Captivated by the idea of saying your vows alongside the ocean? It's the ultimate in romance for sure.

But as you plan your wedding, consider what other options you might have to just a "beach wedding". Not to imply that a beach wedding is ho-hum, since a beach or ocean theme wedding can be quite breathtaking. But for a moment, try expanding your imagination and contemplate how else you could express an ocean theme.

An ocean theme opens up other avenues to explore. And the best part is you don't necessarily have to go to the ocean…you can bring the ocean to you.

How about a pirate theme wedding? You know you just loved those Pirates of the Caribbean movies! (Here's a neat stamp you can stick on your invitations!)

Another offshoot of the ocean theme is the nautical theme. Sailboats, lighthouses, fishing nets, anchors – the decorating possibilities go on and on!

So, you see, an ocean theme wedding isn't only about sandy beaches and crashing waves. It's whatever you love best about the ocean!

You're the non-traditionalist; the free-thinker attracted to the darker side of life who rejects mainstream values. Your philosophy and view of the world is different from the rest.

So embrace your gothic beliefs on your wedding day. A white wedding won't do for you. You'll want to express the unique beauty and elegance that is Goth.

If you're looking for ideas to help plan your Goth wedding, you must visit Gothic Martha Stewart Weddings. A Web site that came to be after its designer posed the following question: "What if Martha Stewart was a Goth?" Interesting thought, hmmm?

Another site worth checking out is Gothic Weddings. An unusual twist to the Las Vegas-themed wedding and yet another option to fulfilling your Goth wedding dream (or if you prefer, nightmare). Some interesting posts about Goth weddings my also be found at the Offbeat Bride.

For as long as you could remember, you’ve always dreamed of holding your wedding at an exotic, tropical locale, close to the beach and ocean that you love so much.

Now, that special day has arrived and it’s time to make your dream come true. For a wedding in paradise, you really should consider a destination wedding in the Caribbean Islands.

At odds as to where to begin your planning or which Caribbean destination sites are most popular? No problem; read on for some helpful advice that will guide you along the planning path to your Caribbean destination wedding.

Location, location, location…
The first thing you need to do is choose your location. The list below names several popular destinations.

• Anguilla – beautiful beaches; popular choice of the rich and famous crowd.
• Antigua – boasts 365 beaches, you’ll have a hard time choosing which ones to visit.
• Aruba – offers a sunny, drier climate than many of the other islands.
• Barbados – nicknamed “Little England of the Tropics” because of its former relationship with Great Britain.
• The Bahamas – renowned for magnificent turquoise water and velvety beaches.
• The Caymans – three lush islands of unparalleled exotic beauty.
• Martinique – French food and culture amid paradise.
• St. Maarten – half Dutch, half French; completely duty-free and tax-free.

Let the planning begin…
When you’ve determined your destination, the real fun begins.

Since the Caribbean is such a popular choice for couples, many resorts have on-staff event coordinators who can assist you throughout the planning process. Organizing a wedding is a big undertaking, especially when you’re doing it long-distance. Having a go-to person on location who can advise you and follow up on all of the little details is a huge benefit.

Wedding coordinators can help you with everything - from choosing a florist to advising you on applying for a marriage license.

Another advantage to using a resort’s planning services is cost. Often, package deals are less expensive than if you did the planning yourself. A myth of destination weddings is the expense; actually, destination weddings generally cost less than traditional ones. And, you save on travel since you can honeymoon there too!

One more way to save is by printing your own invitations. The DIY trend continues to gain popularity, offering brides the advantage of creative control and lower costs while still yielding professional results. There are many online vendors for blank wedding invitations. Be sure to check out LCI's great selection of carribean and beach themed invitations.

If you choose to plan your wedding yourself, realize the added complexity of handling all the details from a distance, unless you can manage to visit your destination spot a couple of times before your big day. If you’re the detail-oriented type, this may be right up your alley.

Researching travel and accommodations for your guests is another task you’ll have. If you book your affair at a resort, you may be able to reserve a block of rooms at a discount. Since guests typically pay for their own hotel and travel, it makes their life easier if you can provide them with reasonably priced options.

So plan your destination wedding in the exotic Caribbean if that’s your dream, and create an abundance of lifetime memories.

Tags: beach invitations, destination wedding, resort wedding

If you’re in the midst of planning a wedding, this thought has probably crossed your mind at least once: “Wouldn’t it be great if there was one place that I could go to research and choose all of the vendors I need for my wedding?”

And what if that place provided reviews of those vendors from engaged or recently married couples just like you? Even better, what if you also had access to a series of on-line wedding planning tools, enabling you to create your own wedding Web site, develop your seating arrangement (drag and drop guests into their seats!), as well as track your budget.

If you’ve been wishing for this then your wish has come true at http://www.weddingwire.com/.

WeddingWire is a free, online resource that lets you plan your wedding from start to finish. You can organize every detail and best of all, share information; get questions answered or give advice through an online community of engaged or recently married couples and experts.

Vendors benefit from WeddingWire too. Set up an online store front, post rave reviews received from couples and network with other vendors.

Everybody wins at WeddingWire!

Designers or anyone serious about paper will love the service offered by Paper Specs: http://www.paperspecs.com/

Paper Specs is an “on-line swatch book.” They maintain an up-to-date database that contains all the latest facts and data detailing whether a particular paper is still available and everything else you’d want to know. All of this information is accessible through your PC desktop or notebook.

Paper Specs frees you to be your creative self while they keep track of what’s in and what’s out with paper. Paper Specs also offers an on-line forum and links to other valuable resources.

Tags: wedding planning, wedding resource, invitation paper, paper resource

Are you planning an event this summer? Looking for some quick and easy ideas to create an invitation ensemble that’s eye-catching and professional-looking, but won’t break the bank? Unleash the creative you and try your hand at making unique vellum wraps. They’re incredibly simple to make yet look polished and attractive.

Vellum’s translucency allows you to create different looks and effects depending on the card stock you pair it with as well as the color or texture of the vellum. Add embellishments for a finishing touch. To create the wrap, you need an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of vellum. Check out our Gmund Contact Colors vellum that comes in several different colors in this size.

Gmund Contact Colors Vellum

Take one sheet and fold it in half – it doesn’t get any easier than that! Then, take an A9 card, which measures 5 ½ x 8 ½ inches and insert it inside the folded sheet of vellum. Select an LCI flat card with a smooth, luxurious finish or a Gmund Colors card in a vibrant color.

Plain & Colored A9 Cards

Embellish your wrap with a bow, clip, or whatever else you imagine and complete the look. Embellishments not only add flair to your original wrap, but they also provide a functional way to keep your invitation ensemble together.

Slip in an envelope and mail to your guests. Be prepared to receive lots of compliments on your elegant invitations!

Visit LCI's selection of Vellum Invitation Wraps

Tags: vellum wraps, translucent vellum, vellum invitations