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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
– 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
For those planning their wedding, some things may seem out of their financial reach. Most modern weddings have become extravagant and costly, but they don’t have to be. There are a number of ways an engaged couple can save some coins whilst planning their dream wedding. Here are some tips to reduce your wedding budget:
Turn to technology:
Cut costs by sending out digital wedding invites and having guests RSVP online. Simply find a great digital artist to design your online invite (or design it yourself using apps like Canva) and set up a link to a website, Google Drive document, app or a phone number guests can use to RSVP.
Of course, dedicated wedding venues are popular for a reason. However, there are a variety of other locations that can work just as well for a fraction of the price. Consider having your wedding reception at country clubs, community halls, parks, restaurants, galleries or even a family member or friend’s property.
A large chunk of one’s wedding budget often goes towards the dress. Spend your money wisely by searching for sample sales, repurposing a family member’s dress, picking something off-the-rack or even thrifting a wedding dress. Remember that any dress can be good as new with some custom-additions. Think of it as your ‘something old’!
Have a friend or family member become ordained online so that they can marry you and your partner, saving you money and giving your wedding a personal touch.
There are so many simple DIY’s that will save you money and personalise your wedding. Use thrift shopped mirrors, chalkboards or window panes to create one big wedding program. Besides being cost-effective, it’s also better for the environment to not print out individual programs.
Off-peak dates can get you your dream venue at a cheaper price. As most weddings are held on Saturdays, consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday to cut venue and food/drink costs.
Use more affordable flowers as decoration. Mismatched, smaller centerpieces are cost-effective and cute. You can also add bulk and dimension to your bouquets by using foliage.
Flowers are expensive. Make sure they work double-duty by reusing them throughout the day. Consider reusing bridesmaids bouquets after the ceremony to create one large centerpiece or add them to table decor.
We get, it, sometimes things can run overtime during your wedding. However, photographers and musicians will charge extra if they have to stay longer than originally agreed, or wait around unnecessarily. Ensure you stick to a swift schedule between your ceremony and reception to avoid paying more than you bargained for.
Shareable family-style meals are more cost-effective and interactive than 3-course sit-down meals. Consider designing a shareable menu filled with fan favourites that will cater to every diet.
Wedding favours don’t have to be extravagant. Something small and travel-friendly is ideal. Think mini-wine bottles, handmade soaps, individual succulents or tiny jars of your favourite sweets. You can also offer shareable favours for couples, such as a bottle of wine, to cut costs. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools
Is there anything quite as dreamy as a winter wedding? Crisp white and bold, rich shades come together to create a stunning celebration, usually with a backdrop romantically draped in mist. Because of South Africa’s diverse climate, winter is different everywhere, with famous sunny days hitting Johannesburg, intense rains in Cape Town, and humid temperatures in Durban.
You’ll find something different everywhere you go, but one thing is for sure – you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the rich variety of destinations. Take your pick from our 5 favourite locations below.
1. Magaliesburg, Gauteng
This small village lies just below the Witswatersrand mountain range and is filled with natural bushveld and such a variety to experience. The exclusivity of this stunning escape has made it a popular destination for many and, being just a short distance away from Johannesburg and Pretoria, now a winter wedding destination. A host of lodges, hotels, farms and more await you and your big day.
2. Franschhoek, Western Cape
The rich and expansive mountainscape of Cape Town’s Franschhoek makes this area a magical and misty forest during winter. And with such a wide range of wine farms in the area, you definitely won’t be short for venues and dreamy destinations to escape to for your big day and honeymoon.
3. The Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal
There’s nothing quite like the Midlands Meander in South Africa. With stunning cascading landscapes, dams and an abundance of greenery, this setting makes a perfect backdrop to a mystical winter wedding. The small towns that make up the area offer farmlands, lodges, hotels and more just waiting for you to say your ‘I dos’!
4. Clarens, Free State
Celebrate your love up in the clouds in the town of Clarens, with its famous landmarks and rich culture. Known for their colourful blooms in autumn, it’s the perfect opportunity to host your wedding among the flowers in a winter wonderland that will have your guests in awe.
5. Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
Prepare for the ultimate country wedding in Dullstroom. Its lush and green farms create a romantic setting in cooler months, sprinkled with mist and rain. Take advantage of the luxury stays nearby for your venue, while you discover the local heritage and find the perfect spot for wedding pictures. You can’t beat the view of an icy lake while warming up by a fireplace!
Belief has compiled a selection of the top 15 destinations for weddings based on its Belief Awards. The Belief Award is an online contest created to celebrate wedding planners around the world.The main goal is to spread the talent worldwide and to honour the professionals’ knowledge and experience. Winners are selected by an array of experienced judges with adequate knowledge and experience within the wedding industry.
For most brides-to-be, deciding where to get married has and will always be a stressful topic and tough decision to make. However, the latest trend in the wedding industry has been destination weddings.
1. Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Photography: Stefania Paternostro; Wedding planning: Francesca Casamento – Eolie in Love
Lipari is one of the biggest of the Aeolian Islands in Italy. Its beautiful sea views and stunning landscapes make Lipari a perfect wedding destination. Its natural beauty speaks for itself and will definitely add romance to any wedding.
2. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Photography: Sylvia Guardia|; Wedding planning: Meghan Cox – Mil Besos
Situated on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio encapsulates the beauty of a rugged rainforest, coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Its tropical plants add to its amazing aesthetic, perfect for a wedding day. This wedding destination definitely has a romantic style but also a touch of elegance.
Looking for a unique beach wedding destination? Placencia is the perfect place. Situated on a beach resort on the Caribbean coast of Belize, this is where you’d want your wedding day to be. Perfect sea views and stunning palm trees are all the decor you’ll need.
4. Kefalonia, Greece
Photography: Ben Rigas – Wedding Stories; Wedding planning: Donna Palimeri – Kefalonia Weddings
An island west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian sea, Kefalonia is a beautiful wedding destination. Overlooking a harbour it would definitely add a touch of uniqueness to your special day.
If you and your partner are more adventurous and love the thrill and rush of exploring, the Bruararfoss in Iceland is the perfect location for your wedding day. Its spectacular waterfall views speak for itself, adding nothing but nature’s beauty for amazing wedding snaps of you and your loved one.
Looking for a chic and rustic yet stunning wedding destination? Playa Paraiso in Ecuador is the perfect location. Filled with activities to keep guests occupied, it’s without a doubt the kind of place where two can become one. It’s both peaceful and tranquil, which is what every bride wants for her and all her guests.
7. Gloucestershire, UK
Photography: Albert Palmer Photography; Wedding planning: Mary Cushen Wedding Planner
If you love the outdoors, you’ll definitely love this wedding destination. Situated in South West England, Gloucestershire is a stunning location. With views of the valley of the River Severn, it allows for an amazing outdoor setting.
8. Lake Maggiore, Italy
Photography: David Bastianoni; Wedding planning: Valentina Lombardi – Italian Wedding Company
If you and your partner want a traditional Roman Catholic wedding ceremony in a traditional Italian chapel, Lake Maggiore in Italy is the perfect destination for you. With breathtaking views and picture-perfect vistas, Lake Maggiore will add the Italian romance your wedding needs.
Need some Mexican beauty for your wedding day? San Miguel de Allende in Mexico is the perfect place for you. Its architecture, art and cultural festivals will add all the spice your wedding day needs.
10. Crete, Greece
Photography: Andreas Markakis Photography; Wedding planning: Anna Laudanska – Crete For Love
Greece’s largest island, Crete is both an elegant and scenic wedding destination. Its natural fine-sand beaches and white mountains create a perfect setting for a wedding.
11. Evora Boat, Lisbon, Portugal
Photography: Pedro Bento Photography; Wedding planning: Rui Mota Pinto
Ever dreamed of getting married on a boat? In Portugal, Lisbon the Evora Boat is perfect. Having your guests on board with you exploring the beauty of Lisbon will definitely make your wedding day one to remember.
Looking for a wedding destination with charming views and a breathtaking setting? Djupavik in Iceland is the answer. It will definitely make your wedding day the dream that will exceed all your expectations.
13. Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, Italy
Photography: Ivan L’Astorina; Wedding planning: Serena Ranieri – Italian Event Planners
Are you and your partner down to earth, sweet and romantic? The Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, Italy is the place you’re looking for. With perfect sunsets, it’s definitely a destination you’d want to consider.
If you’re looking for architectural show-pieces to make your wedding images stand out, Murcia and Granada, Spain is the perfect location for your wedding day, no decor or added extras needed. The place itself speaks volumes.
If you and your partner love modern art, the Verbeke Foundation in Kemzeke, Belgium is the perfect location. All kinds of art can be seen, from contemporary to modern. An art lover’s dream!
If you’re looking for farm-style luxury, the farmhouse at Bartholomeus Klip offers the perfect country escape for newlyweds. Experience the best of both worlds with a chic and elegant layout amidst the forests and mountainous surrounds of the Cape Winelands.
THE VENUE
Located in the Riebeeck Valley, Bartholomeus Klip nestles among the mountains of the Elandsberg Nature Reserve on a sheep and wheat farm. The property is home to beautiful forests and a dam, and is situated on the border of a game reserve if you want to catch a bit of wildlife on your trip. Couples can enjoy a tranquil and private stay in the exclusive venue that caters for their every need. If you love being surrounded by nature but still prefer the comfortability of being indoors, then Bartholomeus Klip makes the perfect stay.
THE ROOMS
The rooms in the big farmhouse are quaint and charming, and conveniently attached to the house is a stunning restaurant so you don’t have to venture far for a romantic meal. Country-style meets splendour with wooden flooring, calming shades, claw bathtubs and stylish metal bed frames, offering a unique experience that will let romance flourish. Choose between a variety of rooms in the guest house, farmhouse, or self-catering units on the property, all boasting beautiful views and privacy.
THE FOOD
You can expect only the freshest in local produce, imaginative dishes and a luxurious take on home cooking at Bartholomeus Klip. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the conservatory on the farm, or spend an afternoon indulging in one of their three-course meals at the restaurant. Guests can also partake in High Tea, with delicious sweet and savoury goods made freshly on the farm.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
With an immense variety of activities, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do. Whether it’s a quiet break to spend time with your partner, or a fun-filled adventure, you’ll find it all. Take part in one of the morning or evening game drives through the wilderness, or enjoy kayaking, canoeing and wind-surfing at the local dam. Guests can now also partake in archery, an exciting new activity on offer at the farm.
