Back to School

Image via Zacks Dance Loft

Who said going back to school has to be boring? Check out the listings in your area and do a group class together. It could be a cooking or a baking class, a cocktail-making class (which is bound to be fun for all involved) or even a pole dancing class. It is a great way to get some bonding time together and who knows, you might even learn a thing or two in the process.

The Great Outdoors

Image via Laurel and Wolf

If the bride is into the great outdoors, what better way to spend the bachelorette weekend than on a camping trip? We’ll be upfront with you – camping would not be our definition of fun. It’s the bugs you see, bugs get us every single time (especially mosquitoes). For our BFF though we would suck it up (and come equipped with plenty of bug repellent). Glamping however… now glamping we can do. You still get the big outdoors with plenty of activities and the added bonus of all the creature’s comforts.

High Tea

Image via The Peninsula Beverly Hills

If you are in the mood for something more sophisticated, why not go for an afternoon high tea? The spread at The Peninsula Beverly Hills would put Downtown Abbey to shame. Choose between 19 loose leaf tea blends, enjoy the delicate sandwiches, mouth-watering pastries and a glass of champers.

Give Back

Image via Ms Career Girl

It is easy to get caught up in our daily life stuff. And sometimes we forget how good it feels to give back. A lovely way to celebrate the bride’s special day would be to organize a volunteer day with her favorite charity. Or if you are looking for something closer to home it could be a volunteer day at the local hospital, retirement home, animal shelter or soup kitchen.

Bliss Out

Image via Gilt City

If in doubt why not go for tried and tested favorites? And what’s better than a relaxing day at the spa? Wedding planning is stressful, your friend is bound to appreciate some chill out time. Go for a decadent massage, have a rejuvenating facial or try a treatment you haven’t tried before. At Ole Henriksen Spa you can have your pick of the latest and most decadent treatments for the whole body (their Red Carpet Hydrafacial sounds amazing). And after you reach your zen state why not hit up a plush hotel, have a decadent (and boozy) lunch and soak in the views? The London West Hollywood is a couple of blocks away and they have a rooftop pool. Hey – we are just being service-y!

Get Your Groove On

Image via Pinterest

If the bride is a fan of live music a great way to celebrate is going to see her favorite act in concert. For the truly hardcore live music fan you could check out the local dive bar and catch some indie bands. If you want to make a weekend out of it hit up a music festival (although do remember to pack plenty of wipes. You can thank us for that nugget of wisdom later).

Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Image via Viator

Who doesn’t like a good scavenger hunt? You can create a scavenger hunt based on the bride’s favorite spots. Or the couple’s favorite spots. Or it can be a simple scavenger hunt that will involve running around town collecting things. Because come on – who doesn’t like riddles?

Hair-Raising Adventure

Image via Surfer Today

For the bride who likes her adventures adrenaline charged options are endless. You could try rock climbing, zip lining or surfing. If you are feeling especially daring why not try sky diving? That is one memory that is bound to stay with you long after the nuptials.

Scream Your Head Off

Image via CNN

Theme parks seem to be a favorite for bachelor parties. And to that we say pfffffffff! Who doesn’t like a good roller-coaster we ask you? Or a creepy haunted house? And let’s not forget all the junk food.

In our book, there is one thing that is definitely worth obsessing about. The delicious, delectable, scrumdiddlyumptious Wedding Cake! (like you even had to ask). Pardon us, while we soothe our sweet tooth. Cake is always important. Wedding cake trends tend to ebb and flow, but this year’s artistic design trends are where it’s at.

The Geode

One wedding cake trend that is rocking the Instagram at the moment? Geode wedding cakes. The trend was started by Australian pastry chefs, but plenty of pastry chefs all over the world are getting in on the game. Now you are all – what is a geode?

Geodes are volcanic rocks. And they look like normal rocks. Until they are split open and a gorgeous crystal interior is revealed. Geode cakes look pretty and they taste lovely too. The geode is a combination of sugar-rock crystals, modeling chocolate and hand painting. Lest you think this type of cake can be whipped up over night, think again. In order to grow the smaller sugar crystals it will take about three days and for larger crystals it can take up to a week.

Cake done by Intricate Icings Cake Design Image Ali Brannan via Brides

Image via Writicial

Cake tigerlilycakes Image via Shout.sg

Image via Johnson Custom Cakes

Image (and cake done) by Carrie at carriescakes.com

The Ombre

There were ombre manicures. Then there was ombre hair. Now ombre has become one of the hottest wedding cake trends too. Chances are you will not be doing your wedding cake yourself. But for any passionate bakers out there who might be curious how the effect is achieved – it’s all about the frosting and the food dye.

You divide the frosting and add the food dye to get different shades of color. To smooth out the frosting and get a nice gradient layer takes some skill. If we are honest – a lot of skill. It involves piping bags and spatulas and making sure the colors do not mix together so you’ll need intermediate baking skills at the very least. The beauty of an ombre cake is not only it looks stunning, it is easy to match with your wedding’s color scheme. Also there is plenty of room to get creative – you can go for bold, rich, vibrant hues or you can opt for paler tones if you want a more traditional look.

Image via One Wed

Image via Delicious Cakes

Image via The Bride Link

Image C Baron Photography via Style Me Pretty

Image via My London Wedding Planner

Watercolor

It does not get more artistic than a watercolor wedding cake. Just think about it – anything can serve as an inspiration. It can be your favorite painting. Or a flower. Or a pattern. The sky is the limit. Watercolor wedding cakes can be done with both buttercream and fondant frosting. Do bare in mind however that if you would prefer a fancier design fondant is easier to paint on.

Image by ArtbyAsh photography Design by Girly Trend Design

Image and cake design by cakewhisperer.ca

Image by Mango Studio via Deer Pearl Flowers

Image via Decor Amor

Image Kristy May via Crazy For Us

Image via James Hamilton’s YouTube channel

1.  SCOTLAND – The Blackening of the Bride                                                               In some parts of Scotland people still practice custom called “the blackening of the bride”. What does it involve? (and yeah, don’t even get us started on the name). The bride’s friends will get together and throw all manner of nastiness at her (from spoiled milk to eggs, flour, even fish and soot). Then they proceed to tie the bride-to-be to a tree. This custom is practiced in order to chase away the evil spirits. But it is also said that if the bride can handle this custom, she can handle anything (marriage included). Sometimes the groom will receive the same treatment (since we are all about equality, we think it is only fair).

Image via Myday.ynet.co.il

2.  POLAND – The Money Dance

The following custom originated in Poland in the 1990s but to be fair – the money dance isn’t exclusive to Poland (the custom is practiced in various forms in a number of countries all over Eastern Europe). When the bride goes to dance with her father, a relative will take an apron and walk around with it. The wedding party guests can then place money in the apron in order to get a chance to dance with the bride. Likewise the female guests in attendance can pay money to have the opportunity to dance with the groom.

Image via Finch &Co

3.  FIJI – A Whales Tooth Gift

You plan to ask your father-to-be for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Sounds simple enough. OK, it might be a bit nerve wracking, but not that bad. Wrong. In Fiji you are expected to bring along a whale’s tooth as a gift. Where do you find a whale’s tooth? We don’t have a clue. Talk about impossible to shop for.

Image via La Crosse Tribune

4.  FRANCE – Banging of Pots and Pans

The custom of charivari dates back to the Middle Ages and it originated in France. Family and assorted friends will gather outside of the newlyweds’ home on the first night of their marriage. They will proceed to bang on pots and pans in order to show their approval for the marriage. It is expected of the newlyweds to treat the crowd with drinks. In some countries the custom goes under the name shivaree. Charivari wasn’t always benign in its nature. Sometimes it was used by the community members that wanted to voice their displeasure about adulterous relationships, when the man was violent or when a marriage was a result of an unsuitable match – for example when a much older widower married a young woman. It was used as a way to shun people from the community.

Image via James Cowan’s YouTube channel

5.  SOUTH KOREA – Beating of the Feet

Falaka is a wedding custom practiced in South Korea. After the bride and groom are married and before the groom is allowed to leave with the bride, he needs to get his feet beaten. Family members or groomsmen will remove his shoes and socks and bound his feet. Then they will proceed to beat his feet with a stick or dried fish. While it might sound cruel it is not, the custom is meant to be in good humor. The purpose is to make sure the groom doesn’t disappoint on his wedding night.

Image via Marigold Events

6.  INDIA – Stealing the Groom’s Shoes

The best way to get families to bond? Have them fight over a shoe. In some parts of India people observe the tradition called Joota Chupai. The groom will take off his shoes on his walk to the altar. The bride’s family will then try to steal the shoes, while the groom’s family will do their best to prevent them.

Image via Turnupgear

7.  GERMANY – Cleaning up Smashed Porcelain

In Germany it is customary for the wedding party guests to bring all sorts of porcelain stuff to the wedding – from dishes to pots and cups. They proceed to smash them on the floor in order to ward off the evil spirits. It is then bride and groom’s duty to clean it all up. The moral of this custom? If the couple works together they can overcome any challenge.

Image via Slavorum.org

8. RUSSIA – Biting of the Bread

After the wedding ceremony Russian newlyweds will have a bread called karavaya. It is decorated with interlocking rings to symbolize faithfulness and wheat that symbolizes prosperity. They have to take a bite out of the bread without using their hands. The person who takes a bigger bite will be the head of the family.

Image via Four Seasons Magazine

9. CHINA – Teasing the Groom

In China your girlfriends got your back. It is customary in China for bridesmaids to give the groom a hard time on his wedding day. They will pose him challenges, tests, ask questions about the bride and generally tease him. And to top it all off he will have to bribe them with envelopes stuffed with cash.

Image via Brides.com

10.  IRELAND – Keeping your Dancing Feet on the Ground

The bride and groom’s dance can be nerve-wrecking as it is (especially if you are less than a stellar dancer). In Ireland? The bride has to remember to keep her feet on the floor at all times. Otherwise it is believed that the fairies will take her away.

We have rounded up the most luxurious honeymoon suites, cottages and tents (yes, tents!) for your consideration. And please share your honeymoon stories in the comments below – where you went, why you chose that particular destination and did it live up to the hype.

1.  Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Little Torch Key, Florida Keys, Florida

Image via Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is located on a private island and it is only reachable by a boat or a plane. It is an ideal place for any couples who want to unplug – cellphone use is discouraged and there is no TV in any of the suites. It is also ideal for couples who want maximum privacy (and one of the reasons why the resort is so popular with celebrities). All of the suites are beautifully appointed and most have ocean views. Take advantage of the spa available on the premises or enjoy some fine dining at the resort’s restaurant. It is easy to avoid other people and get lost in a tropical paradise.

2.  Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Image via Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa

Offering stunning views of the Paradise Valley Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain is an ideal place to relax, unplug and recharge. Pick one of the chic suites or one of the casitas (if you want more privacy) and enjoy the serenity of the Paradise Valley. If you need some pampering Sanctuary Resort Spa will not disappoint – it offers an extensive range of Asian inspired treatments that will have you reach Zen state in no time. Play a game of tennis, do some yoga or enjoy a long nature walk on one of the hiking trails. The elements restaurant at the resort is headed by Chef Beau MacMillan (a Food Network star) who uses local, organic produce to put together a delicious and diverse menu. Did we mention Beyonce and Jay Z mini-mooned at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa? Yes, there’s that. If it is good enough for Queen Bey…

3.  San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara, California

Image via San Ysidro Ranch

San Ysidro Ranch, located on the foothills of Montecito in Southern California, is a combination of luxury and natural beauty that has been attracting guests from all over for over a century (Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier got married at one of the gardens). If you want a crazy romantic spot to spend your honeymoon it does not get better than the Kennedy Cottage. This stone cottage offers spectacular views from your private deck, luxuriously appointed rooms, an outdoor rain shower and a hot tub. The reason it is called the Kennedy cottage? This is where Jackie and John Kennedy honeymooned in 1953.

4.  Meadwood Napa Valley Resort

Image via Meadwood

If you want a romantic escape in the Napa Valley, Meadwood will deliver on all counts. It is located in a private valley and you can take your pick between spacious rooms, gorgeous cottages or chic suites. If you want to go all out? Estate Suite should do the trick. Airy and sunny Estate Suite has a private terrace that offers sweeping views of the valley and the forest. If there is a bit of a chill in the air, start a fire and curl up in front of the fireplace. If it is warm, enjoy your dinner on the terrace. Meadwood Napa Valley Resort offers plenty of activities – enjoy a game of tennis or croquet, go for a hike or a swim or treat yourself to a pampering session at the newly opened spa. Last but not least – each afternoon the resort organizes a wine tasting and you can explore the best wines Napa Valley has to offer.

5.  Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Image via Post Ranch Inn

1200 feet above the Pacific on the cliffs of Big Sur you will find the Post Ranch Inn. Make no mistake – Post Ranch Inn is the perfect destination for a luxurious escape, a place to rest, rejuvenate and recharge. But it is the stunning views of the Big Sur coastline that will take your breath away. If you can stare at the view for hours, book a Coast House. Inspired by the redwood trees and circular in design, the Coast House is as private as it gets. And you can enjoy the view from the living room, the bed or the tub (!). If you can tear yourself away from the view, there are plenty of activities available to keep you busy – go for a morning yoga session, enjoy a nature walk, go on a culinary tour with the chef or do some star gazing.

6.  The Four Seasons Hotel, New York

Image via Four Seasons Hotel New York

With its superb location in Midtown Manhattan at The Four Seasons Hotel you will be steps away from the best New York has to offer. If budget is of no concern, book yourself into the Ty Warner Penthouse Suite. Located on the 52nd floor it offers a 360 degree panoramic view of Manhattan from the four cantilevered glass balconies. The suite was designed by Peter Marino and I.M. Pei who hand picked the art displayed in the suite. At your disposal you will have a personal butler and unlimited caviar and champagne. If you want to get around the town in style you can do so in a Rolls-Royce Phantom (your personal chauffeur is included).

7.  Amangiri, Utah

Image via Amangiri

Utah is not the first destination that comes to mind when someone says honeymoon. But Amangiri, located in the Canyon Point in Utah, is a sight to behold. Yes, it is remote. But due to its location (in the middle of the Grand Circle), it is within easy reach of Zion National Park, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. Take your pick between one of the luxurious suites that offer breathtaking views of the dessert, the mountains and the mesas (we are partial to both the Amangiri suite and the Girijaala Suite). There is plenty to do at the resort and the surrounding area – go for a horseback ride, do some climbing, go kayaking at Lake Powell or check out the fossils at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. For the early risers there is the option of an early morning hot balloon ride to take in the dawn views of the desert and the mountains.

8.  Twin Farms, Vermont

Image via Twin Farms

Located on the sprawling 300 acres near Barnard in Vermont you will find Twin Farms. Book yourself in one of the cozy and whimsically appointed cottages and enjoy the views from your private porch no matter the season. And there is plenty to do at the property as well – from sledding, ice skating and cross-country skiing in the winter, to canoeing, fly fishing and hiking in the spring and summer. You can do all of this and more while enjoying some of the most stunning scenery Vermont has to offer.

9.  The London West Hollywood, Los Angeles

Image via The London West Hollywood

If there is one place that knows lavish it’s Hollywood. And it doesn’t get more lavish than The Penthouse Suite at the London West Hollywood. The design might have been inspired by Vivienne Westwood, but there is no mistaking that breezy, laid back, luxurious Californian vibe. Did we mention that the Penthouse Suite spreads out over 2 floors? Why yes, you get 2 floors all to yourself! The main attraction (apart from the bathroom which can be described by one world only – OMG!) is your private terrace that offers unprecedented views of L.A.’s skyline, ample space for lounging or entertaining and your own fire pit.

10.  Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel, California

Image via Bernardus Lodge & Spa

An hour away from San Jose and San Francisco and tucked away among 28 acres of vineyards, gardens and orchards you will find Bernardus Lodge & Spa. Whether you consider yourself a foodie, need a bit of pampering or you would like to sample the best wines Carmel has to offer, you can find all of these and more at the resort. For maximum privacy opt for one of the villas that offer the ultimate in ranch chic accommodation. At your disposal you will have your own private terrace AND two private bath patios with outdoor showers. Take in the views of the Santa Lucia Mountains, relax, breathe in and enjoy.

11.  Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

Image via Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Hawaii is a popular honeymoon destination. But if you want the best of the best book yourself into Four Seasons, Hualalai. One of the main attractions of the resort is the King’s Pond – 1.8-million gallon “aquarium” that has been carved out of the natural lava rock and is home to more than 4000 tropical fish. If you want secluded (it is your honeymoon after all) the best choice is the Hawaii Loa Presidential villa. Housed in a single story bungalow this villa is situated directly on the oceanfront and offers stunning views, direct access to the beach and a lanai with your own private hot tub. Watch the sunset or catch the migration of the humpback whales (if you are lucky).

12.  The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

Image via The Resort at Paws Up

The Resort at Paws Up is located on a working cattle ranch that covers 37.000 acres in Western Montana. Take in the big skies and the rugged natural beauty all the while enjoying yourself in the lap of luxury. The Resort at Paws Up is known as the premier destination for glamping (glam + camping) in the United States. It is camping unlike any you have experienced before. The honeymoon tents are located at the Cliffside Camp, a soaring cliff that overlooks the spot where Blackfoot River and Elk Creek meet. The tents offer maximum privacy and the ultimate luxury – from air conditioning to luxurious en suite bathrooms, you will not miss any of the creature’s comforts. The resort is a wilderness playground for all ages – go horseback riding, fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, boating, rafting – the options are almost endless.

1.  Cuyana Leather iPad Sleeve

Image via Cuyana

How gorgeous are these Cuyana leather iPad sleeves? Made from supple pebbled Italian leather and with padded lining, they come in 7 different colors (we are partial to coral). For $10 you have the option to have them monogrammed with the initials of your bridal party guests.

2.  Monica Vinader Fiji Friendship Bracelet

Image via Monica Vinader

Monica Vinader is a jewelry designer with a huge celebrity following. Alicia Vikander, Kate Winslet and Solange Knowles have all been spotted wearing one of her pieces. Our favorite? The grown up version of the friendship bracelet – Fiji Friendship Bracelet. What we love is how personalized the options are – choose your finish (between gold or rose gold), the color (19 colors to choose from) and for that final touch take advantage of the complimentary engraving service. Your friends are bound to love it.

3.  Coach double-zip phone wallet in edgestain leather

Image via Coach

This Coach double-zip phone wallet is made from scratch-resistant crossgrain leather and it has got to be one of the most cheerful and colorful wallets we have ever seen. Prettiness aside, we love how functional it is. It has 9 credit card pockets, a phone compartment and a wrist strap.  Who doesn’t love a wrist strap?

4.  Kindle with a pre-loaded reading list

Image via Amazon

We LOVE the idea of gifting your friends with a Kindle that includes your favorite reading list (idea courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings). Load the Kindle with your favorites books – it could be the classics (Jane Austen comes to mind), it could be contemporary chick lit (we profess our undying love for anything Marian Keyes) or it could be zombies (we kid. Sort of. Hey, no shame here if you like zombies). But there is nothing better than sharing the books you love with the people you love.

5.  A Mason Pearson brush

Image via Mason Pearson

All Mason Pearson brushes are made to order using techniques that were perfected by the founder over a hundred years ago. We love how you can customize it down to the last detail – pick your preferred bristle type, model size and color to give your friends a hairbrush unlike any they have owned before.

6.  Diptyque Create Your Own 3 mini Candle Set

Image via Diptyque

If you ask us – you can never (ever!) go wrong with giving someone a Diptyque candle. This set comes in a beautiful gift box and lets you choose 3 Diptyque’s scented mini candles. Pick your favorite scent (or your friend’s favorite scent) and watch their eyes light up when they spot the signature Diptyque logo, Diptyque Paris that is.

7.  Jo Malone hand and body wash/lotion

Image via Jo Malone

Our logic is that the best gifts are the ones you wouldn’t normally get for yourself (if that makes sense). And what is more decadent than a luxurious body wash and lotion? For truly luxurious bodycare your first port of call should be Jo Malone. Spoil your friends rotten with a body wash and lotion in one of Jo Malone’s signature scents.

8.  Ole Henriksen BRIGHTEN + GLOW spa gift set

Image via Ole Henriksen

Ole Henriksen is a firm favorite with celebrities, beauty editors and anyone who knows anything about skincare. So treat your friends with Ole Henriksen’s BRIGHTEN + GLOW spa gift set that includes truth sugar glow polishing mask and truth crème advanced hydration. The products are rich in vitamin C and will make their skin glow.

9.  Blow Dry at the DryBar

Image via DryBar

We all have those days when everything is off. The absolute worst? Bad hair days (UGH)! Give your bridal party guests the gift of a great hair day with salon gift certificates for the DryBar. These cheeky blowout gift coasters are bound to bring a smile to your friends’ faces.

10.  Plugged’s Crown Over-Ear White and Rose Headphones

Image via Plugged

Let your friends enjoy their playlists in style with Plugged Crown Over-Ear White and Rose Headphones. But Plugged headphones are not about style over substance. Equipped with plush ear cushions and scratch resistant body, they come highly recommended by all of the major product review websites.

11.  Plum Pretty Sugar robe sets

Image via Plum Pretty Sugar

We love our lounge wear. And what’s better than a pretty and luxurious robe? The Plum Pretty Sugar robe sets come in various vibrant prints and at different lengths. As seen in Anthropologie.

12.  Chan Luu modal and cashmere scarf

Image via Chan Luu

Nobody does a great luxe everyday scarf better than Chan Luu. Treat your bridal party guests to one of Chan Luu’s signature scarves in modal and cashmere. These lightweight scarves can be worn throughout the year and will compliment any outfit.

13.  Matching lipstick and nail polish by Dior

Image via Dior

You know how trends come and go? One such trend? To match the color of your lipstick and your nails. We personally love how it instantly makes us look put together. You can pick one color for all of your guests (like this flattering pink nail polish in Rose and matching Rogue Dior in Rose Diademe) or you can have some fun and pick the colors that will compliment your friends’ skintone.

14.  Everlane The Twill Weekender

Image via Everlane

Everyone needs a good weekend bag. Enter Everlane. Known for their quality, affordability and ethically sourced basics, their Twill Weekender bag is perfect – made from 100% water resistant cotton twill (available in 6 colors) and with sturdy leather straps. It is minimal, chic and it will last for years to come. Plus The Jolie has been spotted wearing Everlane. Nothing but the best for Angelina AND your friends.