Venues Archives | Page 6 of 8

In Advice

Tropical wedding decor inspiration

November 20, 2019 No Comments

If you’re getting married in paradise, why not have your wedding decor reflect it? Tropical wedding decor is a great way to bring the island to your wedding, even if you’re not there. Incorporating natural elements and lots of colour gives your wedding a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for the laid-back couple.

Invites:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B47BPVEAHa9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Aisle:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3emeXXA5sk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Table numbers:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Cja6Gn_j8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Table decor:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B45kkAwocww/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Coconut drinks:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B441S2JDse-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Chill zone:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tqZiWFQ3j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bouquet:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A_MhzFAo-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Getaway car:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A6dqTKttW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Surfboard drinks menu:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-8dXkDBwX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Floral chandelier:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-ErabhXI4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Photo backdrop:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B48xQkrAoR5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a hotel wedding

November 13, 2019 No Comments

Hotel weddings are popular venues for a reason. Hotels are generally beautifully decorated and have the facilities to cater for weddings. It is essentially a one-stop shop, making it one of the most convenient venues to choose from. Of course, as with any wedding venue, there are some limitations.

Take a look at the pros and cons of this venue type to see if it would work for you:

The location

The beauty of this venue is that you can have both your ceremony and reception in one place. Hotel venues are usually already pretty and elegant and so you will not have to do much decorating.

However, if you would like to decorate, you might be limited in terms of what you are allowed to do in the space. You will also have to accept the fact that this venue means that your wedding will have a standard ballroom look and you might not be able to have much personalisation.

If you do decide to have your wedding in a hotel, they will most likely book rooms for the bridal party and groomsmen to get ready in. Guests that have travelled for the wedding will be able to stay in the hotel and won’t have to worry about transport to and from the venue, plus, the hotel might even give a group booking rate.

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A post shared by United With Love (@unitedwithlove) on Nov 9, 2019 at 6:51am PST

The facilities

Hotels will have plenty of parking space, bathrooms and the ability to house a lot of people with ease. There will be built-in sound systems for all audio requirements. The staff are experienced in dealing with lots of people at large events which will keep things running smoothly. You won’t have to rent any furniture or cutlery or crockery as they will have more than enough for your event.

But then again, this leaves little room to personalise your wedding. if you want your wedding to be unique, you might feel constrained by the limited options of this kind of venue.

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A post shared by NyaLi 【安雅】 (@nyalimusic) on Nov 5, 2019 at 9:42pm PST

The logistics

While the convenience of hotel weddings is appealing, it also means that you might be limited by hotel rules. Since the venue is in a working hotel, your wedding might have a time limit as the noise might bother other guests. You could potentially have to use the hotel bar for drinks and their catering service instead of being able to choose your own.

Another negative is that hotel weddings are generally quite expensive. Even if the hotel offers wedding packages, these might limit you even further in choosing your own photographer or videographer as you might have to use the ones that come with the package.

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A post shared by Bespoke Wedding Planning (@bespokeweddingplanning) on Nov 12, 2019 at 12:23pm PST

While you might save on rental costs with a hotel wedding, the venue alone could be quite costly. You also run the risk of being bound by vendors approved by the hotel. at the end of the day, however, it will probably save you a lot of time and stress when you’re planning the wedding if your heart isn’t already set on specific vendors.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a barn wedding

November 7, 2019 No Comments

Have you always dreamed of having your wedding out in the farmlands? If so, you should consider looking into using a barn as your wedding venue. Barn weddings are perfect if you would like to have a rustic theme as you get the rural vibe in an indoor setting.

The location

If you are renting out a barn on a working farm, the cost will not be that high and the barn will be a blank canvas for you to decorate however you like. However, this means that you will have to rent all furniture and decor items which will bring the cost up. Another issue with the barn being on a working farm is that it is not fit to accommodate a large number of people and there will not be bathrooms nearby unless you rent.

While a barn wedding is beautiful, the work that goes into getting it ready to be used as a wedding venue could be a bit much. What many farm owners have done is actually renovate their barns to turn it into a wedding venue. This means that there will be all the basic necessities needed but the price might be significantly higher.

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A post shared by Rosemary Ridge Event Venue (@rosemaryridgeeventvenue) on Nov 6, 2019 at 11:57am PST

The vibe

What is great about this location is that it is an escape from city life and it manages to bring the outdoors in while still providing shelter and ambience. You can decorate elegantly or keep it casual. If the barn is on a working farm, it could have been used to house animals up until a day or two before your event and you will therefore need to work hard to get it cleaned so that guests with allergies don’t have any issues, and also to get rid of the smell of farm animals.

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A post shared by Wedding Photographer UK, Notts (@magdakphotography) on Nov 6, 2019 at 11:12pm PST

The logistics

Due to the fact that this is not specifically a wedding venue, there won’t be electrical outlets or plumbing which is a necessity for vendors. The venue won’t be climate controlled meaning that if your wedding is being held during the summer months, it will get very hot or if it’s in winter, very cold.

Parking is another factor to consider, while there will be space for guests to park on the grass, if you’d like to have your ceremony outside of the barn, the cars could take up valuable space.

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A post shared by K & M Barn at Lewis Farm (@kmbarnlewisfarm) on Nov 6, 2019 at 5:53am PST

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Art-deco inspired wedding decor

November 5, 2019 No Comments

Flappers, fringe and fancies, oh my. The 1920s characterised the Jazz Age, a time of lush decadence. Dubbed art-deco, this time period featured geometric shapes, mixed metallics and lots of glitz. Gatsby glamour at its finest.

As 2019 comes to a close, we are quickly approaching the new decade and will soon usher in the 2020s. Many 2020 weddings are predicted to take on a roaring 20’s theme in honour of the new decade. Here is how to do it right.

Invites:

Incorporate gold accents and geometric shapes for an invite Jay Gatsby would be proud of. Gold and royal blues are swell together and give a sleek yet decadent look perfect for the Jazz age.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4cPmXvgJel/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Venue:

A venue that features sharp angles and gold finishes will work best. A grand hall will give off the feeling of grandeur, which is exactly what you want.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B39pzH6nypp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Geometric backdrop:

This geometric backdrop perfectly nods to the angular lines of art deco.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xJRh2j1Wy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Escort cards:

Guide your guests to their seats in style with these escort cards. White and gold is effortlessly chic and the simple lettering is a more modern take on art deco.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B316aJwl_1I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Round tables:

Round tables were popular at 1920s soirée’s because they would circle the dance floor, which was the most important part of the venue. We love how this table is covered in a black glittery fabric that creates an understated opulence.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2OnlCpICrp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gold touches:

Gold was a mainstay at 1920s parties, and your wedding should be no different. Encase candles in gold vases for a modern yet romantic finish. The table numbers below make a simple statement without competing with the other decor.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B27CF1nhCk-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gold tableware:

Gold cutlery and guilded plating creates an opulent yet romantic look. Pair your cutlery with a simplistic menu to avoid overdoing your tableware.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4AU66LDuSw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Themed drinks:

The prohibition stopped nobody from drinking during 1920s America. Honour their love of alcohol by creating custom drinks featuring 1920s favourites like gin, bourbon and rum.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B21qKBfBVry/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Cake:

Black, white and gold are art-deco staples. Have your cake adorned with geometric shapes and different textures to create a dynamic finish. Gold pearls and white feathers accessorise this sweet treat perfectly.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Au0FGDsys/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Go for Gatsby:

The Great Gatsby is the most iconic text set in the roaring 20s. Make subtle hints to it with signage throughout your wedding venue.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Au8ptASrl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Pros and cons of a courthouse wedding

October 31, 2019 No Comments

Nowadays, weddings are elaborate events. However, bigger isn’t always better. Home Affairs -or courthouse weddings- are a great alternative for couples that don’t want a big fuss or simply don’t have the funds.

If you are considering having a courthouse wedding, you need to be aware of the positives and the negatives that it entails.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3z23nxJnzw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Pros

More intimate:

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to have a large amount of guests. With a courthouse wedding, you go back to basics with the people that matter. Generally at courthouse weddings, it’s just you, your partner, the officiant and two witnesses. Up to six guests are usually allowed to participate in the proceedings. Invite your best friends or family members to share in your special moment.

Cheaper:

Weddings are expensive. Many South African couples spend upwards of R70 000 – R80 000 on their big day. If you don’t have the funds, a courthouse wedding is essentially free of charge (you still have to pay for the marriage licence), leaving you to spend your money in other ways.

Little planning necessary:

With a courthouse wedding, all you really need to do is make an appointment and show up. There is no dress rehearsal, no event planner, no real planning necessary. If you’re a more chilled person that doesn’t want to be bogged down by details, this might be a great option for you.

Less stressful:

Wedding planning can be overwhelming. With vendors, schedules and seating arrangements, it can quickly become a stressful time moving around multiple elements that need to fit together. Cut out the stress by having a simple courthouse wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4L5zhWnKLM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Cons

Loved ones don’t get to witness your wedding:

Weddings are a great time for family and friends to gather together and celebrate their loved ones. What other opportunity do you get to have everyone you love under one roof on such a special occasion? With a courthouse wedding, however, there is little space for guests, as many only allow a maximum of six. Many of the people you love will thus not be present on your big day.

Location is not always pretty:

Most Home Affairs offices are not exactly aesthetically pleasing. With dull brown furniture and bare white walls, you venue can leave you begging for some vibrancy. If you want beautiful pictures and a decorated venue, a Home Affairs wedding might not meet your standards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xnyx8gtyN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

At the end of the day, your wedding day is about you. If a smaller wedding feels right, then do it. Alternatively, if you’ve always dreamed of having a big wedding then live your fantasy. There is no one-size-fits-all for weddings.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a garden wedding

October 24, 2019 No Comments

There’s nothing quite like being in a beautiful and lush environment. If you love nature and want to make use of its beauty then a garden wedding could be perfect for you. However, as with any wedding venue, there will be upsides and downsides and you will need to decide for yourself if the negatives outweigh the positives when it comes to planning a garden wedding.

The location

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A post shared by Los Willows Wedding Estate (@loswillows) on Oct 23, 2019 at 12:01pm PDT

Gardens generally have plenty of space and can therefore accommodate all your guests easily. The setting itself is already natural and beautiful and so you will not have to worry too much about decoration. You will most likely be able to have your ceremony as well as your reception in the garden which cuts out travel for yourself and your guests.

If you’re lucky and a family member or close friend has a stunning garden, they might allow you to have your wedding there and that will save you tons of money.

However, if you are planning on holding your reception in the garden, you might want to hire a marquee to protect yourself and your guests from the elements and bugs. You should also have a back up plan in case it is incredibly windy or happens to rain on the day.

If you’re looking at a public garden, it won’t be private and you may have trouble booking it during season as it will be in demand.

The vibe

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A post shared by Emma Joy The Wedding Planner (@emmajoytheweddingplanner) on Oct 24, 2019 at 12:18am PDT

A garden wedding invokes a casual vibe and is also a much more family-friendly wedding venue. Kids can run around and play without getting bored and wanting to go home and you can set up lawn games for the adults’ entertainment.

On the downside, if you’re wanting a full set up then you will most likely have to rent everything including seating, sound equipment and a power source since there won’t be any electrical outlets in a public garden. If it’s in the garden of someone’s home, you can get away with running extension cables from the house to power everything you need.

The logistics

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A post shared by Destination Wedding Planner (@theonemomentevents) on Oct 22, 2019 at 5:42am PDT

The nice part about garden weddings is that you will be free to use vendors of your choice. You might be able to find good deals with unattached vendors rather than using sponsored vendors and then having to put up with their pricing.

As with any open space, however, there is the issue of sound getting lost, especially if there is a breeze. If you’re under a marquee, then this shouldn’t be a problem.

These are just a few things to consider when you are planning a garden wedding. There are wedding venues that have garden locations within them that will have all the necessary equipment that you would need, but you might end up paying heavily for this type of venue.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a church wedding

October 22, 2019 No Comments

Having your wedding ceremony in a church or House of Worship is a beautiful thing for couples who feel connected to their religion and would like to keep religion in their marriage. Since the ceremony is in a religious setting, you will be bound by certain rules that govern the building.

The location

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A post shared by New Orleans Wedding Florist (@bellabloomsfloral) on Oct 5, 2019 at 4:50pm PDT

Churches and Houses of Worship are designed to house lots of people meaning there will be more than enough seating for your guests. Since it is indoors, you will not have to worry about the weather on the day of the ceremony. There will most likely be musical instruments that can be used during the ceremony however you might be only be allowed to play songs that are approved by the church.

The ceremony will certainly be traditional but it might not feel very personal as you might not be able to bring in your own decor and make the place unique to you.

The cost

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A post shared by Jodie Cooling Photography (@jodiecoolingphotography) on Oct 21, 2019 at 3:49am PDT

While the cost to have your ceremony in a Church is relatively low, you will end up having to pay for another location if you are wanting to have a reception after the ceremony. You also might be charged more for guests who are not members of the church.

An officiant will be included in the price which is also a bit of a save but you will not be able to choose your officiant as it will be whoever is available on the day. This can be very upsetting if you want to be married by the same person who married your parents.

The pictures

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A post shared by Couple Photography (@couple_photography_) on Oct 21, 2019 at 11:36am PDT

Despite the fact that you are limited in terms of decor, Churches are already made beautiful and so it will be a classic backdrop for your wedding photographs. The only problem that could occur is that your photos might only be from one or two angles as the photographer might not be allowed to move around the room as he/she sees fit. There is also the possibility that the Church does not allow flash inside so unless the Church has lots of windows and natural lighting, the photographs from your special day might not turn out as well as you’d hoped.

If you want your wedding to be classic and traditional, then the limitations that come with a Church wedding won’t bother you. If you’re looking for something unique, maybe find another location.

Picture: Unsplash

In Advice

The pros and cons of having a beach wedding

October 18, 2019 No Comments

Beach weddings are very popular and it’s easy to see why. The beach provides a beautiful and romantic setting and the soothing sounds of the sea add to this ambience – but how practical is a beach wedding?

Here are some points to keep in mind if you’re planning a beach wedding:

The location

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In South Africa, you can have your wedding on the beach simply by organising a permit with your local council. Permits cost between R300-R6000 depending on which beach you are looking at, the number of guests that will be attending and the complexity of the set up that you would like to achieve. You will save big in terms of location fees. However, you will have to spend on hiring furniture and decor for the ceremony as the beach is a blank canvas. On the plus side, your wedding photographer will be able to get the most beautiful shots, but just make sure that they have done beach weddings before.

The weather

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Since the setting is already so beautiful you will not need to have much decor, but remember that you are on the beach and you’re therefore exposed to the elements. This means that you might need to have a second location on option, which will be at an additional cost. You’ll also have to protect your guests from the elements – if it’s very hot, there will need to be sunscreen, water and maybe even hats for guests to wear, but if it suddenly turns cold, you might need to have blankets for guests to keep themselves warm. And although the soothing sounds of the sea make for ambient white noise, any wind that might be present could make it hard for guests to hear the ceremony.

The legalities

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Since alcohol is prohibited from beaches, this will also be a big money saver. However, if this is not what you want it’ll mean that you’ll only be able to have your ceremony on the beach and your reception will have to take place elsewhere. You’ll also need a location where you can sign your marriage certificate as it can not be done in a public space. Speaking of public spaces, there will be no privacy from beachgoers who will definitely want to have a peek at your beautiful wedding.

The accessibility

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A post shared by July e Patty Stabile (@casamentoembuzios) on Oct 15, 2019 at 1:43am PDT

If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe, then a beach wedding is a great option. The dress code will most likely be casual, which will save you and your guests a lot of grief in terms of finding outfits. But it might not be quite as relaxing when planning this wedding as there are a few things that beaches might not have. Handicap accessibility is non-existent on beaches due to the sand, and so any guests with physical handicaps will either not be able to attend or will have to have special arrangements made for them to get to the ceremony area. There will be public bathrooms, but you will not be able to control how sanitary they are. Due to the fact that it is a public space, there will only be public parking spaces available which could get filled up very quickly, leaving little parking for guests.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Venues

Go green with this sustainable SA venue

October 18, 2019 No Comments

Sustainability is the next big thing, and rightly so. There are many ways to make sure your wedding is kind to the earth. One particular South African wedding venue, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, helps you do this easily.

This farm is located just outside Citrusdal, a quiet and tranquil space set in a beautiful valley. Part of the landscape is still wild and opens to numerous views with beautiful rock formations from where you can watch stunning moon rises and have the stars put on a show just for you.

Their vision for a more sustainable village is varied and they are concentrating on the hard and soft elements of sustainability, covering aspects of social, environmental and financial health for a kinder, gentler, restorative and resilient future.

To learn more about all their current projects, take a look here.

Here’s how they will make your wedding sustainable:

– All flowers and green decorations are recycled on-site.

– Flowers, greens, fillers and other decorations are picked from the gardens and the surrounding areas.

– Couples plant trees or sponsor a ceder tree planting as part of their ceremony.

– The outdoor wedding ceremonies and the natural setting gives the couple and the guests the opportunity to spend the entire weekend immersed in nature.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsHVI1h_Hk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

– Natural, organic and no-waste confetti are made from plants from the gardens.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3pGKorpz1f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

– The accommodation, venue and ceremony spaces are close together, so there is no driving once on the retreat.

– All glass is recycled on-site.

– All organic waste from the kitchens are recycled on-site.

If you want to have an environmentally friendly wedding, there are a number of things you can do. Other ways of reducing your carbon footprint include making sure there are no single use items, especially regarding place indicators and table numbers. Use materials that can be recycled and donate decor items and food that is left over afterwards. You can also rent all the decor and catering ware, instead of buying them.

It is important to remember that eco-friendliness doesn’t start and stop at the wedding. Participate in ethical ring shopping (do research on companies who can prove that they don’t engage in “blood diamonds”) and incorporate green tourism in your honeymoon.

Try to find a wedding gown to hire, instead of buying one or letting a new one be made. If you do end up having one made, try to make sure the designer is eco-friendly and uses sustainable production methods.

Picture: Pixabay

In Venues

5 Amazing SA wedding venues

October 16, 2019 No Comments

Where you get married is an integral part of the big day. You want your surroundings to be absolutely stunning and the photos to be a beautiful reminder of the day. We found these spectacular, slightly off-the-beaten-track venues to keep in mind as you go on the search of the perfect space.

Granny Mouse Country House

Considered one of the most romantic venues in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, the Granny Mouse is a sight to see. The chapel has panoramic views over the Caversham Valley and is the perfect combination of countryside and luxury. It has an old time charm to it, and is far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B29JoPCJrg7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxFfPsGplPJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lord Milner Hotel

This venue is in a somewhat obscure place of the country, but trust us, you want to go there. On the fringe of the Karoo, the hotel is one of those rare places that takes you back in time and makes you feel like you’re not even in this century. Named after Lord Alfred Milner, the hotel is also a heritage site and was completed in 1899, and shortly thereafter served as the Headquarters of the Cape Western Command.

Forest Hall Estate

If you want a fairy tale inspired venue, this place is for you. Situated outside of Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, the venue is one with nature and has an enchanted forest look. Almost no need for expensive decor, as nature is your backdrop!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxIBrCLH2BB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpBnD6XH7fK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Oranje Gasteplaas

It’s not news that Clarens in the Eastern Free State is arguably the view-mecca of the inland. Nestled in the Maluti mountains, you get the veld atmosphere without having to sacrifice class. Think open green fields, cattle grazing and mountainous peaks popping up all around.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSOK0l6F9NS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnZD_4LgYXl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Flycatcher Castle

This awe inspiring structure is on the outskirts of Graskop towards God’s Window in Mpumalanga. Set in the style of a 17th century Italian castle, the venue is an experience in itself. The castle was constructed using hand picked relics and works of art to create a magnificent masterpiece set in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.

Picture: Matjiesfontein.com