Before And After I Do

You’ve chosen your perfect destination for your honeymoon. But had you ever considered getting married there?

It used to be seen as eloping, having your wedding somewhere other than at home, but now having your wedding in a location where you could spend some time afterwards, makes all sorts of sense.

According to a study by the Fairchild Bridal Group, engaged couples in the United States are close to spending $30,000 on their wedding. And then there’s the cost of the honeymoon on top. No wonder couples are now choosing to say, ‘I do,’ in a location where they can hold their wedding and then take their honeymoon.

Your guest list may be a little reduced, but would that be a bad thing? And anyway, who is really going to pass up the opportunity to spend time in Florence, Italy or Baja, Mexico?

There are lots and lots of resources out there if you’re thinking about holding your wedding abroad. Many country’s travel bureaus will give you a list of their recommended wedding planners – in some countries such as the Bahamas, non-country planners are not licensed to work there, so using someone on-site is worthwhile. Especially when you may be dealing in a language you don’t understand, although English is the official language of the Bahamas - more British than American!

6 Things to Think About to Help You Decide if A Destination Wedding is Right for You.

1. Where to go? What would you like to do on your honeymoon? Go sailing, climb mountains, taste gourmet food and wine, nothing? Read Destination Weddding Magazine for inspiration
2. What paperwork do you need before traveling? We recommend you read “Marriage of United States Citizens Abroad” published by the U.S. State Department .
3. What do you need to do to be legally wed in your country of choice? There are things like blood tests that need to be carried out for some countries and in others you will need to be resident for so many days before the ceremony. Plan this in to your itinerary.
4. Think about using an in-country consultant. They know the laws and the layout of the country and can advise you on what needs to be done and when. afwpi.com, which stands for “Association for Wedding Professionals International and Wedding Information,” has a great listing of world wide consultants.
5. Who to invite? Could be a tricky one. Will Aunt Margaret fly, can Billy afford the trip? You will know your friends and family and whether they’d be excited by you getting married abroad. If they can’t attend, you could always throw a party when you return.
6. Think about how much you want to spend. Think of your destination wedding as you would for a wedding at home. What’s your budget? What do you want to spend on food/bar, accommodation costs just for you or for you and the wedding party?

Help other brides and grooms with planning their Destination Wedding. Email us and share your weddings abroad planning tips!

Happy planning!

About the Author

Emma Crabtree, Editorial Assistant to Maya Sunpongco, Editor-in-Chief and the Practical Bride at Giftpile.com - the great idea honeymoon registry. Though Emma has been married since 1996, she still likes to dream about big, white frocks and sunsets over beaches and, of course, to support couples in achieving their dream honeymoons. Giftpile.com helps you (the bride and groom) giftwrap your dream honeymoon. For more information about creating your online honeymoon registry, visit Giftpile.com today!

By Giftpile.com Honeymoon Registry

The Problem of Catching Some Zzzz’s
Planning the wedding yourself? Are you an exhausted bride right now? Have any of these thoughts ever enter your mind or sound familiar?

• “I can’t seem to concentrate.”
  Motrin.com says, “Lack of sleep can impair short-term memory, concentration and alertness.”
• “Am I catching something? I feel ill.”
  Stacking up stress and anxiety about having your perfect Big Day would, of course, affect your energy level, mood and weaken your immune system.
• “Look at those dark circles around my eyes.”
  Michael Breus, PhD of SleepBetter.org was on the Today Show. He mentioned that not enough sleep can not only increase your appetite and lower your metabolism (in other words, cause you to gain weight) but can be a cause to those dark circles around your eyes, bad skin and future bad hair days (not in those exact words).

Tips to Help You Sleep Better and Feel Better

• Seek Self Help Measure First
  Michael Breus, PhD, author of ‘Good Night - The sleep doctor’s 4-week program to better sleep and better health’ has published his 17 Tips To Help You Sleep Better™ where you can instantly start changing your habits for a better night’s sleep today. You’ll read tips like creating a schedule to sleep and wake at the same time every day and writing your “to-do list” or “worry list” before bedtime so your mind won’t be racing.The Mayo Clinic makes recommendations for you to “Hide the bedroom clocks.Set your alarm so that you know when to get up, but then hide all clocks in your bedroom. The less you know what time it is at night, the better you’ll sleep” and “Exercise and stay active. Get at least 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, preferably at least five to six hours before bedtime.”

• Talk to your Doctor
  Who might prescribe sleeping pills. MayoClinic.com recommends, “taking prescription sleeping pills, such as zolpidem (Ambien) and eszopiclone (Lunesta)… for a couple of weeks until there’s less stress in your life…”

Although your hair stylist and makeup artist will help you look your best on your wedding day, you want to feel your best, on The Big Day, too - don’t you?
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About Author: Maya Sunpongco is known as “The Practical Bride” and is the President of Giftpile.com - the great honeymoon registry. Giftpile helps you (the bride and groom) gift wrap your dream honeymoon. For more information about creating your online honeymoon registry, visit www.Giftpile.com today!

Article Statistics:
Author: The Practical Bride
Contact: giftpile@hotmail.com
Category: Wedding, Weddings, Wedding Planning, Health & Fitness
Article Word Count: 375
Keywords: wedding planning, health & fitness wedding
Copyright: Giftpile, LLC.
Website: http://www.Giftpile.com

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is:
1. Printed in its full form with no changes
2. Includes an active link
3. A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact
4. And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article

By Giftpile.com Honeymoon Registry

You’ve booked your flight to Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Visions of leisurely days pop in to your head. Picking up your “Lonely Planet - Costa Rica” book you find the sentence, “The ocean is always open for fishing…” (see page 450) Now, sports fishing’s on the brain! Based on a one-and-one interview with Don Carr of King Don’s Fishing Charter, here are the 10 questions and answers about the adventure of big game fishing in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica that should help you start making plans!

1. What is the high / low season for fishing there?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “The best fishing in Costa Rica is in Quepos in Jan and Feb as the fish are migrating up from Panama and are mating and you can see them in schools right on the surface. After Feb thru Dec it is north in Coco and Flamingo area. May thru Sept is best for sails, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo and several other species. We fish north at the Bat Islands and south and west of Flamingo depending on the bite.”

2. What are the best times to go fishing? Is it based on the tides, weather, etc?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “If possible, three days either side of the full moon are the days where we not only catch fish but we tend to WACK them with days of 25 sails in a day. All captains and mates work together with reports on last few days as well as on the radio all day with each other giving reports on catches and baits, color teasers and other info.”

3. What types of fish could possibly be the catch-of-the-day on a half-day tour? Full-day tour?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “Full days are best as it gives time to get to the fish, especially billfish. Always get a local telephone number and contact the captain the day you arrive. (don’t leave it stored in the computer, bring it with you) Ask how many people will fit comfortably on the boat and ask about the bathroom facilities.”

4. Where are the best fishing spots in that area?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “Again, Quepos, Coco and Flamingo area.”

5. Would someone need a certain level of experience fishing before the trip or will I receive a ‘Fishing for Dummies’ type orientation?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “Since sailfish are the most targeted fish, adv 100 lbs., it is not necessary to be an expert, as these fish are very acrobatic and spend a lot of energy jumping and the usual time for a beginner is about 20 to 25 min. The captains will back the boat to the fish to make it easier for the client and more importantly not to over stress the fish. Don’t leave the ladies or the kids home, take them!! Women make better beginners then men as God has given them a natural rhythm and we teach them how to adapt this rhythm to fishing. When a woman tells me she doesn’t think she can do this I remind her it is women who give birth and if you can do that fishing is a piece of cake! My wife is only 113lbs and has already done 450lb marlin It is in the rhythm.”

6. I’m not a fishing expert myself and I’ve heard of several methods of fishing that people prefer — trolling, spin/bait casting, light-tackle, etc… What fishing methods are used with your tour?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “All boats troll for fish with as many as 6 lines out and 2 teasers. We also use Downriggers and live baits when we catch them. Balleyhoo is the standard bait for trolling. ALL BILLFISH ARE RELEASED!!!!! Edible fish are filleted and given to the clients as all restaurants will gladly cook your fresh fish for you.”

7. What are the advantages of having a fishing guide?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “I the captain of the PREDATOR, 37 foot sport fisherman, do things a little differently. I give and extensive orientation to all clients about where we are fishing, what we expect to catch and how to use the equipment and my crew also stands right with the clients talking them through the fight and in some cases assisting with pulling back on the rod. Once a client comes aboard my boat he or she is no longer a client but is an active member of the PREDATOR fishing team for that day. Most boats don’t give any instructions on how to use the equipment until the fish is hooked up and they see you don’t know what to do. Every crew is different.”

8. How should one prepare for the trip? Equipment? Personal items (sun block, lip balm, etc.) and type of clothing to wear (hat, etc.)?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “I advise my clients to bring Polarized sunglasses, good sun block and a hat. Cameras are understood! If you may be prone to seasickness it is best to see a doctor in the States and get a prescription for the patches that go behind the ear. They seem to work best and should be put on the night before. DO NOT TAKE SEASICKNESS PILLS IN THE MORNING YOU ARE GOING TO FISH. They only put you to sleep.”

9. I’ve heard Playas del Coco is the ‘oldest fishing village’ in Costa Rica. How long in advance to you recommend someone to reserve a charter? If they have a flexible vacation itinerary, can they plan their fishing trip when they arrive in Guanacaste? Do you accept walk-ins? What are your reservation requirements and cancellation policies?

Don of King Don’s Fishing Charters: “Charters should be booked as far in advance as possible, right after your flights are confirmed, to insure a good boat and good crew. It is usually done by e-mail and a deposit is usually required. When booking a boat over the internet be sure to see a close-up picture of the boat, if you don’t see don’t book it!! Ask Questions. Trying to book a boat when you arrive, often leads to lesser quality boats and often no boat at all as there is a shortage of quality boats due to the fact that Costa Rica charges 100% import tax on boats and it costs $30,000 to ship or bring a good size boat from the U.S.”

10. Internet Resource Directory
(Playas del Coco includes the following areas: Playa Ocotal, Playa del Coco, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Panama)

Fishing Tours, Charters and Excursions

• King Don’s Costa Rica Fishing Charter
  Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
  Website: http://costa-rica-deep-sea-sport-fishing-boats.com/
  Email: kingdonsfishing@yahoo.com
  Telephone: 011 (506) 672-1062

# # # # #

About Author:

Maya Sunpongco is known as “The Practical Bride” and is the President of Giftpile.com - the great honeymoon registry. Giftpile helps you (the bride and groom) gift wrap your dream honeymoon. For more information about creating your online honeymoon registry, visit www.Giftpile.com today!

Article Statistics:
Author: The Practical Bride
Contact: giftpile@hotmail.com
Category: honeymoon destination
Article Word Count: 1,123
Keywords: honeymoon planning, honeymoon destination, Costa Rica
Copyright: Giftpile, LLC.
Website: http://www.Giftpile.com

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is:

1. Printed in its full form with no changes
2. Includes an active link
3. A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to the above contact
4. And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article

Congratulations on your engagement. Now, have you thought about where you are going to go on your honeymoon, or is that way down the list after centre pieces and choosing the band?

After paying for the dress and the reception and the bar bill, can you stretch to having a honeymoon, too? Are you thinking that you’ll have to defer your honeymoon as the costs for your “small and intimate” wedding get bigger and bigger every day?

Many couples register for gifts such as china and glassware, linens and wine. But what if you have been living together for a while, or even have two homes and all the housewares newlyweds would need?

Instead of a “boring blender” as a wedding gift, wouldn’t you like “breakfast in bed” while on your dream honeymoon? Instead of the “not so fine china you’ll only use once a year,” wouldn’t you like to experience a sunset dinner cruise courtesy of your aunt and uncle? Don’t you just love gifts you’ll use…the gift that never sits in the closet collecting dust and that you never have to think about exchanging..?

And it is all possible! Giftpile brings the fun, excitement and anticipation of your honeymoon back in to your planning process. Giftpile.com’s honeymoon registry can bring your friends and family to a more intimate relationship with you. Think about it! What better way for wedding guests to learn how you, the couple, have fun? For many who are not part of the wedding party, your wedding guests can still participate in an important experience as newlyweds - the honeymoon! You know when you return from your honeymoon, your gift-givers will want to know what adventures you experienced!

Imagine if you could gift wrap your dream honeymoon… Can you visualize the exotic, romantic and adventurous destination you’d pick? What kind of activities can you see you and your fiancé experiencing? Where would you shop? Where would you eat? What kind of souvenirs would you buy?

Learn how your honeymoon registry works from beginning to end; Contact Us for your no-obligation orientation. Need help deciding the type of honeymoon and destination that is right for you? Let us help you pick a honeymoon destination. You can also email Giftpile and ask us to create a brainstorming list of activities for your honeymoon destination, if you need some inspiration. Just ask.

# # #
About the Author

Emma Crabtree, Editorial Assistant to Maya Sunpongco, Editor-in-Chief and the Practical Bride at Giftpile.com - the great idea honeymoon registry. Though Emma has been married since 1996, she still likes to dream about big, white frocks and sunsets over beaches and, of course, to support couples in achieving their dream honeymoons. Giftpile.com helps you (the bride and groom) giftwrap your dream honeymoon. For more information about creating your online honeymoon registry, visit Giftpile.com today!

View the honeymoon journal of Sharoni & Mark

Registered Couple: Sharoni & Mark

Wedding Date: 18 August 2006

Destination: French Polynesia

View the honeymoon journal of Christine & Alberto

Wedding Date: August 12, 2006

Honeymoon Destination: Mexico & the Californian Coast