How to Make Your Honeymoon Sizzle!

The wedding is over, and the two of you are ready to escape all of the wedding chaos. It's time to relax and go on your honeymoon!

For many couples, this is the trip of a lifetime. As newlyweds, your honeymoon is the chance to travel somewhere you've never been before, and perhaps splurge a bit on your accommodations. Most importantly, it's an opportunity for the two of you to spend time together celebrating your new status as man and wife.

Why, then, do some couples come back with a bittersweet taste in their mouth? The fact is, great honeymoons just don't happen. They require some effort and pre-thought to make it a truly memorable occasion and a trip that you will cherish forever.

1. Choose to do something that both of you will enjoy. There is no point of backpacking across Europe if one of you prefers five-star accommodations and having a bell-boy look after all of the luggage. Some compromise may be involved, but try and make it a place that both of you can experience for the first time. Maybe this is your chance to go to Tahiti or explore the Greek Islands, but choose a place that appeals to both of you.  
2. Make it special. Splurge on your accommodation. Maybe it's that extra special room with the ocean view or perhaps one with a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi. Especially with honeymoon registries in existence, such as Honeymoon Wishes, that allow your wedding guests to contribute to this trip of a lifetime, this is your chance to enjoy things a little more and treat yourself a bit.
3. Experience your surroundings and explore the area.  One of the biggest mistakes honeymooners can make is to stay locked in their room the entire time. Get out and explore the area. Sign up for a sunset cruise, a snorkelling excursion, or a wine tour. Maybe you would prefer to rent water kayaks or go zip-lining. By forcing yourself to get out of your hotel room, and mix with other people, it will make the time you do have together more special.  
4. Plan some special activities for two.  Romance plays a huge role on any honeymoon. Make sure you plan a couple of activities that will bring romance to the forefront. This could be a private dinner for two on the beach; a couple’s massage, or even a gondola ride in Venice. Choose at least one activity that will help create the mood and ambiance you're after, and then you can take it from there.  
5. Lingerie, lotions, and more. Don't forget to pack that new negligee or perhaps the massage oils. After all, it is your honeymoon and a big part of that is spending time together enjoying yourself. Packing a few special surprises can help make your honeymoon more satisfying for both of you.

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai.

By implementing some of these ideas, your honeymoon will definitely be off the charts. More importantly, it will be something the two of you will be able to enjoy and fondly remember for years to come.

If you need help planning the honeymoon of your dreams, contact Muriel to begin your travel planning now at either 403-477-0643 orinfo@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com. 

Signature Cocktails - A Special Touch That Can Help Make Your Wedding Your Own

Cocktails have made a huge and extremely welcome comeback over the past few years. Thanks to the creative genius of mixologists the world over, couples can arrange to have a unique cocktail drink served before dinner, during the meal, or at the dance party. With proper thought and preparation, this cocktail can even add to whole atmosphere of your wedding by incorporating your color scheme or other elements associated with your theme.

Signature cocktails are a fun way to add to your reception, even playing on your theme or wedding color choices.

So where do you start? The first step is to find a mixologist. This is the person who is going to create your unique and special drink. He or she is going to come up with the recipe that will be passed on to the bartenders, who in turn will create the drink for your guests. Many venues have a mixologist on staff, an expert who is specially trained to come up with a drink for all occasions. When initially talking with them, give them as much information about your wedding as possible. Let them know about your theme, your colors, and details about the food that will be served. Be sure to let them know about any preferences you may have. For example, if you’re having a winter wedding, you may want to choose to have a heated drink, such as a special coffee or even a hot toddy to warm guests. Tropical weddings tend to feature rum drinks mixed with fruit juices and garnished with an umbrella. With the right information, these talented individuals can come up with a personalized concoction that will add to the flavour of your wedding, even choosing a name for the drink that will reflect the theme of your wedding.

Probably the most common bases used for cocktails are either vodka or rum. Both are extremely popular and can be easily mixed with fruit juices to create decadent drinks. Extremely versatile, and with numerous flavours and variations to choose from, either of these are great choices as the basis for your signature drink!

Another popular choice is champagne, or sparkling wine. A splash of cranberry juice or pomegranate juice adds a touch of color and a dash of elegance. You may even want to look at getting edible flowers that can be added to the glass for a truly decorative touch. (For ordering information, check out www.wildhibiscus.com.)

Edible flowers in bubbling champagne or other sparkling wines mystify guests and are a definite conversation starter! – Photo courtesy of Wild Hibiscus

I would tend to avoid liquors such as gin, scotch, or port as they are an acquired taste. However, if they add to the theme of your wedding, go for it!

Especially with the increasing interest in juice bars, you may want to choose to have a non-alcoholic drink, using a combination of fruit juices to create a combination perfect for your guests of all ages.

Whether based on an old favourite that matches your theme, or an entirely new invention, signature cocktails are a great way to add some fun to your wedding celebration. They can be as unique and personal as the two of you with countless options available. I would encourage you to have some fun, lift your glasses in a toast, and let the party begin!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.