Since it's the holiday weekend, I am reposting a piece I originally wrote for Create My Event. It is an interview with Shannon Rice from Riso Studio in which she discusses the latest honeymoon trends. Some of you know Shannon for her graphic and album design work, but she is also a licensed travel agent and specializes in honeymoon planning - making sure that your itineraries are as full, or as flexible, as you prefer. So without further ado, here is the original article:

Perhaps one of the best parts of the wedding process is the honeymoon. That sweet time where you and your new husband can unwind, relax and spend time not thinking about whether the double-sided satin ribbon you ordered for your programs is the right shade of plum. While all-inclusive resorts can be a good option for some, they also the pose the dilemma of being impersonal. Some couples arrive to find dozens of other newlyweds who had also tied the knot on their same date. That tends to put a damper on "look at me, I'm the bride".

In order to get a better glimpse into alternatives to the big resort choices, I asked Shannon Rice, the owner of Riso Studio, a boutique travel firm to lend her insight on the matter. Here is some of what Shannon has to say about honeymoon planning:

What are couples today looking for on a honeymoon?
Today's couples are still looking to accommodate the basic ideas of a honeymoon: relaxation, romance, and simplicity. Yet they are trying to be adventurous, eco-friendly, and giving. What couples need to remember is that their honeymoon, excluding their wedding, is the first experience they share together as a married couple. Some couples are taking this to heart and are signing up for a week of volunteering and then traveling around their location for another week. Other couples are throwing in the towel on relaxing and are planning an 8-10 day adventure style vacation in remote mountain or jungle areas. For the green lovers there are new lines of luxurious green and eco-friendly boutique hotels.

What are some of the advantages for couples in getting off the beaten path?
The best part about taking a risk and trying something new for your honeymoon is that it makes the couple immerse themselves into a new culture and lifestyle. They can experience parts of a culture and location through staying in a small remote town, dining at the local hangout without getting stuck in a tourist trap, and staying at a five star family run hotel. Meeting up with a translator or hiring a local guide or college student for a day of local fare can definitely make your travels worthwhile. If you like the off-the-beaten-path style, make sure you steer clear of the big chain hotels and research the small boutique or bed and breakfasts instead. You will get more personal attention while vacationing like a local. Trust me, there are still amazing family-run small five-star accommodations out there to keep the luxuries and romance going throughout this style of honeymoon.

What are today's hottest trends in travel?
A new trend in honeymoon travel is still staying true to the simplicity of an all-inclusive experience yet with a 5-star location with all the amenities. There is a new twist that introduces eco-adventure all-inclusive lodges. They are normally set in remote locations, and include all meals, lodging and an array of activities. The couple will still experience the 'community' like feel of an all inclusive on a smaller scale and not only limited to honeymooners. This style of travel can be perfect for the luxurious and stylish travel duo to the rough wilderness and nature lovers. Some of the lodges are eco-friendly and include very healthy gourmet meals. Adventures such as canopy tours, river rafting, deep sea fishing and rock climbing can all be included based on locations. They pride themselves on making your trip an “experience” in a beautiful natural environment and not just a vacation.

If you're planning your honeymoon, make sure it's special and uniquely you. Boutique travel firms are a great resource for planning your wedding finale and the peace of mind knowing everything is on schedule is invaluable.

For more information on Shannon's services, check out her website and blog.

{totally apropo for Fall photo of Shannon by Sloan Photographers}