BRIDES MAGAZINE HONEYMOON AWARDS

Each year, BRIDES Magazine chooses the best & most romantic resorts and hotels around the world. They compile lists of their top 10 choices in areas of the world, so happy couples can more easily find their dream honeymoon destination. We've compiled the top choice from each geographical category for you here, but click on the heading to check out the rest of the top 10, and be sure to head over to the BRIDES website for all of their award winners from this year and previous years. 

Asia/Australia/New Zealand

One&Only Reethi Rah Resort, Maldives
BRIDES says: Look up the definition of "luxe" in the dictionary and you could see a photo of this sleek, uberprivate resort in the Indian Ocean. Many of the villas come with their own infinity pools, and all of the overwater bungalows have hammocks suspended over the crystal clear lagoon — the better to take in all that tropical gorgeousness. (Doubles from $1,190; oneandonlyresorts.com)

Cruise Line

SeaDream Yacht Club
BRIDES says: Less amusement-park-at-sea, more celeb-worthy-charter, SeaDream Yacht Club's two twin mega-yachts — SeaDream I and SeaDream II — are each outfitted with 56 luxe staterooms, including 10 suites, meaning you and your new hubs basically have the ship to yourselves. (In fact, you can have it to yourself — the line also offers private charters, perfect if a wedding at sea is your idea of heaven on earth.) Itineraries are booked on an all-inclusive basis, meaning food, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), water sports, and gratuities are included (because who wants to have to sign a bill on their honeymoon?). Whether you're headed on a Caribbean, Mediterranean, or transatlantic voyage, days at sea can be spent relaxing in the saltwater pool, screening movies in reclining loungers at night, and sleeping on-deck under the stars as you glide through the sea. (seadream.com)

Europe

Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy
BRIDES says: Hovering 230 feet above the sea, this 58-room gem feels more like a glamorous private estate than a hotel. As exquisite as your white-washed room is, you'll want to spend most of your time outside, either swimming in a pool surrounded by lemon trees or dining on the candlelit deck of La Sponda, a Michelin-starred restaurant with epic views of that famed Amalfi Coast. (Doubles from $367; sirenuse.it)

Hawaii

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu, Hawaii Island
BRIDES says: Want your super-luxe 'moon with a side of Hawaiian culture? This swank resort on the Kona-Kahala Coast offers fun classes in everything from hula to lei making. And if you'd rather just hang by the beach or one of six stunning pools — King's Pond, carved out of lava rocks and filled with fish and rays, is beyond Instagram-worthy — that's cool, too. (Doubles from $845; fourseasons.com)

Mexico

One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
BRIDES says: Fresh off a $140 million-dollar renovation, this haute property (Jennifer Aniston is a regular) is hotter than ever. Not only does it have two gorge infinity pools and one of the only swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, but every whitewashed room comes with a balcony and a jaw-dropping ocean view. (Doubles from $590; oneandonlyresorts.com)

South Pacific

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia 

BRIDES says: Sure, the resort has some beachfront villas, but this superchic retreat is all about the overwater bungalow. Three reasons you'll never want to leave yours: 1. Your breakfast is delivered by canoe each morning. 2. If you want to swim in the ridiculously clear lagoon, all you have to do is jump from your deck. 3. You can watch fish swim by through a window in your floor. Baller. (Doubles from $1,148; fourseasons.com)

WHITE DRESS BRIDE - KAYLEIGH

Kayleigh looked radiant on her wedding day in a sweetheart lace A-line gown. Congratulations, Kayleigh! You were such a beautiful bride.

WEDDING TREND TUESDAY - JEWEL TONES

Bold colors are all the rage in 2016, and jewel tones have been growing in popularity the past couple of years. These lush colors come from gem stones like rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and the like, and add a rich and sumptuous look to any affair.

You can use warmer tones like ruby red, gold, and fuchsia for a bold and bright look or cool tones like amethyst, emerald, and sapphire for a more refined, luxurious feel. Or, feel free to mix and match to your heart's content.

Using jewel tones can create a bold, rich and elegant atmosphere and are beautiful to look at, so keep them in mind as you're planning your special day.

All images via Pinterest.

WORLDWIDE BRIDES

The world is a big, beautiful place. A place full of wonder and beauty and made up of diverse, interesting people.

This beauty and diversity is showcased amazingly in weddings. Each country and culture has their own traditions and customs when it comes to the joining together of two lives. It is fascinating to see what other cultures incorporate into weddings, especially the attire of the bride. We have gathered together a few other places on the world wide web where, if you are interested, you can see wedding dresses from around the globe.

Refinery 29: 10 Stunning Pictures Of Wedding Dresses From Around The World

An Indian bride at her henna ceremony.

Brightside: A Fascinating Look at Different Wedding Dresses from Around the World

A beautiful Nubian bride on her wedding day.

Popsugar: 19 Stunning Wedding Dresses From Around the World

An Ukrainian wedding.

Buzzfeed: The Most Beautiful Wedding Dresses You’ve Never Seen Are From Asia

This article includes a lot of very interesting information and a really beautiful video highlighting a few Asian countries' traditional and more modern wedding dresses. 

WHITE DRESS BRIDE - ELIZABETH

Congratulations to lovely bride Elizabeth, who looked absolutely stunning in her tea length Justin Alexander wedding dress!

Image via Tiffany Rea Photography.

WEDDING TREND TUESDAY - BRUNCH WEDDINGS

Who doesn't love brunch? It has become a weekend staple and is a favorite activity for couples and groups of friends alike, so why not consider it for your wedding?

While weddings are traditionally held in the later afternoon and evening, there are more and more couples that are wanting a day that is distinctive and meaningful to them, which means straying a bit from tradition. A morning/mid-day wedding and brunch reception is an unique alternative and can have some major perks.  

FOOD
In the words of Leslie Knope...

Breakfast food is the best. It's delicious, easy to make in large quantities, is usually cheaper than an evening meal, and did we mention delicious?

It's also easy to have a large variety of foods and lots of options that can be customized to each person's taste and preferences. Think of things that are easy for people to make their own, like waffles, yogurt, omelettes, biscuits, bagels, cereal, or french toast, and make food stations by providing fruit and a variety of toppings. 

There are endless food options when it comes to brunch and there's really something for everyone.

DRINKS

Since the wedding would be in the morning & early afternoon, you can save some trouble and money by having a few alcoholic drink options instead of a full bar. Have a mimosa bar, with juices, champagne, and fruit. Bloody marys are also a great option, either pre-made, or have your guests make their own. Coffee is a morning necessity for most people. Have a bar with some great coffee and tea, or even hot chocolate, for your guests to enjoy before and after the ceremony. 

Juices, lemonade, punch, smoothies... there are so many options when it comes to drinks for guests to enjoy at a brunch wedding.

INTIMATE & RELAXED ENVIRONMENT
Having an event earlier in the day allows for more time to visit with your guests without feeling rushed to get out of your venue. There is also a more relaxed feeling to daytime weddings, which means you can make your event as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. There is less pressure to make things "fancy", so if you are a more laid-back and simple couple, it may be a great option for you.

It is also easy to customize the event to you and your partner. Having a customized "newspaper" or crossword that tells your guests about you as a couple or the ceremony is a fun option. Venues are also usually a bit cheaper during the day, or on Sunday. You also have more time to take to take advantage of daylight for your photos and don't have to rush to get photos done before the sun sets.

Brunch weddings are a newer idea, but couples have really taken to the idea and made them as special and fun as they are. If you are looking to save some money, want a non-traditional or more laid-back event, consider having a brunch wedding.

All images via Pinterest.