Banhoek Experience

Calling all brides-to-be ... If you are planning a wedding in the Western Cape, this is for you! The Banhoek Bridal Experience to be held on the 6th November 2010 at the MolenVliet Wine and Guest Estate and Zorgvliet Wine Estates, promises to be a boiling pot of creativity, with a bubbly vibe and a French street atmosphere.

By keeping it exclusive, inviting only the most elite of service providers, Cape Town brides-to-be will be able to meet and consult with the industry leaders for every facet of their wedding. This, all while sampling the finest wines, freshly made sushi, canapés from the interactive food stations and being soothed by a host of the most sought-after wedding musicians in South Africa.

The Banhoek Experience is a collaborative effort involving some of the biggest players in the Western Cape Weddings industry.  Main Sponsors include The Aleit Group, Little Pink Book, Just Jack, Absolute Weddings, MolenVliet Wine & Guest Estate and Zorgvliet Wine Estate.

The event will be divided in two sessions:

• A morning session from 08h30 – 13h00, to be held at MolenVliet, coordinated by Karla Oettler of Absolute Weddings.
• An afternoon session from 13h00 – 17h30, to be hosted at Zorvliet.  Jaco van Loggerenberg of wedding coordination outfit, Just Jack, is the driving force behind the events that will take place here.

A brief summary of what each session follows below:

Morning session at MolenVliet Wine & Guest Estate
Guests will arrive and park at Zorgvliet at 08h30 where they will receive a Goodie Bag including the latest issue of the Little Pink Book and plenty of other freebies.  From here they will be transported to MolenVliet, where proceedings start at 09h00.  Here guests can interact with the 40 services and suppliers on display throughout the premises and courtyard; this all while models in bridal wear walk among them to allow visitors to see & touch wedding gowns by five top dress designers.

From 10h30 – 11h00 an interactive presentation will be given by Karla Oettler of Absolute Weddings. She will present four different looks for the next season; for each of these discussing and showcasing the stationery, décor and hiring elements involved.   This will be followed by a bridal fashion show, organized and styled by Aleit Styling and Absolute Weddings.  The rest of the morning will be filled with guest speakers on bridal wear, shoes and accessories, food, beverage trends and entertainment trends for the coming season. At 13h00 guests will be transported to Zorgvliet via shuttle.

Afternoon session at Zorgvliet Wine Estate
From 13h00 – 14h30 ticket holders will be able to browse freely, chat and consult with service providers at Zorgvliet Wine Estate.  The premises will be a hive of activity with both the main venue and adjacent function areas utilized to their full.  This will include several interactive food stations as well as table and décor set-ups in a variety of styles by top décor and floral companies.  Visitors will be treated to an array of live entertainment, ranging from Classical, DJ’s and bands throughout the afternoon.

From 14h30 — 16h00 visitors will be served wines and bowl food, introduced and presented by the chefs and winemakers themselves.

From 16h00 – 17h30 guest will be free to again browse, chat and consult with service providers.  Visitors can also buy and collect wine from the wine stalls during this time.

At 17h15 there will be a prize draw where fabulous wedding related prizes are up for grabs to ticket holder.

The purpose of this event is to give future Brides the potential to experience the wonderful Banhoek Valley, on the Helshoogte Pass, between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

Some of the wedding service providers you will meet include:
The Aleit Group, Little Pink Book, Just Jack, Absolute Weddings, ZaraZoo Photography, Jan-Hendrik Photography, Okasie, Elizabeth Bridal Gowns, LilyBlue, Cakes by Wade, Le Look, Elsje Designs, Secret Diary, Kobus Dippenaar, Robyn Roberts, Nomadik Tents, Lara’s Designs, Jean-Pierre Fourie, Cozi Hiring, Décor Rentals and Floral Affairs.

Ticket Sales
Tickets are sold at R265 per person.  Tickets can be bought from the Banhoek Experience website with Credit Card or by Bank Transfer (EFT). See http://www.banhoekexperience.co.za/tickets/. With the purchase of a ticket, you will also receive a free Little Pink Book worth R115!

Contact Details
Website:  http://www.banhoekexperience.co.za
Email:   info@banhoekexperience.com

Wedding Links:
Cape Town Weddings
Cape Town Wedding Planners
Cape Town Wedding Photographers
South Africa Wedding Venues
South Africa Wedding Exhibitions & Shows

The couple recently spent several days of their romantic South African honeymoon at Pezula as Mr & Mrs Mesnick following their celebrity wedding in California.

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, one of the highlights of the couple’s South African honeymoon, provided the perfect backdrop for an African romance with its luxury accommodation, indigenous forests, fynbos landscapes, pristine river and secluded beach.

After enjoying the exciting city life of Cape Town, the newlyweds checked into Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa for several days of rejuvenation and privacy. During their stay the couple was treated to a gourmet picnic on Noetzie Beach, a horseback ride through the indigenous forest, a couples spa treatment at the award-winning spa, as well as canoe and hiking excursions and a private dinner prepared by Executive Chef Geoffrey Murray.

They also experienced a ‘romance’ bath of ylang ylang oil, garnered with rose petals and floating candles, a glass of bubbly and sweet fresh strawberries.

About Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is situated on the Eastern Head of Knysna in South Africa. The resort is known for its exquisite location, personalized service, multi-awardwinning spa and Zachary’s, the gourmet restaurant. The 83 stylish suites, housed in detached villas, feature contemporary African style. In addition to the suites, the Pezula Private Castle offers ultra-luxurious accommodation on Noetzie Beach.

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa has been the recipient of a number of awards and accolades, most recently named ‘Best Overseas Hotel Spa’ by the UK Condé Nast Traveller magazine. Pezula Spa was ranked 46th overall in the magazine’s World Top 100 list which pays tribute to the highest scorers in all categories.

Visit the Resort website at: www.pezularesorthotel.com

Photographs of Pezula: (click to view the enlargements)

Knysna Links:
Kynsna Attractions
Knysna Hotels
Knysna Accommodation
Garden Route Accommodation

Bridal Faire

Canal Walk Bridal Faire in Century City, Cape Town
If you’re in Cape Town from 26–28 February 2010 make your way to Century City for the Canal Walk Bridal Fair. Here you will find ideas to inspire you on your special day. You can also bring your hubby to be as he can spend his time deciding on where to take you on honeymoon. With the 2010 show being the 9th show at Canal Walk this definitely says something! This is a one stop shop as you will be able to find everything from your dream wedding gown, to the perfect suit for your hubby to be, your ideal venue (be it big or small). Find your something new with gorgeous accessories, the photographer or videographer to capture every special moment or the makeup and hair stylist who can make your fantasy turn to reality.

With displays throughout the centre you can find all you are looking for while doing your other shopping. Entrance to the fair is free so you are able to browse and the show is open from 09h00 to 21h00. Don’t forget to enter the “win your gown” competition where you can stand the chance to win one of 5 original designer gowns from either Ilse Roux, Graham T Brown Couture, Mayers, Amelia Brides and Le Grande valued at over R10, 00 each. For more information telephone Cheryl Wade Events on +27 (0)21 914‑2852

Wedding Expo

Cape Gate Wedding Expo in Brackenfell, Cape Town
From 4–7 March — Get ready to be lavished with Extravagant Eye Candy ranging from elegant Bridal gowns to exquisite jewellery and bursts of floral displays,make-up artists,hairstylists, photographers , videographers and much more. How about being serenaded with harmonious sounds all to create the Fairytale Wedding of your Dreams?

There will also be a Bridal Show on the 7th of March where you can view the most amazing Bridal garments. Three lucky engaged couples stand a chance to win prizes up to R50 000. Competition Forms will be made available in February 2010 at the CapeGate Shopping Centre with all details. So come and be part of this Amazing Bridal Extravaganza. For more info contact Natasha on +27 (0)78 700‑6815.

NWJ Bridal Show in Durban
The NWJ Bridal Show, in Durban, KwaZulu Natal takes place from 5–7 March at the Durban Exhibition Centre.  Come and get expert advice from the leaders in the industry. This year there will be wedding workshops, a designer showcase which features South African Couture, high end fashions shows and so much more. Looking for something to for your wedding night, then make sure you attend the Wonderbra lingerie show. Your wedding is a big day and sometimes extremely daunting, so if you are in need of advice or some inspirational ideas to make you wedding day everything you have hoped and dreamed for then the NWJ Bridal Show is the one for you.

NWJ Bridal Show

Needing some ideas for your perfect gown, then make your way to the catwalk on Friday 5 March at 19h30, Saturday 6 March at 11h00 and 15h00 or Sunday 7 March at 11h00 and 14h00 to see the latest gowns. Damon Beard and his team from Man International will be entertaining the crowds prior to each show, so get their early!

If your hubby-to-be is not that keen on spending the day with more wedding details, remind him that there is a groom’s room, where he can chill out and relax and even catch the game on TV. With a R5000 spot prize daily as well as the chance to win your dream wedding to the value of R120 000 there is no excuse not to be there. Doors open from 5pm-9pm on Friday, March 5, on Saturday, March 6 from 9am-5pm and on Sunday, March 7 from 9am-4pm. Tickets are available at the door at a nominal fee of R50 per person. For more information about one of the country’s favourite bridal shows, call 031–312 7567 during office hours.

For a full list of Wedding Expos cioming up in 2010 throughout South Africa see: Wedding Exhibitions & Shows

Useful Wedding Links:
South Africa Weddings
Wedding Venues
Wedding Planners
Wedding Photographers
Wedding Services (includes cakes, dresses, videos, limo hire etc. etc.)

The Little Pink Book is designed to help you with all the aspects that go into planning your dream wedding; from finding a coordinator, or if you are going it alone, to finding everything else you need.  The book is packed with information on trends for the coming season, stunning wedding venues (don’t forget to check www.SA-Venues.com/weddings/ for more wedding venues and other wedding services), photographers, dress designers, stationery providers, ministers and last but not least budget and planning tips ...

So for all brides to be, try to get your hands on the Little Pink Book – it will be your best friend up until the big day!  Good luck! (To get your hands on a copy of the book see Little Pink Book OR enter our competition below!

20 lucky brides-to-be can win a Little Pink Book (10 Gauteng books and 10 Western Cape Books). All you need to do is send us an e-mail with the following details:

• Your name
• E-mail Address
• Date of your wedding
• Where you are getting married (Gauteng or Western Cape)

Terms & Conditions:

• The competition is open to all except employees of SA-Venues.com and Little Pink Book, their families and advertising agencies.
• Decision of judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• The prize cannot be exchanged for cash.
• Competition closed (midnight 14th of December 2009).
• Winners have been informed and the Little Pink Books are on their way.

Useful Links:
South Africa Wedding Venues
South Africa Wedding Planners
South Africa Wedding Photographers

Kennedys Wedding Indaba

On 22 August 2009, the Cape Overberg will experience its first Wedding Indaba — all in aid of charity to help fund the Lettie Theron Retirement Home in Hermanus. Proceedings will start at 10:00 with an exciting programme, and by the afternoon all will be open to the public as well. Local wedding service providers will be attending to share their advice and experience with all.

Throughout the grounds of Kennedy's Beach Villa, wedding coordinators will be exhibiting. A variety of caterers, wine specialists and florists from the area will be attending and exhibiting as well. If your are planning your wedding right now, this is the place to be on Saturday.

Aleit Swanepoel, founder of The Aleit Group, the leading wedding coordination company in South Africa, will be talking about the latest wedding trends and how to use them. Aleit will be the keynote speaker and will be speaking on the latest wedding trends this season. This is a rare opportunity to hear Aleit speak and to get tips from the best of the best!

Kennedys Wedding Indaba

Other well established people in the wedding industry will be directly involved — such as Absolute Weddings, Okasie, Jeanne-Pierre Uys Photography, Classy Hire etc. Charlene Sauerman and Kobus Dippenaar will also have a Bridal Couture Show featuring six outstanding models ...

Kennedys Wedding Indaba starts at 10h00 for 10h30 on the 22nd August with a program in the morning and then open to the public (at a R50 donation at the gates for Huis Lettie Theron — a old age home in Hermanus) in the afternoon.

About Kennedy's Beach Villa:
Kennedy’s offers its beautiful setting under the milkwood trees as a unique venue ideal for weddings or special functions for up to 100 guests. For more info see Kennedy's Beach Villa or visit their website at http://www.kennedysathermanus.com/.

"When it comes to the combination of utmost privacy, luxury, romance and organic lifestyle – there are very few places on earth as special as KENNEDYS!" — Mariette du Toit-Helmbold (CEO of Tourism — Cape Town)

Contact
To book please contact Isabelina at +27 (0)28 313‑2624.

Useful Links:
Cape Town Weddings
Cape Town Wedding Planners
Hermanus Accommodation
Hermanus Wedding Venues

Bakenhof

Looking for a unique new wedding venue on an exclusive winefarm for 50 guests? Something elegant against a breathtaking backdrop, luxurious yet affordable? Then allow Bakenhof in the Cape Winelands to host your most beautiful day and to provide the perfect ambience - where your memories will be captured and where you will experience romantic hours which you will fondly remember for as long as you live.

A convenient 50 minutes from Cape Town a tree-lined driveway guides you through manicured vineyards of an exclusive grape and wine farm to the perfect backdrop for your special occasion. Lush gardens, a vine-covered terrace, swimming pool, rolling lawns, and incredible mountain views will appeal to the discerning bridal couple in search of an intimate and upmarket venue ...

Our philosophy to host only one wedding a day enables flexibility for last minute changes, should there be a change in weather or plans. 

The Wedding ...

The Wedding …
Set the scene with the soothing sounds of a water feature, bubbly and sunset vistas over table mountain, or surprise your guests with an unforgettable sundowner tractor ride through the vineyards.  Select one of the various romantic on-site areas to pledge your vows, indoors or outdoors. Then match one of our reception areas to fit your personal style and the desired mood.

Choose a gourmet candle light dinner at a long table in the lavish formal lounge, opt for a daytime celebration between vines or select a romantic picnic blessed with breathtaking views. Alternatively, dance the night away under the stars and be romanced by the magical ambience of the tropical lit up pool area.

The Guesthouse…
Spacious and sophisticated 4 star Guesthouse with 5 luxury suites provide B&B for 14 guests featuring irresistibly romantic and supremely private Honeymoon Suite with access down a meandering, peach-husk covered driveway.

The Guesthouse ...

And for those getting married elsewhere…
Our bridal packages feature the unique “Romance for Two” or the luxurious “Weekend Wedding Party” option.  During weekdays brides and bridesmaids can enjoy the luxury to prepare and dress in lavish surroundings, a private setting for stunning pre-wedding photos and accommodation for the bridal couple in the romantic honeymoon suite.

In addition to the foresaid the 2 night weekend package offers accommodation for brides and their girlfriends before the wedding as well as guest accommodation for the bridal couple’s 8 — 12 VIP guests. The following morning newlyweds may opt for breakfast in bed or join their overnight guests for a farewell champagne brunch to mark the end of a special celebration.

For more information about hosting your wedding at Bakenhof, contact Heidi on +27 (0)21 864‑3774 or +27 (0)76 249‑7481 or visit their web page on SA-Venues.com at Bakenhof Guest House. Bakenhof are offering a special deal to all brides who host their weddings here — Book your wedding for 2009 and receive 50 complimentary bottles of Bakenhof Wine for your function (worth R2750). Thats a great saving!

Useful Links:
For more information about Weddings in the Cape see:
Cape Town Weddings
Cape Town Wedding Planners
Cape Town Wedding Photographers
Cape Town Wedding Service Providers

Game Drive

Have you dreamt of getting married in a natural setting amongst wildlife? Have you pictured treating your wedding guests to an exciting game viewing drive but you can't quite afford to get all your guests to travel to the Kruger National Park? Then the Garden Route Game Lodge's new Wedding Venue may be just the place for your dream wedding.

Nestled on the edge of a breathtaking valley, Serengeti’s and the adjoining Labola Chapel provides a unique and romantic African setting for you to  celebrate your special occasion. Architecturally designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape, the stylish new wedding venue at the Garden Route Game Lodge has been carefully constructed using natural materials such as stone, thatch, wood and glass and brings together the elements of earth, fire and water with taste and style.

Wedding Venue

The new venue is equipped to accommodate 120 guests but can seat up to 200 guests with a dance floor. The expansive wrap around wooden decks allow your guests to witness the sunset over the majestic Langeberg Mountains and the star studded African night sky while the Serengeti Bar and Lounge are for your exclusive use. The venue is totally climate controlled throughout the year with 3 fireplaces for chilly winter evenings.

Couples have the option of making use of the Labola Chapel or may opt for an open air ceremony on the wooden deck overlooking the valley below. Complimentary overnight accommodation in the honeymoon suite is included in the venue hire for the bridal couple to spend their wedding night.

For additional information about having your wedding here Telephone +27 (0)28 735‑1200 or visit Garden Route Game Lodge.

Useful Links:
For planning your wedding in the Garden Route:
Garden Route Weddings
Garden Route Wedding Services
Garden Route Wedding Photographers
South Africa Wedding Venues

Cape Town Wedding

“So you're sure you've spoken to the priest?” Catherine asked Georgia for the hundredth time over the phone. At least I think that's what she asked. All I could hear was my girlfriend Georgia dutifully repeating the information into the receiver; “Yes yes, I've spoken to the priest, going to meet him and his wife,the organist, tomorrow.”

Georgia, Catherine's younger sister, lives in Cape Town. Catherine lives in London. Catherine had decided to have her wedding in Cape Town, which had swiftly catapulted Georgia into the unenviable position of wedding planner. All that stood between her and the perfect South African Wedding was Georgia's complete and utter obedience. And about 10 000 km. Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. The church, the flowers, the cake, the magic; all essentials in creating the perfect wedding. The one ingredient nobody really tells you about? The stress. Just being involved in planning the wedding is enough to make you want to elope to Las Vegas and get married by an Elvis-impersonating priest. Well, almost.

Location is a good place to start. Knowing where you having it goes a long way to helping you decide how you're going to have it. One of the big attractions in Cape Town is its wonderful outdoor locations and the city offers many great wedding venue options. Catherine chose The Range in Tokai, a great choice for the more traditional wedding because it has a restaurant and a chapel on the same grounds. They offer a tented option for over 100 guests or a log cabin for 60 guests. The Range package included all the basic trimmings with a choice of optional extras like fairy lights, drapes, and seat covers. There are also plenty of places to stay nearby which makes it a great place for overseas wedding parties.

Cape Town Wedding

Another place that was looked into was Noordhoek beach, a perfect venue for those in love with the idea of having a beach wedding. It is also just below the Monkey Valley resort, which is nestled in a forest, overlooking the Atlantic ocean, so it is a real natural haven. Whichever location you choose, the best time is between January and March to get the best weather.

The next thing that you're going to be thinking about is the dress. The wedding dress is always a point of contention for the bride , and pre-wedding complaints from Catherine included “I look like a cream-puff,” to “I look too much like a...bride,” to which her bridesmaids replied “isn't that the point?” For a unique wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses, made to your style and fit, take a visit to Mystic Rose in Kalk Bay. The dresses are really something special and are surprisingly affordable.

Flowers and décor are another issue, particularly when the groom suddenly takes it upon himself to have an opinion about what exact shade of table clothes are appropriate! Weddings can be expensive and it's important that you budget for the things that you really want.

In Catherine's post-wedding opinion, the luxury wedding night chalet and money for a little extra time on the honeymoon in Zanzibar were far more important than those fancy décor options. Her wedding preparations included DIY workshop sessions for friends and family, making table cards and hand-beading napkin holders. Don't be afraid to get people involved! It’s a great way to get people into the spirit of your celebration and can save you some much needed cash. The groom even found refuge in the mechanical process of threading beads. “Therapeutic,” he said, looking at me meaningfully. I could only smile.

Cape Town Wedding

For flowers, Woolworths in Cavendish and Alison's Florist and coffee shop in upper Wynberg have a wonderful flower selection. If you want a personal touch, the Chart farm in Wynberg is a giant rose garden where you can go to pick dozens of roses for a fantastic price. It can be another great way to get people involved and can be combined with a lazy picnic to be a great day out. All you need to do is refrigerate the flowers for freshness, add some ribbon and you have a great arrangement.

Ideas for the tables vary greatly but the general consensus is that tables should be kept simple with a centrepiece not higher that peoples shoulders to ensure people can see each other. Glass bowls with small white-washed pebbles and a small arrangement of your flowers makes a nice understated centrepiece arrangement. These and more table decor items are available at Kenly's Warehouse in Woodstock. They have a large variety of decor at less than normal retail price. An overlay on each table in organza looks really great and can liven up a plain-looking table. To have your overlays personally made visit Fabric World on Wynberg Main Road. They have a huge variety of materials and they can make you the overlays exactly how you want them at fantastic prices. For a truly South African present for each guest try a beaded keyring, available from the local craftsmen at one of Cape Town's many craft markets.

For the cake, if you want something more edible than the traditional marzipan, look no further than The Queen of Tarts in Lower Main Rd, Observatory. A massive, multi-layered chocolate cake was appreciated by the guests and looked great in the photos.

Last but not least, it's important to unwind before the big day. For an extra special evening before the wedding why not hire a private yacht at the Waterfront for a sunset cruise a round to Camps Bay and back. It a magical way to see the sunset and ease those wedding nerves with those you love.

Finish it off by getting in the celebratory mood with at a trendy bar like The Planet Bar, at the Mount Nelson in Cape Town. It's pretty, relaxing and a great way for the wedding guests to get to know each other.

Most importantly, enjoy every moment even the hard ones. The whole process goes really quickly, so make sure you appreciate it. Despite a few hiccups, the wedding went smoothly and our wedding couple are back and bronzed from their honeymoon in Zanzibar and more in love than ever. May yours be equally blessed with love, good weather and supportive friends and family ...

Wedding Links:
Cape Town Weddings
Cape Town Wedding Planners
Cape Town Wedding Photographers
Cape Town Wedding Services
South Africa Wedding Venues

Roaring Fourties

For something completely different, dine or conference aboard the beautiful Museum Ship, CS Cable Restorer, which houses the unique Roaring Forties Floating Functions Restaurant and Conference Venue, permanently docked in historic, picturesque Simons Town, with her original maritime charm, brass fittings and teak decks, this is a charming and unique venue for any occasion.

The décor is nautical but elegant, with navy blue table cloths and Long Island striped overlays. We also hire out our white linen and chair covers for functions but for weddings they are already included in the venue hire.

We have a beautiful outside deck adjoining the functions/conferencing area, here we have benches and umbrellas for the hot summer days. This area is lovely for pre-dinner / arrival drinks as well as being a great spot to take photographs with Simons Town as your backdrop. Weather permitting this area also makes a great breakaway spot.

For additional information please visit: Roaring Forties Floating Functions Restaurant or contact Alana Dilley on Telephone: +27 (0)21 786 — 4808.

Useful Links:
Simons Town Accommodation
Cape Town Accommodation
Cape Town Attractions

Cape St Francis

Lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean with three kilometres of pristine beach, Cape St Francis, with it's historic Seal Point Lighthouse, is a tranquil Eco-destination.

This pristine beach, the mild temperature and the longest sunshine hours on the South African Coast make this an ideal, year round Wedding Destination.

The venue and location at Cape St Francis Resort are bound to make your special day memorable. Cape St Francis Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options for the couple as well as family and guests.

A variety of menus are offered for the reception as well as breakfast the next morning. Please contact the resort for more details on : +27 (0)42 298‑0054 or visit: Cape St Francis Resort.

Wedding Links:
Cape St Francis Accommodation
Eastern Cape Wedding Venues
South Africa Wedding Venues

The Hertford Hotel

Ideally situated in close proximity to Pretoria and Johannesburg, The Hertford is one of Gauteng’s best loved get-away venues, offering beautifully appointed overnight accommodation; hearty meals, glorious function facilities and tranquil conferencing and breakaway amenities.

This idyllic setting is perfect for any occasion. But, possibly, most fit for a tailor-made wedding day. Whether it is a small, intimate get together you are looking for, or a lavish reception for up to 200 people, The Hertford will take the time to put your personal stamp on the occasion, and ensure that either the Rose Room or the Deanery is prepared with exquisite attention to detail ...

The quaint stone chapel on the premises means that guests do not have the hassle of having to find their way to two separate venues, and if they would like to enjoy themselves to the full, they can book an overnight suite and depart, at a leisurely pace, the next day. An exquisite honeymoon suite is also available to the bride and groom, resplendent with a king-sized bed, flowers and bubbly.

The Hertford’s lush gardens are lovingly tended all year round, to ensure that gorgeous, memory enhancing photo opportunities abound. And since The Hertford has the ability to transform itself from an airy, ethereal summer venue, to a cosy winter’s dreamland, weddings held during any month of the year take on an especially warm ambience.

The Hertford’s flexibility as a venue also makes it ideal for christenings, special birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, small product launches, and many more unique events. For additional information about hosting Your wedding at The Hertford, visit: The Herford Country Hotel or contact Paul Rindel on +27 (0)11 659‑0290.

Related Links:
Gauteng Wedding Venues
Gauteng Wedding Services
South Africa Wedding Venues

Tzaneen Country Lodge

Tzaneen Country Lodge is undoubtedly one of the most romantic venues for the exchange of your wedding vows. Whether it is a small and intimate affair for close friends and family or a lavish wedding banquet, we are able to offer a tailor-made wedding package that will fulfil your dreams and meet all your needs.

Tzannen Country Lodge offers a romantic chapel with lead glass windows as well as different and versatile banqueting rooms. With our new bigger function halls we can host from the most intimate wedding up to 400 guests for that special day. Our lovely country atmosphere lends itself to outdoor weddings and celebrating your special day in our landscaped gardens is a very attractive option.

The services of our management and banqueting team are available to you throughout the planning stages of your function culminating on your actual wedding day. Whatever your need – we have the solution to make the investment in your wedding day an unforgettable and successful day!

Contact Adri Kruger Tzaneen Country Lodge for a cusomised quote for your special day on Telephone +27 (0)15 304‑3290 or visit: Tzaneen Country Lodge

Wedding Links:
Limpopo Weddings
South Africa Weddings
South Africa Wedding Venues

Emdoneni Wedding

Picture this — a faraway romantic setting of untamed bush and spectacular skies, for a couple in love, to exchange their vows and have a wedding ceremony at Emdoneni Lodge & Game Farm in Hluhluwe.

The wedding will be something distinctive, imaginative and magical. Guests can enjoy a balance of sophistication and comfort, in harmony with nature, savoring the rare pleasure of their very own secluded slice of Africa.

Spend your wedding with your loved ones in the heart of Zululand, in Africa's unspoilt beauty. At Emdoneni you will experience wildlife and stunning scenery, combined with special moments and interaction with our cats at our Rehabilitation centre.

Emdoni Lodge cater for your individual requirements and assist you in making your dreams come true. You will have the most beautiful memories of your life – to treasure in your heart forever!

Emdoneni Wedding

The reception will either be in the Boma for an absolute African experience under spectacular skies or in the Restaurant. Your accommodation will be in our Windfall Cottage, an exclusive room which offers you all the comfort you can wish for. The focal point of the bathroom is the outside shower in a small boma bush garden. The essence of relaxation is to gaze from your bath into the garden and surrounding bush.
Relax and make your wedding become an once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Interaction & special moments with the cheetah, caracal, serval and African Wild Cats
• unobtrusive bird and game watching
• Big 5 opportunities in the Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserve
• relish leafy tranquility
• Friendly staff to assist you with every requirement – this is our game!
• a wedding ceremony that perfectly suits your wishes.

Visit Emdoneni Lodge or to book your Wedding contact Cecillie and her Team at the Lodge on Telephone: +27 (0)35 562‑7000.

Wedding Links:
Hluhluwe Wedding Venues
KwaZulu Natal Weddings
Wedding Photographers
Wedding Videographers
South Africa Weddings

Wedding Videographer

Selecting a sensitive and talented videographer should be one of the first tasks when planning a wedding – you’ll manage to secure your choice of videographer (today’s videographers are in high demand) and get some first class advice ahead of time.

Videographers creatively capture the details of your wedding day for you. Somehow, it’s always over before it’s fully realized, and your wedding – for which you’ve been in non-stop planning mode for the better part of a year, at least – is no longer an item on your "to do" list.

And the photographs are beautiful, but they don’t capture every wonderful instant, particularly those of which you were unaware, in the midst of the preparations — you’re in the thick of it, after all, while an unobtrusive and expert videographer has the distinct advantage of a bird’s eye view, and can capture those unknown seconds to create a treasure trove of moments, on film (video or DVD).

Wedding Videographer

To guarantee that your wedding memories captured on film will exceed your expectations and last you a life time, all the South African wedding videographers represented on SA-Venues.com are accredited, professionals that are highly experienced in wedding videography.

If you are in the planning stages of your wedding, why not get hold of these select professionals now to arrange a viewing of their work and to get a quote. Visit these select, talented professionals at: South Africa Wedding Videographers.

Wedding Links:
South Africa Wedding Photographers
South Africa Wedding Venues
South Africa Weddings

Glenburn Lodge

Book your wedding at Glenburn Lodge during the months of June, July and August 2007 and you can benefit from special discounts from a host of service providers. Host your wedding at one of Gautengs most popular wedding venues and your wedding could cost you considerably less than you've budgeted for.

Celebrate your wedding in style at this beautiful riverside setting only 30 minutes from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Glenburn Lodge's open-sided Gazebo-style Chapel, lovely landscaped gardens and thatched reception area, Glencove, seating up to 120 guests with dancing, provides everything you need for your perfect day. (Glenburn Lodge cater for Weddings from smaller weddings of 40 guests up to 300 guests).

Voted as one of the top wedding venues in Gauteng, Glenburn Lodge has three wedding venues with guest capacities ranging between 60 and 300 guests.

Glenburn Lodge

Glenburn Lodge offers personalised service and attention, with flexible packages to suit both your budget and personal style. Fully licensed bar facilities available. Enjoy a stay over in the Honeymoon Suite at Glenburn Lodge. (Guest accommodation is also available).

Included in the Glenburn Lodge Winter Wedding package you will receive discounts on the following services:

• 50 % discount off the printed venue hire
• Complimentary Welcome drinks served after the Wedding ceremony (Gluwien OR Old brown Sherry)
• Book Chelly B and receive a 20 % discount off on their draping packages
• Book Flower Meadow florists for your wedding and receive a 10% discount off the flower package chosen.
• Book Red Squirrel videography for your Wedding and received a 10% discount off the video package.
• Book Shattered Glass to ensure your Party “rocks” and receive a 10% discount off the DJ OR Book a DJ from
• Soundworx for your wedding and receive a 10% discount off the package.
• Book Wendy’s Photographics and receive a 20% discount on certain packages or W&M Studios and receive a 20% discount
• Complimentary Bridal Suite available from 14:00 the day of your Wedding with full English Breakfast.
• Have your make up done professionally by Lyn Reece and receive 20% discount.

Contact Glenburn Lodge to enquire about hosting your Wedding at this lovely setting.
For additional information and to send enquiries visit: Glenburn Lodge

Wedding Links:
Gauteng Weddings
Gauteng Wedding Planners
Gauteng Wedding Services
Gauteng Wedding Photographers

Shamwari Wedding

If your dream wedding includes a luxury honeymoon to one of Africa's finest, luxury, Big 5 game reserves, then why not extend the dream and get married in the wild? At the award-winning luxurious Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa, all aspects of the wedding, from the ceremony to the reception, are arranged for you.

Weddings at Shamwari Game Reserve are small, intimate and very special.

The professional reservations and events team organise everything for you: the venue and all the arrangements including the Minister, flowers, wedding cake, champagne, photography and wedding video.

The Shamwari Wedding Package Includes:

• Minister: You will receive a copy of the marriage certificate on the day of the ceremony once he gets it back from the Home Affairs Office
• Flowers: Bridal bouquet, button hole for the groom, 2 arrangements for the ceremony and a room arrangement. Rose petal confetti is also included
• Photographer: Includes 36 developed photographs presented in a Henzo wedding album delivered the following day with their negatives and a disk with digital photographs.
• Wedding Cake: A one tier wedding cake of your choice, e.g. chocolate mousse, cheese cake, carrot cake or traditional fruit cake. The cake is decorated with fresh flowers fitting in with the theme of your wedding.
• Spa Treatment: Back, neck and shoulder massage for bride & groom as well as a French Manicure for the bride
• Champagne: A bottle in the room on arrival, after the ceremony and a bottle in the room on the wedding night
• Wedding drive: A sole use game drive with a sun downer stop including snacks and drinks after the wedding ceremony. The photographer accompanies the couple on this drive and these photographs are included in the package.
• Private Dinner: On return to the lodge, the couple will find their room decorated with rose petals and candles. They will be given a private dinner either in their room or in a private area at the lodge. The dining table will also be decorated according to the theme of the wedding.
• Witnesses: If the wedding couple is alone then the Shamwari staff will sign as witnesses.

Optional extras that can be arranged (additional charge) include additional photographs or videoing, African dancers, DJ and any additional requirements i.e. décor, flowers & hiring of equipment, Hair and make up.

For assistance with arranging your wedding and to receive a quote, contact Shamwari Reservations on: +27 42 203‑1111 or send a direct enquiry at: Shamwari Game Reserve.

About Shamwari Game Reserve:

Shamwari Wedding

Shamwari Game Reserve has received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushmans River, halfway between Port Elizabeth (45 minutes drive outside the city) and Grahamstown, a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route.

Shamwari is about conserving a vanishing way of life and is the realisation of one man's dream, and the success of many people's passion. Steeped in Settler history, and dating back to the time when a multitude of game roamed wild and free, the 20 000 hectare reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.

Useful Links:
The Lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve
Shamwari Game Reserve
South Africa Wedding Guide
South Africa Wedding Venues

Cape Town Wedding

Making your wedding ‘just perfect’ entails a blend of factors, not least of which includes the dress ‘to die for’ and a great cape town wedding venue. With Cape Town as the city of choice for your big day, you won’t have far to look. Cape Town is the city of fair skies, gorgeous beaches, magnificent gardens and an extensive list of Cape Town wedding and reception venues. Outdoor locations for stunning wedding photographs abound.

Picture the oldest and largest botanical gardens in South Africa, Kirstenbosch, with the eastern slopes of Table Mountain as your backdrop. These gardens alone contain as many as 6 000 floral species and over 22 000 indigenous plants, so whatever your colour scheme and whatever season you choose, there will be blooms to augment and complement your style.

Early morning shoots are probably best for a wedding on one of Cape Town’s beaches as the Cape Doctor – another name for the spring and early summer south-easterly wind that prevails in the city — tends to make its presence felt in the afternoons, although with it comes Table Mountain’s legendary table cloth – providing yet another perfect photo setting.

Nevertheless, you are spoilt for choice as the Mother City, Cape Town, has some of the most picturesque beaches in the world with wide expanses of sand, sparkling water and strategically placed boulders for those ‘photo’ moments.

Cape Town Wedding

From the fashionable beaches of Cape Town’s ‘Riviera’ – the Atlantic Seaboard Beaches – including Camps Bay, Llandudno (definitely one of the most beautiful) and Noordhoek with its miles of sand and dunes, to the beaches of False Bay offering some real character beaches, such as St James or Boulders.

The Cape winelands estates in and around Cape Town all have a unique beauty of their own. Invariably wine estates lie tucked into picturesque valleys, surrounded by majestic mountains and vineyards heavy with grapes during the summer months.

The Cape West Coast, until recently largely unexplored and unexploited, is a region of unrivalled beauty and geographical diversity. This area of the world is renowned for its spectacular display of wild flowers during spring, its unspoilt beaches and beautiful mountain ranges and picturesque little towns like Darling, St Helena Bay and the fishing village of Paternoster.

And if that doesn’t tempt you then the Garden Route’s shadowy forests, peaceful lakes and wetlands or the Overberg’s numerous quaint villages and the dry Karoo with a sullen beauty all of her own – flat, sandy plains, shimmering heat and distant smoky-blue mountains – certainly will. (see Garden Route weddings)

Related Links:
Cape Town Weddings
South Africa Wedding Guide
South Africa Wedding Photographers