Lodi’s Fourth Annual Bridal Event
Sunday, Feb. 23
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds
Chardonnay & Zinfandel Halls
Registration: 1 p.m.
Fashion Show: 3 p.m.

INDEX OF STORIES

» Brides still take stock in traditional invitations
» Discovering where wedding customs originate
» Say 'I do' to dress desingers' latest trend of corsets
» Always in fashion, diamond rings are a centuries-old trend
» Custom-made dresses affordable option to designer gowns
» New ways to top off your wedding-day ensemble
» Ethnic weddings mix traditional and modern customs
» Simple ideas for creative wedding favors
» Flowers create sweet-smelling nuptials for wedding party
» Grooms wanting something with a different ring to it
» Honeymoons put final fun, touch on weddings
» Creative ideas help savvy brides cut costs, not corners
» Take time to indulge yourself before you walk down aisle
» Here comes the bride, there goes the budget
» Don't be left singing the blues when it comes to wedding music
» Planning a wedding can be just as fun for the groom
» Lodi area offers many options for wedding reception sites
» Special ways to say thank you to the bridal party
» Personalized vows are unique celebrations of a couple's love
» Family grape growers open romantic wedding winery

Honeymoons put final fun, touch on weddings

By News-Sentinel Staff and News Services

The wedding is just the beginning. There’s plenty of excitement planning the honeymoon as well, from choosing a travel adventure to deciding what to bring along on the journey. And for many, planning this “Great Escape” is just as important as planning the wedding. Regardless of where you decide to go, there are some things you should know to make it the kind of experience you want it to be.

First, you must decide on a budget. If money is not an issue, bon voyage! However, if you’re like most engaged couples, you’re already paying for more than you anticipated. Establish a budget and use it as a guide. You may also want to consider using a honeymoon gift registry like the free one provided by www.TheHoneymoon.com.

Honeymoon registries allow guests, friends and family to contribute towards specific elements of your honeymoon, like shore excursions, parasailing, spa services and tours. If you already have a crock pot, toaster and blender, this may be just what you need.

Of course, honeymoon budgeting takes on new meaning if you decide to do a “destination wedding.” These are becoming popular as more couples decide to forego the average $20,000 wedding price tag in addition to the honeymoon expense. They are especially popular with second marriages. It’s easier to get married in some countries than others, so be sure to check with a reliable information source, like the country’s consulate or the U.S. Department of State, before making any arrangements.

After setting a budget, you need to decide where you would like to go. If you and your fiance want the same type of honeymoon experience, no problem. However, if one craves adventure while the other wants to relax in the sun, you need to compromise.

There are destinations that can satisfy both of you — you just need to do some research. To get started, check out www.Honeymoons.com, an informational Web site published by Susan Wagner, a former travel editor of Modern Bride.

Next, you have to decide whether you want an all-inclusive package or you would prefer to be on your own a little more. For those with tight budgets, an all-inclusive honeymoon has the advantage of a package price. This includes most activities at both all-inclusive resorts and on cruises, though there are usually some expenses which are not included.

Now you need to book and pay for this trip. Many honeymoon suppliers offer specials for early booking, which may or may not include airfare.

Packages that include air can offer significant savings because retailers buy airline seats in at a discount, then package hotel and sometimes car rental. These packages usually need to be purchased from businesses like the www.TheHoneymoon.com, which combine travel agent services, the convenience of the Internet, honeymoon registry, personal wedding Web pages, and honeymoon information at your fingertips — all from the convenience of your home or office, or your local travel agent.

According to Bill Mault, manager at L & L Travel in Lodi, local couples tend to lean towards sun and sand when planning their honeymoons, with Hawaii being the most popular honeymoon spot.

“Kauai is a very romantic island or Maui,” he says.

A cruise is the second most popular, with seven-day cruises to the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera depending on the time of year the couple is married. Mault says he sees the most bookings for the months of May, June and July.

“Europe is always popular. Italy and France are excellent destination for young love, food, romance and wine,” Mault said.

Mault recommends that the couple book their honeymoon at least four to six months in advance.

“Six months is a good start if you want to get the best seat and cabin,” he said.

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