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The holiday season can be a busy and stressful time of year for many people, but when you're planning a wedding on top of that, it can send you over the edge. Between the holiday to-do list, the shopping list and your wedding to-do list -- you can easily find yourself overwhelmed and frustrated. Here are a few ways you can manage planning your wedding throughout the holiday season in an effective and efficient manner that will keep you on top of things! 1) Take advantage of holiday sales. If there are items on your wedding shopping list that you've been meaning to buy -- for instance, that perfect pair of shoes or earrings for the Wedding Day, or perhaps your sweethearts suit or the gifts you've planned to give your bridesmaids -- look out for holiday sales on those items. You may find that shopping during the holiday season will save you a considerable amount of money -- so brave those crowds or browse your favorite shopping sites for those money saving deals! 2) Take advantage of family get togethers. When your family and friends gather, don't hesitate to use that time together to ask for help planning out your wedding details or asking for advice on decisions that have you stumped. You may find that your family and friends are eager and happy to help you knock off things on your to-do list. If you want to get your bridal party together, consider throwing a holiday cocktail party just for your bridesmaids -- it can double up as a festive celebration as well as a gathering to handle some of those wedding tasks or projects you've been meaning to get to. Who doesn't love to handle DIY projects over cocktails, appetizers and desserts?!?! 3) Narrow down your registry by adding gifts to your Christmas list. Does your wedding registry seem to be bursting at the seams? Move some of those gift ideas to your Christmas wish list. Start building your life together this holiday season, by asking for practical Christmas gifts that will help you get your new home together as husband and wife started now instead of later. 4) Step away from the wedding planning and take a holiday break. Yes, you read that right. Don't plan a darn wedding-related thing this holiday season and instead enjoy the holidays to the fullest without doing any planning at all. If you've been burning the midnight oil planning your wedding, it's a great time to take a break (that is, if you can afford to take some time away from it all). And keep in mind, that many vendors will also be taking a much needed holiday break, so don't be surprised or upset if your vendors don't respond as quickly. The holidays are a time when lots of businesses slow down and step away in anticipation of the new year. To book or inquire about a location for a destination wedding or honeymoon, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit the website at www.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding photographer and writer/blogger.

Giving your bridal party gifts is a personal preference. There is no wedding rule that requires you to gift your bridesmaids or groomsmen. But if you're a groom who decides you'd like to give those standing beside you on your Big Day something special, here are a few gift ideas that they'll be sure to appreciate. 1. A Wallet: Much like the ladies with purses, a man can never have too many wallets. Opt for something sporty and durable, or chic and made of leather. If you have time, you may even be able to pick up some wallets at your destination location -- for instance, Mexico is known for its great leather goods. 2. A Flask: If the spirits will be free flowing throughout your trip, your buddies may appreciate a flask for bringing alcohol on the go. You can get something engraved check out Etsy for a variety of options. Or maybe go for something simple, it's really up to you. 3. Bottle of the Local Spirits: If time permits, pick up your groomsmen a bottle of the local spirits. Tequila from Mexico, rum from Jamaica? It's an ode to the local culture and your guys will appreciate the thought! 4. A Pocketknife: It's like a law of life -- men love their tools. There are so many options when it comes to pocketknives, but pick something with handy tools you think your friends will find handy. 5. A Group Excursion: Want to keep it simple but memorable? Consider paying for a group excursion for your groomsmen to enjoy during your destination trip. Perhaps a dive or snorkel trip? Maybe an ATV tour or catamaran ride. Nothing beats a fun experience together. Just make sure that all your groomsmen will be in town to enjoy the outing. And if you want it to be a surprise, make sure they know ahead of time to set aside the day/time. To find out more information about booking a destination wedding or honeymoon, contact the Best Destination Wedding Forum's official travel agency -- Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

As I was planning my destination wedding several years ago, I spent many a nights with my head spinning in trying to decide what to gift my husband-to-be on our Wedding Day. There are sentimental favorites of course, like a handkerchief embroidered with his initials, a new set of cufflinks or a brand new watch. But I wanted to give him something that would knock his socks off -- something that he'd always remember and cherish. And so I decided to gift my sweetheart with an album full of boudoir photos starring me Yes, opting to book a boudoir session was something I had to talk myself into doing. Like many women, the thought of being photographed in lingerie was quite frankly freaking me out! I am definitely one of those women who isn't 100 percent confident with my body image, but I knew he would absolutely love this gift and I knew it would most definitely take him by surprise. And you know what, on our Wedding Day while he was getting ready for the festivities, he opened that album (with my photographer documenting each and every moment) and yes it made his heart skip a beat. It was ... The.Perfect.Gift. So if you're contemplating doing a boudoir session for your sweetheart as a Wedding Day gift, here are a few tips to consider when planning your boudoir shoot: 1) Do your research when booking a photographer. Look through plenty of portfolios/blogs and find a style that you love. You will find that much like wedding photography, boudoir photographers come in all price ranges -- but as the saying goes, you typically get what you pay for. Boudoir photography is an investment so look for consistency in style and quality in their work to ensure that you will get similar results. When it comes to boudoir photography, because it's such an intimate and personal experience, look carefully at reviews. Also make sure to book your session giving your photographer enough time to edit and deliver the photos before your Wedding Day (if you plan to order prints or an album, also make sure there's enough time to do this with your deadline in mind!). 2) Pick a photographer that offers products. Yes, you can certainly go the money savings route of printing your own photos or making your own album, but photographers often have access to professional labs who will create products that the typical consumer just doesn't have access to. These are high quality products that will last much longer than what you could ever find via Shutterfly or printing at Target -- plus do you really want the high school or college student working behind the counter at your local drugstore or Costco having access to such private photos? Think twice and if it's in your budget, invest in the professional grade products your photographer offers. 3) Consider the location for your photos. Does your photographer provide the location for your shoot? This is an important one to consider because it may require additional investment. Some photographers will provide the location (studio, hotel, etc.), but others will rely on you to provide the setting. Boudoir photographs can be done in the comfort of your own home or perhaps a friend's home -- just make sure you have plenty of privacy and lots of natural light! Setting matters when it comes to indoor portraits. 4) Invest in a hair/makeup stylist. This matters, trust me! Make a day of your boudoir session and get dolled up with both hair and makeup from a professional. Tell the stylist you hire that you'll be taking boudoir portraits and give him/her some inspiration photos so they have an idea of what you like. It will make a world of difference in your photos to use a professional stylist, plus you'll feel like a million bucks! And hey, plan a special date with your honey afterwards if you'd like. Take advantage of that gorgeous styling, don't let it go to waste!!! 5) Mix up your wardrobe. There is a belief that all boudoir photos have to be done with sexy lingerie. And while you should have at least a few photos with some gorgeous lingerie on, boudoir photos can be equally sexy with simple pieces. Consider wearing a jersey or clothing piece from your sweetheart's favorite sports team or college alma mater. Some of my favorite boudoir photos were shot with my bride just wearing a simple white tank with a cute pair of undies. You could also wear your spouse to be's favorite dress shirt and tie (leaving it open and unbuttoned of course!). And of course, you could also do nude or implied nude photos wearing just a simple white bedding sheet -- just make sure your photographer is OK and comfortable doing those types of photos. These photos are your vision, so make it your own and wear/bring things you think will get your honey's heart racing! 6) Relax and have fun. You're nervous, I get it. If you're not one of the 10 out of a million girls blessed with a bikini model's perfect body, then you will probably be nervous. And that's OK. If you feel inclined to diet or workout so you're in great/better shape before your shoot, do it. If you're not, hey no worries! You are perfect exactly how you are. But most women, have trouble/worry areas that make them nervous. The best thing to do is talk to your photographer ahead of time about the areas of your body that you are not confident with and share your concerns. This will give them a head's up when it comes to angling and photographing you in the best way possible. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy the process, so exhale, get pampered and enjoy the experience. Boudoir photography is a beautiful gift your spouse-to-be will love! To book or inquire about a location for a destination wedding or honeymoon, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit the website atwww.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife wedding + portrait photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.

Perhaps you and your sweetheart already live together and have more than enough traditional coupling stuff for the home (i.e., toaster, towels, bedsheets, glasses, etc.) or maybe since you're a destination wedding bride you've come to realize what a tough task it would be for you to lug any gifts home that were brought to your destination celebration. Either way, there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional wedding gifts wish list to consider. 1. Create a Honeyfund at honeyfund.com Here you can register for things that pertain to your honeymoon experience, like a scuba dive, a dinner out, a couple's massage by the shore -- it's up to you to list what you and your mate have planned for your getaway. And your friends and family can contribute to your fund to make your honeymoon a memorable one! 2. Sign up for a giftcard registry Yes this does exist and who doesn't love the flexibility of giftcards?! This way you'll have more control of what you need to purchase and your guests will feel like they are still helping you out as you start your lives together. Cardavenue.com allows you to craft a giftcard wishlist for any type of celebration. 3. Ask your guests to contribute to your favorite cause or charity People will want to give you something, so why not encourage them to pay it forward instead. The IDoFoundation is a site where you can create a free charity fundraiser and ask your guests to support a worthy cause in honor of your union. 4. Create a Home Fund If you and your soon-to-be spouse are saving up to buy a home, why not ask your guests to help you with your down payment? At Hatch My House couples can create a home fund that guests can contribute to that will help them buy a place they'll one day call home. 5. Tell your family and friends their presence is present enough For many destination wedding couples, having their guests invest in a trip/vacation to their destination celebration is more than enough of a gift. So thank your guests in person or include it on the invite or your wedding website that gifts aren't necessary -- and tell them their mere presence at your wedding is all you need.

They say you can never truly thank you parents for all they've done for you throughout the years, but on your Wedding Day -- when you officially "leave the nest," and begin your life with someone else -- you can sure try to express your thanks with a special gift they will love. Here are a few gift ideas to give mom and dad on your Wedding Day: Frame one of their old Wedding photos: Celebrate their love by preserving one of their own Wedding Day photos in a beautiful frame. A Wedding Day parent album: Cherish the memories from your Wedding Day by creating a parent album just for mom and dad. They will love being able to remember the special moments of your Big Day with a beautifully put together album. You can either create one on your own or ask your photographer if he/she offers parent albums -- chances are, it's an option and it's always better leaving it to the professionals. A special slideshow: Old photos and video clips set to music is sure to set the tone for tears of joy and laughter. Your parents will love taking a trip down memory lane with a visual display of your life and family through the years. A special toast: Declaring your love and thanks to your parents is always appreciated. Take a minute or two to thank them publicly for all their love and support, hearing "thank you," will never get old. A special trip or getaway: If you've got a bigger budget to work with, send your parents on a weekend getaway. They'll appreciate the time away to relax and make more memories together! A gift certificate to a favorite restaurant or fun excursion: Who doesn't love the gift of delicious food? Get them a giftcard to their favorite restaurant, or maybe a giftcard to use toward an excursion -- the movies, the theater, a museum, a winery tour, etc. Give them the freedom to enjoy a fun outing together. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

Looking for a unique way to ask your closest friend to be a bridesmaid? Don't settle for just a simple phone call, email or a text -- there are plenty of sweet little trinkets that you can give to pop the question! From personalized wine glasses, specially labeled wine bottles, to beautiful custom necklaces to coffee mugs -- asking your best gal pal can be done in a beautiful way that she will never forget! Click here to view a plethora of "asking your bridesmaid" gift ideas offered by Etsy creatives. * Wedding Finds is a BDW feature that will highlight special little finds or ideas that may help you along during your wedding planning journey. If you have a special wedding find to share, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.