Making planning easier with a wedding website

One of the helpful tools for couples today is a wedding website. A wedding website is a place online where you can put all the details of your wedding: from budgeting to the chosen suppliers. You can also put a variety of media there, probably images of your wedding, or a map to your location, or music that inspires you and your partner. It's a tool where you can share to your family and friends -- and to the rest of the world -- about your wedding plans and even details of the after-party.

If you search Google for wedding websites, you will see tons of wedding website providers. Some of them free and some that come with an annual charge. Most wedding websites have features that are really helpful for brides- and grooms-to-be such as budget tools, RSVPs, and audio and photo/video tools. You can also list down your chosen vendors, post your own inspiration boards, or even write about your love story in your wedding website. Wedding websites also come with cute templates, and there are a lot to choose from that match your wedding style.

Here are a few of the well-known free wedding website providers you can check out:

1) WeddingAnnouncer.com - During my own wedding preps, this was one of the sites used by most of the b2b's I encountered in a local forum. Tools included are wedding event information, gift registry information, maps, and RSVP.

2) MyWedding.com - It's also free and comes with the useful wedding tools. What I like about this site is that they have beautiful templates. The templates also come with matching invitations from companies like Wedding Paper Divas and Papeterie.

3) WeddingWire.com - Reminders, checklists, and even a drag-and-drop seating arrangement tool are just some of its features. They also have designer templates you could choose from, like those from Martha Stewart Weddings or the site's original designs.

4) eWedding.com - They have features like polls, quizzes, and bridal registries. But if you upgrade to a paid subscription, you can use their online media, download feature, email support, and even have a custom domain name.

Wedding websites help make planning easier for you. And it's also a good place to let everyone know about what you're going to do, what they need to know, and what they just missed. It's easy to put up one so go get started now.

Photo credit: Laptop user 2 by channah from sxc.hu.

Inspiration board - Yellow

I guess part of the inspiration for this board came from the weather. It's just so hot, hot, hot! Every single day is bright and sunny, and thus this board came to be. I chose yellow as it is one of the best colors that would remind you of summer. I'd also recommend this color if you want something bright and cheery for your wedding. Hope this gets you inspired.

1st column, from top: Letterpress invitation from CraftmasterInvitations.com; Luichiny Gal Lop L104109 from ShoeBuy.com; yellow cupcakes from WinkCupcakes.com; Lela Rose Bridesmaid Style LR121 from Dessy.com.

2nd column, from top: Yellow Ball paper lantern by QuanTK from 1000Markets.com; Style Monclova by Watters.com; Mod Dessert Table from AmyAtlas.com.

3rd column, from top: Lemon Place Cards and Sunflowers from CountryLiving.com; Sweet Beginnings Style K206 from JordanFashions.com; yellow callas from NoviasYRamos.com; Sweet Daisy Cake from MarthaStewartWeddings.com.

Romantic destinations for your honeymoon

Planning your wedding does not stop at deciding what to wear, where to get married, and who to invite. There's also the honeymoon factor: where are you going to spend the first night as husband and wife? Reading through the Net, I found some interesting places that are perfect for a honeymoon:

1) Paris, France. Touted as the city of love, it offers many beautiful sites in which you and your spouse can discover together. There's the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, there's wine and chocolates and gourmet dishes, and the arts and culture. Their language has a romantic sound that you and your partner would want to learn.

2) Venice, Italy. From the architecture to the culture, Venice brings a feeling of love. A ride on one of the gondolas in the city's canals makes you feel like you're starring in your own romantic movie, with your amore beside you as you sail away in the sunset.

3) Santorini, Greece. Remember the movie Mamma Mia? Wasn't the setting so romantic and just right for a wedding? If you're looking for a place with the same ambiance and enchanting lure, Santorini is your best bet. The sea, the sun, and the architecture blend perfectly to give you a honeymoon that's filled with utter relaxation and seductive charm.

4) Bali, Indonesia. If a romantic beach getaway is what you desire, this island in the Asia Pacific region should be one of your top choices. White sands, pristine waters, and abundant coral reefs are just some of the highlights of this wonderful destination. The culture is also worth discovering -- diverse and truly unique.

5) Palawan, Philippines. Okay, so maybe this is a "love your own" choice. But this island off Manila is one of the most romantic spots to be when in the country. True, Boracay is the more famous beach, but if you want a quiet honeymoon, Palawan gives you that peace and quiet away from all the noise. What's more, there are many things to find here: the safari in Calauit, the Tubbataha Reef, the Underground River, and more. If you're the kind of couple who likes to go on an adventure, this is the destination for you.

These are just a few places you can spend your honeymoon. There are a lot of sites where romance abounds so don't be limited by these selections; the world offers a host of beautiful getaways for you and your loved one.

Photo credit: Eiffel Tower by Nathong from sxc.hu, Fira Caldera by Day from Santorini.com, and Puerto Princesa Underground River from New7Wonders.com.

All about the Bridal Registry

A wedding registry or bridal registry isn't exactly a new idea in weddings. There have been many couples, I'm sure you know some, who have registered for wedding gifts for their big day. And now that it's your turn to celebrate this momentous occasion, you may be asking: Is it okay for us to have a bridal registry?

Truth is, there is nothing wrong with having a bridal registry. It's actually a good thing to do, especially if you want your guests to know what you would prefer as gifts. But of course, if you don't fee like registering for one, it's okay -- it isn't required you have one.

But if you plan to sign up for a wedding registry, remember that there are some do's and don'ts in informing your guests about it. For one, it would be rude to put the registry note inside your wedding invitation. You can send it along with your bridal shower invitation, or if you have an online wedding registry, you can put its link on your wedding website. That way, your guests would be informed where the registry is and what items are included. Of course word of mouth, via your parents, would also help.

Speaking of the items, also take into consideration the price range of the items you choose for your bridal registry. Make way for a wide price range -- remember that some of your guests have limited budget as well and may not be able to spend too much for an expensive cookware.

Aside from cookware, you can include dinnerware, linen, and other small appliances in your registry, especially if you're living in your new dream house after the wedding. Where you register is also important -- make it a bit easy for your guests to shop for your gifts included in the wedding registry. Department stores and specialized shops that are familiar to your guests are ideal places where you can have your bridal registry.

Remember, it is your big day, and it's okay if you desire to receive something you really want for your new home. But also remember there is a nice way to put it so asking for a particular gift won't come as rude. And also remember that while you may have your bridal registry, some guests would want to surprise you with something special that isn't included in your registry. Keep in mind these few tips and make your wedding preparation less worrisome.

Photo credit: Wedding gifts by CWMGary from sxc.hu.