The secret is finally out: the Western Cape, with Cape Town one of the most beautiful cities in the world at its centre, is fast becoming the leading destination wedding hotspot. International bridal couples, families and guests from across the globe are increasingly flocking to the region to say "I do". At Wedding Concepts we get asked about the Pros and Cons of a destination wedding in South Africa all the time. Here are a few answers to the most pertinent questions around planning a wedding in Cape Town.
Read the testimonials from our previous clients regarding our services as professional wedding coordinators in Cape Town and the credentials of our bespoke weddings, browse our gifts for wedding guests and the top Cape Town wedding venues.
Q: Why should I consider Cape Town for my wedding?
A: With a combination of stunning natural scenery and diversity – awesome beach, winelands and city locations – fantastic value for money and world class wedding coordinators and suppliers pushing the boundaries of wedding trends to create truly world-class experiences, it’s little wonder that bridal parties from all over the world are choosing the region for their destination weddings. From small, intimate weddings with a few family members and friends, to full blown celebrations with over 100 international guests, the greater Western Cape area offers spectacular possibilities at unrivalled value.
A: With a combination of stunning natural scenery and diversity – awesome beach, winelands and city locations – fantastic value for money and world class wedding coordinators and suppliers pushing the boundaries of wedding trends to create truly world-class experiences, it’s little wonder that bridal parties from all over the world are choosing the region for their destination weddings. From small, intimate weddings with a few family members and friends, to full blown celebrations with over 100 international guests, the greater Western Cape area offers spectacular possibilities at unrivalled value.
Q: What's the best time of the year for my wedding?
A: Cape Town boasts over 39 weekends of good weather a year, compared to just 13 in the United Kingdom. Days are marked with an average of 12 hours of sunshine, moderate temperatures of between 20 and 30 degrees, and virtually no rain fall between the months of September and April. Although more rainy, winter (from May to August) is not bad either. Capetonians call it the "secret season" as many venues offer discounted rates on the same great service you’ll find in summer. Remember to pack your sunscreen! (For your latest wedding weather forecast: www.weathersa.co.za)
A: Cape Town boasts over 39 weekends of good weather a year, compared to just 13 in the United Kingdom. Days are marked with an average of 12 hours of sunshine, moderate temperatures of between 20 and 30 degrees, and virtually no rain fall between the months of September and April. Although more rainy, winter (from May to August) is not bad either. Capetonians call it the "secret season" as many venues offer discounted rates on the same great service you’ll find in summer. Remember to pack your sunscreen! (For your latest wedding weather forecast: www.weathersa.co.za)
Q: What are the Cape Winelands like for a wedding?
A: In a word - picturesque! By far the most popular, are the mystically mountainous Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl winelands, as well as the lesser-known (but just as beautiful) wine regions of Elgin, Darling, Tulbach and the Helderberg - all with stunning choices of location offering flexibility, multiple venues and exclusivity. Historical estates as well as new boutique wineries have opened their doors to wedding celebration and offer accommodation for your guests too. Weddings can take many forms on these estates – an alfresco-lunch in a ‘shabby chic’ barn; a marriage ceremony among lavender fields; or a grand Bedouin tent on the lawns of a historic manor house.
A: In a word - picturesque! By far the most popular, are the mystically mountainous Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl winelands, as well as the lesser-known (but just as beautiful) wine regions of Elgin, Darling, Tulbach and the Helderberg - all with stunning choices of location offering flexibility, multiple venues and exclusivity. Historical estates as well as new boutique wineries have opened their doors to wedding celebration and offer accommodation for your guests too. Weddings can take many forms on these estates – an alfresco-lunch in a ‘shabby chic’ barn; a marriage ceremony among lavender fields; or a grand Bedouin tent on the lawns of a historic manor house.
Q: How about Saying "I do" on the beach?
A: Cape Town is known for its beautiful coast line, fantastic beaches and the option of having beach weddings and ceremonies that offer a majestic setting - nestled against Table Mountain and lined with dramatic boulders and glorious sunsets. A number of exclusive beach front restaurants also cater for wedding celebrations. Every summer the Cape’s beaches host a large number of wedding ceremonies and celebrations. Bear in mind though that in order to marry on a public beach you will need to obtain a permit from the Cape Town City Council (at Wedding Concepts we would gladly arrange this on your behalf).
A: Cape Town is known for its beautiful coast line, fantastic beaches and the option of having beach weddings and ceremonies that offer a majestic setting - nestled against Table Mountain and lined with dramatic boulders and glorious sunsets. A number of exclusive beach front restaurants also cater for wedding celebrations. Every summer the Cape’s beaches host a large number of wedding ceremonies and celebrations. Bear in mind though that in order to marry on a public beach you will need to obtain a permit from the Cape Town City Council (at Wedding Concepts we would gladly arrange this on your behalf).
Q: Is it possible to have a marquee wedding?
A: Yes, at Wedding Concepts we have vast experience working with marquees. Three styles are available for weddings in different sizes and each allows for unlimited creativity when it comes to décor and styling. Bring the outside indoors and allow your guests to mingle with nature by creating your very own venue - it really is worth considering. Marquee weddings tent to cost a little more as they are logistically more intricate, require more complex hiring and décor and have an extended set-up time. They however guarantee you a wedding with a true wow factor.
A: Yes, at Wedding Concepts we have vast experience working with marquees. Three styles are available for weddings in different sizes and each allows for unlimited creativity when it comes to décor and styling. Bring the outside indoors and allow your guests to mingle with nature by creating your very own venue - it really is worth considering. Marquee weddings tent to cost a little more as they are logistically more intricate, require more complex hiring and décor and have an extended set-up time. They however guarantee you a wedding with a true wow factor.
Q: How much will a wedding in Cape Town cost?
A: A value for money haven, in Cape Town you’ll get away with paying 50% less than for a similar wedding in Europe - lest we forget that the lovely weather and unsurpassed settings come free of charge south of the equator. If you're on a budget but don't want to compromise too much, you may want to consider bringing your entire wedding party to Cape Town as foreign currency goes a long way here. (For the latest exchange rates check www.xe.com) The same holds for honeymoon and holiday accommodation, world class food and wine, consumer goods, indigenous arts and crafts, as well as property.
A: A value for money haven, in Cape Town you’ll get away with paying 50% less than for a similar wedding in Europe - lest we forget that the lovely weather and unsurpassed settings come free of charge south of the equator. If you're on a budget but don't want to compromise too much, you may want to consider bringing your entire wedding party to Cape Town as foreign currency goes a long way here. (For the latest exchange rates check www.xe.com) The same holds for honeymoon and holiday accommodation, world class food and wine, consumer goods, indigenous arts and crafts, as well as property.
Q: What legal requirements do I need to consider?
A: Legalities for getting married in South Africa are extremely simple. Foreigners only require a passport valid for at least six months (with two consecutive empty pages); a copy of one’s South African entrance visa; and two witnesses over the age of 18 years (with ID or entrance visa copies). For divorcees the original divorce certificate needs to be presented. Focus on the joy of your wedding under South African skies and choose the country as a hassle-free destination. At Wedding Concepts we will gladly take care of all legal arrangements on your behalf, help choose a minister and even provide witnesses if you decide to come alone.
A: Legalities for getting married in South Africa are extremely simple. Foreigners only require a passport valid for at least six months (with two consecutive empty pages); a copy of one’s South African entrance visa; and two witnesses over the age of 18 years (with ID or entrance visa copies). For divorcees the original divorce certificate needs to be presented. Focus on the joy of your wedding under South African skies and choose the country as a hassle-free destination. At Wedding Concepts we will gladly take care of all legal arrangements on your behalf, help choose a minister and even provide witnesses if you decide to come alone.
Q: What about honeymoons in Southern Africa and further a field?
A: Marrying in the Western Cape means that you can jump into your car or on an aeroplane and travel to exotic beaches and game reserves in no time at all. Internationally rated safari camps and bush lodges where you can marvel at the Big Five and sit around camp fires are a short flight away. Explore the rugged West Coast or travel the Garden Route and discover the deserted beaches of the former Transkei region. If you want to head further out, look to neighbouring Namibia where you can experience the mysterious Etosha game reserve or book a stay in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. For a taste of island charm, try Zanzibar, the coast of Kenya, Reunion or Mozambique.
A: Marrying in the Western Cape means that you can jump into your car or on an aeroplane and travel to exotic beaches and game reserves in no time at all. Internationally rated safari camps and bush lodges where you can marvel at the Big Five and sit around camp fires are a short flight away. Explore the rugged West Coast or travel the Garden Route and discover the deserted beaches of the former Transkei region. If you want to head further out, look to neighbouring Namibia where you can experience the mysterious Etosha game reserve or book a stay in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. For a taste of island charm, try Zanzibar, the coast of Kenya, Reunion or Mozambique.
Q: How will I bring my décor and design vision to life?
A: The name Cape Town is synonymous with cutting edge design, décor and creativity. Choose from an array of innovative designers, fantastic florists, lighting experts, polished hiring companies, and top notch, super-talented photographers. Our expert team at Wedding Concepts is renown not only to create stylish and memorable events, but uphold the most stringent quality criteria and work with only the most professional associates in ensuring an immaculate wedding. You’re celebration will be nothing short of an extension of your finger print!
A: The name Cape Town is synonymous with cutting edge design, décor and creativity. Choose from an array of innovative designers, fantastic florists, lighting experts, polished hiring companies, and top notch, super-talented photographers. Our expert team at Wedding Concepts is renown not only to create stylish and memorable events, but uphold the most stringent quality criteria and work with only the most professional associates in ensuring an immaculate wedding. You’re celebration will be nothing short of an extension of your finger print!
Q: What food and entertainment choices can I expect?
A: Pretty much anything imaginable. Cape Town is respected around the world for its gastronomic and culinary delicacies, not to mention its wines. You can literally pick and choose from a vast array of acclaimed caterers, restaurants and chefs. The Western Cape is alive with talented chefs, fabulous caterers and gourmet eateries. Wineries are also offering world-class menus so there is no need to outsource catering when marrying on a wine estate. World class bands, live solo musicians and other forms of entertainment are in no shortage in the Western Cape either.
A: Pretty much anything imaginable. Cape Town is respected around the world for its gastronomic and culinary delicacies, not to mention its wines. You can literally pick and choose from a vast array of acclaimed caterers, restaurants and chefs. The Western Cape is alive with talented chefs, fabulous caterers and gourmet eateries. Wineries are also offering world-class menus so there is no need to outsource catering when marrying on a wine estate. World class bands, live solo musicians and other forms of entertainment are in no shortage in the Western Cape either.
Q: What value can Wedding Concepts add to my wedding?
A: Planning a distinctive wedding can be complex and challenging at times. However, our specialist wedding co-ordination team will take care of everything from the logistics, meetings, site visits, venue and accommodation reservations, décor and design, catering, entertainment and even your honeymoon arrangements. Opt for a team who is fluent in major European languages and thrives on the mutual exchange of creative ideas and the execution of wondrous celebrations. Secure your Wedding Concepts wedding planner who does the work so that you can enjoy your wedding in all its splendour.
A: Planning a distinctive wedding can be complex and challenging at times. However, our specialist wedding co-ordination team will take care of everything from the logistics, meetings, site visits, venue and accommodation reservations, décor and design, catering, entertainment and even your honeymoon arrangements. Opt for a team who is fluent in major European languages and thrives on the mutual exchange of creative ideas and the execution of wondrous celebrations. Secure your Wedding Concepts wedding planner who does the work so that you can enjoy your wedding in all its splendour.
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