{Day # 29} - Wedding Menu

{Sit-Down Dinner}

Who should choose it: Couples celebrating at a catering facility, club, or ballroom, as well as oenophiles who want to pair each course with wine.

Who should avoid it: Party animals. Dinners take time―spent eating, not dancing or clinking glasses with anyone beyond your table.

What to ask: The real price difference between seated dinners and buffets. You may assume plated dinners are pricier, but often they are not, because the caterer knows exactly how much food to order and prepare, whereas buffets have to accommodate multiple trippers.

{Buffets}

Who should choose it: Those who want to offer several entrées. Planning a day wedding? Brunch dishes like muffins and fruit platters look lovely on a buffet, and omelets can be made to order.

Who should avoid it: Couples with a 100-plus guest list (lines will form).

What to ask: How long the food will sit out. Typically, buffets have a shelf life of about 2 to 2½ hours―for both taste and health reasons. Also ask how the wait staff will direct buffet traffic (it's best to invite tables to head to the buffet one at a time) and clear dirty plates.

{Cocktail Party}

Who should choose it: Duos on a budget. You can offer hors d'oeuvres for less money than a sit-down meal. (Just be sure to keep the party under three hours. If you go longer, the cost difference between the two parties is negligible.) This may also appeal to couples with a 300-plus guest list and second-time-arounders.

Who should avoid it: Brides seeking the spotlight. Cocktail parties tend to skip introductions of the couple, first dances, and dances with parents.

What to ask: The best time to schedule it. An 8 p.m. reception clues in guests to grab a bite before, whereas a 5 p.m. start time signals supper.

{Casual Barbeque}

Who should choose it: Couples with close-knit friends and families who would enjoy the informality of a backyard, a barn, or a park wedding.

Who should avoid it: Control freaks. If your friends are firing up the park grill themselves, burgers may be burned, food may go cold, and wayward Frisbees might come your way. You could hire a caterer, but staff may be trampling through your kitchen if you host the barbecue at your home.

What to ask: Will the caterer have to bring in a cook tent? Even if you have access to a great gourmet kitchen, it might not be up to catering standards.

{10 Ways to Make Your Wedding Reception Menu Memorable}

by Amy Gordon @ The Knot

1. {Dream Up a Theme}

One of the most fun (and often easiest) parts of developing a theme wedding is deciding the menu. From a traditional New England clambake to a spicy Southern barbecue, theme-wedding menus create a fun, exciting, and memorable event. It might even be the way you eat the food that stays in your guests' minds -- cracking crabs at a Maryland riverside wedding, nibbling satay at a Thai-inspired city garden reception, or roasting marshmallows over the flaming bonfire at a wedding "campsite." See real casual, elegant weddings.

2. {Go Regional}

There are many people who take culinary vacations, traveling through countries in search of the local fare. Turn your wedding reception into its own culinary vacation by creating a menu featuring regional specialties. It may be foie gras from the Hudson Valley, spicy chicken wings in Buffalo, or even the largest cheese spread ever seen in Wisconsin.

3. {That's Entertainment}

Who said that food only pleases the palate? You can devise a wedding menu where the food preparation is as flavorful as the food itself. Consider a sushi bar complete with professional sushi chef -- the performance of slicing and rolling turns simple ingredients into works of art right before your guests' eyes. Or perhaps French chefs donned in aprons and hats will create flaming crepes tableside. Find a wedding caterer who can pull it off!

4. {All in the Family}

Something in between a sit-down meal and a buffet, family style offers a natural way to get tables of guests talking while creating a very festive and homey atmosphere. Each dish is delivered to the center of the table and guests pass them politely (or grab and hoard, depending on your family). Italian food might be an obvious choice, but Asian, Mexican, and Indian cuisines work well here too.

5. {That's So You!}

The wedding day is all about the bride and the groom, so why not plan a menu that has special meaning to the two of you? Perhaps your first date was at a baseball game -- why not serve hot dogs? Or maybe the two of you love to fly fish -- highlight freshwater fish on the menu. Or he proposed over a romantic picnic lunch -- recreate the magic by recreating the meal. When your guests think about what they ate, they will automatically think about the couple of honor.

6. {Presenting...}

The eyes have it -- when it comes to remembering things, that is. Your guests will very likely recall a fabulous-looking buffet table before they remember what foods it featured. Be creative -- instead of serving soup in a bowl, have it ladled into a hollowed-out acorn squash. Or have asparagus tied up like a present with leek leaves. You could even serve coconut shrimp inside a coconut and garnish with a tropical flower.

7. {Less is More}

Sometimes the simplest foods presented in an elegant, bountiful manner have a more memorable effect than a wide variety of offerings. Colin Cowie offers this advice in his book For The Bride: "You can make a statement of style with one or two spectacular dishes. For example, instead of having ten different tray-passed appetizers during the cocktail hour, serve mountains of jumbo shrimp or sliced smoked salmon." Remember, KISS -- keep it simple, sweetie.

8. {Ride with a Trend}

Trends come and go and if you can jump on one before it's passé, all the more power to you. Ask your caterer what's up and coming. Perhaps she's got some unusual idea that will make the kind of memorable statement you're looking for. It might be something as homey/funky as a mashed potato bar, complete with your choice of spuds and toppings, presented in a martini glass. Or maybe a true Belgian treat -- pomme frittes served with the traditional mayonnaise in paper cones. Just remember -- they're trends, so plan accordingly if you're setting up your wedding menu a year in advance.

9. {A Honeymoon Preview}

Don't worry-we're not suggesting anything X-rated here! Just that you consider planning a menu based on your honeymoon spot. If you're off to Venice, serve a spread one could imagine eating in a gondola. Or if Hawaii's your destination, feature luau fare (without the flame-eaters) -- perhaps even the spit-roasted pig. Maybe it's Japan where you'll be spending the week -- how about a Tepanyaki station (Japanese barbecue), where guests choose raw meats, shrimp, veggies, noodles, and sauces and watch it get stir-fried. Get honeymoon ideas, if you're not sure where you're off to.

10. {Five-Star Elegance}

If dining out in the fanciest of restaurants is your idea of luxury and you happen to have a lot of dough, treat you and your guests to gourmet, white-glove-service dinner. Plan a multi-course meal, complete with a refreshing intermezzo (with hot lemon-scented towels after the fish course, of course). You can choose from French or Russian service: With French, the waiters prepare food on stands set up next to the table and then serve individual plates; Russian service features white-gloved waiters who carry each course on a large tray and serve guests directly from it. For that added touch, offer a different complementary wine with each course.

-- Amy Gordon

{Day # 28} Wedding Speech Etiquette

At weddings where Tradition still resonates the most, the expected toasts are to be given from the Best Man, Maid of Honor and Father of the Bride. The Father of the Bride will go last so he can announce the commencement of activities and blessing of the food (or hand off the microphone to the person whom will do the blessing).

Besides making the toast  heartfelt and keeping it (reasonably) clean, guests should follow the guidelines below.

Etiquette from Southern Living regarding Toasts at Weddings:

Giving a Wedding Toast
Rule #1: Be brief
It's best to stay under two or three minutes.

Rule #2: Rehearse
Sometimes even spontaneity requires a little forethought. Practice out loud in the mirror a few times.

Rule #3: Get (and keep) the Crowd's Attention
Avoid tapping your glass; simply stand and speak loudly and clearly.

Receiving a Wedding Toast
Rule #4: Don't Drink To Yourself
Avoid raising your glass, and remain seated when the toast is offered to you.

Wedding Toast Rules for Guests
Rule #5: Let the Host Toast First
Champagne glasses on the table indicate toasts will be made, usually with the dessert course.

Rule #6: Never Refuse to Participate
If you're a nondrinker, it is courteous to raise an empty glass, rather than none at all. If you're nervous about public speaking, have a couple of short toasts committed to memory in case you're unexpectedly called upon.

Wedding Toast Rules for Hosts
Rule #7: Inform Guests if You Would Like Them to Toast
If you're hosting a formal party or wedding and would like for certain guests to toast the honorees, it's polite to call them a week before the party to let them know.

{Day #27} Thank You, Merci, Dankie, Grazie

Sending a Thank You note is important! It lets your guest know that you appreciate not only their gift, but the time and effort they spent in picking it out and also sharing your special day with you.

 

Etiquette says you have NO LONGER than 3 months to mail your Wedding Gift thank you notes out. Ideally, you will do them within 2-4 weeks of returning from your honeymoon! For Engagement parties, Bridal Showers and Pre-Wedding gifts you have 1-2 weeks to get those notes outs.

 

And wouldn't it be so nice to send those Thank You notes that match YOUR wedding ensemble and leave your day complete in your guests mind? Thank You Notes are one of my favorite things to create because I know that so many good thoughts will be written inside.

 

 

{Day #26} Change my Name, Change my Name

Article by -- Cindy Hobson {TheKnot.com}

To change your name or not to change your name, that is the question. Before you decide, read up on all of the options and learn what you need to do to make it legal.

Reasons to Change Your Name

Let's face it: The evolution of women's roles aside, many traditionalists still expect married couples to have the same last name. So, at least convenience-wise, taking his name will make your life easier, especially if you have children. You won't have to explain to that perfectly annoying stranger at the kids' school that you two really are Beth and Sam's parents -- and you are married -- even though your names are completely different. Another potential upside of taking his name: It might be better than yours. If your family stubbornly hung on to Skunkowitz for generations -- or your parents thought it would be cute to name you Jackie Mackey -- this is your opportunity for an upgrade. Other pluses: no arguments over painting the mailbox, easier monograms, and less complicated dinner reservations. Plus, it's kind of nice sharing a name with the man you love. There's something very "connecting" about it.

Reasons to Resist Changing Your Name

These days it's perfectly acceptable for a woman to keep her own name. After all, you've had your name your whole life, and, if you're like most people, it's pretty much your identity. Taking his name may feel like you're losing you -- as well as perhaps being unnecessary, overly traditional, and even sexist. The change may also mean people you've known throughout your life won't recognize your name or know how to find you -- a good or bad thing, depending on who they are. Perhaps professionally you have made a name for yourself, and you sure do like the way it sounds when your assistant answers the phone "Ms. Schmidt's office."

How to Change Your Name

If you've decided to change your name, after the wedding it's time to make it official. (By the way: Contrary to popular belief, obtaining a marriage license that uses your new last name does not automatically mean you've changed it.) Start with your Social Security card and driver's license: Without these, you won't get very far down the list of other important changes. Here's a list of four basic steps to new-name bliss.

1. Get Proof
Arm yourself with a certified marriage license -- be sure it has a raised seal, which means it's authentic. Call the office where your license was filed to get copies if they aren't automatically sent to you.

2. Set Social Security Straight
Contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213; an automated system will talk you through the name change process. Your new card will be free -- if you're contacted by a company that claims to do this for a fee, don't buy it. These companies have nothing to do with the SSA and should be reported to authorities.

3. Motor on Down to the DMV
Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles, which requires you to make a personal appearance (read: wait in line). Bring a book to read and every form of identification you can lay your hands on. No matter what, do not forget your certified marriage license.

4. Fill in the Blanks
Once you have a social security card and driver's license in your married name, other changes should be fairly easy. Some institutions only require a phone call; others may ask for a copy of your marriage certificate or social security card. Be sure to notify:

• Friends and family
• Employers/payroll
• Post office
• Phone company and other utilities
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Credit card companies
• Schools and alumni associations
• Voter registration

And don't forget to get your new name on these documents as well:

• Passport (Do not do this before the wedding -- your passport name must match the name on your ticket and all other travel documents! It's easier to take your honeymoon with your maiden name.)
• Mortgages and leases
• Wills
• Insurance policies

To help you some more, you can find many handy name change kits online!

{Day # 25} License to Wed

Obtaining your {marriage license} can very well be one of the easiest things you have to arrange in your planning process.  Remember to keep in  mind...

·         Laws vary by State and Country

·         It is NOT proof of your marriage

·         You can't get married without one

·         You both need to be present to obtain

·         You will need to provide valid photo ID and a birth certificate

·         It is only valid within the state you got it

·         They do expire, so get married before it does so!

·         There is a fee when applying

·         If you are getting married for the 2nd time, you might need to provide proof of dissolution.

If you are in Orange County, below is your link for the OC Clerk and online appointment maker.

https://cr.ocgov.com/marriageappointment/

{Day # 24} Practice Makes Perfect - Rehearsal Dinner Do's and Don'ts

The purpose of the Rehearsal dinner is to properly thank everyone involved in planning your wedding. Mainly, your wedding party and immediate family. Traditionally the Groom's parents will host the dinner and it is somewhere where that will provide little effort or clean (there will be enough the next day)! It is a time to enjoy yourselves, however don't go overboard on the fun and remember to relax and get a good night's sleep! Here are a list of Do's and Don'ts related to the Rehearsal Dinner...

{DO}

Make life easy on yourself. Plan the dinner somewhere there is little clean up.

Plan for some downtime and make it early enough to get a good night's sleep.

Be creative and have a fun theme.

Invite all your wedding party and any out of state guests who have traveled just for your wedding.

Have a different menu than will be offered at your wedding.

Make sure to thank the people that got you there.

{DON'T}

Over do it with the alcohol.

Forget about the Toasts. This is a nice time for you as the couple to thank everyone.

Forget about the gift giving (parents and bridal party).

Forget to take LOTS of pictures.

Check out this FUN Rehearsal BBQ here at SnippetandInk.com

{YourWedding101.com, SnippetandInk.com}

{Day # 23} Just You & I - Keeping Weddings Small

One of the biggest trends is weddings right now is small guest lists and here are 10 of the main reasons why...

{Rush Order} You now have the option to get married in a shorter amount of time. With fewer people and details to oblige you can cut down the timeline.

{Spare Feelings} You will only be surrounded by those people that love you. You have an easy out to tell people that they are unfortunately not invited.

{Lavish Honeymoon} You are saving money with fewer guests and can put that toward the honeymoon of your dreams.

{Destination Wedding} You now have the option for a Destination Wedding with only close family and friends.

{A Moment Alone with Your Spouse} Stop. Soak it in. It’s not something many couples get to do on their wedding day because of stress, obligatory conversations and details they have to manage and take care off.

{No Small Talk} With smaller guests lists your guests will feel at home and have more time to  mingle. You as well won't have to catch up with that Facebook friend.

{Keepsake Photos} With too many guests it can be hard to gather together to get keepsake photos.

{Go Green} There will be less waste period in smaller weddings. Less paper, less food, less trinket favors, etc.

{Cut Loose} Being surrounded by only those you love mean you will feel more relaxed and comfortable. You will be able to cut loose and dance the night away.

{Wedding, Not a Reunion} There is no need to spend $100 a plate to rekindle old friendships. Again, the whole point of smaller weddings is to be around those who love you and will be in your life 5-10-20 years from now!

{IntimateWeddings.com}

{Day # 22} Honoring Family/Friends No Longer With Us

As your wedding approaches, it is only natural to think of those who couldn't be there. There are simple things you can do to honor those who have passed. But keep the remembrance upbeat because their death should not be dwelled upon on your day of celebration and happiness.

1.       Have their favorite song played

2.       Light a candle

3.       Take your bouquet to the grave site after the ceremony

4.       Have a memorial charm attached to your bouquet

5.       Put the loved ones pictures on a ceremony table

6.       Memorial candle engraved or floating candles

7.       Include their favorite flower in your bouquet

8.       Leave an empty chair where your Mother/Father would be and stop to place a flower on that chair as you walk down the aisle

9.       Honor these people in your program

10.   Create a unity bouquet with a flower for each person that has passed

11.   Have a picture of that loved one wrapped in the stem of your bouquet

12.   Picture locket attached to bouquet

13.   Butterfly or dove release

14.   Wedding invitation wording - Daughter of "the late"

15.   Prayer of the Faithful

16.   Donation box for the charity of which that person's ailment was

17.   Carry something special from that person (i.e. the Rosary your grandmother gave you)

{Photo Credits: offbeatbride.com, getmarried.com, marrymakingevents.blogspot.com}

{Day # 21} Be Our Guest

With satin ribbons tied gently, elegant papers matched perfectly, and graceful swirls of letters cascading across the page, a wedding invitation is the announcement of a dream-fulfilling day. It speaks of promises to be made and the gathering of family and friends. It is a guest's first glimpse into a milestone event.

Since the Wedding Invtation is your guest's first glimpse into your event, you want it to speak volumes about your style. Your wedding is unique and your Invitations should be too! With all the variations, we are sure to create the perfect invitation to fit your style and needs.

The wording of a formal wedding invitation follows a specific style that celebrates all parties involved while stating the details of the day (the hosts, the hosts relationship to the bride, the bride's full name, the grooms full name, the day, month and year, and the location and reception information.

Each piece of the invitation ensemble has its own purpose and communicates a specific set of information to the guests. Choice of inserts includes any combination of the following: RSVP card, Map/Directions, Reception, and Accommodations.

Your invitations should be sent out 6-8 weeks before your Wedding Day. Allowing you to get the RSVPs in a moth before the Wedding.   

Contact RebeccaCalagnaEvents@gmail.com for a Invitation Consultation!

{Day # 20} Environmentally Friendly Weddings

What’s the hottest color for weddings? Green. Green weddings, which only a few years ago were on the fringe, have gone mainstream. Planning a socially- and environmentally-friendly wedding is a nice idea and it’s never been easier to create a beautiful and eco-friendly wedding.

Here are some of the best ways to give Mother Earth a starring role at your nuptials:

{Go Small}  The fewer guests you have, the less fossil fuels that will be used. You’ll also consume less, and create less garbage. Having a small guest list will also give you more choice of venues. Why not have your small wedding at a designated green inn or have a restaurant reception at a restaurant that serves local food?

{Buy Consumable Favors} Consumable favors are fun, fabulous and earth friendly. Some suggestions include DIY favors such as homemade jam, chocolate, cookies, candy, free-trade coffee, beeswax candles, handmade soap or lotion. If you still want to take the non-consumable route, what about cloth shopping bags, reusable produce bags, or other products that will help your guests pursue an eco-friendly lifestyle? Don’t forget to include information about local shops that carry eco-friendly products along with your favors.

{Be a ‘Locavore’} Choose a caterer or restaurant that sources ingredients locally. Buying local ingredients supports your area farmers, as well as decreases your carbon imprint. Even better, choose locally sourced organic foods, and offer vegetarian choices for your meat-free guests.

 

{Select a Worthy Venue} Consider having your wedding in a local garden, museum or historic building. These are often run by socially conscious nonprofits, so your rental fee will support a good cause. Make sure to discuss where your rental fee will go; hopefully, at least a part will be put toward new programs and facility upkeep.

{Use Potted Plants instead of Cut Flowers for Centerpieces} Look for a florist that offers pesticide-free flowers, which are just as beautiful as their chemically treated counterparts but far better for the environment. Or consider using a local vendor for seasonal blooms to cut down on transportation costs and fuel emissions. To go even greener with your greenery, choose a reusable centerpiece. Small trees or potted plants can become a beautiful and meaningful part of your garden or home décor after the big day.

{Buy a Second Hand Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Dresses} Have you seen some of the gorgeous vintage gowns at www.vintageous.com? Avoid dressing your wedding party in fabrics that require dry-cleaning—the harsh chemicals used in the process are tough on the environment. Look instead for natural materials like linen or cotton, which are kinder on the environment and more comfortable for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

{Don’t use Throwaway Dishes or Flatware} Use china dishes, flatware, cloth napkins and glasses instead of plastic cups. Not only will this save a ton of waste, it will look more elegant.

 

{Switch Out Your Transportation} Make an emissions-free statement by leaving your reception in a gas-free ride. If your wedding is outdoors, consider exiting on a “Just Married” bicycle or in a horse-drawn carriage. Or, if you’re getting married near the water, jump in a boat and ride away on the waves—eco-friendly and incredibly romantic.

 

{Share Your Flowers and Food} Letyour special day live on a little longer by sharing it with people in need. Rather than toss all your still-gorgeous flower arrangements, donate them to a local hospital or convalescent home. The same goes for any leftover food—most soup kitchens and homeless shelters can arrange to have someone swing by your reception to pick up unused refreshments.

{Credits: Intimateweddings.com, Weddingchannel.com}

{Photos: Welcome2Green.com}

{Day # 19} Romantic Honeymoon Destinations

10 Most Romantic Cities for Honeymoons

                                              

{Paris}

The City of Light tops the list of most romantic cities, and for good reason. A day spent sipping cafe au lait in a tiny side street bistro, window shopping along the ritzy Champs Elysees, and visiting Sacre-Coeur Basilica for a jaw-dropping view of the city, and all the while eyeing the Eiffel Tower, is enough to make any pair of honeymooners feel like they're floating on air. Pack your itinerary with culture and take in modern art at the Centre Pompidou and classic masterpieces at the Louvre. Spend a leisurely evening people-watching and drinking champagne.
Romantic Must-do Take a stroll along the Seine (the river that cuts through Paris) and admire the scene along the left and right banks. Along the way, spend some time relaxing on the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris) and check out the unbelievably beautiful cathedral Notre Dame. At night, visit one of Paris' famous jazz clubs (try Le Caveau de la Huchette).

{Venice}

Few images are more emblematic of romance than a gondola ride on the waterways of Venice, the city that came in a close second in our survey. Venice's unique layout -- curvy, narrow streets interspersed with canals -- makes it a wonder to explore. Although you shouldn't miss the major tourist spots like Piazza San Marco, the city's main square, and Ponte dell' Accademia, a bridge across the Grand Canal, you should also take a boat off the beaten path. Travel by a water bus (called vaporetto) to visit the nearby island of Murano, famous for the glass-blowers who practice their trade there, or to the less-traveled Burano, known for its lacework.
Romantic Must-do There's no better way to see Venice than to wander because you can't get lost. Start at Piazza San Marco and see where the side streets take you. Be sure to stop in a bacaro (a Venetian wine bar) for a glass of Chianti in the afternoon.

{Rome + Florence}

Two more Italian cities finished neck and neck in our poll, each with its own reasons to rank among the world's most romantic cities. Rome has a more energetic feel, and you can spend each day admiring monuments like the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica. The ambience in Florence is all about the Renaissance, so soak in the art of Michelangelo and Botticelli, and marvel at the dome in the Duomo Cathedral.
Romantic Must-do In Rome, sample gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino and visit some of the city's famous fountains at night. If the Trevi Fountain is too crowded, head to the Fountain of the Four Rivers at Piazza Navona (but throw a coin and make a wish at each). In Florence, climb to the top of the Palazzo Pitti (one of the biggest palaces in the city) for a fabulous view or place a lock on the bridge Ponte Vecchio and throw the key into the Arno River: According to legend, this means your love will last forever.

{New York City}

What do brides choose as the most romantic city in the United States? None other than New York. There are countless places to have a romantic moment in the city -- a picnic in Central Park, a walk around The Cloisters museum, or a candlelit dinner at One if by Land, Two if by Sea in the West Village. Tourist traps like Times Square are worth a visit if you've never been, but you'll probably have a better time strolling along the side streets of SoHo or relaxing on the lawn amid the skyscrapers in Bryant Park.
Romantic Must-do Walk from Manhattan into Brooklyn across the Brooklyn Bridge (stop at Grimaldi's for pizza), and then along the promenade for an amazing city view.

{Honolulu}

The islands of Hawaii are known for sparkling water, picturesque beaches, and idyllic sunsets. Honeymoon in Honolulu and you'll find all of that, plus the exciting nightlife and amazing restaurants you'd expect from any major city. Spend an afternoon shopping for clothes, art, and jewelry at the newly rebuilt Waikiki Beach Walk, and take a hike to the top of Diamond Head (a huge volcanic crater).
Romantic Must-do Cuddle up on a bench at the Foster Botanical Gardens, and then take a fun (and frightening) ghost tour. You'll probably need to cuddle here too. See OahuGhostTours.com for details.

{Barcelona}

Even if you're not architecture buffs, nearly everyone who sees the surreal designs of Antoni Gaudi -- which can be found throughout Barcelona -- is enthralled. The most awesome example is the enormous (and still unfinished) basilica Sagrada Familia, which Gaudi worked on for over 40 years. And don't forget to wander around the cool shops and cafes on Las Ramblas, one of Barcelona's most famous and lively streets.
Romantic Must-do Go to a flamenco show (try a place like Tablao Flamenco Cordobes) and then practice a few of your own moves of this steamiest of dances.

{San Francisco}

Honeymoon in San Francisco and you're practically guaranteed fine food and a laidback metropolitan vibe. If you can handle the crowds, spend an afternoon eating oysters in Fisherman's Wharf or shopping for souvenirs at Union Street. If not, drive to Inspiration Point in the Presidio for a romantic vantage of Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco Bay.
Romantic Must-do Take a walk among the towering redwoods in Muir Woods outside of the city. The drive back into San Francisco will provide one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge imaginable.

{Vienna}

Austria's capital is totally conducive to taking long, romantic walks. The main streets are laid out in rings, and there are lots of little shops and cafes on streets like Karntnerstrasse. The buildings have the sort of stylized facades that make you really feel like you've traveled to Europe. And don't forget to try a traditional weiner schnitzel, a thinly sliced piece of breaded veal.
Romantic Must-do You can't visit Mozart's hometown without seeing an orchestra. Even if you're not into classical music, a performance by the Vienna Philharmonic can be overwhelmingly beautiful.

{London}

London is the perfect honeymoon destination for travelers who want the culture of Europe with the convenience of an English-speaking country. There's lots to see in the city's museums (trips to the Victoria & Albert and Tate Modern are a must), and if you're there in season, see a play at Shakespeare's Globe Theater. There's no roof and the space in front of the stage is standing room only. After the performance find a bench along the Thames River (preferably one with a view of St. Paul's Cathedral) and simply enjoy being newlyweds.
Romantic Must-do Reserve a private capsule for a 30-minute ride on the London Eye (it's like a big Ferris wheel that lets you see for 25 miles in each direction on a clear day) with a bottle of bubbly. See LondonEye.com for details.

{Prague}

Nothing says "fairytale" like a castle on a hill, and Prague has just that. Even in the winter (when there are way fewer tourists), Prague's dramatic architecture is a wonder. Spend a day exploring Prague Castle and return to the Old Town Square on the hour so that you can witness the chime of the 600-year-old astronomical clock.
Romantic Must-do Have a phenomenal meal right on the river bank at Kampa Park (see a menu at kampapark.cz), and then walk along the Charles Bridge to feel like you've been transported back 200 years. 
 

{Photos and Information: THEKNOT.com}