Talk about taking the plunge! Instead of a normal ceremony on land, an Indian couple decided to be unique and tie the knot 18 metres underwater.
V Chinnadurai and S Swetha said ‘I do’ in what is considered to be the world’s first underwater traditional Hindu ceremony, according to the Times of India. The pair tied the knot in their traditional wedding finery on Monday, February 1 off the coast of Neelankarai in Chennai, the capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
“It was a traditional marriage ceremony, only it was underwater. We dived in at an auspicious time in the morning and exchanged garlands and tied the thaali before 7.30 AM as per instructions from our priest,” groom Chinnadurai told the outlet.
The groom is a licenced scuba diver and had been scuba diving for 12 years, whereas the bride only learnt the skill in the months leading up to the wedding after the groom’s family suggested they marry underwater.
“I was nervous and so were my parents, but we had eight divers with us. It was exciting too because we’ve been trying to tie the knot since last week,” she says. “It was all in the hands of the sea.”
Luckily for them, it went off without a hitch and now they have a truly remarkable wedding video to look back on.
There are many different venues and locations to host your wedding. Some prefer destination weddings, or indoor weddings, while others wish to say ‘I do’ while at sea.
A boat wedding can be anything from a yacht, a small boat, or a cruise ship. Boats come in different sizes, and it depends on which one you think is best for your special day.
If you’re leaning towards exchanging vows on board, you may want to consider the pros and cons below in order to understand what you’re getting yourself into and whether it’s the right choice for you personally.
Cruise weddings are generally affordable for yourself and your guests. Many cruise lines offer a range of packages per guest. Most things like the decor and catering is included in the package, so you won’t have to fork out extra for decorations.
You can request to adjust the packages to fit in with your wedding budget and the budget of your guests.
Accommodation and Food
The getaway wedding on cruise ships already comes with space to do everything. There are bars, restaurants and sleeping cabins.
Yacht weddings often have a whole team of vendors they work with which might make you feel more at ease.
Beautiful views
If you have a wedding onboard, no matter what kind of boat you take, you are guaranteed views.
The Cons:
Small spaces
Depending on the type of boat you are using, space could be limited. The floors usually carry no more than 50 people maximum.
Sickness
Some people suffer from sea sickness, so you might have a case of illness on your hands and that could derail the proceedings. You will also probably need to pay for the first response services.
International travel is back on the cards! Now that South Africa has shifted to lockdown Level 1, our borders will reopen to visitors from October 1.
With this, couples now have the option to once again host a destination wedding in another country. Of course, this comes with its own difficulties as other countries also have lockdown measures in place. Here is what to keep in mind:
Travel restrictions:
Only three airports are open for international travel in the country: OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airport. There are 18 land borders open to the public, and the other 35 will remain closed. Every flight, bus, cruise and train ride carries with them a risk of further transmission. Thus, there will be strict protocols implemented to limit the risk.
While the borders are open, not every country is accessible. All travellers from the African continent and from countries outside the African continent with a low rate of infections and transmission may travel to and from South Africa, subject to them having a health clearance certificate and the directions by the relevant ministers.
In the event of the traveler’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveler will be required to quarantine at his or her own costs.
To temporarily control entry into the Republic from countries outside the African Continent, the relevant Cabinet members shall, after consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health, determine in directions
– criteria for controlling entry into the Republic, from such countries with a high COVID -19 infection and transmission rate;
– the list of such countries with a high COVID -19 infection and transmission rate, which may, from time to time, be amended.
Countries with high infection rates will not be allowed to enter until their infections come under control.
Visa applications will reopen and long-term visas will be re-established from October 1.
If you and your partner are avid campers, you might want your big day to reflect your adventurous spirits. With summer drawing near, it’s the perfect time to have an outdoor wedding.
Celebrating your love for each other with your friends and family out in nature, doing what you love. What more could you want?
You are also likely to save some money as your down-to-earth decor, food and attire will be more budget-friendly. Here are some tips to help you plan.
Firstly, you’ll need to keep some practical things in mind:
– If your wedding is in a forest, mountain or bushveld location, the terrain might be uneven and high heels are not ideal.
– There will probably be bugs and mosquitoes!
– Only make fires where it is legal and safe to do so.
– Check the weather for wind and rain.
– If it is a remote location, clear directions will need to be given to guests and vendors.
– If you expect guests to hike anywhere at all, make sure everyone is fit and healthy enough to do so. Also, make sure everyone is told this information explicitly and are comfortable with it.
How to set up the perfect camping style wedding:
– Attire
You can decide how formal or informal you want the wedding to be. It is likely to be slightly more informal, as camping is usually a low-key activity. Dress comfortably, but don’t skimp! A boho style works well. You can still wear that magical dress – it’s your day after all. Inform your guests that ‘smart casual’ is accepted.
– Food
Camp food time! Think slow roasts, pies or even something as simple as hot dogs or burgers. This is not a 5-star buffet. Don’t forget to roast marshmallows! Everything should be quick and easy, but flavourful and simply delicious. Speak to your caterer about what’s feasible for your location, and try stick with food that can be prepped off-site beforehand.
– Drinks
During summer, think cold and refreshing soft drinks and beers. Get creative with the drinks station to keep with the theme, such as a rowboat or hammock. You can also use picnic baskets to hold drinks or hand out coffee flasks or travel mugs for guests to drink from.
– Decor
This is where rough meets chic. You can have all the adventure, plus all the beauty! Let nature be your backdrop, and keep extras minimal. Decorate tables with wooden items and use theme-inspired pieces like lanterns, flashlights and boots for a cute feel. Stick with greens, browns and other neutral colours to blend with the environment.
Remember the childhood excitment of playing in a treehouse? The adventures and possibilites seemed endless.
While we’ve become adults now, that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy these childhood wonders. If you’re a nature-lover, a treehouse might just be the perfect wedding venue for you. This brings together the beauty of the outdoors and the whimsy of yesteryear.
Here are a few treehouse wedding venues from around the world.
Easily accessible along the Preston-Fall City Road SE and located just 30 minutes from Seattle in a beautiful forest along the Raging River, TreeHouse Point offers a unique wedding location.
Choose a spot on the river, reserve the Pond Room, or stay the night for your special event. Whether your goal is a quiet getaway for two or a life celebration with friends and family, the TreeHouse Point Staff welcomes you!
Tree Top Escape is a luxurious hideaway haven and unique, intimate wedding venue perched above and amongst the trees on a beautiful private estate in North Devon. Surrounded by glorious rolling hills and valleys, patchwork fields dotted with sheep and leaves of green in every hue, Tree Top Escape offers a perfect setting for romantic breaks, special occasions and intimate weddings.
The Tree Hotel is set among the fall trees of the pine forest in Northern Sweden. The hotel rooms are all uniquely designed. One resembles a mirrorcube, another a UFO and another a birds nest. The tree rooms are suspended 4-10 metres above the ground and are accessible by ramp, bridge, or electric stairs.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure, a relaxing break or simply to wind down in nature, Treehotel invites you to experience nature in the most unique and memorable way you can imagine.
This historic Winvian estate is situated on an 113-acre plot in New England, surrounded by rolling lawns, wildflower meadows and enchanted woodlands.
Their exclusive treehouse is the perfect place to take your wedding pictures for a rustic glam look nature-lovers will appreciate. End the night by soaking in the Jacuzzi tub or cosying up by the fireplace.
Say your ‘I do’s’ on the very edge of the iconic Victoria Falls at the Tongabezi Lodge. This stunning lodge is found on the banks of the Zambezi river, and combines exclusive ambience with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia.
The lodge caters for small or large groups, and arranges all the details including a priest for the blessing, the order of service (if required), plus flowers, menus, cakes, guest gifts, the choir, professional photography and other local entertainment such as a DJ or local dancers.
This stunning eco-resort brings together the rugged, unspoiled beauty of Mexico in the guilt-free luxury of an environmentally conscious resort dedicated to sustainability and regenerative practices.
Tie the knot on the beach then celebrate with a small wedding party in the private treehouse that overlooks the ocean.
Coulpes have had to get extra creative in tying the knot amid the coronavirus pandemic. While weddings cannot go on as we know them, this South African wedding venue has created an excellent alternative.
Collisheen Estate, one of the most sought-after private function facilities on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is now offering drive-in wedding packages.
A representative of the state explained to Wedding ETC that the drive-in wedding concept started off as a joke, but they grew more serious about it as lockdown continued to affect the wedding industry.
Currently, wedding ceremonies are not allowed during Level 3 lockdown. People may only marry at Home Affairs or with a marriage officer. However, Collisheen Estate hopes that their latest offering will provide a new alternative to allow couples to still say ‘I do’ while following safe social distancing.
The estate is awaiting further announcements from the government on when they may legally open the service to the public amid the nationwide lockdown. However, they have already had lots of interest from couples still hoping to say ‘I do’ this year.
“Sunset Oval Drive in weddings are a site to behold! The most magnificent sunsets turn this unconventional day into a magical fairytale,” writes the company on their website.
“Our very experienced venue coordinators are here to help you coordinate your special day and liaise between you, the venue operations team and coordinate any service providers to ensure a perfect day. Our Executive head chef and team will prepare delicious canape’s for you and we will serve it directly to your guests’ cars. Collisheen Estate adheres strictly to all of the health and safety precautions and we assure you of our best attention at all times.”
There are two drive-in wedding packages: a standard and all-inclusive option. The standard package includes canapes and venue hire. Couples may choose their own service providers who will be guided by the Collisheen team.
The all-inclusive package includes venue hire, catering and refreshments, photography and videography, a wedding cake, a bridal salon and much more. This option allows couples to just arrive on their big day, taking away the stress of planning and managing a wedding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
A destination wedding is probably one of the most difficult types of nuptials to deal with, under the current circumstances. Social distancing and international travel bans essentially ensure that these weddings can’t happen.
At this point, you’re most likely extremely worried about what to do with regards to your destination wedding. Lisa Sheldon operater of I Do Island Weddings & Honeymoons in Janesville and president of Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association, told Boston Globe that it might be a bit of a tough situation.
She said that the honeymoon side of things can be quite flexible. However, “it’s a little bit harder when it’s a destination wedding. This is a day that a couple has dreamed about for a long time and planned and spent money on. It’s already an emotional trip — and then to have something like this come in and affect it. . . . That really is out of their control,” she said.
Her advice was to cancel as much as possibly as quickly as possible, in order to get refunds. When the health crisis is contained and things go back to normal, everything can be rebooked.
Many airlines and travel agents have adjusted their policies to allow for cancellations at this time. There is more flexibility now, as suppliers are aware that everything is not in the control of travellers.
Some have advised to change the location to one that is more local. However, in South Africa, no gatherings are allowed so this would not be a viable option.
Unfortunately, the best you can do is chat to all your suppliers as quickly as possible, and attempt to have everything postponed. People will be very understanding during this time, so we’re sure you don’t have that much to worry about.
What’s most important right now is that you consider the health and safety of yourself and your guests. You wouldn’t want to put anyone in to harm’s way. It is an unfortunate turn of events, but things will turn out fine if you put your best foot forward!
If your destination wedding is planned for much later in the year or next year, you may want to have a chat with some travel agents and keep your eyes peeled to the news. You never know, it may still be possible to carry on as planned if the situation surrounding the spread of coronavirus takes a turn for the better.
With the lockdown in full effect, it seems like everyone is dreaming of the day we may once again step outside and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.
Why spend another second inside when you don’t have to? Once things have returned to normal in the world, we predict outdoor weddings will see a big boom as couples and guests revel in the freedom of their movement.
While you’re stuck at home, there is no better time to plan your perfect day. Here are some tips to make your outdoor wedding a day to remember.
Location, location, location:
South Africans are blessed with beautiful scenery around every corner. It is especially important, now more than ever, to support local and choose a wedding venue in the country.
Our top pick is Monate Game Lodge. Located in Modimolle in the Waterberg district of Limpopo, Monate is a 4-star luxury bushveld accommodation and wedding venue where you can truly live out your African dream. Whether your wedding is big or small, the team at this 3000 hectare private game reserve will strive to add that personal touch and tailor each event to every unique pair.
Bridal couples can take their pick from the famous Rock Fig, a majestic Marula tree in a natural cave, the unique bush boma or the traditional Chapel to say ‘I do.’
Experience your dream come true in the gem of the bushveld. Monate Game Lodge is a venue where love falls in love again! For more info contact 014 718 7000 or [email protected]
Image: supplied
Light ‘em up:
Both functional and fashionable, good lighting is a major key for your big day. Since you’ll be outdoors, you’ll have natural light to brighten the day. However, as the sun sets you’ll need a few additions. Use varying candle sizes, hanging lamps and tons of fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere that is perfectly suited for a wedding day.
Remember to take advantage of your space so that your décor complements instead of detracts from what you already have. String fairy lights around tree stumps, line steps with outdoor candles or create a sky full of stars by hanging glass orbs filled with tea lights from the ceiling.
Image: supplied
Get comfy:
If you’re planning a summer wedding, don’t forget to take the weather into account. There are tons of small ways to make the summer days a little more manageable. Let your guests stay calm, cool and collected with an ice-cream station or fabulous fan favours. If it gets a little chilly once the evening hits, have some blankets or shawls on hand to pass around.
If your wedding venue space allows, consider setting up a shaded cool-down lounge area for your guests to sit back, relax and take in the views. Conveniently place the bar nearby and the spot will be a hit, especially as the sun goes down.
Image: Pexels
Let’s play a game:
After being cooped up in the house for so long, your guests will be dying to have a little fun in the sun. Entertain them with some games designed to bring out their inner child. Think giant Jenga, ring toss, limbo or noughts and crosses.
Another bonus? Many of the items you’ll need for these games are easy DIY projects. You can get creative, fill up your time while in quarantine AND save money because you won’t have to outsource another service. Winner, winner.
