Real couples give their inside tips on having the perfect destination wedding. Pay attenetion to tip #4!

Be a Bride with a backup plan! While you're day is sure to go smoothly, sometimes brides are in need of simple items to freshen up or deal with the unexpected. When the unexpected occurs – you’ll have an emergency kit inspired by our own WeddingMoons brides to get you through any situation with ease and grace.

Adhesive Bandages– In case you haven’t quite broken in your shoes yet…

Hairpins– You’ll be covered if a curl falls.

Almonds– Many brides forget to eat! Keep a little package of almonds with you to keep yourself steady. Oh, and don’t lock your knees

Hairspray– Keep your ‘do in line.

Deodorant– Let’s face it ladies, you may need a double application.

Handkerchief– Tissues can get stuck to glistening skin. Go with fabric to keep yourself picture perfect.

Lotion– Your hands can swell with excitement or nervous energy. That’s why you see so many couples struggle with putting on their rings. Dab a bit of lotion on your ring finger before you walk down the aisle so your ring will glide on.

Travel Mending Kit with Safety Pins– A good tool to have on all occasions. Check with your resort to see if they offer a complimentary travel mending kit.

Mints– Bring some to share with the hubby, too!

Water– Drown dehydration and keep a bottle of water with you at all times.

Lipstick and/or Lip Gloss– Can you say, “You may now kiss the bride?” Not too much though, ladies. You don’t want your gentleman to be wiping his lips after your first smooch.

Nail Polish– Clear nail polish can have a double purpose: to keep the shine on your nails or fix a run in your panty hose.

What would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!

Photo by Stevie B. Photography

It seems the world is buzzing about Leap Day this year! From sitcoms to late night talk shows, Leap Day is definitely on the public radar. 

Last week we talked about Leap Day proposals but how about a Leap Day surprise wedding? Tune into The Rachael Ray Show on Leap Day, Wednesday, February 29, when a very deserving couple will both get a Leap Day surprise – a WeddingMoon® of their dreams, courtesy of Sandals Resorts. Check your local listings to watch!

It gets us thinking… We’ve heard of a few guys actually surprising their fiancés with destination weddings on a Leap Day. The guy got together with the family and wedding planner and put together the whole wedding for the bride. What do you think of being surprised? Would you rather have a grand gesture like that? Or be a part of the process?

Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Tipper here! Buying for your girls can be a challenge. Depending on the number of bridesmaids, you can easily have various tastes and preferences to work with. At my wedding, I had 5 bridesmaids with vastly differing styles. So, how did I find a gift for all? I took the easy way out.

For half of the ladies, I paid for their hair to be done at the salon by a very talented designer. Marlo (of Marlo Does Hair) was able to work within my budget to create hairstyles that fit my bridesmaids individualized hair texture while staying within the concept I had for their hair. If you choose a destination wedding, your stylist will be able to work with other island-specific factors too, such a humidity, heat and ocean breeze.

The other half of the ladies were treated to hotel rooms the night of the wedding. Not only were they able to enjoy the wedding after-party in the downstairs bar together, they were also available the next day for any lingering bridesmaid duties. In my case, they made sure the Sunday family brunch went smoothly and helped me pack for the honeymoon.

Tipper's ‘maids - Photo by Stevie B. Photography

If have your heart set on buying something special for your bridesmaids, here are a few ideas for different styles and personailities:

Bridesmaid #1 - This is a chick who knows how to save a dime. She’s very thrifty and a do-it-yourself-er. It’s as if she walked right out of an Anthropologie ad and found it all at flea markets or made it herself. For this type of bridesmaid, try making your own vanilla extract she can use the next time she wants to bake up a batch of goodies. All you need is vodka and vanilla beans – mix and let them sit in a cool, dry place for three to five days. Print out a cute label and you’re good to go! She will appreciate the thought and effort.

Bridesmaid #2 - Ever in tune with Mother Nature, this gal could go days without a shower and still look flawless. She’s the type that loves to hike a mountain to save an orphanage. A do-gooder and a nature lover, this one could be a toughie to buy for! What to do? Donate to her favorite charity in her name! Find out her passion project and make a donation. The Sandals Foundation is an option if you want a legitimate non-profit doing good in the Caribbean. Check them out at www.sandalsfoundation.org.

Bridesmaid #3 - When you see her, you think of Audrey Hepburn. A true classic beauty with an eye for fashion and a sense of sophisticated elegance, you may think you need to drop a pretty penny to get this gal designer digs. No need! In the age of email sale alerts, you’ll be able to snag something while staying within your budget. Do a web search for “send the trend”, “ideeli” or “shop it to me”** and you’ll find pages of customizable newsletters that will alert you when designer items are on sale.

**Note: Our blog does not endorse any deal sites. These are only suggestions from my experience.

Bridesmaid #4 - This bridesmaid is the life of the party. She loves going out, talking to new people and having fun! Her style is eclectic, so figuring out a gift for her can be tricky. She’s a trendsetter and her tastes can change rapidly. How to peg down a gift that she’ll love? Figure out what type of music she’s into! Since she prefers to go out, she’d love to go to a concert with a few close friends. You don’t have to buy her tickets to a big-name artist; you could find a local rock band that she hasn’t discovered yet.

Bridesmaid #5 - Some may consider her a shop-a-holic, but she knows she’s just well prepared. This is truly the girl who has everything. In her apartment, you’ll find every facial cleanser and hair product under the sun. If it’s new - she has it. She has an eye for style and you frequently find yourself saying, “Where did you get that?” Chances are, she would appreciate a great find that she hasn’t seen yet – but your gift may get lost in the shuffle. What to do? Don’t go for what, go for why. Frame a picture of the two of you and write her a letter telling her what she means to you and why you chose her to be a bridesmaid. She’ll cherish the gift and it’s something much more memorable.

No matter what your bridesmaids' styles, if all else fails, go for jewelry that your bridesmaids can rock on your wedding day. Something simple and classic will fit all types as long as it matches their dresses and the overall look and feel of your wedding.

2012 is a leap year! That means every four years we get an extra day: February 29. For some woman, it also means they can cash in on the long-standing tradition of proposing to their men!

Back in the day (way back in the day) women were not permitted to pop the question to their beaus. Luckily, every four years February 29 appeared and according to law of the land, the day was essentially ignored (leapt over). Since it was not officially recognized – all proposal formalities were thrown out the window! Women began seizing the day (and the ring) by proposing.

While women empowerment has come a long way some women still feel uncomfortable proposing. Does this tradition change the way you think about proposals?

Click to take the poll: Leap Year Proposals

What could be a more romantic way to show your love for each other on Valentine's Day than to tie the knot or renew your wedding vows? That's what these two couples decided to do in the Bahamas on February 14, 2012.

Andrea and Robert Crouch, from California, have been married eight years but decided that this year for Valentine's Day they would renew their vows at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort and Off Shore Island. The couple's first vacation in 5 years, they decided to reaffirm their commitment to each other on the warm, tropical island of the Bahamas. Andrea and Robert made this special day an intimate moment between each other and chose to leave family and friends at home. 

Click to see more photos of Andrea and Robert Crouch's renewal of vows!

The couple's love story was even featured on national TV station ZNS Bahamas! During the interview they said, "We have had the most amazing trip; everything at Sandals has been more than we could have hoped for. We have been taken very good care of and hope to be back again soon!" So sweet, we almost cried!

Ned and Yolanda Brown got engaged in 2009 when he made a surprise proposal in a furniture store parking lot during a road trip! He comments, "It obviously wasn't planned, but the timing felt right and I just had an overwhelming urge that i had to do pop the question right then!"

The couple from Virginia instantly knew they wanted a destination wedding where it could be stress free, intimate and in a beautiful sunny location. They agreed upon Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort and Off Shore Island for their Valentine's Day wedding. They found the Bahamas not only stunning but the procedure to get married easy and hassle free. You can tell they achieved a stress free wedding by their stunning photos! Gorg-eous!

Click to see more photos of the happy couple: Love is in the Air in the Bahamas! Congrats!!!

We are lurving Oscar De La Renta's edgy, yet feminine and flowing ball gowns show cased at New York Fashion Week!!

Image Source: Huffington Post

More pictures after the jump: Oscar de la Renta 2012 Gowns

Add a unique accent to your ceremony with a butterfly ceremony arch.

Pictured: Flutter of Romance Weddings by Martha Stewart Theme

You’ll need:

• A white structure big enough to fit 2 or 3 people
• Faux Butterflies in various colors
• Fishing Line or Other Clear String
• 2 pieces of decorative ribbon
• A Needle
• 24 thin nails and hammer

Step One: Measure your fishing or transparent string to the height of your structure and make 24 total strings.

Step Two: Tie a needle to the end of the string and weave one butterfly onto the string. Pull the butterfly down to the bottom and tie a knot below to secure it in place. Repeat until the string is full of butterflies.

Step Three: Evenly hammer in 12 nails into the inside of each side of the arch.

Step Four: Tie your strings to the arch – 12 on each side.

Step Five: Tie back 6 strands to the front sides of the arch to create a drape on each side.

*Tip: Want to use your ceremony arch at your reception? Plan them close together for a seamless transition from "I do" to "Let's party!" The arch will look fab as an accent at both the ceremony and reception.