I was reading Mark Kingsdorf’s wedding blog post and found a great idea! He reminded everyone that this is the time of year when Easter dresses and little suits go on sale. Purchasing a sale item from a department store rather than special ordering from a salon can really save you money.

You may be lucky enough to find the perfect color right on the rack, but if not, it isn’t difficult to make some quick alterations so that those generic outfits match your wedding party. Mark suggests simply purchasing or making a sash for the flower girl in your wedding colors. A tie for the ring bearer in the proper color will make him the perfect match.

Thank you Mark for the fabulous money-saving idea!

Come back to the wedding blog tomorrow for Real Wedding Wednesdays.

If you have wedding planning questions about saving money on ring bearer and flower girl attire, or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Your partner in perfect planning,

Susan

There’s nothing I like better on a Monday morning than dreaming of a little slice of paradise to share with you! Today’s honeymoon hideaway to consider for your wedding planning is located on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast–Sanibel Island. Fifteen miles of sugary white beach sand, countless hours of relaxation, and exactly zero traffic lights await you on this tiny tropical island!

Where to stay: There are many charming and cozy accommodations to choose from in Sanibel. You can hang your hat in one of the island’s luxurious beach resorts, such as The Pink Shell Resort and Spa, or opt for a private beach villa at one of the many oceanfront “Mom & Pop” motels (check out the Waterside Inn on the Beach). I enjoy the beach cottages, as they will often provide you with those little “extras” (beach towels, umbrellas, buckets, strainers…more on that later) that really make your honeymoon unforgettable. No matter where you choose to stay, you can expect to be surrounded by swaying palms, the rushing sound of the lazy Gulf Coast tide, and the toasty tropical sunshine!

Where to play: There is no shortage of fun to be had in Sanibel from sunrise to long after sunset. Start off each morning strolling along the beach at daybreak, picking up the unique shells that have washed ashore overnight (here’s where you’ll grab that beach bucket and strainer). Don’t be surprised if you have plenty of company; this is perhaps the most popular activity on the island. You really can’t buy a better souvenir! There are also miles of bike trails, a national wildlife refuge (JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge), and plenty of fishing, boating, and snorkeling opportunities.

Where to shop: Besides the beach, Sanibel is home to dozens of fabulous clothing, gift, and antique stores where you are sure to discover some one-of-a-kind island treasures. Don’t miss the shops at Periwinkle Place! Here you will experience good food, good finds, and good fun in a winding, tropical outdoor shopping center.

Where to eat: I have rarely had such difficulty narrowing down the choices of where to eat, especially on such a tiny island! Sanibel is practically packed with every kind of food that you could possibly crave. The quantity of food choices is surpassed only by the quality, whether you’re looking to dine out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Try the Over Easy Cafe, a lively breakfast joint with whimsical decor, or Matzaluna, an authentic Italian restaurant serving up wood-fired pizzas.

There’s nothing like wrapping up a day of shelling, shopping, and fine dining like taking in a sunset on Sanibel Island. Pull up a patch of beach sand and find a shoulder to lean on for this daily dose of romantic scenery as the sun drifts below the horizon. Are your bags packed yet?

Check out www.sanibel-captiva.org for more information on Sanibel Island and the places mentioned in today’s blog (and many more)! Do you have other ideas of things to do in Sanibel that I didn’t include in this wedding blog? What about another honeymoon destination that you would recommend sharing? I would love to hear from you with input on your preferred destination, and photos are definitely encouraged!

If you have questions on this or any other wedding planning related topic, please post for me here or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan

Happy Friday everyone! Today’s wedding blog post has the last installment from March’s Weekend Wedding Retreat here in Orlando.

After taking a much needed relaxation break (some brides even took advantage of their complimentary spa appointment) we met again for a cocktail hour followed by The Weekend Wedding Retreat Wedding Reception. During the cocktail hour, couples worked with the bartenders to create a specialty drink. Each left with a recipe to use on their wedding day.

After cocktails, we walked into Cascades at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress for dinner and dancing. The vendors were announced into the room as if they were the wedding party. The grooms who registered early were given a complimentary tuxedo from Absolutely Fitting. We were lucky to be treated to an impromptu fashion show by them.

Dinner was amazing. We all had a choice of beef, chicken or fish (this is a standard option at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. It is called Personal Preference Dining). We all danced for hours thanks to White Rose Entertainment. A few of our couples won the opportunity to do the first dance, cake cutting, bouquet and garter toss. It was so much fun. We also got a dance lesson from Two Left Feet

By the time the evening ended, we were exhausted!

Here are the stunning engagement photos that Frances Morran took. Every couple received two high resolution files for them to use as they wished.

In my earlier wedding blog posts about The Weekend Wedding Retreat, I mentioned what a truly extraordinary experience it was for everyone. I think that the opportunity for coupels to get to know vendors personally, and vice-versa, makes such a huge difference when deciding on who to hire for the wedding day. I am looking forward to bringing The Weekend Wedding Retreat to venues across the country. If you want to keep track of where we are going to be, become a fan on facebook.

If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Your partner in perfect planning,

Susan