Your honeymoon is a time to celebrate your union in a romantic, intimate setting. Among the most sought-after honeymoon destinations in the world are Mauritius, Bora Bora, the Maldives, and Bali. Each offers unique experiences, stunning landscapes, and luxurious accommodations to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Mauritius: A Tropical Paradise of Culture and Beauty

Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a haven of golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a melting pot of cultures. Known for its luxury resorts, warm hospitality, and diverse activities, this island is a top choice for couples seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Highlights

• Beaches: The pristine sands of Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches, and Le Morne are perfect for lounging under the sun.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs reveal vibrant marine life, while catamaran cruises offer breathtaking views of the coastline.
• Nature and Adventure: Explore the lush Black River Gorges National Park or take a hike to the Chamarel Waterfall. The Seven Colored Earths, a geological phenomenon, is a must-see. I also recommend a helicopter tour of the island – it is stunning!
• Cultural Experiences: Visit the bustling markets of Port Louis, buy exotic spices by the pound and savor Mauritian cuisine, a blend of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and European flavors.

Bora Bora: A Romantic Lagoon Escape

Nestled in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is synonymous with romance. Its turquoise lagoon, luxurious overwater bungalows, and iconic volcanic peaks make it one of the most enchanting honeymoon destinations in the world. Be aware that the language spoken is French – and that it is highly appreciated if you at least TRY to speak a few words of French before falling back into English. Merchants will give you a discount for your efforts!

Highlights

• Overwater Bungalows: Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves and stepping directly into the lagoon from your private villa.
• The Lagoon: Spend your days snorkeling or scuba diving to witness a kaleidoscope of fish and coral, or paddleboard over crystal-clear waters.
• Mount Otemanu: Take a guided hike or helicopter tour to see this majestic peak and enjoy panoramic views of the island.
• Romantic Activities: Enjoy private lagoon cruises, beachside picnics, or sunset dinners on a secluded motu (islet).

Maldives: A Collection of Idyllic Islands

The Maldives, a chain of nearly 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its powdery white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant underwater world. This destination is the ultimate retreat for couples seeking privacy and luxury. Many of its myriad islands are so tiny that you can walk around them in 20 minutes to an hour. Be aware that daytime temperatures are so high that the sand on the beaches gets burning hot!

Highlights

• Private Islands: Many resorts occupy their own (tiny) island, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience.
• Underwater Wonders: Snorkel or dive to discover vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, and whale sharks. Some resorts even offer underwater dining experiences.
• Overwater Villas: Relax in opulent accommodations that often feature private infinity pools, glass floors to view the marine life below, and direct access to the ocean.
• Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, or catamaran sailing, snorkeling, Scuba diving and underwater photography; or simply float in the tranquil waters.

Bali: A Romantic Cultural Haven

Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali offers a unique combination of natural beauty, spiritual experiences, and vibrant culture. Its stunning beaches, verdant rice terraces, and tranquil temples make it an ideal honeymoon destination.

Highlights

• Beaches: From the lively shores of Seminyak to the secluded coves of Nusa Dua, Bali’s beaches cater to every taste.
• Cultural Experiences: Explore the sacred Uluwatu Temple or witness traditional Balinese dance performances. Visit the artistic town of Ubud for its galleries and artisan markets. Ubud is especially famous for its handmade silver jewelry.
• Nature and Adventure: Trek to Mount Batur for a sunrise hike or stroll through the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces; enjoy jungle swings and hidden waterfalls.
• Luxury and Wellness: Bali is renowned for its wellness retreats and luxurious resorts, offering couples’ massages, yoga sessions, and private pool villas.

Choosing the Right Destination

Each of these destinations offers a unique honeymoon experience:

• Mauritius is ideal for couples who want a balance of beach relaxation and cultural exploration.
• Bora Bora and the Maldives are perfect for those seeking luxury, privacy, and the ultimate romantic escape.
• Bali offers a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation for couples looking for diversity.

Final tips for planning your honeymoon:

Set a budget, book early and consider the Season and local weather conditions. Research visa and vaccination requirements well ahead of time, and polish your language skills!

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As core members of the wedding party, the parents of the bride and groom play a crucial role in setting the tone for the event. Their attire should reflect the formality, style, and cultural traditions of the wedding.

Parents should communicate with the couple to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding style, formality, and color schemes. Consider the wedding location (e.g., a beach wedding calls for lighter fabrics, while a winter event may require heavier materials) and the time of year when choosing attire. Start shopping early to allow time for fittings or alterations. Weddings are long events, so ensure that your outfit is comfortable for extended wear. This includes choosing shoes that are stylish yet practical for walking, standing, and dancing.

If the wedding includes specific cultural or religious customs that influence attire, be sure to honor these traditions.

Our guide offers practical advice and tips to help parents of the bride and groom choose attire that honors the occasion while allowing them to look and feel their best.

Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom

The Mother of the Bride (MoB) traditionally plays a central role in the wedding and is often one of the most visible figures throughout the event. Her attire should strike a balance between elegance, alignment with the wedding theme, and personal comfort. The Mother of the Groom (MoG) should choose her outfit to complement the MoB’s.

1. Coordinate with the Wedding Theme

• Formal Wedding: For black-tie weddings, floor-length gowns in luxurious fabrics such as silk or velvet are ideal. Subtle embellishments like lace or beadwork can add sophistication.

• Semi-Formal Wedding: Knee-length or tea-length dresses in elegant fabrics like chiffon or crepe work well for less formal settings.

• Casual Wedding: A chic cocktail dress or a tailored pantsuit in soft or pastel tones fits more relaxed environments, such as a beach or garden wedding.

2. Color Choices

• The MoB’s and MoG’s dresses should complement, not clash with, the wedding palette. Common choices include neutral tones like champagne, blush, navy, or pastel shades that pair well with the bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Avoid White and Ivory as these might compete with the bride’s wedding dress (and remember: nobody outshines the bride!!), and this is also not an occasion for loud colors and patterns.

3. Comfort and Style

• Choose an outfit that is comfortable enough to wear for the entire day, from the ceremony to the reception. Consider the season, wedding venue, and any cultural or religious expectations.

Father of the Bride and Father of the Groom

The Father of the Bride (FoB) often has a prominent role in the wedding, traditionally walking the bride down the aisle and giving a speech at the reception. His attire should reflect the formality of the wedding and coordinate with the groom’s outfit. The same holds true for the Father of the Groom (FoG).

1. Formal Weddings

• Black Tie: A classic black tuxedo with a bow tie is a timeless choice. Consider a cummerbund or vest for added elegance.

2. Semi-Formal and Casual Weddings

• Suit: A well-fitted fine-wool or wool/silk suit in navy, charcoal, or gray is a versatile option. Pair it with a coordinating tie or pocket square that matches the wedding colors.

• Light-colored suits in linen or cotton work well for relaxed summer weddings (with a dress shirt and patterned necktie for semi-formal and an open-collared shirt for casual weddings), while darker hues in heavier fabrics are better for fall and winter events.

3. Accessories

• Always wear elegant shoes that are appropriate for the venue (dress shoes for indoor settings, upscale loafers for beach weddings – sneakers are NEVER appropriate!).
• Cufflinks, elegant wristwatches, and boutonnieres add a touch of sophistication without overpowering the overall look.

In short:

The attire of the Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, Father of the Bride, and Father of the Groom plays an integral role in the overall aesthetic of the wedding. By coordinating with the couple, planning ahead, and considering the formality and style of the wedding, parents can ensure they look their best while honoring the significance of the day. Choose attire that allows you to feel confident, comfortable, and ready to celebrate this joyous occasion.

One of the trickiest things in all of wedding planning: the correct wording on your invitations! Have you already thought about it?

Let’s start with who is actually HOSTING your event (aka who’s paying for it…). If that is your parents, THEY are officially inviting. So, here we go:

Wedding invitation wording starts with a host line. Traditionally the bride’s parents are hosting, and so their names come first. In any case, listing the names of both sets of parents is okay and a nice thing to do. If both you two AND your parents are contributing, you could say, “Together with their parents” or “Together with their families.”

What if one or more of your parents are no longer with us? A common way to honor a deceased parent is to mention him/her with the couple’s names: “Lauren Martinez, daughter of Marta Martinez,” or “Lauren Martinez, daughter of Robert Martinez and the late Marta Martinez.”

Next comes the request line where you actually extend the invitation to attend your wedding – and the wording is different for a church wedding vs. a wedding outside a house of worship.

1. Church: “The honor of your presence” is traditionally used to denote a religious service. Using the traditional British spelling “honour” is meant to evoke a more formal feel. (Note: If you are using “honour” on the invitation, you need to likewise spell “favour,” as in “favour of your reply,” on your RSVP card.)
2. Outside of a house of worship: “The pleasure of your company” is used to denote a non-religious ceremony venue.

Here are more wording options: “request the honor of your presence” or “the pleasure of your company”; “invite you to celebrate with them.”

After that comes the action line, explaining what the event is about:

1. “at the marriage of their daughter” (if the bride’s parents are hosting) or “of their children” (if both sets of parents are hosting)
2. “at the celebration of their marriage” or “their union” (if the couple is hosting)

And finally, your names! Easy, right? But what about sequence, middle names Yes or No, last names? Here are the basics:

1. For different-sex couples, the bride’s name typically goes first, then the groom’s name. If the bride’s parents’ names are listed at the top, it is sufficient to give just the bride’s first and middle name (without last name), and the groom’s name is either stated in full, or his first and middle names are listed followed by the line “Son of Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Wong.”
2. For same-sex couples, names should be listed in alphabetical order by last name – or based on what looks best with the design of the invitation.
3. In general: For a less formal feel, use first names only.

What else? Date and time! They should be spelled out in full, e.g. “Saturday, the fourteenth of September, two thousand twenty-four, at half after five in the afternoon.” (Day of the week and the Month capitalized, year in lowercase).

Do not forget to state the location of your wedding venue, with the name of the venue and city and state (spelled OUT!) in separate lines; no street address and ZIP code, unless it is a private residence.

State either “reception to follow” or “dinner and dancing to follow” (if at the same location as the ceremony) or, if the reception is elsewhere, state the reception venue in the next line or on a separate enclosure card. More examples of reception wording: “Cake, wine and merriment to follow” or “dinner, dancing and Happily Ever After to follow.” Especially if you are NOT offering a full dinner, here is your opportunity to let your guests know: “Please join us for small bites, cocktails and dancing after.”

You should mention the dress code, too, on the line below the reception location: “Black Tie” (aka tuxedos and floor-length dresses); “Formal attire” (suits and dresses); “Cocktail attire” (suits/dress shirt/necktie and short festive dresses) or “Casual” (basically anything…)

And that’s it for your invitation card!

Chances are, there is more information to convey, so use an enclosure card for that (directions to the venue, advice re local climate, uneven terrain, transportation – like, “Uber does not service this area”…), and you might also list your wedding website and/or a QR code for it on this card.

RSVPs could either be handled via an enclosed RSVP card with pre-addressed, pre-stamped envelope or electronically via your website. Clearly state the RSVP deadline; ask for the names of those attending and for their meal choices. In terms of wording, be consist in your spelling: “the favour of your reply” matches “honour of your presence” – or simply say “kindly reply.”

Now you know all the basics and are ready to get started!!