Honeymoons. That period of bliss after all the wedding chaos, when you and your new partner get to relax and enjoy each other’s company in an exotic location before settling into your new life together. But what if that new life includes kids?
Perhaps you had children before tying the knot. Maybe this is your second marriage and one or both of you have kids. Rather than go on a honeymoon alone, some couples with kids are opting to go on familymoons instead.
A familymoon is a family holiday straight after the wedding. Taking your kids on your honeymoon might seem a bit unusual, but it could be a wonderful experience for the entire family.
Remember, planning your wedding can also be stressful for your kids. Taking a familymoon will let them have some fun after all the excitement. Familymoons are also great bonding opportunities, something that is vital when integrating a family. You will also enjoy your vacation more, knowing that those you love most are enjoying themselves with you.
Some agents have capitalised on the trend and are offering many great packages that your whole family could enjoy. From beach getaways and cruises to city tours and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options for a familymoon. Booking a family-friendly holiday means that there will definitely be activities the kids can do by themselves while you and your partner enjoy some alone time.
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Natural light is great, but it’s not always necessary. However, if you and your partner have opted for an indoor wedding, this adds another challenge for your photographer to capture all your special moments.
If you are concerned about the lack of sunlight and unexpected shadows, fear not. All you need is an expert photographer and a sharp eye. Here are some tips for you to follow to ensure your day is picture-perfect.
Voice your opinion
Don’t be afraid to speak out. If you want a specific photo, mention it to your photographer. It is also a good idea to take your photographer around the venue and give them a shot list before the big day, so they can prepare accordingly. Remember that things can be moved and rearranged to better capture the space, so don’t be afraid to change things up.
Focus on the guests
Candid moments of your guests are important to have because they serve as a memory and show the personality of your special occasion. Ideally, you have a key light source in the dining and reception area, and since your guests will already be gathered together the lighting should be mostly uniform.
Embrace indoor lighting
Indoor lighting creates a stunning moody vibe. Get your photographer to take a few shots of the venue before everyone arrives. Windows also create a stunning silhouette and the burst of natural light adds a unique moodiness to the images.
Stand out from the darkness
As a bride, you can use the darkness to your advantage. Indoor photos allow you the opportunity of having details, like your bouquet or train as the star of the photo, without the background or scenery stealing the show. Make sure to focus on detail shots of the getting ready process.
A black and white image can turn a simple moment into a wow-worthy image. With this finish, you won’t have to worry as much about how lighting affects colours.
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Symbolic of nature, green is often considered to represent tranquility and health. Of course, we cannot forget that it’s also a lucky colour.
Incorporating this hue into your wedding day decor is super easy and beautiful. We’re not talking about just locking down a plant and calling it a day. Be different and find fabrics and items in the various green shades like mint, emerald, seafoam, and jade.
Green pairs beautifully with gold for a more luxurious and rich finish. However, you can tone it down with white for a more classic look. Those wanting a unique finish should opt for various shades of green mixed together. Don’t forget to add tons of texture for dimension.
Here are some stunning tablescapes we are inspired by:
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Times have changed drastically. In the past, getting a wedding gift was so much more than honouring the wedding couple. It was providing them with the essentials to begin their new life.
Crockery, bedding, décor are some of the items that couples really needed. Of course, back then, couples only moved in together after they were married. Today more and more couples live together for years before getting married. All those essential items that appear on the gift registry become redundant because the couple already owns it.
That’s not to say, however, they do not need help building their new life. The nature of what they need has changed. Policies, investments, a college fund for any future children: in other words they need money.
As a guest, this leaves you with a big question. Should you buy a wedding gift or give cold hard cash? In most cases the choice is easy. Couples are very straightforward with what they want. They either have a gift registry or state that they’d prefer money.
If these are not stated, or you are confused about what to get or how much to give, hopefully, these tips will help you decide.
Buying a gift
The most important thing when deciding on a gift is to ensure that is something the couple would like. Take their tastes into account, rather than your own. If you have to get traditional wedding gifts in the bed, bath and beyond category, opt for something different and quirky. If you are especially close to the couple, something personal or handmade could be a great hit, particularly if the couple has all their household items sorted. This will ensure that your gift is unique and memorable.
Budgeting for a gift is important. You don’t want to get something too cheap, but you do not want to break the bank either. Grouping together with friends and family is a good way to get something exceptional and within your budget. If you are invited to various events for the wedding that require gifts, divide your budget for each event. Style Caster recommends using 20% of your budget for an engagement gift, 20% for the bridal shower and 60% for the wedding.
Giving Money
It’s always tricky when dealing with money. You may be uncertain on how much money you should give, or whether it would have been cheaper to simply get a gift. As a general rule, the closer you are to the wedding couple the more you should give. Always work with your budget and give as much as you can afford. The couple should be gracious enough to accept your contribution no matter how big or small it is.
Like with pricey wedding gifts, it’s okay to pool money together to give to the couple. Co-workers, family members, and friends can go in together to give a substantial amount. Consider the expenses of the wedding. If you have already given gifts for other events leading up to the wedding or spent money getting to a destination wedding, you can give a little less money.
Whether you are buying a gift or giving cash, the most important thing to remember is timing. Do not wait too long before giving your gift!
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