Sustainable gift registries and ideas are out there, and it only takes a little bit of effort for the planet-minded brides and grooms-to-be to find them. Yes, it may mean splitting up gift registries into categories of different stores, and yes, it may be an online-only thing, which grandma may have trouble with (until you teach her the modern meaning of ‘mouse’). But is it worth it?

Boy, is it ever! 

Green doesn’t have to be more expensive, and in fact the quality and sustainable specialties of green brands are just as prestigious as going high-end on your wedding registry.  For example, the gift registry at Shoo-Foo Eco Linens offers bamboo towels and bedding that are breathable, stay fresh longer, hang like cashmere, shine like silk and are probably the softest material you’ve ever felt in your life!  Sensitive skin will especially appreciate their hypoallergenic qualities, and luxury seekers will love the 300-thread count of the bedding set, plus the 600 grams per square meter of the towels. They’ve got it all from robes to face cloths, shower mats, gym towels and of course, a huge bath sheet! (plus more!).

They are local and have the certifications to prove their sustainability. It’s a great place to start a gift registry for wedding showers, stagettes and rehearsal dinners that are all about being environmentally friendly and gifting with organic sources. 

Then there are companies like Cookworks, a local Vancouver kitchenware store. While they may not be pushing the green side of their marketing efforts, brides can rest knowing that at least they offer high quality items that won’t be polluting the earth to get to your door, since they are local.  

Another great option would be requests for fine art gifts (a great investment scheme), to support your local art community.  In fact, Vancouver’s Jacana Art Gallery is stepping onto the wedding scene as an art gallery with a bridal speciality; couples can now book the sleek-looking space and customize the art decor for their reception or ceremony, plus request a gift registry there. 

Finally, for lovebirds who already have all the household necessities, thinking outside the box will eliminate the need for boring cash envelopes.  Consider asking for experience gifts, like a gourmet kayaking trip from Edible British Columbia. Or perhaps a rafting trip or some other fear-defying activity, perfect for learning the true meaning of “till death do us part.”

Registries are a great way to ensure your gifts are green by directing your guests to the items you specifically want.  While there are more green companies out there offering gifts that would be perfect for weddings, often they can only offer one-of-a-kind items, or are not set up for keeping a registry over a long period of time.  In cases like this, be sure to mix up your wedding gift requests, being open to what may arrive from the green sources without official gift registries, and being particular with the green stores that can well-manage your inventory of goodies-to-come!

In South Africa, consider visiting Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope. This is where your honeymoon in Africa will probably start. Also, the Kruger National Park is a must-see for Honeymooners.

African Safari honeymoon

Other Great Honeymoon Attractions In South Africa:

Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
Garden Route

In Zambia you’ll discover amazing wildlife and big game animals in the parks and national reserves. There are also many romantic spots to camp or live temporarily in local villages. Zambia is also home to the Victoria Falls, A natural wonder of the world and one of the perfect African Honeymoon sights.

African Safari honeymoon

Other Great Honeymoon Attractions In Zambia

Lower Zambezi National Park
Luangwa National Park
Zambezi River

Botswana

For many years Botswana has been one of Africa’s least known honeymoon destinations, but in recent years increasing numbers of tourists have been discovering the rich natural beauty of the area. some of the Best sights for you to check out on your African Honeymoon include:

Kalahari Desert
Okavango Delta,

African Safari Honeymoon

The Best Time To Go

South Africa: As a rule, the weather is good or excellent countrywide, year round, however Fall and Winter months are the best for safaris.
Botswana: Dry season is from May to December – so.. the Fall
Zambia: Game viewing is best during the dry season from May through to October.
This link has some great weather advice also

The Bahamas are often overlooked as a Honeymoon Destinations for Canadians during Winter. But in fact, Winter is the best time of year for you to visit the Bahamas! it’s right after the wet season that ends in November and up until May there is clear weather before the summer storms hit. This makes it a great place to visit during the winter months.

Honeymoon Horseback Riding in Freeport in the Bahamas

There are dozens of activity choices when you visit the Bahamas on your Honeymoon. These Include:

- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling wrecks and coral reefs
- Fishing dozens of Big Game species
- Golfing world renowned, professionally designed courses
- Flamingo shows, held on Nassau are a treat
- Visiting secluded beaches
- Motorbiking or driving along winding tropical roads
- Walking white sand beaches
- Boating to gorgeous island hideaways
- Partying at the many hotels, bars and casinos
- Romantic Horsebackriding in Freeport

Bahamas Nightlife

These are just some of the choices. There are many others. Check out the official Islands of the Bahamas for all the best information, travel warning, weather updates and much, much more.

Remember that the best time of year is Winter. So be sure to book now and enjoy a great Bahamas honeymoon!!

Things have changed in recent years, the new couple often stays until the very end of the wedding reception and they normally don’t leave for their honeymoon on the night of the weddings. Oftentimes the newlyweds are the last ones to leave the reception and stay in town for a few nights to relax after the stresses of their wedding. Sometimes the day after the wedding, the new couple holds a brunch with immediate family and out of town guests to thank them for being part of the wedding.

Even if you don’t leave the reception early, you should do a fake staged farewell from the wedding reception for a photo opportunity. Arrange with your photographer to take pictures of the couple leaving the reception site — this is a time when the guests can throw flower petals, blow bubbles or toss birdseed (if it wasn’t done already when they left the ceremony site). The photographer and/or videographer should film the couple getting into their car with the “Just Married” sign. Even if the bride and groom comes right back into the reception, this is fun photo opp that will look great in your wedding album for years to come.

El Dorado Maroma

El Dorado Maroma, located in the Riviera Maya, is a great spot for honeymoons (or even destinaton weddings if you want to go that route).

El Dorado Maroma’s intimate 72 suite setting, located on Maroma Beach, one of the world’s top ten best beaches, makes it a dream destination for honeymooners who want to experience intimate stretches of white sand and turquoise waters. Unique amenities offered as part of El Dorado Maroma’s Gourmet Inclusive experience—including rose petals and swan towels on the bed, drawn aromatic baths in the room’s Jacuzzi tub, private Swim-Up Suites and Upper-Terrace Infinity Pool Suites—encourage couples to focus exclusively on one another.

Rates at El Dorado Maroma begin at only $220 per person, per night, including the Gourmet Inclusive experience. Book by Aug. 31, 2009, to take advantage of the “It’s Your Choice” promotion, offering room upgrades for only $40 that include one of the following bonus offerings: couples massages (valued at $220), beachfront candlelight dinner for two (valued at $140) or two hundred El Dorado dollars for a wine purchase from the extensive wine cellar (valued at $200). Guests traveling to El Dorado Maroma between Feb. 15, 2009, and Dec. 22, 2009, can upgrade their Gourmet Inclusive suite as many categories as they would like at $40 per upgrade.

Hotel reservations can be booked through a GI Vacation Consultant or, by calling El Dorado Maroma at 1-888-280-7558, or by visiting the El Dorado Maroma website.