• With all the details you have to think about while planning your big day, one thing many couples often overlook is the grand getaway. After you’ve wowed your guests with your big entrance, the delicious meal, and that epic dance party, you probably won’t want the night to end. So sweeten the deal and go out with a bang! Here are 6 unique ways to bid adieu to your guests and ride off as newlyweds in style.

    1. Own your exit with an old-fashioned car. Consider renting an old-fashioned car for your grand exit. Tie a few empty cans to the bumper and hang a home-made “just married” sign in the window, and you’re set for a classic sendoff…just like in the movies. The pictures you’ll get from this getaway will look great at the end of your wedding album, hung on the wall of your entryway, or on your thank you notes!

    2. Hop in a horse and buggy. If you love horses or are just into the classic, romantic charm of a horse-drawn carriage ride, this is the getaway for you. Just be sure to have the driver bring a heavy blanket to keep you and your new spouse warm as you leisurely make your way home.

    3. Take a trolley. For couples getting married in a city where trolleys are iconic fixtures (think: New Orleans or San Francisco), leaving in a trolley can be the perfect way to bring your wedding locale’s personality into your wedding. The best part? All of your nearest and dearest can join you when you depart if you’re not ready for the night to end just yet.

    We’ve all imagined what our ‘perfect dress’ would look like and have idolised certain styles that would suit our body type, but sometimes what we want doesn’t always match up to the real thing.

    When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, there are a couple of things to consider (see how to find your perfect wedding dress according to experts), but a good way to start is figuring out your body type and what styles will suit you best.

    THE BODY TYPES

    1. Apple – Full bust with rounded torso and hips
    2. Athletic – Tall, slim and a straight waistline
    3. Curvy/hourglass – Defined waist, full bust and rounded hips
    4. Pear – Wide hips and slim shoulders with a small waist
    5. Petite – Slim and small frame
    6. Tall – Over 1.75 m with a varying frame
    7. Triangle – Broad shoulders and slim hips with a straight waist

    THE DRESS TYPES

    Mermaid

    This style is perfect for an hourglass shape as it will accentuate your curves.

    Sleek

    Those with a tall and slim frame will suit this look beautifully and elegantly.

    Tea-length

    Tea-length dresses are perfect for those with an apple shape. They accentuate the frame and provide the look of having a longer torso and legs.

    Ballgown

    This stunning princess-inspired look will let athletic and pear frames shine by balancing the proportions of bust to hips.

    V-neck

    This particular neckline flatters larger busts, complementing an hourglass shape.

    Halter neck

    Having the focal point be your neck, halter necks give the allusion of narrow shoulders, suiting tall and athletic builds.

    Strapless

    Elegant and sweet, strapless dresses allow petite shapes to appear taller, while also flattering a smaller bust.

    A-line

    This style suits triangle shapes by balancing out the hips-to-bust ratio and giving a more defined waist.

    Sweetheart

    The sweetheart gives the allusion of smaller shoulders, suiting those with broad shoulders and fuller busts.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Belief has compiled a selection of the top 15 destinations for weddings based on its Belief Awards. The Belief Award is an online contest created to celebrate wedding planners around the world.  The main goal is to spread the talent worldwide and to honour the professionals’ knowledge and experience. Winners are selected by an array of experienced judges with adequate knowledge and experience within the wedding industry.

    For most brides-to-be, deciding where to get married has and will always be a stressful topic and tough decision to make. However, the latest trend in the wedding industry has been destination weddings.

    1. Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Italy

     

    Photography: Stefania Paternostro; Wedding planning: Francesca Casamento – Eolie in Love

    Lipari is one of the biggest of the Aeolian Islands in Italy. Its beautiful sea views and stunning landscapes make Lipari a perfect wedding destination. Its natural beauty speaks for itself and will definitely add romance to any wedding.

    2. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

    Photography: Sylvia Guardia|; Wedding planning: Meghan Cox – Mil Besos

    Situated on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio encapsulates the beauty of a rugged rainforest, coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Its tropical plants add to its amazing aesthetic, perfect for a wedding day. This wedding destination definitely has a romantic style but also a touch of elegance.

    3. Placencia, Belize

    Photography: Monica Gallardo; Wedding planning: Rachael Roe – Signature Belize Weddings

    Looking for a unique beach wedding destination? Placencia is the perfect place. Situated on a beach resort on the Caribbean coast of Belize, this is where you’d want your wedding day to be. Perfect sea views and stunning palm trees are all the decor you’ll need.

    4. Kefalonia, Greece

    Photography: Ben Rigas – Wedding Stories; Wedding planning: Donna Palimeri – Kefalonia Weddings

    An island west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian sea, Kefalonia is a beautiful wedding destination. Overlooking a harbour it would definitely add a touch of uniqueness to your special day.

    5. Bruararfoss, Iceland

    Photography: Iceland Wedding Photo; Wedding planning: Vigdís Bjork Segatta – Luxwedding Iceland

    If you and your partner are more adventurous and love the thrill and rush of exploring, the Bruararfoss in Iceland is the perfect location for your wedding day. Its spectacular waterfall views speak for itself, adding nothing but nature’s beauty for amazing wedding snaps of you and your loved one.

    6. Playa Paraiso, Ecuador

    Photography: Mariuxi Pogo; Wedding planning: Ruby Rodriguez

    Looking for a chic and rustic yet stunning wedding destination? Playa Paraiso in Ecuador is the perfect location. Filled with activities to keep guests occupied, it’s without a doubt the kind of place where two can become one. It’s both peaceful and tranquil, which is what every bride wants for her and all her guests.

    7. Gloucestershire, UK

    Photography: Albert Palmer Photography; Wedding planning: Mary Cushen Wedding Planner

    If you love the outdoors, you’ll definitely love this wedding destination. Situated in South West England, Gloucestershire is a stunning location. With views of the valley of the River Severn, it allows for an amazing outdoor setting.

    8. Lake Maggiore, Italy

    Photography: David Bastianoni; Wedding planning: Valentina Lombardi – Italian Wedding Company

    If you and your partner want a traditional Roman Catholic wedding ceremony in a traditional Italian chapel, Lake Maggiore in Italy is the perfect destination for you. With breathtaking views and picture-perfect vistas, Lake Maggiore will add the Italian romance your wedding needs.

    9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

    Photography: Blest Studios; Wedding planning: Guadalupe Alvarez – Penzi Weddings

    Need some Mexican beauty for your wedding day? San Miguel de Allende in Mexico is the perfect place for you. Its architecture, art and cultural festivals will add all the spice your wedding day needs.

    10. Crete, Greece

    Photography: Andreas Markakis Photography; Wedding planning: Anna Laudanska – Crete For Love

    Greece’s largest island, Crete is both an elegant and scenic wedding destination. Its natural fine-sand beaches and white mountains create a perfect setting for a wedding.

    11. Evora Boat, Lisbon, Portugal

    Photography: Pedro Bento Photography; Wedding planning: Rui Mota Pinto

    Ever dreamed of getting married on a boat? In Portugal, Lisbon the Evora Boat is perfect. Having your guests on board with you exploring the beauty of Lisbon will definitely make your wedding day one to remember.

    12. Djupavik, Iceland

    Photography: Sunday & White, Egle Gabryte, and Kristina Petra; Wedding planning: Vigdís Bjork Segatta – Luxwedding Iceland

    Looking for a wedding destination with charming views and a breathtaking setting? Djupavik in Iceland is the answer. It will definitely make your wedding day the dream that will exceed all your expectations.

    13. Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, Italy

    Photography: Ivan L’Astorina; Wedding planning: Serena Ranieri – Italian Event Planners

    Are you and your partner down to earth, sweet and romantic? The Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, Italy is the place you’re looking for. With perfect sunsets, it’s definitely a destination you’d want to consider.

    14. Murcia and Granada, Spain

    Photography: Daniel Lopez Pérez Photography; Wedding planning: Pilú Delgado – Dream Events Worldwide

    If you’re looking for architectural show-pieces to make your wedding images stand out, Murcia and Granada, Spain is the perfect location for your wedding day, no decor or added extras needed. The place itself speaks volumes.

    15. Verbeke Foundation, Kemzeke, Belgium

    Photography: Ben Graus Photography; Wedding planning: Brigitte Kater – Perfect Celebrations

    If you and your partner love modern art, the Verbeke Foundation in Kemzeke, Belgium is the perfect location. All kinds of art can be seen, from contemporary to modern. An art lover’s dream!

    If you’re looking for farm-style luxury, the farmhouse at Bartholomeus Klip offers the perfect country escape for newlyweds. Experience the best of both worlds with a chic and elegant layout amidst the forests and mountainous surrounds of the Cape Winelands.

    THE VENUE

    Located in the Riebeeck Valley, Bartholomeus Klip nestles among the mountains of the Elandsberg Nature Reserve on a sheep and wheat farm. The property is home to beautiful forests and a dam, and is situated on the border of a game reserve if you want to catch a bit of wildlife on your trip. Couples can enjoy a tranquil and private stay in the exclusive venue that caters for their every need. If you love being surrounded by nature but still prefer the comfortability of being indoors, then Bartholomeus Klip makes the perfect stay.

    THE ROOMS

    The rooms in the big farmhouse are quaint and charming, and conveniently attached to the house is a stunning restaurant so you don’t have to venture far for a romantic meal. Country-style meets splendour with wooden flooring, calming shades, claw bathtubs and stylish metal bed frames, offering a unique experience that will let romance flourish. Choose between a variety of rooms in the guest house, farmhouse, or self-catering units on the property, all boasting beautiful views and privacy.

    THE FOOD

    You can expect only the freshest in local produce, imaginative dishes and a luxurious take on home cooking at Bartholomeus Klip. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the conservatory on the farm, or spend an afternoon indulging in one of their three-course meals at the restaurant. Guests can also partake in High Tea, with delicious sweet and savoury goods made freshly on the farm.

    OTHER ACTIVITIES

    With an immense variety of activities, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do. Whether it’s a quiet break to spend time with your partner, or a fun-filled adventure, you’ll find it all. Take part in one of the morning or evening game drives through the wilderness, or enjoy kayaking, canoeing and wind-surfing at the local dam. Guests can now also partake in archery, an exciting new activity on offer at the farm.

    Find out more at bartholomeusklip.com.

    Images: Bartholomeus Klip