China has launched a matchmaking campaign to encourage its younger residents to marry and procreate. This comes after both marriage and birth rates have continued to dip as a result of the old one-child policy.
The Chinese government has grown increasingly concerned by data revealing lower marriage rates over the years. Data by China’s National Bureau of Statistics shows that between 2013 to 2019, the number of first-time marriages in China dropped by 41%, from 23.8-million to 13.9-million. The country’s marriage rate plummeted to 6.6 per 1,000 people in 2019, the lowest drop China has experienced in 14 years.
This decline is down to a number of reasons, although many sociologists focus on the decades of policies aimed at controlling the population, like the one-child policy, which meant that there are fewer young people in China that can actually get married.
Despite this policy being dropped in 2016, birth rates are still lower than usual. A preference for sons has also resulted in a skewed sex ratio at birth, especially in rural areas. More men than women mean that heterosexual men will struggle to find suitable brides.
This marriage decline may severely distress economic and social stability in the country, as marriage and reproduction are so closely related.
As a result, the country’s Communist Youth League will be hosting mass blind dating events to bring singletons together in the hopes they may find their life partners.
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When considering something old for your wedding, why not look at previous decades for some vintage inspiration? While a whole authentic vintage look is a bit much for a modern wedding, including by-gone accents is often jus the touch your wedding outfit needs to make it stand out.
We’ve pulled together our favourite vintage pieces from across the years which can easily work for a bride in the 2020s. You’ll notice we left out the 1980s, mainly because that era was a bit too much to handle.
1920s flapper veils
This unique design has the veil sitting almost like a cap around the head. It allows for extra embellishment and frames the face beautifully.
1930s ivory silk
If you’re not after a white wedding dress, why not consider ivory. The 1930s and 40s were all about this delicate, rich fabric. If you don’t want to go all out, silk buttons down the back or front are a beautiful touch not often seen anymore.
1950s silk pumps
Heels these days are sky-high, but the 1950s mid-height pump is a classic. You’ll feel dainty and ladylike and not to mention way more comfortable. Often with a small pointed toe and a few embellishments, these are a great addition.
1960s veil hat
A bit more unconventional, the pillbox hat was all the rage in the 1960s and brides would simply add a light veil to theirs for their wedding day. If you’re a lover of hats, this is a great opportunity to incorporate one without it being overwhelming.
1970s wing sleeves
The 1970s were a hippy dream for weddings and drew inspiration from medieval dress styles. The big winged sleeves are a showstopper and can compliment a smaller silhouette. If you’re brave enough, they can add that touch of drama to your dress.
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American footballer Aaron Rodgers shocked fans when he announced he was engaged while accepting an award. It turns out his fiancé is none other than Big Little Lies actress Shailene Woodley.
On February 6, Rodgers accepted the NFL Most Valued Player award during a virtual appearance on the NFL Honors broadcast. During his speech, he casually slipped in that he was engaged but did not name his fiancé.
“2020 was definitely a crazy year filled with lots of change, growth, some amazing, memorable moments, 180 straight days of having my nose hair scraped, playing for very little fans or no stands the entire season. I got engaged and I played some of the best football in my career,” he said.
“So I’d like to thank, first and foremost, my teammates for their support, their inspiration, protection, incredible play on the field … off the field I’ve got a great group of people that support me, so I’d like to thank my team.” He then listed a slew of people before shouting out “my fiancée.”
A source confirmed to People magazine that the Descendants actor and the Green Bay Packers quarterback are engaged and incredibly happy.
“They are very happy together. It’s not surprising he proposed so fast. When you know, you know, right?” said the insider.
This engagement comes mere days after US Magazine confirmed the pair were dating.
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It’s the month of love, and the passion is all us around in the air. If you’re planning a Valentine’s Day-themed wedding, then it’s natural that red would be one of your wedding colours.
Symbolic of romance and passion, red is a vibrant and bold hue that commands attention. It pairs well with white or silver for a more elegant finish, gold for a luxe atmosphere, pink for a softer look and black for a more moody feel.
Whether it’s in your flowers or your table setting, this colour is guaranteed to get your guests in the mood for love.
Here are some romantic red decor looks to inspire your own:
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