Ethical Weddings

While reading one of my husband's magazines (nothing to do with weddings!), I found an article on weddings. Yes, they are everywhere. It was a spotlight on how people are helping their community during this economic challenge.

This particular spotlight was on a couple who started a website called ethicalweddings.com while they were planning their own wedding in 2005. (I absolutely LOVE to learn how people find their calling.) It is their goal to bring you the suppliers and information on how to make your wedding the most ethical as possible. This means no conflict diamonds, no hothouse flowers soaked in chemicals, no bridal gowns made in sweat shops, and more.

So, I took sometime on the site and found that it is pretty fabulous. The ethical suppliers are minimal and mostly in the UK, but hopefully that will change as the site grows in popularity. "Challenge Us" is a place where you can ask them questions or tips for a particular problem you are having with your own ethical wedding. There is also a countdown, planning ideas and tips on how to create a green wedding, DIY tips, polls, and more.

If you are living a "green" life, like we are all trying to, be sure to check out www.ethicalweddings.com.

Honeymoon in Playa del Carmen

Still deciding where to go on your honeymoon?

Here is one idea.

Travel down to Cancun, Mexico and stay at the Secrets Capri Resort in Playa del Carmen. It is an adult only, honeymooner friendly, PARADISE.

Upon arriving to Cancun, you will take a shuttle directly to Secrets. Driving, you and your new spouse will see many other hotels and resorts and think they are absolutely beautiful. You may even think, "I hope ours is as nice as that one". But when you step out of that shuttle and walk into the Bellagio style lobby, you will know that you are in heaven. If that hasn't grabbed your attention so far, maybe the glasses of champagne that are handed to you as soon as you sit at the check- in desk, will.

Someone will escort you to your room and a banner will be draped on the door that announces, "honeymoon". If you are shy, better get over that! There is also a newsletter everyday announcing the new honeymooner arrivals and anniversaries that day. It's a great keepsake for your wedding book.

Your room is made for relaxing! A four-poster bed, jacuzzi tub, and large balcony (some looking out at the crystal blue ocean), are just some of the amenities. When you walk in, it will be covered in rose petals with the towels made up in a swan on your bed. Don't forget to take a picture of that! Then sit down and relax with another glass of bubbly that has been given to you by the hotel.

Where off to now? Don't even worry about leaving your resort. There are 5 restaurants that are all of the highest quality. Lounge by the pool, or venture out to the beach and grab a spot on the sand. If you have enough energy, play a game of pool or checkers or dominoes. You might even want to hit the night club after dark.

This resort is made for us who want to enjoy each other, relax, and have a fabulous time in the lap of luxury.

You may think this is way out of your budget. Don't be fooled! Check out their site and you can get an all inclusive stay, including airfare, for a very reasonable price.

5 Money Saving Tips

1. Instead of hiring an expensive wedding planner, ask a friend of the family to help with the day-of duties. Schedule a few meetings during the whole planning process to keep them abreast of the details. A gift certificate to a nice restaurant or to a store you know they love is a great payment for their time and help.

2. If you are looking to hire a limousine, look through your local paper or even your junk mail for coupons.

3. Choose flowers that are in season and local for your bouquets and centerpieces.

4. Have your wedding on a Friday night instead of Saturday or Sunday. This could save you hundreds of dollars!!!

5. Bring the flowers that are used in your ceremony to the reception as centerpieces or extra decor.