Today we have Mary Ann Ramsey from Betty Maclean Travel talking with us about great honeymoon destinations! Here is what she has to say…

Looking for a nearby and elegant honeymoon destination, think of Naples, Florida (in my own backyard). Naples has beautiful beaches and can be easily reached from Pittsburgh. Roll out of bed at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort and be right on the gorgeous beaches. The Ritz Carlton Naples Beach Resort and The Waldorf Astoria Naples are also on the beach… just a short walk or jitney ride and you are there! Often dolphins are swimming and playing just off the beaches and the sunsets are amazing (and so romantic).

At the end of 2014, be on the lookout for the opening of BahaMar, on the Bahamian Riviera. This resort is slated to be the newest, hippest of destinations. It’s easily accessible, too (only 15 minutes from the Nassau airport in the Bahamas). Rosewood, Mondrian and Grand Hyatt will have properties in BahaMar, along with a Natural Light casino (the largest in the Caribbean).

If a more exotic island destination is on your wish list, I recommend island destinations like Zanzibar, Mozambique or the Maldives.

Zanzibar is an island paradise located just off the coast of Tanzania, Africa. Zanzibar has wonderful beaches and offers water sports such as scuba diving, deep sea fishing and kayaking. Ending the day with a romantic sunset sail in a traditional dhow (wooden boat) is heaven. Adding in a day excursion to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its spice markets is an extra bonus.

One of my favorite hidden gems off of the coast of Southern Africa, Mozambique, offers amazing beaches and casual luxury. Great cuisine combined with snorkeling right off the beach is perfect for honeymooners.

The Maldives in the Indian Ocean is my personal favorite. Stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise water set the stage for a picture perfect honeymoon. There are many price ranges to select from for accommodations, including over-the-water villas and very private accommodations reachable only by boat. It is one of the most romantic spots on earth! Great for snorkeling or diving (or doing nothing!). Combine the Maldives with a stopover in Dubai, on the way home, and you have a win-win honeymoon combination.

And last but not least: Cruises. Often overlooked by honeymooners, as they feel a ship will be too restrictive, a cruise is another great option. There are so many options in the luxury market starting with small intimate 100-passenger vessels with amazing cuisine. And with destinations from the Galapagos to Europe, to Indonesia and more, a cruise is a great alternative to consider. Think of a cruise as a floating resort offering you a different adventure every day. Small luxury ships offer intimate dining options. Whether it is a romantic table for two or dining in the privacy of your suite, there is something for everyone. Contrary to popular belief, on a luxury ship, you dine when you want and with whom you want.

Never try to arrange a honeymoon without a travel adviser. Leave the planning to an adviser who can make your plans seamless. A good adviser will spend time with you over the phone or via email getting to know your likes and dislikes and will then combine what each of you want to do.

Of course, I would always recommend one of our Betty Maclean Travel, Inc travel advisers. We experience the world as “real people” and are constantly on the lookout for new destinations and new experiences. Our staff is young and understands what a honeymoon couple wants and needs. As a Virtuoso affiliated agency we have access to special rates and promotions. Our clients love all of the extra amenities and VIP treatment they receive when they plan their honeymoon with us.

About Betty Maclean Travel Inc.

Betty Maclean Travel has been passionate about providing professional travel planning to sophisticated travelers for over 35 years. The travel advisors at Betty Maclean Travel have been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Conde’ Nast Traveler, Luxury Travel Advisor, Savuer and Travel + Leisure publications. As a proud member of Virtuoso, a by-invitation-only International Travel Organization, Betty Maclean Travel is able to provide exclusive values, offers, benefits and accessibility. For more information, visit: http://www.BettyMacleanTravel.com, email us at Info@BettyMacleanTravel.com or call us at 1-800-865-8111.

Selecting the music for your wedding is a fun and an integral part of the planning process. But, if you are getting married in a place of worship, selecting the music for the wedding ceremony can be a bit of a challenge. From churches to synagogues, each house of worship has different rules and regulations. It is best to check with your rabbi, priest, pastor, etc. to find out what those rules are.

We have pulled song suggestions for the prelude, processional and recessional that are more on the traditional end of the spectrum. If you are getting married at a venue that is more relaxed with their rules and you are able to choose your own music, we have also provided a list of contemporary music selections. Just click the song to be taken to YouTube where you will be able to listen for yourself!

Prelude

Air on the G String- Bach

Ave Maria- Schubert

Spring from the Four Seasons- Vivaldi

Canon in D- Pachelbel

Second Movement, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik- Mozart

Nocturne- Mendelssohn

Panis Angelicus- Franck

Sheep May Safely Graze- Bach 

Clair de Lune- Debussy 

Processionals

Air from Watermusic Suite in D/G Major- Handel 

Allemande G-Major Suite- Pachelbel 

Apotheosis- Tchaikovsky 

Fanfare from The Triumpant- Couperin 

Fanfare from a Te Deum- Charpentier

Four Wedding Marches- Bloch

Intrada- Sibelius

Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring- Bach 

Prince of Denmark’s March- Clarke

Psalm XIX- Marcello

Riguadon- Campra

Rondeau- Mouret

 St. Anthony Chorale- Haydn

Saraband Suite No. 11- Handel 

Sinfonia de Cantata- Bach 

Trumpet Voluntary- Purcell 

Trumpet Voluntary in D Major- Clarke

Wedding March- Wagner

Wedding March from The Marriage of Figaro- Mozart 

Recessionals

Benedictus- Simon and Garfunkel 

Carillon Sortie- Mulet

Fugue in C Minor- Buxtehude

Hornpipe from The Water Music- Handel 

Hymn- Vangelis

Joyful, Joyful, We adore Thee- Beethoven

Music for the Royal Fireworks- Handel 

Ode to Joy- beethoven

Pomp and Circumstance March No. 4- Elger

Contemporary 

All I Ask of You- Andrew Lloyd Webber 

I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You- Elvis

Untitled #3- Sigur Ros

Heartbeats- Jose Gonzalez

Marry Me- Train

I Won’t Give Up- Jason Mraz

Marry You- Bruno Mars

Somewhere Over the Rainbow- Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Come Away With Me- Norah Jones 

Home- Philip Phillips

Gone, Gone, Gone- Phillip Phillips

This Will Be- Natalie Cole 

Going to the Chapel- The Dixie Cups

Green Eyes- Coldplay 

Sparks- Coldplay 

Carry You- Dispatch 

Indian Moon- State Radio 

Bittersweet Symphony- The Verve

You and Me- Dave Matthews 

Wonderwall- Oasis 

I Do- Colbie Callait 

You Are The Best Thing- Ray LaMontagne

Orinoco Flow- Enya 

A River Flows In You- Yiruma

Amazing Grace-Leann Rimes

You Make My Dreams Come True- Hall and Oates 

Sweet Disposition- Temper Trap

A Sunday Kind of Love- Etta James 

At Last- Beyonce 

Beautiful Day- U2

Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You- Franke Valli and the Four Seasons

Crash Into Me- Dave Matthews Band

Here Comes the Sun- The Beatles 

Which is your favorite? What did you choose for your wedding ceremony? Here are The Event Group staff’s picks:

Sheila, President: Rondeau- Mouret

Gina, Director of Events:You and Me- Dave Matthews 

Cortney, Event Coordinator: Ave Maria- Schubert

Sydney, Event Coordinator: Wedding March from The Marriage of Figaro- Mozart 

Check out our list of first dance song suggestions, here!

At the Event Group we are all about the details… right down to the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom. An event should flow when moving from room to room. Guests should walk into the restroom at your venue feeling as though it blends right in with your event…and the only way they should be able to tell it’s a bathroom? Well, the toilets kind of give it away!

We always suggest to our clients that there are candles, floral, custom hand towels, mirror decals such as the couple’s monogram and a necessity basket in the bathrooms at their event.

What is a necessity basket you ask? It’s a basket of items that guests may need during the course of your event. From mints to nail polish remover, bobby pins to hair spray, we’ve got your guests covered.

The above document is a great checklist to get you started on creating your own necessity basket. Just print it out and take it shopping! Even if you are just hosting an event at your home, having these items readily available in your bathrooms will make your guests feel welcome.