Venues Archives | Page 8 of 8

In Destination

Make your wedding a royal affair at the Royal St Andrews Hotel

November 13, 2018 No Comments

Set in the picturesque town of Port Alred and along the Sunshine Coast, the Royal St Andrews Hotel prides itself on its luxury service and beautiful facilities. With a range of options at your disposal, you’re spoiled for choice with what’s on offer at this magnificent venue.

THE VENUE

The venue hosts up to 160 guests, and couples can arrange to have both their ceremony and reception on site. With a state-of-the-art ballroom, incredible gardens and the exquisite beach backdrop, you’ll have everything you need and more for your dream day. Guests can enjoy canapés and cocktails in the modern and scenic courtyard whilst they await your arrival, before moving to the dining area with high ceilings and glass doors perfect for transforming the wedding reception area.

THE FOOD

Being part of the award-winning Manti Collection, the Royal St Andrews Hotel is renowned for its delicious cuisine, hospitality and a one-stop wedding weekend itinerary. The Thistle restaurant boasts a decadent menu and extensive wine list fit for catering to your big day.

THE ROOMS

The luxury rooms allow you to get settled in style before your wedding day, and also offer the perfect honeymoon escape. With ten elegant rooms in the Heritage section and another fifty stylish suites, there is more than enough space for your guests and bridal party.

THE FACILITIES

Be whisked away on a romantic Kowie River Cruise, or spend your time lounging at the on-site Camelot spa in the outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel also offers croquet, golf and beach horse rides, all suited to a full wedding weekend for you and your guests.

For more information, visit www.royalstandrews.co.za.

In Honeymoons

Destination wedding checklist

January 10, 2018 No Comments

Want to jet off to a tropical island for your ceremony? Or do you have your heart set on the big-city lights? No matter the location, your destination wedding can go as smoothly as checking off this list.

RESEARCH FIRST

The legal side of getting married abroad can be quite lengthy and tedious, with many couples opting to get married legally in South Africa before heading overseas to exchange rings and vows. South Africans who want to get married abroad will need a Certificate of No Impediment from Home Affairs to prove that neither partner is registered as married, a divorce order if one of you was previously married and a Residency Certificate to prove where you currently live. Basically, the government of the country you’re visiting needs to be notified of the marriage in their country before you can get married there. Not all countries will have the same requirements, so it’s best to get in touch with your local Home Affairs branch and contact the foreign country’s South African embassy ahead of the time.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Unfortunately, most popular wedding destinations are also popular vacation spots, which means more tourists and higher prices. Read up on the best time to visit your venue without sacrificing on great weather. It will also make the experience less stressful if you’ve already spent time planning and meeting with your vendors. Hire a local coordinator instead of bringing one from home. You will feel much more at ease knowing they are familiar with the environment, and they’ll also be able to recommend suitable suppliers.

A PICTURE (AND REVIEW) IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

If the destination you plan to get married at is a resort or offers accommodation, scour the internet for TripAdvisor reviews. This will give you an overall impression of the establishment and you’ll have the added bonus of being able to see photos that aren’t on their official site.

ACCESS ALL AREAS

Try and keep the venue central. Make sure it’s convenient for your guests and organise transport for them to the venue to ensure they get there safe and sound. You can also use a free website builder to help keep your guests in the loop every step of the way – without the hassle of back-and-forth texts, emails and calls. Create a page where people can find helpful answers for accommodation options, budgets and travel time. If you have a relatively small wedding party, you can also create a WhatsApp group in the days leading up to the wedding.

ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

Add a couple of planned events around the wedding day so your guests can mingle with each other more and explore the destination. This is a great way to show people places they might not have chosen to go and will help them make a holiday from the trip – they are there to celebrate your union but also want to make their trip worthwhile.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Ensure your dress, groom’s suit and bridesmaids outfits have been taken care of before you leave home. The last thing you want to do is last-minute sewing! Stay on the safe side and pack your dress and his suit in your carry-on luggage, and ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen to do the same. If your luggage does get lost or arrives late, you can rest assured you have the important bits with you.

PRETTY PREP

Make appointments for any beauty treatments you plan on getting before you get there. To ensure you look amazing for your photographs, skip the make-up while flying and make sure you drink a lot of water during the flight. It’s also a good idea to have all your wedding stationery– menus, seating charts and place settings –printed beforehand. Be prepared to add an extra suitcase of decor items you think you may need, as you won’t always find everything you want in a foreign place.

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Since you are more than likely only going to invite a small crowd of close family and friends to your destination wedding, you’ll know these are the people who you can rely on. They willwant to help where they can, so instead of taking things into your own hands, delegate certain tasks to those who are keen to lend a hand.

In Decor

5 tips to pull off the perfect outdoor wedding

December 21, 2017 No Comments

Here in SA, we’re spoilt with beautiful landscapes that make for breathtaking bridal photos. But, with unpredictable weather in many places, it takes solid planning to pull off the perfect outdoor wedding. Use these tips to make sure yours is an affair to remember.

1. SOUND THE BELLS!

Whether you decide on a dreamy beach wedding or to say your vows at the edge of a dramatic cliff, get the audio right. The last thing you want is your voice getting lost in the sound of crashing waves or a gentle breeze, leaving your audience (or even your beau!) trying to make out what you’re saying. If you’re using a videographer, bear in mind the quality of the audio during playback. Get a microphone system hooked up to the closest power source, and if you’re using wireless microphones, make sure the batteries are fully charged. The same goes for the music, entertainment and speeches at the reception.

2. A MONKEY’S WEDDING

As the saying goes, if the sun is shining and it’s raining, a monkey’s about to get married. So take notes and don’t greenlight your Plan B if it pours on the morning of your big day but your outdoor ceremony or reception is only later in the afternoon. While we agree it’s only practical to let your guests know the venue has changed, the rain may stop in time. Instead, use a canopy or arrange umbrellas if you’re expecting a light drizzle. For longer ceremonies or the chance of heavier rainfall, ensure you have spoken to your venue about a contingency plan. Remember: rain is said to bring good luck to a couple on their wedding day, and can make for some memorable candid photos too.

3. LIGHT IT UP

You’ve browsed Pinterest, ogled at different photographers’ sites, and may even be sold on the idea of an outdoor wedding solely because of the beautiful lighting opportunities it lends. Whether you are after a magical enchanted forest look with thousands of fairy lights hanging from trees or a beachy do with strings of Consol jars hung from beams and paper lanterns lodged in the sand, keep it all well lit and as hazard-free as possible. If your ceremony is around twilight, max out on the amazing golden light two hours before sunset. The flattering natural light + your own beautiful additions = mesmerising photo perfection.

4. EVERYONE’S INVITED!

Everyone should feel welcome, including your pregnant cousin or frail uncle, so try to make your wedding as accessible as possible. The key here is structure and practicality, and you don’t have to forfeit aesthetics in favour of this. You may be working with an open space, but use lighting and decor to contain it and make sure everyone has a great time. Think about wheelchair access (smooth walkways), steady ground (mats and rugs on the beach, for example) and close proximity to amenities.

5. SITTING PRETTY

Make sure there’s enough comfortable seating and mingling space for everyone. This is especially important for a more casual affair. Think couches, benches and swing chairs in neutral colours that you can customise with the textures and colours of the wedding.

In Destination

Honeymoon: Drostdy Hotel, Eastern Cape

December 21, 2017 No Comments

Want to keep your honeymoon local without sacrificing on luxury? Drostdy Hotel in the Eastern Cape town of Graaff-Reinet could be where your memories are made. This boutique hotel features an Africology spa, state-of-the-art gym and choice of three swimming pools surrounded by gardens. If you can drag yourself away from the pampering, there are plenty of historic sites to visit in SA’s fourth oldest town and mesmerising natural beauty in nearby Camdeboo National Park.

In Planning

10 Tips for your beach wedding

February 2, 2017 No Comments

If it’s always been your dream to recite your vows on the shoreline of a pristine beach, South Africa offers an assortment of amazing spots for your nuptials. But because your wedding backdrop forms part of the country’s natural landscape, there are a few logistical challenges to keep in mind. Here, we help you suss out the big ones.

1 Legalities

Municipal rules say that you’ll need a permit to host a wedding (or any other event) on the beachfront, which often comes with a fee. This is a crucial expense to add to your budget and should be done as early as possible to ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines.

2 Date

Consider the time of year and season of your proposed date. While the winter months (generally May to September) can be colder, the summer months do mean beaches will be more crowded as tourists and holidaymakers flock to our shores.

3 Timing

The behaviour of the tide should be your guideline for setting a time for your ceremony. Bear in mind that even if the tide is low, strong winds will necessitate moving your ceremony indoors so ensure you have a backup plan for the day too.

4 Decor

It goes without saying that summer is the most popular beach wedding season so expect to spend some time in the outdoor heat. To prevent yourself and your guests from baking in the sun, have a few umbrellas or a gazebo installed. These can be beautifully ornamented with anything from wire hearts to ribbons to strings of shells.

5 Confetti

Being sprinkled with confetti as you take your first steps as husband and wife will undoubtedly be one of the most utopian moments of the day. Remember that when you’re at the seaside, biodegradable confetti is a must. Can’t find any that’s biodegradable? Bubbles are a cute substitute that will be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

6 Bridalwear

Yes, we know that Cinderella looked ravishing in her wedding ball gown but then again, she never got married on a beach. A lightweight dress minus the layers of tulle, along with sandals or even going barefoot, will not only be more practical for oceanside weddings, but can create a whimsical and angelic look.

7 Dress code

While you can’t completely control what your guests will wear to your wedding, you can help them avoid the worst by specifying which type of attire would be fitting. Like you, the ladies would be better off foregoing full-skirted evening dresses in favour of flowing cocktail frocks while the gents should opt for shorts suits in bright colours. The gentlemen would look dashing and be more comfy in shorts suits or chinos, instead of tuxedos, to match the relaxed vibe of your ceremony.

8 Catering

Facilities for caterers may not be in abundance near the beach, so choose menu options that can be served cold. Think oysters, salmon skewers and fresh green salads. Yum! If you like to keep things hot, consider a spitbraai or a separate venue that’s close to the beach where the ceremony will be held.

9 Booze

If you’re planning on clinking a few glasses of bubbly with your feet in the water, think again as consuming alcohol on South African beaches is forbidden. Try booking a beach venue with an indoor reception area that has sea views and where your gueats can still enjoy a tipple.

10 Entertainment

The sight of glowing lanterns floating away into the dazzling night sky is utterly romantic while a fireworks display above the waters is sure to wow your guests. But as these activities do include the use of fire, they may be ruled out by certain municipalities. Be sure to check with your local authority when applying for your permit and opt for more eco-friendly entertainment options such as a band or friendly games of beach volleyball for your guests.

Photography Sweet Ice Cream Photography/Unsplash, Pixabay

In Venues

Adore Weddings and Events

June 25, 2014 No Comments

Adore Weddings and Events is a KZN based wedding and events planning company headed by born romantic and experienced Wedding Planner Carolyn McNeil. Adore strives to bring to life your vision and hope for your special day.

‘I have a deep love for wide open spaces and growing things,’ says Carolyn when WA chatted to her. ‘I simply love weddings and feel honoured to be invited to be a part of someone’s special day.’

The Adore Weddings and Events team offers a variety of coordination, styling, flower and decor options. ‘We adore all things romantic, eclectic and wonderful, and aim to partner alongside our clients to create a uniquely tailored, stress free and memorable experience of laughter, love and light for you and your guests.’ We thought it fitting to ask Carolyn a few questions about wedding decor and styling trends right now.

What are the 5 hottest wedding trends this year?

A continuation of the gorgeous copper, gold and rose gold trend.

Raw wood tables.

Whimsical, boho weddings with wreaths, vines and pretty, loose, asymmetrical flower arrangements.

On the opposite side of the style scale, a return to very clean lines, clear glass, symmetry and pure white decor and flowers look set to happen toward to middle of 2015.

We’ll begin to see an introduction of deep burgundies, purples, cobalt and blacks as base colours, teamed with rich golds and / or silvers.

How do international trends differ from local trends?

The South African market tends to follow the international market by a season or two. That being said, Pinterest and social media have bridged this gap largely and often homegrown weddings are bang on trend with international markets. I do see a more personalised look for South African weddings, with personal and intimate details included in the decor and stationery.

What’s the most important things to remember when planning a wedding?

Remember why you’re planning this day. When details, budget and expectations become overwhelming, remember that the entire point of this day is that you’re marrying your best friend, and sharing the beauty of that moment with your closest friends and family.

In your experience, what’s the best way to bring out a couple’s personality in the decor scheme?

I’m a personal fan of planning your wedding around your personal style. Your wedding should ideally be like having special people over to your home for dinner – just on a bigger scale.

What advice do you have for couples trying to decide on their decor and colour scheme?

Don’t follow a trend or fashion unless it is already your intrinsic style. You need to live with your wedding photos, so if your decor is something you will love always, and if it is very personal to the two of you, you will always love it.

If you wish to contact Carolyn about your wedding day, email her on [email protected] or call 083 364 4658. Visit the Adore Weddings website at adoreweddings.co.za.

Images: Courtesy

In Venues

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

June 23, 2014 No Comments

An iconic hotel in leafy Jo’burg, the new Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is a stylish urban resort offering wedding luxury to the utmost.

Elevated on a hillside with panoramic views across the Johannesburg Zoo and the prestigious neighbourhoods of The Parks, the Hotel is now available to book from 1 December 2014. In keeping with a modern African aesthetic, it’s reflective of the dynamic city that surrounds it and screams opulence in every nook and cranny.

With 117 guest rooms and suites scattered amid beautifully landscaped gardens, terraces and fountains, the mood is almost residential; a welcoming respite from the busyness of city life. Five all-new restaurants and lounges prepare to welcome you and your guests with an array of options to enjoy the finest cuisine, accompanied by the best wines of South Africa and the world.

Capturing the serenity of Johannesburg’s lush gardens and greenery, the nature-inspired Spa offers a casual atmosphere where you and your bridal party can relax in the sunshine before the wedding bell tolls.

Book your wedding date directly from their website HERE or visit fourseasons.com/johannesburg. Find it at 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg.

Photographs: Courtesy