By BankRate

Whether you’re in the middle of planning your wedding, newly engaged or just beginning to discuss marriage with your partner, it’s never too soon to be on the same page about your finances. Marital discord is often attributed to disagreements about money, whether it’s a partner’s spending habits, accumulated debt, or financial philosophies. It’s important to discuss financial goals with your partner to help prevent conflict throughout the marriage.

According to a Suntrust survey, only 51 percent of Americans actually discussed how they would handle finances before getting married. In fact, nearly 60 percent of couples reported they didn’t disclose their own salaries before marriage, and only 36 percent revealed their debt.

When you begin considering getting married or before you walk down the aisle, set aside intentional time with your future spouse to create a financial plan to position your wedded union for success.

Be open and honest about personal debtIn your vows, promising a lifelong devotion to each other, such as for richer or poorer, means all of you – even debts like credit card bills or hefty student loans. It’s important to be sure your partner knows all about your finances and financial values before the big day.

Because most romantic partnerships are built on trust, it’s important to be open and honest with your future wife or husband about your personal finances, including any debts you may have.

Consolidate your debts
Most likely, you both have some consumer debt from credit cards, medical bills, or student loans; debt consolidation can help you get your finances in order. Sit down together and make a list of all your personal debts, then decide if you should consolidate your debts individually or jointly with a personal loan. This process involves combining several debts into one, which can help you reduce your monthly payments and pay less in interest, ultimately helping you pay off your debts faster.

Personal loans are ideal for persons who have moderate debt and good credit scores who want to simplify or accelerate repaying their debts. If you or your partner qualify for a personal loan with manageable rates and have an active plan to control your spending and reduce your debt, you can quickly knock out high-interest debt by consolidating your debt with a personal loan.

Borrowed from a bank, credit union, or online lender, a personal loan is borrowed money that doesn’t require collateral and can be repaid in fixed monthly payments. Personal loan rates are largely determined by your credit score, though your annual reported income and the amount you want to borrow are other factors that determine the final loan amount.
Between gathering documents, checking credit scores, and signing paperwork, consolidating your debts can be a lengthy process. As you and your spouse make preparations, be sure to get an accurate report of yours and your partner’s credit scores and evaluate your debt to income ratio.

Evaluate your credit standing
If one of you have a low credit score (300 to 629), take steps to build the credit; don’t consolidate debts into a joint account, as it can lower the higher credit score.
One way to build credit is with a credit-builder loan, which is a forced savings program that reports your timely payments to credit bureaus. Other ways to increase your credit score include reducing and managing debt, receiving credit for paying rent on time, and research payment options and protections for repaying student loans.

Calculate your debt to income ratio
Calculating your debt to income ratio as a couple is key to making a financial plan moving forward. It is calculated by dividing your monthly debt payments by your monthly gross income. Lenders use this percentage to decide how well you manage your monthly debts and if you are able to afford a loan repayment.

This ratio is often used by lenders when applying for a mortgage, car loan, or home equity loan, so it’s important to keep it below 36 percent. For example, if your total annual income for you and your spouse is $55,000 and you have $22,000 in credit card and student loan debt, a lender may deny your application.

Choosing between joint or separate accounts

You might be sharing a closet and the television remote now, but you don’t necessarily have to share a bank account. Together, you and your partner should decide if you want to combine your finances or keep them separate.

Should you and your partner decide you want to pay bills from a joint account but have individual spending and savings accounts, you’ll want to be sure to move the money to the joint account as soon as your direct deposit hits so you aren’t scrambling at the end of the month when the electricity bill is due and the joint checking account is low.

To reduce monthly recurring expenses and eliminate overlapping bills, like gym memberships and cell phone bills, consider selecting a family plan that provides savings when more than one person is on the account or contract.

If you and your partner do decide to combine your finances, be sure to sit down with a trusted financial advisor who can help you and your partner determine which assets to hold jointly or separately.

To prenup, or not to prenup
Considering a prenup can be a tricky conversation to have with a spouse. But a prenup, or prenuptial agreement, is a legal document that sets expectations for the division of assets should a couple divorce – and it can be very beneficial for some couples. For persons with substantial premarital assets, an expected inheritance or family wealth, or massive debt, a prenup can protect an individual from financial ruin in the event of permanent separation. To be valid, each partner will need to have their own attorney to draft a prenup.

Though the agreement has been historically rare, millennials are increasingly drawing up these contracts to protect their wealth. Now that couples are getting married later (according to a United States census, women were getting married at age 27 in 2010 compared to age 21 in 1950), individuals are accumulating more assets and debt than ever before.
A prenup can include protection against a spouse’s debt, protections for family property and estate planning, and detailed spousal responsibilities. A prenup cannot include custody arrangements, waivers of rights to alimony, or deeply personal (rather than financial) information. Prenups can be created based on how long a couple has been married and can be nullified if the original document states the prenup will expire after a certain amount of years have passed.

Financing the big day

Discussing how you and your partner will pay for the wedding is another conversation and expense to consider ahead of time. It may be tempting to splurge on floral bouquets or to treat your guests to an open bar with signature drinks, but wedding costs can add up faster than you can say “I do.” The average cost of a wedding in the United States in 2018 was $33,931, according to a survey on TheKnot.com. The table below highlights the average costs of a few major wedding expenses:

Average wedding costs

Average costVenue$15,439
Reception band$4,247
Reception DJ$1,292
Flowers and decor$2,411
Wedding/event planner$2,002
Photographer$2,769
Videographer$2,021
Wedding dress$1,631
Groom’s attire$283
Ceremony site$2,382
Rehearsal dinner$1,297

Many couples who don’t have enough savings allocated for wedding expenses opt for a personal loan to cover the cost of tying the knot. The key to sticking to your original budget – whether big or small – is saving every penny you can and setting priorities. Some couples delay their wedding by having a longer engagement period, which gives them more time to stash away cash for the big day.

Non-traditional options to save money

If you and your spouse would rather spend your earnings and savings on a honeymoon to the Maldives or a down payment on a new home, there are several ways to cut wedding costs.
Sending electronic invitations instead of paper invitations, using in-season blooms, and selecting a store-bought cake are some of the ways you and your partner can create savings. You can also implement non-traditional approaches, like having your wedding on a Thursday afternoon or hosting it in a brewery or beach house, to keep costs low.

Happily ever after
Now that you and your partner have made big decisions about consolidating debt, combining finances, creating a prenup agreement, and allocating dollars to wedding expenses, you may get the impression that your financial preparation is complete. But the wedded bliss – and joint financial decisions – is just getting started.

Together, you’ll want to decide how to conquer large or unexpected expenses and choose what to save for, such as a home, car, or the next vacation. To ensure you and your partner are financially protected, create a family budget and consider setting up an emergency savings account and a plan for unforeseen expenses like unemployment, natural disasters, or medical bills.
​
With a financial plan in place, your money habit and philosophies and the melodic tune of the wedding bells can chime in perfect harmony.

Pros of Having a First Look Contemplating a first look?

​By The Knot
More couples are doing first looks—45 percent, to be exact, according to The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study. Although nearly half of couples decide to sneak a peek at each other before walking down the aisle, the choice usually comes after a fair amount of deliberation. So what's the best decision for you? 

 Pro: You save time by taking the bulk of your photos together before the ceremony.Pair your first look with couple portraits (and wedding party shots) before your ceremony to translate that romantic feeling in photos and free up more time to enjoy cocktail hour with guests. Just make sure that whatever secluded spot you choose, it's one that's away from any guests to prevent them from seeing you.

 Pro: A first look could ease any nerves before the ceremony. If you're an especially emotional person, or you know you're going to be jittery or nervous, a pre ceremony glimpse may be the way to go.
Besides doing your first look photos, you can also maximize this time to sneak in a few moments alone with each other that you may not get later on. 

 Pro: If you're worried about crying at the altar, you can get your tears out of the way before. It's every bride's dream not to sob at the altar with mascara all over her face (one glistening tear hardly ever happens), so if you know you'll likely turn on the waterworks during the ceremony, a first look could help get some of your feelings out beforehand. Your first look photos will be that much more emotional and moving, and you'll have plenty of time for makeup touch-ups before the ceremony. 

​Simple Tricks for Looking Thinner in Photos
We have all seen photos of ourselves where we simply weren’t happy about how we looked. It’s easy to be your own worst critic but it’s even easier to make small changes in how you pose for photos in order to look slimmer and more confident.

1. Low angles are a no-no. Nobody looks good when they’re photographed from below. Photos taken at this angle make you look heavier, shorter and will more than likely give you a bit of a double chin. Instead, take photos from a side angle or from above.
2. It’s all in the jaw. It might feel rather awkward at first but try practicing moving your chin up slightly and your neck forward so that it accentuates your jaw.
3. Think before you get dressed. What you wear plays a big role in how you look in photos. Avoid bulky or baggy clothing that doesn’t fit you well. While darker clothes do make you look slimmer, if you want to go for brighter colors, stay away from any patterns that draw attention to your problem areas and always avoid horizontal stripes.
4. Angles & posture are instant wins. You will always look slimmer in photos if you twist your body slightly to create an angle. Place one leg in front of the other and keep your weight on your back leg. Put one hand on your hip and keep your other arm relaxed at your side, not pushed up against your body. To accentuate your collarbones, stand up straight and push your shoulders back.
5. Sit correctly. If you’re sitting in a photo, try and cross your ankles instead of your legs. It makes you look leaner and shows less of your thighs.
6. Stick to the middle. Taking a group shot? Try and stay away from the end of the group if possible as people standing on the edges of the group always look a little bigger.  

Remember that confidence makes a big difference to your photos too so don’t forget to smile naturally and let your beauty shine through.  

Wedding Planner Jove Meyer Shares How to Create the Most Personalized Wedding EverJove Meyer, go-to planner for LGBTQ+ couples, reveals pro tips for a one-of-a-kind wedding that’s truly your own.
by The Knot

We sat down with wedding planner Jove Meyer, Brooklyn, New York–based owner and creative director of Jove Meyer Events—and the brains behind The Knot Dream Wedding couple Elena Della Donne and Amanda Clifton's fall 2017 nuptials—to talk about his experience as a tastemaker in the industry of love. It’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about planning LGBTQ+ weddings that speak directly to couples and bring their loftiest visions to life. From totally tossing tradition to creating special ones of your own, here’s how to make your wedding day one of a kind and truly yours.
It’s easy for couples to get caught up in the idea of what they "should" do on their wedding day. What advice do you have for those hoping to put a personal spin on traditions?"There are no real rules when it comes to LGBTQ+ weddings, so I encourage all couples to invent their own. That being said, take a step back and ask yourself why you’re taking part in a specific tradition. Does it hold any personal meaning for you and your fiancé, or are you doing it simply because it’s expected? Your wedding shouldn’t be filled with antiquated customs or meaningless moments—every detail should feel authentically you."
What are some unique ways LGBTQ+ couples can put a personal stamp on their ceremony?"LGBTQ+ weddings are still so new that couples can do whatever they want to celebrate their union. Play with where the ceremony takes place, how it unfolds and who is involved. Host a ceremony in the round with four aisles, or invite guests to a standing ceremony sans aisle and chairs."
What’s an example of how you’ve helped a couple bend the rules?"I recently worked with two grooms that flipped their processional on its head by gathering guests in the venue's foyer prior to the start of the ceremony. Rather than walking down the aisle with all eyes on them, the couple invited friends and family to walk down the aisle toward the altar, where they waited with their officiant."
When researching potential wedding pros, what’s the easiest way to determine if a vendor or venue is LGBTQ+ friendly? "Your planner should be able to vouch for other equality-minded businesses. You can also look at the vendor’s website to see if any photos or information shows support for LGBTQ+ couples. If you love their work but fail to see obvious support of marriage equality on their online bio or gallery, send an email inquiring about their services."
Read more about finding LGBTQ-friendly pros here.

5 Wedding Superstitions You Can Totally Ignore

​Jealousy, evil spirits and bad luck omens? Puh-lease. Here are wedding day myths you can forget about—or put your own twist on.
by The Knot


There are a lot of wedding superstitions out there, both good and bad, but trying to keep up with them will only add to your wedding stress. Our advice? Forget about them. This list has all the silly superstitions that are perfectly okay to ignore—or to put your own twist on with a little creativity.

1. You can't see each other before the wedding.

The Superstition: Back in the day, couples weren't supposed to see each other until the last minute, so the groom didn't have the chance to change his mind. (We know—crazy, right?) This custom gradually morphed into the general idea that it was bad luck for a groom to see his bride on their wedding day.

Our Take: Today, some couples stick to tradition because they like the excitement and anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. But we say, do what makes you happy. We know lots of couples who've bucked tradition and stayed in the same room the night before, had breakfast together the morning of and (most conveniently) scheduled their joint photo session with their photographer before the ceremony. Nothing beats an emotional first look photo, and it'll help calm your nerves and up the excitement to have a moment together before your "I dos."

2. Steer clear of yellow roses (or you'll be green with envy).


The Superstition: During the Victorian era, The Language of Flowers—a book that assigned flowers different emotions and meanings—was popularized all over Europe. According to the volume, tulips stand for love and passion, and stephanotis means marital happiness. On the flip side, yellow roses were said to symbolize jealousy.
Our Take: If you love a flower, give it your own special meaning, especially if it has some significance to you, and don't worry a bit about what those Victorian florists would've said. We've seen some seriously gorgeous yellow floral arrangements (without a hint of jealousy in sight).

3. You're doomed if you drop the ring.
The Superstition: Get ready for this dramatic idea: As tradition goes, if someone dropped the ring during the ceremony, it meant that person would die.

Our Take: Obviously that's some grade A nonsense. But it does lead to another a good point—if you have a ring bearer handling your rings (especially one who's very young), make sure your wedding bands are tied tightly enough, and that you hand the ring pillow off to him at the last minute, just before he walks down the aisle. No, you're not doomed if the rings fall, but it could be a little awkward and stressful.
4. The bride has to be carried over the threshold.


The Superstition: Ancient Romans believed carrying the bride over the threshold of the couple's home protected her from evil spirits.
Our Take: Do it for fun when you get home from the honeymoon, if you want, as a nod to a harmless tradition. Or give it a contemporary twist: Walk hand in hand into your new home together instead. But we're pretty sure evil spirits have got nothing on you, so don't take this one too seriously.

5. Don't get married on a Saturday, in May or on the 13th of the month.


The Superstition: This actually refers to several superstitions. According to English folklore, Saturday is the unluckiest day of the week to marry, while Wednesday is supposed to be the best. But it looks like this myth hasn't affected anyone's preference for saying "I do" on a Saturday (it's by far the most popular day of the week to do it). The fear of marrying in May actually dates back to the Romans, who held their festival for the dead in May. There's even a nursery rhyme that reads, “Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day." And finally, there's the infamous unlucky number 13.
Our Take: Attempt to book your dream venue while following those calendar-related myths and you'll immediately understand why you should ignore them. Unless your family tradition dictates you find a lucky or auspicious wedding date, choose any beautiful wedding day that works for you, and don't look back.

The Top 20 Wedding Photography Mistakes Not to Make
​Here's what not to do, according to the pros themselves.
by The Knot

Not to play favorites—because we love all vendors—but your photographer is one of the most important pros you'll have at your wedding. After all, they're solely responsible for the wonderful wedding photos you'll get to pore over, cherish and have as a keepsake forever. 

And if you want those photos to be as perfect as possible, you're going to want to listen to what some professional photographers have to say. Read the biggest mistakes professional photographers have seen other couples make—so you can avoid them—below. 

1. Not Finalizing the Wedding Day Schedule"
Talk to your photographer before finalizing the schedule for your wedding day. There's a lot to consider in terms of photographing and natural light. Certain times of day are more photogenic than others (midday sun casts harsh, unflattering shadows on the face while late-day sun casts a beautiful, warm glow on everyone).

2. Not Sticking to the Finalized Schedule"
Pay attention and respect the schedule you and your photographer to your wedding. Being an hour late can make or break your images. Don't just assume it only takes 10 minutes.

3. Letting Relatives Get in the Way"
We have a name in the industry for a guest who shows up with pro photo equipment and takes 'unofficial wedding photos'—we call him Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob may think he's doing you a favor by taking more shots for the couple, but usually he just gets in the way and makes us miss our shots. Tell Uncle Bob to leave the camera at home and just enjoy his time at the wedding without working."

4. Not Explaining How You Like to Look in Photos
"Beauty is really very subjective. I ask my clients to send a photo of themselves before the wedding that they like and one that they don't."

5. Focusing Too Much on Taking Photos"
A good photojournalist can capture the story of their day and some artistic portraits while keeping time away from loved ones to a minimum."--


6. Not Getting a Second Shooter"
Sometimes couples want to save a little money or feel it's too obtrusive for more than one photographer to be present on the wedding day. But consider this: The second photographer offers another unique point of view throughout the entire day that you would not have had photographed [otherwise]."

7. Not Getting Help Organizing Your Guests"
Designate someone [trustworthy who] knows your family and friends to be in charge of organizing people for portraits. That person can gather the people needed, direct them on what shots they'll be in, and then release them when they're done. It keeps things moving quickly, smoothly and enjoyably."

8. Trying to Make Things "Perfect""
Just have fun. Whether it's getting a little cake on your face or some detail didn't turn out 100 percent like you'd hoped, go with it, have fun and keep smiling."

9. Skipping the First Look
"[In my opinion], a first look is so much better than trying to rush couple portraits after the ceremony—especially if your ceremony runs a bit late, which most do. You end up trying to rush to get to the party."

10. Trying to Pose"
A good photographer gives direction for a reason: to get the best moments and shots from the day. The best thing to do is relax and act natural. Be in the moment. Be hopelessly in love with each other—the pictures will turn out [amazing.]"

11. Waiting Too Long to Book Your Photographer"
If you find a great photographer, book them! Good photographers book a year or more out and won't be available forever. Nothing is more frustrating than choosing a wedding photographer and then finding out that they booked your date a week prior."

12. Looking at the Camera All the Time"
Some couples want candid photographs, but they always feel like they need to look up at the camera and stop what they're doing. It could be an instinct, but remember—unless the photographer asks you, try to act natural for the best journalistic shots."

13. Not Providing a List of "Don't Takes""
Let the photographer know before the wedding if there are certain photos you don't like. It can be anything from 'I don't like the photos you took of us not smiling' to 'I don't like wide-angle close-ups.' It totally throws off a photographer's creative approach when a bride or groom spills their feelings while you're in the zone."

14. Asking for Too Many Shots"
If clients have done their homework and choose an experienced, reputable wedding photographer, then chances are that photographer doesn't need a two-page spreadsheet of every combination for family portraits."

15. Not Choosing a Photographer You Connect With

"Make sure we get along. I work with clients for sometimes two years or more. If we don't get along, it's going to be a very long and bumpy ride."

16. Skipping the Engagement Session
"Engagement sessions increase the confidence and comfort level of the couple in front of the camera and allow them to practice having their photo taken in a fun, no-stakes atmosphere. Ultimately, an engagement session will let the couple see why the photographer might tell them to do something funny, and this leads to wedding day comfort and trust in the photographer."


17. Not Hiring a Professional Photographer"
Choose someone who's a professional, not just anyone with a digital camera and a website. Make sure the photographer you choose has an education as a photographer, has apprenticed or interned with other photographers and paid their dues, or has the experience and ability to consistently capture the moments of your wedding no matter what situations may arise."

18. Falling for Photography Trends
"Too many times, to-be-weds fall for something trendy in photography. It's critical your wedding images stand the test of time and are valued for each following generation. Trends are fun but rarely last. Look for a photographer with a [generally] classic shooting style, and be wary of too much Photoshop and digital tricks and manipulations."

19. Forgetting the Details"

Think about spending a few minutes to decide what other elements are important to photograph. Did your sister make special wedding favors? Are you carrying important heirlooms with you? Bring an extra invitation and try to keep those special elements easily accessible for photos."


20. Not Smiling—All the Time
"Tell all of the individuals walking down the aisle to look up and smile. If they're too nervous to smile, they should at least keep their head up and stare down the aisle. This helps keep the face from the [unflattering angle] that happens when you stare at the floor while walking."

Gay-Friendly Honeymoon Destinations

​These idyllic destinations (from Napa to the Caribbean) all have two things in common—they’re gay-friendly and make for the perfect newlywed retreat.
by the knot

1. 
   
   Las Vegas, Nevada
   Why It's Hot: Whether it's Britney Spears, Celine, or J. Lo, Sin City's got your favorite celebrity (or celeb impersonator) to serenade your new coupledom. Hit the jackpot at roulette, snag front-row seats to a Cirque de Soleil show, book the 16-course tasting menu at famed French spot Joel Robuchon or dance 'til dawn at Piranha Nightclub (it's situated in the heart of Las Vegas' so-called Fruit Loop). The nonstop party atmosphere is perfect for celebrating your nuptials.
   
   Where to Stay: Mega-hotel Mandalay Bay (often referred to as “Mandalay Gay," because of its popularity with gay couples) has one of the biggest (we're talking 11 acres!) and best pool complexes on the Strip. Lounge poolside on a cushioned chaise at the adults-only Moorea Beach Club, where European sunbathing (that's, ahem, topless) is de rigueur, thanks to frosted glass panes (MandalayBay.com).
   Find more hot US honeymoon destinations.
2. 
   
   
   Key West, Florida
   Why It's Hot: This colorful island (literally—local architectural gems are painted yellow, pink and turquoise) is like an eclectic paradise for honeymooners, with avant-garde art, theater and live music that ranges from salsa to show tunes. A drag queen or two only adds to the funky, warmhearted charm of the key, whose official motto is “One Human Family." Choose from a variety of couple-friendly activities: Take the gay and lesbian historic trolley tour of Key West; visit Ernest Hemingway's former-home-turned-museum; snorkel above the coral reefs or sip mojitos on palm-lined Duval Street, the nightlife hub.
   
   Where to Stay: Enjoy the old-world-meets-modern-luxury feel of the tropically inspired Hyatt Key West Resort & Spa, where each guest room has a private balcony. Toast your new union on a sunset sailboat cruise, book a relaxing couple's massage at the Jala Spa, and soak in the Gulf of Mexico breeze over locally-caught snapper and Key lime pie at the on-site restaurant, Shor (KeyWest.Hyatt.com).
   See more Florida honeymoon hotspots.


3. 
   
   
   Napa Valley, California
   Why It's Hot: With around 400 wineries, picturesque Napa Valley is the closest you can get to Tuscany sans passport. Whether you're wine connoisseurs or vino virgins, you'll enjoy meandering through the breathtaking vineyards, funky farmhouses and charming wine cellars, while sipping full-bodied cabernets, on a wine tour. For a break from the pinot, indulge in some pampering in Calistoga, known for its mud baths and volcanic hot springs. For dinner, share a romantic meal in your cozy fireside booth at Brannan's Grill.
   
   Where to Stay: Relax in a lavish king-size bed at Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, a luxe 12-room boutique property surrounded by vineyards. After stopping by the hotel's Magic Hour to sample local wines and cheeses, head up to your room for a soak in your oversize hydrotherapy tub (MillikenCreekInn.com).
   Find everything you need to know to plan your Napa Valley honeymoon.
4. 
   
   Waikiki, Hawaii
   Why It's Hot: Honolulu's famous urban beach is the ideal place to unwind. Take in the suntanned scene at Queen's Surf Beach in Kapiolani Park, arguably Hawaii's most popular gay beach, head to the less crowded surfing haven of Diamond Head beach. For the chance to celebrate and mingle with other couples, don't miss Hula's Bar & Lei Stand's weekly gay catamaran cruise.
   
   Where to Stay: The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa's 5.2 acres fronts the best stretch of the world-famous beach. Take a dip in two saltwater pools, work up a sweat at a Zumba class and get into the groove over mai tais with live Hawaiian entertainment at the open-air Moana Terrace (MarriottWaikiki.com).
   Check out more Hawaiian honeymoons.


5. 
   
   Beaver Creek, Colorado
   Why It's Hot: Naturally, winter is prime time to hit the slopes of this exclusive mountain enclave, but it's also an idyllic honeymoon spot in summer, spring or fall for hiking up Beaver Creek Mountain, horseback riding, river rafting and hitting up local music festivals. Or just kick back in a mountain-view hot tub with a bottle of champagne. 
   Where to Stay: Cozy up by the fireplace at the environmentally friendly Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain. Unwind in the outdoor heated lap pool and infinity hot tubs, or pamper yourselves with healing Rocky Mountain-inspired treatments, like the red-clover and mountain-honey body mask at the serene Spa Anjali. The hotel's mountain-view restaurant, Maya, features a modern take on Mexican cuisine, perfect for a romantic dinner a deux overlooking Eagle River and Beaver Creek Mountain (WestinRiverfrontBeavercreek.com).
   Check out other outdoorsy escapes.
6. 
   
   
   Iguazu Falls, Argentina
   Why It's Hot: Considered one of the world's natural wonders, unspoiled Iguazu is among the most magnificent waterfalls on earth. It's South America's take equivalent to Niagara, and the falls create a natural border between Argentina and Brazil. Wind through twisting hiking trails with unbeatable vistas, or arrange a canopy tour to explore the surrounding subtropical rain forest. For the most complete experience, tour the falls on both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides. Bonus: Buenos Aires is only a 90-minute flight south!
   
   Where to Stay: One of only a few full-service resorts on the Argentinean side of Iguazu is the posh Iguazu Grand Resort Spa & Casino. Beyond the 15 acres of gardens and waterfalls, enjoy a dip in one of the three outdoor pools before indulging in Argentinean barbecue at the onsite restaurant La Terraza and taking in a live cabaret show at Café Magic (IguazuGrandHotel.com).
   See more exotic honeymoons.
7. 
   
   Sedona, Arizona
   Why It's Hot: Spiritual and serene, Northern Arizona's breathtaking red-rock country is a romantic getaway for both the artsy and outdoorsy. Here, “relaxed" is the key word. Thanks to its high elevation, Sedona escapes the desert heat and serves as a year-round creative hub for dozens of galleries and festivals, not to mention its museum-quality sunsets. Feeling adventurous? Hop in a Jeep and take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, about 110 miles south.
   
   Where to Stay: Book a two-room suite at Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, with a separate living room and private patio for lounging. Embrace the landscape with a tai chi class or desert lotus massage at the spa (HiltonSedonaResort.com).
   Find more great honeymoon spots in the US
8. 
   Why It's Hot: This eclectic, culture-rich Dutch Caribbean island has a laid-back “live and let live" philosophy, making it a welcome spot for gay couples. Plus, its position below the hurricane belt means year-round sun. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the island's charming capital, Willemstad, is worthy of an afternoon stroll. Go snorkeling or diving, or explore Curacao's world-famous underwater life in the Curasub, a sleek mini-submarine that takes you up to 1,000 feet below the sea's surface to reveal gorgeous coral, shipwrecks and exotic fish. For a night on the town, try a candlelit dinner at Bistro le Clochard in the historic Rif Fort.
   
   Where to Stay: The luxe beachfront Santa Barbara Beach & Gold Resort offers a complete escape on the picturesque Santa Barbara plantation. With three chic outdoor pools, waterfront restaurants offering white-sand views and an 18-hole golf course, there's not much reason to leave the compound if you don't want to (SantaBarbaraResortCuracao.com).
   Find more beach honeymoons.
9. 
   
   Where to Stay: Tucked away in exclusive Troy Hill, shacking up at Queen's Gardens Resort is like staying at a friend's to-die-for island home—except this elegant hideaway is set in the middle of the rainforest at 1,200 feet above sea level. Book one of the 12 well-designed suites (each span an entire floor) and gaze out onto the sapphire-colored sea. (QueenSaba.com).
   Check out 50 other hot honeymoon destinations.
   
   Why It's Hot: Twenty-eight miles east of bustling St. Maarten, this romantic and secluded island is known as the “unspoiled queen" of the Caribbean. You won't get masses of sun-deprived tourists here—just welcoming locals and plenty of privacy. See pretty black-eyed Susans (the national flower) on a hike up Mount Scenery, explore the village's gingerbread-like houses and picnic on the black-sand beach.

Honeymoon PlanningPlanningSame Sex CeremonyUnited StatesUS + CanadaLGBTQ+

Engagement Party Planning Basics

​Whether you're the hosts or guests of honor, read our engagement party primer for everything you need to know.
by The Knot

What It's For

People will want to congratulate you on your engagement, and let's be real: A party's a lot more fun than a phone call! It's also a great time to introduce key people from your lives who are going to be seeing a lot of each other (and possibly helping plan your wedding together) over the next year or so. "It's the first time you’ll have different groups of friends and generations really getting to know each other in a more intimate way," says celebrity wedding planner Jung Lee of Fête NY.

Who Hosts

Traditionally, the bride's parents host the first official celebration, then, the groom's parents can throw their own party. A less traditional, but perhaps more appealing option, is to have both sets of parents come together to cohost an event. However, these days, more couples are tossing tradition aside altogether and throwing the engagement party themselves (just keep in mind that if you're doing the inviting, it's your responsibility to foot the bill too). Friends of the couple can also host (and may even volunteer to), but before you ask, be conscious of the financial implications.
When to Have It

The engagement party should fall within a few months of the proposal—otherwise known as the sweet spot between carefree, just-engaged life and the start of serious wedding planning. You'll want to give guests about a month's notice, so we suggest getting those invites out a couple months after the proposal.

Whose Turf to Have It On

The location really depends on who throws the party. If your hosts are local, you will likely be celebrating in your city, but if they live out of state, you may want to have it in their city. It comes down to discussing it with the hosts and figuring out the logistics to make it easier on everyone involved. Say you live in New York, but most of your family and friends live in Chicago: You may decide to have your party in your hometown (and enlist someone local to help you plan), host it in your current locale or even throw two parties. Just beware of tiring out your guests and bridal party with too many invitations before the wedding day is even close. Also, when picking the party location, consider where you plan to have your wedding—you may not want to ask guests to travel twice. “More of my clients are having multiple engagement celebrations because their friends and family are spread all around the country, but everybody wants to honor them," Lee says.

Where to Have It

Depending on how many people you want to invite, you can make an engagement party work almost anywhere—it's really up to the hosts. When choosing the venue, think about the vibe you want to create: If you like the idea of having a more elegant affair, you might want to rent out a private room at a restaurant, country club or wine bar. For something more low-key, a house, backyard or favorite local dive might be a better choice.

Whom to Invite

Etiquette used to state that you weren't to invite anyone to the engagement party whom you weren't inviting to the wedding, case closed. But now more couples live and/or host their nuptials far from their families and friends, and the formality of engagement parties is evolving, so expectations have changed. Engagement parties can now often include people who aren't invited to the wedding. If your friends want to plan an informal party at a neighborhood bar and email the invites a few weeks before, it's totally fine to include people you aren't sure will end up making the wedding guest list (coworkers, newer friends). And if your parents' good friends want to host a cocktail party at their home in your honor, let your parents invite mutual friends and business associates you might not have room for at your wedding.

However, if you two or your parents are hosting, the old rule sticks: When the wedding hosts send the engagement party invitation, it's considered part of the official wedding parties and guests assume they're invited to the wedding too. To avoid a sticky situation later, start working on your wedding guest list now. Then trim the engagement party list down to your wedding party, immediate family and closest friends.

How to Invite

Feel free to keep the invitations simple. You can even make them yourselves or send out a digital invite. If you've chosen your invitation designer already, see if they'll give you a special rate on engagement party invites. Don't worry if you haven't settled on a color palette or don't have a wedding date in mind yet—your engagement party invitations don't have to match the rest of your stationery. Also, make sure you have most of your wedding website done before the engagement party invitations are sent out so you can include the URL. The website is the easiest, and most subtle, way to spread word about your registry in case guests want to bring you a gift. You don’t have to have the whole site complete—just a link to your registry, a few photos and the story of your proposal (don’t forget to submit it to How He Asked!) will do.

What to Serve

​There's no need to plan a five-course meal with a four-hour open bar. Anything from passed appetizers or tasting menu stations to a family-style buffet or casual cookout will work. Or get creative and serve up dishes that share something about you. "I had a bride and groom known for having Sunday Mexican dinners, so they had margaritas, mini fish tacos and great guacamole—it just made sense and was a genuine touch," Lee says. As for dessert, serve it if you'd like, but it doesn't have to be cake. Consider gourmet ice cream sandwiches, assorted baked goods or seasonal treats like candy apples or cotton candy.

How to Set the Scene

While of course it's fine for the décor and details to reflect your wedding colors and theme, like your invites, don't feel like you have to rush to choose them just so your engagement party can match. You might even consider picking a style and theme that are completely different from your wedding day to mix things up. If you're planning a formal ballroom wedding, go for a laid-back backyard party with vibrant colors and an outdoor setting to celebrate your engagement. Just a few small arrangements from your local florist can dress up any space (and it's a great way to try out a potential florist for the wedding). However, the real trick is not to upstage the wedding. So if you're envisioning a casual beach wedding with simple décor, a fancy cocktail party at a swanky hotel with over-the-top centerpieces might make that beach bash feel like a bit of a letdown.

What to Wear

Your wardrobe will depend on the setting of the party. For brides-to-be, aside from the obvious (don’t wear an evening gown to a backyard barbecue), keep it simple enough that you don’t outdo your wedding look, but special enough that you still stand out. As for the grooms, while you don’t have to wear a suit and tie or a tux, you should match your partner in formality. And if you have a specific dress code for guests, make a note of it on the invitation.

Why Your Photographer Won’t Hand Over RAW Files
Almost every photographer has been asked for RAW files by their customers at one point or another.

For some, it can be hard to understand why their photographer has refused to part ways with their RAW files, but know that your photographer is not trying to be difficult. They have several good reasons why they don’t just hand over all the photos that were taken during your shoot.

When you’re working with a photographer during a shoot, you’ll notice that they’re constantly snapping away. This is because not all of the images come out perfectly. Sometimes a specific pose or scenario needs to be shot multiple times just to get one good shot. A professional photographer spends a lot of time sorting through all of the images that were taken during a shoot to select the best shots.

Once the best photos have been chosen, they are brought to life through post process editing with professional editing software. This stage which takes a lot of time and results in the beautiful end product that is handed over to you. If your photographer had to give you the RAW files you wouldn’t be seeing the end result.

You’d also be surprised at how many people want the RAW files in order to alter the photos themselves. If that individual then chose to share those photos after making their own adjustments, the integrity of your photographer’s work is put at risk.

Something else to keep in mind is that RAW files are huge and you need a lot of memory to store them. You might also find that you don’t have the proper software available at home to view this type of file,  so again you would be sitting with megabytes of files that you can’t do anything with.
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When you hire a professional photographer you’re putting your trust in their abilities. You need to trust that the photos they hand over to you are a result of their hard work, experience and eye for the perfect shot.