After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

Amidst snow storms and freezing temperatures, here in the NorthEast we're in the middle of the wonderful winter season.  But many of you still have honeymoons to plan and TripAdvisor just released its 2014 Traveler's Choice Best Hotels list !  As a self-proclaimed hotel snob, most of my travel plans start with selecting the BEST accommodations.  In my opinion, a spectacular destination must be accompanied by superb hospitality and on-site ammenities.  So I'm thrilled to share the top 5 below.  Enjoy!

When planning your honeymoon, you'll want to make sure lots of romance and fun are included. Still, don't forget to include loads of relaxation and quite honestly, a little bit of NOTHING. Consciously make time for leisure. Never plan back-to-back activities for any vacation, much less your honeymoon. You'll likely be exhausted from the wedding and will really benefit from some down-time. One of the best ways to ensure you treat yourself to peace and quiet is to choose a location that features a world-class spa! Here are a few outstanding options to consider ... all of which are on my personal "bucket list:" Rome Cavalieri Grand Spa - Rome, Italy Notable Therapy: La Prairie Caviar Firming Facial The Overwater Spa at Kamalame Cay - Bahamas Notable Therapy: Rosemary Citron Sea Salt Scrub Fern Tree: The Spa at Half Moon - Montego Bay, Jamaica Notable Therapy: 80-minute Marine Algae Wrap Spa Villagio - Napa Valley, California Notable Therapy: Aromasoul Medi...

TLC is currently casting Season Two of Four Weddings featuring NY, NJ, CT, PHILADELPHIA & DALLAS brides getting married in JUNE, JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER! TLC's hit series Four Weddings is a fun show that gives four brides the opportunity to compare notes with other brides, attend each other's weddings and WIN an exciting 5 star Honeymoon ! Only considering brides getting married within an hour of NYC, Philadelphia or Dallas. Want to feature ALL types of weddings: Traditional, over the top, unusual venues or event spaces, married on a cliff, at the zoo, while sky diving, fairytale, on a boat, very small & intimate, themed...ANY and ALL types of weddings! Any and all ages welcome! This is NOT a Bridezillas type of show. If you'd like to be considered for the show, please email your name, wedding date, wedding location & short description of your wedding immediately to the Casting Department at: TLCBrides@gmail.com . Here's your chance to win a 5...

I always remind my clients to remember to shop special items especially for their honeymoon, not just for the BIG DAY.  So, my advice to all of you is to head on over to Anthropologie (one of my absolute favorite shopping destinations) and check out their latest swim collection.  It's "beyond basic."  You won't find anything average or run-of-the-mill about their suits. You're sure to make a splash in one of these! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Spring is on its way and I'm already excited about being in the thick of wedding season.  And as we planners and brides-to-be continue with scoping and preparing for THE BIG DAY, it's also important to remember to put just as much thought into THE BIG DAYS AFTER.  That's right gals/guys, don't forget about the honeymoon.  I always say the honeymoon is likely the best of times between newlyweds, so special attention should be paid...especially when it comes to accommodations. Now if you're on a tight budget, I may not be the person to talk to when it comes to destinations and accommodations.  Why?  Because ever since my husband and I honeymooned in Hawaii, frolicking the suites and sights of Halekulani and Fairmont Kea Lani (pictured above), we've somewhat unashamedly become hotel snobs .  For us, resorts and accommodations are extremely important and on them we do not skimp (which is why I don't do honeymoons and refer all of my clients to a world-class...

GetMarried.com 's giving brides-to-be/grooms-to-be the chance win an all-expense paid honeymoon to Turtle Island, Fiji (the location of the movie "Blue Lagoon"). The grand prize winner would be lucky enough to experience 7 nights in a private, luxurious two room cottage or "bure." Get More Details & Enter To Win - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Now that summer's here and we're in the thick of wedding season, it seems befitting for everyone to turn their attention to the ultimate vacation...THE HONEYMOON! Per the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word "honeymoon" dates back to 1546, but is likely much older. "Honey" was a reference to the new marriage's sweetness, while "moon" referred to how long bliss would probably last (where use of the moon was a comparison, as it wanes as soon as it is full...similar to the affections of a newly married couple, being most tender right after marriage). Since the honeymoon is likely the best of times between newlyweds, brides and grooms are paying special attention to their location options. Here are a few of my personal favorite destinations and resorts for honeymoons, the last being my absolute #1 choice: (photos courtesy of TripAdvisor.com) Cap Juluca - ANGUILLA If there is one place that embodies the romance, serenity and physical bea...

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing this week, one year ago. Top 20 "Most Expensive" Celebrity Weddings DIY Cupcake Cake Flowergirls Off-White (bold and vibrant options for your littlelest attendants) Bridesmaid Giftables (9 fabulous ideas for your BMs) The 2007 Honeymoon Guide (last year's phenomenal list from Daily Candy - Travel) Inspiration Board: Scrolls of Blue Bring Paper To Life (Poseprints! Use our coupon code " bridalparty " and receive 5% off )

Daily Candy - Travel released their 2007 Honeymoon Guide, entitled " Take a Vow ," recently and I couldn't help but share it here. These destinations are superb ... and honestly, a few of them will make you go "hmmmmmm." Check them out if you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon to go along with your out-of-this-world wedding! ________________________________________ Vow: We will ponder the vastness through each other's eyes. Translation: And we'll do it from the infinity pool, gazing onto eighteen miles of perfect, desolate beach. Destination : The Nam Hai , China Beach, Vietnam Vow: We will rock you. Translation: Let's climb every mountain, starting with the Himalayas. No, Patagonia. No, a volcano in Ecuador … Destination : Mountain Travel Sobek Vow: We will take it easy, beautifully, and remotely. Translation: We'll hold hands on the beach, walk through the forest, and discover tiny restaurants in nearby José Ignacio. Destinatio...