A wedding ceremony is symbolic of two individuals coming together to live their lives jointly, make decisions together, and act as one unit. Therefore, when a couple gets married, family dynamics inevitably shift — this can be uncomfortable and sometimes even scary because of the perceived feeling of loss. Depending on the family’s roles, the perception of loss is just that: a perception.

I have experienced this phenomenon firsthand, not only as a bride but also as a practicing Marriage and Family Therapy intern. My fiancé Jordan and I have a lot in common, chief being that we work in the same field and we both truly value our family relationships. Our understanding of family psychology has helped us plan and prioritize our wedding in San Diego this August. Our two-year courtship has been truly magical and we are beyond excited to be getting married!

My parents have been an integral part of the planning process. My mom is very talented at event planning and coordination so she's helped us stay on track with time-sensitive tasks. That being said, despite my work background, I was still surprised to find that my relatives had 100 preconceived notions of what this day is “supposed to be about.”

Every couple wants to have the perfect honeymoon full of romance, adventure and good times that cement their marriage. To ensure that you achieve that amazing trip, check out these seven tips. They’re guaranteed to steer you in the direction of newlywed bliss.

Photo Credit: iStock

1. Give Yourself Time
While wedding planning is paramount before your big day, don’t leave honeymoon planning to the last minute! Start thinking about where and when you’d like to honeymoon as soon as you set your wedding date. This will allow you ample time to do research, ensure you can book your perfect place and possibly take advantage of specials or early booking deals.

2. Prioritize
Decide what the most important aspects of the honeymoon are for both of you. Do you want swank accommodations or is an amazing secluded beach more important? Are you willing to fly a few extra hours to achieve both or do you want to prioritize a direct flight? Knowing what you’re both looking for and what you’re willing to compromise on will make selecting your ideal location easier.

Guest blogger: Elizabeth Dodson
Elizabeth Dodson is the co-founder of HomeZada, an online solution to help you manage everything about your home in one place.

As an engaged or newly married couple, you might be at the point where buying a house is the next logical step to building your family nest egg. If you're a first-time home buyer, then it's critical to understand what your current needs are and anticipate any future needs as well.

Keep in mind not just the number of rooms you'll need, but also what types of rooms are important to you. For instance, are you planning on having children soon after getting married? Do you need both a family room and a living room or will one suffice? What if you'll have to work in a bedroom-turned-office? Do you prefer a multi-story home or a single-level house plan? Of course, the overall size of the home and your total budget are also important factors.

However, there are other key considerations that might not be top of mind but could end up impacting your lifestyle: 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Iconic wedding gown designer Vera Wang unveiled her Fall 2014 White collection this week exclusively for David's Bridal and the dresses are absolutely stunning! The collection features eight budget-friendly gowns all priced under $2,000.

With a color palette that includes ivory, blush, and champagne in a variety of styles and silhouettes, there is something to fit every bride's personality. When discussing the inspiration behind her new line, Wang said that "My collection was inspired by elegance and glamour, a style that every bride deserves on her special day." 

Take a look at the beautiful gowns:

Style 351219
Laser-cut floral organza topped with a sweet bow makes for an ultra-feminine look.

Style 351221
Glittering sequins pop underneath layers of organza on this A-line gown. 

Style 351231
This champagne-hued gown featuring a jeweled vine belt and inverted pleat train exudes style and sophistication.