One of my favorite wedding-planning tasks doesn't really feel like a "task" at all—researching honeymoon options! Just staring at the crystal-blue water and swim-up bars on my laptop screen is enough to put me in a zen-like happy place. My fiancé Corey and I haven't finalized our honeymoon destination, nor our hotel of choice (Cancun and Riviera Maya in Mexico are at the top of our lists). However, we definitely want to take the all-inclusive route after having an amazing first experience at the RIU in Cabo, San Lucas, which is where we stayed for my sister's wedding back in 2010. We loved not having to whip out our wallets during vacation. For those of you who have never been to an all-inclusive, I’ll describe the experience...

You end up paying significantly more per person upfront, but once you’re at the resort, all meals and drinks are covered (check your hotel's policy for any exclusions). Some hotels may offer amenities free of charge as well, which could include kayaking, snorkeling, and use of their gym facilities. The more extravagant indulgences (such as spa treatments and couples' massages) usually require an additional fee, but some properties offer a discount towards spa treatments if you book overnight stays or a suite. 

Every girl should feel like a princess on her wedding day; why not make her feel like one at her bridal shower, too? In honor of the two upcoming modern twists on a classic and well-loved princess, Mirror Mirror on March 30 and Snow White and the Huntsman on June 1, we've planned a Snow White-themed shower! 

Invitations are the perfect way to set the scene for any event. These Snow White-inspired invitations from My Little Pink Angel use the bright yellow, red, and blue that Snow White is known for, but they are also classy and mature.

Welcome your guests and get the party started with a fruity drink. Consider serving Snow White-approved Appletinis. Get the recipe from Bunkycooks.com.

Our fashion editor Robin is reporting live from the Chicago runways! Get the scoop on the latest bridal trends from each designer collection in 140 characters or less.

Watters
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@bridalguidemag: "Gorgeous nude color @wattersdesigns! We've seen a lot of this new color on the runways!"

Essense of Australia
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Photo Credit: Jose Villa

Elaborate elopements—costing anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000—are on the rise, according to a new article in the New York Times. Couples are choosing to avoid hosting guests in favor of glorified photo shoots that capture just the two of them. Picture: fantasy settings (farmhouse, mountaintop ice skating rink, private riverboat), fairytale elements (setting off sparklers, hiring flower girls to carry lanterns), and even a miniature three-layer cake to top off the celebration. Of course, all this would not be possible without a small army of wedding pros, who are there to capture the entire spectacle; not for children and grandkids down the road, but for digital bragging rites, admittedly.

Interviewing potential vendors is like going on an awkward first date — you both hope there's chemistry, but it can be confusing to know exactly what to say (even for a Wedding Editor like myself!). Follow our new "10 Questions to Ask..." blog series with experts from each field who will break it down for you step-by-step. This week, contributors Carissa Jones from JL DESIGNS and co-owners Christina Whittle and Zaid Arriola at Dolce Designs Studio teach us what to look for in a florist.

1. Is working within my budget feasible?

Before you schedule appointments with potential florists (search Photo of the Day and Pinterest for ideas), get a feel for their prices first.

"You don’t want to fall in love with the perfect floral arrangements for your wedding just to find out they won’t be able to work within your budget. After that, nothing will live up to what you’ve seen, and you will end up overspending on flowers for your big day," said Christina Whittle, co-owner of Dolce Designs Studio.

Open the lines of communication and tell the florist what your plans are (how many bridal party attendants you’ll have, the number of guests and/or tables, and what you have in mind for the décor), which should help them give you a solid "yes" or "no." Book with caution if you get a "maybe"—find someone with a similar style whose stellar services you can afford.

Each week, we feature wedding music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Eskada. Raised in Northern Virginia and now based in DC, she is quickly becoming known as the area's premier female DJ, spinning at clubs, live music shows, fashion events, and more. But her talents reach far beyond the turntables: Eskada is also a trained model, a theater actress, and a former Miss Jr. Virginia. Focusing on love, music, and family, DJ Eskada commits to creating the perfect atmosphere for every wedding she spins. "My goal is to build the right mix to get everyone excited. When I see a couple out on the dance floor with their entire family and all of their friends, all having a great time together, then I know I've done my job!”

Our fashion editor Robin is reporting live from the Chicago runways! Get the scoop on the latest bridal trends from each designer collection in 140 characters or less.

Maggie Sottero
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@bridalguidemag: "Love this Claire gown @MaggieSottero!"

@bridalguidemag: "One shoulder slim and sexy Nina gown @maggiesottero. I can't decide which style I like most @maggiesottero, they are all so fab!"

Allure Bridals
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