Even if a man is not interested in planning the wedding, both parties must be equally involved. So not only is it a matter of sentimentality, but you will be discussing relevant things like budget and guests. Here you will learn some ideas on how to encourage your future husband to participate in your wedding planning.

Get to Know What His Expectations Are

To start planning the wedding, both of you must tell what expectations you have and what you expect from the ceremony. For example, have you imagined it with many guests, or have you thought of an intimate ceremony? How many hours would you like it to last? Would you like to marry in a church or at some other place like the beach or a forest? All these are details that you should discuss, especially to reach an agreement on the points you do not have in common.

Keeping your husband’s expectations in mind will make him feel more involved. It will also encourage him to participate so the wishes of both are fulfilled. Suppose you listen to any couple who have been married for years. In that case, they will probably tell you how learning to compromise is crucial to maintaining harmony and communication in a relationship, so practicing that during wedding planning is a good start.

Define the Wedding Date Together

The first step to start planning a wedding is to define the date it will take place. Both of you must give your opinion about it since it must be a reasonable date. Next, evaluate what other commitments you have close to the tentative date, and you both could have vacations by then. When you have a defined and convenient date for both of you, you can continue with the following organizational steps, such as choosing the place, the guests, the menu, preparing the wardrobe for both of you, and everything else necessary.

You can also ensure feet comfort by selecting comfortable footwear options for the big day, prioritizing both style and comfort to keep you and your future husband at ease throughout the wedding celebrations. On your wedding day, ensuring your feet are comfortable is essential for enjoying every moment. Choosing the right footwear with cushions for the ball of your feet can make a significant difference in how you feel throughout the day. Prioritizing both style and comfort will not only keep you feeling great but also allow you to fully focus on the celebration. Consider the importance of foot care to avoid any discomfort that could distract you from this special occasion.

If you are not willing to get so involved with the planning (let’s be honest, it can be quite exhausting), you can hire a wedding planner. The wedding planner is a professional organizer who will carry out every detail without you having to stress over anything, so it is certainly an expense worth making. Discuss whether it is convenient for you to hire an organizer, and if you decide yes, pick the most appropriate one between the two of you.

Divide Up the Chores

Wedding planning should not feel like a burden, especially when it is supposed to be a crucial time in both of your lives. This is the perfect occasion to prepare as a couple because it is when you will really learn to work as a team and get to know each other more deeply; Let him have important assignments, listen to his opinions, and try to give in to things that he likes even if you do not love them at all. There are things that you are good at and others that he is better at. Share the tasks taking into account the abilities of each one, and work to reach your goal.

Both should also review the proposals of each one and then choose the providers of each service for the wedding. Another thing to keep in mind is that the effort that each one puts into the organization is a reflection of the interest you have in your wedding. Walking away from planning such an important day, or being apathetic and indifferent, could hurt the other person.

Choose the Menu Together

Even if you are accompanied by your respective families when trying the menu, it does not matter! The only ones who have the last word are the two of you. If you liked one thing and he liked another, then reach a midpoint where you are both satisfied and happy with the menu you have chosen. Remember that food is also a reflection of your culinary tastes, so choose something that represents both of you and that, of course, you love.

Make Him Feel Appreciated

As we mentioned before, it is often believed that weddings revolve around the bride, and although you will be the center of attraction, do not forget to make your future husband feel appreciated. Involving your opinions, tastes, and desires in wedding planning is part of it, but there are other ways to do it. For example, if he has ever told you that he would like to see you wearing a specific accessory or type of dress on your wedding day, find a way to include that desire in the outfit you have planned.

You can also make him a special gift to wear. At Lunya, you can buy men’s loungewear for your future husband to wear that day while he gets ready or during the wedding night. In addition to preparing inspirational words for the vows you will say that day, you can take a moment to thank him in public for his effort and commitment during the wedding planning.

Weddings are a magical moment for any couple, no matter how big or small they are or what budget they have. For everything to go well on that dream day, the ideal is for you and your partner to actively participate in the organization of the party or ceremony. Maybe one is more creative than the other or a better money manager, so if you join forces, talents and qualities, you will have the best team.

Choose the menu as a couple, who will be the guests, define the date, and above all, make each other feel appreciated. Do not stop acknowledging what the other does well, and you will see how the stressful organization process becomes much more bearable.

We know you want to look toned in your wedding photos! Wedding dresses tend to put focus onto your arms and shoulders, so in this post we’re going to give you three moves that you can use to get photo ready. Do these three times a week, in the months leading up to your special day, and you’ll start to see that definition you’re dreaming of!

Move #1: Weighted Arm Circles

If you have very little shoulder strength, start out doing arm circles without weights. Start with twenty small circles in each direction, and then do twenty large circles in each direction. Once you work up to a point where you can do three sets of this, add some weights. Five pounds is a great amount to start with. It sounds small, but you’re going to feel it! If you don’t have dumb-bells, hold water bottles or cans of soup.

Move #2: Bicep Curl to Overhead Press

Pick up a weighted object (dumb-bells work well!) and do bilateral bicep curls. Once the weight is at shoulder level, press it all the way up so your arm is extended overhead. This is a pretty weak position for most people, so take it slow and be safe! Start with 12 reps, and do two or three sets.

Move #3: Tricep Dips

Position yourself in front of the couch or a stable surface that’s a little lower than waist high, with your back side towards the couch, and your palms on the seat. Slowly lower yourself down until your arms are at a ninety degree angle, and you feel your triceps working.  Do this move until you burn out. Do three sets.

Keep up this pre-wedding  beauty routine, and you’ll be well on your way to having the arms you dream about for your wedding photos! Happy sweat-sets, my friends. Do you have any other great moves you want to share? Drop a note in the comment section below.

Shoot it Locally!

While there’s nothing wrong with opting for a tropical destination to really immerse in the beauty of nature, we felt it would be more personal and practical if you choose a place near your location.

Explore local sites! This way you could experience the beauty of nature, save a ton from traveling costs, spare yourselves from stress while promoting local sites. A simple way to actually be nature-friendly and still achieve a beautiful experience.

Choose a Nature-inspired Engagement Ring

One of the challenges in themed shoots is incorporating the concept into the details- and what better way to integrate this motif than through the nature-inspired engagement rings. Floral accents and nature-inspired patterns would simply do the trick! From minimalist designs to fancy pieces, nature-inspired engagement rings will surely be the statement that will highlight the whole engagement shoot.

Be truly one with nature and opt for engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds. This way you’re guaranteed that what you’re wearing is conflict-free and crafted without negatively impacting the environment and its native communities – upholding the true essence of being inspired by nature!

Wear Nothing Fancy

Set your wardrobe that both of you can relate to- but wear nothing fancy. Since we are highlighting nature and your engagement, wearing something extra would take away the whole concept of the shoot.

You can say that there’s nothing wrong with wearing something elegant, but keep in mind that something EXTRA would overshadow the beauty that you’re aiming for. You can wear a floral dress and comfortable sandals and still have gorgeous shots.

Enjoy Nature!

The best thing about nature-themed shoots? Experiencing nature! And opting to make it as your engagement concept is beautiful in itself! The whole experience in opting for this concept isn’t all about having floral patterned outfits, nature-inspired décor and nature-friendly options, it is all about enjoying the beauty of nature and experiencing its simple charm which truly makes your engagement shoot unforgettable.

If you’re searching for an ethical, conflict-free engagement ring or bridal jewelry, MiaDonna has you covered. Handcrafted in the U.S.A. using recycled precious metals, lab-grown gemstones, and of course, lab-grown diamonds, their collection of fine lab-grown diamond jewelry is guaranteed conflict-free, crafted without negatively impacting the environment or native communities. As a foundation-first company, MiaDonna proudly gives back at least 10% of net profits from every purchase to their charity foundation, The Greener Diamond, to fund education, mentorship, agricultural, and urgent relief programs in diamond mining communities in countries such as Liberia, Togo and Sierra Leone, Africa.

*** Thank you MiaDonna for sponsoring this article. Amazing advertisers like MiaDonna help me keep the blog running. ***

How will you wear your hair on your wedding day? A fishbone braid is a lovely alternative to the loose, flowing locks that many boho brides wear. A partial fishbone combines the best aspects of both styles!

Create a braid like this by first putting the hair into a partial ponytail. Next split the ponytail into two sections. Separate out a small section of hair from the outside of one section, and cross it over onto the opposite side.

Repeat until you have a full braid. The detailed and finely woven appearance of this style is just right for a bride wearing an intricately beaded or lacy dress! How do you plan on wearing your hair on your wedding day? Let us all know in the comments below!

Add some glamour to your outdoor wedding ceremony by creating an aisle of oriental rugs. This chic look works well in a grassy meadow, sandy beach, or woodland clearing. You can ask a few of your closest family and friends if they have oriental rugs that could be used for this fun project, or pick up a few just for this!

I love that the Aspen mountain wedding pictured above even used an animal fur rug in the mix! Practice walking down the aisle in your heels so that you know just what to expect. Do you like this idea? Tell me why in the comments section below!

Many couples choose to include a section of their ceremony that celebrates the concept of unity. This signifies the union of two souls into one unit. You can do this by merging two flames into one, combining water, or even blending two separate sources of sand or salt into one. Couples can do something totally outside of the box and mix two types of beer to make a black and tan, or put together the perfect ingredients for a unity sandwich! For a nature centered wedding, think about incorporating natural elements. Here are some beautiful ideas:

1 . Grow Together

Although I am sure you have seen the idea for a unity tree planting ceremony before, I think it is too precious to omit. The symbol of a growing tree is perfect for a marriage. Vow to grow together, and never stop reaching for the stars!

2. Hand Cleansing In Nature’s Water

This ceremony incorporates the idea of starting with a clean slate, by purifying the bride and groom’s hands before they join together in union. Do you love the water? Do you and your fiance have a favorite lake, stream, or beach? Use water from a natural source in order to make this ceremony super meaningful for you and your partner.

3. Create A Marriage Box

With this unity ceremony, the bride and groom each place a letter inside a wooden box. Be sure to practice your hammering skills!

4. Custom Carved Candles

My husband and I love carving our names into trees, which is why I chose this unity candle design. If you and your husband-to-be have fond memories of woodland places that marked your journey, this might be a perfect touch for your unity ceremony. Place your candles on a pretty bed of ferns for even more natural goodness!

If your wedding has a nature centered theme, use natural elements in your unity ceremony. The power of nature will be behind you as move into your married life! These ceremonies thoughtfully incorporate natural themes such as growth, renewal, and purity. Which one is your favorite? Give it a shout out in the comments below.

TIP: Wondering what ingredients are safe? ewg.org/skindeep is a fantastic resource!

The perfect base – Everyone’s skin is different so you’ll probably have to try a few before you find “the one” but I would start with Juice Beauty, 100% Pure, or Nvey Eco. I’ve fallen in love with foundations (and tinted moisturizers) from all three of these green beauty brands.

PHYTO-PIGMENTS Flawless Serum Foundation

100% Pure Organic & Natural Foundations

nvey eco Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation 

Concealer – Perhaps one of the most important things if you’re prone to blemishes or have hyperpigmentation. The 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Long Lasting Concealer has been my favorite cream formula for many years for under eye and spot concealer. If you’re looking for a mega duty concealer try the jane iredale Disappear Full Coverage Concealer. And if you’re looking for a liquid concealer then the 100% Pure 2nd Skin Concealer with Olive Squalane + Fruit Pigments is amazing too. Need expert tips on how to apply foundation and concealer in a natural way? Check out this video, and this one for acne coverage.

Blush – consider using a cream blush as these tend to last longer and look more natural. HAN Skin Care Cosmetics, and Tata Harper are wonderful. If you do go for powder blush you must check out L’Eclisse.

A long lasting lipstick – There are so many great natural lipsticks out there now, but as far as brides go, I always recommend jane iredale. Their PureMoist Lipstick has a large selection of shades and the formula is very long lasting without drying out lips. A bridal favorite for sure. Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.

Blotting tissue – For touch ups throughout the day, these are key! Tatcha makes great ones with little flecks of gold in them! The Original Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers are powder-free, fragrance-free, and pulp-free.

Water-Resistant Mascara – Note: These are not water-proof, but resistant. The 100% Pure Maracuja Mascara and Pacifica Beauty Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Long Lash Mineral Mascara are both ultra lengthening and nontoxic. I’d recommend trying both to see which you love more!

Fishtail braid via Bridal Musings

Loose French Braid via Svatby,barvy,koláže

Left: Fabmood | Right: Hair by Tonya Stylist Hair & Make Up

Above 3: Missy Sue

Pinterest

Left: Pinterest | Right: Amanda McKinnon Photography

Side Braid for Shorter Hair, via Bajan Wed

Left: Halo braid by Twist Me Pretty | Right: Jeweled Braid via Holistic Habits

Double braid on Sarah Nagel of Holistic Habits

TIP: Always use a basecoat! This helps your nails from getting stained by bright colors that you might wear in the months leading up to your wedding.

Pacifica Beauty: 7-free, vegan, cruelty-free. Left to right: Pink Moon, Nirvana, Wonderland.

Cote: 5-free, vegan, cruelty-free. Left to right: No. 13, No. 55. No. 60.

Julep: 5-free, vegan, cruelty-free. Left to right: Mallory, Ainsley, Brigitte.

Priti NYC: 5-free, vegan, cruelty-free. Shown below is their new Pantone inspired 2017 collection.

100% Pure: 10-free, vegan, cruelty free. Left to right: Soul Mate, Wedding, Velouria.

TIP: Even if you aren’t prone to dry skin, make it a habit to apply hand cream every day leading up to your wedding. It will help your skin and nails to look their best as you show off that ring! We love the deeply nourishing 100% Pure Honey Almond Hand Buttercream. Need cuticle repair? Try the Julep Essential Cuticle Oil.

We love these simple yet clean and sophisticated bridal nail looks we found on Pinterest. Giving nontoxic nail polish to your bridesmaids or friends at your bridal shower is also a fantastic idea! Make it special, but keep it YOU. Don’t feel pressured to grow your nails out long (or to get fake nails! talk about toxic) if you don’t typically wear your nails long. Do what feels natural to you.

TIP: Test out multiple shades in the months leading up to your big day and once you find THE shade, stock up! Buy one for use at the salon, one for the wedding day emergency kit and one to pack for your honeymoon.

Which color are you thinking of using for your wedding day? We’d love to know in the comments below!

This new collection features sunglasses and tunics in addition to beautiful jewelry and accessories. See how I styled the new Mirage Pendant Necklace, Reina Necklace, Nolita Small Crossbody, Miramar Sunglasses, and Convertible Sarong, plus read my thoughts on Ever Skincare’s Ever Smooth and Ever Body Glow on Sweet Violet Beauty today.

xo – Naomi