How to plan your memorable honeymoon
And what not to do
One of the most exciting things about getting married can be planning a honeymoon.
However, there are many important factors to consider when doing so. What do newlyweds hope to do? Relax on the beach, go on a hiking adventure, or visit landmarks? Additionally, how much time do couples have for their trip?
Budget is another factor. Will couples be able to do everything they want to do given their budget?
“Statistics will show that the average honeymoon will cost $5,100 if they are going to either Mexico or the Caribbean and staying at an all-inclusive property,” said Vera Martinez, owner of Dream Vacations Travel Agency of Brentwood. “But that cost will depend on what kind of honeymoon they want, where they are going, where they are staying, what time of year are they traveling, and for how long. Two weeks in Italy will not cost $5,100.”
Playa del Carmen is an ideal destination this time of the year due to their dry season and milder temperatures while also being budget-friendly with all-inclusive
resorts on the beach, Martinez said.
She also said Lisbon, Portugal is also a great option, especially during February with its year-round mild climate. That enables couples to explore historic cities, charming towns, and enjoy beautiful beaches with fewer crowds.
“If their budget can stretch, they may want to consider locations like Greece and the Maldives,” Martinez said. “Santorini is a dreamy destination for a romantic honeymoon. With fewer crowds this time of year, couples can enjoy stunning views, charming villages, and delicious Greek foods without the crowds. The Maldives is a tropical paradise known for its overwater bungalows, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. January
is an excellent time to visit since it is dry and sunny, making it perfect for romantic beach getaways.”
Other popular destinations this time of year include warm-weather locales with tropical climates such as Hawaii and the Caribbean Islands, which include the Bahamas, St. Lucia, and Jamaica. Martinez added if couples can plan their honeymoons during the off-season, it can be significantly less expensive than spring and summer. Their preferred hotels and resorts may be less expensive, and couples may find shorter lines on tours and fewer travelers at airports.
But costs may vary, depending on how small or elaborate couples want to make the trip. Moreover, while couples may save
money traveling during off-peak times, that does come with risks.
Martinez said the most common mistakes couples make when planning their honeymoon is “when they book their own honeymoon themselves, people often put in the wrong airport code. So instead of flying to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), they end up in San Jose, California (SJC). Other mistakes I have seen is that the great rate they got at their hotel in Hawaii is because the hotel is not actually on the beach but two blocks away. They also didn’t read the fine print and didn’t realize it’s non-refundable, so when an emergency comes up and they need to cancel, they are out of luck on a refund. It’s usually in the small details that people will make mistakes. Travel agents have the knowledge and experience to avoid making these mistakes and normally it doesn’t cost any money to use a travel agent.”
Thuy DaoJensen, owner of My Savvy Travel Advisor, echoes the importance of partnering with a travel advisor, saying that it can save couples “weeks of research and hours of booking all the small details.”
DaoJensen is a member of the Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA), a worldwide network of travel specialists with expertise in “romance travel” for couples. The 12-year-old organization has more see Honeymoon page 7B
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Happy couple in love walking on beach on honeymoon vacation
Brentwood florist to host bridal fair on Sunday, March 23
ETALS, located at the Streets of Brentwood, 2535 Sand Creek
Road, is hosting a Brentwood Bridal Fair on Sunday, March 23 from noon-4 p.m. that gives brides and grooms an opportunity to meet local wedding vendors all in one place.
“The bridal fair is to bring local wedding vendors together under one roof to meet local brides and to showcase the variety of talent and skills in the Brentwood wedding community,” said PETALS owner and lead designer Moe Davis. “Brentwood, Oakley and Discovery Bay brides shouldn’t have to go far to meet their hometown vendors.”
There will be “several vendors across the wedding service spectrum, including, but not limited to, Men’s Wearhouse, DJs, bakery, photography, wedding attire, photobooth, catering, large wedding venues, event rental businesses and bridal jewelry and make-up,” Davis said. Davis describes the bridal fair as some-
“This is an opportunity for local vendors to collaborate while meeting the needs of the city’s bridal residents,” said PETALS owner and lead designer Moe Davis.
thing Brentwood needs.
“We have not had a bridal fair in years,” Davis said. “This is an opportunity for local vendors to collaborate while meeting the needs of the city’s bridal residents. PETALS is proud to champion this collaboration of small businesses.”
Davis is looking forward to the bridalwear fashing show and sampling baked goods.
“I am most excited about creating all
the beautiful floral arrangements that will be on display from PETALS,” Davis said. Attendees can pre-register for the event online for free at http://bit. ly/4hjwMXX. Registration is $10 at the door. To request a vendor application, contact info@petalsoakley.com
Davis said he is hoping to expand the event for registrants and vendors each year.
“We also hope to add a second bridal fair in the fall,” Davis said.
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There’s no one ‘right’ answer for picking the ‘right’ wine for your wedding.
How to pick the perfect wines for your event and wedding reception
Selecting the right wine for an event, particularly a wedding, can feel daunting. However, with a few key considerations, you can curate a selection that complements your occasion and that your guests will love.
Before determining how much wine to purchase, several basic factors should be addressed: What is your budget? How many people are attending? Will you also be serving spirits and/or beer? Is the event indoors or outdoors? What dishes are you serving?
Uncorked: History by tHe Glass
Now, let’s crunch the numbers: A standard bottle of wine holds 750 ml, roughly five glasses if poured by staff or four glasses if guests serve themselves. Rather than estimating by the hour, a more practical approach is to plan for two to three glasses per guest. If cocktails and beers are also available, figure about half of your guests will choose wine.
For instance, with 100 guests expected and estimating two glasses per guest,
you would need about 25 bottles of wine. This breaks down to 100 glasses of wine (50 guests times 2 glasses) divided by 4 glasses per bottle. Include a few extra bottles for contingencies or unexpected consumption.
Once the quantity is determined, focus shifts to selecting the right wines, which largely hinges on your menu choices. For lighter fare like fish or chicken, consider pairing with Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio. Red wines such as Pinot Noir complement beef and chicken dishes well, while a versatile option like Chenin Blanc pairs nicely with curry.
You also can explore diverse wine options beyond the usual suspects. For instance, consider a Pinot Grigio from the Alto Adige region or an Italian Primitivo (Zinfandel), which offer excellent quality and value. Couples often find satisfaction in selecting wines like a Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, showcasing lesser-known but exceptional, choices.
Ultimately, choose wines that you like and that complement the event’s ambiance. Sampling wines beforehand ensures they meet your expectations in taste and quality. By selecting wines that suit both your palate and budget, you can ensure your celebration is memorable and filled with delightful moments. Cheers to selecting the perfect wines for your special day.
Frank MaiUri
Photo by Adobe Stock
Consider wedding flowers carefully
lthough many decorative elements help to create ambiance for a wedding celebration, perhaps none is more awe-inspiring than beautiful floral arrangements.
Flowers offer visual appeal, captivating aromas and texture that can make a space more welcoming.
Engaged couples typically go to great lengths when planning their weddings, but flowers may not be as micromanaged as other elements. Some are content to let florists design their arrangements, but the average cost of wedding flowers in 2023 was $2,800, according to The Knot Real Weddings Study. That price tag merits some input on the part of couples. Floral experts say couples should budget for floral arrangements coming in at 10 percent of the overall wedding budget, which is the industry standard. Therefore, for a $60,000 wedding a couple should assume their florals will cost $6,000. It’s important to note that the cost of wedding flowers has been steadily increasing over the last few years due to inflation and climate change, says The Knot. So couples may need to be even more involved in floral decisions to maximize their dollars spent.
Here are some variables to consider when selecting wedding flowers.
♦ Greenery: Adding greenery to fill in spaces in floral arrangements can save some money. Centerpieces and bouquets that are floral-heavy will certainly cost more.
♦ Symbolism: Consider the meaning behind flowers to make choices even more personal. You also may want to select flowers that will complement the theme of the wedding. For example, traditional spring blooms like tulips and daffodils will coordinate with spring weddings.
♦ Flower varieties: Hardier varieties of flowers, such as daisies, mums, carnations, and protea, are less likely to wilt quickly in bouquets or centerpieces than some other blooms, even when they are cut. Such blooms can hold up in any weather and last the entire day so that arrangements will be picture-perfect no matter the hour.
♦ Venue: Couples may find that some venues already have faux flowers or other decor. That may mean couples do not need to have as many flowers or any elaborate arrangements.
♦ Size: A particularly large floral centerpiece can overwhelm a table, and a bouquet that is overly cumbersome may detract from the bride or her bridesmaids. Choose the correct scale for comfort in bouquets. For table arrangements, select a size that will not discour-
age conversation or block guests’ view, nor take up too much real estate on the table.
♦ Allergies: Although they are cut, flowers in arrangements can trigger allergic responses in some people. Others may be bothered by overly aromatic flowers. Work with the florist to find blooms that will be best.
♦ Color scheme: Although white flowers always coordinate, many couples like some color in their arrangements. Be sure the flowers pick up the hues used in bridesmaid dresses or even the season of the year.
For help with flowers from East County florists, visit:
– Paula’s Family Florist at 1412 A St. in Antoch. www.paulasfamilyflorist.com or (925) 756-6000.
– Petals Floral Design at 2535 Sand Creek Road #128, Brentwood. www.petalsoakley.com or (925) 436-0991.
– Brentwood Florist at 8335 Brentwood Blvd. in Brentwood. www. brentwood-florist.com or (925) 634-4313.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
What to know before a wedding gown shopping trip
Weddings mark a turning point from one stage in life to another. The significance of that transition is perhaps one reason why couples and their guests dress so nicely for a wedding ceremony and reception.
Formal garb is a wedding tradition, and guests eagerly await seeing which type of gown a bride will wear. In Western cultures, white wedding gowns have been the standard since the nineteenth century and are believed to symbolize purity and grace. In Eastern cultures, wedding gowns often have been elaborate, colorful creations that have their own symbolic meanings unique to various areas of the world.
Shopping for a wedding gown can spark mixed emotions. While it is exciting to try on some remarkable garments, there also
is the pressure of knowing all eyes will be on you while wearing this couture creation. Narrowing down wedding gown prospects can take vision, time and patience. The following pointers can help when it comes time to visit bridal shops.
Make an appointment
Many bridal shops operate by appointment only. That’s because the staff wants to
While it is exciting to try on some remarkable garments, there also is the pressure of knowing all eyes will be on you while wearing this
creation.
devote complete attention to a client, and having people simply walk in from the street can draw their attention away and/or lead to long wait times. Identify the stores you want to visit, and then call to secure your time slot.
Narrow down styles
Think about what your personal style might be and how you want to look on your wedding day. If you’re not sure about the vocabulary surrounding dress silhouettes, visit Pinterest or Instagram and save images of dresses that you love. Then you can show the sales staff what you are thinking instead of going in empty-handed.
Keep an open mind
Try on a few different styles even if you have a particular dress in mind. You never know if something might be a better fit for
your body type or the scope and style of your wedding unless you give it a go.
Start the process early
Unlike off-the-rack clothing, most wedding shops will have to order your dress and have it shipped. Then comes a few weeks for alterations. KWH Bridal notes eight to 12 months before a wedding is a good time to choose and order a dress. Brides magazine says most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create. There also are three separate fittings to ensure the gown will fit like a glove.
Invite a handful of confidantes
It’s best not to arrive at the shopping appointment with an entire entourage. Pick, at the most, four people whose opinions you trust; otherwise, it could be a case of too many cooks in the kitchen. As a bride-to-be you’ll already be anxious, and you’ll want soothing, supportive people with you.
Plan your budget
Know well in advance what you can afford to spend. According to data from The Knot, wedding attire accounts for 7 percent of the average couple’s budget. Most wedding gowns are about $2,000. Don’t forget about additional costs, such as veil, shoes, alterations, undergarments, and any add-ons.
Brentwood Bridal Fair
resenting an excellent opportunity to meet local wedding vendors in one place!
Sunday March 23, 2025 12:00pm-4:00pm
PETALS, located at The Streets of Brentwood, 2535 Sand Creek Road, Brentwood
Pre-register online for free: http://bit.ly/4hjwMXX Registration at the door is $10.00.
Now accepting vendor applications. Email info@petalsoakley.com to request an application.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative
How to be able to afford your perfect wedding
Whether it’s a lavish, black-tie affair or a laid back gathering in the backyard, a couple’s wedding day is a momentous, and often costly, occasion. According to the online wedding planning resource Zola, the average cost of a wedding in 2023 was $33,000. That’s a significant sum for couples to spend, and it’s understandable if couples aren’t sure how to allocate funds for their big day.
It’s important that couples recognize what’s most important to them when planning their weddings. Recognition of those priorities can help couples determine how to allocate their funds. Equally helpful can be how past couples have spent on their weddings. Using data
Honeymoon from page 2B
than 800 global members.
“A common question I get asked is ‘Why do I need to hire a travel advisor to book my honeymoon when I can just go online and book it myself?’ Travel planning has given people more choices, which is great for honeymooners. At the same time, all the choices and information online can seem overwhelming. A travel advisor, specializing in Romance Travel, can help you navigate through all that information.”
“A travel advisor takes the time to listen to your preferences and can design
from its The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, the wedding experts at The Knot (theknot.com) have calculated general percentages of a wedding budget couples can devote to various components.
Venue: 37 percent, Catering: 28 percent, Band: 12 percent, Wedding rings: 9 percent, Photography: 8 percent, Flowers: 8 percent, Alcohol: 8 percent, Rehearsal dinner: 8 percent, Videography: 7 percent, Couples’ attire: 7 percent, Rentals: 6 percent, DJ: 5 percent, Wedding party attire: 4 percent, Guest entertainment: 3 percent, Transportation: 3 percent, Ceremony music: 3 percent, Cake and desserts: 2 percent, Stationery: 2 percent, Officiant: 1 percent, Favors and gifts: 1 percent, Additional jewelry: 1 percent
These percentages add up to significantly more than 100 percent. That’s because the budgetary breakdown reflects personal preferences, individual couples’ budgets and what couples can expect to spend on certain compo-
a customized itinerary just for you and your fiance. If you’re busy with wedding planning, a travel advisor can save hours of endless online research. No more hanging out in chat forums reading through advice that may not be helpful. No more guesswork. You just need to show up and celebrate your new life together on your honeymoon.”
The biggest value in working with a travel advisor, she said “is that I can get you VIP perks such as room upgrades, free breakfasts, spa credits, and if onboard credits on cruises, and more. As
nents. For example, The Knot data indicates a couple that prefers a band for their reception instead of a DJ may need to allocate roughly twice as much of their budget to accommodate that preference. In addition, couples who do not intend to pay for wedding party members’ attire can find other ways to allocate those funds, which The Knot data indicates typically accounts for roughly 4 percent of a wedding budget.
For details about venue cost in East County contact:
♦ Club Los Meganos at 1700 Trilogy Parkway in Brentwood. Visit www.mytrilogylife.com/vineyards/eventsweddings or call (925) 809-7188.
♦ Lone Tree Golf and Event Center at 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. Visit www.lonetreegolfcourse.com or call (925) 706-4220.
♦ McCauley Estate Vineyards at 2525 Sunset Road in Brentwood. Visit www.mccauleyestatevineyards.com or call (925) 516-3300.
a Romance Travel Specialist, my goal is to design a honeymoon that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations. I take that more seriously that any online booking platform ever will.”
Other advice from DaoJensen:
♦ Do plan in advance. The more time you have to plan your honeymoon or destination wedding, the better availability of rooms with lower prices. When you procrastinate, availability will decrease and you’ll have to pay for higher prices.
♦ Do decide on a destination! What do you want to do on your honeymoon?
♦ Decide on a budget for your honeymoon. The budget should include at least one item from each person’s wish list of what to do on the honeymoon.
♦ Don’t forget to apply for passports if you are traveling to an international destination. There are some islands in the Caribbean that do not require a passport so consult with a travel advisor.
For more details, visit www.mysavvytraveladvisor.com, or call (925) 420-0838.
For more information about Dream Vacations visit www.vmartinez.dreamvacations.com or call (925) 639-9194.
