Planning Makes Perfect! Honeymoon Wardrobe

I remember my honeymoon; specifically I remember stressing out about what to pack. I didn't want to take too much, and have my husband tease me endlessly about too many shoes or too many skirts. I was determined to pack sensibly and not over-pack, but I wanted to take enough that I would be prepared for any activity.

The perfect honeymoon comes from a perfect plan. Planning your itinerary, your flights, ground transportation and planning your wardrobe. Who wants to spend time on your honeymoon stressing over what to wear, or wasting time being uncomfortable in something that doesn't fit-or worse...hurts your feet? The smartest bride should create a capsule wardrobe (or a wardrobe plan) for her honeymoon. A capsule wardrobe puts the 'less is more' philosophy into action. Here is the Capsule Wardrobe Packing List:

TOPS/SHOES

White tank top
Flip Flops
Colored tank top
Dressy heeled sandal
Dressy Tank (maybe empire style)
Walking shoe
T-Shirt (something with a sleeve)
Flirty top
 

BOTTOMS/JACKETS

Denim skirt
Denim jacket
Walking short
Wrap top/sweater
Summer Printed Skirt
Sundress
 

ACCESSORIES/HANDBAGS

Long scarf (in solid color)
Dressy evening bag
Long necklace
Tote style
Short necklace
Day bag (what you normally would carry)
Wide braided belt
Skinny belt

Here are 20 outfits put together using 4 Simple Pieces:
 

DENIM SKIRT

+White tank (jazz up with beads and heel, dress down with flip flops)
+Dressy Tank (pair with braided belt and white denim jacket for casual night, or with short strand of glass beads and wrap sweater)
+T-shirt (with flip flops or walking shoe for sight seeing, or a more covered-up, cover-up!)
+Long scarf (tied at waist with bathing suit top, or worn as a halter top)
+Flirty top (dress down with the denim jacket and flip flop)
 

SUNDRESS

+Tank top (wear the top over the dress, turns the dress into another skirt). Pair with a wide braided belt and flip flops -great for a day hunting seashells!)
+Sweater (perfect for a night out)
+Scarf (giving the dress another look, use the scarf tied at the waist, over shoulders, or layered over the skirt)
+Alone with heels
+T-Shirt (worn over the dress, making it into another skirt, use a skinny belt to add some interest to your waist)
 

SUMMER PRINT SKIRT

+Flirty top (great for a night out)
+Tank top (with thin simple belt and denim jacket)
+Wrap sweater (another good 'night' look)
+Dressy tank (use the scarf to add some 'wow' to the outfit)
+Wear the skirt as a summer dress (wear at your bust line) as a bathing suit cover up)
 

WALKING SHORT

+Bathing suit top (make it sporty with a cute hat and flip flops)
+Tank top and walking shoe(great for a day of sightseeing)
+T-shirt (add some pizazz by pairing with long strands of beads and heels)
+Flirty top (pair with an interesting shoe, and this is a great 'night out' look)
+Dressy tank (with a denim jacket-you're good to go!)

If you can't find at least 3 ways to wear each piece, then leave it at home. Also, plan on taking more than one bathing suit. Generally, for a week long trip, 3 is a good number. Why? 2 two-piece, and 1 one-piece. You will be wearing one, while the other is drip-drying from you wearing it (and washing it out) the previous day. And, there are some beach resort activities that you will be more comfortable wearing a one-piece (think diving, snorkeling etc.).

Next is the challenge of purchasing some new things for your honeymoon. The one piece most brides want to get is a new bathing suit. If your wedding is in the fall/winter, skip shopping at the mall. The inventory at that time of the year is going to leave you frustrated. Start online. There are many great websites out there with amazing inventory all year around. Some places to start your online hunt include Chadwicks, Lands End, Victoria's Secret, SwimwearBoutique.com, or department store websites. Order a few cuts/styles, and each in a few sizes; and simply return the suits that don't work for you. Be sure to check the online store's return policy before placing your order.