How to Plan Your Wedding and Honeymoon

1. Weddings typically can cost you anywhere around $15,000 or more. The big question is: who foots the bill?

The 21st century has heralded a shift in the way these costs are handled. We have moved away from the days when the family of the bride would pay all costs associated with the wedding ceremony . Today it may come down to who can afford it or, who can qualify for the personal loan from the lending institution.
Weddings may, in most cases, be a one time special event deserving of all the pomp and pageantry associated with the memorable day. However, there are ways to cut costs and still maximize the moment. Careful planning and budgeting are key to getting the most out of this experience at a reduced cost.
What should go into a wedding plan? When is too much, too much?

There are many things which makes a wedding a wedding. The old adage, "Something New, Something used and something blue, is a reliable guide to save.

Knowing what you need and how much it cost compared to your allotted budget for each item is essential. Your check list should include: Bride Gown and accessories, Groom's wedding attire, wedding rings, flowers, wedding cake, wedding site, reception site, photography/video services, limousine, ceremony fees, decorations, licence, honeymoon/travel, music/entertainment services, invitations, wedding consulting fees, beverage/drinks and type of wedding.

Generally, all of these items should be carefully itemized and an actual cost should be obtained from the service providers. Your budget fro each service or product should be include to help guide you and/or your wedding consultants. From this list you can determine things like the size of your guest list, bridal party and reception, cake and amount you can actually allocate to each specific area.

A good example is: if you are purchasing a wedding gown and accessories which can easily run into $1,500 or more and your budget is $600, you can opt to rent a gown and accessory which typically at the high end is around $400.

Knowing where you would like to host your wedding and the type of wedding you want is also very essential. Many people typically choose a traditional wedding (religious). These can go into many different cultures i.e. African, Jewish, Islamic, Irish etc. Different types of weddings typically carry varying price tags depending on the culture and how complex the ceremony or extravagant it is.

Honeymoons can be a another costly expense. Honeymoons can extend from that drive to another state to the extended Bahamas vacation or Carribean cruise. Many companies are now incorporating wedding and honeymoon packages in their vacation packages. This has its upside and downside. Marriage laws also vary from country to country.

June typically is noted as the wedding month. So, expect costs to be higher. However travel this and hotel charges during this time of the year to many destinations including the Bahamas may be less expensive.
If you know your budget then it may be beneficial to allow a wedding consulting firm to handle the arrangements. Statistics show that couples are so tired and stressed after the wedding 705 do not have sex on the first night of the honeymoon.

Hiring wedding consultant doesn't mean you lose control of your ceremony. It just saves you the hassle and stress of coordinating and implementing each individual activity and duty.

Your honey moon can be like any other vacation as far as proper planning is concerned. In order to save money, you must know what you want to do? Where you want to go? What you want to see? Consult with travel consultants in the country or area you plan to visit. Research well. Your trip does not have to be robotic or mechanical, but it can be cost effective and well organized.

TIPS

Below are a few cost saving tips for your special day:
Trim your guest list
Reduce the number of attendance in your bridal party and reception
Budget your honeymoon well
Choose the kind of wedding you like but can afford
Research: at least 6 months in advance
Book in advance: try the internet
Stay near home: try a friends remote cottage, town house or timeshare
Shorten your vacation stay
Travel and wed in the off season
Go on a Cruise: They are usually all inclusive

Mexico Honeymoon Vacations

Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and strategically located between Guatemala and the United States is a perfect destination for a romantic Mexico honeymoon vacation. This beautiful land of sunshine, clear blue seas, crystal-white beaches, high and impressive mountains and volcanoes and jungles of exotic wildlife provides honeymooners with lots to see and do. In fact, places like Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco are amongst the most romantic resorts in Mexico for honeymooners. You will find a little bit of everything from the romantic to adventurous, as well as secluded moments of art and history in Mexico.

The enigma of Mexico honeymoon vacations will leave the newlyweds with unforgettable romantic memories. Dining to eye-opening and amazing moments of a Mexican trio's soulful and heartfelt love songs in garden restaurants and dancing under the romantic moonlight are just the prelude of romance in an exotic venue.

Additionally, shopping activities are not left out and it is easy and fun to spend quality time bargaining in Insurgentes Market of Zona Rosa for brilliant Mexican handcrafts - authentic pottery, jewelry and blankets. Go for a walk through the city which has been standing for centuries and go snorkeling or just enjoy the sun on Mexico's Riviera - renowned beach in Cancun and visit the Mayan ruins at southern Quintana Roo of Mexico on a horseback riding tour.

Couples who love privacy, relaxing and pampering will find these services offered by most of the Mexico honeymoon resorts. There is a variety of resorts to choose from located all over Mexico, such as the Celba del Mar Spa Resort and Hyatt Cancun Caribe Resorts and Villas in Cancun, Fairmont Acapulco Princess in Acapulco, Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Ensenada, El Cozulmeleo Beach Resort in Cozumel, and The Westin Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta. In these resorts you will be sure of obtaining excellent facilities in spa treatments, sauna, steam baths, Jacuzzi and fitness centers with professional consultants. In fact, many of these resorts offer exclusive double massage areas for couples.

Mexico honeymoons are not complete without visits to exotic cities in Mexico, each of them bringing forth their own platter of unique attractions. For instance, Cabo San Lucas, attracts crowds with its mysterious natural hideaway and its romantic appeal. While Cancun offers both sophistication and history as well as beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea water.

Puerto Vallarta, on the other hand, provides a romantic combination of the traditional Mexico and modern hideaways. The ever famous Acapulco rightfully referred to as the "Grand Dame" and the "Pearl of the Pacific", offers one of the most beautiful and romantic bays in the world combined with stunning beaches and wonderful natural surroundings.

Finally, for a taste of authentic Mexican culture, Guadalajara is the place to go which is complete with all the activities and modern comforts that only a large city provides. Ensenada proudly known as the "Cinderella of the Pacific", is a popular honeymoon destination which is easily accessible by land, air, and sea. Plus it is only a 90-minute drive from San Diego, California. This resort brings warm Mediterranean weather combined with a romantic past as well as exquisite cultural and dining activities.

With the myriad of romantic destinations that Mexico has to offer, it is no doubt one of the best choices for a romantic getaway. A Mexican honeymoon will definitely be an unforgettable romantic experience which will fill couples with delightful memories that will last them for a lifetime. Indeed, this is one destination that should not to be missed!