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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The soccer world cup is going to be absolutely awesome. South Africans have been preparing for years, and we’re expecting a wonderful couple of months, welcoming foreigners to our country. What if… you would like to get married whilst you are here? Our team are preparing wedding ceremonies to take place under the posts on the fields throughout South Africa. A minister to take care of all legalities, rose petals strewn, a violinist to play the S.A national anthem, a bridal bouquet, a buttonhole, a photographer and of course, a dinner at the closest restaurant with bubbly. Aimed to please the soccer fanatics who would like to tie the knot in South Africa. Weddings are very romantic and can be really memorable. Seal your love … the South African way…. Use the world cup soccer in South Africa to your advantage and get married under the African skies with the soccer posts as the backdrop.
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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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Who says pregnant brides can’t have the wedding and/or honeymoon of their dreams. Just because a bride is in a family way is no reason for her not to be able to have the wedding of her dreams and even go on honeymoon and relax for those special days afterward. Sure, the location, destination and inclusions have to be a little different because we have to consider the baby at all times but…..there are many stunning locations all around South Africa where a gorgeous little wedding can be set up and most of the S.A lodges accommodate very comfortably for a pregnant bride.
NO MALARIA areas are to be even considered. Any area that requires health precautions are absolutely out of the question and if you intend to fly ensure that you check with your GP first. Consider a quiet resort close by your home town where you can escape to for a few days just to unwind and have your memorable little wedding and a few days relaxing with your brand new hubby and then you can always do a longer, more luxurious honeymoon after the baby is born. Many ready made familys take children with them on honeymoon and if planned properly, you will have the honeymoon holiday of a lifetime!!!! The beach, bush, forest and river weddings in South Africa can all cater for the pregnant bride to be and there’s no stress or fuss whatsoever. All you have to do is sort our your wedding dress out and arrive….complete relaxation follows. Upon arrival, the hotel will already have been informed and they truly go all out to ensure that our Maternity mommies have beautiful, romantic, memorable weddings and/or honeymoons. Gone are the days where pregnant brides had to miss out on their dream wedding simply because they had fallen pregnant a little unexpectedly.
Written by Marrilyn
For Travelling Bride
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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. Welcome the bridal couple with a huge big smile.
2. Welcome and thank everyone for being there.
3. Congratulate the couple on their wedding
4. At this stage you can introduce anyone else who is going to say anything or has a speech of their own.
5. Compliment the bride on the way she looks and be careful to mean what you say
6. Compliment the brides wedding dress
7. If you are not the best man – thank the best man for all that he has done
8. Very quickly describe YOUR relationship to the bride and groom
9. Tell why YOU were asked to be the MC
10. You can tell them why YOU decided to take the job on
11. Think of something “funny” to tell about the time you first met the couple
12. You can go a bit deeper and tell everyone what the bridal couple mean to you
13. Talk about any special people in the couples lives
14. If the speeches take place AFTER the dinner, you can chat about how wonderful the food was, if BEFORE, you can chat about the the beautiful decor and thank everyone who played a part
15. Briefly mention any key milestones in the bride and grooms lives
16. Beforehand, get a few funny baby stories from the bridal couples parents.
17. You can mention any “funnies” that happened in the days running up to the wedding.
18. Get a few funny topics on both bride and groom that you can mention
19. Tell everyone a great happy story that happened to the couple upon them meeting for the first time (there’s ALWAYS a funny happy story to tell)
20. Chat on how the two were introduced to parents in law.
21. You can describe the different characters between the bride and the groom
22. You speak directly to the bridal couple and tell them how happy everyone is that they are now married
23. Wish them all the best for the future.
24. Thank the guests for attending, especially those who have travelled far to be there.
25. A joke can serve as good closing statement and end with a toast.
Written by Leon Watermeyer
The Travelling Bride
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