No Hassle Weddings, Honeymoons and Homes:

12/29/2005

(ARA) - More and more couples are opting for weddings with less frills and fuss and instead, celebrating with ceremonies that suit their lifestyles. This casual ambience translates into the honeymoon and subsequently, the home. The ceremonies are low-key, with simplicity and style at a reasonable price.

The bottom line: couples are planning alternative and informal weddings, including destination weddings. In fact, 10 percent of the 2 million American couples that marry each year plan so-called destination weddings. That s a 200 percent increase in the past decade, according to Conde Nast s Bridal Group Infobank and Modern Bride Magazine. This increase in destination weddings and more casual celebrations has in turn led to downplaying the traditional romanticism of the honeymoon. Guests are invited for a much-needed vacation to join the couple to enjoy activities such as skiing, hiking, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning or simply hanging out at the beach. For couples who choose the beach, many brides are excited to kick off their shoes and dig their toes into the sand. Not donning the traditional white gown is another plus that scores big points among casual brides.

Casual attitude does not stop at the wedding or honeymoon. Once these modern brides return home, they are translating a relaxed approach to their new living space. In a quest for comfort, home furnishings have taken on an important role toward delivering the casual lifestyle Americans crave. Designs have been influenced with simple details, clean lines and calming colors. The result is a casual style that is warm, inviting and homey, driven by flexibility and good design.