Glasshouse wedding venues ensure that you get the best of the outdoors while you have the comforts of being indoors. South Africa has some incredible wedding venues, particularly those on vineyards. However, the country boasts some stunning glasshouse venues too.
Here are four of our favourites:
Die Woud
Where: Caledon, in the Overberg Western Cape. About 113kms east of Cape Town’s city centre.
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This venue makes you feel as though you’re one with nature. The glasshouse is nestled between oak trees and wattle forests. From inside the venue you’ll hear the calming sounds of birds chirping from the trees and water running through a stream nearby. A perfect location to ensure a relaxed and classy wedding day.
Accommodating 140 guests, and offering both indoor and outdoor facilities, there is not much more you could ask for of this venue.
Burkleigh House
Where: 327 Pine Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194
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This venue is perfect for a smaller, more intimate wedding. The roofed glasshouse conservatory was completed in February of this year, which means the venue is brand new and hardly been used! So you’ll be one of the first to have your wedding there.
The lush gardens which surround the venue are renowned and make for the most tranquil backdrop you could ever imagine.
Belair Pavilion
Where: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, 7624
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The roof may not be glass, but the glass walls allow for more than enough light to enter the venue. Situated on a country estate, the venue gives you class, nature, culture and more.
Belair Pavilion is surrounded by several wine estates, providing you with an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Positioned in the exquisite garden, the venue is covered in evergreen star jasmine. The view of the mountains from the garden ensures that you have a stunning backdrop for your nuptials.
The Conservatory
Where: Klein Kastaiing, Happy Valley Road, Franschhoek, South Africa, Franschhoek, Cape Town, 7691
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This award-winning venue is set up between vineyards and oak trees and is on the bank of he Kastaiing River. The Conservatory floods with light and allows guests to enjoy the picturesque views of Franschhoek, as they sip their drinks and chat in the venue.
Image: Instagram / Die Woud
I recently found myself planning my cousin’s bachelorette party. Let me tell you something, there’s a lot of pressure to make sure that the bride and her guests…
“The devil is in the details,” and boy, can planning a wedding sometimes feel like taking a quick trip to hell if you don’t have the right support. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how stressful planning your impending nuptials can be, but with so many details to think about, some things can slip through the cracks.
One detail that’s not always necessary, but that’s great to include if you’re looking to have your guests “ooh” and “ahh” is the centrepiece. An interesting fact is that a table centrepiece is often overlooked by brides and planners.
Who wants to talk over a ginormous centrepiece, right? But despite a few cons, a table centrepiece is a fantastic way to elevate your wedding theme, adding a little je ne sais quois to your already incredible event.
Go big or go home you say? If you’re looking to add a little drama to your wedding – with decor, that is – adding a tall centrepiece can be a great way to add that pop you’re looking for.
Take what resonates and toss what doesn’t! Here are a few tall centrepiece ideas that will steal your heart as they have mine:
A drama that’s subtle
A dramatic centrepiece that offers a subtle touch. Bridal couples looking to keep things simple when their guests sit down will certainly love this minimalist geometric design. Keep it elegant with gold and floral trimmings.
A reception by candlelight
There’s something cosy yet alluring about a candle and flame. After all, don’t all romances start after an intimate candlelit dinner? This amazing design keeps things simple, using levels to add a subtle drama that’s not too much while the addition of greenery and flowers beautifully tie things together.
A whimsical addition
I love the idea of bringing nature into the mix, and this tall centrepiece is certainly perfect for nature lovers looking to bring the outdoors inside. Wisteria can be a great addition for bridal couples looking to add more romance to an already romantic setting. The best part? Your guests will definitely be able to see and talk to each other.
Keep it traditional
Looking to make a statement but hoping to keep it traditional? This floral design, which is mixed with classic white blooms and pops of purple and pink will provide a striking arrangement while allowing you to stick to something more traditional.
Fancy grass
I have a confession to make. I’m a little obsessed with pampas grass. There’s something so subtly elegant and fancy about it… it must be the feather-like texture that this plant offers. Nonetheless, it can be a gorgeous addition to your guests’ table. Similar to this design, all you need is a tall stand and as many pampas grass as you can dream of. They’re also pretty affordable to purchase, so we’re winning!
There’s nothing wrong with simple
Sometimes it’s okay to let your gorgeous venue do all the talking. This simple table centrepiece adds a little light and romance and ensures that the decor does all the talking. While there’s nothing wrong with going big, this design proves that simplicity can often speak louder.
Feature Image: Elizabeth Wells Photography
One thing that we love the most about honeymooning in Africa is that there are so many incredible options to choose from. However, there’s nothing more idyllic than…
What’s that epic phrase from Interstellar?
“Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space.”
One incredible couple is giving a new meaning to this quote, proving that not even war can stop love.
Anastasia and Anton Sokolov from Ukraine got married in a country that is currently under attack due to the invasion of Russia.
The video of the couple getting married tugs at the heartstrings and really puts a few things in perspective. The newlyweds said their “I dos” in a subway against a historical building that appears to have been destroyed by the war.
Anton and Anastasia have no plans to go on a honeymoon anytime soon. One day, they want to go somewhere with a beach and palm trees. Before that happens, there is a war to win, and brutal days ahead. But yesterday, there was hope, and beauty, and love inside the ugliness. pic.twitter.com/4WNT42KfiE
— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) April 4, 2022
Also read: A roaring proposal! A lion joined this Cape Town couple’s engagement
The couple shared this magical moment with civilians and journalists who managed to join in and capture this unusual moment.
No wedding cake, no A-line fitted wedding dress, and no wedding band – just a simple affair that celebrates love, especially during a time that is filled with so much sadness and destruction.
The bride wore a cream-like silk dress with a layer of tulle fabric that ensured she looked like a bride – not forgetting the veil! Her beaming face was framed with a gorgeous flower crown that paired perfectly with the bouquet of tulips in her hand.
The groom looked handsome yet casual. He wore a loose-fitting white shirt and a black jacket and trousers.
While it may not be the ideal setting or time, this incredible moment showcases that love has no reason, no boundaries and no distance.
While a couple were in the midst of a marriage proposal, a few seconds after the bride-to-be said ‘yes’, a lion stepped onto the scene to join in…
The ultimate showcase of South Africa’s best in the wedding industry is back as a live event.
The Wedding Expo will be taking place from 6&& August 2022 at the Heartfelt Arena in Centurion, the perfect setting to welcome back the thousands of brides and grooms who want to connect in-person with leading wedding industry professionals.
Amanda Cunningham, founder of The Wedding Expo, is proud to announce that Specialised Exhibitions – a division of world-renowned Montgomery Group, will head up this event which promises an exciting and innovative two days.
Specialised Exhibitions is a company with over 50 years’ experience and a reputation synonymous with innovation, integrity and professionalism.
“We engaged, we proposed and we said ‘Yes’ to The Wedding Expo,” says a smiling Charlene Hefer, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions. “It’s an exciting opportunity for all of us. With our diverse, dynamic and experienced team, our forward-thinking approach and the integration of latest technologies, we will bring a vibrant energy to the expo in full support of the well-known and successful brand.”
“We are really excited about the changes and innovations that will be in place for the expo,” says Hefer. “There will be lots of new features, competitions and promotions in addition to the many informative talks and workshops. An experience shared with loved ones, it will be a super fun two days of fashion, buying and bubbly.”
“Globally we are seeing the exhibition and events industry successfully re-open after almost two years of restrictions,” Hefer continues. “Face-to-face interactions have been greatly missed, as they facilitate the building of relationships and trust, enable the engagement of all five senses – to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the products, and also satisfy the gregarious and social nature of people.
For the many brides, grooms, families and friends who want to meet a host of suppliers to help plan the big day, the wedding expo is the place to be.”
Cunningham agrees, “Exhibitors are only too pleased to assist with wedding planning such as giving great advice on venues, catering requirements, flowers and decor, dresses, invitations, honeymoons, legal requirements, and much more! I am constantly astounded at the incredible talent showcased in the South African Bridal Industry.
This is an entrepreneur driven industry and the service providers are right up there with the best of the best on the international platform. I have loved working with and promoting these incredibly talented individuals and businesses.”
Whether you are an entrepreneur in the wedding industry looking for brand exposure, sales leads and the opportunity to network and collaborate with other wedding professionals, or if you are a bride or groom ready to plan your special day, then save the date for The Wedding Expo, 6 & 7 August 2022.
Pictures: Supplied / Abbi Cooley Photography