Careful thought went into planning the overall experience of the wedding, from the outdoor ceremony to creative takes on both catering and reception seating. The couple wanted it to be very relaxed and casual, while also elegant and intimate. They chose a palette of sophisticated neutrals; creams, whites, and greys, with pops of deep midnight blue. It was a celebration in every sense of the word, and one that their guests won’t soon forget!

The ceremony took place in Molenvliet’s magnificent gardens. Guests were welcomed to the estate, presented with personalised confetti cones, and served glasses of the delicious Molenvliet Brut Rosé MCC while they waited for the formalities to begin. We chose an all-white ceremony setting with white oval back chairs, a large 3m gazebo with white draping, white floral tiebacks, and a solid white floral band at the top to complete the display. The flowers were a fragrant mix of all-white roses, orchids and chrysanthemums that shone in the summer sun. And while the groom looked dapper in a navy suit and the bride stunned in a form-fitting white gown with intricate back detail, the real scene-stealers were Thulie and Matthew’s adorable children, Freyja and Ralph, who played flower girl and page boy, respectively.

After the vows, guests were led down the verdant drive to a cocktail area between the vines, which had been beautifully styled for the occasion. In keeping with the theme of this casual chic destination wedding, we set up furnishing under three draped cabanas, where guests could mix and mingle and enjoy the wonderful weather. We chose a mix of finely upholstered pieces in creams, neutrals, and whites, with some light greys to bring in the silver. No less than five food stations from the incredible Slippery Spoon catering team created a moving flow, so guests could roam, and pick and choose according to their tastes. The feast included fresh oysters, West Coast mussel pot, Asian tapas, and yakitori bar with fresh wagyu.

After a delightful afternoon sipping the best wines and cocktails and enjoying the food stations and lounge, guests made their way to the reception inside Molenvliet’s main hall. Instead of having either lounge pockets or traditional tables, Thulie and Matthew opted for a combination of both. Guests were encouraged to mix between the styled lounge furnishings and modern oak tables for a relaxed atmosphere, and there was no formal seating. We also kept the table décor relatively simple. Each was set with clear glassware and silver cutlery, with lots of dinner candles, votives and crystal candelabra nestled around lush white and cream flowers in low arrangements. Matching arrangements were also added to the coffee tables around the venue.

Another stand-out feature of this intimate casual chic destination wedding reception was the opulent crystal chandeliers that we suspended at different heights over some of the lounge pockets. We also had clusters of large mass floral arrangements amongst the tables and lounge areas, to keep the atmosphere cosy and create some stunning focal features. For the furnishings, we selected a combination of creams, neutrals, and greys, but introduced some deep midnight blues into the colour scheme here to add extra depth and romance for dinner.

Once again, the dinner created by Slippery Spoon was exceptional. It was an abundant Asian fusion feast, styled in the centre of the venue, where guests could help themselves. We also had waiter service available. Guests dined happily on Peking Duck, fresh West Coast fish, giant barbeque chicken skewers, and the best Cape Winelands cheese. Speeches were kept informal, and after everyone had filled their plates, Thulie and Matthew cut their semi-naked three-tier cake. They opened the dance floor with their first dance, after which the guests joined them. There they partied and danced the night away to the DJ’s mesmerising tunes.

Photographer: Wesley Vorster

The post Luxurious Casual Chic – Thulie & Matthew’s Cape Town Wedding appeared first on Wedding Concepts.

Multi-day South African celebrations

No more one-day affairs! Spending a lot more time interacting with one’s wedding guests means multi-day celebrations are on the rise. Enjoying a long weekend together with guests from near & far allows for the inclusion of many different venues and a buildup from relaxed get-togethers to more formal dinners. Think personalized excursions, informal lunches, special cocktail nights and post-wedding hangover BBQ’s.

Ultra-trendy floral overheads

Ceiling architecture and large creative suspensions mixed with over-sized chandeliers and lighting is certainly a trend here to stay. Hanging dramatic floral features above the table and or creating a dancefloor underneath clusters of flowers – is a showstopping wedding trend that will carry on in 2020 and beyond.

Luxury is personal

We are finding that the focus when wedding planning is less about flamboyant designs and much more about individual interpretations of the idea of luxury. It’s all about being highly personal! This can be found in the smallest creative touches like customized stationery designs or extend as far as a fully tailored multi-day wedding celebration.

Customization is key

Creating a bespoke and truly personalized celebration for the couple is at the heart of staying on-trend. Whether it is through a unique table layout, a signature cocktail, unique design concepts, stylish lounging in a special colour or flying in one’s favourite band – the sky is the limit and a custom-approach is key.

Colour trends: Vibrant & bold or moody & monochrome

On the design front, black & blue have made a strong comeback – as well as bold, vibrant colours. Contrasting darker & moody shades have replaced the more traditional soft and neutral palettes. Bold is beautiful!

Luxurious lounges – relaxing in style

Whether it’s for the cocktail hour or as part of the after-party – luxurious lounges are a “style must” at any modern wedding. The ongoing trend is to mix comfort with contemporary elegance – and styling relaxed & super-chic lounge pockets in or outdoors.

Bringing nature inside – luxurious greenery

Simultaneously greenery and massed natural foliage continue to be a strong favourite – keeping spaces luxurious yet simple and blending the indoor and outdoor. Gorgeous greens are often contrasted by impactful lighting and become ultra-luxurious when mixed with stylish custom lighting.

Intimate is in!

Smaller, more intimate destination-based celebrations are on the increase without letting go of extravagance, exclusive details and gorgeous, luxurious venues. Increasingly we are sourcing chic and highly exclusive private villas, exclusive wine estates or safari lodges for our clients – that are all front runner locations for smaller celebrations – with a true focus on the stylish intimacy they allow for a whole wedding weekend.

Sustainability & “giving back”

We are also seeing a rise in commitment to sustainability and a desire to “give back” – brands with meaningful backstories are received well. Gestures such as sourcing unique, local gifts for guests or commissioning artisanal art is a meaningful move towards to supporting local businesses or charities.

Dancing to the African beat of the drum

Incorporating African entertainment acts and soulful performances is an experience which connects every wedding guest to the beauty of Africa and a definite trend here to stay. African children’s choirs, fire throwers, drumming performances and Marimba bands are a guaranteed destination wedding highlight.

To connect with us for your own stylish South African celebration – our team is right here:
info@weddingconcepts.co.za | +27 21 4265783

Photography: Vivid Blue, Hewitt Wright, Zara Zoo, Wesley Vorster, Mathias Fast, Yolande Marx, Tyme, Dear Heart

The post OUR TOP 2020 WEDDING TRENDS: INSPIRATIONS & EN-VOGUE IDEAS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD appeared first on Wedding Concepts.

Whether your look is an elegant affair, country-chic or über-contemporary – fashionable furniture compliments every style and is a chic extension of your wedding décor! We love to push the creative boundaries and here we share some of our top “wedding lounges” for your inspiration.

From custom-made couches to elegant ottomans and stylish daybeds, coffee tables, scatter cushions and softly draped cabanas – the variety is endless and glamorous. With every lounge element correctly styled and creatively (and practically) placed your guests can lounge with flair – wow factor included!

So whether you are looking to relax in style under the South African stars, simply enjoy a scenic view or enjoy a personalised cigar & whiskey corner with your groomsmen – creating your very own designer seating area is essential for every sophisticated celebration!

Photographers: Jean Pierre Uys, Zara Zoo, Wesley Vorster, Du Wayne Denton, Tasha Seccombe, Vivid Blue Photography, Lad & Lass Photography, Tyme Photography, We Love Pictures

The post Wedding Trend: Lounging in Style appeared first on Wedding Concepts.