You’re planning your big day and you’re deciding on venues. A beach, forest and traditional chapel have all crossed your mind, however, those options aren’t engrossing you. So why not think outside the box and set sail by having your wedding on a cruise ship? Here’s how to plan one:
There are many things to consider when planning a wedding on a cruise ship:
- Will you get married in port or destination – If you choose port, your guests can come for the ceremony and leave before you sail away with your newlywed partner. Be sure to consult your wedding planner about this.
- Decide if you and your partner will be taking the cruise by yourselves or with family and friends.
- Consider your options if your guests are coming along.
- How much can your guests afford and how long can they stay away.
- Look for cruises that offer wedding packages or options.
1. Pick your destination
Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a specific place and if not, have a look at the options that fall within your budget. Consider when you’d like to go as it’s not always perfect weather year round, unfortunately. Remember, things get pricier in high season as well.
2. License to wed
Consult your wedding planner about this. Your romantic nautical nuptials will require a marriage license before the ceremony.
3. Take your pick
Once you’ve decided on a destination that fits your budget, have a look at various packages. See what each place has to offer and what their bundle entails. Do they have group rates? Do they include free things with the wedding package? Don’t be afraid to ask.
4. Communicate
Be sure to inform your guests well in advance. They may need to plan their leave and save up some money. Keep them updated on all the details and expenses that might come up.
5. Dress the part
If you’re going to be staying on the ship, it’s important to factor in your comfortability. It may not be easy to wear a constricting wedding dress on board. If that’s what you want, however, then go for it! But a cruise ship wedding is also the chance to make things more casual.
6. One-stop shop
You’ll be getting your ceremony, reception and honeymoon all in one go! If your loved ones come along it’s a great getaway for them too. Smiles all around.
Picture: Pexels
Come experience the ‘good life’ at Monte Vista Boutique Hotel. The brand-new boutique hotel, situated along South Africa’s famed Route 62, offers up all the creature comforts of…
Looking for a premium quality bottle of bubbles to celebrate with on your wedding day? Look no further than the Lourensford Brut 2014 Méthode Cap Classique from the iconic and beautiful Lourensford Estate in Somerset West.
Something to sip on as you get ready, a private Cheers with your loved one after you say “I do” and a delicious glass (or four) for your guests at the reception, the Brut 2014 MCC is one of Lourensford’s most sought-after wines.
Cellarmaster Hannes Nel refers to the MCC as mysterious, unassuming and surrounded with finesse. “The natural beauty and fine integrated bubbles enhance the iodine-like minerality that reminds you of fresh seaweed and freshly crushed oyster shells, complimented with a rich creamy allure and elegance. Expect rich, complex flavours of lemon cream and Pink Lady apples on the nose with hints of citrus, pineapple and kiwi fruit on the palate.”
If you’re looking for a tasty food paring, the Brut 2014 MCC is sophisticated but likes simplistic, raw, fresh produce. Hannes suggests a beef and East Coast oyster tartare with soy mayonnaise and quail egg. It also pairs well with goat’s milk and feta cheese, tempura oysters, deep fried fish, game carpaccio, avocado and fresh bread.
Lourensford has exciting other wines to compliment your big day and celebrations. Take your pick from the flagship Chrysalis, Limited Release, The Dome or River Garden ranges.
For more information or to order wine visit www.lourensford.co.za. You can also follow Lourensford’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
If you would like to enquire about weddings at Lourensford’s Laurent then visit The Aleit Group’s website.
Prize Details:
Win Lourensford Brut 2014 Méthode Cap Classique worth R1 055.00
How to enter: Fill in the form below.
Our Winner:
Hanlie Engelbrecht.
Competition Ts & Cs:
– Competition is not open to persons under the age of 18.
– Prizes are not refundable for cash
– Winners must be able to provide a day time delivery address within South Africa. No PO BOX addresses accepted.
– Winners must be able to provide a day time delivery address within South Africa. No PO BOX addresses accepted.
Just outside the red flower-lined streets of picturesque Roberston is a place that’s truly seen a renaissance that captures its rich past. Jan Harmsgat Guest House is a…
Picture the moment your mom pulled out her wedding dress for the first time in years and your little-girl-heart fluttered with awe and excitement. That was your first chance to be a real princess. Could your mom’s dress transform to its former glamour-giving glory? Most certainly.
Repurposing your mom’s wedding gown has become a sentimental trend that we can’t get enough of. It’s an opportunity not only to breathe life into ”something old” but to carry a piece of your mom and your childhood with you down the aisle. Not everyone is on board the vintage train and your first play-dress might be a far cry from what you envision wearing on your Big Day. Fortunately there are a plethora of ways that your mom’s dress could make the cut.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming there to be only one way of reusing your mom’s gown (merely wearing it). The scope of alterations varies greatly: use the fabric to make your wedding shoes, cover your wedding album or wrap your bouquets. You can also incorporate your favorite parts of the original dress in more subtle ways such as adding snippets of lace onto your bodice, create delicate sleeves or adding trimmings to your veil.
View this post on Instagram
Other than altering the original dress and wearing it as is, something else to consider is combining old and new fabrics. Don’t be afraid to create layers – if the colour and style of your mom’s dress is too far of a stylistic stretch, disguise the gap under a layer or two (keeping mom even closer to your heart). If you are completely sold on your own design, making yourself a going away dress is also an idea to keep in mind.
Nostalgic and personal motivations aside remodeling a dress that’s been ready and waiting for you all your life is a budget-savvy move. Wedding dresses tend to come with hefty price tags, so getting creative with an old canvas is both a fun and touching way to ease pressure on the bank.
Whether you decide to embrace the retro trend wholeheartedly or transform the best parts of your moms dress into something entirely new, kicking off a possible family heirloom is an added bonus to what is already the most important dress you’ll ever wear.
Picture: Pixabay
The digital age is upon us. Hard print copy is slowly leaving our fingertips as we migrate online. Most people have access to the internet and a variety…
Going on safari for your honeymoon will be one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences. It is the perfect trip to take after a wedding as it is a chance for the newlyweds to really relax and escape from the city life. A real safari is of course only accessible within Africa and while there are so many places one can visit, these safari spots have the most to offer. And of course, there’s nothing quite like an African sunset.
Uganda
Although you might not be able to see the big 5, there is plenty to see on a Ugandan safari. Uganda’s volcanic past is visible in the landscape and there are over 600 species of bird, tree climbing lions, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and many primate species – after all, Uganda is best known for its gorilla trekking.
Kenya
It’s very possible that you will see the big 5 as well as the rare black rhino and, if you’re lucky, lions on the hunt during the wildebeest migration from August to November. Kenya is also famous for its big cat populations and is extremely focused on ecotourism. All in all, a great safari option.
Tanzania
While there are not many elephants and rhinos, the large open grasslands provide a grazing spot for zebras and wildebeest, as well as allow for easier predator sightings and the lack of trees makes leopard spotting much easier. It’s also likely that you will see a lion kill between the months of November to July, during the migration.
Zimbabwe
A Zimbabwean safari is not very well known which makes for uncrowded parks. You can expect to see plenty of elephants, the black rhino, African wild dogs and bat-eared foxes. Other animals that are also often spotted are lions and large herds of buffalo. It’s also a lovely place for bird watching with over 400 species of bird.
Botswana
Having one of the highest quantities of wildlife, Botswana is a pretty safe safari option. With the reintroduction of the white and black rhino, it is possible to see the big 5. It’s home to the largest elephant herds in Africa and a great deal of lion, buffalo, leopard and wild dogs. You also might be fortunate enough to see some interactions between the lions and buffalos. Another perk is that it is just a day’s trip away from Victoria falls.
South Africa
The most reliable safari destination for sightings of the big 5 thanks to having more mammals than all other African game reserves. There are also over 500 bird species. Other notable animals include cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, and many more. South Africa is the best option for first timers.
Images: Pixabay