Weddings have always been perceived to be the BRIDE’s SPECIAL day. Everything is supposed to revolve around the bride and this has been cutomary for centuries. Slowly this is beginning to change… worldwide. More and more couples are looking at the wedding day as THEIR special day and both, bride and groom are taking the show in their own, unique ways. It’s the reason why many young couples have broken away from the traditional wedding scenario and now look at what they can afford, and they spend time and energy into making the day as special and as focussed on the two of them as is possible. Gone are the days where weddings were for the entire family, sometimes having up to 200 and more guests. Young couples focus on affordability and not just that…they prefer to stick money into buying a new home, saving for their babies and future and many are still studying. Gone are the days where a couple or their parents would take a loan to cover a wedding. The custom where the brides family pay for the wedding and the grooms family pay for the drinks and flowers is also starting to fade fast. Today, young couples are taking the responsibility of paying for their own weddings, relieving the family of the financial burden. There are still fathers out there who insist on paying for their daughters wedding but it’s not common anymore. Unless dad has a hugely successful business, young couples opt to paying for their own weddings. Remember when a young man started dating a young woman in days gone by, he would always…but always pay for the dinner and the drinks. This too, is no longer common. Many couples pay for themselves and sometimes, it is quite acceptable for a young woman to foot the bill. Times are certainly changing. More and more, men and woman are becoming 100% equals and share responsibilities equally including the children. It isn’t uncommon today to find a man staying home and looking after the children whilst the woman goes out and earns. Many accept this without a problem and are not embarrassed at all. Society is slowly starting to accept it as well. It’s hard to think about and absorb some of the traditions of days gone by and because we’re living in a world where everyone is supposed to be equal now, it’s really nice to see the end of some of those long ago traditions.
Written by Marrilyn
For: Travelling Bride
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1) Acknowledge problem areas
Instead of ignoring, acknowledge when there is a problem and try to work through it together with you partner. Ignoring will only cause the problem to grow and sometimes it is best to nip the problem in the bud right when it first starts. Ignoring with almost definitely see the problem grow and worsen.
2) Try and identify your stress areas
Instead of blaming your partner for certain issues that are stressing you out, identify the area and work with your partner to resolve it. If you have a problem in the office with an overbearing, barking boss, it might be an idea to sit down with him/her and talk it through. 90% of the time, you will probably find that your boss is dealing with his/her own stresses. At least, this way, you will have faced the problem area without taking it out on your partner.
3) Face your fears
If there is an area that really scares you, talk about it. Perhaps you are behind on bond payments or school fees and you’re really scared because you know that you cannot catch them up quick enough so that your partner doesn’t notice. Fear can create bigger problems so it’s always best to talk about them together and you will find that together….you are bound to come up with a solution. Two brains are always better than one so instead of burying fear deep inside, talk about it,face it, bring it out into the open and already it won’t be all THAT scary.
4) Honesty
Good communication begins with honesty. Always be honest with one another. Try not to tell the other things that you THINK the other wants to hear because this will only lead to more pressure later on. Saying and doing are two different things. Always try to carry out what you have already verbally promised and try and take advice from your partner even if you don’t 100% agree with him/her at the time.
5) Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Ask your partner for help if you’re in a situation where you desperately need it. Don’t be afraid to do this. Whether it’s help with the children, debt, a crisis at the office…..whatever the situation is, never be afraid to turn to your partner first and discuss the problem and ask for help.
6) Have a plan
As quoted by Dr Phil once…..Dreams can motivate you to strive for the stars, but sometimes, you have to get your head out of the clouds. “The difference between a dream and a plan is a timeline….Check up on yourself every once in awhile to see whether you are really moving forward. Put a realistic schedule together that the two of you can really get excited about and work towards it.
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It’s different, it’s romantic, it’s breathtaking, it’s spectacular and….most of all, it’s AFRICA at it’s best. The African Bushveld Safari wedding has become very popular among South Africans and foreigners alike. There are a variety of options that clients can choose from but our all time favourite is a little bushveld lodge deep in the Dinokeng area.
The hosts are wonderful and they take care of our wedding couples, almost as though they were their own children. They ensure that all couples have a bushveld/safari wedding to die for whether it’s elope and just the bridal couple or a huge celebration with family and friends . Everyone is transported in the Safari vehicle and whilst on Safari, Derrick, the host, stops at a breathtaking spot in the bushveld where the bridal couple remain on the open air vehicle…if there are any guests, they gather around the landrover to witness the exchange of vows.
An African minister conducts the exchange of vows right in the middle of the bushveld on the landrover. All legalities and paperwork are taken care of with ease whether you are South African marrying a South African, foreigner or both of you are foreigners. After the game drive, the happy couple and their guests are transported back to the lodge where the register is signed and the Safari bushveld celebration begins. The ever popular luxury bushveld braai is definitely a MUST.
Served outside or in the local restaurant on the property. Wines and champagnes can be arranged for the tables and a cash bar is available. A fire can be done in the boma, adding to the Safari bushveld atmosphere. Accommodation is typical bushveld style but they have the perfect little bushveld honeymoon suite to ensure that honeymooners are relaxed and comfortable OR you can opt for accommodation in the luxury treehouse which is just awesome.
Safari weddings give a real taste of Africa and the most romantic moment is to watch as the sun sets over the African sky. Personally, I cannot think anything more beautiful. Safari weddings have a different atmosphere. It’s very relaxed and informal with an absolute touch of luxury and the most important point of all is that it is traditionally SOUTH AFRICAN style.
Written by Shelley
For Travelling Bride
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We all know how awesome sex is before marriage. Perhaps it’s the “forbidden” fruit that lures human beings but many times, sex between a bridal couple before the wedding, is great and it’s probably a huge part of the decision to tie the knot but…..what happens when, after the wedding and the honeymoon is over and all of a sudden there is a noticeable difference in performance. How do you overcome the hurdle and how do you get it back to where it was?? Marriage is a job. It’s hard work and there are loads of responsibilities so important to work really hard at solving the problem immediately and the first step would be to try and define what changes have been made since your wedding so that you can try and pin point the problem area. For example….were the two of you living seperately before the wedding? Has your brand new husband been promoted at the office soon after the wedding? Did the wedding leave you with a large debt around your necks? Have a very close look at anything that changed after the two of you got married. This would be your staring point. Think back to the most exciting night that you had with your partner before the wedding. What made that night so special? Once you have pinpointed where the problem area could possibly lie, make a list of exciting, romantic, different settings that you could set up for a night of passion. If you know that your new hubby has always enjoyed quiet romantic, candle lit evenings, then set one up right in your bedroom. If you know that your partner once loved bedroom picnics with a variety of cheese and wine, then set it up right on the floor of your bedroom…candles, rose petals and bubble baths are always winners. If you know that your partner has just been promoted and has been working long hours leaving him exhausted, then set up a romantic evening where you can massage him from head to toe and finish the evening with a bubble bath and a glass of wine. You know your partner better than anyone and if you feel that there has been a change since the wedding, then do something about it. Don’t wait in the hope that the situation will get better because it never does and remember, sex is great for a tired mind, it’s great for stress and it’s the one thing that is absolutely great for a brand new married couple. Try to set one night in a week aside, to do something really special and romantic together and you will almost 100% see a definite change almost immediately.
Written by Marrilyn
For the Travelling Bride
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Interesting to note that Barclay’s bank in Tanzania will be implementing a new policy whereby they will no longer be accepting US Dollar notes printed before the year 2000. Anyone who carries US Dollar notes printed before 2000, will be compelled to accept a rate of exchange lower than normal. Please note if YOU are travelling to Tanzania to make sure that any US Dollar currency notes which you bring with you were printed after the year 2000.
TANZANIA – COUNTRY INFORMATION
YELLOW FEVER:
Ten days prior to your departure for Tanzania (including Zanzibar), you are required to obtain a Yellow Fever certificate. The certificate is required for re-entry into South Africa.
MALARIA:
Tanzania is a malaria area and all travellers are advised to take prophylactics. Please ensure you consult a physician 6 weeks before your departure.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The climate of Tanzania varies quite a bit. While the narrow lowland coastal region is consistently hot and humid, the central regions of Tanzania are sufficiently elevated so as to offer much cooler temperatures. The best time to visit Tanzania would be between July and October and December to March. The Period between July and October is a dry season and the time of the Great Migration. This is also the most expensive period to travel. Between December and March, there is rainfall but only short showers, usually in the late afternoon. Between November and March temperatures can reach over 30 degrees.
March to end May and further short rains in November.
Best time to climb Mt Kilimanjaro is June to September.
Effective 1 August 2009, the USD30 departure tax currently payable at Zanzibar airport will be collected by the various airlines and incorporated into the airfare. If your ticket was issued prior to 01 August 2009, you will still be required to pay the USD30 per person departure tax directly at Zanzibar Airport.
USD notes printed prior to 2000, with the small heads’ on them, are NOT being accepted by airport, immigration officials and many other vendors. Only the newer notes, with the large heads’ will be accepted.
When checking in at your hotel, a credit card imprint may be requested for security purposes. Should a credit card not be available, a cash deposit will be required. The deposit will be refunded when checking out of the hotel, less any additional charges that may have been incurred during your stay.
THE MIGRATORY PATH
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
The arrival of the short summer rain calls the herds to begin their migration south. As November ends the migration makes its way back to the southern Serengeti and they once again give birth.
DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH
The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation area is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. During the period December through March the Conservation area is inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. This is the calving season and the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei Plains and thus attract the attention of lions, cheetah and hyena.
APRIL, MAY & JUNE
Depleted plains are no longer able to sustain he huge herds. The migration moves from the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation area to the long grass of the Serengeti’s western corridor almost to Lake Victoria.
JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
Countless herds congregate along the swollen Mara River, the final barrier cutting them off from the sweet grass of the Masai Mara. They search for a shallow crossing place in an effort to cross safely. However, some get caught up in the deeper, fast running waters and drown while others may be attached by crocodile that lie in wait.
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1. Try to plan your Mauritius holiday, wedding or honeymoon during the months from May to mid September. This is low season in Mauritius and specials are run frequently. Low season still offers beautiful weather.
2. Always try to pre book a fully inclusive travel package because these are cheaper than booking flights, transfers, accommodation seperately. Packages are all discounted and carry quite a saving.
3. Fully inclusive means ALL meals, drinks, snacks and sometimes the mini bar is also included. Mauritius can be expensive when you are forking out money for each and every drink, little snack and so on. The ocean has a beautiful effect on ones appetite so you will find yourself snacking a lot. Pre purchasing a fully inclusive package means that everything is included and pre paid before you arrive on the island so leaves you with very little to worry about.
4. If you hire a taxi to take you anywhere in Mauritius, make 100% sure that you negotiate a price before leaving your resort especially if the taxi does not have a meter.
5. If you plan to get married in Mauritius, make sure that you understand the legal side of things and exactly how they are done on the island. It is highly important to note that paperwork is signed in Port Louis at the registrars offices a day or two prior to your wedding ceremony taking place. Make sure that all your documentation is taken along with you. Your bridal consultant will tell you exactly what paperwork needs to be taken and it’s important to keep these safe. Bear in mind that English and French are the main languages on the island so if ANY of the wording on your documentation is in Afrikaans or another language, you need to have the words translated and certified.
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1 – You are marrying another nationality and the family members don’t get along. The absolute worst disaster is a family fight at the reception. It might be worth a family meeting before the wedding and some direct talk if you even suspect that this could occur.
2 – You have an allergic reaction to something on the day of your wedding. Ensure that you have a few antihistamine tablets around.
3 – Either the bride or the groom have way too much to drink and pass out at the reception. This could be a huge disaster so try to space your drinks and do not, under any circumstances, mix them.
4 – A chandelier comes loose and falls crashing to the floor. Check the reception venue properly and ask a handyman to check all fittings beforehand.
5 – One of the food dishes has an awful smell that tells you, it’s off. Call the caterer aside and softly tell her to GET RID OF IT IMMEDIATELY.
6 – The bar man gets drunk. It might be a wise thing to ensure that the bar man that you choose, does not drink at all. It’s the safest.
7 – The music is NOTHING to what you had in mind. Ask a close family member to take a few favourite CD’s along, just in case.
8 - The camera man trips and falls over a chair. Lets just hope this doesn’t happen.
9 – You have hired the centre pieces on the tables and you notice that guests are taking them with them when they leave. Perhaps place a few little memorables on the table for guests to take and ask your mum or your sister or bridesmaid to ensure that everyone knows what they can take home and what has to be returned. Alternatively, it’s not uncommon to gently remind them on the invitation.
10 – The bride or the groom falls asleep on the night of the wedding. It’s important to work hard at this NOT HAPPENING. If it does….ahhh well….. you’ll have a lifetime to catch up.
Written by Marrilyn
The Travelling Bride
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1 – The wedding night sets the pattern for years to come so it’s pretty important to get it right. Not always possible but setting the atmosphere is as important as anything, so choose a really romantic lodge, hotel or resort for your wedding night.
2 – Ensure that the set up includes candles, champagne, chocolates, rose petals, bubble bath and flowers. This usually does the trick. And make sure you get a queen or king size bed.
3 – Lingerie is important. White, sexy, flowing and easily removable.
4 – Oils and body rubs are highly recommended but it really depends on what you and your partner prefer. If this is going to be the absolute first time then it’s important to chat to your partner in detail prior to the wedding night so that you’re both aware of any concerns or worries on either part. Once spoken about, and discussed, the areas of concern don’t seem so bothersome anymore.
5 – Highly important to remember that lovemaking is an art and although you might be a bit clumsy in the beginning, if you listen to your partners body language, you will quickly pick up what works and what doesn’t. And it ONLY GETS BETTER.
6 – There are no rules in the game of love. You make them up as you go along and always important to share your deepest thoughts with your partner and learn together. Remember, your partner might be just as concerned as you are about certain aspects of lovemaking.
7 – Many couples enjoy rough sex but it is highly recommended that you keep and save this for later during the honeymoon. First night…first time…. perhaps gentle would be the way to go to ensure a perfect ending to a perfect day.
8 - If, for any reason whatsoever, you come away feeling like it was a disaster, do not say NOTHING and for Heaven sake don’t pretend. Sometimes being nervous can have it’s set backs but chat about the experience. Choose your words carefully and suggest that you try something else the next time round. DO NOT SULK.
9 – Whilst on honeymoon you can use the settings to improve on your lovemaking. Sunset walks along the beach, romantic dinners alone on your terrace, bubble baths together, early morning sunrise breakfasts together, a private strip show for your partner and so much more. This can add to the romance and definitely give your experiences a shove in the right direction.
10 – If at the end of the honeymoon, you walk away feeling that things are really not what you hoped for, do not leave it. Remember, sex makes up a good part of a great marriage. Try and get help immediately and it’s always, always recommended to chat to your partner about anything that is worrying WITHOUT MAKING HIM/HER feel like it’s their fault. A new chapter has opened in your life and I believe that if the sex is great throughout a marriage, those are the ones that last forever. No one is going to settle for anything less than what they’re getting at home so try different things, introduce exciting things as you go along and always remember to take time out for a chat. This is how you will find out what the other likes or dislikes and if done from the beginning, it sets the pace for a long, happy marriage filled with an awesome sex life.
Written by Marrilyn
The Travelling Bride
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There are many, many ideas, tips and articles written on this subject and I have studied quite a few marriages over the years.. and even my own, and based on this, I’d like to share with you MY opinion of the secret to a lasting marriage. The Bedroom. …. a great sex life leads to a great, lasting, happy marriage. 90% of love and happiness in the marriage is based on a good, healthy sex life. Think about it for a moment. The more sex you have with one particular person, the more your feeling of connection to that person grows.
If the sex is awesome and really great, you cannot wait to be with that person. There is no way you will look in another direction. It’s my opinion that most partners stray because they’re looking for something that isn’t present in their own lives and most times its sex. I don’t believe in communication break down. It’s hogwash. The moment things go badly in the bedroom, everyone is ashamed to admit that THAT is where the problem lies so they have given the marriage “crumble” many different reasons and “communication break down” is the most popular one. WHY does one of the partners stray? Most times it’s to look for a sexual partner. When this happens, he/she isn’t necessarily thinking about divorce. No…it’s just to have a little fun and feel ALIVE again but….the more sex had between a married adult and another, the more connected they become and eventually a divorce happens because the one simply cannot survive without the other. Sex connects two people on a level that is beyond our comprehension and its just the way it is, in my opinion.
The secret to a long, lasting, successful marriage is to keep your bedroom full of fun, fantasy, play, flavour, excitement and keep things vibey. Discuss fantasies and play them out. Discuss do’s and don’ts because there are no rules in the game of love. So long as both partners agree on what they’re doing. Discuss your deepest fears so that the other is aware of them and try out new things, together, giggle together, make mistakes together and so the relationship continues to grow. Sex relieves stress and really does wonders to a tired mind. Sex instantly removes a migraine. It’s even great for losing weight so there shouldn’t be any excuses. Lose the excuses even after the children come along and even when you are deathly tired….. a good round of sex will get you feeling right on top of the world again and it will keep you healthy and keep your marriage alive no matter how old you are.
Written by Marrilyn for:
Travelling Bride
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1 – You have met your life long partner. Wedding date is set and now you are discussing the honeymoon. Today, many couples decide on their honeymoon together and it’s important to include interests from both bride and groom so that there is a happy balance. Chat to your partner so that if the groom prefers bush and wild life and the bride prefers white sandy beaches and relaxation, together you can work the itinerary so as to ensure that you walk away with a package that will thrill both of you.
2 – Try to decide on a realistic budget and list what you would like the budget to cover.
3 – ALWAYS do honeymoon homework. Find out about specials and low season months. Honeymoon Homework entails knowing everything there is to know about the destination that you plan to visit. The airlines offered, the flying time, the hotel, stop over’s, the amount of hours that you have to stop over for, the surrounding areas, the room you would like and exactly what you are allowed to take with you.
4 – Choose an agency that is well connected with the destination that you have in mind. Nowadays, you can quickly find a honeymoon specialist and it’s not uncommon to request references. Make an appointment to see your planner or send a very detailed email through to him/her with full details of the itinerary that YOU have in mind with departure dates and your budget. Ask about specials. Your consultant will then be able to give you good advice and she will take your departure date and budget into consideration when she quotes you.
5 – Your honeymoon planner will send you at the very least, two options and she will base them on the requirements, departure date and budget that you emailed through to her. Go over these with your partner. Make notes of questions either of you have and make very sure that you understand exactly what your package includes and how much is being quoted PER PERSON for these inclusions.
6 – Take note of the room category being quoted and always ensure that your consultant notifies the resort to make absolutely sure that you get a double bed. Read through your quotation carefully and make sure that return flights together with the departure taxes are included. Many agencies don’t include the taxes and clients don’t think about these if not regular travellers. Make sure that there is going to be someone to collect you at the airport and ask about emergency contact details at your chosen destination.
7 – Ask your consultant to find out and get rates for special little extras like a romantic sunrise breakfast on the beach or a day trip to a private island. Ask about honeymoon extras because many resorts and hotels will include flowers, sparkling wine, romantic dinners and sometimes even a tour for honeymoon couples.
8 – Ensure that you tell everyone that you are on honeymoon. You will really be surprised at how much more you receive from people and how friendly hotel staff is toward you. Your consultant will let the airline and hotel know prior to your departure but it doesn’t hurt to tell others along the way. Remember….EVERYONE loves a couple in LOVE.
9 –Make sure that you pack according to the requirements of your chosen destination. Make sure that you take the appropriate clothing along. Things like medication, sun block, sun glasses and cameras can be costly in foreign destinations so always best to take them along with you and always make sure that you take an empty carrier with you (for all those wonderful goodies you’re going to buy whilst on honeymoon). Highly important to pack a hand luggage suit case that will carry everything required to make a night and a day comfortable IN CASE anything happens and your luggage goes astray. At least you will have a few items to fall back on while waiting for the airline to trace yours.
10- Lastly, make sure that you have all your travel documentation required for YOUR chosen destination. Visas and passports, health requirements etc. Also make very sure that you reconfirm all your flights and make a last minute call to your consultant in case any flight schedule has had changes and ALWAYS put your travel documents in a very safe place, all together.
Written by Marrilyn
The Travelling Bride
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