Destination Wedding Idea: Europe

August 19th, 2010

What could be more sophisticated and exciting than getting married in an historic European city or town? Picture yourself exchanging your vows in a magnificent Renaissance cathedral or entertaining your guests in a centuries old stone castle – how romantic! Europe offers many incredible options for a destination wedding, from the vineyards of Tuscany to the green glory of Ireland to the romance and thrill of the City of Lights. In fact, the hardest part might be narrowing it down to one location!

When planning a wedding far from home, a wedding coordinator on site is an absolute must. This goes double if you will be getting married in a non-English speaking country, if you are not fluent in the local language. Besides, working with vendors from afar is hard enough; dealing with different time zones makes it very challenging. Luckily, it is quite easy to coordinate with your wedding planner via email. Send lots and lots of detailed pictures of the flowers and other decorations that you want to ensure that everything is as you expect on your wedding day.

Definitely indulge in local cuisine and wedding customs for a European wedding. There is no point in going all the way to Italy to get married if you are going to insist on serving the standard American “beef or chicken”! Give your guests a real taste of what makes your host country so special, whether it is the finest French wines, Irish music, or Spanish tapas for the cocktail hour.

While you need not follow the local wedding attire traditions to the letter, definitely make sure that your bridal gown and sets of jewelry suit your location. If you are being married in a breathtaking cathedral, wear a gown with a cathedral length train. For a celebration in the English countryside, look at romantic yet low-key wedding gowns and bridal jewelry sets. And of course if you intend to be a Parisian bride, nothing but the latest and most chic gown will do – ooh la la!

Tips for Honeymooning in Europe

January 28th, 2009

The honeymoon is one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of the wedding. When you are planning a post wedding getaway to Europe, it is especially exciting. These are some tips to keep in mind to make your European honeymoon as enjoyable as possible.

The first thing that you will need to decide when planning your honeymoon is exactly where you would like to go. Do you prefer to visit one country (perhaps seeing a few of the different cities and main attractions), or would you rather hop around and see as much of Europe as possible? Whichever you decide, there are great resources to help you plan your trip.

Couples who would like to visit some of the major capitals of Europe, such as London, Paris, and Rome, for instance, will find that there are a variety of tour groups and cruises designed to guide you along the way. If you would rather take things at your own pace, it is quite easy to get around Europe by rail; the choice is yours.

If you are planning to honeymoon in a country where English is not the first language, take the time to pick up at least a few key words and phrases in their native tongue. Sure everyone might speak English in the major cities of Germany and Italy, but it is arrogant to make the assumption. Even if you mangle the language, people will be charmed that you have at least made an effort to learn to communicate with them.

What to bring is another key thing to think about for your honeymoon.  Europeans are known for their effortless style and panache; you may not be able to duplicate that certain je ne sais quoi, but at least try to look your best. A few basic pieces, like black trousers, a pretty skirt, a white blouse, and a twinset can be made to go a long way. You don’t want to overpack, but do bring some accessories to help you complete the outfits. For instance, if you wore pearl bridal jewelry for your wedding, definitely plan to bring it. Classic bridal jewelry, such as a great strand of pearls, can be used for much more than the wedding.

With these tips in mind, you are sure to have a relaxed and romantic honeymoon. There are few destinations more memorable than the great cities and towns of Europe, especially if it will be your first time seeing them with your significant other. Bon Voyage!