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April 11, 2017

10 Surprise Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

From exchanging vows on a tropical beach to celebrating with family and friends in a European city, the idea of a destination wedding presents unlimited options. Ten percent of all couples get married away from home, but it’s not all plane tickets and passports — planning a destination wedding requires a certain know-how. Here are a few surprise tips that will help make your destination wedding the day of your dreams.

1. Residency Rule

Many countries require couples to spend some time there before tying the knot. These requirements range from no big deal (a couple days in the Caribbean) to more serious (France’s six-week residency rule).

2. Give Serious Notice

Wedding planners suggest mailing your save-the-date announcements and wedding invitations at least eight months in advance. This allows your guests to arrange for airfare and accommodations ahead of time. Experts also recommend creating a website detailing any questions guests may have related to their travel.

3. Hire Cars

Instead of making your family and friends schlepp all over town, hire cars to pick them up at the airport and safely transport them to their hotels. Traveling can be a huge hassle — especially international travel. This is a small gesture guests are sure to appreciate.

4. Fly in Your Pros

Depending on where you’re getting hitched, it may be tricky to find reliable photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists. If you bring your own, you’ll be working with professionals you trust.

5. Arrive Early

Arrive at your hotel at least a few days before your guests do so you can customize welcome gift baskets and stock their rooms with anything they may need — maps, favors, a bottle of wine, sunscreen.

6. Pay Attention to Details

Wedding planners suggest meeting with as many people involved in the wedding as possible, including the officiant, the photographer and the caterer. Inspect the accommodations and rehearsal-dinner and ceremony sites.

7. Stay Calm and Flexible

The bride’s energy will impact everyone. Things may not always go as planned — especially if you are in a foreign country — but roll with any changes, schedule a time each day to do yoga and keep a relaxed state.

8. Factor in Exchange Rate

Even though destination weddings seem cheaper than getting hitched at home (especially if you live in a major U.S. city such as New York or San Francisco), you’ll need to factor in the exchange rate. Always convert prices into dollars to get a better idea of what you’ll be spending.

9. Create a Pinterest Board to Communicate Your Vision

When you’re planning a destination wedding, you’ll be communicating your vision to a lot of different people. Descriptions can be subjective, down to color shades and cake patterns. By creating a Pinterest board, you’ll have something to show and share.

10. Leave a Personal Note

Your guests are traveling a great distance to watch your special day. It’s advisable to greet them with a hand-written personal note at check-in. If you’re short on time, you can work with a calligrapher.

April 8, 2017

How to Get Gorgeous Wedding Hair

Your wedding photographs aren’t just another Facebook profile picture — these are the images you’ll be looking at for the rest of your life. To look your best on the big day, it’s important to be mindful of beauty appointments and upkeep, especially regarding your hair. Here’s a countdown to help you get everything under control.

One Month Before

Invest in a keratin treatment. If your hair is naturally wild or super frizzy, an in-salon keratin treatment can remedy the situation. Experts advise booking these one month before the wedding to get your texture in tip-top shape.

Find inspiration online. Anyone who has come home from the salon in tears over a bad haircut knows that style is subjective. Your version of loose curls may be totally different than your stylist’s. The best way to prevent miscommunication is to search for pictures. Pinterest is an amazing tool. Pin the looks you love and consult with your stylist before the wedding to avoid any hairstyle confusion.

Two Weeks Before

Start conditioning. If you’re planning to wear your hair down, you’ll want it to look super healthy. Stylists suggest booking an in-salon deep-conditioning treatment to repair split ends and leave your hair looking silky. You also may wish to invest in a deep-conditioning hair treatment to use once a week to increase softness.

Fix your color. Whatever your dream shade, this is the time to book your colorist. It’ll give the dye a chance to settle and still look fresh without roots growing back in. Although a bold hue is one way to make a statement, many experts recommend keeping it natural. This is a day when you’ll want to rock the color that makes you feel most like yourself.

One Week Before

Get a trim. Stylists don’t recommend dramatic changes prior to the wedding — it’s already a sensitive time and any major snip could send you into a spiral. Book a stylist you trust and opt instead for a light trim.

Add shine. Dirt, oil and products can leave hair looking less than lustrous. Try a clarifying product to cut out gunk. You also can schedule a last-minute in-salon gloss treatment.

April 6, 2017

Men’s Wardrobe Essentials Your Bae Never Knew He Needed

Getting your man to step up his style game can require a gentle push in the right direction. If you notice his comfort zone starting to close in around him, grab him one (or all) of these men’s wardrobe staples with Cash Back at Ebates. These fashionable yet functional must-haves for men will easily elevate his look without scaring him off from the latest trends.

The Jogger Pant

Sweat pants with swagger — that’s exactly what joggers are. If your guy is regularly caught in the light of day wearing his favorite sweat pants or pajama bottoms, insist he try these. If women can rock fancy leggings by day, dudes should have the luxury of comfortable yet fashionable joggers.

The Floral Tie

Wedding season is right around the corner. Instead of spending beaucoup dollars on a whole new suit, get him a floral tie to refresh his formal wear. And, yes, remind him even the most macho men can wear florals. They’re just plants, for goodness sake!

The Slim Suspender

Blazers used to be at the top of all menswear essentials lists since they can easily dress up his favorite tee and jeans — but so can suspenders! They are a great alternative in hot weather, and they’re arguably more comfortable than a belt.

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The Patterned Tee

Graphic and striped men’s tees are a dime a dozen, making tees in any other pattern one of our favorite men’s wardrobe essentials. They are perhaps the easiest and most comfortable way to make a statement this spring.

The Linen Short

Give your man the gift of clothes that are actually meant to be wrinkled! Linen shorts not only keep him cool, but also give his look a breezy, laid-back vibe.

The Undercover Active Tee

This isn’t his typical gym look. A top that lays like a T-shirt yet absorbs like an active tee is the perfect solution for the guy who hates wardrobe changes.

The Denim Bomber

Name a more perfect union than a denim jacket and a bomber. We’ll wait. This style is rugged with a timely twist that is perfect for a casual weekend.

The Hooded Shirt

He can wear it as a button-down or over his tee as a light jacket. Versatility is key to finding menswear staples he will absolutely love.

April 5, 2017

Where to Go on Your Mini Moon

Lots of newlywed couples are taking a long weekend or short week away immediately after their wedding to let down their hair and kick off their marriage with some relaxation, fun and time set aside just for the two of them.

For some couples, a long weekend away is plenty (and saves bundles!). For others, the mini moon is just a taste of a longer trip planned later, after the couple has had time to recover from wedding expenses and can afford to splurge (again). Either way, the post-wedding mini moon ritual is practical only if you travel to a destination that’s close and you can treat yourselves affordably. A few deals at these perfect-for-newlywed mini moon destinations could score you Cash Back at Ebates and save you a fortune in the process.

California Wine Country

El Dorado Hotel

California wine country is the perfect long-weekend getaway. All you need is a few days away to get your fill of sun, wine and award-winning food in Sonoma and Napa. It’s the best way to wash away stress and make the fun and excitement last a little longer.

Stay in town for an adorable (and walkable) experience that gives you the best of the countryside without compromising convenience. Book the El Dorado Hotel in advance through Hotels.com for a great deal and a poolside brunch.

Sedona, Arizona

A Day in the West Jeep Adventure

Amara Resort and Spa

Sedona’s brilliant red rock formations are enough to awe any newlywed couple looking for a majestic, beautiful mini moon retreat. Find yourself on the A Day in the West Jeep adventure, or take a tour of the town’s wine, beer or art scenes. Then settle in at your room in the eco-friendly and secluded Amara Resort and Spa, tucked into your own mini Grand Canyon. Book with Hotwire.com to get a great midseason deal.

Quebec City, Canada

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

If you can’t do Paris right after the wedding, consider visiting its North American cousin, Quebec City. This Quebecois destination has a stone-walled fort and streets reminiscent of the old country, and you’ll hear a mix of languages on the street that will transport you to Europe. Stay at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a luxurious European-style hotel, to truly feel like you’re in a foreign land.

Key West, Florida

Key West Sunset Key Cottages

Key West is ideal for achieving a romantic beach getaway without leaving the U.S. Post up on a quiet island to get your fill of bungalow living, snorkeling, diving, fresh fish dinners and unbeatable rum cocktails. Come to think of it, there’s nothing mini about Key West. Stay in a romantic ocean-side bungalow at Sunset Key Cottages, booked through Expedia for a great deal.

Bermuda

Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa

Just a two-hour flight from New York, Bermuda is a popular honeymoon spot for newlyweds on the East Coast. Its popularity shouldn’t be a put-off, however, since it’s still possible to find empty, pink-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue water. Stay in a cabana on one of four private beaches at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Cape, a Thompson Hotel

For those tying the knot on the West Coast or in the Southwest, Cabo could be perfect for a beach mini moon. Its local flair gives it that true honeymoon destination feeling, and you’ll relish endless beaches, mind-blowing al pastor street tacos and margaritas. Book ahead on Travelocity to stay at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, perfect for ocean views and modern luxury.

April 4, 2017

How to Get Your Skin Ready for Your Wedding Day

Finding an amazing makeup artist is just one step toward getting gorgeous skin on your wedding day. The real work comes during months of skin care, diet and exercise. The good news is that you easily can achieve luminous results with a few simple tweaks. Here’s a plan that will result in your best skin ever.

1. Start Drinking More Water — Immediately

Yes, it’s the oldest advice in the book, but water maintains moisture and increases skin elasticity, and it will combat skin problems such as wrinkles and eczema. Force yourself to take water breaks at work, and keep a glass by your nightstand. And, if you’re bored by water, make it fun: Get in the ritual of having water with lemon when you wake up. Drinking more water will change the way your skin looks more than anything else.

2. Pay Attention to Your Diet

You are what you eat, so revamping your diet will make a more dramatic change than any expensive skin cream. Experts advise paying extra attention to your diet in the months leading up to the big day. Keep a food journal describing how you feel after eating. Do you notice certain foods making you feel sluggish? Pay attention to how your skin reacts to the new diet. Cut out carbs, sugars and animal proteins; fruits and veggies have all the minerals, nutrients and antioxidants you need to glow from the inside.

3. Stick to a Routine

Planning a wedding means you’ll be busier — and more stressed out — than ever. Set your alarm for five minutes earlier than usual and block off an extra five minutes at night to commit to a strict skin-care routine. Invest in a good mask tailored to your skin’s needs and use it every Sunday night. Julia Noik, founder of organic beauty line African Botanics, suggests doing this at least two to three months before your wedding.

4. Commit to Exercise You Enjoy

Exercise increases blood flow, nourishes skin cells and carries away waste products. Working up a sweat revs up collagen production and is on par with getting a facial, experts say. If you have only three spare minutes in the morning, begin your day with cat-cow pose: inhale, lift your chest and butt, and drop your belly. Then exhale, drop your head and curl in your navel. Do it fast! Yogis say the anti-aging benefits of this pose are in the speed.

5. Book a Facial

A month before your wedding, book a facial. It will increase circulation and decrease waste (which causes puffiness) under your skin. It also will cleanse your pores on a deeper level and can help even your skin tone and lighten dark spots.

April 2, 2017

8 Festival Fashion Staples That Won’t Bust Your Budget

Festival season is almost upon us, so if you scored the tickets, it’s time to start planning the outfits. Festival clothing doesn’t have to be expensive; the majority of your budget is better spent on essentials like food, drinks and transportation. Before diving into shopping for festival outfits, take a look at these eight stylish staples you can get at a bargain while earning Cash Back at Ebates. From light outerwear to accessories, we’ve got your festival style covered from head to toe.

Floral Romper

We love rompers for two reasons: They’re easy and their shorts prevent the worst thing that comes with sweaty summer heat — chafing. Also, there is nothing more summery than a floral-lace combo, right?

Metallic Sandals

We prioritize comfort when shopping for festival-style clothing. After all, festivals are full-day events. These molded metallic sandals will provide you the arch support most strappy gladiator styles will not, cute as they are. It’s a good thing the comfy-shoe trend is still going strong!

Tassel Earrings

Easily add a pop of color to your festival fashion with these striking yet lightweight earrings.

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Flower Crown

Another staple incorporated into many music festival outfits is the bold and bright flower crown. We particularly love this one because it comes in a variety of colors. At this price, you can get one for every outfit!

Cherry Print Co-ords

Matching top and shorts sets are awesome because they give you so much mileage, and separates make it easier for you when nature calls.

What the Shell Swimsuit

Nothing beats the heat like a swimsuit-and-shorts combo. We love this punny little swimsuit you can rock as a bodysuit.

Pink Sunnies

Mirrored sunglasses are making way for bright, translucent styles, which will give your whole look a bit of a vintage vibe.

Crochet Duster

No festival fashion guide would be complete without a little crochet. We recommend getting a light piece of outerwear like this duster for those evening chills.

March 31, 2017

What Your Bridal Shoes Say About You

Blame Cinderella, but there’s no denying it: There’s something decidedly fantastical about wedding-day footwear. And although your gown may steal the show, it’s your wedding shoes that reveal your true colors. From a comfortable wedge to a serious stiletto, here’s the message your bridal shoes are sending out into the world.

1.“Fashion is my first love forever.”

Who cares if you can barely see your heels beneath your dress? You’d know — and die — if you didn’t do it up designer from head to toe. Fashion is more than fun to you — it’s your identity. And comfort means nothing when style is concerned.

2. “I look for a bit of magic in everything.”

From ruby slippers to your beloved first pair of jelly heels, footwear has a storybook quality for you. You’d never even dream of slipping into a standard pair of white or cream heels on your big day. Keep the whimsical vibes alive with these gilded flats. Demure yet daring, they add the right bit of charm to any gown.

3. “This is my ultimate princess moment.”

You’ve dreamed of this day your entire life and you aren’t afraid to go all out — the big gown, the traditional jewels and the stacked heel. These sparkling stilettos, featuring an open toe and a pretty T-strap, fit the bill for your big moment.

4. “I basically want to be barefoot — except more glam.”

In an ideal world, you’d get married in your bathing suit. You loathe hair brushes, barely can be bothered to take off your leggings and would rather be on a beach than in a shopping mall. Keep it casual yet polished with these simple, slip-on flats.

5. “I move to my own drumbeat.”

A traditional pump is the sartorial equivalent of the snooze button for you. You want a shoe that stands out yet still makes sense for the occasion. These booties are fun and fashion-forward, not to mention easy to dance in.

March 29, 2017

Cute Alternatives to the Standard Wedding Cocktail Hour

A wedding is a time for tradition. That’s why most couples in the U.S. opt for the traditional order of wedding events: ceremony first, followed by a cocktail hour, then dinner and dancing. But what if you want to break with tradition and do something different for your cocktail hour. Or (gasp!) not have a cocktail hour at all? With more and more couples opting for creativity over tradition during cocktail hour, wedding guests are increasingly surprised and delighted by cute options like these that create even more memorable moments.

Play lawn games

Custom wedding cornhole boards

Croquet, cornhole, giant Jenga, giant checkers, homemade Twister — there are dozens of fun lawn-game options to keep your more playful guests entertained. Having games set up for your guests to play at their leisure is a fun and memorable way to make your cocktail hour unique. Etsy is an incredible resource for finding gems for cocktail hour lawn games, like these custom wedding cornhole boards. And, as a perk, you’ll have the games to keep for future parties.

Create a cigar bar

Montecristo

There are plenty of ways to signify a celebration is in order, but two of the most celebratory are champagne and cigars. If you have some cigar lovers in attendance, hosting a cigar bar during your wedding cocktail hour is an impressive and distinct way to make your day even more special. JR Cigar has an incredible selection, including world-renowned Montecristo cigars, and you can add a special DIY flair by creating your own handmade description cards to highlight the distinct tasting notes for each type of cigar.

Do your toasts (or even cake) early

Cava

If your ceremony is earlier in the day, why not forgo the traditional cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and serve cake and coffee immediately following the ceremony? This is a great alternative to the traditional wedding-cake cutting at the end of the night, and it’s a great way to save money. Cutting down on the amount of alcohol served is always better for the budget.

Another cute alternative is to have champagne poured and do your wedding toasts a little early. It’s a less formal way of bringing everyone together in recognition of the bride and groom, but it’s a fun way to kick off the cocktail hour. If your venue allows you to supply your own, stock up on plenty of bubbles from wine.com. (Tip: Go for cava or dry prosecco, rather than true champagne, to save some money.)

Host wine or beer tasting

If you think your guests are going to appreciate an activity that will keep them entertained beyond toasting and mingling, you could offer a wine- or beer-tasting bar. This little addition to a cocktail hour could amplify the festivities, especially if you and your fiancé are avid wine tasters or beer aficionados. A tasting bar could add an adorable touch to share with your guests something personal and special from your life.

Completely mix it up

For nontraditional couples who want to save money, replacing a standard cocktail hour with, well, nothing might be a good option. Replace that hour with late-night bonfires and s’mores, or simply make a quick getaway after the ceremony to greet your guests and kick off the reception.

Or, for a complete flip on tradition, make your wedding reception one long cocktail hour. As long as your guests get plenty of food and drinks, a formal dinner might not be missed — especially if there’s ample music and dancing!

March 27, 2017

Travel Hacks for Booking Your Spring Vacation

Spring is finally here, which means we probably all have our eye on a travel adventure. If your spring break plans are more about getting the most incredible travel experiences for a bargain than about splurging on a luxury vacation, then you’re in luck. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of travel deals online and in person. All it takes is a little digging and patience to save you big and earn you Cash Back at Ebates. Here are some of the best travel hacks of the season.

Book packages

You already know Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to find deals on flights, and you know clearing the cache in your web browser can help keep prices down. But did you know you can save on flights, accommodations and ground transportation when you book it all at once? There’s a reason Travelocity offers that option right off the bat: It’s one of the easiest — and possibly the most overlooked — travel tips. You can get your flight, hotel and rental car for a bargain if you’re ready to commit all at once.

Start earning points

Any self-respecting travel hacker has a credit card or 10 that earns valuable miles, hotel points or both. Beyond signing up for cards that have incredible travel rewards, less committed travelers can simply sign up for any frequent flyer program that’s available. Anytime you try a new airline, sign up. Anytime you book with an airline you’re already signed up for, don’t forget to include your frequent flyer number. This easy (and free) hack will earn you points simply by traveling. It won’t happen right away, but maybe next spring you’ll have miles to use and your biggest decision will be whether to upgrade to first class.

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Pre-book activities

LivingSocial is the perfect travel mate for anyone looking to try new activities while on vacation. It has deals for every travel adventure — from snorkeling in Hawaii to a spa day in Napa Valley. It’s the best way to book something in advance, eliminating the headache of indecision when you arrive and saving you money by finding the best discounts on local attractions. Booking — or at least researching — in advance could save you while you’re on your trip.

Locate restaurant deals

You’ll be able to enjoy the best brunch in town at a bargain with a pre-booked deal at Mangrove Mama’s in Sugar Loaf Key, Florida. Restaurant.com lists some of the country’s best restaurants, and most have significant discounts. If you’re trying to be spontaneous or you simply can’t make up your mind beforehand, ask three locals where to go for food as soon as you arrive. Chances are, they won’t suggest a chain or the main tourist trap. They’ll know where to go to get good food that’s affordable. Expert tip: Don’t be afraid of street food or a hole in the wall!

Get all the apps

Splittr:

Wolfram Sun Exposure:

Before you travel, make sure you have all the apps you might need to make it the most efficient trip possible. Don’t waste time splitting the hotel bill; to painlessly and scrupulously divvy up all the week’s expenses among your group, download Splittr from the App Store before you go. Or, to avoid missing dinner reservations because you’re stuck at the hotel applying endless globs of aloe to your arms, download Wolfram Sun Exposure. This app tells you exactly how much sun you should be getting and when to call it quits. There are so many seriously clever apps out there that could make your trip as efficient and cost-effective as possible, and it takes only the smallest amount of effort before you travel to find them.

March 23, 2017

One-Piece Swimsuits: The New Bikini

Rocking a bikini at the beach or on your tropical winter getaway may seem like the ultimate style goal, but what if you prefer a little more coverage? Retailers have started making bikinis in a variety of styles and sizes to reduce their exclusivity, yet some women still prefer the more modest look of a one-piece swimsuit. You can easily achieve this look while diving into some hot swimwear trends with these one-piece bathing suits. Each come with Cash Back at Ebates, and they are guaranteed to turn heads while you soak up some sun.

Deep V

A one-piece trend we love is the “Baywatch”-style comeback with a plunging neckline. The cut, along with the chevron pattern of this piece, creates a stunning silhouette.

Bikini Back

From the front, this suit looks like it’s rocking some sexy side cutouts, but really it’s a one-piece bikini with a disconnected top and bottom in the back. Plus, we absolutely love fringe for summer, and you will too.

Mesh Panels

One-piece swimsuits with mesh paneling can give you the illusion of cutouts while keeping you covered. We love how sporty and sleek this style can look on all body types. Not to mention, bathing suits with letting are so incredibly hot right now. You’re going to be a walking heat advisory all summer long.