Planning A Wedding In Sa: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding in South Africa is an exciting adventure. There are plenty of locations and venues to choose from, including safari, resorts, waterfronts, and vineyards. Couples can honour the locale by working South African wedding traditions into the ceremony. However, there may be some extra red tape to cut through, such as obtaining a marriage license and viewing venues. These challenges are worth accepting for a destination soiree in South Africa.

Priorities and expectations

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, so it's important to establish your priorities and expectations early on. This will help you to create a clear vision for your big day and ensure that you and your partner are on the same page.

Start by sitting down with your partner and discussing your must-haves and wish list items. For example, if you're a foodie, you might want to splurge on a gourmet meal, while if you're a flower enthusiast, you might prefer to allocate more of your budget to floral displays. It's also important to consider what type of experience you want to create for your guests. Do you want a formal, black-tie affair or a more relaxed, intimate gathering? This will help you determine the tone and style of your wedding.

In addition to deciding on the overall theme and feel of your wedding, there are a number of practical considerations to keep in mind. For instance, how much money do you want to spend? Creating a budget and sticking to it will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you're allocating your resources in a way that aligns with your priorities. It's also crucial to think about the timing of your wedding. Save-the-dates should be sent out as early as possible, and you'll need to give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect outfit, especially if you're planning on having a custom-made dress.

Another important aspect of wedding planning is deciding on the location and venue. Do you want a destination wedding or something closer to home? Consider the pros and cons of each option and how they fit with your priorities. If you're opting for a destination wedding, you might want to look into wedding packages that can take care of everything from the venue to the catering. On the other hand, if you're choosing a local venue, you'll need to start researching and booking well in advance to ensure you get your first choice.

Finally, don't forget to consult with your partner throughout the planning process. Their input and support will be invaluable, and making joint decisions will help you grow as a couple. If you're feeling overwhelmed, consider investing in a wedding planner or coordinator, or turn to a traditional etiquette manual and guidebook for expert advice and tips on timelines and checklists.

Save-the-dates and invites

Invitations are sent after save-the-dates and contain all the important details about your wedding, including the time, date, and address of the ceremony and reception. They should include the same information as your wedding website, such as dates, times, locations, dress codes, registries, transportation, and lodging.

Wedding dresses and outfits

The overall style and theme of your wedding will likely reflect you as a couple, so you'll probably want a dress to coordinate. Floating layers of tulle and chiffon will pair beautifully with your barn or bohemian wedding, while satins will stun at a chic, contemporary celebration.

If you're having a destination wedding, this will also impact your dress choice. For an outdoor wedding rehearsal, you might want to wear a longer dress or even nice jeans. If it's an indoor church wedding rehearsal, you could opt for something with a sleeve. It's also important to avoid wearing white.

Rehearsal dinner

Planning a wedding can be a stressful process, but there are plenty of resources available to help you. One of the first steps is to create a priority list and mission statement, to help you establish your priorities and expectations. For example, if you're a self-proclaimed foodie, you'll want to make sure you have the best food at your wedding.

The rehearsal dinner is an important event that usually takes place the night before the wedding. Traditionally, the groom's family plans and pays for the rehearsal dinner, but it's important to figure this out well in advance so that a venue can be booked and details can be confirmed. This should be done about six months before the wedding.

The rehearsal dinner is a chance for the wedding party to get together and run through the ceremony, making sure everyone knows their role and what to expect on the big day. It's also a great opportunity for the couple to thank their wedding party and spend time with their loved ones before the wedding.

When planning the rehearsal dinner, consider the following:

• Venue: Choose a venue that is convenient for your wedding party and guests. It could be a restaurant, a private room in a hotel, or even someone's home.
• Timing: The rehearsal dinner usually takes place the night before the wedding, so choose a time that allows for a relaxed evening without feeling rushed.
• Food: Decide on a menu that reflects your taste and budget. It could be a sit-down dinner, a buffet, or even a more casual barbecue or picnic.
• Drinks: Will you be providing alcohol? If so, what type? It's important to consider the preferences and budgets of your guests.
• Entertainment: Will there be any games, music, or other entertainment? This could be a fun way to break the ice and get everyone relaxed before the wedding.

Remember to enjoy the process and make it your own!

Wedding planning books and guides

One of the first steps in planning a wedding is to create a priority list and mission statement. This involves establishing your priorities and expectations, as everyone has different priorities when planning a wedding. For example, a foodie might want to focus on having the best food, while someone who loves flowers might prefer lush displays. Creating a priority list will help you categorise your must-haves and wish list items and work from there.

Another key aspect of wedding planning is communication with your partner. Consulting with your partner along the way is invaluable, as it allows you to make joint decisions and work towards a common goal. This not only strengthens your relationship but also helps you grow as a couple. It is also important to communicate with your guests by sending save-the-dates in advance and creating a wedding website where they can find all the essential details, such as dates, times, locations, dress codes, and health and safety requirements.

Finally, don't forget to give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect outfit, especially if you are opting for a wedding dress, as it can take months from purchase to tailoring. Wedding planning books and guides can offer advice on finding the right attire and provide timelines to ensure you don't leave it until the last minute.

Frequently asked questions