Fresh off their engagement, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie jetsetted to the tropical Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. But the couple wasn't looking for a romantic retreat-the trip was very much a family vacation with each of the six little Jolie-Pitts in attendance. The famous duo rarely travels without their children and even takes turns working on films so they can stick together. With that in mind, we asked Rachel Jacoby, a hotel expert at Oyster.com, to suggest luxurious-and kid-friendly-destinations for a honeymoon that's sure to be a family affair. These five spots offer much sought after seclusion, over-the-top luxury, as well as plenty of amenities to keep the youngsters entertained.
Related: Have You Seen the Obama's Wedding Photos?
Hotel Le Bristol (Paris, France)
This 88-room haven first opened its doors in 1925 and has since maintained its reputation as one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Paris. Hotel Le Bristol's amazing amenities
Blog Posts by BRIDES
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie-Inspired Honeymoons
By BRIDES | Love + Sex – Thu, May 17, 2012 3:12 PM EDTPhilip B. Crook, BRIDES
Predicting what Angelina Jolie will wear to marry Brad Pitt later this year begins with first deciding what Angelina Jolie we're talking about. We asked some of our favorite designers to dream up fantasy gowns for the megastar's nuptials, and she offers no shortage of inspiring personas for them to choose from, be it the tattooed rebel with bleach blonde locks, the ultra-sexy movie star slinking down the red carpet, or the global activist balancing work with motherhood. See how nine designers-including Lela Rose, Watters, and Angel Sanchez-interpreted Jolie's style into wedding-day looks fit for Hollywood royalty.
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Read More »from Angelina Jolie's Wedding GownElizabeth Swanson, BRIDES
Mix in-laws and out-of-town guests with your own pre-wedding nerves, then add alcohol and public speaking-what's not to love about the second-biggest party you'll ever throw? Our step-by-step plan to kicking the weekend off right. Cheers!
Read More »from How-to: The Rehearsal Dinner
1. WORK WITH YOUR WEDDING
"Think of the rehearsal dinner and the reception as parts of one event-the wedding weekend," says Richard Nix Jr., owner of Butler's Pantry Catering & Events, in St. Louis. Having a formal wedding? Consider complementing it with a more low-key event. A huge trend is to serve up regional comfort foods, like a lobster boil or pig roast. "We threw a Vices of Virginia dinner before a Halloween wedding in The Plains," says Maria Cooke of Ritzy Bee Events, in Washington, D.C. "There were local wines, oysters, bourbon milkshakes, and a cigar roller. It was totally sinful, and guests loved it."
2. DO THE MATH
The average cost of a rehearsal dinner is $1,330-about one-twentieth of the price
Each month, Brides will feature inspiration boards for three different bridal themes. So far we've shared a fresh, floral garden wedding blooming with pretty details and a breezy, beach wedding worthy of a sea goddess. The final inspiration board from our May 2012 issue takes the classic ballroom soirée to glamorous new heights. Rhinestone encrusted Badgley Mischka pumps and a billowing organza and tulle gown set the stage for a high drama that looks best when accented with lots of bling.More from BRIDES:
48 Creative Wedding Flower IdeasCelebrity-Inspired Wedding Hair and Makeup
Wedding Dress Trend: Sexy Backs
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Read More »from 7 Style Elements for a Ballroom Wedding
Can You Ask Wedding Guests Not to Wear a Certain Color?
By BRIDES | Love + Sex – Fri, May 11, 2012 11:37 AM EDTPhoto: Courtesy of J.Crew Lisa Birnbach, BRIDES
We asked The Official Preppy Handbook's Lisa Birnbach to field your bridal dilemmas. Listen up, ladies. Her tips will help you keep your sanity-and friendships-in tact.
Related: Have You Seen the Obama's Wedding Photos?
"Can I ask people not to wear a certain color? My dress is a nontraditional color, and I want to be the only one wearing it." -LaTashijuna D. of L.A., via Facebook
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Dear LaTashijuna,
There's no way to gracefully make that request. It cannot appear on your invitation. And it would ruin the surprise of your unconventional choice. Assuming you'll be the only one walking down the aisle with a bouquet (and possibly a veil?), you can safely expect to be the star of the show, whether or not you're the only one wearing said color. Life is full of surprises, and even brides can't control everything (though we don't blame you for trying).
-Lisa Birnbach
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48 Creative Read More »from Can You Ask Wedding Guests Not to Wear a Certain Color?Photo: Jill Thomas Photography Arielle Shipper, BRIDES
Hold off on your bulk order of Jordan almonds. We asked four top event planners for their best tips on creating thoughtful wedding favors your guests will love.
Read More »from 10 Tips for Creating Amazing Wedding Favors
1. Make it personal
Look at your own story and what's special to you. For one formerly Belgian couple that relocated to San Diego, Aleah and Nick Valley, SoCal-based planners, sourced authentic Belgian chocolates and paired them with sweets purchased from the candy shop the coupled visited on their first date.
Related: Have You Seen the Obama's Wedding Photos?
2. Spotlight your guests
Use favors as a way to get laughs and make the conversation flow over dinner. NYC-based Jennifer Brisman's brides have dug up old photos of each guest to frame and use as escort card-favors.
3. Match your wedding theme
The Valleys did one San Diego destination wedding for an Arizona couple where favors (above) were air plants, specially packaged so guests were able to fly home with them.
4. DoCN Digital StudioLisa Birnbach, BRIDES
We asked The Official Preppy Handbook's Lisa Birnbach to field your bridal dilemmas. Listen up, ladies. Her tips will help you keep your sanity-and friendships-in tact.
Read More »from How to Deal with a No-Show Wedding Guest
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What should I do with a guest who cancels the day before or just doesn't show up, and then gives a weak excuse? -Clarita H. of St. Louis, via e-mail
Related: Have You Seen the Obama's Wedding Photos?
Dear Clarita,
I am constantly amazed by the rudeness of seemingly nice people. A wedding isn't a book-club meeting. There's sure to be one disappointment that day: a friend whose babysitter cancels or a relative who has a travel-related snafu. Your guest may decide it would be better not to disturb you on the morning of your wedding. (This is why there are florists and liquor stores that will bundle something lovely to give with the bad news.) If the guest still sends a gift-as is proper-your thank-you note could include a line about how
Read More »from What Your Wedding Invitation Says About YouPhoto: Philip FlicksBRIDES
What does your invitation's font say about your personality? Pum Lefebure, Cofounder of Design Army, a D.C.-based graphic-design firm, deconstructs the lettering on five invites.
Clockwise from top left:
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Stylish and Romantic
"I call the tiny block typeface here [Sackers Gothic] 'the fashionista's font.' Marc Jacobs uses it on printed material. The little arrow on the 'and' does a nice job of evoking Cupid in place of a heart, which would be cheesy."
Letterpress invite with gold-foil stamping, $2,400 for 100 (includes RSVPs and envelopes), chereeberry.com.
Arty and Understated
"Simple lettering lets the art stand out. The Helvetica typeface is what designers reach for again and again. We call it 'the Honda of fonts,' and even Grandma can read it."
Thermography-printed invite with custom die-cut foliage, $3,000 for 100 (includes rehearsal-dinner cards, RSVPs, thank-you notes, and lined envelopes), lusciousverde.com.
Related: HaveYour wedding day to-dos-and when to do them.
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Read More »from Your Wedding Day To-DosPhillip B. Crook, BRIDES
Take the plunge in pearls, shells, and a sea-goddess gown
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Read More »from Get the Look: Beach Weddings
