7 Fall Date Ideas That'll Have You Fall-ing (Get It?) in Love All Over Again

Fall Date Ideas

Photo: Getty Images

Your bathing suit is packed away and your summer vacation is long gone, but the passion that comes with summer love doesn’t have to end. Whether you’re headed out for a first date, or have been married for years, these fall date ideas are the perfect way to celebrate the seasonal weather and get that lovin’ feeling. That’s because each one of these date ideas is supported by science! (We’re nerds, we know.)

As a couples therapist and dating coach, I help couples increase their relationship satisfaction by implementing a more strategic dating life. Capitalizing on love research to get the most out of your date night is a surefire way to have a hot and thriving love life. So, if you need more romance in your relationship and are stumped on finding new activities, try one of these seasonal date ideas.

Leaf Peeping
Ogle the bright red, yellow, and orange leaves as you stroll hand in hand through a local park, or better yet, go on a hike that gets you out of the city and into nature. Exercise and exploring the unknown activates the pleasure system in your brain and releases dopamine, the chemical that gives makes you feel good and exhilarated.

Apple Picking
Pick a sunshiny beautiful day to frolic in the orchards together, canoodle behind a tree, and help each other reach the highest bunches. Plus, sunlight makes you happy, so soak it up before you go into winter hibernation mode.

Pumpkin Carving
You may be too old to go trick or treating, but you’re never too old to carve a pumpkin! Enjoy a little flirtatious competition: whoever creates the best pumpkin masterpiece wins something (wink wink)! Plus, being creative allows you to relax, and activates parts of the brain associated with emotional responses and the release of dopamine.

Haunted House
Boo! Jump into each other’s arms as you’re startled and reap the benefits — surprise activates the reward center in your brain. Going on a date with an element of surprise, risk and excitement can help you rekindle the romance.

See More: These First Dates Are Most Likely to Lead to Marriage

Corn Maze
This is the perfect opportunity for teamwork! Does your partner listen to your ideas, get angry when you wind up in a dead end, or praise you for your great sense of direction? Negative communication patterns, such as criticism or defensiveness have been shown to lead to breakups and divorce, so make sure you support each other.

Cozy Picnic
Bust out the basket and plaid blanket! Just make sure to touch or snuggle up as you enjoy your wine and cheese. Physical touch is not only a popular love language, but it’s also a way we communicate our emotions, such as love, gratitude and happiness.

Halloween Costume Shopping
Head to a costume shop or thrift store and laugh together as you try on some whacky outfits. Laughing and smiling cause the brain to release dopamine, making you feel happy. Plus, eHamony found that a sense of humor is the most desirable quality in a partner, so let lose and reconnect. You may just feel the same spark that initially attracted you to each other.

Ultimately, boredom is the silent relationship killer. Prioritize your partner, date your mate and take advantage of all of the fun activities the fall season has to offer. There are so many creative ways to boost connection, intimacy and happiness in your relationship. Just remember you have to mix things up to (pumpkin) spice things up!

Download Samantha’s FREE ebook on the secret ingredients to cook up a happy love life!

BRIDES Southern California: Instagram-Worthy L.A. Restaurants for a Dreamy Bridal Shower

Los Angeles Bridal Shower Venues

Photo: Courtesy of Gracias Madre via Facebook

One of the oh-so-wonderful perks about the wedding planning process is getting to spend some quality time with your besties — beginning at the bridal shower. One of the best ways to celebrate your impending nuptials is with decadent food — and by documenting all the special memories with lots of pictures! Luckily for Los Angeles brides-to-be, the city boasts many restaurants that are not only delicious but extremely photogenic to boot! Check out our favorites for a dreamy, Instagram-worthy wedding shower.

Gracias Madre (Above)
With its exposed brick walls, utterly chic black-and-white patterned bar, and lush greenery throughout, you and your besties will be seriously smitten with the décor of this vegan, all-organic Mexican restaurant in West Hollywood. Indulge in enchiladas, coconut ceviche tostadas, tacos, and lots of chips and guacamole. For dessert, the restaurant serves yummy Mexican wedding cookies, which seem very fitting for a bridal fete. Then toast the occasion with margaritas.

Nobu Malibu Los Angeles Restaurant

Photo: Courtesy of Nobu Malibu

Nobu Malibu
This beachfront Malibu restaurant abounds with Instagram-worthy ocean views. There’s no prettier backdrop for a bridal shower than the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Even the food is picture-perfect — think yellowtail sashimi, black cod miso, mango dulce de leche torte for dessert.

Commissary LA Bridal Shower

Photo: Courtesy of Commissary

Commissary
Flooded with natural lighting and awash with verdant foliage, this Koreatown restaurant is unlike any other spot in the city. Located at The Line Hotel, the unique space is set in a glorious all-glass greenhouse and serves Pan-Asian fare with a strong focus on vegetables.

See More: For Fantastic Favors to Give Your Guests, Look to These Local L.A. Vendors

Perch LA Bridal Shower Venue

Photo: Perch LA via Facebook

Perch LA
This hidden Downtown Los Angeles gem in the sky serves French cuisine and offers a few different spaces to host a bridal soiree including the 15th floor restaurant lounge outfitted in antique-looking furniture, and the 16th floor rooftop offering picturesque views of the city skyline.

Penthouse LA Bridal Shower

Photo: Courtesy of Huntley Hotel

The Penthouse
Perched on the 18th floor rooftop of the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, The Penthouse is bathed in bright whites and neutral hues and evokes a laid-back yet glamorous beachy ambiance that’s perfect for a fancy bridal shower. You and your BFFs can look forward to digging into smoked salmon benedict, halibut, pastas, steaks, and chocolate soufflés for dessert. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Browse our Los Angeles Venues page for even more luxe locals to host all of your pre-wedding parties

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How to Safari in the Serengeti for the Ultimate Honeymoon Adventure

Serengeti National Park Honeymoon

Photo: Getty Images

The Serengeti: For anyone who grew up watching National Geographic specials about the Great Migration and animal life in the African savannah, a Serengeti safari is undoubtedly a bucket-list honeymoon destination. Why not check that trip off the to-do list with your hubby for an African honeymoon?

A vast expanse of plains and varying topography that extends from northern Tanzania into Kenya, the Serengeti is home to hundreds of mammal and bird species. The crown jewel of the region is the Serengeti National Park, established in 1951, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its conservation efforts. In addition to the more than two million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles that are perpetually on the move as part of the Great Migration — the largest such migration in the world — on a safari in Serengeti National Park you’re going to see buffalo and hippos, as well as elephants, lions, giraffes, baboons and warthogs. More elusive, but very much a possibility, are the park’s cheetahs, jaguars, and the endangered black rhino. The animal kingdom is alive and well here; there are baby animals galore.

Serengeti Safari Honeymoon

Photo: Getty Images

Ready to pack your bags? Your options include safari packages through such reputable tour providers as Abercrombie & Kent and Micato Safaris, although they require a minimum of eight to 10 days on the ground. Alternatively, connect with an accredited travel agency that specializes in Tanzania, such as The Tanzania Specialists, for a completely customized, bespoke safari itinerary. At a minimum, for an immersive taste of the Serengeti, build an itinerary around a stay within Serengeti National Park, which generally means four to five nights in the park, or about a week total, including travel time.

If you’re the sort of bride that’s into planning everything yourself, that’s doable, too. Your honeymoon lodge or camp of choice should be able to arrange details including airport transport and booking all game drives, spa treatments and any other excursions, such as an unforgettable sunrise balloon safari. Here are some essential details — and savvy traveler tips — for planning a Serengeti safari honeymoon:

Serengeti Honeymoon Idea

Photo: Getty Images

The Fine Print
U.S. travelers aren’t required to obtain a visa to visit Tanzania in advance, but upon arrival your first order of business will be to secure a visa with local customs at the airport, which is $100. Make sure to review the CDC’s Tanzania guide for the latest health information for travelers, including recommended vaccines.

The Logistics
While it is a long journey to get to Eastern Africa, there are ways to make the trip as comfortable as possible. Turkish Airlines, which is internationally known for its modern fleet of aircraft and excellent in-flight service, has the shortest and most direct route to the region from the States, which includes an overnight flight from JFK to Istanbul (try to get some zzz’s) and a second flight direct to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport. Splurge on Business Class and you’ll be able to freshen up with a shower in the Turkish Airlines flagship lounge, considered one of the world’s best.

See More: 20 Honeymoon Destinations for Adventurous Couples

You’re close, but not quite there yet: Rest up overnight at the Arusha Coffee Lodge, a traveler’s favorite, which is conveniently located near the Arusha Airport, where propeller planes known as “bush planes” depart for destinations within the Serengeti and elsewhere in Tanzania.

Safari Honeymoon Idea

Photo: Getty Images

Where to Stay
A majority of properties within the Serengeti National Park are tented camps, permanent platform structures enveloped in canvas that range from rustic to luxe — think “glamping” taken to the next level. There are few actual resort properties within the park, the newest being the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, which opened in 2012. Elegant rooms and suites look out over the vast landscape, where giraffe, zebra and other animals roam and graze freely. A natural waterhole located directly in front of the lodge’s main building is a favorite with local elephants. When they’re visiting, they absolutely steal the show.

Serengeti Safari Honeymoon Hotel

Photo: Getty Images

The bottom line: There is no such thing as a bad day in the Serengeti. Your first safari is sure to be full of wondrous sights and special moments, your own NatGeo special in real life. It’s the stuff of which memories are made that last a lifetime — a worthy honeymoon, indeed!

5 Spicy Wedding Favors to Bring the Heat

spicy wedding favors fireball marshmallows

Photo: Courtesy of Wondermade

When it comes to wedding favors, edible options are a total crowd-pleaser. Who wouldn’t love a little snack to dig into on the way home after a night of dancing? While the sweet and savory variety are incredibly popular (hello, cookies and to-go burgers!), if you love your treats with some heat, why not add a spicy kick to your favors? Show your guests your favorite way to keep things hot with these five spicy wedding favor ideas.

Fireball Marshmallows
Yes, you read that right: Fireball marshmallows! These fluffy treats [above] are sweet, boozy, and come with that unmistakable cinnamon kick. Who needs to take a shot when you have these on-hand? (Wondermade Fireball Marshmallows, $7.95 for 16. Available from Wondermade)

spicy wedding favors bloody mary mix

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon.com

Bloody Mary Mix
There’s nothing more classic for a post-wedding brunch than a Bloody Mary, so why not send your guests home with everything they’ll need? Put together favor bags with a can of Mr. & Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix, tiny bottles of hot sauce, and a mini of your favorite vodka. (Mr. & Mrs. T’s Bloody Mary Mix 5.5 Fl. Oz. Cans, $16.00 for 24. Available at Amazon.com)

spicy wedding favors sriracha to go

Photo: Courtesy of Sriracha 2 Go

Sriracha To Go
Speaking of hot sauce, let your guests take everyone’s favorite condiment with them in these Sriracha keychains. Customize the bottles with a cute phrase and your wedding date, or opt for the traditional rooster logo. (Sriracha 2 Go Custom Keychain, $325.00 for 100. Available from Sriracha 2 Go)

See more: Do We Have to Give Guests Wedding Favors?

spicy wedding favors aztec chocolates

Photo: Courtesy of Lake Champlain Chocolates

Aztec Chocolate Squares
Cinnamon, cayenne, and crunchy pumpkin seeds give these chocolate squares some kick, a crunch, and a recognizable Mexican flavor. Made with organic dark chocolate, it’s a sweet-and-spicy treat your guests will totally love. (Lake Champlain Organic Spicy Aztec Chocolate Squares, $85.00 for 100. Available from Lake Champlain Chocolates)

spicy wedding favors habanero caramels

Photo: Courtesy of Cowgirl Chocolates

Habanero Caramels
Love buttery soft caramels? Kick things up a notch with sweets infused with spicy habanero peppers. Individually wrapped, you can buy them by the pound or in six-piece gift boxes — tied with a red ribbon, of course! (Cowgirl Chocolates Spicy Habanero Caramels, $30.00 per pound. Available from Cowgirl Chocolates)

Spring and Fall Brides, Listen Up! Here's How to Plan a Wedding in the Transitional Seasons

While summer is typically touted as the time of year for all things wedding, there’s no denying that the surrounding seasons of spring and fall are just as perfect to say “I do.” Fall foliage, spring flowers, to-die-for weather, countless seasonal menu ideas… the list of perks goes on and on! But planning a wedding during these transitional times also comes with its own unique sets of issues and challenges. Here are 10 things all brides and grooms you should keep in mind when planning a wedding in the spring or fall.

Spring

It’s not going to be as warm as you expect it to be.
Spring always starts later than hoped for, especially in certain parts of the country, with temperatures often not hitting the 70s until late May. If you’re a March or April bride, be kind to your bridal party and try to choose dresses and accessories that will keep them both stylish and warm!

Be careful where you step while taking outdoor photos.
Even though April showers bring May flowers, in between melting snow and rainy downpours, the odds are high that the ground and grass will be soggy and wet, so be careful where you step while taking engagement and bridal party photos.

Use lots of fresh flowers!
The fun part about getting married in the spring is that everything is in bloom, so you’ll have much more variety in terms of choice for your floral decorations than you will at any other part of the year, except for summer. Take advantage of it and fill your venues with as many fresh flowers as possible.

If you’re outside, there will be bugs.
When the world blooms once again, the unfortunate side effect is that insects wake up as well, and if your wedding is being held in an outdoor venue, the odds are quite high that they are going to be uninvited guests at your wedding. So if you’re outside, make sure to keep insect repellent and mosquito nets handy, choose flowers that don’t attract bees, and try to keep floral perfume at a minimum.

Be aware of spring allergies.
If you’re planning a spring wedding but you’ve got members of your family or bridal party with pollen or other springtime allergies, try to make things easier for them by choosing a venue that both fulfills your vision for a dream wedding but won’t exacerbate their symptoms — and at the very least, include a tiny bag of portable tissues with the wedding favors!

See More: 32 Knockout Dahlia Wedding Bouquets

Fall

See if you can get an off-season deal from your vendors.
Since your wedding is following the summer wedding rush and you’re likely to have less competition from other brides, see if your wedding vendors would be willing to negotiate on their prices.

Take advantage of the fall foliage.
Don’t forget to take this natural phenomenon into account when booking your venue. You’ll want to choose a spot that highlights the stunning natural background of oranges, reds and yellows that comes with autumn.

Don’t rule out the chance for snow.
In certain parts of the country, once October 1st rolls around, it could snow at any time. And even if snow is off the table, like in Florida, it can still get super chilly come November, especially at night. So if you’re planning to get married at the tail end of fall, consider choosing an indoor venue, just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

See More: 42 Fall-Inspired Wedding Cakes

Choose a seasonal menu for your reception.
Fall is harvest season, which means that there will be a lot of tasty options to choose from for your wedding menu. Bring some autumn spice to your reception dinner with things like apple cider, pumpkin bread, and apple pie!

Choose the right honeymoon destination.
As a fall bride, you’ll have less to worry about in terms of competition from other couples and tourists, but because you’re heading into the off season, make sure to check what the weather will be like in your preferred honeymoon destination. Depending on where you want to go, the weather might not be exactly what you expected! For example, October is still considered hurricane season in the Caribbean and other surrounding areas. The silver lining? Going during the off-season means you might get a better deal overall.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Will Stun You With Her Wedding Dress

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Wedding Dress

Photo: Getty Images

It feels like just yesterday that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley first made us stop and stare with her dreamy rose gold engagement ring when she debuted it on the Golden Globes red carpet way back in January. With its $350,000 price tag, timeless, tasteful style, and gorgeous round-cut diamond, Huntington-Whiteley’s special sparkler from fiancé Jason Statham is a total eye-catcher. But let’s just be real here — is that really a surprise to anyone? Before she ever had some major bling on that finger, the supermodel was always grabbing our attention with her red carpet frocks and forever on-point style.

Remember the super sleek (bridal!) white dress she rocked at this year’s Met Gala with its thigh-high slit? Or how about the classic black dress Huntington-Whiteley wore to the Critic’s Choice Awards that was giving us major Audrey Hepburn vibes? It’s safe to say that the woman looks ahh-maze-ing in practically anything, so we’d put money on Huntington-Whiteley slaying with her bridal style.

While we wait (and wait… and wait…) for the supermodel and her British actor beau to tie the knot, we’re spending our days dreaming of her sure-to-be stunning wedding dress. How do we know that her gown will be gorgeous, you may ask? Well, Huntington-Whiteley has quite the track record. Here’s why we know Rosie Huntington-Whiteley will stun in her future wedding dress…

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley White Dress

Photo: Getty Images

She looks radiant in white
Whenever Huntington-Whiteley rocks white on the red carpet, the model sparkles in the icy shade. Have no fear of a traditional white wedding dress washing out the blonde beauty.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Hot Pink

Photo: Getty Images

…And crazy colors
As radiant as Huntington-Whiteley looks in white, she also looks just too-cool in crazy colors. Will the model end up strutting down the aisle in a bold, totally unexpected hue? Well, if she decides to buck tradition, she definitely won’t be bucking style!

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Choker

Photo: Getty Images

The woman knows how to accessorize
That choker though… Not only will Huntington-Whiteley’s dress dazzle — so will her entire bridal style!

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Red Lipstick

Photo: Getty Images

She can rock a bold lip
In the same vein, there’s no doubt that Huntington-Whiteley’s bridal beauty look will be totally aspirational, whether it’s a ruby red lip or a more natural look.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at Met Gala

Photo: Getty Images

Her legs for days
She is a model, after all! We could totally see Huntington-Whiteley showing off her gams in a modern hi-low wedding dress silhouette à la Whitney Port.

See More: 60 Short Wedding Dresses You Can Buy Now

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Black Dress

Photo: Getty Images

She looks chic in classic styles
Huntington-Whiteley stuns in traditional styles like the classic British beauty she is. If she ends up saying “I do” in a classic and elegant wedding dress, she still would have no trouble standing out.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Silk Sheath

Photo: Getty Images

…But isn’t afraid to turn up the sexy
No one rocks sexy sheaths better than Huntington-Whiteley. And need we point out that sheath wedding dresses are totally in right now?

This Couple's Timeless Wedding Was Classic Miami

There’s something irresistible about a wedding inspired by Old Miami. The landmark hotels, crisp black-and-white color schemes, and vibrant pops of green? Well, put those pieces all together and you’ll be transported to another time. That’s exactly what Carly and Devin wanted to do when they began planning their February 6, 2016, wedding at the Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach. The pair met at the University of Florida and got engaged on a trip to Santorini in May of 2015. Says Carly, “I made Devin repeat everything he’d said because I thought he was joking and hadn’t processed a single word!”

They didn’t want a traditional ballroom, but knew their 225 guests would need ample room to party. Between the sprawling outdoor space and the penthouse (perfect for an after party!), Carly and Devin knew the Raleigh was exactly what they’d been seeking. Soft, flowing fabrics, white flowers with touches of greenery, and sparkling lights set the scene, while a clear tent protected everyone from the rain. JCG Events created a timeless, romantic celebration with the perfect amount of Miami flair, and Merari Photography was there to capture every detail. Take a peek — you’ll totally fall in love!

Though Carly didn’t have the “Aha!” moment you see on TV, she compared every wedding dress she tried on to this silk crepe and lace Reem Acra gown. “I customized the dress a lot, changing the neckline and adding full sleeves, so there were moments where I had to have faith that it would be exactly what I wanted in the end,” says the bride. “There were times when I was worried about some of the changes we made, but when it was all done, it was absolute perfection.” She paired the finished product with nude Christian Louboutin pumps that ended up looking much better than they felt. “Do yourself a favor: Choose comfortable shoes!

When Carly couldn’t find the right wedding band, she turned to her bridesmaid, a gemologist in New York — and the very same person who created the bride’s engagement ring. “She helped me design the perfect stack: A thin platinum and diamond band and a yellow gold rope band with our initials and a stone from my great grandmother’s pin on the inside,” Carly describes.

The couple’s invitation suite featured modern lettering and gold-accented palm leaves, setting the scene for the Miami celebration to come.

Devin wore a classic Hugo Boss tuxedo with a white bow tie. Carly’s cathedral-length veil featured lace accents that matched the bodice of her wedding dress, while her off-the-shoulder neckline was flattered by a romantic updo. The bride’s all-white bouquet featured roses and a gold ribbon around the stems.

The nude-backed lace panels on the hips of Carly’s fit-and-flare wedding dress added a modern, fashion-forward touch to the more traditional styling. Her bridesmaids wore two-piece sage-hued dresses from Show Me Your MuMu. “Finding something that was flattering on everyone was a challenge, but in the end they looked beautiful. It was flowy and romantic, but not too bohemian,” says Carly.

The groomsmen donned classic tuxedos, while the flower girls wore white lace dresses and the ring bearers wore trousers and black suspenders. “We weren’t sure if the youngest ring bearer was going to make it down the aisle,” says the bride, “but they all made it and looked adorable!”

The ceremony took place on the hotel’s pool deck, where a weathered wood chuppah was flanked by gold lanterns.

“Our ceremony was non-denominational, though we did incorporate Jewish traditions like the chuppah and the breaking of the glass,” says Carly. The officiant was Devin’s late father’s best friend, who is also a well-known contemporary poet. “It made our ceremony so unique, and was a beautiful way to honor Devin’s father’s memory.”

Cocktail hour took place around the pool, with guests lounging on comfortable furniture and sipping a decidedly Miami-inspired signature cocktail: A classic Mojito. An oversized framed mirror displayed table numbers, set up on a pathway along the beach.

While the original plan was to dine beneath a “tent” of strands of icicle lights, a rainstorm meant a clear-topped tent was totally necessary. “I was so worried about the weather leading up to the wedding, but promised myself I’d be zen on our wedding day,” says Carly. “When it finally poured, it ended up being so magical! And I loved the way the tent reflected all the lights.”

Round tables, surrounded by black chivari chairs, were topped with centerpieces that combined white roses, hydrangeas, and astilbe with dark calla lilies.

Texture was added to the tables with garden-style centerpieces in mismatched vases. Anemones echoed the décor’s black accents, while dusty miller and eucalyptus tied into the bridesmaids’ dress hue.

Dinner began with a salad that included locally-made stracciatella cheese, followed by either seared Ahi tuna or braised short ribs. Before guests tucked into slices of wedding cake, they also were treated to a plated chocolate and salted caramel confection.

“The hora was insane!” says Carly. “Every single person was on the dance floor, and there was so much energy. It set the mood for the rest of the night.”

To keep the party going, Carly and Devin hired a DJ accompanied by a three-piece band. “Everyone loved the saxophonist,” the bride remembers.

The four-tiered naked cake was decorated with fresh roses and ferns. The rosé champagne cake, with sweet cream frosting, was a soft pink hue on the inside!

“I completely forgot about booking a photo booth until the last second,” says Carly. “My parents told me to forget about it because it was too late, and then surprised me with one at the wedding!”

The bride and groom, who honeymooned in Belize, can’t stress how important it is to love your rain back-up as much as your outdoor wedding plan. “We chose the driest date possible and still had a near monsoon on our wedding night,” says Carly. “Thankfully, we loved the look of the clear tent!”

Venue & Catering: The Raleigh Hotel || Wedding Planner: JCG Events || Bride’s Wedding Dress: Reem Acra, purchased at Ever After Miami || Shoes: Christian Louboutin || Hair & Makeup: Art of Hair by Claudia || Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Show Me Your MuMu || Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Hugo Boss || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Olivia Landau at J. Birnbach Jewelry || Florist: Ines Naftali Floral & Event Design || Invitations & Paper Goods: Sarah Hawkins Designs || Music: A Prime Event || Cake: Cloud 9 Bakery & Café || Rentals: Tents ‘n’ Events; NOMAD Stretch Tents || Photo Booth: Shutterbarn || Videographer: Lexoria Wedding Films || Photographer: Merari Photography

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Still on the hunt for more great wedding ideas? Then check out another couple’s beautiful ceremony and reception in the video below.

We Want a Small Ceremony, But a Large Reception — How Should We Word Our Invitations?

Who knew creating a guest list would come with so many rules? From deciding if you’ll have a B-List to when to those send save the dates, there are a lot of things to keep in mind — and that’s all in addition to how the guest list you create will impact the feeling of your wedding day. If you’ve always dreamed of an intimate walk down the aisle, or fell in love with the tiny church down the street for your wedding venue, the thought of having hundreds of people at your ceremony may seem like a tough pill to swallow. So can you create a short-list for the ceremony, then invite a larger crowd to your reception later that day? Here’s what our experts have to say.

While you should never invite guests to just your wedding ceremony, with the reception you have a little more flexibility. Especially if you’re planning to say “I do” in a much smaller space than your reception venue, it can sometimes be the only way to include everyone in your wedding day. It does, however, require that you communicate very clearly with your guests and plan your timeline accordingly.

First things first, you can either print two invitations (one inviting a smaller group to both your ceremony and reception, and one inviting the rest of your guests to the reception only) or, to keep costs a little lower, have your main invitation printed with the reception information, then include an insert card for the smaller group of guests who will also be invited to the ceremony.

On the invitation, instead of inviting guests to witness your marriage, the wording should say that guests are invited to a reception in celebration of your marriage — this implies that you will already be married by the time they arrive. The insert card can more specifically invite guests to your wedding ceremony. It should list the time and location, and conclude with “Reception to Follow.” On your wedding website, you can either list the ceremony information and specify that the ceremony will be family-only, or you can opt to keep the ceremony information private and add a little more information about how you are inviting guests to join you for a celebration after you’ve exchanged vows.

Planning your timeline correctly is also important. Make sure you allow ample time for you and your ceremony guests to arrive at the reception, ideally at the same time as the rest of the guests so the party can get started. If your reception invitation calls for a 6:30 start time, you may want to have the space ready and the bar open closer to 6:00, just in case guests begin to arrive a little bit early. Then the two of you can either jump right into cocktail hour, or have your band or DJ introduce you formally before dinner so you can spend some time greeting the rest of your guests.

See More: Is There a General Wedding Ceremony Outline That We Should Follow?

This Bride Shut DOWN the Haters with Breastfeeding Wedding Photo

Being a mom is hard enough as is, but bride Emma Coleman’s experience as a mother has been made even more difficult by people who have been criticizing her since day one. Coleman gave birth to her baby girl, Catalaya, when she was 19 years old, and ever since then a wave of critics have questioned her ability as a young parent. But instead of lashing out, this mom decided to (classily) show her haters just how strong of a mom she really is — and on her wedding day no less!

In a photo submitted to the Breastfeeding Mama Talk Facebook page, Coleman is seen in her wedding dress breastfeeding her 8-month-old child before marrying Adrian Hernandez in a beautiful ceremony. She wrote, “I’m a young mom (19) from Seattle — this was on my wedding day (Sep. 24th, 2016) and it’s one of my favorite pictures from that day. Being young I know the added pressure to do right by your child and I’m glad I stuck with it. Even on my wedding day I found a way to make it work.”

Since posting, the photo has garnered over 12,000 likes and more than 200 comments (some being photos of brides breastfeeding their babies, as well!). In an interview with The Huffington Post, Coleman revealed, “People tend to judge my parenting skills. This photo is proof of my love for her and the sacrifice I’m willing to make to keep her happy. Even on a day as important as my wedding day.”

See More: 5 CRUCIAL Things I Learned About Marriage as a 22-Year-Old Bride

Although, this bride never really thought her wedding day turning out quite like this. “When I was younger I never imagined getting married this young or having a child before getting married. But I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and a beautiful daughter who means everything to us and our family.”

Hernandez Wedding

A photo posted by Hannah Malhan (@hannahfaithphoto) on Oct 5, 2016 at 10:15pm PDT

And that, ladies, is how you shut down your haters.

5 Bahamas Islands Perfect for a Destination Wedding or Honeymoon

bahamas island hopping honeymoon

Photo: Courtesy of Bahamas

Think you’ve got to fly all the way out to Greece to go island hopping? Take your wedding or honeymoon on the road somewhere much closer to home with sandy shores serving as the perfect backdrop for your beachfront ceremony. Just 50 miles off Florida’s coast lies The Bahamas. Sure you know the big names like Nassau and Grand Bahama, but this archipelago is home to 700 islands scattered across 100,000 square miles of ocean — meaning endless choice when it comes to picturesque destination wedding locales. Say “I do” and go straight from the reception to your honeymoon suite while island hopping in one of these dreamy spots.

Paradise Island

Stressed about all the ins and outs of planning a destination wedding? Let the experts do all the work so you only have to worry about where to head for the honeymoon. One of 16 wedding packages in The Bahamas, the Royal Bliss option on Paradise Island takes care of everything from the legal documents and marriage officiant to the bridal bouquet and ceremony. Tie the knot in the cloisters of the Versailles Gardens overlooking Nassau Harbour, followed by a reception under the stars. Prefer a wetsuit to a wedding dress? Take your vows underwater with a ceremony at Stuart’s Cove.

The Exumas
You’re familiar with toes-in-the-sand weddings, but what about those performed on a deserted island? Comprised of 365 islands and cays, The Exumas (known for their swimming pigs at sea) offers couples plenty of picture-perfect spots to choose from. Go more traditional with a church wedding at historic St. Andrew’s (dating back to 1802) or say “I do” standing on a mile-long sandbar in the ocean.

Long Island

With its rugged cliffs and vibrant coral reefs, the 80-mile Long Island is a dream for bohemian brides looking for that off-the-beaten-path beach wedding. After the ceremony comes to a close, stick around for a honeymoon veering on the adventurous side, exploring one of The Bahamas’ largest caves and the world’s deepest saltwater blue hole, sleeping in a luxurious beachfront bungalow at the secluded Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort.

The Abacos
Think of The Abacos as a Caribbean version of New England, with colonial-style homes, a red-and-white striped landmark lighthouse, and championship golf courses on Treasure Cay. The 120-mile-long island group is not only one of the boating capitals of the world, it’s also home to some of the top beaches on the planet. Exchange vows in the garden gazebo sitting on the sand at Abaco Beach Resort or on Honeymooner’s Lake at the Treasure Cay Golf Course, surrounded by the island’s tropical foliage.

San Salvador
Dubbed “The New World” by Christopher Columbus in 1492, San Salvador serves up some of the most varied landscape in The Bahamas. Think rolling hills, saltwater lagoons and vertical coral reef walls that make for prime snorkel spots. The island is home to over 50 dive sites for couples to explore, from ruins and shipwrecks to the stingray- and shark-filled Devil’s Claw.

Perch up in a villa at Guanahani Beach Club on deserted Snow Bay, where you’ll have more than enough privacy since the resort only hosts up to seven guests at a time. Couples who want to go the all-inclusive route will also find great picks like the 216-room Club Med Columbus Isle on Bonefish Bay, where you can spend your days wakeboarding in summer or kitesurfing in the winter months.

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