini that will make you look two sizes slimmer and magically transform you into a bronze beach goddess. Try not to fixate on aspirational wardrobe items during what is destined to be one of the most stressful times in your life — wedding planning. Don’t put pressure on yourself to drop 30 lbs. before the honeymoon in order to squeeze into a string bikini.

What you do need: Find a swimsuit that makes you feel comfortable with the body you have — be it a bikini, tankini, or one piece. There are plenty of sexy options out there for every size. Do get something that’s a little adjustable, so it won’t fall off if you do actually drop a few pounds.

Photo Credit: The D Spot

Q. For my bachelorette party, my bridesmaids and I are thinking of going on a day cruise — but some are concerned about the price. Are they expected to pay for their own tickets? Do you have other ideas that may be less costly? 

A. Bridesmaids are expected to pick up the tab for a bachelorette party, whether it’s a cruise, a dinner at a restaurant or a night on the town. If it’s an expensive ticket, don’t be surprised if some of them beg off for financial reasons. However, there are some equally festive and less pricey options for you and your friends:

• Weather permitting, have a pool party and barbecue and ask everyone to contribute a dish.
• Plan a bowling night or go to an amusement park.
• Stay home and have a spa slumber party, in which you treat yourselves to facials, manicures and pedicures, watch movies and reminisce.
• Consider a wine-tasting party and let each attendant bring her favorite bottle of wine. Serve cheese and crackers, fruit and a variety of hors d’oeuvres, and finish with a chocolate fondue.
• Take the party outdoors and go horseback riding, camping or hiking.

Remember, just being together and having an opportunity to share this special time will make any gathering with your ’maids fun and memorable.

—Diane Forden