Choosing A Bed & Breakfast Inn as a Wedding Venue

Congratulations! You’re engaged! The love of your life has asked to marry you. You, of course, said “Yes!” Your dreams have come. But wait! Now you realize that the magical fairytale wedding that you’ve been dreaming about since you were 4 years old is about to take place. And all you have to do is make it happen. Where do you begin?

You should begin by choosing a venue for your wedding and reception, one which reflects your personality. When searching, there are several things to consider. A venue should reflect your personality and be a good fit for the dream wedding you want to have. You may prefer a venue which offers an intimate setting where various wedding and reception activities take place in different areas. If this is your preference, you may want to consider a bed and breakfast inn for your wedding and/or reception. The intimacy and romance a bed and breakfast inn offers will provide you with a charming and memorable venue not only for you and your fiancé, but for your guests as well. A wedding-to-remember, so to speak!

Many bed and breakfast inns, such as The Caldwell House, are historical in nature and offer something unique for your wedding and reception which you cannot get in another venue. In addition, no two inns are alike, and you should search for the one which fits your idea of your dream wedding. Some bed and breakfast inns also offer lodging for guests, which can be a big help if one side of the family is from out of town, state or the country. Most inns that offer wedding services also offer a Honeymoon Suite for the bride and groom. For evening weddings, this is a real advantage as the exhausted bride and groom will not have to drive anywhere to spend the night. Some inns offer the bride a dressing room for her, the bridal party and the mothers, which affords the bride a special time to be with those closest to her. Many inns have unique and beautiful photo spots for those memorable moments to be forever cherished.

Some inns will provide packages including luxury linens, elegant dinnerware and even wedding coordinating services. Be sure to ask what is provided in their wedding and reception packages as this can be a real money-saver.

If your wedding will be in Louisiana, your search can be easily done by visiting the Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association website where you will find a list of bed and breakfasts arranged by location. Choose your venue wisely to afford you and your guests fond memories that will last a lifetime.

Christmastime in “Cajun Country” is filled with activity all over the area. Acadiana, as this region is called, is located in Southern Louisiana from Texas to just west of New Orleans. The many towns and villages in this region each do their part to celebrate Christmas with parades, bonfires, tours of decorated homes and so much more. There is something all across this region for everyone. What a wonderful time to visit “Cajun Country”!

Abbeville, located approximately in the middle of Acadiana, celebrates not only with a parade but the annual Abbeville Christmas Stroll on the first Thursday of December. Downtown businesses open their doors from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm to large crowds of people to officially “begin” the Christmas season in Abbeville. Shoppers are treated with food or sweets and Christmas music is played in each business. People walk from business to business under shiny white lights which brighten up the town and Magdalen Square where Santa listens to the children’s lists. Located 2 blocks from Magdalen Square, The Caldwell House Bed & Breakfast participates with a tour of the entire home, decorated with 7 Christmas trees and refreshments for guests. Being centrally located in Acadiana, The Caldwell House is an easy day trip to enjoy Christmas festivities all over the area.

In Jennings, towards the western part of Acadiana, the W.H. Tupper Museum offers a unique display of Christmas trees decorated with 1940’s ornaments from the Tupper Family Store.

Zoo of Acadiana in Broussard, east of Lafayette, holds its annual Safari of Lights through Dec. 30th. Pathways in the zoo are decorated with thousands of twinkling lights.

The splendor of over half a million lights decorate Noel Acadien au Village in Acadian Village in Lafayette. Christmas music, Santa Claus, and many activities are held during the month leading up to Christmas day.

Possibly the most unique Christmas parade is the Delcambre Boat Parade, held in Delcambre, just east of Abbeville, where “A night time, lighted boat parade” is held. Decorated boats parade down the Delcambre Canal. A firework display, local bands playing Christmas music, local food and more add to the festival.

Another unique Christmas Fest is held at the Wetland Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodeaux where children wait for Santa to arrive in a boat on Bayou Lafouche.Next year, come to Louisiana, spend time in Cajun Country and experience what an Acadian Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas Y’all!

Reveillon 2011

Reveillon dinners make Christmas in New Orleans wonderfully unique.

“Un réveillon” is a meal that takes place late, during the night. The word can be used to describe such a meal at any time of year, although it is now primarily associated with the celebratory meal enjoyed late on Christmas Eve. Many people traditionally sit down to Reveillon after Christmas Eve mass.It should be no surprise that Reveillon is so widely celebrated in New Orleans. The town is, after all, inclined towards nocturnal activity and gustatory excellence. Reveillon is a natural extension of both.

While Reveillon traditionally takes place late on Christmas Eve, many New Orleans restaurants serve it throughout the month of December, at more reasonable hours. It is served as a prix fixe meal, with prices ranging from under $40 to more than $90 per person. Some restaurants offer choices within the menu, while others do not. It is worth researching such details before reserving a table.Chefs go all out for the Reveillon. They serve such delights as Foie Gras Crème Brûlée, Turtle Soup, and Brouillade aux Truffles. They serve Sautéed Frog Legs and Pan Roasted Quail. They serve Smoked Duck Salad, Bouillabaisse, and Braised Rabbit. If you like to stretch the limits of your palate, you’ll like Reveillon.

Many New Orleans Bed and Breakfasts offer Papa Noël specials during December, which provide deep discounts on lodging. Please see New Orleans Bed and Breakfasts for a list of these inns. And remember–the more you save on lodging, the more you can spend on your Reveillon.Please see Reveillon for a complete list of New Orleans restaurants serving this fantastically celebratory meal.

Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Inns are Great for the Holidays and Holiday Shopping!

The holidays are upon us and there is no better time to check out one of our fabulous Louisiana Bed and Breakfast offerings for your visit with family and friends around our state. Many of our bed and breakfast lodging choices offer holiday specials and packages. And for holiday shopping, make plans to bring a few empty suitcases because Louisiana bed and breakfast inns and guesthouses are conveniently located near eclectic shops and unique antiquing venues for that special gift for family or friends. For example, check out the holiday shopping in Baton Rouge with the “Kris Kringle Holiday Package” at one of our member Inns, The Stockade Bed and Breakfast in Plantation country. Make your reservations today for this or any of our 60 members around the state!

Bienvenue a’ la Louisiane, mes amis. (Welcome to Louisiana, my friends.)

To the Louisiana Innkeeper, our guests are never strangers, just friends we haven’t met. Are you looking for a unique bed and breakfast experience? The Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Association invites you to visit our state, from the grass roots of our unique Cajun cabins to the grandeur of our historic plantation homes. Our Louisiana bed and breakfast Innkeepers are dedicated to making sure that your experience is one that will create the memories of a lifetime.

You can enjoy bed and breakfast lodging in “The Big Easy” in the Greater New Orleans area or sit on the porch swing in Plantation Country. Our state has something for everyone. Revel in the beauty of the Kisatchi National Forest in Crossroads, or take a swamp tour in Cajun Country. For the adventurous soul, Sportsman’s Paradise awaits with championship fishing, exploring, bird watching and other outdoor recreation. A “one of a kind” experience is awaiting you here in our unique Louisiana Bed and Breakfast Inns, cottages, cabins or guest houses. We look forward to meeting you soon!