When it comes to honeymoons, two's company and three (or four or more) is definitely a crowd. But that doesn't keep lots of couples with kids who marry to take a honeymoon that includes the entire family.
In fact, there are places that seem to be made for a family honeymoon. They've got everything from nannies for newborns to nature workshops for older kids. And that means while the kids are away, you two can play....
Long Beach Island, NJ has become a Great Destination Wedding Location. Couples are now doing Destination Weddings with their “Families to Be”. Blended Family Weddings usually look to find a way to have a cost effective way to have a wedding ceremony and a Minimoon (short honeymoon) with the children. Including the children in Wedding preparations and in the Familymoon/Minimoon, can make it a easier transition and a fun way to start the new blended family (ad)venture. The Wed and Bed is a great way to do both.
When the children first meet the new step parent’s side of the family it is usually short and at busy times during the holidays. It’s hard to get time to know the family, since their family already has their traditions. A Blended Family Wedding can be informal and a fun way to get to know each other better, and to start a new family traditions. Keeping family first in our busy lives should be our first priority. This type of wedding will definitely be looked back on fondly, knowing the tradition and bond was so important it was set up at the wedding. Weddings, with all the trimmings are just that, focusing on the couple, and the grand ceremony. A blended wedding should be focused on the new family, being that you’re marrying a group.
Here are some ideas to get everyone’s participation.
Plan to have the children look for shells to make the decorations, either glue and glitter shells, to hang from strings or make a garland, these can be used later as ornaments. You can fill glass vases or small fish bowls from the dollar store, with the shells for a centerpiece.
Decorate for a Fun Luau Rehearsal Dinner focusing on a Family Style Meal. You could have it catered, with a pig roast, colorful luau salads and themed drinks and desserts. This is a way to have the couple, new in-laws and children, feeling connected and participating in creating this blessed occasion.
Let the children hear that you have committed to them also in your vows to each other. The more they feel connected the easier the transition. They may even want to write some vows also to their new step parent and parent stating their feelings on starting a life together.
I have hand dyed sands from our beach for the Blended Family to make a “Sandscape” to represent their new family unit, which can be worked into the ceromony after the vows to signify unity in the family now blended together. This may also be done at some other point during your stay as a fun activity done alone as a family.
After the ceremony and the guests have all left, take the pictures you have taken and work on the Wedding Photo Album together as a family, making one for each child with the pictures they choose for their book. If you are a Scrapbook person make it even better by creating titles and funny sayings in their books to make it even more personable. They will have experienced a very different day then you, and this allows you to see their perspective on the folks that were there and the value they took away from the day.
While spending time here, take some nice walks on the beach, explore the treasures that have washed up. Let the children chase the seagulls, and build their dream sand castles. If you can make this part of the wedding video after the ceremony is taped it is a nice way to show off the new family and time spent together immediately. It’s a great chance to plan out your holiday picture to send by staging a nice family shot together while you are all in one place. This picture can be a nice extra to include in your “Thank You” cards.
After the Minimoon and the family has settled back into their routines and new home/life for a while, and feel comfortable, this is a great time to take a break for your Honeymoon; you’ll need it and appreciate it more! The children will appreciate that time together also.
Some Info on The Wed and Bed
The house is 3rd from the beach, and sleeps 16, it has 5 bedrooms. If you need some homes for the overflow guests wanting to stay overnight or for a few days, I can look into booking a few homes surrounding us on the block.
When we rebuilt our home we had in mind gatherings of large families like our own. When we were working on putting ideas together for “The Wed and Bed” we decided to built the huge Kitchen Island Bar to seat 16 for those special and so important family meals. Whether the table is for a sit down meal or a buffet, the open floor plan with the living room area allows ample room to get around and dine while visiting with friends and family. It also allows the cook a nice group of “helpers” to choose from when they need a extra set of hands in the kitchen The second floor living is a nice get away if you want let the younger generation hang out together, or it can be used to a babysitting area.
The house has a great rooftop deck with the Atlantic Ocean Views to exchange your vows on; it can be nicely decorated with some simple tulle ribbon. We have a pulpit for the officiant. If the weather decides to wish you luck with a shower or if you would like to be married indoors the sunroom is perfect overlooking the gorgeous views of the beach and the Atlantic. This is a nice place to have a sunset cocktail with your guests.
We have photo printer that can be used for a fee if you would like to work on the photo albums. I have several contacts with other wedding needs from a Harpist to the Wedding Cake. Please contact me to discuss your needs. Enjoy your time together while preparing for this family special occasion!
Mary Ann
The Wed and Bed
Beach Haven Crest, NJ
609-607-9938
Our Wedding on LBI and How The Wed and Bed came to Be
I got married in 2006 to the boy next door I grew up with during the summer months on Long Beach Island, NJ. I have 4 daughters and he adored them at first sight. He said they reminded him of me growing up in their different stages of age. We both were married once, and it didn’t work and didn’t see each other except for a few times from ages 10- to 40! We got married on our beach in front of our homes. It was a dream come true to be married in such a familiar spot with our loved ones surrounding us.
We bought my families home est. in 1958, in 2006 and started to rent it for various occasions. We recently renovated the house and added on specifically to have small wedding venues use our home for the wedding party to stay. We enjoyed our location for our marriage we thought we should offer it to others also. We named it the ‘Wed and Bed’. We also run retreats calling the house ‘Beach House Retreats’.
We made our kitchen table to seat 16, be moveable in the room for different uses, buffet, bar, or dining area. The 4 floor roof top deck is 600 sq. ft. to have a amazing ceremony on overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The house sleeps 16, and is 3rd from the beach.
We love helping the couples with their preparations before the big day, whether it be finding a caterer for the rehearsal dinner in house, or just welcoming the party in at check in with a Happy Hour.
So what a nice life it has been returning to LBI, getting married, raising kids, buying my home, and renovating to share a great wedding location, vacation, or retreat weekends year round.
S&A,
(Still and Always)
Mary Ann and Tom