Destination Weddings combine both wedding and honeymoon into one package. Advance planning and organization for lodging, food and airline tickets is a must. Many resorts are offering simple, care-free all inclusive wedding packages. Popular locations for destination weddings include Europe, Mexico, Aruba, Jamaica, Hawaii, and Bahamas. The bride and groom should expect to pay for their guest’s, lodging and food, while the guests are responsible for their own transportation.

Kindness Trends couples are using their wedding day to make a statement about who they are. A hot, new trend for couples is to be generous and charitable on their wedding day. Here are a few compassionate ideas to consider:

• Replace favors with a donation card to a charity in the guests name
• Furnish any of the leftover food from the reception to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen
• Contribute flowers to a local hospital or hospice
• Donate gowns to the Salvation Army or Goodwill
• In lieu of wedding gifts, make a contribution to a charity
• Use a gift registry that will donate a portion to charity

The traditional white and ivory gowns with beading and lace are still popular with brides.
Non-traditional colors are becoming the trend this year. Some of the popular colors include yellow, orange, purple, black along with deep, rich jewel tones which can be stunning in simple chiffon, silk and satin gowns.

A number of brides are going green; wearing vintage or heirloom gowns. Recycled gowns are also making a comeback. After the wedding some brides will donate their gown along with the bridesmaid’s gowns to a charitable organization.

Personal Wedding Websites are growing in popularity. Couples are building their own personal sites which allow them to share wedding details with family and friends. This is a great way for couples to showcase their relationship from the beginning along with wedding details. The site allows guests to learn wedding details such as, gift registry, dates of wedding showers, and the ability to RSVP to the wedding. Special links may be added for guests to obtain directions and locate any necessary hotel accommodations or points of
interest. After the wedding it’s a great place to post your wedding photos and videos for everyone to enjoy.

Your website will give your family and friends an advanced preview of your wedding style or theme. Have fun with this.

Wedding Cakes are moving away from the traditional white cake. Cakes are being created to reflect the couples personal colors and theme of their wedding. The icing is also becoming colorful and imaginative complimenting the couples wedding focus. Some weddings are offering a non-traditional replacement for the wedding cake. A variety of alternatives include grooms cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, cookies and chocolates. Cakes often have a different flavor for each tier including pistachio, chocolate coconut, lemon, orange, chocolate chip, and red velvet. Bold colors, large flowers, fondant icing and fruit toppings are often used to express the wedding theme.

1. Cut back on your guest list. Don’t invite anyone you have not spoken with in over 5 years. Not all single people need to bring a date, this may be a great opportunity for them meet another single. You don’t have to invite all your co-workers, distant relatives and ask your friends to not bring their children.

2. Wedding Invites don’t have all that extra stuff, eliminate the ‘blotter’ paper and that inside extra envelope – you can save money and help the environment. Not to mention this may save on your postage too!

3. Shop for deals on wedding dresses; check out sample sales, eBay and other wedding dress websites. The more expensive the dress – the more in cleaning costs. Consider borrowing or renting a gown too.

4. Be non traditional and book your day on Sunday or during the week, these are less demand days and can save you considerably.

5. If you are getting married at a church you can save money on decorations and flowers if you plan around religious holidays.

6. Ask for help from friends, if you have a talented musician or crafty friend ask them to participate in your special day, chances are they will be honored and more than willing to showcase their talents.

7. Throw a party for your family and friends invite them to help you with your invites, centerpieces, favors, or any other does it your self projects.

8. When you meet with your caterer, let them know you are on a budget and would like some suggestions on how to cut costs. Buffets versus Sit downs, supply your own liquor, or limiting the beverage choices and limiting open bar times.

9. Check our EBay, and other websites for all sorts of wedding must haves, from dresses to cake toppers and non traditional decorations.

10. Invitations don’t have to be engraved, save money by printing your own; there are excellent software programs available. You can find excellent inexpensive wedding invites on the web you can print yourself.