Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Destination

Weird and wonderful hotels for your honeymoon

March 10, 2020 No Comments

For some, the classic island getaway is perfect for a honeymoon. But for the couples who are always looking to shake things up, that may be a bit boring. Newlyweds these days are often looking for alternative ways to celebrate their marriage.

Some have opted for honeyteering, and others have chosen to have no honeymoon at all. If neither of these options suit you, perhaps some weird and wonderful hotels around the world will tickle your fancy.

Check out these creative and different-from-the-usual hotels around the world:

– Gladstone’s Library

Gladstone’s Library in the UK offers bookworms a getaway with a difference. The library boasts 26 boutique bedrooms, a bistro that offers breakfast, lunch and supper, and an ideal location.

It is situated just outside the famous walled city of Chester, and is on the doorstep of the Welsh countryside, so you’ll have many tourist opportunities on your book-lovers’ honeymoon too.

Surround yourself with 150 000 books, in the UK’s only residential library for a honeymoon like no other.

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– Bjorli Snowhotel

This hotel is made from 15 million litres of water. Impressive, right? Igloo accommodation is definitely a break from the usual and will be an unforgettable experience.

Bjorli Snowhotel also comes with an ice bar and a ice chapel, if you’re interested. Their rooms feature ice beds, mood lighting and fleece-lined sleeping bags to keep you warm.

Situated only 1km from Bjorli ski resort, you’ll be in for some snow activities too. It is also a 45-minute drive from it’s sister hotel, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, which comes with a hot-tub, sauna and indoor pool that visitors can use.

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– Kokopelli’s Cave

Spend your honeymoon on the inside the vertical cliffs of the 60 million year olf Ojo Alamo sandstone, in a cave house that over looks the La Plata river valley.

From the bed and breakfast, you have an unmatched view of awe-inspiring southwestern sunsets over the beautiful La Plata River valley and the four states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, in the USA.

The Cave is man made and was originally intended to be a an office for Bruce Black, the owner, who is a consulting geologist. When his plan didn’t materialize, it was made into a bed and breakfast.

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Hotel Costa Verde

As if a honeymoon in the tree-tops is not different enough already, Hotel Costa Verde takes things to the next level and offers a stay in a refurbished vintage 1965 Boeing 727.

Have a honeymoon that makes you feel on top of the world and opt for the airplane in the rainforest!

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– Palacio de Sal, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Built entirely of salt, the first of its kind, Palacio de Sal (Salt Palace Hotel) is in perfect harmony with the white desert that surrounds it. This one is a truly unique experience.

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– Dog Bark Park Inn

This hotel, built in the shape of a beagle, is a well-known landmark in Idaho, USA. Being ranked in the top 20 most fun and exciting places to stay by the London Times, it is surely not to be missed. This is the one time that being in the doghouse is a good thing!

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– Bonus – Underwater suites at various hotels

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to breathe under water, this is probably the closest you’ll get. Live out all your fairytale, little mermaid fantasies and spend your honeymoon in an underwater suite!

There are various hotels around the world, in Dubai, Jamaica, India, London, and Mexico, that offer this option. You won’t struggle to find a good option for you. You may, however, struggle to get a booking as most hotels only have one underwater suite – so get planning now!

Atlantis The Palm – Dubai

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The Manta Resort – Jamaica

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Image: Instagram / hotelcostaverde

In Wedding Flowers & Bouquets

Bridal bouquet shapes

March 10, 2020 No Comments

Choosing your bridal bouquet may seem like one of the simplest things to do for your wedding but it may not be. Flower types, matching with your dress, and arrangements are all things you have to consider.

Another thing you should keep in mind is the shape you’d prefer. If you’re not sure what shapes are available, then this may be of some help to you.

Here are some shape options for your bridal bouquet:

– Composite Bouquet

Constructed using hundreds of single petals all wired together, this bouquet is made to look like one extra large flower. This can end up being quite and expensive option, but it adds a unique touch of elegance that you don’t often see.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MKrlpDJQM/

– Cascade bouquet

Also known as a shower bouquet, this one is quite traditional and very stylish. The flowers are arranged in such a way that they seem as though they’re flowing over the bride’s hands. Often, these bouquets are quite large, and so may be a little inconvenient to lug around on your wedding day. They are, however, great for photos.

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– Fan bouquet

Adding a vintage-feel, this bouquet is simply a plastic fan intertwined with flowers and leaves. This one will stand out from the rest, as it is a very uncommon choice.

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– Basket Bouquet

If you’re having a garden wedding, this one is perfect for you. Flowers are arranged in a basket of whatever shape you prefer. Not only does it add a touch of rustic-vibes, it also generally ensures that your bridal flowers don’t wild and thus last longer.

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– Presentation Bouquet

This one is perfect for the glamorous bride. Otherwise known as the sheath bouquet, this one is striking because of the long stemmed flowers used to create it. A bride carries a presentation bouquet in a specific way – cradled in her arms like a beauty queen who just received her prize.

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– Pomander bouquet

While this one is quite uncommon for brides, it could add a touch of originality to your outfit. The pomander is a ball of flowers carried by a loop of ribbon.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDzpPcFuel/

– Biedermeier Bouquet

Named after a European style of interior design, the biedermeier bouquet is all about symmetry and drama. Flowers are organised in tight, concentric circles of contrasting coloured blooms.

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– Nosegay Bouquet

One of the more structured shapes of bouquets, this one is smaller and easy to carry. Flowers are cut to the same length, tightly packed together, and wrapped in ribbon or lace.

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– Hand-tied bouquets

Also known as a posy, this bouquet is exactly as it’s name suggests – a bunch of flowers, grouped together in an unstructured manner, and tied.

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Image: Unsplash

In Gifts

Ten great gift ideas to give your groom

March 9, 2020 No Comments

The groom’s big day is on its way and you’re wondering what to get him as a gift. It’s a memorable occasion, so you want the gift to be fitting but you can’t seem to come up with a good idea.

Well, there’s no need to rack your brain any longer, we’re here to help. Here are some ideas to inspire a great gift for the groom:

– Beer gift set

A simple, but great gift.

R199 at YuppieChef

– Personalised Cufflinks

A pair of cufflinks is a great gift for men, but a pair of personalised cufflinks should make it even more special, and shows more of your effort.

R544.73 at Get Name Necklance

– Novelty Decanter

A decoration for his at-home desk, and a useful gift at the same time.

R321.61 at Banggood

– Grooming Set

Men want to look and feel their best too! Gift him with a grooming set to ensure his morning routine leaves him feeling fresh and ready to take on the day.

R395 at Faithful to Nature

– Framed custom star map poster

If you’re looking for a sentimental gift, this one is perfect. Get a custom map that shows the stars in the sky on the day you met, the day of your first kiss, or the day he proposed.

R484 at manicaa

– Watch

A watch is an essential part of the wardrobe, and for men a fancy watch really brings an outfit together for those days that call for formal attire. Ensure he’s looking his best by gifting him with a watch that’s just his style.

R2499 at Superbalist

– Duffle Bag

For travelling, the gym and much more, this gift will definitely be put to good use.

R2199 at Old Khaki

– Cologne gift set

He can never have too much cologne, and we all know a man who smells great is that much more attractive.

R681 at Superbalist

– Personalised Apron

For the man who loves to cook, ensure he’s doing it in style. Gift him with a personalised apron to wear as he cooks you all those romantic meals.

R299.95 at Net Florist

– Homemade Gin Kit

For those who love DIY, and those who are gin enthusiasts, this one is perfect.

R519 at YuppieChef

Image: Pexels

In Destination

Activities for couples in Vancouver

March 6, 2020 No Comments

Vancouver is a seaport in British Columbia. While the city is not known for romance, the activities it boasts will make for a great trip for you and your significant other.

It’s known for its seafood and outdoor recreation. But, there is much more to this bustling, diverse city.

Here are some activities you should try with your partner on your next trip to Vancouver:

– Capilano Suspension Bridge

For those couples who believe that seeking thrills together strengthens the bond, this one’s for you. The 70m high suspension bridge will have your knees weak as your make your way across. Not exactly the reason you may have expected to be weak at the knees on a romantic trip, but a great experience nonetheless.

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– VanDusen Botanical Garden Hedge Maze

Get lost with your love in the hedge maze. A light and fun activity to bring out the playful side of your relationship. The garden itself is a tourist attraction, so this is a two-for-one type of activity too!

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– Snow sports at Grouse Mountain

From skiing to snowboarding, or simply having a snowball fight, Grouse Mountain could be a full day activity.

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– Ice-skating at Robson Square

There’s no way you could take a trip to Canada without doing some ice-skating. Enjoy one of the classic date activities on your romantic getaway.

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– Bacio Rosso

Cabaret, comedy, and gourmet food. There’s nothing like luxury and entertainment to make your romantic getaway one for the books. You’ll be seated in the middle of the action, surrounded by jugglers, contortionists, magicians, singers and more. All of this is combined with a 4-course menu. It’ll be a feast for all your senses.

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– Harbour air seaplanes

See the city from a different perspective with Harbour Air’s seaplane tours! An intimate and exhilarating experience with some amazing views.

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Image: Pexels

In Advice

Where to register for wedding gifts in South Africa

March 5, 2020 No Comments

Although you may hope that those people attending your wedding would know you well enough to get a gift you’ll like, its better not to risk it. Your best bet at getting great gifts that you need (and actually want) is to opt for a registry.

For those of you who are registry first-timers, as most people are, there’s nothing to be intimidated by. South Africa has some great options for wedding registries, and most are user friendly too.

Here are some you may want to consider, to get the best gifts for you:

– BANKS Kitchen Boutique

BANKS was established in 1939 in District Six, Cape Town. It was started by Avraham Bank and his son Abba Bank. Today, the store has one of the widest ranges of kitchen appliances, stylish pots and pans, crockery, cutlery, glassware and more. If you’re a couple that loves cooking up a storm, this is the one for you!

Their registry process is quick and simple too. All you need to do is create an account, add the gifts you’d like to your registry and you’re good to go. For those buying you gifts, BANKS is convenient as they have the option of buying online or in store and they offer delivery as well!

If that wasn’t enough, BANKS also allows you to have a change of heart. If you’ve registered for and received a gift, but no longer want that item, you’re allowed to exchange it if you so please.

– Wrapistry

Wrapistry carries a variety of brands including Carrol Boyes, Sorbet, Le Crueset, Smeg and many more. If you’re looking for something brand specific, check here first.

– Yuppiechef

Stocking over 8 600 products from 700 of the world’s leading brand, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for.

– Gift Tree

This online gift store is a one-stop-shop for handpicked gifts. They carry both leading brands and unique designer pieces, and you can shop from the comfort of your own home.

– Mr Price Home

For homeware at affordable prices, this one is for you. Offering decor, kitchen appliances, and items for your bedroom, bathroom and living room, you can’t go wrong with Mr Price Home. It’s a store that everyone is familiar with too!

– Bespoke

Founded in 2012, Bespoke is known for its distinctive finds and accessible luxury. This store carries a curated collection of home decor items and is perfect for those who prefer unique, hand-picked items.

– @home

@home is a popular homeware store in South Africa, and their outlets can be found all across the country. You can set your registry up online and it can be managed from there. The store also offers in-store consultations.

– Hirsch’s

Hirsch’s started as a family business. Allan Hircsh and his wife Margaret opened their appliance business in Durban in 1979. Today, it is a huge appliance and home furnishing store and has branches in KZN, Cape Town and Gauteng. They offer the option of an online registry that’ll make your life super easy!

Also read: Registry mistakes you might be making

Picture: Unsplash

In Advice

Proposal mistakes you should avoid

March 4, 2020 No Comments

You’d think it would be difficult to make a mistake with an occasion like this. It’s one of the biggest events in your life, so of course you’d ensure that nothing could go wrong.

But planning the perfect proposal can be stressful. This stress could cause you to make some silly mistakes.

To be one-hundred percent sure that things run smoothly as you pop the big question, have a look at these common mistakes you should avoid:

– Asking for too much advice

If you get too many opinions, your plan will be a bit of a mess and you’ll get confused about the right thing to do. Remember that you know your partner better than most people, which means that you know what they would like and what they wouldn’t. Trust your gut!

– Overcomplicating things

If your plan consists of too many twists and turns, there is a much larger chance that silly slip ups can be made. Keep it simple and meaningful.

Additionally, your nerves may stop you from being on top of your game. A complicated plan will only aggravate the nerves.

– Planing a public proposal without being 100% sure of the answer

If you’re a little uncertain about your partner’s answer, but you’re risking it anyway then a public proposal is probably not the best route to take. Since there is a slight chance, however small, of a negative answer you should save yourself some discomfort and plan a more intimate proposal.

– Proposing without having spoken about marriage before

You should never just assume your partner wants to get married. If you have never discussed marriage as a couple, it is a very bad idea to propose. You never know what their feelings on marriage could be.

– Hiding the ring too well

If you want your partner to stumble upon the ring, then be sure to hide it strategically. Don’t put it in a place they will never find it, it’ll ruin your plan completely.

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

Man performs dance in surprise ice rink proposal

March 4, 2020 No Comments

A realtor, Daniel John, proposed to his girlfriend, Megan Cheng, during a community ice-skating event on Family Day in Richmond, Canada. The proposal had been well thought out and planned, being six months in the making.

The real estate company (Sutton Group Seafair Realty) that John works for have rented out an ice-rink for Family Day for the last three years. As they sat down to plan this year’s event, he devised a plan to propose to Cheng.

“I wanted to do something original for her…So about six months ago, I brought up the idea. And (the Sutton team) all said it was a great idea and I was kind of on the fence,” said John to Richmond News.

“But that’s what got it going. And then a really good reason (for it) was that all of our family and friends usually come out (to the skate)…which I know is important to her,” he added.

John noted that one of the other reasons he pushed on with this plan was that he could get some good footage and photographs, as his colleagues could hide in plain sight. Most members of the team lent a hand, ensuring that there was music, stopping the Zamboni from ruining the proposal, and convincing Cheng that she needed to be on the bench.

When the time came for the big question, John said he had never been more nervous in his life. He performed an ice-skating dance routine in his tux, then glided over to fetch Cheng from the bench. Finally, he got down on one knee and asked…and she said yes!

“She was very surprised…She was like, ‘Oh, you never lie to me, I can’t believe you pulled this off,'” said John.

The happy couple, who have been together for just over three years, have not yet set a date for the wedding.

Watch the proposal unfold here:

Image: Youtube / Richmond News

In Advice

When you shouldn’t wear your engagement ring

March 4, 2020 No Comments

Once you receive your precious engagement ring, it’s understandable that you’d never want to take it off. The ring shows your partners love, affection, and commitment to you, which makes it extremely special. For this reason, it needs to be protected!

The best way to protect your engagement ring is to know when you shouldn’t wear it. This way you won’t lose or damage it.

Here’s when to remove the bling:

– When you’re doing housework

While you’re cleaning you may knock the ring. This is more common an occurrence than you’d expect. To ensure that your ring remains unscratched and unharmed, remove it before you start cleaning.

Additionally, cleaning products like bleach and ammonia damages both the metal and the stone of your ring.

– In the shower

The scrubbing and soaking you do in the shower will take a toll on your band. It may even end up scratched.

– Working out

First off, the ring may fall off and you’ll lose it. That’s the last thing you’d want. Second, the ring could get damaged by weights you use – the pressure on the ring could bend the band and result in the stone falling out of its setting.

– During your beauty routine

Soaps, creams, perfumes and other such products all result in damage to your ring. If you keep your ring on every time you apply these products, it will build up and collect. This will result in a build up of grease and over time will result in deterioration. If the products get under the stone, it way loosen it from its setting too.

– Travelling

Travelling is tiring and keeps you busy, you could get lost in the activities and end up losing your ring.

– Cooking

This is a recipe for disaster. The oils, fats, and flours will result in long term damage to your engagement ring. In fact, cooking is one of the biggest reasons people’s rings get ruined! So ensure that you take it off when preparing that romantic meal.

Image: Unsplash

In Honeymoons

Ways to give back while on honeymoon

March 3, 2020 No Comments

When you find your partner for life, you feel like the luckiest person on earth. Getting married and going on a honeymoon only adds to these feelings of good fortune. For some, this makes them want to spread the joy and abundance.

A good way to do this is by spending your honeymoon giving back. The experience will bring you and your significant other closer together and will be a memory you’ll cherish forever. On top of that, only good can come from starting your marriage off on a charitable note.

This is actually more common than you’d expect. For couples who love to give back, an alternative to honeymooning is slowly rising in popularity. The trend has been termed ‘honeyteering’. If you’re keen to use your honeymoon to give back, here are some ways you could do it:

– Ask your hotel

When you arrive at your honeymoon destination, you can speak to the hotel staff about local non-profit organisations you can lend some of your time to. They would be able to direct you to the best places to go and the best things to do in order to ensure people and places are left better than you found them.

– Pack for a purpose

Pack for a purpose is a non-profit that helps you give back. As you pack for your holiday, you should pack some items needed by the communities you’re planning to visit. When you arrive at your destination, handing over the package is easy. Pack for a purpose would have ensured that there is a drop off spot close to your hotel.

Check their website for a list of locations and supplies needed for each destination.

– Build a home

Habit for Humanity is well-known for its volunteering programmes. You could use your honeymoon to attend one of these programmes and construct, renovate and provide disaster relief for those in need.

– Create a Honeyfund for donations

Similar to a wedding registry, couples have begun to use honeymoon registries too. You could create a registry using honeyfund, a website which allows you to organise cash-gifts, and indicate that all money will go to a specific charity.

Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Six of the shortest celebrity marriages

March 3, 2020 No Comments

As we all know, Hollywood relationships have a reputation of being rocky. While some may be true stories of everlasting love, many have proven to be quite the opposite.

From Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries to Jennifer Lopez and Chris Judd, here are some of the shortest celebrity marriages.

Britney Spears and Jason Alexander

In 2004, the songstress wed her childhood friend after a wild night out in Las Vegas. As they say, ‘what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’, because the pair had their nuptials annulled only 55 hours later.

Cher and Greg Allman

In 1975, Cher married the rock star, Allman. The two made it official in Las Vegas only a few days after Cher finalised her divorce from previous husband, Sonny Bono. After spending 9 days as a married couple, Cher and Allman called it quits. Apparently, Cher is the one who filed for divorce; during the nine days she discovered some of Allman’s drug and drinking issues which she decided were too much for her to handle.

Mario Lopez and Ali Landry

This marriage lasted only two weeks, and the bachelor party was the cause of the split. After they wed on April 24, 2004, Landry found some compromising photos of Lopez at his bachelor party. On making this discovery, she immediately filed for an annulment. Lopez admitted that he was unfaithful only a few days before the wedding at his bachelor party in Mexico. The pair split on May 8, 2004.

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries

This is one of the most infamous short-lived marriages of all time. The popular reality TV star married Humphries, a basketball player, in 2011. The wedding was an extravagant affair, costing the couple over ten million dollars; they even aired a two-day reality TV special titled “Kim’s Fairytale Wedding”. Unfortunately, the couple called it quits only 72 days later.

Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock

While the two may seem like a great fit, unfortunately their marriage didn’t last. Anderson and Kid Rock got married in July 2006. Their wedding was exactly what you’d expect from the pair – on a yacht wearing swimsuits. In November 2006, the couple filed for divorce. The marriage lasted only 122 days.

Jennifer Lopez and Cris Judd

The Latina superstar married dancer, Cris Judd, in September 2001. They met after J-Lo hired him to appear in her “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” video. Just as quickly as they wedded, they called it off getting divorced in June 2002. This marriage lasted 218 days.

Image: Facebook / My Publicist