Say I Do in 2022: Your 2022 Wedding Planner

After over a year of postponed, scaled back, and masked up nuptials, 2022 is predicted to be a comeback year for weddings. According to The Wedding Report, there will be approximately 2.5 million weddings in 2022 — that’s more than we’ve seen in almost 40 years. If you and your intended will among the dapperly-dressed couples, our 2022 Wedding Planner is for you! You’ll find stories on the latest wedding trends, from engagement rings to honeymoons.

With This Ring. . . 

by Lakyn Connor

Christmas or New Year’s Eve are popular times for marriage proposals! Ring styles, colors, and shapes are always changing. So stay up-to-date on the latest trends in engagement and wedding rings and you’ll have an idea of what you are looking for when you go shopping to pick that perfect ring.

Kimberly Griffin, owner of Legacy Jewelers in Lake Charles, says it is still the norm for guys to come in alone to shop for their intended’s engagement ring. “The tradition of surprise remains very strong. I wish women could know the thought their men put into picking out just the right ring. Guys come in with an idea in their head based on photos they’ve seen, hints from their girlfriend . . . or they might want to combine a couple different ideas, and we create rings based on their vision.”

Griffin says gold is traditional, but white gold tends to be more popular. And rose gold is very on trend right now. Round diamonds are classic, and the two other most popular shapes are oval and emerald cut. Halos – a circle of diamonds around a center stone – are also very current. “That’s a trend that’s not going anywhere,” Griffin adds. She enjoys helping customers understand the ‘4Cs’ of diamonds – carat, cut, clarity and color, which helps them choose the right stone.

For the wedding bands, couples generally shop together. Griffin says it’s no longer required for the engagement ring and the wedding band to be ‘matchy-matchy.’ “We call it ‘texture.’ The rings don’t need to nest together. Some couples ‘stack’ the bands, meaning one band on either side of the engagement ring. Or they will incorporate the birthstones of their children into the wedding band.”

Men’s wedding bands have historically been rather straightforward. But today’s bands allow guys to express their sense of style. Many men opt for a formal ring, but buy a second less expensive band, often made of silicone for safety while working, hunting, fishing, or beachcombing, so they don’t ruin or lose their band or injure their finger in an accident. 

Vintage-style engagement rings are also trending. For something truly unique, find an antique ring for bonafide vintage – perfect for a woman with an old soul. These can be found at estate sales, antique stores, or pawn shops. 

Couples can opt to personalize their wedding bands by adding engraving to the inside of the rings, possibly their names and/or wedding date, or a phrase that is meaningful to the couple.

Griffin says she strives to make her jewelry store comfortable for both men and women. “We’re definitely not stuffy. We want ring shopping to be a fun environment and an enjoyable experience for clients while they trust us to create their rings. We are a very small part of a very big moment.”

Legacy Jewelers is located at 3133 Ernest St, Lake Charles. For more information, call  337-433-3375,

 or see their website, 

www.legacyjewelersswla.com,

 or find them on social media.

 

The Dress of Your Lifetime

by Kerry Andersen

While the world looks to the runways in Paris and Milan for fashion trends, no European city tops the American South when it comes to wedding glamour and show stopping bridal gowns. After a season of downsized ceremonies, big weddings are back, and brides are dreaming about their moment in the spotlight. At L Bridal Couture in Lake Charles, owner Laurie Baynard tells brides “It’s all about you!” We sat down with Baynard for a chat about what local brides can expect when choosing a dress that will make them shine. 

What makes a Louisiana bride unique?

Louisiana brides tend to be a bit more traditional, so they go all out on their wedding day with a big budget to back it up. They are looking for a bit of flair as they walk down the aisle which means the longer the veil and train, the better! Engagements are on the shorter side right now as local brides forgo a long waiting period before saying their vows, but they still want to dazzle on their big day. 

What are brides in SWLA requesting when they book their appointments? 

First and foremost, they are looking for an entire bridal experience. When they book an appointment with us, we reserve the entire store just for them and their loved ones to shop for a gown and accessories in an ultra-private and luxurious setting. They also want their pick of designers from New York City, Barcelona and Australia without leaving town, so we curate looks from around the world for them to choose from. Mikado gowns are popular with Southwest Louisiana brides right now. The rich silk offers a sophisticated structured look that holds its shape. 

What are the hot trends in bridal fashion?

Louisiana brides love lace and crepe. Beyond rich textured fabrics we’re also seeing intricate trains, square necklines, high-low hemlines and gowns that can transform into multiple looks. Convertible dresses feature options such as a detachable overskirt, removable sleeves, or a train that clips off to allow brides drama during the wedding ceremony but comfort and a new look at the reception without buying two gowns. Also look for backless dresses or gowns adorned with giant bows. 

What are the latest bridal accessories?

Capes continue to be popular as they offer easy drama and can be removed for multiple looks with one gown. Puffy sleeve dresses offer up the designer elements that modern brides are looking for. Flutter sleeves and bell sleeves instantly elevate a gown with a pop of photogenic glamour. Many designers offer detachable or customizable sleeves for a one-of-a-kind look. 

Who are the trending bridal gown designers right now?

Smaller independent designers are having a moment as brides look for unique looks that set them apart. Choosing an American label is popular, in part because U.S. based bridal gown companies aren’t experiencing shipping and supply issues impacting the larger global brands. I’m so eager to help brides feel beautiful, I’ve developed my own label – Elle by L Bridal Couture – and it has become a bestseller in the boutique. 

Advice for brides in 2022?

After you say yes to the groom, say yes to the dress – and do it NOW. Bridal gowns traditionally take a long time to be delivered, but worldwide shipping slowdowns mean that dresses are taking 20 weeks (or more) to arrive. L Bridal Couture does carry some ‘buy now’ options, but for a customized look, ordering 8-12 months before the wedding is highly recommended to allow for alterations and delays. Most gowns range from $1500-5000. 

L Bridal Couture is located in Oak Crossing at 5656 Nelson Road – by appointment only for personalized one-on-one service. Find them. online at lbridalcouture.com and Instagram @lbridalcouture. 

 

Invitations

Announce your Exciting News and Set the Stage for your Nuptials

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Break out the LOVE stamps! When it’s time to announce your wedding and invite your guests to your big day, you’ll want the help of an expert. Sara Smith, stationer and owner of PaperSmith & Co., says a wedding is a very special event and should be announced accordingly. “The invitation does not need to be expensive, formal or fussy, just reflective of the bride and groom and their vision for their day.”

Smith established her stationery business in 2005, just after Hurricane Rita. “It was a one-woman show back then,” she says. “I was creating invitations with little more than a computer and printer. Since then, we’ve acquired additional printing options through larger companies, most being located in the south. We’ve also upped our design savvy, and find that our customers, mainly brides, are very pleased with our offerings.”

While many things have changed in the stationery industry over the years, the biggest difference Smith has seen is the sheer number of options available to brides – styles and designs of invitations, printing methods, embellishments, and the like. “Our favorite ‘extras’ are lined inner envelopes and a ribbon to wrap all the pieces into one.  Lately, we’ve seen a definite trend back to more formal, classic invitations, including formal reply sets and accessory pieces to complement the invitation. Inner and outer envelopes fall into this traditional area, but recently we don’t see these as often. With so many exciting options for wedding and reception venues, invitations ideally should follow the theme, giving guests a little hint of what to expect on the big day.”

Save the Dates are also very popular, Smith says, giving guests the opportunity to schedule travel and accommodations ahead of time. “These are especially helpful for destination weddings, or when the wedding takes place over a holiday weekend. Our calendars seem to fill up quickly these days!” Smith also encourages couples to create a wedding website. “They are extremely helpful in getting information out to guests, receiving RSVPs, and such.”

Smith advises couples to allow enough time for their invitations to be received by their guests. “They should be mailed at least six weeks prior to the wedding date and take possibly that long to design and print. So, three months out is the latest you should schedule your initial appointment with your stationer.”

PaperSmith is located in downtown Lake Charles, at 311 Broad Street. Visit their website for more information on setting up an appointment and follow them on social media.

 

Plan Your Wedding!

A Month-by-Month Timeline and Checklist

You’re engaged! . . .  now what? With so many items on your to-do list, planning a wedding can seem overwhelming. But, if you allow yourself enough time and sort the tasks month by month with a checklist and timeline, the job becomes more fun and less stressful. Though 12 to 14 months is the ideal length for an engagement, every couple’s engagement time is different. If your engagement length is shorter, simply condense the schedule. 

12 Months Out

Determine your budget.

First up, do the math. Determine who’s paying for what and your wedding’s bottom line. Then create a budget – what’s a priority and what’s not? Consider making a spreadsheet to help you keep track of spending and adjust numbers along the way.

Select the venue.

Choosing the venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make right now. The location affects almost everything else, from how many people you invite to the kind of flowers on the tables. It’s also likely one of your greatest expenses. So, explore your options, visit your top picks, and select a place that fits your guest count, style, and budget.

Make a guest list.

When deciding head count, consider your budget and venue (how many people does it accommodate?) Also, who’s paying for what? If you and your partner are footing the bill, assume you’ll get 70 percent of the invites, while both sets of parents will split the other 30. But if mom and dad are contributing, it’s protocol to give all involved parties—your parents, your partner’s parents, you as a couple—one third each. 

Hire a wedding planner.

If your budget allows—or if your peace of mind requires it—now is the time to choose a wedding planner. This person will guide you in all decisions, from selecting a venue to tracking your budget and handling all the logistics.

Decide formality and overall theme.

Time to have a conversation with your significant other regarding the vibe of your wedding, which of course should be a mutual decision between the two of you. What’s important to you and why? What do you value? Remember, your venue will affect your decision.

Select the caterer.

Hire people you trust to deliver—whether that’s the venue’s in-house caterer, a preferred caterer recommended by your planner, or your favorite taco truck. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your menu. 

11 Months Out

Choose a color theme and consider overall design.

It’s time to gather inspiration so pull up your Pinterest boards, select a color palette, and create a mood board. If you’re uncertain, look at things that are already in your world—like how you’ve decorated your house, what you are liking on Instagram, etc.—and draw inspiration from that.

Hire vendors such as photographer, band or DJ, and videographer.

These are the people who will make your night fun and record your memories and they tend to book up early. Do your research, poll people you trust for recommendations, and ask the vendors a lot of questions before you hire. 

10 Months Out

Start shopping for your wedding dress.

Peruse bridal magazines so you have an idea of what’s trending and what you like but have an open mind when you begin this process. You never know until you try it on.

Book hotel room blocks for guests.

It’s a thoughtful gesture to block out rooms (and secure a discounted rate) for your guests. 

Create your wedding website.

Get your site running now because you’ll need to put the URL on save the dates next month. 

Take engagement photos.

Now is a great time to practice being in front of the camera, especially since most photographers include a session in your package.

Start looking at invitations.

The wedding invitation is a guest’s first impression of your big day. If you’re going custom, start working with a graphic designer or stationer now. If you’ll take a simpler route, you can wait until the six-month mark. 

9 Months Out

Buy your wedding dress. 

It’s time to say “yes” to the dress if you want to avoid rush fees.

Send Save-the-Dates.

Let everyone officially know your exciting news. And remember: Everyone who gets a save the date gets a wedding invite. No exceptions.

8 Months Out

Register for gifts. 

Involve your better half in this one—after all, you two are building a life and home together. It’s smart to ask for staples—like sheets and pots and pans, and so on—but also think about what you really want. Consider your hobbies and tailor your registry to your soon-to-be-married lifestyle.

Select bridesmaids’ dresses and schedule fittings.

Go shopping with your bridesmaids. The trend is to set the color scheme and overall style and allow your wedding party some freedom to help choose what they will wear.

Meet with potential florists.

Ask trusted friends or your planner/venue coordinator who they recommend in the area. It’s important that you find someone who is able to deliver on your vision and budget.

7 Months Out

Book the rehearsal-dinner venue.

Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for the rehearsal dinner, but you still have say in the theme of this party and where it should happen. Consider hosting a family-style dinner at your favorite restaurant or even hosting a casual celebration like a crawfish boil or backyard BBQ. 

Hire an officiant.

If you aren’t marrying in a house of worship, you’ll need to hire someone to make it official. Couples can use a professional or take a more intimate approach and ask a close friend or family member to do the honors.

6 Months Out

Hire a lighting technician.

Couples often forget about lighting, but the bulbs and candles you select will light your perfect venue, make your photos just right, and keep the party going—even after the sun sets. 

5 Months Out

Book transportation for yourselves and guests, if needed.

Consider your venue’s parking situation, guests’ access to car services or public transportation, and the cost you’re asking them to incur. Good rule of thumb: If it’s going to run them $20 or more—especially if you’ve already asked them to travel for a destination wedding— think about a shuttle bus or car services such as Uber that allow you to book rides on others’ behalf.

Book the honeymoon.

Try to have things semi-sorted out by this five-month mark. Be on the same page about budget, timing, travel arrangements, and a semblance of an itinerary. 

Buy or rent the groom’s tuxedo.

Choose between a tux or suit, based on the formality of your wedding, and then decide whether to buy or rent. When selecting the ensemble, focus on fit and function. A well-made outfit will be flattering, but also allow for quirky dance moves. 

Begin premarital counseling.

Whether you come from a religious background or not, pre-marital counseling has benefited countless couples. It’s helpful to have an objective third-party encouraging you to address issues that haven’t come up yet in your relationship. Counselors can also provide you with healthy conflict resolution tactics so you’ll be ready when the inevitable disagreement comes along. Plus, some states offer a discount on your marriage license if you undergo counseling.

4 Months Out

Schedule a tasting with the caterer.

The tasting has become increasingly important as more and more couples choose to customize everything from their signature cocktails to their desserts. Bring along your planner or a few friends to stay objective. 

Choose your cake.

Find a reputable baker who’s available on your date and can accommodate your dream design for a reasonable price. You and your partner should settle on a look and flavor you both love. Don’t stress about pleasing every one of your guests. This is your cake! You can also consider a groom’s cake.

Buy wedding bands.

Gold or silver? Engraved? See story on page 48 for more information.

Select the groomsmen’s attire and schedule fittings.

Do you want the groom and his guys to be matchy-matchy? How can you ensure the entire entourage gets fitted on time if they live all over the place? What else could go wrong? The groom involved with this one and he’ll get his men in line—a very neat, orderly, and well-dressed line.

Hair and makeup trial.

Help your stylists help you by researching some particulars before you come in for your trials. Consider what has looked good on you in the past. Search social media for more inspiration.

3 Months Out

Order the invitations and hire a calligrapher.

Order enough invitations and account for some mistakes. Ensure they will arrive in time. Create a system for recording RSVP replies, and confirm all addresses and spelling. The theme of your invites should match the vibe of your wedding and express you as a couple. 

Plan your menu.

Once you’ve undergone a successful tasting, you’ll have a good sense of your caterer’s style and offerings, so you’re ready to finalize a menu that fits your budget, tastes, and timing.

Brainstorm guest favors.

You don’t have to do favors or gift bags, but now’s the time to decide. 

Book a photo-booth rental.

Photo booths have become a reception staple, but if you prefer, use your imagination and create a fun backdrop for photo ops.

Write your vows.

If you’ve opted to write your own promises to one another, start thinking about what those should sound like for you two as a couple. 

Select readings.

Bible verses are a traditional choice here, but there are plenty of nonreligious options, as well. If you prefer your readers choose their own, give them as much guidance as possible.

Meet with the officiant and invite him/her to the rehearsal dinner.

Lots of things to consider when asking someone to marry you, but your main concerns are availability, eligibility, fee, and fit. Can your officiant of choice lawfully, affordably, and meaningfully help you two become one? Once you’ve chosen, discuss expectations and the overall tone you want for your ceremony. 

2 Months Out

Send wedding invitations (with RSVPs due one month before the wedding). 

Send rehearsal-dinner invitations.

These can be included with the wedding invitations if you like.

First dress fitting.

Your first fitting should be anywhere between two to three months after ordering, and your second one around the six-week mark.

Pick up your marriage license.

There are four steps to getting your marriage license, and it›s important to know where to go, what to bring, how much it’ll cost, how long it’ll take, and how long it’ll last. Every state has different laws and requirements, so Google yours. If you’re having a destination wedding, whether domestic or international, you’ll need to research those paperwork requirements, as well. Then, make sure you as a couple, your witness(es), and your officiant sign it.

Buy wedding-party gifts.

How much you spend on your bridesmaids’ gifts is determined on an individual basis, but no matter your price point, your goal should be something that’s thoughtful, functional, and personalized. as possible. 

Do a floral mock-up with your florist.

Floral samples vary depending on your florist and your own wedding décor choices, but most of the time they’ll include a mock reception table setup, centerpiece, and bouquet. Talk tweaks and finalize your delivery and care strategy.

Give song selections to your band or DJ, as well as any ceremony musicians.

Buy all small items.

Toasting flutes, cake topper, cake stand, cake knife, guest book, card box, ring-bearer accessories, flower-girl accessories, a cute hanger for your dress, and a garter, just to name a few. Don’t wait till a week before the wedding to pick up these incidentals.

 1 Month Out

Assemble favors or gift bags. Make it more fun than a chore.

Pay your vendors in full.

Keep track of when and how much you pay each vendor. If some vendors must be paid the day-of, or you’re distributing tips, ask your most trusted bridesmaid or relative to handle the labeled envelopes you’re going to put together.

Have a final venue walk-through.

Make a list of questions beforehand and bring your planner or another close friend or family member to bring up anything you forget.

Put cash in tip envelopes for your planner/delegate to distribute.

Generally, you don’t need to tip people who own their own business—such as photographers, videographers, and florists. It’s customary to tip the following vendors: musicians, DJs, hair stylist, makeup artist, drivers, bartenders, and servers. Many couples tip the wedding planner, as well.

Break in your wedding shoes.

Walk around your hallways. Dance in your kitchen. Do everything in your power to avoid painful blisters on your wedding night.

Final Week

You’ve made it all the way to the final week of your wedding planning! All that’s really left are the nitty-gritty details:

Refresh your hair color

Get your eyebrows done

Manicure/pedicure

Get a massage (or make it a couple’s massage?)

Final dress fitting (a friend or bridesmaid should come with you so she can learn how to bustle if your dress requires it)

Pack your bags for the honeymoon (don’t forget your passport if you’re leaving the country), and confirm your travel arrangements

Clean your ring (head to your jeweler to get your engagement ring professionally cleaned so it’s extra sparkly on your wedding day)

Chase any RSVP stragglers and deliver the final head count

Clear your work to-do list so you can focus on wedding festivities and take it all in

Practice your vows out loud

Write your partner a note to be delivered to him on the big day.

Source: brides.com

 

Preserving the Memories

Trends in Wedding Photography

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Wedding trends come and go, and wedding photography is no exception. But one truth remains the same . . . of all the details of your big day, the memories caught on camera are the ones that will endure for a lifetime. Wedding photographers once tended to follow a bit of a formula at weddings. There was a general list of expected wedding shots. But wedding photography has become more sophisticated over time. Today’s couples don’t want their wedding photos to look like everyone else’s. They’re looking for more natural poses, dramatic imagery, and stunning backdrops.

Lana Tyler, a 13-year veteran in the wedding photography industry, stays abreast of these trends and meets with each bride or couple prior to the wedding for a final consultation. “This allows me to better help guide their wedding day and learn what events, both traditional and not, will take place during their wedding and when,” she says. “It is important to me that I build a relationship with my clients. This helps them to trust that I will not only document one of the most important days of their lives, but that I will be there to help guide their day along, as well.”

Couples in 2022 will likely see more of the following wedding photography trends:

More Natural and Outdoor Settings

Nature adds unpredictable yet sometimes pleasantly unexpected elements to wedding day photos. Backlighting from a sunrise or sunset, even a rain or snow shower, can result in fun, spontaneous, and unique photo memories.

More Casual Group Shots

While Tyler sees fewer couples tossing the bouquet and garter or swaying to the money dance, she says the big group photos with family and wedding party are here to stay. But couples are often requesting more casual versions of these wedding album staples. More candid group photos bring out more relaxed emotions, which can ease tensions on the wedding day.

Documentary Style Photography

With documentary style photography, the photographer allows the event to unfold organically, capturing real, unrehearsed photos full of sincere, in-the-moment feelings. Some might say this style is replacing the videography trend.

First Looks

Tyler says “first looks” have become popular in recent years, where a couples will see each other privately prior to the ceremony, instead of waiting for the bride’s walk down the aisle. “This is one of my absolute favorite parts of the day. First looks relax the couple, and it is one of the only times of the entire day they will spend alone. It’s intimate and provides an opportunity to capture authentic emotion.” Some brides also request photographers capture their dad’s first glimpse of them in white, as well.

Overhead and Aerial/Drone Photography

For a completely different perspective, overhead or aerial photography can be an effective way to capture the excitement of the day. Shooting from nontraditional angles is also a great way to grab unique candid shots.

Day After Photos

Wedding days are so busy, it can be difficult for a photographer to catch every shot you may want, especially if time or lighting become issues. Day-after shoots are garnering popularity with couples who may want some post-wedding day photos in a more relaxed setting or want to shoot in a location that’s different from the wedding venue.

Unique Props

Props are fun, no matter what’s trending. They lighten the mood and allow for some fun, candid creativity, often adding joy and color to your photographs.

In addition to delivering timeless, true-to-life photographs, Tyler says her goal is to create a memorable experience from beginning to end. “The cake is cut, the guests go home, but your images are with you for a lifetime.”

To learn more, go to lanatylerweddings.com or find her on social media.

 

What’s New on the 2022 Wedding Scene

And what we gleaned from a global pandemic

by Stefanie Powers

Wedding and event planner Sara Lasher was in the middle of a busy season with more to come when the COVID-19 virus hit—and everything changed. “Just before the announcement, my then-bride, a general practitioner here in town, called me forecasting a shut-down,” Lasher says. “Having her in my corner helped me navigate the pandemic for many couples over the last year.”  

Luckily, cancellations were rare for Lasher. “I had one. And frankly, they cancelled because after having a private 10-person wedding in May of 2020 and rescheduling their celebration to the fall, they were impacted by Laura. My heart broke for them more than for any of my other clients. They were robbed of their celebration twice.”

Most of Lasher’s clients either postponed or married privately with vow renewals later. “I recently had one couple who celebrated their vow renewal on their one-year anniversary, and during their first look, they exchanged gifts of paper, as is customary. It was difficult to keep a dry eye.”

Lasher says that during the mandate, only a few couples were willing to compromise to 50 people indoors (that headcount included vendors). “But some of those mini-monies were my favorites of the year. Love was witnessed, tears were shed . . . followed by a party, but just a smaller one than I’m used to seeing.”

Now that things are looking up and mandates have been relaxed, are couples requesting pre-pandemic ways of doing weddings, or did COVID-19 change some things indefinitely? “Hand sanitizers are still everywhere, and people value that,” Lasher explains. “Outdoor events are still very much appreciated by hosts, guests, and vendors alike, especially this time of year. Some couples are more cautious than others, naturally, but for the most part, everyone still considers safety in their seating and sanitizing planning.”

Lasher says that one of her recent brides has a PhD in epidemiology. “She went from planning a 300-person gathering to a much smaller event, cutting her guest list substantially, hosting her reception fully outdoors, and taking additional cautions after Delta became the dominating variant. It is still very much a concern for many.”

Buffets have always been a big deal at Louisiana weddings, and it seems that hasn’t changed, despite health concerns. 

“The buffet is a cultural norm here,” Lasher says. “Cajuns and weddings are pretty synonymous with potluck, and there’s still a huge portion of the population here that subscribes to that. The catered meal is foreign to many, so the buffet line keeps things feeling a bit more relaxed – a sort of ‘eat when you want, drink when you want, but kick off your shoes right away,’ approach. Cajuns wants their guests to be comfortable.”

Even in the thick of the pandemic, seated and plated meals were not the norm, but buffets looked a lot different than those prior to the pandemic. “Masked servers plated the offerings as guests went down the line behind stanchions so as not to cough over the meal,” Lasher says. “Tables were called up one at a time rather than it being a free-for-all. So, buffets are here to stay – but modified.”

Lasher is thankful that people are comfortable enough to host events again, no matter what those events might look like compared to before. “My wedding and event family has struggled,” she says. She encourages the community to consider shopping local when planning events to support the businesses and help them bounce back.

Sara Lasher Weddings & Events, 

www.saralasher.com, info@saralasher.com, 

337 422-4824, and find her on Facebook.

 

Top Honeymoon Destinations in 2022

by Stefanie Powers 

The world is reopening, little by little. If you’re planning a honeymoon, there’s a lot to think about since the pandemic. If you want to travel outside of the United States, you must keep up to date on the latest travel restrictions and requirements of the destinations you are considering, as they are constantly changing. There will be online forms to fill out, test results to be downloaded, etc. It’s a bit of a chore.

As of this writing, most Caribbean islands and foreign countries require visitors to be fully vaccinated AND show the results of a negative COVID-19 test before departure. In addition, the United States requires all American citizens returning from a foreign country to take a test before they can re-enter the states. Many resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico now provide pre-departure COVID-19 testing on the premises, which makes it easy for their guests. Unfortunately, if you test positive for COVID-19, you can look forward to a 14-day quarantine in a foreign country on your own dime. Some countries, such as Costa Rica, will not let you enter their country without specific COVID-19 insurance.

So, with the above-mentioned caveats, let’s take a look at the top honeymoon destinations for 2022.

Jamaica

Jamaica has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and lots of all-inclusive honeymoon packages, which makes this island ideal for newlyweds. Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Seven-Mile Beach in Negril are the top resort locations, and many are couples-only. Don’t miss the rainforest for ziplining, chairlifts, ATV adventures and the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls. 

Mexico

Mexico continues to be a popular destination. For those of us here in Southwest Louisiana, Cancun/Riviera Maya is a mere two-hour flight from Houston. It’s chock-full of luxurious, all-inclusive gated resorts that cater to your every whim and offer maximum security. If you want to venture out to visit the Mayan ruins or any of the many fabulously fun adventure parks, there are dozens of tours available. Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific coast has a more rugged beauty and equally beautiful accommodations. 

St. Lucia

Beautiful Saint Lucia in the eastern Caribbean is home to volcanic beaches, reef-diving sites, luxury resorts and fishing villages. Snorkeling, sailing and rainforest adventures await, along with hikes to the Piton Mountains on the west coast. 

Hawaii

Honeymooners have been flocking to Hawaii for decades. While Honolulu was the main attraction back in the day, Kauai, Maui and the “big island” of Hawaii are now more popular due to their natural beauty, with Maui voted the most romantic of all the Hawaiian Islands. To truly enjoy your trip, try to stay for at least 10 days. With the time change, it takes about three days to get fully acclimated. Keep in mind that while there are many resorts on the islands, none of them are all-inclusive (that’s a European invention), and you will need to rent a car to get around. 

Tahitian Islands

The islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Mo’orea have reopened to international tourism. Their majestic volcanic peaks, lush vegetation and impossibly blue waters make this destination a true paradise. If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own little bungalow over the ocean . . . this is the place. It’s a long journey to get there, so count on a two-week vacation. You may also want to splurge and upgrade the seating on your flights, so you can stretch your legs and be more comfortable. 

There are package deals available for all these destinations, so do your research, or let a local travel agent help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams.