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Koh Yao Noi: Thailand’s Best Island for Your Honeymoon

When it comes to the best islands in Thailand for honeymoon, Koh Yao Noi stands at the top of any list. Getting to Koh Yao Noi is not complicated since it’s located in the Andaman Sea in the middle of Krabi and Phuket, it’s a peaceful island adorned by sandy shores. Fishing villages surround it, and it has rubber plantations, sandy beaches, waters rich in coral and mangroves as some of its key features. Some of the beaches include Loh Jark which has a pier for long tail boats and ferries. Loh Paret is another beach on this island surrounded by dotted dive sites, such as the pinnacles of Shark point and the King Cruiser. Here are some of the reasons why this island is a top honeymoon destination:

Safety

The island is still undiscovered by many tourists. The locals are friendly as they are not yet accustomed to visitors. It makes it one of the few quiet islands in Thailand. The guides are trustworthy, and there are no scams around since there are a handful of tour guides and locating them is easy. The locals also take pride in their island and do not condone any criminality especially one targeting tourists. It would be unimaginable and a scaring experience if you and your spouse had an unwanted encounter on your honeymoon.

It is a time to forget your worries and enjoy each other’s company. Koh Yao Noi provides a serene and safe atmosphere for you and your beloved to get a memorable experience. Even at the shores, the locals do not bother to tie or lock their boats and scooters signaling the safety of the area in general.

Seclusion

Most tourists are either unaware of Koh Yao Noi or overlook it. It makes it one of the ideal islands in Thailand for honeymoon. In the town, there are only a handful of nonlocals making it a perfect honeymoon getaway. When it comes to the beaches, you can have it to yourselves, just you and your spouse. In any honeymoon, seclusion is crucial and having an entire beach just for you is heaven on earth. On some of its beaches, you have a gorgeous view of Phang Nga National Park. The beaches can stay secluded for hours giving you and your partner ample time to explore and enjoy the calm, warm waters of the ocean. 

 

Silence and Tranquillity

Koh Yao Noi is one of the quiet islands in Thailand. Honeymoons are all about tranquillity and relaxation, and this island offers that. There are a couple of bars on the island, but that’s about it when it comes to the party life. It ensures that the town has no loud music blaring from different entertainment spots giving it the quietness that one wishes for on their honeymoon. You can retire to bed late and wake up in the afternoon without a lot of disturbances.

There are a handful of convenient stores to cater to your needs, but the big stores haven’t yet set up shop. It gives the island a chilled and laid back atmosphere where one can sit at the beach or lie under a palm tree without any nuisance from others. During a honeymoon, a couple should be left to their thoughts in a serene and silent environment as they plan for their future together.

 

Diversity

From mangroves, rainforests, corals and rubber plantations, the island is full of diverse landscapes. On the east side is where holiday resorts on Koh Yao Noi are mainly found together with deserted beaches. All these features are ideal for your honeymoon as there is plenty to explore. The landscapes also provide the best locations for taking photographs of you and your significant other. You can go for a leisurely walk on the island as you interact with the friendly locals. 

The west side of the island has water buffaloes, rice paddles and a holy spring which drains into the sea. Koh Yao Noi has all the features that a honeymoon will require less hassle. Each day brings about new adventures and areas to explore ensuring that you and your spouse always have something to do.

Affordability

 

Despite all the beauty, landscapes and even a villa on Koh Yao Noi, it is an affordable place to stay. From as low as $20 a night, you can find decent accommodation on the island. Food and beverages are in plenty, and you can get a full meal for less than $5. As earlier stated this island is yet to be overrun by hordes of tourists, plus the locals treat visitors as one of their own. Even traveling through the island is cheap as you can hire a scooter or bike from the locals at an affordable rate.

Many tourists who have been to this island have stated in their testimonials the numerous times the locals offered them free rides. Even if you are on a budget, Koh Yao Noi is one of the most affordable islands in Thailand for honeymoon. If you consider the beauty, tranquillity, and activities this place offers, it is one of the cheapest but quality places in the entire world.

 

Activities

When you visit this island, it won’t be just your honeymoon you celebrate; it can also act as a coastal escape. From scooter racing, swimming, water buffalo riding, and beach football/volleyball, this island is full of activities for you and your partner. All it requires you to explore your imagination.  When looking for one of the best islands in Thailand for honeymoon, Koh Yao Noi should be amongst your first destinations.

 

First things to do soon after you are engaged

Your engagement is indeed a special, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Days after the proposal, the bright engagement ring on your finger may still seem surreal and you will be reeling from the excitement of the proposal.

Enjoy every moment of this phase! Nevertheless, there are certain tasks you cannot put aside for later. The wedding planning experts at Best for Bride, Canada tell us what they are.

Inform your family and close friends

The social media announcements can wait. Your family and close friends deserve to know the happy news first. Inform both sets of parents first and then the rest of your family and friends. Do this over the phone or through a private message and they are sure to appreciate it. Once you have informed the people who are closest to you, let the rest of the world know.

Discuss your wedding dreams

Family and friends will want to know all about your wedding plans. Before you speak to them, discuss your wedding day ideas with your fiancé. Try to understand each other’s vision of the perfect wedding and come to a compromise on when and where your wedding will be. This can also help with venue and facilities planning.

Celebrate the big event

Your engagement calls for a celebration, and you get to decide how big or small it is. You can go all out and have a big bash with all your friends and family or keep it small and intimate with just the two of you. Nevertheless, make sure you have a special celebration on this account. This post on the Brides website has valuable advice for newly engaged couples to plan a great engagement party.

Fix a tentative date

Wedding planning is a momentous task. The earlier you start it, the better your chances of having all the wedding details you want. Start with just the wedding date. If not a specific date, at least decide upon the time of year to have your wedding. Everyone you know will also want to know when the wedding is, when you announce your engagement. Therefore, having an idea will allow you to give your well-wishers a little direction.

Work on the budget

Prepare your wedding budget and take the stress out of wedding planning. It may not be possible to figure out the exact distribution of funds at this stage. However, you can find out how much each of you can contribute. This will help you decide how big or small you want your wedding to be. It will also help with research on venue, vendors and other wedding planning aspects. For all the factors to consider when making your wedding budget, visit this post on the Knot website.

Sign up for an engagement photo shoot

As you celebrate this special phase in your life, document memories with stunning engagement photos. A pre-wedding photography session by a professional wedding photographer will help you gear up for actual wedding photography. It will allow you to get comfortable with your photographer’s style of working. Capture some beautiful glimpses into your life at a meaningful spot, in your unique style with this photography session. You can also use these photos in your save-the-date cards, invitations or favors. Check out this post on the Bridal Guide for inspiration on planning your engagement photos.

Begin a wedding planning board

A wedding planning board will help you with research and getting your ideas organized. There are plenty of options to consider. You can create a Pinterest board to compile images of your favorite elements for inspiration. On the other hand, make a folder on your computer with images; excel sheets and to-do lists for overall organization of ideas. Mood boards will help you compile all your ideas in one place and add or remove ideas as your vision develops.

Explore wedding planning apps

Digital tools make wedding planning much easier. There are several mobile applications to organize and simplify every part of the planning from the attire, vendor co-ordination, décor ideas and documentation. The best part of using these tools is that you can do your wedding planning anywhere and at any time. All data will be available in one place, so you can simply pick up from where you last left off. Since each tool is different, it is best to explore your options and find one that suits your style. Learn more about the many options available on this guide on the Brides website.

Start the search for sales and trunk shows

Trunk shows are a terrific way to score brand new designer dresses at bargain prices. Wedding shops host trunk shows once or twice a year. Enquire about the schedule of the next one at the bridal shops near you and plan your wedding dress shopping at that time. Also, subscribe to social media channels and newsletters of bridal boutiques carrying your favorite designer to receive prompt alerts of upcoming trunk shows and discount sales.

Do something fun

Before you dive into detailed wedding planning, take some time to unwind and enjoy your new-found relationship status. Go away for the weekend, have a fancy dinner, or return to the place where you first met to just relax and relive happy memories. Enjoy each other’s company and discuss your goals and future. This will prep you for the tedious wedding planning that lies ahead.

Author Bio: The modern bride’s all-in-one wedding destination, Best for Bride is Canada’s leading wedding dress chain. Apart from wedding dresses, bridal accessories, and wedding day services, they also stock bridal party dress collections and dresses for special occasions. Learn about their extensive collections and services by visiting the Best for Bride website.

8 Extraordinary Color Combinations For Your Dream Wedding

Coral, teal, and purple – these are just three of the all-time favorite wedding colors. Some blend them with tried and tested partners, like coral and gray, teal and baby pink, and purple and apple green. These are classic wedding colors and combos that have held up over time and yes, brides continue to love ’em.

But why stick to the safe and most used fusions when there are endless color combo possibilities to recognize? Perhaps you haven’t tried mixing and matching emerald and melon with a hint of metallic gold.

If you want to have a unique wedding motif yet you’re running out of ideas, here are some of the rare wedding color combinations to take inspiration from.

1. Purple + Burgundy + Orange

Perfect for: Autumn wedding, vineyard wedding themes

Opting for a fall-inspired wedding? Orange is a no-brainer but you can create a rich intoxicating blend to set the autumnal tone by adding purple and burgundy. The deep, moody details are also perfect for the old-world charm of vineyard weddings.

Aside from incorporating the deep colors into the fabrics, flowers, favors, invitations, and other wedding elements, try to experiment with food. For instance, consider serving creamy tomato soup atop beautiful satin burgundy tablecloth or table runner. You can also place a mix of orange, plum, grapes, and apples on the table.

2. Aqua + Deep Pink + Gold

Perfect for: Summer weddings

Perhaps you have seen the aqua-pink combo before – the fun and feminine color combo that makes you think of unicorns, cotton candies, and everything sweet. But when the preppy colors are styled with metallic and glitzy elements, like gold ribbons, draping, light fixtures, and table centerpieces and dinnerware, the vibe can be elevated into a glam affair.

3. Mint + Coral 

Perfect for: Late-spring, summer wedding

If you want the similar fresh and fun vibe but you want to steer clear of vivid colors, then the mint and coral combination might appeal to you.

For a more elegant and sophisticated setting, play more with mint. Think of mint clothing, invitations, and table setting decors. Then, let the lush floral arrangements and even the sugar blooms on your cake display pops of coral. You can also incorporate coral through small details like your favors or the ribbons.

If you want to go for a laidback chic vibe, choose coral as your lead with mint as your undertone. To elevate it into a more luxe look, infuse metallics like gold, silver, copper, or rose gold.

4. Merlot + Peach + Sage

Perfect for: Rustic and shabby chic wedding themes

Going for an earthy theme without sacrificing elegance? You’ll love this color scheme as it binds perfectly with natural hues and wooden details. Analogous colors go well together, which is why rich merlot and soft peach look cohesive. Having sage as an accent color balances them out and adds freshness into the mix. Sage can easily be incorporated by playing with florals.

The color combo has a down to earth vibe, which is perfect for garden and woodland weddings. Just make sure you balance out natural surroundings with some grandiose elements like chandeliers, candelabras, and elegant dinnerware.

5. Tangerine Tango + Orange + Yellow

Perfect for: Modern summer wedding, beach wedding

Orange symbolizes optimism while yellow symbolizes happiness. The vibrant mix is perfect for cheery, flamboyant couples who want to add a bit of fun into a solemn ceremony. The combo is also perfect for a seaside wedding as the warm tones complement the ocean’s bright turquoise hue. The best tip: let the flowers do the talking.

You just have to balance them out with white and neutral details so your guests won’t be overwhelmed by the vivid colors. Let your vases filled with vibrant fresh flowers and bright table decors sit on a white tablecloth.

6. Navy + Eggplant + Gold

Perfect for: Art deco weddings

Navy and eggplant are colors that scream “majesty” and adding metallic accent hues such as gold or copper make everything just better. The ethereal combo is perfect for grandiose wedding ceremonies, like a Gatsby-themed party adorned with gold chandeliers and dinnerware, and silk eggplant tablecloth, and filled with bubbly champagne and live jazz music.

7. Marsala + Midnight Blue + Silver

Perfect for: Fall and winter weddings

If you’ve always been drawn to berry-kissed, cranberry-esque shades, then the fusion of these bold colors is to die for. The pops of rich colors against the winter’s cold and pale surroundings display a lively contrast. For a more elegant look, you can infuse metallics, like silver accents.

The combo is full of lovely possibilities. They work on white tables and wood tables as well. Since a few varieties come in blue, play around with marsala for your flowers and use midnight blue for the vase and table decors. You can also experiment with food. Apart from red wine, consider offering vibrant cocktails for your signature sip. You can also use fruits with rich hues, like grapes, blueberries, and cranberries.

8. Emerald + Melon

Perfect for: Spring and summer weddings

The emerald-melon combo is an unexpected fusion I can’t help drooling over. Emerald is a rich shade of green that is inspired from the gemstone itself while the color melon is a soft shade of pink that provides depth and balance to the boldness of the jewel tone. The two colors work perfectly together.

These colors can create either a big and elegant statement or a rather low-key and effortless chic vibe. It depends on what tone you’ll emphasize and what should serve as the undertone.

If you’re into a more luxurious setting, then play more with the emerald with the melon undertone. Apart from using it heavily for fabrics, incorporate it into the smallest of details including the bold patterns in your invitations, the linen of your cake table, or the wrap of your bouquet. Try adding melon-colored flowers and apricot deserts to subtly infuse melon.

If you’re going for a chic, low-key setting, let melon dominate the environment and infuse emerald here and there, in your garlands and floral arrangements, aisle decorations, and party favors.

Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is one of the enthusiastic writers for Jennifer Regan, a shop in Sydney that caters to women who are looking for the perfect bridal dress to wear as they walk down the aisle. Her articles mainly focus on fashion and beauty, which help soon-to-be-brides prepare for their wedding day.

DIY receptions: How to make your wedding a more personal experience

Unless you are an event planner, your wedding may be the most complex project, and the biggest party you will ever plan. Your wedding, if prepared correctly will be the best party of your life. It will also be the most memorable day for you and your significant other. Your guests, however, will have attended and will continue to participate in weddings throughout the year. You want your wedding to be the one they remember even when they are old. An excellent way to make that day memorable is to create a personalized experience for each guest. They may not feel the joy you will be feeling because you are marrying the love of your life, but they may share the excitement and be happy for you because they felt great attending the wedding. You may be freaking out right now, but no, it will not cost you excessively to plan that wedding. There are simple ways to make your wedding memorable.

Keep your guests informed

One of the easiest way to ensure that your guests are entertained is by sharing your program with them. While they may love you to bits, they will be bored if they feel like they are just following the crowd with no knowledge of what is happening. This is the digital era, take advantage of it. Share your program with your guests on social media and have a printed copy of the program at the gate for anyone who did not see it on their social media pages. Include logistical information. No one likes being lost. Ensure that you have also included a dress code if any. The last thing you want is to make one of your guests feel out of place. You may also want to create a website dedicated to the day. This site may contain information about what will happen at what time and where. You may also want to include directions, shuttle bus services, parking restrictions and accurate information about the property the party will be hosted at such as rocky terrain.

Make your guests feel welcome

If you want to guests to feel that your party is the best they have ever attended, it is great to ensure that they feel welcome. Nothing says “welcome and thanks for coming” like welcome bags. Sure, it may be a lot of work assembling them, but they are worth it. If you will be doing some of these things yourself, a welcome bag includes a bottle of water, snacks and local specialties like wine or chocolate. You may also want to include a map or brochures for great places to visit in the locality. You should also include a personal letter from the couple expressing just how happy they are that the guests have left their busy schedules to attend the wedding. If your guests are few, then you might know what they like and don’t like so you may make their welcome bags more personal for them.

Make them comfortable

Everyone is usually very tense when they are visiting new locations. You want your guests to feel as comfortable as possible. Depending on where you are hosting the wedding, you may choose to have a welcome bar with non-alcoholic beverages. If you are hosting your wedding outside, you may want to have a bug repellant station. Bugs can be an issue that will keep your guests from enjoying the day. If you are hosting a beach wedding, have flip flops for your guests in case they did not carry their own.

Wedding reception

Wedding reception venues are not usually kids-friendly. However, you want the parents to have just as much fun as the singles in the wedding. An excellent way to help parents is by making sure their children are having a good time too. Kids love to explore and have fun. They may not have a concentration span as long as that of adults. So make sure there are fun things for children to do throughout your wedding and fun places for them to hang out and have fun during the reception party. You may employ people who will act as baby sitters for that day. You may even make it a sleepover party with cartoon and pizza!

Table Setting: 6 Wedding Buffet Ideas that Work

Table Setting: 6 Wedding Buffet Ideas that Work

Table Setting: 6 Wedding Buffet Ideas that Work

One of the greatest milestones in a person’s life is getting married. You prepare for your wedding vows, garments, invitations and all, but the focal point of the wedding right after the ceremony has to be the reception. The table setting, food and overall service to the guests in the reception makes it most magnificent. In this article, we will talk about 6 wedding buffet ideas that work.Continue reading