• Static wedding venues are so last season. Why not get your marriage started on a journey literally with a wedding aboard a train!

    The Rovos Rail in Pretoria is South Africa’s most luxurious train, linking the country to destinations such as Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, Victoria Falls and Namibia. There are a number of inter-country trails as well.

    The train was first established in 1989, and has since earned an international reputation for its world-class travel experience.

    “With discreet and friendly service, fine cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s top wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration,” says Rovos Rail on their website.

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    The events train can be hired for a truly unique wedding day. Couples and guests will feel as if they’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by the old-world elegance of the 1920s. Guests are greeted at the private station by a sparkling wine reception before the bride makes her grand entrance in the cab of a steam locomotive.

    Couples say their vows on the large train platform in the Edwardian station, with the old steam train in the background. Following the ceremony, guests step aboard the luxury train for a unique reception.

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    The train accommodates up to 250 guests and rental includes the train journey as well as a 5-star four-course dinner or lunch, canapés, wait staff, and a full bar hire. Of course, we cannot forget about the stunning views of the passing scenery.

    The train’s interior is designed to emulate the old world glamour of the 1920s.

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    Would you say ‘I do’ to a train wedding?

    Feature image: Instagram / Rovos Rail

    You’d think that by now, we know everything there is to to know about the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. That’s not the case.

    Harry and Megan’s official royal photographer, Chris Jackson, recently let the public in on anothet unknown fact from the big day.

    Speaking on the Royally Obsessed podcast, Jackson told hosts Rachel Bowie and Roberta Fiorito that there was a very special guest at the wedding that many might not know about.

    “What I thought was lovely was the fact that the couple invited 2,000 charity representatives from their various charities to be the first witnesses of them emerging from the chapel as a married couple.”

    Also in the crowd was a young orphan that the Duke of Sussex had met during his gap year in South Africa back in 2004.

    “Prince Harry invited Mutsu, a young orphan from Lesotho who I’ve met a few times over the years. He’s actually the boy that Prince Harry met on his gap year,” Jackson said. “He was one of the first people to see them come out as a married couple.”

    Feature image: Instagram

    Some believe you make your own luck, others hold fast to age-old traditions and superstitions. We’re not here to judge. In fact, many cultures swear by certain dates and times as being good for marriages, while naming other months as a wedding date will undoubtedly extract a gasp from some.

    An old rhyme would guide many in choosing their wedding month through the years (although it does seem to revolve around the weather of the northern hemisphere, so you might want to take it with a pinch of salt). We take a look at some of the months that will see you have a long and happy marriage, and which months to steer clear of.

    When to say ‘I do’:

    February: “Married in February’s sleepy weather, Life you’ll tread in tune together.”

    June: “Married in month of roses – June – Life will be one long honeymoon.”

    July: “Married in July, with flowers ablaze, Bitter-sweet mem’ries in after days.”

    August: “Married in August’s heat and drowse, Lover and friend in your chosen spouse.”

    September: “Married in September’s golden glow, Smooth and serene your life will go.”

    November: “Married in veils of November mist, Fortune your wedding-ring has kissed.”

    December: “Married in days of December cheer, Love’s star shines brighter from year to year.”

    When to say ‘I don’t’

    January: “Married in January’s hoar and rime, Widowed you’ll be before your prime.”

    March: “Married when March winds shrill and roar, Your home will lie on a distant shore.”

    April: “Married ‘neath April’s changeful skies, A chequered path before you lies.”

    October: “Married when leaves in October thin, Toil and hardships for you begin.”

    The rhyme and its wisdoms sourced from Chest of Books.

    Also read: Lucky and unlucky days to get married

    Image: Unsplash

    Are you a big fan of happily ever after? Well, why not say ‘I do’ at the happiest place on earth – Disneyland!

    Disney darlings will adore this wedding location that brings their favourite movies like Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella to life.

    There are Disneyland destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii, Tokyo, Paris and even aboard a Disney cruise. The various Disney theme parks across the world offer multiple wedding packages for engaged couples to pick and choose from.

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    “Memories to cherish forever are about to be made. Each Disney wedding destination offers something unique, something any couple can get excited about and something all your guests can enjoy,” says the company. “World-famous theme parks, award-winning Resort hotels and luxury ocean liners can’t help but make your celebration magical and the perfect prelude to the rest of your lives together. Decide where your fairy tale will begin.”

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    Couples can arrive in style in Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage, tie the knot next to Sleeping Beauty’s castle and even enjoy a Disney-themed wedding cake.

    Count your favourite Disney characters in as wedding guests! Mickey Mouse, Aladdin, Mulan and a host of other popular characters can make an appearance at your big day. Couples may even arrange private performances by the renowned Disney entertainers for an extra fee.

    Disneyland offers in-house wedding experts, including a day-of coordinator – who handle everything involved in the planning process.

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    These packages, however, don’t come cheap. The prices typically include location rental, the ceremony fee, reception food and beverages and the wedding specialists. There are a host of additional services couples may choose from to enhance their event.

    Location and ceremony fees range from $2,600 – $10,000 depending on the specific venue chosen. Food and drink is per person, and prices range from $145 to $190 per person depending on whether you want brunch, lunch or dinner.

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    Feature image: Unsplash