The Due Diligence Before Saying “I Do”: Are You Prepared?

So, you’re thinking about getting hitched, huh? That’s amazing! Between tasting cakes and picking out flowers, it’s easy to get lost in the wedding whirlwind. But let’s take a coffee break and chat about some grown-up stuff you might want to think about before the big day. Trust us, it’s like making sure you’ve packed an umbrella for a cloudy day - better safe than sorry!

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What Makes You Tick?

Before diving into understanding someone else, have a little sit-down with yourself. Think about what makes you tick. Everyone’s got dreams, habits, and, yes, even those pesky credit card bills.

Ask yourself stuff like:

What are my dreams for the next five years?

How do I handle it when things go sideways?

Got any debts or savings stashed away?

Knowing this helps you see what you’re bringing to the party and what you hope to get from it.

Get to Know Your Soon-to-be Better Half

Love’s awesome, but getting along and understanding each other? That’s the secret sauce. Spend some cozy evenings just chatting about the big stuff in life.

Stuff to chat about:

Where do you both see yourselves in 10 years?

How do you both feel about starting a family?

Spending habits - are you a saver or a splurger?

When things get tough, how do you both handle it?

Getting a peek into their thoughts helps set the scene for a smoother ride together.

Talk Money

Okay, let’s be real. It’s important to make sure that you are being as upfront and honest about finances as possible, because you are about to start sharing everything fully. So if you have any debt out there, you might want to think about looking into some Jefferson Capital Systems reviews and getting it paid off as soon as possible. Your partner should also show the same kind of forward-thinking. Money talk can be super awkward, but it’s kind of a big deal in a marriage. So, grab some takeout and make an evening out of it.

Check out this money-talk menu:

Got any debts or savings? Let’s share.

How much are we spending on the wedding and what about after?

Joint bank account or separate? What feels right?

Dreaming of a house or a world tour? Let’s plan for it!

Ever Thought About A Prenup?

Now, I know this might not sound like pillow talk, but hear me out. A prenup is just a piece of paper that lays out the what-ifs. Think of it as a map for if things get a bit foggy. And hey, you might never need it, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Learn more about prenups and how they can help here.

Consider Talking To The Pros

Think of premarital counseling as chatting with a pro about how to make the most of this awesome adventure you’re embarking on. They’ve got some neat tools and insights that can help both of you navigate the married life waters.

Families: More Than Just Holiday Dinners

When you get married, it’s not just about the two of you; families join the mix. Getting a feel for family vibes and traditions can help dodge any surprise curveballs later.

Have a think about:

Are you living close to family or flying solo?

Which holidays are a big deal in your families?

How often are family visits on the cards?

Dreaming Past The Wedding Day

As much fun as wedding planning is, remember there’s a whole lot of days after the wedding day! So, brainstorm together about:

Your dream home spot.

Job opportunities and maybe moving to a new place.

Planning on little ones? What’s the timeline looking like?

Wrapping It Up

Getting married is like the best kind of rollercoaster, full of ups and thrilling moments. Doing a bit of homework and prep can make sure the ride is smooth and mostly bump-free. So, keep dreaming, keep planning, and here’s to your happily ever after!

5 Tips to Create the Perfect Garden Wedding

A garden wedding offers a beautiful and romantic setting for couples looking to tie the knot. With nature as your backdrop, you can create a memorable and enchanting atmosphere for your special day. Planning a garden wedding requires attention to detail and carefully considering various elements to ensure everything comes together seamlessly. This guide will provide five essential tips to help you create the perfect garden wedding. From choosing the right venue to selecting the perfect decorations and considering catering options, these tips will guide you in planning a magical and unforgettable celebration.

1. Selecting the Perfect Garden Venue

The venue sets the tone for your garden wedding, so it's crucial to choose the right one. Consider factors such as the size of the garden, the availability of amenities, and the overall ambiance.

Here are tips for selecting the perfect garden venue:

Size and Layout

When selecting a garden venue, size should be taken into consideration. Determine how many guests you want to invite and ensure the space comfortably accommodates them. Consider the layout of the garden area as well. Will it facilitate easy movement for you, or will it create a cluttered feel?

Location

The location of your garden venue is an important factor in creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Look for conveniently located venues close to amenities such as hotels or restaurants so that everyone can access them easily. Additionally, check for factors such as noise levels in the vicinity - this will help ensure that your wedding festivities run smoothly without any disturbances.

Amenities

When selecting a garden venue, look for venues with the amenities needed to make your special day memorable. Verify whether they have enough space to accommodate all guests and support facilities such as electricity, water supply, and restrooms. If you plan to host fun activities or performances during the wedding, ensure the garden has adequate lighting and sound systems.

Ambiance

Last but not least, consider the ambiance of the garden venue you choose - does it provide a romantic setting? Look for gardens with picturesque landscapes and lush greenery to create an enchanting atmosphere for your special day. Additionally, ask if they have options for decorations so you can customize it

2. Creating a Beautiful Ceremony Space

Designing a captivating ceremony space is key to a memorable garden wedding. Consider the natural features of the garden and incorporate them into your decor. You can enhance the setting by adding an arch or gazebo adorned with flowers and greenery as the focal point of the ceremony. Decorate the aisles with flower petals or lanterns to create a dreamy atmosphere. Opt for comfortable seating, such as wooden benches or rustic chairs, that complements the garden theme. Remember to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather, such as a tent or an indoor space, to ensure a seamless transition in case of unexpected changes.

3. Setting the Right Atmosphere with Lighting

The right lighting can transform your garden wedding into a magical wonderland. Create a romantic ambiance with strategic lighting arrangements as the day turns into the evening. Consider string or fairy lights draped across trees or suspended overhead to add a soft, warm glow. For an intimate and enchanting atmosphere, incorporate lanterns or candles on tables or pathways. Illuminate key features of the garden, such as fountains or sculptures, to highlight their beauty. Lighting enhances the aesthetics and provides functional illumination, ensuring that your guests can move around safely.

The right lighting and atmosphere will also allow you to take more beautiful pictures and enhance your videography. Showcase your love, and put an extra sparkle into one of those white gold unique engagement rings for women or other precious stones that your fiance may have bought you! A dazzling ring is always something to show off! Getting the ambiance right is essential for making you and your guest comfortable, and for capturing those precious moments in pictures and video.

4. Choosing the Perfect Decorations

Decorations play a significant role in creating the desired atmosphere for your garden wedding. Embrace the garden's natural beauty by incorporating floral arrangements that complement the surroundings. Opt for seasonal flowers and foliage that blend harmoniously with the garden's color palette. Use natural elements such as branches, leaves, and stones to add texture and create a rustic or bohemian vibe. Add decorative elements like hanging flower installations, colorful ribbons, or vintage signage to enhance the visual appeal. Personalize the space with elements that reflect your unique style and love story.

5. Considering Catering Options

Food is an important aspect of any wedding, and garden weddings offer the opportunity to create a delightful culinary experience for your guests. Consider catering options that align with the garden theme and provide a memorable dining experience. One option to explore is utilizing a high-quality catering trailer hire, which allows you to bring a mobile kitchen to your garden venue. These trailers have all the necessary amenities to prepare and serve delicious meals, ensuring convenience and flexibility. Whether you opt for a full sit-down meal, a buffet-style service, or a combination of different food stations, work closely with your caterer to curate a menu that reflects your preferences and accommodates any dietary restrictions.

To Wrap It Up

Garden weddings are a magical way to celebrate your special day. Whether you choose a private garden, a botanical garden, or a wedding venue with an outdoor setting, these tips will help you create the perfect atmosphere for your garden wedding. From selecting the right venue and creating a beautiful ceremony space to setting the right atmosphere with lighting and choosing appropriate decorations and catering options, following these tips will help you plan a truly unforgettable wedding.

Things To Do Before An Engagement

Are you ready to spend the rest of your life with the very best person in the world? Have you found your true love, best friend, and soul mate? If you give an exuberant and emphatic yes in answering all of these questions, then it is time to get started on engagement planning. Here are some helpful tips to make the moment special.

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Find the Perfect Engagement Ring

After finding your favorite person, you want to do your best to select an engagement ring that will wow them while fitting their unique style and personality. If you are wondering where to go to find a high-quality selection of rings, look for engagement rings online. 

Going online is one of the easiest ways to select a ring. You can take care of the entire process from start to finish from the comfort of your home, a local coffee shop, or while waiting for your connecting flight at the airport. The point is that it is a seamless process.

Some things to look for when choosing the engagement ring are:

Diamond Shape - The shape of the diamond will set the tone for the ring itself. It is usually the first step in creating the ring as everything else is built around it. You can choose from the following shapes: Round, Cushion, Princess, Radiant, Emerald, Pear, Oval, Marquise, Heart, and Assher.

Metal - The type of metal you select is a personal choice. While some metals are stronger than others, all of the available options are durable and beautiful. Opt for a metal that matches their current jewelry metal or go for something complementary. The most common metal band materials are Platinum, 18kt White Gold, 14kt White Gold, 9kt White Gold, Silver, 18kt Yellow Gold, 14kt Yellow Gold, 9kt Yellow Gold, and 9kt Rose Gold.

Ring Style - The style of ring that you decide upon is also unique to your tastes. Some options for ring style are Solitaire Rings, Halo Rings, Side Stone Rings, and Three Stone Rings.

Price - The ring price is based on all of the above selections. You can make changes to the design online until you find the ring you want that is within your price point.

Plan an Amazing Proposal

In order to get the “yes” and the ring that you have designed in such a heartfelt manner onto the finger of the person you love, you will need to plan the proposal.

Here is a video with fun tips on how to have your photographer capture the proposal on camera. This is a great idea as it is possible that neither of you will remember these moments since you will be overcome with emotion, but you will surely want to remember the occasion.

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Finding the perfect ring and then getting down on one knee is just the beginning of your wedding adventures. After they say yes, you get to plan the wedding of your dreams with them and then enjoy a beautiful life together with the one you love. Enjoy the process and make wonderful memories along the way.

Maid of Honor Duties: Throwing a Party Extraordinaire for Your BFF

Not everyone is born with party genes. We are not born automatically with the talent to throw extraordinary parties at the drop of a hat. However, what's important to remember is that this party isn't for you. It doesn't matter if you're not fond of big parties as long as the bride is. You are tasked to throw a party for her and not for yourself. Forget your misgivings about having a grand party or an intimate one. It's the bride's last hurrah, as they say. Make it worth their time.

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Decide on the Location, Theme, and Date

First things first. Decide on when it will be, where it will be, and what theme it will be. You know the bride well enough to be the one to throw this party for her. Make sure that it will be something that she wants to spend time on. Are you going to surprise her, or will you let her know about the plans? If a surprise party is improbable, then make sure the bride agrees to the date and time. It doesn't matter if other of her friends can't make it. What matters is her schedule permits it.

Are you going to have a three-day party or just a night of revelry? Make sure the bride knows she will be away for a couple of days if that's your plan. Remember that brides have a lot on their plates. If you're sure she can be gone for a weekend, then throw that weekend party for her.

Think Outside the Box

Forget about a nice dinner or a spa date. Those are boring bridal parties (unless, of course, that's what the bride wants). If the bride wants a big party, you can rent a vacation home or hire a superyacht boat. There's nothing like partying in the middle of the sea. Just make sure everyone follows safety precautions to avoid incidents. Also, hire some lifeguards and put everyone's safety a priority.

If budget is not a problem, should you hire her favorite band? Can you rent a mobile bar and drink to your heart's content? You can ask other members of the bride's party to chip in so that you don't have to shoulder the whole expense of hosting the party.

Plan It Weeks in Advance

You can't throw a good party in a week, much fewer days. Make sure that you think about this plan weeks before. That allows everyone in the bride's circle to cross off that date and be there. The more people can attend the party, the merrier, right? Also, you don't want the bride's last party as a single woman to be so close to her wedding. It cannot be the night before because she will look swollen and puffy if she drinks too much alcohol.

At the very least, plan it two weeks before her big day. That gives the bride enough time to recuperate. She can have her skin glowing again.

Go Easy on the Activities

Don't feel like you have to pack the night with tons of activities. This is not a tour or a trip. This is a party, so let everyone mingle and talk. You can have a jukebox and have everyone take a spin of being the DJ for the night. Activities can be exhausting to think about and execute. Do not waste your time planning a program for the bride. At the very least, all you need to do is play a couple of games. As soon as the alcohol kicks in, partying is not a problem anymore.

Be All Out on Food and Drinks

Parties are all about the food and drinks you serve. Don't stress out too much about the food you want to serve. It helps to have a theme for the food such as the Mediterranean, American comfort food, Asian, and the likes. However, it is also okay to throw in all of the brides' favorites or everything that everyone will love. Lately, grazing tables were such a hit, so make sure you have one of these.

A cocktail bar might be the most important part of the food and drinks section of party planning. You can serve vodka, tequila, and wine. Try to avoid beers because they'll make everyone feel bloated fast.

Planning a party for your BFF doesn't have to be stressful. You know her better than anyone else. This party is for her. So, as long as she enjoys it, nothing else matters.

Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing The Ring

While some would argue that it gets too much of the attention and energy that goes towards a wedding, there’s no denying that choosing the ring that you’re going to be wearing for the rest of your life is a big deal. As such, you don’t want to make any mistakes that could make the hunt a lot harder on you. Here, we’re going to look at some of those exact kinds of mistakes, and what you can do to avoid them.

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Not having a budget

Wedding budgets are notorious for growing endlessly. The more you spend on them, the more they seem to keep demanding and the same is very much true of wedding rings, as well. There are a lot of wedding and engagement ring budget sites that can help you set an arbitrary budget. It’s best to stick to paying what you know you can reasonably afford but, if you don’t know what that is, you should set a basic limit at the very least to make sure that you don’t go too far overbroad with it.

Not knowing what you like

You’re going to feel like a kid in a candy store if you go jewelry shopping without any idea of what you’re looking for already in mind. There are so many different ring types, jewel cuts, settings, and more, that whittling it down by eye alone can be hard. Get an idea of what kind of wedding jewel and band you want, in advance, getting to know the different styles so that you can better narrow down your options when it’s time to choose. You may want to match it with your other rings, as well, so keep in mind those styles.

Not picking out just a few stores

If one jeweler has more than enough variety to keep you guessing, then you can only imagine what it’s like when you go to one after another. There’s nothing wrong with picking out more than one store, but you should whittle your choices down before you actually make the trip. Make sure you’re getting quality service and good prices by looking at online opinions from customers like this Jared review. That way, you can at least rest easy that you’re not wasting time on overpriced places with poor service and low-quality rings.

Not considering your lifestyle

You might think that your wedding ring is a purely aesthetic choice. Indeed, if you don’t mind taking it off and putting it back on regularly, that might be true. However, if you want to wear it constantly, you need to make sure that it fits your lifestyle. More rounded, thinner rings tend to be better for those that use their hands a lot, such as to play an instrument or use tools. Those who manually work with their hands should also consider not getting too many loose gems that could easily come out, too.

No-one can guarantee that the hunt for the right wedding ring is going to go smoothly. However, so long as you follow the tips above, you can at least make sure it goes a little smoother.

Is A Destination Wedding The Best Choice For You?

 

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Getting married is an event that should always feel special. If things go as they should, it won’t be the best day of your life - you’ll make more of those in the future with your spouse - but it should stand for something. It is one of those days you will look back on until you are old, and so it stands to reason that it should be worth remembering for all the right reasons.

It is for this reason that many people choose to have their wedding somewhere special. “Special” can mean a number of different things; it could be the church where your parents married; it could be a splendid stately home with sweeping grounds. Alternatively, it could be somewhere far away, with the perfect backdrop to really feel like a fairytale. If you’ve ever wondered about a destination wedding, it is worth thinking about it in detail - because, if you get it right, it could be the perfect way to say “I do”.

Planning will have an extra degree of difficulty

The starkest warning that can be made about a destination wedding is that it will test your planning to the max. You can take your trusty wedding planning checklist and add a few points. For example, will a wedding in your preferred locale actually stand legally when you return home? You’ll need to check these details with a registry office, and also consult closely with the authorities at the destination itself to see what legal requirements must be met. Finally, you’ll need to consider travel arrangements for yourselves and the wedding party - which also means trimming a guestlist down to those who can actually attend.

Know what you want from the day itself

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One of the most important elements of a fairytale wedding is the aesthetic. When you’re looking back at your photos in twenty years’ time, you’ll want to feel that same burst of happiness you did at the time. Your wedding therefore deserves the setting that allows you to feel like fairytale royalty. It could be on the white sands next to the azure waters of Cancun; or the winter wonderland of Slovenia’s Lake Bled. It could be anywhere you choose - what’s important is that it fits with your dream of a perfect wedding.

Celebrate when you get home, too

Your wedding and your marriage are two different things, and while the former may be perfectly suited to a grand destination, the latter should be celebrated at home. You will, after all, be living as a married couple here, and it’s unlikely you’ll have had a huge congregation at the wedding. So - regulations permitting, of course - it is recommended that you hold a party to celebrate your union and invite everyone who you couldn’t take to the wedding itself. People will understand the desire to keep the wedding small and special, but the celebration should be inclusive and joyful.

Destination weddings offer you the chance to take a special day and turn it into something unique and magical. You only get one chance to make this dream come true, so make sure you take it with style.

Making That Proposal As Perfect As Possible

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Most people have an idea of how they would like falling in love with someone, and how that might lead into finally settling down with the person of their dreams. But the reality, especially in the important moments, is rarely how we picture it. That shouldn’t be something to lament, because oftentimes it can be even better than you may have first imagined. It’s worth making that potential known, because it opens up many options, particularly if you’re the one who needs to generate them.

Making that proposal as perfect as possible can be a worthwhile place to start, and a measure of planning that grants you confidence and comfort knowing that you want this more than anything else in life. Note that we add the ‘as possible’ to show that no proposal can be truly perfect, because it’s hard to know by what measure to achieve that. However, we can make it as perfect as we can for you, and that means tailoring excellent timeless wisdom to your own ends.

We’d like to offer some of that wisdom below:

Additional Sentimental Value

Consider what additional sentimental value you can add to the proposal to make things special. For instance, you may ask the band of a local restaurant to play your favorite jazz track as you’re about to pop the question, something that most hospitable establishments will only be happy to adhere to provided you give them plenty of notice. Perhaps taking them to the first place you met or renting out an entire part of a stadium late at night for the best view can help you add something special to the event, something extra to remember it by.

Public vs. Private

Not everyone wishes to be proposed to in the middle of a baseball game while their response is broadcast on the large game monitor for everyone to see. Some people wish for a private affair, together after a long walk through the Parisian streets, or perhaps along a beautiful stretch of beach you have both been walking together. Some do wish for that spectacle, some would rather anything but. Be sure to understand what your potential spouse may like and cater accordingly, it can have a large effect on how successful you are.

The Perfect Ring

While finding the perfect ring can mean different things to different people, it’s no less important to find something that allows you both to feel proud and that will serve as a milestone in your relationship. This is where services such as Whiteflash https://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/tacori/ are so important, because not only do they help you assess the best rings for your possible purchase, but they hope to secure your business through ensuring you know exactly what you’re buying, such as staying clear about the kind of gems you are purchasing, what the value of a certain item is, and how this investment could truly help you.

With this advice, we hope you can make that proposal as perfect as possible.

Wedding Venue Ideas For The Kookier Couple

It doesn’t matter whether you are in the early stages of planning your wedding or whether you are more of a last minute organizer, the chances are that the venue is a key aspect of your big day. Getting hitched somewhere that is picturesque, atmospheric, photogenic and means something to you as a couple is important. This should be the best day of your life so you want it to be memorable for all of the right reasons. Just because your mum and dad are expecting you to get hitched in a church doesn't mean that you have to go down this route. It’s vital that you are a little bit selfish on your big day and you choose the elements of your wedding based on what you want.

Church weddings are great, but if you aren’t religious or your dream wedding is far from a vicar and pews, you need to think about the sort of place where you do want to say your vows. Nowadays, there are plenty of options for your special day. Read on to discover the sorts of venues you might want to consider for your wedding.

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Cinema

If you are a couple that adore their movies, you had your first date in a cinema or you are keen for a big screen and red carpet backdrop, you could do much worse than choosing an art house cinema. Forget about the massive out of town chains, and consider those kooky little art house cinemas that originate from the 1920s. The decor of these places is authentic with art deco lettering, architecture and seating making it a stunning venue for your wedding.

You could choose a big screen with a ready-made aisle for you to walk down. The Dolby surround sound can be an ideal platform from which to play your personalized music choices and the big screen is perfect to show off a slideshow of you as a couple. You might want to choose a montage of images detailing your relationship from when you first met up until your wedding day.

Cinemas are atmospheric and ooze class. You could even continue the theme with other aspects of your day. You could opt for some art deco inspired Pure invitation wedding invites, you might want to impose a 1920s dress code, and your music choices could be inspired by the flapper girls of the early twentieth century. 

Beach

If you love nothing more than being on the beach and you have fond memories of your holidays abroad as a couple, then it makes sense to look at a coastal wedding. You could choose to get hitched on the beaches of Bournemouth in good old Blighty, or you might fancy heading overseas for a more tropical affair. Consider the cost of each of these options. A wedding abroad will be infinitely more costly than one at home. This will have an impact on the guests that you will have attending your big day.

Being on a sun kissed beach and saying your vows to your partner is idyllic. If you want waves lapping at your feet, a gentle breeze cooling down the midday sun and awesome photos for memories, then a beach wedding can be perfect.

As well as your ceremony, you could hire a private section of beach to whip up a marquee and enjoy a spot of al fresco dining for your wedding breakfast. Being so coastal, you could carry on the beach theme by opting for a menu with a seafood flavor. How about scallops to start, a stunning fish platter for your main and a light dessert to finish? There are plenty of options from a formal sit down affair to a more casual beach barbecue for your guests to enjoy.

Hotel

While a little mundane compared to a beach or cinema wedding, getting married in a hotel can be the more economical choice. At this venue, your wedding ceremony, reception and evening party are held in one all encompassing space. This can leave less room for any hiccups throughout the day. Having a blank canvas in which to create your own themed wedding can also be more exciting. You could visit a range of hotels and choose the one that suits you most as a couple. Large chain hotels are brilliant for people who want a large space to decorate themselves. Alternatively, you could select a modern boutique hotel for a more exclusive vibe. Or maybe, a more traditional or historic building is more your style.

Some hotels and accommodation settings are stunning such as castles or yurts. You could stage your own knights of the round table theme, or perhaps you want a simple color coded theme. A black tie affair can be simple yet classic and ooze class and sophistication.

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Gardens

There are many classic gardens in the UK that host wedding ceremonies. All you will need to do is locate a registrar as the English country garden will be in full bloom for an excellent backdrop to your vows. It doesn’t matter whether you get hitched in the blossom filled spring, the flora laden summer or a snowy winter, the gardens will look beautiful and scenic. 

Getting married in the great outdoors can be freeing, and it is an ever more popular setting in which to say ‘I do.’ With some white chairs, a self made aisle and some simple flora and fauna, you can enjoy a simple pared back ceremony.

While a church or registry office based ceremony is still the most popular venue for weddings in the UK, they are being given a run for their money as millennials who are now getting wed, are keen to explore kookier options. Don't feel limited in your choices and investigate every single option. Home based ceremonies are not unheard of. Or perhaps you fancy getting hitched underwater, in the Arctic, at the zoo or at a waterpark.  Ensure that you utilize this guide to inspire your venue choice for your special day.