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.
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Your wedding anniversary is approaching and you have no idea what to get your partner. After years and years of birthdays, religious occasions and relationship anniversaries it may be hard to come up with new ideas, but did you know each wedding anniversary year has an allocated gift according to tradition?
It seems to be unsure as to who allocated each years gift but there are a few theories. Many sources state that the allocated wedding anniversary gifts originated during medieval times in Germanic regions of Central Europe. Husbands would gift their wives with a silver wreath on their 25th wedding anniversary. On the 50th anniversary she would receive a gold wreath.
The 60th wedding anniversary is diamond but only after Queen Victoria announced her 60th year on the throne. It was known as her Diamond Jubilee. Before that diamond was allocated to 75 years.
Other than 25, 50 and 60 years there are no other theories as to where the other gift allocations first originated.
Have a look at each years gift here:
1. One year: Paper
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2. Two years: Cotton
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Cotton anniversary gift for this lovely family ??????? Order your custom anniversary portrait?
3. Three years: Leather
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4. Four years: Linen or fruits and flowers
5. Five years: Wood
6. Ten years: Tin or aluminum
7. Fifteen years: Crystal
8. Twenty years: China
9. Twenty-five years: Silver
10. Thirty years: Pearl
11. Thirty-five years: Coral
12. Forty years: Ruby
13. Forty-five years: Sapphire
14. Fifty years: Gold
15. Fifty-five: Emerald
16. Sixty years: Diamond
Not every anniversary has to be interpreted directly. Put your own twist on things especially if your year is quite pricey. It’s not about how much you spend but about the thought and effort you put into it.
Picture: Pexels
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The cost of a wedding can be quite, well, costly. Most things – from the wedding dress to the venue – can be quite expensive. Opting for a micro wedding is a great option, however one couple from Vereeniging in Gauteng had a better plan. Samkelo and Latoya Khowa tied the knot for only R75.
Instead of spending thousands on a ‘one day event’, they decided to get married at a Home Affairs office. The couple also stated that after their Home Affairs ceremony they bought a car which wouldn’t have been possible if they opted for an over the top wedding. The marriage license was R55 and R20 to release it.
They opted for this budget-friendly option as they were not in the means of having a lavish one. Neither one of them regret this decision as they have chosen a marriage over a wedding.
Samkelo and Latoya met at a church service in 2016 and are not bother by what people have to say about their money-savvy wedding. They are debt free and their main focus is the love they have for one another.
Samkelo comes from humble beginnings. He struggled to get by and eventually had to leave college due to financial issues. Latoya would help him wherever she could. He found a learnership that turned into a permanent position.
The wedding itself was R75 and the couple decided to have an engagement church celebration. Which was still less than R5000.
Picture: Facebook/Latoya Khowa