Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Advice

Pros and cons of writing your own wedding vows

January 30, 2020 No Comments

So your wedding day planning is coming together. You’ve got your vendors sorted out and your decor and attire is turning out perfectly. Now, you’re focusing on the finer details. Included in these details are the wedding vows.

Many couples find pleasure in writing their own wedding vows. They believe it’s more special, more personal, and a way to fully express what their partner means to them. For others, writing wedding vows is a nightmare. You’re concerned about what other people will think, if you’ll bore your guests, if you’ll speak for too long, the list of worries are endless.

If you’re still uncertain about which way you’ll go, perhaps considering the pros and cons of both will help you make your final decision.

Pros

– Your guests will be interested

The traditional wedding vows have been heard a million times before. Since you will be presenting some fresh material, your guest are likely to listen more intently and hang on your every word.

– The vows will be more personal

If you write your own wedding vows, they’ll come from your heart, from your experiences with your partner, and they’ll be based on your life together thus far. You could also talk about your hopes for the future, and paint a picture that the traditional wedding vows don’t allow.

– You can add anecdotes to make it more special

This is probably the best part about writing your own wedding vows. You’re able to tell stories. These personal anecdotes add a uniqueness to your vows, as no couple has the same stories as you.

Cons

– Public speaking is already difficult as it is

It’s likely you’ll be nervous on the day. You’ll stand in front of all your friends and family, on one of the biggest days of your life, and you’ll have to remember all those things you wrote down. It’s tougher than it looks!

But if you stick with the traditional wedding vows, theres no chance of you stumbling on your words, forgetting what you wrote or losing your place on the page in front of you.

– There is quite a bit of stress that comes with it

While writing you own wedding vows is a very special task to take on, it’s also quite stressful. You want to say all the right things, keep you audience interested, keep it short, be articulate, and the list goes on and on. This can be a lot of pressure.

If it feels too much, opt for the traditional wedding vows.

– You and your partner may have different styles

You and your partner may have vert different styles, and thus your vows may come across as a bit incompatible. Maybe you write a two page long set of vows, and your partner only writes a paragraph. This could be a bit awkward.

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Hidden costs to consider when wedding planning

January 29, 2020 No Comments

Before you finalise your budget, it’s a good idea to look for costs you may have overlooked. The last thing you want is to overspend or to budget incorrectly and as a result sacrifice something you want!

There are some fees that can sneak up on you and some that you forget to consider. Other times, you may not even realise that certain things have a cost attached to them.

Here are some hidden costs you should consider when wedding planning:

– Marriage Certificate Fee

It is free to get married at Home Affairs and they usually provide you with a hand written, abridged marriage certificate. However, if you require an unabridged marriage certificate, it’ll cost you about R75.

While this is a small fee, it should not be dismissed as insignificant. Remember that every little thing adds up in the end!

– Postage

This is necessary for before and after the wedding. You’ll have to send out save the dates and invitations before and thank you notes after. (Unless, of course, you’re going digital).

Stamps and mailing fees can result in a relatively large fee. This is especially true if cards are oddly shaped or quite large.

– Overtime Fees

Wedding’s are a lot of fun. As a result, it’s common for the party to carry on even after the agreed upon ending time. The venue, DJ or Band, and catering company (which includes waiters and kitchen staff) will charge you extra if your big day goes over schedule.

– Vendor Trials

If you’re testing out floral combinations, this could cost you more than you expect. Sometimes you’ll get the first trial free. Thereafter, however, you’ll have to start paying for the vendors time and efforts. Especially if you change your mind a lot or are having trouble finding exactly what you want.

Often, hair and make-up trials also have fees attached to them. After all, the artists are using their time and equipment.

– Clean-up Costs

We often forget about the post-wedding costs because we’re so caught up in the whirlwind of things that need to be done and paid for before the special day arrives.

Don’t forget that there are clean-up costs involved, and often you’ll have to pay for the taking down of your decorations too.

– Non-exclusive Companies

Some venues come with their own caterers, designers and the like. Other venues work exclusively with specifically chosen vendors. Usually, if a venue has either of these policies and you prefer to choose your own vendors, you’ll have to pay an extra fee.

– Cake Cutting and Corkage

Similar to the point above, many venues have their own chefs or they have an agreement with a cake company. If you bring your own cake along, you’ll be charged extra for the cake to be cut and served to your guests. For this, you usually pay a certain amount per guest.

The same goes for bringing your own wine! If you bring you’re own, you’ll be charged extra for it to be served.

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

How to take your love life to new highs

January 29, 2020 No Comments

Much importance is placed on a healthy sex life within marriage and often times stress, health concerns and a variety of other factors can weigh on this balance and put your marriage and your happiness in flux. A new study, however, has uncovered the miracles of cannabis and its benefits for intimacy and pain relief.

Many people are not aware but the human sexual organs have what is known as cannabinoid receptors which are able to effectively absorb and use cannabis to increase the aphrodisiac effect during intercourse.

The cannabis plant has the ability to increase blood flow to tissues it is exposed to and through this heighten the level of sensitivity and improve an overall intimate experience exponentially.

Researchers at the Saint Louis University in Missouri recently published their paper “The Relationship Between Marijuana Use Prior to Sex and Sexual Function in Women” in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.⁣ The study aimed to determine how much marijuana effected the sexual experience and in which domains.
⁣

A survey of 133 sexually active women was conducted where women used marijuana before sex, 68% reported that sex was more pleasurable, 16% said it ruined their experience and 16% said they were undecided.

Among those who reported enhanced sexual pleasure, 72% said it always did so, while 24% said it sometimes did. Almost 62% said it enhanced the quality of their orgasms and their libidos in general. ⁣
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Interestingly, 16% of these women also disclosed they purposefully use cannabis prior to sex specifically to relieve any potential pain associated with the act.⁣ This could be due to the plant’s CBD and THC compounds.
⁣
⁣CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is commonly used to alleviate the symptoms of many illnesses and allows patients to cope better with pain. Treating health conditions is only one of its benefits, as CBD can also be useful for overall wellness and can make a positive contribution to a good sex life.

THC on the other hand, is a crystalline compound that is the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. When THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is applied directly to any part of the body, it can enhance lubrication, ease discomfort and create a deep, tingly buzz right where you use it.

Since this discovery, local markets are introducing intimate aids that are charged with the benefits of cannabis.

CBD and THC are useful for both men and women. In the case of men, they have the potential to assist with erectile dysfunction by helping to repair damaged tissue and increase blood flow to the area where applied. Erectile dysfunction is caused by the process of natural aging, which releases a toxin called dioxin. CBD helps to reverse this process by flushing the toxin from the body, promoting a better sex life and boosting natural energy. When applied topically to the skin, the blood vessels are dilated by the CBD and the THC, and this allows fresh oxygenated blood to flow more freely. This will typically increase the strength of your arousal and enhance the stimulation will feel.

These, and other benefits that cannabis can bring to our sexual experiences, are highlighted by KushKush, which is a canna-centric community that focuses on educating and communicating about previously undefined topics – such as sex and intimacy – in relation to both CBD and THC usage.

To help its followers make informed choices and access a range of safe sexual intimacy products, KushKush carries a sensual CBD Intimacy Oil produced by Kiskanu, which promotes healthy relationships by enhancing pleasure and physical comfort. Comprised of calendula, cold-pressed sunflower, coconut and jojoba oils – which are blended to improve lubrication – it also features sun-grown hemp CBD, which reduces inflammation, relaxes muscle spasms, increases blood flow and enhances sensation. This makes for an easier and more enjoyable exploration with your partner.

The oil is available through www.kushkushonline.com.

Pictures: KushKush

In Advice

Romantic things to do in Sri Lanka

January 29, 2020 No Comments

Sri Lanka should not be overlooked as a possible honeymoon (or quick romantic getaway) destination. It has many unique experiences on offer, and its natural vibe will make you feel like you’re in paradise.

Here are some romantic activities to do in Sri Lanka.

– Visit the Madu River for a Boat Safari

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7bWNpdhQ1i/

A boat ride is always romantic, so you’re sure to enjoy the activity with your other half. This boat ride, however, is more than a relaxing day on the water. It’s much more exciting and will definitely be a memorable experience.

You’ll be taken through lush forests and if you’re lucky you’ll see some animals too!

– Explore the Colonial City of Galle

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0jf2iHh7vO/

In years gone by, during the time that Sri Lanka was ruled by Sinhalese Kings, it was known as the “Old World’s Romantic City”. It was famous for its stunning harbour.

When you stroll through the town, you’ll notice some colonial influences including Portuguese, British and Dutch.

The town is often considered as one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

– Take a hot air balloon ride

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There is more than one place in Sri Lanka to go on a hot air balloon ride. This will definitely be a memory you’ll cherish forever. The stunning views and dose of adrenaline will be a highlight of your trip!

– Visit Sigirya Rock

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Legend has it King Kashyapa constructed his palace on top of the Sigirya Rock. He also built a fortress complete with water fountains, canals, and gardens. The ruins still remain today.

Pidurangala Rock, which is opposite Sigirya Rock, provides you with the best view of the legendary rock. Climb to the top of Pidurangala Rock, watch the sun rise (or set) and take in the history that you’re surrounded by.

– Take a romantic stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens

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This one is for those couples who love nature. A romantic stroll through the garden, containing more than 4000 different plant species, will give you some quality time together while you marvel at nature’s beauty.

– Hike up Little Adam’s Peak

https://www.instagram.com/p/B63TmjMhNBo/

This hike is more picturesque than anything else, so if you’re worried about your fitness levels, there’s no need! It’s an easy hike that lasts only about 45 minutes. On the way to the summit you’ll admire some amazing tea plantations and when you reach the top the view of the rolling hills and valleys will knock you off your feet. The quick hike will be worth it.

– Go for a dip in the Ocean

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What’s a romantic getaway without some seaside chilling time?! Sri Lanka has no shortage of beaches for you to swim in or relax on. Take your pick.

Some beaches also have a host of water sports, including snorkelling, that is available for visitors.

– Visit Nine Arch Bridge

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This destination is great for a little walk and some great photos! Ensure that this romantic getaway is one that won’t be forgotten (and can be documented) at this stunning bridge.

– Sip some tea at a Tea Plantation

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7k6e23F411/

There are several tea plantations in Sri Lanka. Some offer guided tours and serve you some tea with an amazing view of the plantation. This is a unique experience you won’t want to miss.

Image: Pexels

In Advice

Paw-some ways to involve your pets in your wedding

January 28, 2020 No Comments

We all know that pets are part of the family! Perhaps you have adopted your furry friend as a couple, or maybe you’ve had them since you were a kid. However your fur baby came into your life, it’s likely you wouldn’t want to spend your special day without them.

While you may want to dress the little guy up in a miniature suit fitted to your pet of choice and have him be the ring bearer, this may not always be possible, or comfortable for the animal. But fret not, there are other ways you can involve your pet in your wedding day.

– Have a family photoshoot

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– Include them in a squad photo

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– Let them keep you company at the altar

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– Spend some quality time with them

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– They can keep you company while you get ready

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– Represent them on your cake / in your decor

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– Let them bring you comfort and cuddles

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– Get them some comfy wedding attire (suits may be unpleasant for some animals due to heat and other things)

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– Give them a front seat in the audience

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– Use their faces for some photobooth fun

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7tp6nfFjVQ/

– Let them add some humour

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NIpwFB13F/

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Top 10 wedding destinations for 2020

January 28, 2020 No Comments

If you’ve been considering a destination wedding but you’re not sure where to head to then you’re in luck. Flowercard, a UK based company specialising in floral giftcards, has compiled a list of the best places to go.

Flowercard’s list, “The 2020 Destination Wedding Index” compiles data of all things wedding. They conducted a study into the best places to get married, and their methodology was quite thorough! First, they selected destinations from a variety of sources including theknot.com, junebugweddings.com, hitched.co.uk, and brides.com. They then took into consideration the best times for wedding ceremonies in each destination. Weather was included in this consideration, of course.

Another consideration they took into account included LGBTQ+ friendliness, with their information coming from ilga.org. Instagram hashtags and searches also featured in their method. Finally, with the use of Google Keyword Planner, they figured out how many monthly searches there were for each place in relation to weddings by searching “Getting married in X”.

After gathering all the information, they ranked destinations using a weighted ranking system. They broke elements down into four categories including weather, cost, LGBTQ+ and online popularity. Each factor was weighted equally.

It is important to remember that much of the data they collected was UK specific (such as monthly google searches). This means the results may have been slightly different had the research been done in other countries. Nevertheless, the information is still very useful!

Here are their top 10 destinations and their overall scores (x/100):

1. Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Score: 70.1

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5hYD9CBQCu/

2. Sydney, Australia

Score: 68.67

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3. Majorca, Spain

Score: 67.47

https://www.instagram.com/p/B16oF7BihaN/

4. Perth, Australia

67.45

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6anaLijM_B/

5. Brisbane, Australia

Score: 67.00

https://www.instagram.com/p/BM5tlnvA-Ha/

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Score: 64.81

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7216kHhS0N/

7. Loire Valley, France

Score: 64.14

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7fuFrBIRV_/

8. Valencia, Spain

Score: 63.80

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zJWKfoiBN/

9. Cannes, France

Score: 62.10

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7rSaT-A608/

10. Madrid, Spain

Score: 62.01

https://www.instagram.com/p/B71k7kEIHX8/

Find their full list with all details here.

Image: Instagram / Sydney

In Weddings

Jumping the broom: Meaning and History

January 28, 2020 No Comments

If you’ve seen the 2011 comedy drama, Jumping the Broom, starring Angela Bassett and Paula Patton, you’re likely to wonder where the tradition of jumping the broom comes from. Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase before, but you never quite knew exactly what it was. Well, not to worry.

Jumping the broom is a predominantly African American tradition in which the just-wed couple hops over a broomstick while holding hands. Many American couples choose to incorporate this tradition into their wedding celebrations, often after the wedding kiss.

For some couples today, incorporating the tradition is a way to acknowledge their history and culture. In fact, ‘jumping the broom’ is widely accepted as a part of the lexicon of African American culture. In addition, the custom serves to symbolise the sweeping away of the past to clear the path for a new start.

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The broom itself can be bought at stores, already fully decorated. There are many online stores who cater to this need. Alternatively, couples have opted to decorate the broom themselves. In some cases, couples take a plain broom to the wedding ceremony and provide guests with ribbon on which to write their names. Guests are requested to tie the ribbon to the broom before the ceremony begins.

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The ceremony dates back to the 1600s and is derived from Africa. Many have claimed that it also has roots in Celtic Culture.

18th century Europeans said that Ghana was an extremely clean place and they attributed this to the fact that brooms were made locally. For whatever reason, the broom’s symbolism found itself being incorporated into the wedding ceremony. According to the African American Registry, jumping the broom “symbolised the wife’s commitment or willingness to clean the courtyard of the new home she had joined”.

As a result of slave trade, the custom made its way to America. Slave marriages were not legally recognised by slave owners. The enslaved people thus used the tradition as a symbol of the beginning of their union as it was their only option for some sort of formal marriage.

Atlanta Black Star claims that “the ceremonial jumping of the broom served was an open declaration of settling down in a marriage relationship”.

The tradition has permeated through time so extensively that the phrase “jumping the broom” is equivalent to “tying the knot” or “getting hitched”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7dKDVDDpyP/

Image: Instagram /peterjonathanimages

In Celebs

Emma Stone and Dave McCary’s sweet proposal story

January 27, 2020 No Comments

Emma Stone and Dave McCary are known for being quite a private couple. However, their proposal story has made its way through the grape vine and it is enough to make you swoon!

The couple got engaged in December 2019, after being together for about two years. McCary announced the engagement on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5q8jCvBv7O/

Now, just about a month later, a source has told Life & Style Magazine the proposal had quite a lot of sentimental meaning behind it.

The couple met on the set of Saturday Night Live (SNL), when Stone hosted the show in 2016. McCary took the actress “back to the hallway where they first locked eyes”, reports the exclusive source.

“He had rose petals scattered all over the floor, dropped to one knee and asked Emma to marry him,” they add. “Of course, she said yes. Emma’s found her dream man, and now, she’s getting her dream wedding!”

The source seems to know something about the upcoming wedding and its arrangements. We’re sure it will be filled with sentiment, just at the proposal was.

Image: Instagram / emma_stone_6

In Destination

Six haunted wedding venues to get married in

January 24, 2020 No Comments

If you or your partner are into the more scary side of life, you may be wondering how to incorporate this into your wedding. You may think it’s impossible, but it’s not. A haunted wedding venue is a perfect option to include on your special day.

It may sound strange, but the architecture is usually stunning so it adds to the ambience and it would be a cool and unusual twist.

Here are six haunted wedding venue examples:

– Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, Ohio

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This Gothic-styled building in Ohio was formerly a correctional facility which housed more than 155 000 men. There are 215 graves outside the building and many visitors claim to have experiences with paranormal entities.

There have been reports of guests being pushed and punched, cellar doors slamming closed, shadow sightings, and voices in the corridors.

While the history of the building is troublesome, the architecture is stunning and makes for a great wedding venue.

– Ackergill Tower, Caithness, Scotland

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Ackergill Tower has been standing since the 14th century. It’s lush green grass and wide-open spaces make for a perfect wedding backdrop.

It is said that the ghost of Helen Gunn, also known as the green lady, roams the grounds of the castle. She was abducted and kept in the tower and in an attempt to escape she fell to her death.

– Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

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The palace was once home to Kind Henry VIII. You can imagine that it’s interior is extravagant and perfect for a wedding. In fact, the palace is one of the most famous historic wedding venues in the UK.

Apparently, there are quite a few ghosts roaming the halls. Ghosts include Skeletor, The Grey Lady, and two of King Henry VIII’s wives, Catherine Howard and Jane Seymour.

– Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7GTewWjOh3/

Ettington Park was previously the most haunted hotel in Britain. Guests have seen ghosts of a servant girl named Mary, Lady Emma, and a man who walks his dog through the library.

The venue is often chosen as a wedding venue.

– The Rose Hall Great House, Jamaica

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3DkNd2Byn2/

A wedding in a tropical paradise like Jamaica is perfect! Right? This Jamaican venue offers more than what you expect from a Caribbean Island. The wedding venue is home to the spirit of a widow named the White Witch.

In 1820, the house was owned by John Rose Palmer. He married a woman named Annee. The legend says that Annee had black magic powers which she used to murder Palmer, her next two husbands, and many lovers.

People say she still resides in Rose Hall.

– Rockwood Park & Museum, Delaware

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5DWTQFDF7a/

The venue offers indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and also does catering. On top of that, paranormal investigation tours are available too! Add an extra twist, and have a paranormal investigation on the eve of your wedding.

The venue claims that you have the chance to meet “long lost family members” who still reside in the mansion.

Image: Instagram / fosteredphoto

In Advice

A wedding hashtag: What it is and how to create one

January 24, 2020 No Comments

If you’re keen on social media and love sharing your cool pictures online, then this one is for you. Wedding hashtags are getting more and more popular as time goes by. They’re a great way to get guests to be more interactive at your wedding and they’re pretty convenient too.

The wedding hashtag is simple. It’s a way to collect all the pictures from your big day. All your guests pictures can be available to you, in one place, at the click of a button. It’s a perfect organisational tool and it’s a way to share the day with your guests who couldn’t make it.

So how do you create one? It’s not very complicated at all!

There are many generators online such as Shutterfly’s Wedding Hashtag Generator, which requests that you fill in your full name, your partners full name, your nicknames, and your wedding date. With this information, it creates a wedding hashtag for you. Other online hashtag generators include those found on PastBook and Random Word Generator.

While a generator is probably the simplest way to go about the task, you may end up with something a little generic. If you want your wedding hashtag to be unique, you’ll likely have to come up with one on your own.

Thinking up your own hashtag doesn’t need to be a tedious task though. Here are a few steps to follow to ensure you come up with something great:

– Gather information

Jot down all the relevant information related to your wedding, so you know what you’re working with. Include things like your full names, the location of your wedding, the year, the venue’s name, the country or city your wedding is in and the style of your wedding. These are always a good place to start.

– Include some puns or pop-culture

Get punny with your names! If your surname is Adams, you could go for #HappilyEverAdams. If your surname is Bell, you may go for #SavedByTheBell. The options are endless.

– Review what you have

Once you have a short list of wedding hashtag options, give them a look again and compare them. Ask yourself: Is it original? Is it too long? Are the words easy to spell? Is it clear?

You want to keep it original to ensure that no other couple uses it too. If that happens, you’ll get another weddings photos in your hashtag. If it’s too long or the words are easy to misspell then you’re likely to miss some of the uploads due to many variations of your hashtag. Ensure that you capitalise each word for clarity.

– Let the guests know

Now that you’ve chosen or created your perfect hashtag, you need to let people know! Include it on the invitation, ceremony programs, menus and put up some signs at your wedding.

Here are some fun examples of wedding hashtags and how couples have spread the word about them at their weddings:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7bom2GpL8S/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6qGzbQH42F/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6lQCN2lbdV/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4SuhRpBJwC/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EInUbBmkW/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6M6eVfApgS/

Image: Unsplash