Weddings are as much an observance of family as they are a celebration of love, and a time to reconfirm the ties that bind
brothers, sisters, parents and friends together. It is, perhaps, one of the most remarkable aspects of the Outer Banks wedding experience, that here along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a sense of unity among people who have somehow drifted apart is so often rediscovered, rejuvenated.
What was once a simple ceremony has now become a week or two week long opportunity for families to give a gift to themselves - to become reacquainted with one another. More and more weddings are being scheduled to take full advantage of the time family and friends have together, and wedding coordinators are telling of a swelling interest in group activities.
One event coordinator has found that the days leading up to the wedding
ceremony are often times parents and
children use to become families once
again. "Sometimes they'll use it (the days surrounding the ceremony) as a family reunion," she says. "They'll have scavenger hunts, family portraits. They'll stretch it
out for the whole week."
That week of time for family and friends to renew their love for one another creates a unique opportunity for creative gift giving. True, the embroidered handbag and etched beer stein are still very much a part of the wedding party gift notion, but more and more brides and grooms are giving activity gifts - gifts the entire family or group of friends can experience together.
One of the most popular activities in the area is golf. With eight courses within 45 minutes of almost any location on the Outer Banks, event coordinators are telling of an increased interest in spending some time on the links with family and friends.
Karen Kelly of Coastal Events Coordinators agrees. "I've seen more and more families do that (go golfing)," Kelly says. "My husband's the assistant golf pro at Nags Head Links, so sometimes I can help them get a tee time, although it is better if they plan ahead," she adds.
For guests visiting the northern Outer Banks, a popular outing is a quick trip across the Currituck Sound to Knotts Island with its two vineyards. The more adventurous can paddle across the sound in a kayak, but most people opt for a more relaxing route.
Of course, some of the activities planned can be geared to suit either the ladies or the men. A day at the spa would seem to be more fun for the bride and her bridesmaids, while a day of golfing or fishing might appeal more to the groom and his groomsmen.
But there is also one more very important member of the wedding party that no can ignore. Luckily for the little brother or sister of the bride or groom, the Outer Banks is truly a family vacation destination, and there should be no problem finding fun activities for the kids to do.
Cited by USA Today as one of the finest aquariums in the country, a pass to the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo is a gift that is at once fun to use and very educational, for kids and parents alike. There is a lot more for kids and families to do, of course. Give a child a kite and he can fly it for hours on the beach or at Jockey's Ridge. Or, for an opportunity for the family to
do something together, there are several local shops where families can make
their own pottery.
With so much to do, and family and friends scattered across the country, trying to communicate with everyone would seem an impossible task - but here technology comes to the rescue. As brides and grooms organize activities for their guests, a PC
and a mouse are all it takes to stay in touch. So many brides and grooms are doing
their own websites. They include how many people are in the party, information on the area, where they're having the
wedding and any activities they have planned.
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