(Photo Credit)

Wedding vow renewals have been happening in America since the 1950”s, but only became popular in the 1970”s. Some couples choose to reaffirm their vows after extreme marital hardship, but others do so to celebrate a milestone anniversary, or to have the wedding they never got to have when they married. Regardless of the reason, wedding vow renewal has become a significant part of our culture.

Marriage vow renewals do not require a marriage license, but they do often require the same amount of time and work as planning a first wedding does. No witnesses are required, but most couples do ask children close friends to serve as attendants.

If only simple rings were chosen the first time around, vow renewals may be a good time to exchange new bands – or to add larger stones to existing ones. Many couples give eternity rings, or some other band of significance that does not replace a wedding band.

Sometimes, couples will choose to renew their vows once a year, as a continuing re-commitment and celebration of their love. Couples who renew their vows whether once or on an ongoing basis report feeling closer and bound together more permanently. It”s also been reported that couples who reaffirm their love in this way often have lower divorce rates.

If you are considering renewing your wedding vows, talk to us about hosting your special day aboard one of our wedding yachts. We can accommodate just you and your beloved, or up to 350 of your closest friends and family, and we would love to celebrate your love alongside you. If you were married aboard one of our luxurious yachts, we would love to see you back! If you”ve never stepped aboard our lovely ladies of the sea, we welcome you!

Every couple dreams of having THE perfect wedding; one that is romantic, unique, enjoyable, not too long but not too short, with nothing going wrong but with something that is just quirky enough to be memorable and cute, excellent food and drinks, and no one causing a scene. Oh, and it should be fun, too.

For an unforgettably enjoyable, lighthearted, and entertaining wedding, take one – or all – of these suggestions to make your special day super fun.

Instead of saving the best for last, we”ll share the number one secret to a fun wedding first! Have fun yourself!

If you are not enjoying yourself – really enjoying yourself – your guests won”t have the time of their lives either. Your guests will feed off of your vibe, so relax, laugh, kiss, kick back, goof off, and really enjoy your wedding festivities.

Keeping your guests busy with easy, enjoyable entertainment is a great way to make a wedding fun and memorable. Have assorted games available, from Apples to Apples and Catch Phrase to horseshoes and a pinata. Have photo booth where guests and get silly and create fun memories that will have them talking about your wedding for years to come.

When you think of fun, you don”t usually think of wedding food. So take your reception nibbles to the next level. Whimsical snacks like colorful slushies, candied apples, and caramel corn create automatic smiles and remind people of a simpler time.

Live music is always more fun than a DJ, and a DJ is always more fun than putting together a few CDs of romantic music. So if you can, hire a band. If you can”t, at least have a DJ.

Get your guests involved in the fun by inviting them to document and share your special day. Give them a hashtag to use when posting the photos they captured so you will find them all.

But in the end, having a fun wedding all comes back to the beginning: Have fun yourself!

Imagine your wedding, flowing seamlessly along – right until the minister asks if anyone knows any reason why you should not be married. Whether someone is truly trying to subvert your nuptials, or is simply a jovial and well-meaning yet obtuse friend, an answer to this question could ruin or dampen your special day.

Originally, this question was posed to wedding guests to bring to light if there was an unknown legal reason would invalidate the marriage. This question is still legally enforced in some places, such as the Church of London. Thankfully, though, many weddings overthrow it completely.

If it is important to you one way or the other, ask your officiant if this part of the ceremony is a required element of the church.

To include the guests in your ceremony without this potentially awkward step, ask those who are attending to join in a blessing for your union. Perhaps encourage guest involvement by having community vows.

This can be done by having the officiant ask, “Do all who are present here today, surround this couple with love, and offer them their support, counsel, strength, comfort, and prayers?” Those in attendance would answer, “We do.” The officiant may continue, “Will you agree to help them keep their bonds holy, help them cross over hard times, and and remind them of their love for one another?” Guests respond, “We will.”

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Most weddings are held on Saturdays, since fewer people work on the weekends and parents need not worry about a school night if the ceremony is held in the evening.

But the popularity of Saturday weddings all but guarantees that most ceremony and reception sites are booked as much as 18 months in advance in the summer season, and many even fall, winter, and spring.

Planning a Sunday wedding may reduce your costs significantly, as well as raise your chances of booking the site you want for your wedding date. Sundays are also usually a day that many people take off of work, so most of your friends and family will still be able to attend.

Many restaurants will close for your reception on Sunday, and have special Sunday packages or rates. Bands, DJs, photographers, and videographers are more likely to be available on Sundays as well.

So check out the Sunday date closest to your preferred wedding date, and see if holding your nuptials on a Sunday will work in your best interest.

It may seem odd that you would need anything more than the mere thought of looking fabulous in your wedding dress – or out of it on your honeymoon! – as motivation to get to the gym. But on those days when you”re overworked, overtired, overstressed, and a giant tub of Ben and Jerry”s looks irresistible and the thought of moving a muscle except to lift a spoon to your mouth seems impossible, you may need a little extra inspiration. That”s where your imagination can be be a priceless tool!

Women”s Health Magazine asked their Twitter followers to tweet their craziest, weirdest, or most random workout motivations using their imaginations using hashtag #gymspiration. Did they imagine running from zombies? Maybe an ex?

What followed was an outpouring of hilarious yet inspirational reasons to keep up the workouts even on the days you don”t feel like it. You can read the full story along with follower answers here, but we can”t help but list a few of our favorites!

@WomensHealthMag I imagine myself running on the beach in a James Bond bikini ala Halle Berry

@WomensHealthMag I pretend I”m on the @AmazingRace_CBS and I run faster and climb hills, if I”m running I”m winning!

@WomensHealthMag i think about people i dont like. “Looking good is the best revenge.”

@WomensHealthMag Swimming: imagine being chased by a shark!

What inspirational mental images make a workout motivational for you?

Getting married at an exotic location can mean asking friends and family to come from far and wide to attend your most important day. Hosting your wedding here at Electra Cruises in Newport Beach can mean travel for your loved ones, too, and many guests may not be ready for the party to end when the reception is over. Even the bride and groom can wish for a few more dances!

So when the reception is over and guests “don”t have to go home but they can”t stay here,” it”s wise to have a game plan for an after-hours party. Here is how to get the party started:

Standard wedding invitation etiquette does not apply to a post-reception party, so you are free to choose whom you would like to go. One caveat: If there is someone you know would feel snubbed if they knew they were left out, you should invite them to come along. It is best not to risk a friendship.

Settle on a post-reception party style that suits your budget and the style of the guests you want to attend. You can go with a spontaneous bar hop, choose a private hotel room, gather for a bon fire on the beach, or rent one of Electra Cruises fabulous yachts! It is all up to you and how much legwork and money you want to put into planning your after-party. Even if you choose a low maintenance route, you will still want to do a little research to make sure the bars you like won””t have large parties that night, or if a certain beach has any late night restrictions.

Be comfortable and wear what you want to wear. Let your guests know that they should be reasonably comfortable as well. If you want everyone to dress in a certain theme, let them know ahead of time so they can bring along the proper clothing to change into after the wedding.

Have a plan of who pays for what, and clearly communicate it to your guests. Are you covering the costs or are they responsible for their own expenses? Open bar or cash bar? BYOB or is a bar available? Is food provided or do guests need to find their own? No one will be offended if you ask each one to pay their own way at an extended party, so just make sure you let them know.

Transportation back to homes or hotels after the party has ended will be one of your primary responsibilities and concerns, so check into the prices of cab fare, consider booking a shuttle, find out who would be willing to be a designated driver, and if anyone would be willing to open up a guest bedroom for anyone who was too inebriated to drive home.

When you are ready to leave, GO! You may even want to let your guests know that when you and your newly wedded spouse are done partying, you may not stop to say goodbye. Make sure to spend part of the after-party with every guest so that you can just leave without feeling guilty, because saying individual goodbyes can lead to lengthy conversations! Just stand up, raise your glass, shout thank you and goodbye, and then leave. Go enjoy newly wedded bliss

Every bride wishes for the perfect wedding day, and there is so much effort put into making it as perfect as it can be, that what you eat shouldn”t be the one thing that makes it less than wonderful!

But believe it or not, what you do put in your stomach on your special day can make or break your energy and emotions and affect your nerves. You don”t want to feel bloated walking down the aisle, shaky as you say I Do, sick during your pictures, or hungry while dancing!

Take a look at this list of best and worst foods to eat on your wedding day to make it the best possible!

Best Foods:

Salads

Salads reduce water retention and helps your body let go of excess liquids.

Asparagus

This super food has diuretic-like properties that help fight indigestion and bloating. It also has high fiber content, and will keep you feeling fuller longer.

Herbal Tea

Drinking tea throughout your big day will help you get in much needed water, keep you hydrated, and keep the jitters to a minimum.

Oatmeal

A bowl of oatmeal contains soluble fiber which slows absorption of glucose and keeps your blood sugars level and steady.

Fruit

Choose fruits that contain potassium, because potassium regulates your body”s balance of fluids and minerals. Mangoes, papaya, bananas, and melons are natural hydrators and contain lots of potassium.

Worst Foods:

Coffee

Coffee can cause bad breath and jitters, and it has a dehydrating effect after you drink it.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods cause bloating and indigestion, and can cause sweating.

Artificial Sweetener

Carbonated sodas, gum, and candy can cause bloating and indigestion – not a good idea for feeling your best!

A wedding gift is an important purchase, and an often confusing one, too. To keep from wasting your hard earned money, and to ensure your gift is appreciated and not offensive, check out these wedding present no-nos.

Intimate Items

Lingerie, the Kama Sutra, or any sex-related books, movies, or magazines are inappropriate and embarrassing wedding presents. The couple will be more than happy to choose these items on their own!

Used Items

Anything that is used is a tacky gift, and will send a message that you were too cheap to buy them anything. There is only one reason you could ever get away with giving a used gift: if it is a sentimental family heirloom in which the bride or groom has expressed desire.

Mismatched Items

Giving anything mismatched is just bad form, and is inexcusable.

Useless Items

Scented stuffed animals, celebrity pot holders, and fertility idols are utterly useless and unappreciated gifts.

Bad Checks

Do we even need to expound on this one? If you wish to give money, cash is a better way to go, but if you do write a check, make sure you have the money in the bank to cover it!

Final Word of Advice

Always include a gift receipt. That way, if the bride and groom simply don”t care for your gift or don”t need it, they can return it. A gift receipt is always appreciated!

For the Irish bride or groom, St. Patrick”s Day weekend is the perfect time to say I Do! Even if you”re not of Celtic descent but are planning your wedding around the time of this festive holiday, a little Irish flair can add up to big fun.

If you want to celebrate and honor your Irish heritage, but can”t stand the idea of green leprechauns turning your stunning wedding into a cheesy show, here are a few ideas to bring the charm of the Irish to your Big Day.

Irish Blessing

Consider adding a traditional Irish blessing into your vows, or suggest one be given as a toast. Perhaps you and your new spouse can rise at the reception and toast your guests with a blessing or prayer from Ireland.

Celtic Music & Dancing

Hire a bagpiper to play for your ceremony, and liven up your after-party with some traditional Gaelic music. If you”re really feeling your Irish oats, hire a dance troupe to entertain your guests.

Irish Drinks

Add Irish coffee, Jameson Irish whiskey, Baileys Irish Cream, or Kilkenny, Smithwicks, or Guinness or to your drink table.

Dress the Part

Mint green pumps and emerald jewels will add a classy hint of the Emerald Isle for the ladies, and traditional plaid patterns on ties, socks, and pocket squares are excellent ways for the gentlemen to sport the pride of Ireland. If you want to go all-out, the groom could wear a kilt, and the bride could choose an Irish gown.

Offer Traditional Irish Fare

Corned beef, colcannon, bacon and cabbage, Shepherd”s Pie, lamb stew, Irish Soda Bread, and scones are excellent choices for your St. Paddy”s Day wedding buffet.

Skip the Cartoonish Stuff

Pots of gold, rainbows, green beer, and anything in the brightest color of green you can find just will not do for a classy wedding, and would make any true Irishman cringe.

Photo Credits:

http://store.jfklibrary.org/irish-blessing-stoneware-plaque/padcibjhapelkikh/product

http://www.theemeraldisle.org/irish-dancing/irish-dance-shoes.htm

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2009/03/irish_whiskey_recipes

http://yoheidesign.com/2012/11/06/irish-wedding-gowns/

http://blog.myheritage.com/2011/03/journey-back-in-time-edible-traditions/

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2013/mar/16/ap-photos-st-pats-day-across-the-nation/#axzz2PubBtYoc

Each wedding and honeymoon is different. One thing every wedding has in common, however, is the risk of something going very wrong. Mother Nature’s temper, flight cancellations, stolen gifts, vendor no-shows, damaged gowns, lost luggage, car accidents – these things and much more can present unending opportunities for disaster.

When you have wedding insurance, it works to protect you from unforeseen obstacles. Here is a peek into what wedding insurance is and how it works.

Wedding insurance protects your investments when things out of your control present problems, and reimburses your financial losses. If your reception site is snowed in and no one can get there, if you must postpone your wedding because of an accident, injury, or illness, or if your photographer doesn’t show up, the right wedding insurance will pay back your expenses.

Your need for wedding insurance will depend greatly on how well your vendors are covered, so make sure to ask about what kind of coverage the carry. Paying for overlapping coverage only means wasted money on your part, so if your wedding site or caterer is covered, there is no need to pay for additional insurance.

Basic insurance policies that cover loss of videos, photos, rings, attire, and deposits costs anywhere from $150 and $550, depending on type and amount of coverage. There will be a deductible, but general liability insurance covers up to $1,000,000 for accidents and costs around $190.

There are many reasons to consider purchasing wedding insurance, and is a great idea for military personnel who may be shipped off on a moment’s notice and need to postpone their wedding. Having insurance will cover reimbursements for a postponement.

But it’s good to be aware of what wedding insurance does not cover. Wedding bands may be covered, but engagement rings most likely will not be. And, while necessary postponements or cancellations may be covered, getting cold feet and backing out of the wedding is not. Jewelry is not usually covered, including watches, semi-precious stones, gold, and pearls.

Supplemental policies are available to defend against damages not covered by basic insurance, so check those out too. You have several options for insuring your big day. Read everything carefully so you understand every detail of the policy. Happy insurance hunting!