Choose the Loveliest Of Locales for Your Honeymoon!

(Image Courtesy of Leaders We Deserve)

Hello, everyone! Last we met, we dished on planning the honeymoon of your dreams. Now that you’ve figured out how much you’d like to spend on your first vacation together as man and wife, here comes the fun part – deciding on your honeymoon destination. Whether the debate lies in how far you’d like to travel or what climate you’d like to vacation in, there’s always a location for anyone and everyone. So, sit back and let us at Yazzie & Co. give you the lowdown on the best places to honeymoon at.

(Image Courtesy of the Frias Properties of Aspen)

If you want to stick around in the good old USA, you can easily find a variety of locations to spend your honeymoon. We at Yazzie & Co. highly suggest that you look into booking your vacation in Hawaii, which is the number one American location to relax at – according to About.com. The ultimate paradise within the fifty states, it boasts tons of perfect beaches, floral fresh air, and wonderfully warm weather. What’s more, you both will be able to enjoy the local cuisine favorites such as fresh mahi-mahi and homemade kettle chips. Whether you’re staying in Maui or Oahu, you both can rent a car and explore the natural beauty of the island. However, if you’d rather honeymoon in a cooler climate, then we suggest that you vacation in Aspen, Colorado. Long known as America’s skiing capital, there are plenty of things that you both can do to occupy your time. About.com suggests that you take up fun activities such as horseback riding or biking while there. Not only will you get to enjoy the breathtaking mountain view, but you’ll be at one with the clean and crisp air. Whether you decide to stay at a resort of rent a cabin, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

(Image Courtesy of the Giltedge Travel)

Then again, if you’d prefer to leave the States, you’d have more opportunity to visit locales that you wouldn’t generally find in the fifty states. The sky would be the limit for you both, which is why Yazzie & Co. thinks that this would be the perfect time to have that once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas. If both of you are up for a honeymoon of sightseeing perfection, you should definitely visit Italy. Whether you’re in the mood to take in the ancient architecture of Northern Italy in Turin or immerse yourself in the modern glamour of Rome, there’s something for everyone in this lovely country. If you’d like to take a chance by traveling to the other side of the world, why not consider South Africa as a honeymoon destination. You’d be able to go on safari in the game preserves at Sabi Sabi’s Earth Lodge at the internationally renowned Kroger’s National Park outside of Johannesburg while viewing some of the most beautiful plants and wildlife in the world. However, if you’re more into spending your honeymoon in the fast pace of nightlife and shopping, you both can head over the Cape Town for activities that range from relaxing on the beach to tasting the country’s wines. About.com also recommends checking out the Cape of Good Hope to see both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans clash in what is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

(Image Courtesy of the Hamilton's Official Website)

Wherever you decide to travel for your honeymoon, you can easily book a package through your local travel agent. If you’re seeking a great deal, your best bet is to book your trip on a website such as Orbitz or Expedia. However you decide to plan this, plan it effectively so that you can guarantee yourselves the most unforgettable and wonderful experiences in your new life together.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Plan a Heavenly Honeymoon that’ll make A Wonderful Memory!

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Hi, everyone! We’ve already dished about planning your big day, so it’s only fair that we discuss the next best thing – planning your honeymoon. You deserve a vacation that is just as perfect as your wedding, which is why we at Yazzie & Co. are going to give you a few pointers on how to get it right. Whether you’ve got time to spare or are seriously pressed for time, we’ve got foolproof ways for you to rock at doing both.

(Image Courtesy of the Holidays Please)

Let’s just say that your wedding’s months off and you want your honeymoon to happen without any glitches. Susan Breslow Sardone of About.com suggests that you create a six month timeline to plan things accordingly. A lot less stressful and time-consuming, you’ll also be able to make clear decisions about what you can and can’t afford. You’ll also have time to deliberate your destination choices with a certified travel agent that you trust. Whatever you do during this time, do not forget important documents like your passport and luggage, as well as exchangeable currency and a planned wardrobe.

(Image Courtesy of the Romantic Honeymoon)

If time isn’t on your side, fear not. You can surely swing a last minute wedding by planning your wedding on a great travel website such as Travelocity or Expedia. According to Breslow Sardone, there are great last-minute deals to be found constantly. While you may have to compromise your travel dates, hotel accommodations, or airplane seating, it’s worth a try in snagging a sensational seven-day trip to St. Croix for a fraction of the price!

(Image Courtesy of the Bridal Occasion)

No matter which road you take in planning your honeymoon, the most important thing is making sure that you and your hubby-to-be are on the same page. After all, the last thing you want is to be miserable in a mountainside chalet or for him to be bored at a beachside resort. eHow also recommends that you come to a satisfying agreement in budgeting your trip. Once all is settled, you’ll both be on your way to having the most memorable experiences of your new life together!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Snap Up That Spectacular Vintage Wedding Style While Saving a Bundle!

(Image of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's Dress As Designed By African-American Designer, Ann Lowe, Courtesy of Life In Pink)

Hello, ladies. Have you ever dreamt of walking down the aisle in an elegant dress that is worthy of old-school glamour? Perhaps, you’ve been dying to bring your Dorothy Dandridge vision to life on your wedding day, but aren’t quite sure on how to clinch that without spending a lot. This is where Yazzie & Co. steps in, for we’ve got a great solution for you – shop vintage. That’s right, save big by shopping for your wedding dress at a thrift store or a consignment shop. You’re guaranteed to find a real treasure there, for you’ll be able to time-travel without having to step into a time machine.

With Smart Money Magazine recently declaring it as a fast-growing shopping trend, you should definitely jump on the vintage shopping bandwagon. Admittedly, being surrounded by various dresses from different eras and diverse styles can be a bit daunting. If this is the case for you, you can kick your vintage wedding dress shopping expedition off by choosing a thrift store or consignment shop based on location. As is the case in reviewing real estate, you’re more likely to find a great vintage designer find at a wonderful bargain in a better location. Another thing that you need to bear in mind is that while consignment shops are known for not accepting any less-than-perfect garments, thrift stores are more lax with what they’ll take in. Thus, if you decide to purchase your gown at a thrift store, you need to shop with an extremely discerning and patient eye. After all, you do not want to be stuck with a torn and stained wedding dress on your big day. Do also make sure that the dress that you eventually choose is a good fit for your frame, for while it can be returned at a consignment store, you cannot return it or any merchandise from a thrift store. As we suggested in our last blog, you should pick a dress that is within two dress sizes of yours so that your seamstress can make the needed alterations to make you look like your fabulous self.

So, before you let the recession convince you to give up on finding that spectacular wedding gown, dive into the wide and wonderful world of vintage shopping. Not only will it open your eyes to the possibility of discovering your dream wedding gown, it will also challenge you to think outside the box when it comes to shopping for bridal treasures. Look around your city for some great thrift shops and cool consignment stores. However, if there isn’t one in your vicinity, we at Yazzie & Co. also suggest that you check out the timeless treasures at Vintage Gown. You’ll take a load off your wallet without having to sacrifice your magnificently magical wedding day style!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Bring Tradition Back With a Borrowed Bridal Gown

(Image Courtesy of Missouri Historical Society via Flickr)

Hi, ladies! Does it seem that the only road to wedding day glamour involves your spending money that you don’t have? Perhaps, you’re having a tough time finding a gown that speaks directly to you. If that’s the case, we at Yazzie & Co. have a great suggestion on how to still maintain that glam look on your big day without spending a down payment’s worth on a dress: borrow your wedding dress from the most important woman in your life. Whether it’d be your marvelous mother, amazing aunt, graceful grandmother, or sensational sister, wearing their dress is a wonderful way to pay homage to your bond and heritage while looking gorgeous.

Whether your choice is your mother’s extravagant gown, an aunt’s elegant dress, or your grandmother’s classic wedding dress, you’ll definitely be making a statement on your wedding day. Not only will you be carrying on the tradition of the extraordinary women in your family, you’ll look gorgeous when walking down the aisle. What’s more, the woman who you’ve chosen to honor on your wedding day will be touched beyond measure. Your need for something borrowed will definitely be fulfilled while tradition will play a major part on your wedding day.

However, it’s important that you make sure that your borrowed bridal gown is within two dress sizes of yours, according to the folks on the Love To Know website. Which seems simple enough, but when considering how body sizes and dress measurements have changed over the years, this may be an issue. This is why we highly suggest that you hire a skilled seamstress that will be able to tailor your beloved borrowed gown to fit your frame. With the two-dress-size leeway, he or she will be able to tuck in or let out the hem or waistline on your dress. Should you decide that you’d like to add a personal touch to it, please have the courtesy to ask the original owner if she would mind? After all, the last thing that you want to do is turn a wedding fashion "Do" into a disrespectful "Don’t".

Though countless bridal magazines and wedding websites will promote the pricey Vera Wang gowns as the ultimate wedding get, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that you should have pride in your choice to save big by representing the generations of women in your family. Not only have you successfully avoided the rat race of shopping for your wedding dress in a department store, you’re carrying on a tradition that will be available for your future daughter to assume someday.

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger

Snag That Wedding Gown Chic Without Spending A Bundle!

(Image Courtesy of Clove Two Style Sheet)

Hey, ladies! Though we’re in the middle of one of the roughest recessions in recent memory, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your wedding style to save money. In fact, these trying times should serve as a challenge to you to use your imagination and savvy to find that special wedding gown at a great price. Since you’ve taken the first step by checking out our Yazzie & Co. blog, we think it only natural that you check out just how to get that recessionista glam look. So, let us show you how to shop for your dream bridal gown without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for an enchanting gown at a wonderful price, you can go the bridal bargain sales route. With bargain sales happening in April and October of each year, you’ll be able to find some great end-of-season finds at such department stores as Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. However, if waiting isn’t an option, you can always check out David's Bridal, House of Brides, or Michael Shane Bridal for great year-round deals on beautiful bridal gowns. Not only will you get hands-on advice on choosing a great wedding dress, you’ll have access to some great bridesmaids’ dress selections.

Then again, if designer is what you desire, you can hit up the many sample sales that are always going on in your city. If you’re not sure when to schedule your sample sale shopping, you can subscribe to Daily Candy or Top Button for e-mailed updates on when your favorite designer’s sample sales are happening. You can also contact the showroom of your favorite designer for the inside scoop on when they will be planning their sample sales, for they usually have an idea about this a few weeks in advance. In addition, it would be wise to plan ahead with a dress style in mind so that you will be able to choose one wisely while shopping in a timely fashion. Most importantly, you need to ensure that your dress is not defective or damaged, since nearly all sample sale purchases are non-refundable.

In turn, there are a few basic, yet integral rules to keep in mind while being a bargain bridal diva. First off, make sure that you wear a one-piece bathing suit or bodysuit when trying your many gown choices on. After all, you need to keep in mind that these dresses have been tried on before you’ve gotten to them. In addition, you need to make sure that your dress is a good fit so that it can be tailored to fit your frame properly. You also want to ensure that you stick to your wedding dress budget, despite any cajoling from salespeople. Do also make sure that you do your homework in finding a skilled seamstress, for tailoring a perfect fit is what will ultimately make the wedding dress your own. Last but not least, while you should keep an open mind while shopping, we at Yazzie & Co. believe that you shouldn’t settle for any old dress. After all, you definitely owe it to yourself to show off your sassy, soulful, and sophisticated self on your big day!

Until Next Time,

The Yazzie Blogger