Amid all the confusion the coronavirus pandemic has caused, many weddings have fallen victim. Turns out not even the royals are above the pandemic, as it was recently announced that Princess Beatrice and her Edoardo, who were all set to get married 29 May, have cancelled their wedding completely.
A representative for the pair told People magazine: “There are no plans to switch venues or hold a bigger wedding. They aren’t even thinking about their wedding at this time. There will come a time to rearrange, but that’s not yet.”
Beatrice and Edoardo were due to marry at St. James’s Palace in London, with a reception to follow at her grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s gardens at Buckingham Palace.
The two seem to be in love as ever though and are sure to get married in the far future when things return to normal.
Beatrice’s mother Sarah Ferguson recently said: “[Beatrice is] the happiest I have ever seen her in my life. She and Edo have a great love for each other and passion for life. For them to be getting married fills my heart with joy.”
Vanessa Bryant is remembering her late husband Kobe, a few months after his tragic passing. Bryant took to Instagram to write a tribute to her late husband on their 19th wedding anniversary.
“My king, my heart, my best friend. Happy 19th wedding anniversary baby. I miss you so much. I wish you were here to hold me in your arms. I love you. ❤️” she wrote.
Synonymous with celebrations and a must at every wedding, everyone enjoys a glass of bubbly on the odd occasion. Feminine, sophisticated and classy, Prosecco is popular not only in South Africa where sales are up 24%. Globally 325 million bottles of this premium Italian sparkling wine are sold per year: that’s a lot more than the ‘odd occasion’. So why is Prosecco so popular? And where does Sparkling Wine fit in?
Here are some pointers from Rowan Leibbrandt, founding owner of Cape Town-based premium drinks company, Truman & Orange:
Prosecco is crisper, slightly sweeter and more delicate than Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) and both have a subtler fizz and softer bubble than sparkling wine.
While MCC, Champagne and Prosecco are all double-fermented to produce their unique fizziness, Prosecco’s second fermentation is according to the “Italian Charmant” method and involves fermenting in tanks, resulting in a crisp taste.
Prosecco is made to be drunk fresh and derives its delicate floral and lively fruity notes from the Glera grapes used to produce it, characteristic of the rolling hills they’re grown on in Northern Italy, in a relatively small area protected by the surrounding Alps, called Prosecco DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata).
Recommendation: Try Mionetto Prosecco – as the world’s best-selling international Prosecco, its R200 a bottle price tag answers the call for a premium, exceptionally-made, genuine Italian Prosecco fit for any occasion. Its affordability makes it possible to enjoy an imported glass of bubbly as an everyday luxury and is certainly a great option for a wedding celebration.
Sparkling wine is created by carbonating wine, resulting in a large, even bubble and a distinctly different – and perhaps even more celebratory – drinking experience. While MCC and Prosecco offer more refined effervescence, many people enjoy the more exciting fizz of sparkling wines and the sweetness created when bubbles pop on the palate.
Recommendation: Using grapes chosen for their balance of sweetness and acidity and harvested at night to maintain their freshness, Grace du Roi sparkling wines offer a lively bubble, and a refreshing green apple and pear character, while the Rose variants offer a hint of raspberry and cream. Naturally cold-fermented, the clean, delicate character of the Grace du Roi sparkling wines is gently fruity as a result of their Chenin Blanc base and the use of the cuvee (first press) of the grapes. The wines in the blend are kept separate to allow flavour to develop first before marrying achieving a ‘state of Grace’: lighter, more delicate flavours. Retailing at only R95 a bottle, we’d recommend having each of the 3 variants – White Gold, Rose Gold and White Sapphire – on offer at your wedding. That way you have something to suit every palate!
Still battling to decide which to choose? This might help: a glass of Prosecco contains only about 80 calories, while a glass of MCC or Champagne contains around 130 calories and a glass of sparkling wine can contain up to 200 calories!
There’s a lot of debate about custom wedding dresses versus off-the-rack dresses. Many claim that a custom dress takes much more time and effort. Since we’re in a nationwide lockdown, perhaps now is the perfect time to consider a bespoke gown.
With a custom gown, there are many advantages. Your imput is the most important thing, whereas with off-the-rack gows, you might have to settle for what’s available. The world is your oyster with a tailor-made gown, you can let your imagination run free to come up with exactly what your dream dress looks like. Not only that, you won’t have to spend hours in stores trying on dress after dress.
Since you have two weeks (possibly more) left at home you can get to thinking. Start by searching Instagram and Pinterest to gather some inspiration. From there, you can note which styles are your favourites, what fabrics and colours you like, and other small touches to make your wedding dress truly unique.
You could even spend some time chatting to dressmakers, offering them your ideas to see if they’re able to create something that you’d like. With the technology we have these days, you could have your entire first appointment online, as long as you can take your own measurements.
Of course, with a custom dress you may have to spend a bit more money and have a few more fittings. However, these problems are easily turned into non-issues if you try hard enough.
You may be saving money in other areas of your wedding expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. For example, if your guest list is slightly trimmed to ensure that you have a smaller gathering (since we may still have some restrictions after the lockdown ends) then you’ll save money by getting a smaller venue, or by catering for less people. You’ll also save on printing and sending invitations. These savings could be used for your dress, if you’d like.
A bespoke dress ensures a perfect fit, no style limitations and many more up sides, so it’s worth considering. After all, who knows you better than you!
Life is too short to wear boring clothes. So, if you are a man of style, these looks are for you. Don’t hold back. If you wear something that’s truly you, your partner will love your look!
The key to success here is confidence, and that comes with being comfortable with your choice. Stand out from the crowd, but make sure you choose something you love.
Here are some of our favourite suits and accessories for the bold groom:
Not all superhero’s wear capes, some deliver packages and come bearing a groom’s wedding band just in time for the ceremony.
Savannah Kulenic and Dylan Perkins planned a big April 10 wedding in Hawaii, only to be forced to cancel due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, they didn’t let that get them down. Together, they organised a last minute ceremony which was held at a friends beach house in Surf City.
Just when they thought nothing else could go wrong, they were left without the grooms ring which had not yet been delivered by the time they started the beach wedding ceremony. The photographer, Amy Fowler, documented the entire fiasco in a Facebook post.
“The bride was waiting on the groom’s wedding band that was to be delivered by the time of the ceremony,” said Fowler. “We had to leave a note on the front door to ask if the delivery person would bring the ring down to the beach. We began the ceremony on the beach and at the end of the ceremony my friend, Brandy, yelled ‘LOOK, IT’S THE FED EX MAN!’ ”
“This sweet man came running down the sand waving the package. It was amazing!” she added.
Fowler joked that this was the perfect opportunity for a great FedEx commercial.
Have a look at Fowlers images of the saviour in action below, you can even see the FedEx employee attempting to ensure he practices safe social distancing.
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.
Celebrities, they’re fickle beings. While some famous pairings were built to last despite the Hollywood machine, others don’t make it that long.
We’ve seen quite a few interesting celebrity marriages over the years. Similarly, there are a few that are shocking to hear about. Here are a few celebrity marriages from yesteryear you might be surprised by.
Richard Gere & Cindy Crawford
A Hollywood romance for the ages, it seemed like a match made in heaven when screen icon Richard Gere and rising supermodel Cindy Crawford linked up in 1988. Crawford was 22 at the time, and Gere 39-years-old. On a whim, they tied the knot in 1991 at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. However, the marriage only lasted for four years and the pair ended things in 1995. Years later, Crawford would explain their age gap as the main reason for their split.
Credit: Pinterest
Renée Zellweger & Kenny Chesney
Actress Renee Zellwegger and country musician Kenny Chesney surprised the world when they tied the knot back in 2005 after a short 5-month romance. Unfortunately, the romance was not meant to be. Four months later, the pair split, weirdly citing ‘fraud’ as the reason for divorce.
Credit: Pinterest
Kim Kardashian & Damon Thomas
While her marriages to basketball player Kris Humphries and rapper Kanye West have received much coverage, many often forget that Kim Kardashian has actually been married three times. Back in 2000, a 19-year-old Kim said ‘I do’ to her first husband, music producer Damon Thomas. Thomas was reportedly mentally and physically abusive, and caused a rift between Kim Kardashian and her family. The pair split in 2004.
Credit: Pinterest
Nicolas Cage & Patricia Arquette
When actors Cage and Arquette met at a deli back in the late 80s, he asked her to create a list of ways he could prove his dedication and worthiness to her. The seemingly-impossible list included J.D. Salinger’s rare autograph and a black orchid, which Cage set off to complete. His intensity scared Arquette, and it wasn’t until 1995 that they met at the same deli by chance and wed two weeks later atop a cliff in California. 9 months into the marriage they called it quits, although it took until 2000 for the divorce to be finalised.
Credit: Pinterest
Jennifer Garner & Scott Foley
Before he played Jake Ballard on Scandal, Scott Foley was more well-known for his role in popular TV show Felicity. He met future wife Jennifer Garner (before she hit it big) when she guest-starred as a love interest for his character back in 1998 and they fell in love. They tied the knot in 2000 but split in 2003. Many argue that Garner’s career-defining role in Alias catapaulted her stardom and put strain on the relationship.
Credit: Pinterest
Pamela Anderson and Kidd Rock
The Baywatch star met Kidd Rock in 2001, they fell in love and got engaged in 2002 but then broke up. They then got back together and married in 2006 during a symbolic ceremony on a yacht, for which she famously wore a white bikini and sailors hat. Unfortunately, the marriage was not meant to be. The pair split in 2007. In an interview, Borat actor Sacha Baron Cohen claims Anderson’s appearance in the 2006 comedy film contributed to strain in her marriage and led to their divorce.
Credit: Pinterest
Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johannson
Now married to Blake Lively, it’s easy to forget that Ryan Reynolds once had a very different starlet wife. Reynolds and Scarlet Johannson were fiercely private about their relationship, and little is known about how and when they met. They secretly married in 2007, although there are no public photos of their union. The pair divorced in 2010. Johannson has since explained that she was very young when they tied the knot, and romanticised marriage but was unprepared for the reality of it.
Credit: Pinterest
Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Esposito
It’s hard to believe that there was once a time that Bradley Cooper was the lesser-known partner in a relationship. Back in 2006, before The Hangover made him a household name, the actor was married to actress Jennifer Esposito, who was relishing in fame after winning an Oscar for her role in Crash. However, they filed for divorce in 2007 after 4 months of marriage, citing ‘irreconcilable differences’.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an online wedding service to restrict social interaction and movement.
The UAE currently has 5 365 confirmed coronavirus cases and 33 deaths. As a result, they’ve put in place a number of strict measures to curb the spread of the virus.
The Justice Ministry has created a page on their website to allow citizens and residents that still intend to wed to apply to get married online. Couples must first submit the relevant paperwork and once approved, their big day will be conducted via a video link with a cleric.
The cleric will confirm identities of the bridal couple and their witnesses. The bridal couple will then digitally sign the marriage certificate before it is sent to a specialised court for validation. The couple will receive confirmation of their marriage certificate via text message.
If you were planning on getting married in the next few months, you’ve most likely decided to postpone your wedding on account of the coronavirus pandemic. This can be an overwhelming task, and it’s easy to forget simple things like asking your vendors the correct questions.
If you’re not sure where to start with the postponing process, then we suggest you start with your vendors. Make enquiries with them to find out everything you need to know. From there, it’ll be a much simpler task.
Additionally, starting with your vendors could lead to some refunds if you’re lucky. Not all of them offer refunds, it often depends on individual circumstances. However, it is commonly said that the earlier you cancel, the better your chances of getting a refund.
Here are some questions you should ask your vendors:
– Wedding Planner
What are our options if we decide to postpone?
Are you able to coordinate with our other vendors on our decision?
If we reschedule, will you be available in the coming months?
– Florist
What happens if we cancel or postpone our wedding?
Is it possible to use the deposit for a new wedding date?
Will there be an issue with sourcing the chosen flowers and if so will you be available to assist with choosing new ones?
– Caterer
Are there any cancellation fees, and are they applicable for postponing too?
Will postponing mean we have to redo the menu?
If the number of guests decreases, will we pay the original amount or an adjusted amount?
Will you handle food and serving of food differently as a result of coronavirus?
– Photographer
Are there fees related to cancelling or rescheduling?
Are we able to apply the deposit to the new date?
Are you available in coming months if we do postpone?
If you’re having a destination wedding, enquire whether vendors such as the photographer are still comfortable to travel.
