WEDDING ESSENTIALS AND ESSENTIAL GROOM ISSUE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

Claire Jones predict s... Nika Vaughan says... Anabelle LaGuardia says...
Hairstyling sees us embracing the return of Hair styles are going t o stay more relaxed in Touchable, organic hair with movement , waves,
tiaras married with unstructured up styles or style, but get a more refined, smoother finish. braids, texture and face framing element s. Mod-
high messy ponytails. A continuation of the The trend of lot s of tendrils and textured braids
bohemian vibe from t he last two or three years are going to die down a bit , and we’ll see more ern but still timeless. Perfectly
wit h loose beachy waves and messy chignons. Meghan Markle inspired center part s and low imperfect hair. I think we will continue t o see
chignons that are both more classic and are long hair that varies from classic and royal to effort-

wearing for the big day. lessly chic and bohemian.

Wedding Essentials | 51

52 | Wedding Essentials 58 Komatie Road, Emmarentia,Randburg

+27 (0)84 880 7869 /+27 (0)84 322 3339
www.lovogliobridal.co.za

58 Komatie Road, Emmarentia,Randburg

+27 (0)84 880 7869 /+27 (0)84 322 3339
www.lovogliobridal.co.za

Wedding Essentials | 53

+27 (0)84 880 7869 /+27 (0)84 322 3339
58 Komatie Road, Emmarentia,Randburg

www.lovogliobridal.co.za

58 Komatie Road, Emmarentia,Randburg
+27 (0)84 880 7869 /+27 (0)84 322 3339

www.lovogliobridal.co.za

BREAKFAST WEDDING

ETHE BENEFITS OF A MORNING CEREMONY Here’s the trick though: if you have a breakfast wedding, many
ven if you’ve not heard of a breakfast wedding popular venues will happily book you in for the morning despite
before you may be intrigued by this concept. You’ll be surprised having another wedding later in the day. This will give you much
to hear that in England from the 1500s onward, these early-bird more choice for wedding venues as morning is such an unusual
weddings were standard practice and nowadays are slowly creeping time to get married. So, where you may have missed out on a high-
back into fashion. The background on these early weddings is, end venue before, you’ll get a chance to book your spot at one of
these places.

of course, based in religion. Weddings were a religious act and In addition to this, you may have a favourite café or brunch spot
Mass is traditionally a morning affair, so it all makes sense that that may not be open for an evening reception but will happily
the breakfast wedding would come to be. Here are our reasons to be open for your breakfast wedding. This is a lovely way to
consider a breakfast wedding. incorporate a place that holds a lot of meaning for you.

Out of the ordinary Your food bill is reduced
During wedding season, you’ll likely be invited to a plethora of Lucky for you, the cost of a breakfast or brunch wedding is cheaper
afternoon and evening weddings. These are the most common than a standard afternoon or evening wedding. Guests tend to eat
times to get married. Many couples marry in the afternoon, take less at morning weddings and as the food is often cheaper to make,
advantage of afternoon sunlight for their photos and then party the you won’t be asked to pay as much. Obviously preparing brunch
night away at their reception. foods like sandwiches, soups, bruschetta, pancakes, waffles etc, will
If you’ve always been a unique soul and you want something that be cheaper than preparing plates of duck and veal with perfectly
is more original, then the breakfast wedding is perfect for you. cooked sides. Less time preparing the food means less cost to you.
Instead of an evening reception, choose a breakfast, brunch or Plus, you’ll get to eat breakfast food on your wedding day and
lunchtime one and soak up the beautiful day. Spend the afternoon what’s better than that? It’s a win-win.
with your guests, basking in the day, playing games and eating Cheaper bar tab
great food. Your wedding will feel more like a fabulous picnic than So while you’re saving money on food, you’ll definitely be saving
a traditional wedding. If you want your wedding to stand out, this money on your bar tab. There’ll definitely be a little drinking like
will definitely get you there. champagne toasts and such, but not many people drink a lot of
Family friendly alcohol for breakfast so you’ll find that your guests will prefer to
If you have a lot of friends or relatives with children, you’ll love drink coffee, tea and juice as opposed to the standard beer and
how family friendly a breakfast wedding is. Children will be in wine. Because you’ll be saving money here, you could have your
their element at your wedding and you’ll not have to deal with bar staff serve beautiful fruit cocktails like bellinis or mimosas
their tired tantrums from being up all day and into the night. Older which are great for breakfast. This is a nice thing to do if you
guests will also appreciate a breakfast wedding as it means they wanted these kinds of drinks for your wedding but didn’t think
don’t have to stay up longer than they usually would. you’d be able to afford them.

More venue options
During popular wedding seasons, you’ll find out soon enough that
really popular venues book out fast. Faster than you’ll believe. Most
popular venues will require you to put your name down over a year
in advance and for those of us who like to live in the moment, this
kind of excessive planning can be a challenge.



a REAL Wedding at Kloofzicht

Unforgettable

Moamt ents

Kloofzicht
Lodge & Spa

You’ve given me all that I didn’t deserve, now I
want to spend the rest of my life making sure I give you

all that you always have. Will you marry me?

WHEN TO BRING IN
THE EXPERTS

“WEDDING PLANNERS”

T The most important thing, however, is that you like your wedding planner. Make
here aren’t too many situations more stressful than planning a wedding. With so sure you all have the same ideas in mind and that you trust your wedding planner.
many decisions, one can often find themselves feeling very overwhelmed by all the madness If there’s one thing more stressful than planning a wedding, its leaving the planning
and chaos. If this is the case for you, why not get hold of a wedding planner to ensure that to someone you can’t trust. Make sure they have a portfolio that suits your taste
everything runs smoothly and efficiently. No couple should have to worry and stress on their and that your planner is a rock solid person you can rely on. All in all, a wedding
big day. And by having a wedding planner at your side, all of those little details fall away, planner is there to make sure that you and your fiancé are relaxed and happy on
leaving you to fully enjoy the best day of your life. your big day.

Whether you can’t get enough time off work, or you’re simply just a perfectionist, having a The wedding planner will guide you through all the stylistic details, manage
professional assist you with the coordination of your wedding will not only ease the stress, your budget, co-ordinate everything on the day and make sure that everything
but it may also be a more cost-effective option. Hiring a wedding planner is the best way to runs smoothly during the planning process. They’re there throughout the entire
budget your wedding accordingly, so the important things are prioritized and the necessities ceremony and ensure that everything goes according to schedule, relieving all the
are placed first. If your costs aren’t managed properly, you may find yourself running out of pressure and making sure that you and your partner are smiling throughout the
money, so why not leave it in the hands of a professional. entire build up. They also manage difficulties on the day should any last minute

So, what exactly does a wedding planner do? Well, it varies between different planners. Some
are more of a general planner, while others may focus to one certain aspect such as décor or
stylistic approaches.

We’ll Bring You a

Fairytale
wedding

Beauty | Wedding Dresses | Mens Wear | Brides Maids Dresses | Handmade Accessories | Decor
& Design | Photography | Catering | Co-Ordination & Planning

165 Thabo Mbeki Drive, Potgietersrus, 0600 | Tel: 079 494 4418 | sparkledesignandevents@

YOUR WEDDING GUEST LIST

Who to invite and who not to invite; that
Ais the questionwedding is no wedding without
guests to attend your big day! This, you speak to regularly, friends from your school years, HERE ARE SOMETIPS
however, can make every single university or college, neighbours that you are friends with TO KEEP IN MIND
hair on your hair stand at end. If or friends that you feel could be a great addition to your BEFORE WRITING
you come from a small family but wedding guest list. THE NAMES DOWN:
your better half has a rather large Work colleagues
list of family members, you need to start thinking about Depending on how long you’ve worked for the company, TIP #1
the number of guests you will be catering for. you may want to invite your work colleagues or even your
boss to your wedding. You may have some work colleagues Don’t verbally invite guests who
Remember that each guest needs to eat, needs to have that are closer than others who you may want to invite to aren’t on your original list – this
a seat at your wedding and should be able to enjoy a drink the day. This can be a tricky decision, but if you work in a may cause disappointment or
or two while enjoying the party. If you’re not able to cater relatively small office environment and feel as if you can’t embarrassment at a later date.
for a large number of people, the only way to eliminate any invite some colleagues without inviting others, why not
hiccups is to construct a wedding guest list. invite them all to the evening reception? TIP #2

Who should be on my list? Plus ones Try and keep it fair when it comes
Below is a general list of people that you could invite to Adding a plus one to your single friend’s invitations can to guest numbers for each of your
celebrate with you on your special day. Whether you choose increase your overall wedding guest list numbers. Having families.
to invite them to the day part of your wedding or just the said this, your friends who aren’t engaged or married
evening reception is up to you! shouldn’t expect to receive an invitation with a plus one. If TIP #3
you’re looking for a way to reduce your guest numbers, then
Immediate family this could be a smart option. Don’t forget to include children in
Start with your parents, grandparents, siblings, their your guest list numbers, if you’re
partners and their children. Then move down a step to add Family friends and friends inviting them. If you’re not, be sure
your aunts, uncles and cousins that you see regularly. of parents to mention this on your invitations.
Every family has them, so it’s worth discussing with both
Distant family sets of parents who, if appropriate, it would be worth jotting TIP #4
If you’ve got family that you do tend to keep in touch with down on your day or evening wedding guest list.
and would like at your wedding, be sure to add them to The bride and groom count as
the list. How far through the extended family do you go Children guest number too, so don’t leave
before friends start becoming more important than a family Choosing whether or not to invite children to your wedding yourselves off the list when it comes
connection? As always, ultimately it’s up to you and will be can be a stressful decision. They will obviously add to your to your final figure.
particular to your specific circumstances. In general, we’d guest numbers and in some family circumstances, you may
always advise early communication and resolution of any have no option. Discuss whether or not you’ll be inviting TIP #5
disagreements in pursuit of a stress-free wedding planning children to your wedding between you, and early on in the
journey. process of creating your wedding guest list, as this could Check to see if your chosen
change the dynamics of your day. WE wedding venue has a minimum
number of guests when it comes to
your chosen package. Keep this in
mind throughout your planning.

Friends
Start with your closest friends and then think about friends

62 | Wedding Essentials

Photographer+ Alexander Smith

Wedding Essentials | 63

a REAL Wedding at Shepstone Gardens

WHERE THEY BOUGHT IT

THE BRIDE Dress - Vonve Bridal Couture
THE BRIDESMAIDS Dresses - They were
given the opportunity to choose their own
dresses the brief was a long black dress. As
Bridesmaids travelled from all over the world.
THE GROOM Suite - Hugo Boss
THE GROOMS MEN Suites - Black suits with
white shirts
THE VENUE - Shepstone Gardens
THE CATERING - Olive and Plates
THE DECOR AND FLOWERS - Shepstone
Gardens in House floral team Cara Luiters and
Karine Antonian
SG COORDINATOR - Nadia Mängels
THE DJ - Henk Kotzé - Zoom Dj’s, Shepstone
Gardens in house DJ
THE PHOTOGRAPHER - Mighty Fine

64 | Wedding Essentials

Unforgettable
Moments

A Day in the Life of
Annabel & Lucas
Setra
17 May 2019

“There are simply not enough positive words in the English dictionary to describe our dealings with
Shepstone Gardens. From our first meeting with our amazing coordinator Nadia, to the wedding
day we were always dealt with professionalism, kindness and efficiency. Shepstone Gardens is ‘One in a

million’ and the journey has been incredible from beginning to end” - Shelley Bennett

To plan your unforgettable event please contact Shepstone Gardens: [email protected] / 011 728 6738
Wedding Essentials | 65

Wedding planning seating plan

YOUR GUIDE
TO THE BEST
WEDDING
SEATING PLAN

Face it, making Aunt Gail sit TIP #3 more space at the table – young children,
next to your crazy uncle Sam wheelchair users and pregnant ladies.
will stir things up at your Make a large seating chart which shows
wedding, and not in a good everyone which table they are at to save TIP #12
way. After all, it is a known having to check each table.
fact that these two can’t If the bride or groom’s parents are divorced you
stand each other; especially TIP #4 may need to make sure they are not seated near
since Uncle Sam accidentally each other!
put a huge dent in Aunt If you’re having a large wedding consider
having two seating charts to avoid a large TIP #13
PGail’s brand new car last crowd blocking the doorway.
lanning your wedding seating Try to keep groups together where you can –
is essential to creating an easy TIP #5 family, friends and work colleagues.
flow of conversation without
making anyone feel unusually If you’re having a buffet or small informal TIP #14
uncomfortable. Since they event, don’t feel you need to have a seating
are there to enjoy your plan. If at all possible, don’t separate couples even if only
wedding day with you, there is no need to one of them is a bridesmaid or usher.
dampen their spirits by making them sit next TIP #6
to someone they just can’t seem to strike up a TIP #15
conversation with. You won’t be able to satisfy If there’s a choice of meal, mark each guest’s
everyone, but at least you can tactfully create choice on their place card to help the waiting Really try and think about who will get on best
tables where people with similar interests can staff. together – that’s the ultimate aim!
enjoy a hearty conversation or two without
grabbing each other at the throat…Use the TIP #7 TIP #16
following tips when planning your wedding
seating list and keep while keeping in mind Don’t use your seating plan to try and match- Make sure that everyone knows at least one other
the number of guests that will be attending make single guests. It’ll be obvious and they person at their table.
your ceremony! won’t thank you for it!
TIP #17
TIP #1 TIP #8
Think about the family dynamic and avoid putting
Start your seating plan early as it’ll take longer Always sit younger children with their people together who you know will argue!
than you think. Don’t leave it until the week parents but consider a separate table to place
before! older children together. TIP #18

TIP #2 TIP #9 Avoid having a table of leftover people who don’t
fit anywhere else. It’s better to mix them across all
Table numbers can imply a hierarchy so think Consider putting crayons and colouring tables.
about using table names instead. books on tables to keep your younger guests
entertained. TIP #19

TIP #10 Consider assigning guests just to tables rather than
to actual seats if you feel it would work.
Make sure elderly guests are seated near
enough to hear any speeches. Don’t place TIP #20
them too near loud speakers though!
Make sure the tables closest to the top/head table
TIP #11 are reserved for close friends and family.

Think about who needs access to lavatories/

66 | Wedding Essentials

Wedding Essentials | 67

WEDDING
PLANNING
TIPS

TIPS ON PLANNING A WEDDING WHEN YOU ARE SHORT WEEK 2
ON TIME BOOK YOUR WEDDING OFFICIANT
Start the process of booking your wedding officiant as soon as
Congratulations on your engagement. Planning a wedding possible. If you want a friend or family member to marry you, bare
in mind this may take a few days longer to organise.
can be a time consuming activity, but how can you plan an amazing SEND OUT WEDDING INVITES
wedding day when you have a limited time to do so? In this article Send out wedding invitations via e-mail to your guests as well as a
we will provide you with some tips and advice on how to plan a Save the Date. This is a quick way to reach all your guests, who can
wedding in a month. If you have less or more time you can combine immediately respond with their RSVP’s.
the first two or three weeks or add in however many you think you BUY WEDDING DRESS, SUIT AND ACCESSORIES
have to work with. You are going to want to look for an off the rack wedding dress,
WEEK 1 which can be altered within a few days. For bridesmaids dresses,
BUDGET you can look into such dresses as the Infinity dress (from Infinity
The first step, whether you have a year or a month to plan, is to es- Dress SA), which saves time as one dress can be worn in 27 differ-
tablish your budget for the wedding. Your budget will influence not ent ways, making it the perfect dress when you have limited time
only where you get married but also how many people you invite. to plan.
Once you establish a total amount you can have a general idea of PLAN YOUR HONEYMOON
the wedding venues you should look at and how many people who If you plan to go on your honeymoon directly after your wedding
will attend. then you need to start planning the travel arrangements this week.
GUEST LIST Ideally, you can delay your honeymoon for a few weeks or months,
The shorter time frame you have to plan your wedding, your guest which will save you a lot of time and planning.
count will most likely be lower if people have less time to plan for SHOP FOR WEDDING RINGS
it. This can prove to be a good thing if you are sticking to a tight This week would be a good time to go shopping with your fiancé
budget. Try and keep your guest list to 75 and under to keep things for your wedding rings.
as easy as possible. WEEK 3
VENUE SEARCH AND BOOK A DATE Almost there, here are a few things to plan for this week:
The less time you have to plan, you may have to research alternative Buy wedding favours (or skip all together).
types of venues as the more popular venues are oftentimes booked Choose your wedding songs.
way in advance. Look at unexpected wedding venues like restau- Have a combined bachelor and hen party.
rants, art galleries and performance spaces. A Friday or Sunday Finalise any décor choices.
wedding could be a good option as prime time days such as Satur- Create your wedding day timeline with vendors and your wedding
days tend to be booked up faster. planner (if you have one).
A good option is to go for a restaurant as you will not have to worry Write your wedding vows.
about searching for an outside caterer or other rentals. Organise your seating chart.
BOOK YOUR VENDORS WEEK 4
Once you have your venue and date in place, start your search for The last week of planning coming up. Here are a few last things to
your photographer, florist, musicians, cake baker, hair and makeup plan for.
artist and a wedding planner (if you need one). The great thing Do a last minute wedding dress fitting.
about finding one good vendor to start is that they often will have Prepare your wedding vendor tips.
their own recommendations for other vendors you may find help- Distribute welcome bags (if you choose to have them).
ful. This can make things a lot easier for you especially with your Hand over any paper goods (such as seating cards) to your wedding
time frame. planner or venue.
If you follow this easy guide for planning, you can ensure that your
wedding day is all you have dreamed about, and within the time
frame and budget. WE

68 | Wedding Essentials

TThhee UUllttiimmYoaatutereSWSpWpeedeceiddcaiidlnaDiglnaDDgyaeDycoercoFor rFYoorur

Wedding And Event Decor

We Pride Ourselves In Offering A
Wide Variety Of Candle Rentals

MORE INFORMATION

Esme Van Urk, Cell Phone: 082 485 4531, Phone 021 300 4035

1w5 wPinwot.afguenRocatdi,oSanxsen-beuvreg nPatrsk .1c, oRu.zstadal, Kuilsriver, Capetown

Wedding Essentials | 69

An All Inclusive Wedding
With

Simply Wed

TAn Interview with 3.Give us your 3 main points to consider when choosing a venue.
Salomien Van Heerden the Owner of Simply Wed The three main things to consider when choosing a venue is your guest list
size, budget and date of wedding. Most venues offer cheaper fees for weekday
o all new brides and grooms to be , are you pressed for time weddings.
,with the all the arrangements of your special day , confused with trying to 4.What would you say is important when choosing the food at a venue, and do
understand the legalities of marriage , struggling to finding that perfect , cake , you have menu option for different wedding occasion , such as breakfast wedding ,
photographer and wedding venue , well “ stress No more “ , as we have had the lunch and evening weddings
pleasure of interviewing the owner of SIMPLY- Wed Salomien Van Heerden Food is such an important part of any wedding as it is still a festive get together for
– who offers the unique services of SIMPLY- Wed loved ones. We have numerous different catering options ranging from R45 per
You may ask – “ what is SIMPLY- WED person to R225 per person. It is important to consider the theme of your wedding
Simply Wed offers couples the opportunity to have a gorgeous all-inclusive when choosing catering. Would you like your wedding to be more informal by
low cost wedding. They are the beautiful alternative to Home Affairs. serving cheese platters and champagne while guests stand around and chat or
Offering the ideal option for the modern couple who wants a no-fuss would you like to have a formal affair with table settings and speeches? At the end
court-wedding, but still wishes to share the special moment with their of the day this is entirely up to you.
closest friends and family or that intimate wedding without the trappings
of convention and financial burden, but with all the ‘must- haves’ that will 5.When looking for a venue, would you say it is best viewing a venue
make your day an occasion to remember: photos, music, cake, food and with family or without family – with the bride and groom ? - And why?
meaningful moments shared in a stylish, exclusive environment. If the venue that you are interested in allows more than one viewing we would
All you need to bring is your ID document– we handle the hand in of suggest going to the first viewing with only your partner. This makes it possible
paperwork at the Department of Home Affairs for registration. for you to focus on asking questions in order to ascertain that they venue offers
They also offer packages that will allow you to customize your wedding exactly what you want without other people skewing your decision. Thereafter it is
to suit your specific needs and budget. You can choose as many or as little a good idea to take your bridesmaids and some family members so that they can
options as you would like. there are different options to suit your specific also get an idea of what to expect on the day.
needs. 6.What should a couple consider while choosing a venue when it comes
It is safe to say Simply – Wed has it all . to the number of guests invited
We at wedding Essentials - had the opportunity to ask Salomien some im- This is incredibly important to consider when choosing your venue. Venues will
port question on what a bride and groom need to take into consideration have a specific total amount of guests they can accommodate. Ensure that your
when choosing their products and services to help make your wedding guest list fits within these boundaries before choosing your venue. Our venue for
day dreams come true – and this is what she had to say : instance can only accommodate a maximum of 30 adults and 6 kids. This allows
1.First of all, how would you best describe your venue and what do us to pay extra special attention to detail and keep our costs to the couple as low
you love most about it what makes it so unique? as they are.
Simply Wed is such a unique venue in the way that we approach weddings.
We offer all inclusive packages, meaning we manage everything from the legal 7.Do you think a couple should keep accommodation in mind when they
requirements to the cake on behalf of the couple. This means that we have a book a wedding venue- and do you offer this to the guest ?
lot of couples getting married at our venue while arranging everything online. This is very important as you don’t want guests to drive home after a couple of
This includes international couples who weren’t able to do a traditional venue drinks. We are situated in Randburg making it easy for guests to attend a wedding
viewing. This is a stress free solution. We also offer couples the opportunity at our venue by jumping in an Uber and not worrying about booking accommo-
to do their own thing, meaning they can bring their own catering, drinks, dation or spending their wedding gift budget on traveling costs. Being situated
photography, cake and music etc. We also like to keep it on the lower end of in a cosmopolitan area also offers numerous accommodation options to suit any
the budget with our most expensive all inclusive wedding to date costing just budget in close by proximity.
over R25 000 in total. We think couples should have a beautiful wedding day
jam packed full of special memories without breaking the bank. Rather go on 8.As we know, weather is sometimes unpredictable, keeping that in mind,
a fabulous honeymoon or put a down payment on a house and think about what should a couple keep in mind when choosing the venue? And what
the future instead of just one day. can you offer the Bride and Groom to be to keep their wedding day
2.In your opinion, why is choosing the right venue important? Both perfect?
for the guests and the Bride and Groom to be. Always opt for a venue that has some undercover areas. If your chosen venue does
The right venue is so important in that not only does it set the tone of the not have adequate cover, ensure that tent or marquee rental fits into your budget.
whole day but the venue influences all other added details. Also ensure that Our venue has indoor and outdoor reception areas. In case of rain our under cover
the venue will be able to accommodate your guests with special needs such as chapel area becomes the after party spot where guests can relax and dance the
dietary requirements and wheelchair access for instance. night away.
9.What is your favourite part about hosting weddings?
70 | Wedding Essentials We have been hosting weddings for a few years now and those special moments
always gets the staff teary eyed. We just love love!

Simply Wed offers couples the opportunity to have a gorgeous all inclusive low cost wedding.

Your All Inclusive Wedding at Simply Wed

54 Conrad Drive, Blairgowrie, Randburg 0741515738 [email protected]
www.simplywed.co.za

Wedding Essentials | 71

Karen and Andrew Wedding at Simply Wed , 3 August 2019

Wedding Essentials
“Will you be my bridesmaid?” Box
Orders to Go Through
Essential Media
021 007 4331 or [email protected]

72 | Wedding Essentials

Simply Wed

Venue: Simply Wed
Marriage Officer supplied by: Simply Wed
ANC contract and legal requirements
supplied by: Simply Wed
Cake: Simply Wed
Catering: Simply Wed
Decor: Simply Wed
Flowers: Supplied by the couple
Photography: Lexie www.lexie.co.za

Photography: Lexie www.lexie.co.za

“To have a wonderful life together
and to hold eachother from this day forward

sharing every joy Forever and Ever”

- WE

Wedding Essentials | 73

74 | Wedding Essentials

IspiratiDecor on

Sweebtyfontein

Boutique Farm

“To have a wonderful life together
and to hold eachother from this day forward

sharing every joy Forever and Ever”

- WE

Wedding Essentials | 75

A Country Wedding
at Everwood

Your wedding is a very special event and should
be in the hands of experts. Everwood Country

Weddings has designed, refined and perfected
the major and minor details to make your BIG

day just Perfect

BANQUETING HALL

Just 50 metres from the chapel, we have a beautiful and el-
egant fully draped banqueting hall with comfortable seating

space for around 80 ñ 200 guests. The tastefully decorated
and clean restrooms are easily accessible to your guests. The

banqueting hall hosts the kitchen and space for our cater-
ers. There is also specially designated space for the bar.

CHAPEL

Amid a well-wooded two-hectare garden, we have a pictur-
esque, open-sided chapel with a magnificent, long-distance

view over open country to the north. It is naturally covered
with ivy and flowering creepers. The open-air design is to-
tally unique and memorable. For those cold, rainy days, pull

down blinds are used.

OUTDOOR VENUE

The wedding buildings are set off by hectares of well-tended
lawn, large trees, shrubs and flower beds. There are several
charming water features. All this makes Everwood ideal for
a dream wedding. The many beautiful backdrops make for
romantic wedding photographs. Situated in beautiful treed
gardens, ideal for any garden wedding.

SUITE

Set just off the ruin garden, with its own private entrance,
this suite makes an easy walk to end your perfect night. You

can be whisked away from the festive party at the ban-
queting hall, and taken by your ìchaffeuerî to the top of
the drive. There, you can kick off your shoes, walk barefoot,
hand in hand, under the moonlight to your first night as
husband and wife. Not only is this a convenient and roman-
tic stay-over option but it also offers a large, sunny area for
you and your bridesmaids to get ready in. On request, we
will provide champagne, chocolates or your choice of any
food/beverage. Equipped with en suite bathroom, patio, plus
a coffee station and bar fridge, this little abode is the ideal

choice to spend your wedding night..

76 | Wedding Essentials

We at Everwood Country
Weddings know how

important this day is for
you and your family –
so we’ll do all we can to
make sure it is the BEST

day of your lives!

[email protected]
083 384 5002

www. everwoodweddings.co.za
Plot 138, Nooitgedacht
Muldersdrift

Wedding Essentials | 77

Photogragher - Lindie Meyer Veune -Shepstons Garden

78 | Wedding Essentials

Wedding Essentials | 79

Hazendal Wine Estate is a heritage farm and wine estate in
Stellenbosch. For more than three centuries

Hazendal has been a widely recognised Cape Winelands landmark. Nestled in the Bottelary Hills,
it has transitioned from a humble grain and livestock operation in the 17th century,
into a notable wine producer and premium lifestyle estate.

Hazendal’s range of authentic and versatile wedding venues, each unique and distinct in style are
the perfect place to suit your wedding dreams.

THE PAVILION
An interplay of nature and sleek architecture, the Hazendal Pavilion
is a striking setting in which to exchange vows. It floats with effort-
less grace in the centre of a pond offering picture-perfect views of
the gardens, the manor house and the distant Bottelary Hills and
Simonsberg. The Pavilion can host an intimate ceremony accom-
modating up to 20 people and for larger parties, guests can be seated
on the surrounding lawn and witness the bridal couple cross the
walkway as a symbolic start of their new journey together.

THE KRAAL
The Kraal offers those who like the less ordinary something spec-
tacularly extraordinary. A heritage site that once housed travelers’
oxen, The Kraal offers the perfect setting in which to host an al fres-
co wedding with a touch of rustic. Being outdoors, guests can soak
up the picturesque view of the hills and enjoy the feeling of being in
the countryside. It is a venue of humble origins with the ability to be
transformed into a truly magical experience.

CAPACITY: 60 – 120

AVANT-GARDE RESTAURANT
The fine dining Avant-Garde Restaurant offers an effortless blend
of contemporary style and discreet opulence. Complete with an
aquarium, chandeliers and a hand-painted ceiling, it is a magnifi-
cent setting with room for a fabulous party. With views of the wine
cellar and vodka distillery, this venue will go a long way to creating a
unique and elegant wedding experience.

CAPACITY: 60 – 80

THE GRAND HALL
The Grand Hall at the Conference Centre is a versatile blank canvas
that gives couples carte blanche to transform the space into a vision
of their making. The glass floor-to-ceiling wall that runs the length
of the hall offer an exceptional view of the gleaming steel cellar,
adding a luxurious contemporary touch to the larger-than-life
celebratory mood.

CAPACITY: 80 – 300

Hazendal Wine Estate: A destination for all your journeys.

Life is full of journeys. You are about to embark on one of the most
important ones. Let Hazendal make it one to remember.

Hazendal offers couples a distinct wedding venue that blends 300
years of heritage with natural winelands beauty and contemporary
design. This combination of Cape Dutch and modern architec-
ture is the perfect canvas on which discerning lovers can add their
signature touch. The exquisite estate offers a range of exceptional
wedding venues in which to celebrate a lasting union and to create
an unforgettable event. Take your vows in Hazendal’s architecturally
designed Pavilion that floats above water, framed by the magnificent
views of the Bottelary Hills and Simonsberg. Or, host your wedding
in a more informal outdoor style in Hazendal’s heritage Kraal.
Couples wanting a glamorous and luxurious celebration can choose
the fine-dining Avant-Garde Restaurant or the Grand Hall at the
Conference Centre.

Wonderful

Wedding
Wishlist

T
he Wonderful Wish List – your Registry
The good, the bad and the, well, not-so-ugly side to setting up your
Registry.
REGISTRY’S are like taking a vote. They can be quite fraught
with politics from all angles - you, me and Dupreez. Everyone has
something to say including your mom in law wanting that silver set
or nylon drapes. So who is your favourite party (yes, that’s the two
of you)? Who is right and who is wrong? Which preferences do the
parties favour e.g. kitchen or camping?
PS. Did I mention it is not tacky to have a registry? Avoid receiving
duplicate or bad taste ornamental ducks for your wall by guiding
your family and friends in the right direction.
Creating a registry could end up with the two of you head-bang-
ing over what you thought would be easy choices. So far it’s been
smooth sailing… the ocean is about to get quite wild.
So let’s avoid the pitfalls where we can. Here are some tips to keep
the ocean in (creative) control and not go into panic stations mode,
influenced by OTT, over-enthusiasm and insistence of each party’s
dream tool or liquidiser. Given the digital world, you can also get all
too easily side-tracked.
Make a list
Before you take on Amazon for their global registries and free
shipping, or the local stores the touchy feely way with the bar code
zappers, make a list. Yes, both of you and keep in check your needs
versus wants to eliminate any political outburst.
The second consideration is to give your friends and family price
options – they are already spending money on your wedding such
as transport, accommodation and new clothes perhaps, so please
bear in mind their respective financial situations.
On a slightly different note have you thought about the before
– your wedding and the after, domestic bliss? Think about your
wedding cuisine and liquor

before heading into home ware. Will the venue be Experts suggest offering both options to your
supplying everything you want or can you bring in guests, starting online to do your research and
a few cases of that imported Prosecco? These could to check that you haven’t overlooked a particular
be needs if your budget is tight, so consider if this item. A good way to start with online resources
should go on your registry or if they could go into is to browse Amazon, MyRegistry or Zola being a
the File 13 (want) file. universal registry platform.
Heading back into domestic bliss, go through each It is important to note that you must steer clear of
room and see what needs replacing or what is over-or under-registering for items. Think guest
missing. Or perhaps your master bedroom needs list. Add to this relatives and friends overseas. Will
a complete facelift so consider new ideas. Mir- they want to send you gifts? Will some contribute
rors, lampshades, cushions, storage units, sheets, to a group fund or buy outlandishly expensive
pillows, wall hangings... the list could be endless items? Be the mature adult you now need to
so please once again, keep in check your need vs become (even if you still feel like a teenager in
want lists. love). Set realistic expectations otherwise those
Now you have itemised anything from R200 to R10 Honeymoon blues could turn into a dark shade of
000 for a new double door, water dispensing fridge. charcoal.
Have you thought of setting up Wedding fund? This Be wary of seasonal items. These could be out of
can also contribute to your honeymoon air tickets, stock when your guest wants to purchase it for
massages on the beach, game drives or dinners at you, so be sure to check with the online company
your hotel. All of this can be integrated into your or in-store person. The same goes for sensation-
registry wish list. al styles and quirky colours and patterns– these
Now it is time to set up your registry. Do you do it items are sure to last you a long time so the fad
online or in-person? of the day could be a rather dodgy option. Your
Online is naturally the new way to go however collective tastes will change. It is time to rethink
you won’t have the benefit of seeing the product that avocado bath set and the Picasso carpet.
first hand. Is it as big as you think; are the colours Here’s to your wish list! Happy shopping! May all
accurate, does it have a guarantee, what is their parties win.
returns policy?

Photographer+ Lindi Meyer

9 SUMMER WEDDING

MISTAKES TO AVOID

NO-NO’s FOR SUMMERTIME CELEBRATIONS

N Not enough cold refreshments
w that summer is on its way, undoubtedly many couples out there will be gearing up
for their summer weddings. We’re here to help ensure that you’re fully prepared for what the day will In addition to the main meal, you also want to have desserts that reflect the weather and
bring. Here are theo 9 summer wedding mistakes to avoid at all costs. it would be a big mistake not having a few options for your guests to choose from to cool
themselves down. You could consider hiring a pop up bar that serves cool and refreshing
Long heavy dresses for the bridesmaids drinks like margheritas and mojitos. Your guests will love how quirky this is and everyone loves
a fruit cocktail.
Wearing a wedding dress or bridesmaid dress can generally be quite heavy and they can run quite hot
due to the layers of fabric. If you’ve got a few gals walking down the aisle with you as your bridesmaids, Another, more child-friendly option would be to have ice lollies and ice creams on hand for
you may want to consider choosing dresses that are quite light for your summer wedding. Thick and your guests. You could consider buying your own and having them on ice, or hiring an ice
long dresses will only make your bridesmaids too hot in the summer sun, so consider their feelings and cream pop up stand for the day. This will bring a fun carnival feel to your wedding.
comfort and choose lighter fabrics or shorter styles.
Having your ceremony at the hottest part of the day
Lack of air conditioning or fans
In South Africa, the hottest part of the day tends to be in the afternoon. What you definitely
Obviously if you’re marrying in a beautiful venue, you’ll likely have access to air conditioning. Generally, do not want to do is to make your guests arrive at this part of the day for your wedding. They
you shouldn’t need to worry about it with venues with modern facilities, however you probably should don’t want to be crammed into a small chapel or sitting exposed in the hot summer sun as
double check if this is a concern. If you’re not marrying in a venue, but marrying in a marquee or you exchange your vows. Consider having your ceremony at cooler parts of the day if you’re
outdoors, then provide your guests with either paper or motorised fans for them to use. They’ll be hugely marrying in summer. Consider the morning and then opt for a wedding breakfast reception.
grateful! Or opt for the late afternoon and take advantage of the beautiful sunset.

Make guests sit or stand outside without shade Sparkler exits and candles

In general, we think it’s quite a big faux pas to leave some of your guests without a seat on your wedding Many couples love to indulge in having beautiful candles to add ambience to their wedding.
day. But it is especially bad if the weather is hot and there is no shade. Consider your guests’ comfort The problem with candles in hot weather is that they add heat.
when you’re planning where to have your ceremony or reception as if they’re directly in the sun and the
day is very hot, you may end up with some very burnt or very grumpy guests. Being around fire will probably make your guests be feeling the heat more than they’d like to.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t have ambience. You could instead of candles opt for solar
Not enough water lighting and lanterns. The lanterns can be placed around your reception area and will give off
the same kind of glow that a candle will. You could also opt for fairy lights to give the magical
At your summer wedding, it is imperative that your guests have access to water. You don’t want any of woodland glow that you might be going for.
your guests suffering from dehydration, getting any migraines, or suffering from heatstroke. Think about If you can’t let go of the idea of having candles, then perhaps mix and match your lighting
their health and happiness and provide lots of ice cold water for them to enjoy. options. Have some lanterns so you can have less candles, all so your guests don’t feel like
they’re being surrounded by fire.
A strict dress code
At the end of the day, the above are only suggestions. If you want to have your guests sitting in
Getting married in the middle of summer will not be great for guests who have been told that the dress the sun because the weather isn’t too crazy hot or you do want the big sit down dinner, then
code is formal. You may want to consider going for a smart casual dress code instead or not writing go for it! It’s your wedding after all. You may just want to mix and match your options so your
a dress code at all on the invitations. This will mean your guests will show up in clothes they feel is guests are comfortable too, like offering ice cream for dessert after a big sit down meal.
appropriate for the weather and be comfortable and happy.

Having a heavy meal

When it comes to summer, not many of us want to sit down and have a big meal. This tends to be what
occurs at weddings, but you may want to consider doing something different. You could consider going
for a buffet where guests pick and choose what food they wish to eat. This is also great for people with
dietary

84 | Wedding Essentials

Memories to Remember

The Perfect Function Venue for any occasion;
Weddings, Birthday Celebrations, Anniversaries, Corporate Events,

Conferences, Baby Showers and Reunions

028 316 3582 / 082 359 5608
[email protected]

www.weddings-classroom.co.za
Follow us on Facebook for Lunch Specials and Exciting Events!

Wedding Essentials | 85

Frame by Frame An Interview with
Snowflake PhotographyKarla is a young passionate photographer from Johannesburg, South
tional cost to me for the assistant ? 9- What exactly will you shoot on the day, can you give me a rundown
Africa. Having the pleasure of doing something she has a passion for in your expertopinion as to what is the most important pictures to take
::photography! to ensure that the memoriesare cherished forever.
A: We start with prep sessions of the bride and groom, portraits and
Karla – love for photography started with photographing her doll group photos. There after the ceremony and family photos at the chapel
house with my dad's film camera when she was 5 years old and that is usually. Bridal party photos and couple photos and then the reception.
when she fell in love with photography for the first time. It was some- We capture the whole day and every piece of the day is important as it
thing magical to her ,she ,could freeze moments in time and capture will be the memories you have for the rest of your life.
those special moments in every image - . After finishing her studies 10 - How long will it be till we receive our photo – also how will you
she met some amazing photographers that slowly introduced her to provide the photos will it be on disk , and on USB , and then in the
more of the photography world and so her love for photography grew album of our choice or does this depend ohe package we choose .
even more and so did her passion . A: My contract states 6 weeks after the final payment you will receive
She started Snowflake Photography when she was a student and over your images. Usually I try and give then to you sooner. I also love
the years it grew into a well l established photography company. sharing a photo here and there while I’m busy with your editing. You
1 - How far in advance do we need to book you . receive your photographs on a USb stick and depending on the package
A: The sooner the better, but I do take last min bookings if I have you take, you will receive a wedding album and parent albums that will
availability be designed by me and you will have a chance to make any changes. We
2- What is your photographic style. have a few cover options for the album. I will shame some samples with
A: Natural, elegant and captures emotions you if we meet for a coffee.
3- What is your photographic background and how 11 - As the photographer chosen, do you keep a set of back up images
many weddings have you done ,Ifyou could choose of our wedding ,and do you charge extra for reprints .
one that stands out for you what would be and why . A: Yes I do keep a backup of your wedding photos, but I always suggest
A: I studies photography and received a Diploma. I have been in the that my clients also makes a backup.
industry full time for 5 years now and I love every moment of it. I 12- Will you be putting our photos online for your social media purpos-
will; have to say the wedding I did on the 21st of September 2019. es , if we choosenot for you to do this would that be a problem , as we
The couple and I walked a 2 year path together and capturing their would like to have our imagesfist before it goes live on any social media
day was so special because I was more involved with small things A: I like to do a social media sneak peek of your wedding photos. This is
4- How many camera people and cameras will be operating on the usually highlights of the day. Most of my clients love to see a few while
they wait for the rest. If you don’t want any images on social media, that
Qday and will you beworking with an assistant and is there an addi- is 100% ok with me as well. I will still send you a sneak peek to enjoy
:; - Money Matters –
13 :The Terms & Conditions of appointing you as our wedding photog-
rapher when willwe receive the contract.
A: It depends on the package you choose. Our best selling package A: You will receive my contract with the formal quote or at our coffee
includes 2 Photographers and an assistant to help the day. meeting. To avoid any problems or legal issues, I don’t accept any
deposits without the signed contract.
5- Most wedding photographers offer a range of packages aimed at
different budgets,what are yours and how do they differ from one to 14 .1 Do you accept payments in installations, and is there a deposit
another . required to bookyou for our set date
6-How will you (and any assistants) be dressed on the day? A: I do have a monthly payment plan available. The other option is a
A: We will be dressed smart casual. I usually ask what the clients 50% deposit and the remaining 50% is payable 3 days after the wedding
prefer, otherwise we will al dress in black or dark clothing
15- Do you carry backup equipment for on the day
7 How do you make the bride and groom feel relaxed on the day – so A: I always have a backup equipment with me on the day.
that you can get the best photos to capture those special moments
and if so how do you do this , what is your secret ? 16- what is the backup plan if you are unable to shoot my wedding for
A: Ohh my secret is staying a secret;). I give free engagement session anyunexpected reason.
with the wedding packages so that I get a chance to get to know A: I will always have a photographer on speed dial for a backup. I have
you and see what makes you comfortable. No one is the same, so a group of photographer that I trust. I will inform my clients ASAP if
it depends on the client, but usually just being anything happens or changes. I have never had any problems, “touch
friendly, honest and building a friendship with them makes people wood.”
comfortable. If the couple trusts me, they are usually comfortable
17 – Should it rain on the day of the wedding , what sort of style will
8Do you have a cancellation /or refund policy and if so how does it you choose toshoot and will you advise us accordingly as to how we can
work and howmuch notice do I as bride have to give if something make the best of thes ituation in order to get memorable phots of our
goes wrong ? wedding day
A: I have a contract that will cover both the couple and me as a pho- A: If it rains on your wedding day it is a BIG BLESSING! I will work
tographer when it comes to cancellation. I have a 30% cancelation around it and I always have a few umbrellas in my car. There is so much
non-refundable deposit, but it all depends on the situation and the we can do with rain, depending on how keen the couple is. Most ven-
reason for the cancellation ues also have some beautiful indoors locations that I will be using then.

86 | Wedding Essentials

We Capture Every Moment

CONTACT
Karla - 0827184636 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.snowflakephotography.co.za

CONTACT
Karla - 0827184636 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.snowflakephotography.co.za

Wedding Essentials | 87

a REAL Wedding of Alicia & Greg Alexandra at Cussonia Crest 21 /09/2019

88 | Wedding Essentials

Real Wedding
Photography

by

Snowflake
Photography

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind,
And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind.”

Wedding Essentials | 89

90 | Wedding Essentials

Wedding Essentials | 91

ECO-FRIEDLY WEDDINGS

SIMPLE WAYS TO KEEP THE EARTH

HAPPY ON YOUR BIG DAY

Having a wedding theme is all the rage these days, but what if you don’t Another way to stay on the eco-friendly path would be to get a vintage dress. This is
easy enough to do. Pick your favourite era and grab a beauty from one of the many
care for themes, only the environment? That’s easy. Make the environment your vintage wedding dress boutiques cropping up around the country.
“theme” by using these simple ideas to create your perfect eco-friendly wedding.
Lastly, if you have your heart set on a new dress then don’t let your environ-
Vintage furniture mental values stop you from getting what you want. You can easily improve
how eco-friendly that dress is based on where it was made. Just like the
For couples who are having a DIY wedding or who are trying to spend less, buying flowers, get something locally designed and made. You’ll be wearing some-
cheap plastic chairs can often be cheaper than hiring some out from a company. The thing extremely unique, something bespoke and if it’s local then it’s travel
problem with plastic chairs is that they’re not very environmentally friendly. So a footprint is low meaning you can sleep easy that you made an ethical choce.
good solution would be to purchase mismatched, second hand, vintage chairs from
charity shops, online, anywhere, to make the eco-friendly message speak loud and Zero waste catering
clear. If your budget is not as tight, you could hire furniture from a company who
will either have matching sets or have mismatched ones. It all just depends on your Catering is always a point of contention for us environment lovers and warriors.
aesthetic and budget. Wedding catering tends to mean waste. There tends to be things left on people’s plates,
there is often more food than required and there will always be leftover cake. A simple
Locally-sourced flowers way to make sure there is no waste is to have a buffet, finger food or hire food trucks.
A buffet means any leftover food hasn’t been contaminated and can be eaten later. And
Something important to consider when you plan your wedding is where the flowers the same goes for finger food. Food trucks cook their food fresh so no wastage will
are from. If you’re getting your flowers from somewhere overseas, is that really come from that option either. When it comes to cake, consider sending some home
the best thing for the environment? Eco-loving babes should definitely buy locally with each guest in individual recycled cake boxes so that none gets left uneaten. You
sourced flowers for their bouquets and centrepieces to make sure they’re sticking can even freeze cake if you still have leftovers.
with their environmental goals. Plus, locally-sourced flowers will be cheaper than
imported ones anyway, so win-win! Vegetarian food

Cruelty-free makeup & hair products As we all know by now, eating meat isn’t great for the environment. So, if you’re keen to
really make a stance at your wedding, you can opt for vegetarian catering. Vegetarian
Another simple and easy way to stay on track with your eco-friendly wedding is to food is delicious and healthy and often when people who are big meat-eaters eat
choose makeup artists and a hairdresser who will use cruelty-free makeup and hair really good vegetarian food, they love it. So you need not fret that your meat-loving
products. This includes products that are vegan, are palm oil free and weren’t tested grandfather will complain. If you’re committed to your eco-friendly goal, then a
on animals. You could either find someone who only uses products like this or take a vegetarian menu is the obvious choice. Many catering companies are vegetarian these
little shopping trip and purchase the products you want your beauty team to use. Just days so you’ll have a range of choices for your animal-free feast.
ask them first before you launch in so you’re all on the same page.
Recycled paper invitations
Fairtrade diamonds
Recycled paper invitations are a great way to keep on the eco-friendly theme. You
If you’re newly engaged and you and your partner plan to pick the ring together can get recycled paper in a range of colours and textures from rustic looking to even
then consider getting conflict free diamonds. Many retailers sell ethically sourced beautiful plain white invitation paper. Recycled doesn’t have to mean rustic, so shop
diamonds now so they’re very easy to come by. This obviously also stands for any around and you’ll find the perfect eco-friendly paper for your invites.
diamond jewellery you wish to wear at your wedding.
Hire rather than purchase
A local, used or vintage dress
Depending on your budget, hiring items for your wedding is a really great way to stay
A lot of people say the most important thing about a wedding is the dress. The on the eco-friendly track. Many people buy for their weddings and then end up throw-
problem with wedding dresses is that many brides wear them once and then end ing out table cloths and the cheap chairs they got on sale. So if you want to minimise
up either keeping them perfectly preserved for the rest of their lives or they donate waste, then shop around for hire companies so you don’t need to worry about what
them to charity. This means that there are an abundance of wedding dresses sitting in your purchases are doing to the environment.
charity shops waiting to be used again. If you like the idea of reusing things instead
of buying new, then why not take a look at some charity shops? We’re not suggesting

92 | Wedding Essentials

Wedding Essentials | 93

a REAL Wedding of Robbie & Camilia Coetzee Askari Lodge & Spa 2/08/2018

Who made your dress / where did you buy it from
*I literally did not have a dress until 2 weeks before my wedding. It was made by the wonderful Gerrit Pie-
naar, that captured my vision perfectly. I was not able to find a dress, like mine already ready for purchase
anywhere.
Who made your husband’s suite / where did you buy it from
*Robbie has had a great relationship with Smart Guy suit hire for years, to it was the obvious option for him.
Who made your cake

W*DeevdindeinCgakEesssentials
“WWhoildlidyyoouurbfleowmerys banrdiddeécsomr aid?” Box

*It was a DIY project, mainly designed by Camilia’s Dad Pieter du Plooy, with the help of family, everyone in

OCarmdieliar’ssftaomiGlyoisTvehryrocrueagthive.
Essential Media
94 | W0ed2d1in0g E0s7sen4ti3al3s 1 or [email protected]

A Wedding
Unique As
You Are

at

Askari Lodge & Spa

Any tip / advice that you would give to the bride and/or groom for on the day

“Don’t sweat the small stuff, it will make you loose focus about what is really import
on your big day- you are making a promise to the one you love, the day is not about
the wedding, but about your future together” people tend to make the event more
important than the actual event.

Wedding Essentials | 95

ARRICLE

96 | Wedding Essentials 58 Komatie Road, Emmarentia,Randburg

+27 (0)84 880 7869 /+27 (0)84 322 3339
www.lovogliobridal.co.za

58 Komatie Road, Emmarentia,Randburg

+27 (0)84 880 7869 /+27 (0)84 322 3339
www.lovogliobridal.co.za

Wedding Essentials | 97

Venue Advise Grasslands

Conference andA Q& A Interview with the Venue Manager 5.What would you say is important when choosing the food at a venue,
and do you have menu options for different wedding occasions, such
Aneline Mulder as a breakfast wedding, lunch and evening weddings? One of the main
benefits of having your wedding at Grasslands is that we are extremely
Wedding Venue1.First of all, how would you best describe your venue and what do youflexible when it comes to wedding themes. We have various options to
make up your wedding menu and we are open to adding alternative
love most about it, what makes it so unique? Grasslands Conference options that is not on our standard menu. We also provide our clients
and Wedding Venue is situated adjacent to Bethal, Mpumalanga on a with customised wedding menus should they have specifically themed
game farm. Therefore, you would get the farm atmosphere, but we are weddings or dietary requirements. Every wedding that we plan is
also conveniently close to town for easy access. One of the main benefits unique and every couple gets specialised treatment.
of being on a farm is that you have lots of space to play with. This means 6.When looking for a venue, would you say it is best viewing a venue
that we can host large weddings while still having the luxury of being with family or without family – with the bride and groom? - And why?
on a wedding venue with manicured gardens. I would say it depends on the bride and groom and their family. Family
2.In your opinion, why is choosing the right venue important? Both for can complicate the decision-making process when their views are
the guests and the Bride and Groom to be. The right venue is important completely different from those of the bride and groom. I would suggest
as it makes the wedding planning so much easier. Often couples think that if the bride a groom wants to bring someone with to tour the ven-
they are cutting down on the budget by doing everything themselves, ue, it is someone who knows them well, knows what their budget is and
but they are actually exchanging a stress less day for an extremely stress- know their likes and dislikes.
ful day. At Grasslands we aim to do as much as possible for the bride 7.What should a couple consider while choosing a venue when it comes
and groom as well as their bridal party and wedding guests. This way to the number of guests invited? Many wedding venues have minimum
they can enjoy the day without worrying about when their suppliers will and maximum capacity requirements. When considering a venue, it is
arrive or if things are being done the way that they want it. important to ensure that there are no limitations when it comes to how
3.What sets your venue apart from other venues, when it comes to many guests can be at your wedding. It is also important to have peace
choose a theme for your wedding? Grasslands has a chapel which can of mind that the venue can cater for the quantity of guests that you
host up to 300 wedding guests, an elegant banquet hall with enough would like to invite.
room for 200 guests as well as a luxury guesthouse with 17 rooms. 8. Do you think a couple should keep accommodation in mind
Our inhouse décor and setting can suit most wedding themes and this when they book a wedding venue- and do you offer this to the guest?
helps to keep the budget as low as possible. We love to see couples get Yes, definitely. The last thing you want is that your guests are having to
married, and we really aim to work around our client’s budget to ensure leave early or driving after your wedding. Grasslands has luxury accom-
they have their dream wedding without it looking like they’re having a modation walking distance from the banquet hall and guests find this as
budget wedding. Our staff and chef are excellent at what they do. Most a huge benefit when booking our venue.
of our staff have been doing weddings for over 15 years, they love what 9. As we know, weather is sometimes unpredictable, with that
they do, and it is reflected in their work. in mind, what should a couple keep in mind when choosing the venue?
4.What would you say should a couple consider when choosing a venue And what can you offer the Bride and Groom to be to keep their wed-
for their big day? ding day perfect? We have the option of an indoor or outdoor wedding.
Location is very important. The venue should not only be close to the When planning an outdoor wedding, we always have a Plan B should
couple’s homes, but also close to homes of the wedding guests. Many the weather not be favourable. We keep a close eye on the weather fore-
guests might be travelling from far and it must be easy to find the cast during the weeks leading up to the wedding to ensure that there
wedding venue. are not any surprises on that day. Grasslands has spectacular sunsets
Services and Amenities is a must! The right venue must have enough and we always hope for a couple of clouds in the sky to make the photos
parking for your guests, a generator in case of a power failure, emergen- more beautiful than planned!
cy water supply, a certified kitchen that is able to successfully prepare 10.What is your favourite part about hosting weddings? We have many
high quality meals, an onsite wedding planner that is able to manage favourite moments at weddings. The moment the bride and groom
the events of the wedding, professionally trained staff to ensure you and make eye contact as she walks down the aisle is definitely a highlight
your guests are treated like royalty. Quality venues always have a set of of every wedding. We also find the first dance, and father and daughter
standard table linen, cutlery and crockery, and tables and chairs that dance very special. We really have the best bridal couples and wedding
would cover most wedding décor. guests at our wedding venue. They always shower us with compliments,
Food and Catering has to be memorable. One of the main aspects of and we are reminded that we don’t just do this because it is a job, but
because this is our passion!
Qa wedding that wedding guests always talk or compliment you about
the main menu.
is whether the food was delicious or memorable. Guests will always
remember if there was ample food or if something on the menu tasted
delicious or different. It is also important to choose a venue that can
cater for any unusual dietary requirements that you or your guests
might have and that these special requests are of the same standard as

98 | Wedding Essentials

An Intimate Wedding At Grasslands

INTIMATE, ELEGANT AND UNIQUE

The Grasslands Elegant Ballroom can comfortably host weddings up to 200 guests. The spacious deck
overlooks manicured gardens and koi pond. Our professional team has years of experience arranging
spectacular events and is able to ensure that your dream day runs effortlessly for everyone involved.
CONTACT US
34 Orchid Avenue, Bethal, 2310 | 082 444 8364 | [email protected]

Wedding Essentials | 99

100 | Wedding Essentials