9 Tips for Planning Tented Weddings

Photo, Jen Fariello Photography

Outdoor tented weddings are stunning (to say the very least), but what you might not know is that the successful execution of such open-air events requires a lot of moving parts and logistical extras, extras that aren't usually needed when hosting weddings indoors. Like most brides-to-be, the last thing you want for your upcoming wedding day is to be unprepared and ill-informed about what exactly you'll need & need to do to make sure you pull off the tented, outdoor soiree of your dreams.

To make sure that you never have to experience any of the "I wish I'd known..." moments that so many other brides have encountered in the past, we've compiled 9 oh-so-helpful tips that are essential to keep in mind every step of the way in your outdoor wedding planning journey. So read on, take notes, and (finally!) relax with the confidence that with these tips in your arsenal, everything will be just grand.

Get The Right Tent!

Easier said than done. One big mistake we see brides make all the time is measuring the space the tent will go on their own. Don't do this! Get in touch with your wedding tent hire companies in your area and have them make a site visit to measure the space on their own, the right way, to ensure you get a tent big enough for your event. After all, they're the pros, and there is more that goes into this than meets the eye. For example, you can't stick a tent just anywhere. You have to make sure there are no underground utility lines (saving you a very costly situation should you hit one). Additionally, you can't think solely about how many guests you'll have, but also the style of dinner service, the size of the dance floor, how many bars you'll have, what kind of band stage you'll need, etc. One last time: get a pro to do this.

Make Sure There Are Plenty Of Available Restrooms

Although the outdoor venue or location you choose for your wedding may have restrooms on site, that doesn't guarantee that these facilities can accommodate your number of guests. A fabulous rule of thumb to keep in mind is that you'll need at least one restroom per every 40-45 guests. If what's available isn't an ideal or workable ratio, rent extras for your big day. Trust us, nothing leads to a grumpy crowd like a bathroom shortage (especially when there's a bar involved!).

Survey The Power Outlet Situation

It's often a detail that goes unnoticed until the very last moment, but making sure that you have adequate power supply, plenty of outlets, and the necessary electrical requirements for your wedding vendors is a BIG component of pulling off a tented affair with no hiccups. To make sure you are covered, talk with each and every one of your vendors about what they'll need, survey the location to make sure those needs can be accommodated, and finally, book a generator if you need one. Should you need a power generator, your local wedding tent rental company should be able to supply you with one or point you in the right direction.

Remember That You'll Need Lighting!

Once you confirm that your power supply needs are covered, go ahead and dive into assessing what you'll need to rent or purchase to make sure that your tented event has plenty of lighting. Sure, you'll have plenty of light by day, but when your celebration spills over into the evening hours, it's more than necessary to sufficiently light all party areas — the reception area, the bathroom facilities, the walkways, the on-site parking lot, etc.

Don't Forget About Parking Logistics

Another on-site logistic that you should take notice of early on in your wedding plans is parking. Does your outdoor space have a parking area? If so, does it have enough spots for the number of guests you'll have? If no parking area is provided or if there isn't enough available parking areas, then you'll need to, unfortunately, secure off-site parking, which can be very costly. If you do end up having to reserve parking elsewhere, it's also key to remember that you'll need to provide transportation for your guests to and from the wedding location.

Secure Your Permits

When you finalize the location of your outdoor tented wedding, one of the very first items you should check off your to-do list is "get permits." To determine what types of permits you'll need and if the county has a noise ordinance or special laws, head over to town hall and have them explain their regulations. From there, get to work on securing all permits and making sure your soiree is in line with any and all county rules.

Purchase Event Insurance

We know it seems silly to purchase insurance for a single day, but trust us when we say that you really shouldn't leave this safety measure of our your wedding plans, especially when it comes to outdoor weddings. Although it's likely that nothing like this will go wrong on your big day, uncontrollable disasters do happen, such as fires, injuries, and inclement weather. Make sure your investments are protected! Plus, what do you have to lose? Event insurance is relatively inexpensive and it'll provide you with priceless peace of mind.

Double & Triple Check Your Rental Needs

When you host a tented wedding, pretty much everything has to be rented. Yes, everything from the tables and chairs to the linens to the tent itself. With this outdoor wedding quirk in mind, we urge you to double & triple check your rental needs throughout the planning process. Nothing spells "uh-oh" quite like forgetting a major must-have or underestimating the exact quantity you need. Because this point is extremely important, we whole-heartedly suggest hiring a wedding planner to help guide you through this intensive portion of preparing for your wedding day. He or she will know exactly where to turn for quality rentals, exactly what and when you need order, and more!

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare For The Weather

Mother Nature is one unpredictable lady. For that very reason, it's imperative that you prepare, prepare, prepare for any and all weather scenarios that might pop up on your big day. If it's likely to rain, discuss rainy day backup plans with your tent company (some companies have special rain tents). If the forecast shows that it's going to be a stifling hot day, rent event fans to place in the corners of your tent. If it's going to be chilly, invest in heaters to scatter around your event. No matter what the weatherman predicts, you should be ready with a plan up your sleeve.

Keep these important details in mind while you plan and we're sure that your tented wedding with be a success from start to send-off!

Article source: https://stretchtentscapetown.wordpress.com/2017/07/17/9-tips-for-planning-tented-weddings/

Outdoor Versus Indoor Wedding

Always dreamed of a summer wedding outside in a lush garden? Or does the thought of the humidity and chance of rain deter you against anything to do with the outdoors? Whether you have your wedding indoors or out, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option before making your choice.

The time of year, of course, plays a big role in your decision. If it's a winter wedding, opt for an indoor wedding. However, if your wedding will be in the summer, an outdoor wedding can take place in many beautiful outdoor settings, such as on the beach, by a beautiful garden, or a gorgeous backyard.

Outdoor wedding: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of having an outdoor wedding include the natural beauty that is all around you. From palm trees to flowers, to gazebos, lush greenery, and sunsets, nature is your breathtaking decor, which can save you money on flowers and other decorating expenses.

Besides saving on decor, you will save on rental fees for a hall or any inside venue. Public beaches, gardens, and parks do not charge a fee so the only fee you would incur is the minister or priest. This casual approach also allows you to skip the pricey formal attire. You can wear a simple sundress, if you’d like, thus saving more money.

Another advantage is that you can choose whatever theme you’d like. Some churches can be very strict and might not allow you to be creative and dress them up with fun themes, but when you're outdoors, you have greater freedom to do whatever you'd like. Outdoor weddings also allow your guests to feel more relaxed because it's a fun, casual environment, rather than a stuffy and formal place. Having lots of space for movement is more comfortable for them as well.

Of course, one must also consider the disadvantages of an outdoor wedding. The biggest disadvantage is Mother Nature’s power over the weather. Because weather is so unpredictable, this can be a cause for concern. Sometimes, the weather forecast may call for sunny and clear skies, but come the day of your wedding, the exact opposite might be true. This is when a back-up plan is vital. It's this back-up plant that can increase the budget, as booking a room or a tent for your Plan B will entail costs, especially in the case of booking a tent. However, look into renting a tent structure that can serve as an outdoor venue. A high quality stretch tent structure can within gail force winds and will protect your guests from even the most unpredictable weather. Be sure to price and compare. We found, a reputable company such as Tentickle Stretch Tents, a good source of realistic stretch tent prices, great service and really beautiful tents that will enhance your special day. The worst-case scenario is that you pay to have the tent installed and then have a gorgeous sunny day and lose your deposit or the entire amount.

Another thing to think about is humidity. Hair might not cooperate in humid weather, makeup can be runny, and seasonal allergies can bother you or your guests. Also, make sure your priest or officiant is willing to marry you at your venue, since many Catholic priests will not perform marriage ceremonies outside of the church.

Indoor wedding: advantages and disadvantages

If you love the look of an outdoor wedding, but don’t want the stress of possible rain, you can create the outdoor look inside as well. For one client, I rented a venue encased in windows and this allowed everyone to feel like they were right in the middle of the natural beauty outdoors, while still inside, saving my client the stress of possible rain or need for a Plan B.

The advantages of having your wedding indoors is the year-round aspect. Whether your wedding is during the winter, spring, summer, or fall, there is no issue with weather. There are so many options for an indoor wedding, from historic buildings, stunning hotel banquet rooms, luxurious reception halls to indoor greenhouses, just to name a few.

The opportunity of having an "off-season" wedding in an indoor venue is also a plus, as hosting a wedding when venues are not busy may save you some money by the discounts that these venues can offer during their quiet season.

Golf clubs, for example, welcome events with open arms and sometimes reduce their rental rates and offer special wedding packages to bring in some business during their off-season.

Lighting is a great way of creating ambiance at a wedding and indoor venues allow you to maximize its effect, creating the perfect mood and allowing you to have the exact lighting you desire. Indoor weddings also mean better climate control.

Before making your choice on whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor wedding, consider all the pros and cons of each option and see what works for you.

Article source: http://www.slice.ca/weddings/blog/outdoor-versus-indoor-wedding/40973/

12 Ideas for the Best Outdoor Wedding

BY BRIDEBOX WEDDING ALBUMS ·

When you plan your wedding location, it is important to know how to filter out the best venues. There are so many options for your wedding venue, from big to small, from winter to summer locations and from indoors to outdoors. If you and your partner are celebrating your big day outside, you will want to plan your wedding so that it has the beauty and spaciousness of the outdoors but maintains the comfort of indoors. The following are 12 ideas to make your outdoor wedding comfortable and creative!

1. Cushion on the Seats

Our first and most basic suggestion for an outdoor wedding reception is to provide cushions on the seats. This simple necessity will make the biggest difference for your guests’ experience as they enjoy your beautiful ceremony. You can choose whether to pick simple white bench cushions or go with other creative wedding chair decorations.

2. Stepping Stones for Bridesmaids

Your bridesmaids worked hard to help make your wedding celebrations as successful as possible… return the favor by making sure to avoid creating a terribly uncomfortable experience for your bridal party. Most importantly, don’t stick your girls in stilettos on grass throughout your ceremony… If your reception is taking placing in a garden or field, consider placing a small platform or cement or wooden blocks where the bridal party will be standing. This will assure that they won’t need to worry about sinking into the grass or breaking a heel and can instead focus on your lovely ceremony that they came to see!

Photo Credit: Documentary Associates Photography

3. Bring the Dancing Shoes

If you’re concerned for your other high-heeled guests but want to keep your ceremony on grass, you don’t have to settle! One option is to let your guests know ahead of time to opt for their favorite classy wedding flats rather than heels. Alternatively, if you plan to have the ceremony out on a field but the rest of the reception on hard ground, you can provide your attendees with cheap flip-flops. This will increase your guests’ comfort both while strolling the venue and of course, while dancing the evening away!

Photo Credit: Tilly Mint

4. Ice Cold Drinks

If your outdoors wedding is taking place during the summer and the weather is expected to be warm, you should consider making ice cold drinks available outside. This does not have to be the location of your bar. You can ask your venue to put out ice-filled buckets with bottles of water and cans of soda or place one water bottle on every seat.

Photo Credit: Emma + Josh Photography

5. Provide Sun Protection

Along with keeping everyone hydrated, there are other factors you might want to consider about having an outdoor summer daytime wedding. For some of your older guests especially, staying out in the sun for a long time may be difficult or uncomfortable. In order to truly plan for your outdoor wedding, provide tubes with sunscreen for your guests. Also consider providing shade or shady areas.

6. Don’t Forget Temperature Drops

Similarly, if your wedding is taking place in the evening, you will want keep in mind the expected forecast. Avoid wedding day catastrophes by providing wraps and blankets for your guests to be able to throw on in the chillier moments of the evening. Although it may seem unconventional, keeping your guests feeling good outdoors will be a worthwhile investment.

7. Electronic Fans

If you are planning your wedding for one season of the year or in a humid location, regardless of whether it is a day or evening celebration, you will want your guests feeling comfortable and happy. Especially when dancing is involved, weddings tend to get warm and stuffy. Providing large electronic fans throughout the venue will help assure that your guests have a place to cool off while dancing or even just walking around.

8. Lighting

One of our favorite things about outdoor weddings is all the creative ways you can use lighting to either brighten up the venue or create a dim romantic atmosphere. You can make your walk down the aisle even more special by using string lights to create an outline of the path.

Photo Credit: The Reason I Love

9. Light Up Your Tables Creatively

Along with string lights, candles, and lamps, there is another way to creatively and beautifully lighten up your wedding venue for an evening celebration… Placing camping lanterns under tables creates a lively glow and adds a unique touch to your décor.

10. Create a Classy Entrance

There are a lot of ways you can add creative decorations to your wedding. For an outdoors wedding, you can install an entrance with a frame and lace curtains that gives a romantic and classy feel as your guests arrive. Depending on the layout of your venue, your entrance may be the first thing your guests see when they arrive, or it might better suit the start of the aisle.

Photo Credit: Christine Williams Photograhy

11. Protect the Dessert

Since your wedding is taking place outside, your party favors and desserts are vulnerable to the elements and to any pesky bugs that joined your celebration. Keep your appetizers, desserts and cake safe by keeping them under an insect-repellent canopy. Although you may eventually need to remove the net in order to make the treats more welcoming, keeping them protected at least at the start of the big day will be worth it.

12. Microphones

If your wedding is taking place outside throughout the ceremony and even speeches, it is very important to have a microphone. The outdoors doesn’t echo and the acoustics are generally not great. Having a microphone will assure that you and all your guests can hear the speakers and your lovely wedding vows.

Photo Credit: Amy Wass Photography

While outdoor weddings are conducive to a fun and easy-going celebration, they also take away some of the assured comfort, such as temperature control and good acoustics. That is why it is important for you to plan your outdoor wedding so that it can be as great as you deserve!

Article source: http://tentsfromcairotocapetown.weebly.com/blog/12-ideas-for-the-best-outdoor-wedding

Note from the blogger, Tents from Cairo to Cape Town: Experience has taught us, that when it comes to choosing a tent for an outdoor wedding, quality is key. Try source expert stretch tent manufacturers and suppliers, such as Tentickle Stretch Tents,  to ensure that you do not end up with a tent that rips or simply cannot withstand the elements!

The 10 Things You MUST Do If You're Having a Tent Wedding

Photo: Eric Kelley Photography; Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

There are plenty of reasons brides, grooms, and planners alike love tented weddings — the ambience, the cozy intimate air, and the whole party (and all the wedding décor) is safe from the elements! But erecting a wedding structure isn't like putting together the tent you and your fiancé use when you go camping. It takes a lot of work, and requires just as much preparation and planning. For example: Love the look of a clear top tent? While a see-through structure (like the one above, decorated by famous planner Mindy Weiss) is great at bringing the outdoors in at your event, it also acts as a greenhouse, trapping warm air and posing a threat to those wilt-able flowers. Or perhaps you're worried that your tent might be too big for your party size? Add warm lighting to make a massive tent appear cozy and intimate. To get started on planning your own canopied big day, take note of these 10 other need-to-know things about tented weddings.

1. Plan for a hefty bill.

Renting a tent is expensive (starting at $1,500 for 100 guests), and you're on the hook for all the décor, rentals, and equipment it takes to turn raw space into an inviting room.

2. Pick a model.

Pole tents have peaks, created by center poles, and are vinyl or sailcloth. Structure and frame tents have an open steel shell that can support heavy equipment like big speakers. Clear tops are sleek and modern.

Photo: Jose Villa Photography; Mindy Weiss Party Consultants

3. Find the right spot.

Focus on the view and the scale of the tent in relation to the surroundings. (It shouldn't swallow the entire plot of land!) And don't forget to find a flat surface at least 10 feet from any building (for stakes).

4. Ask about your venue's rules before you book.

Can you stake directly into the ground? Are there noise restrictions? When can you start setting up? This one's crucial because erecting a tent can take one to four days.

5. Reserve it early.

Rental companies have a limited supply of styles and sizes, so book one as soon as you finalize your date and have a good idea of the guest count — no later than six months before the wedding.

Photo: Willa Kveta Photography; La Fete Weddings

6. Get the proper size.

A tent that's too big or too small can mess up the flow and vibe of your party. As a general rule, figure 18 square feet of tent per person for a seated dinner and dancing.

7. Have a rain plan — and don't forget the walls!

In perfect weather, you can leave the tent open. But if you need to keep the outdoors out, have wall paneling ready and a plan that can be put into action quickly.

8. Consider flooring.

Grass is your cheapest option, but if you don't want the ladies to ruin their heels, cover the ground with wood flooring, sisal carpet, or Astroturf (an affordable option) in a neutral hue.

Photo: Jose Villa Photography; Kathleen Deery Design with Alison Events

9. Think hard about the temperature.

Trust us: Nothing is worse than being trapped inside a tent with no AC in August. Depending on your date, you may need air conditioners or heaters to keep everyone comfortable.

10. Do a sound check.

Music will be nice and loud on the dance floor, but what about during dinner? Have your DJ or band do a test run to ensure that guests way over there can hear too.

Subscribe now for the best wedding dresses, advice, and big-day inspiration. Or pick up the BRIDES June/July 2016 issue, on newsstands now and available for download here.

Original Source: http://tentsfromcairotocapetown.weebly.com/blog/the-10-things-you-must-do-if-youre-having-a-tent-wedding

Note from the blogger: If you are considering a tented wedding, take the time to look at Bedouin-inspired stretch tents as an option. For Stretch Tents for Sale, stretch tents in Cape Town or Stretch Tents in South Africa, visit www.tentickletents.co.za

Plan a Wedding in Cape Town South Africa

Getting married in the magical Mother City of Cape Town? Well-known as the gateway to South Africa, Cape Town is an extraordinary city that holds many beautiful places to tie the knot.

Knowing the in’s and out’s of when, where and how to get married in Cape Town is essential to ease you into planning a Cape Town wedding. With the guidance provided by our collection of handy tips, learn how to plan and pull off your dream wedding in any of the city’s seasons or locations!

Image: Joanne Markland as seen in this Pale Yellow, White & Coral Winelands Destination Wedding

Getting Married in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the top wedding destinations in the world for good reason. Not to mention the bright African sunshine and amazing weather, there’s plenty that Cape Town has to offer as a wedding destination that sets it apart from others:

Beautiful Variety of Cape Town Wedding Venues

There are so many stunning wedding venues in Cape Town, that you will be spoilt for choice! There are Winelands venues nestled in the hearts of vineyards, venues overlooking the ocean and beautiful beaches, modern venues with lots of glass and concrete, venues overlooking magnificent mountain ranges or situated in the heart of a plantation, rustic venues with that homely feel or vintage vibe and venues ranging from the smallest, to the biggest capacities. Not only does Cape Town offer some of the top venues in the world, but it is all accessible within a half an hour’s drive.

Cape Town is a Wedding Photographer’s Paradise

We believe that Cape Town offers a background and setting to die for and it would be any photographer’s dream to shoot a wedding in the Winelands, the beach, or Cape Town itself.

Cape Town Boasts Top-Class Wedding Suppliers

Being one of the top wedding destinations in the world, Cape Town is also able to offer engaged couples top class wedding suppliers such as award winning wedding photographers, chefs, stationery designers and cake suppliers. Cape Town service providers offer a super-personal touch and that’s important when you’re planning your biggest, most beautiful day yet”.

You can’t Beat the Mother City Magic

There’s such a unique vibe and atmosphere in this city. Again and again, couples gush about the beautiful surroundings, but the one thing they truly remember is the friendliness and all-around-smiles that are so true to Capetonians. Couples from overseas absolutely love flying here to say their vows, while their guests get to enjoy what Cape Town has to offer as they make it a mini holiday.

When to get married in Cape Town

Regardless of the time of year, rain, wind or sunshine – a gorgeous Cape Town wedding can be held during any season.

Summer Weddings in Cape Town

November – February

Beginning as early as November and lasting well into February, the Cape Town’s summer months are perfect for outdoor weddings. Although the summertime boasts the warmest weather and endlessly long days, it is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year to wed, requiring you to book your venue and vendors way in advance.

Autumn Weddings in Cape Town

March – April

Cape Town during the Autumn season in March and April may be less warm than Summer, but it is also privy to less wind in the Mother City. The city is amass with autumn colours of reds, browns, yellows and oranges – offering a stunning backdrop for weddings especially in the Cape Winelands at an ‘off-season’ price.

Winter Weddings in Cape Town

May – August

Between May and August, Cape Town plays host to greenery galore owing to the winter rainfalls. Referred to as the “secret season”, rain, wind and sunshine can be expected, which makes it a great season for cosy indoor weddings. More choice of available venues also allows you to confirm bookings closer to your wedding date.

 

Spring Weddings in Cape Town

September – November

Springtime is a time for new beginnings and celebration of love seems fit during this flowerful season that starts in September before welcoming the Summer in November. A pleasant mix of rain and sunshine creates a blanket of flowers especially across the popular West Coast Spring flower route.

 

Where To Get Married in Cape Town

With its diverse landscape and scenery, Cape Town has a marvellous mix of wedding venues on offer.

Get Married on the Beach in Cape Town

(Above) Strandkombuis Wedding Venue, Yzerfontein | Shot by: Just Judy Photography

Cape Town is bordered with several world-class beaches from the warm Langebaan, Arniston and Paternoster beaches found along the West Coastline, the glamorous white sand beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Hout Bay stretching across the Atlantic Seaboard, to the more laid-back Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek beaches nestled along the False Bay coastline. Having a beach wedding sounds like it could be the most romantic place to exchange your vows. However, if you’re eager for a beach wedding, be sure to consider the following:

Cape Town Beach Weddings are great for:

• The beach can play host to romantic and relaxed tented or alfresco weddings that allow you to kick back and enjoy your wedding with the sand between your toes.
• Great surroundings for photos, especially during the late afternoons and sunset is a sure bet!
• If you’re lucky, you could also enjoy some privacy if the beach is secluded.

Things to keep in mind:

• Cape Town is known for its rain and wind throughout the seasons, so selecting the right wedding date is crucial. Beach weddings are best held from late October until early April, with the late summer offering less wind. If the weather is unfavourable, you will need a Plan B – either an indoor beach wedding venue or a beach canopy, gazebo or tent., such as the event tents available from a reputable supplier such as Tentickle Stretch Tents.
• Licensing is essential if you’re having a wedding on a public beach. A wedding permit can be arranged by your wedding planner (if you have one). Be sure to allow for enough time in advance for your beach wedding permit to be issued.
• There is a lack of guaranteed privacy on public beaches, as they are open to other

Get Married at a Hotel in Cape Town

Many of Cape Town’s hotel wedding venues are situated near to or in the city centre, which offers beautiful views of the world-renowned Table Mountain.

Cape Town Hotel Weddings are great for:

• Most hotels have an in-house wedding co-ordinator who is available to assist you in planning your wedding.
• With on-site chef and catering services available at most hotels, you may be able to personalise your wedding menu with the hotel’s chef.
• It may be possible to secure special rates for accommodation for the bridal couple and your guests, if the venue is booked far in advance.

Things to keep in mind:

• Hotels have rules and these may include their approved list of vendors, party cut-off times and noise-limits, which requires you to consider the guests staying at the hotel during that time.
• Unless you’re happy with the hotel’s current decor, you may have to spend more to transform the existing decor of the venue to add your personal touch.
• There may be other weddings or events taking place on the same day in another venue at the hotel, which may stretch the hotel’s resources in handling multiple weddings or cause conflict between the different wedding programs.
• Many hotels also offer tent hire as a venue option if they have expanding lawns to offers for an outside wedding.
• For hotels that are interested in purchasing their own tent contact Tentickle Tents for stretch tents sales and ask about their wide range of stretch tents for sale.

Get Married in a Forest, Garden or Outdoors in Cape Town

Other outdoor wedding venues in Cape Town can include forests, gardens and ‘glamping’ (camping in style!).

Cape Town Forest, Garden or Outdoor Weddings are great for:

• Outdoor weddings can be incredibly beautiful when set amongst nature and it is this surrounding scenery that can be used as part of your wedding venue.

Things to keep in mind:

• The logistics of hosting a wedding outdoors where amenities such as running water, electricity for sufficient lighting and sound and access to the wedding site may be a challenge and end up being more costly.
• It is essential to devise a contingency plan for your wedding location in advance in case the weather does not play along.
• Uninvited wedding guests such as pesky bugs need to be anticipated and prepared for with fans and insect repellents, especially during the summer months.

Get Married on a Wine Farm in Cape Town

(Above) Molenvliet Wine & Guest Estate Wedding Venue, Stellenbosch | Shot by: Damor Photography

Home to several wine countries, Cape Town’s wine routes include towns such as Constantia Valley, Stellenbosch, the Helderberg, Durbanville Valley and Franschhoek.

Cape Town Wine Farm Weddings are great for:

• Wine farms are perfect venues for both indoor and outdoor celebrations. Indoor wedding venues can include beautiful buildings, old cellars and generally a venue that is filled with style and charm.
• Open spaces filled with vineyards, farmlands, the estate’s gardens, surrounding green pastures and mountainous landscapes create a beautiful backdrop for your wedding.
• Many wine farm wedding venues offer wedding facilities and delicious catering. Of course, there is also the benefit of enjoying the wine farm’s own wine if you please.
• Several farms offer on-site accommodation, which makes for a truly enjoyable wedding experience.

Things to keep in mind:

• Consider how your guests will be travelling to your wedding as some of your guests may not be able to travel to a wine farm in a remote area.
• For religious reasons, certain guests may not be able to attend a wine farm wedding where alcohol is present.

How to Get Married in Cape Town

If only getting hitched was as easy and romantic as saying your “I do’s”! However less romantic the legal and technical information required by the South African government in order for a marriage to be legal may be, they are essential to adhere to, to ensure that you have truly tied the knot! Here we share a few important guidelines on how to enter into a legally binding union in Cape Town.

(Above) Kleinevalleij Wedding Venue, Wellington| Shot by: ZaraZoo Wedding Photography

• Once your have been married, your marriage officer is required to submit the marriage register to be recorded at the nearest Home Affairs office. Once it has been recorded, an abridged or shortened version of your marriage certificate, which costs approximately ZAR75.00, is issued on the same day. It may take between 6-8 weeks from the date of application for an abridged or complete marriage certificate to be issued at a cost of ZAR20.00
• Unless you have entered into a valid pre-nuptial contract prior to marrying, all legal marriages in Cape Town are in community of property.
• Although you may conduct your wedding ceremony anywhere in South Africa – be it the beach, a wine farm, hotel or the great outdoors, it is legally required thatthe marriage contract or register be signed indoors, beneath a proper roof and in the presence of at least two witnesses who will also be required to sign the marriage register.
• If you are not a South African citizen, then you should find out whether your home country acknowledges South African marriages as legally valid.
• Only  legally authorised marriage officers may perform your wedding ceremony. To learn more about how to select the right marriage officer for your wedding, take a look at our Selecting a Marriage Officer {Wedding Planning Series} feature, which explains the different types of officers and shares great tips on how to choose the right one for you.

Remember that these are only a few of the key requirements for entering into a legal marriage. To find out more, it is best to seek legal counsel prior to entering into a marriage and to confirm the complete and updated details from a South African Home Affairs office or by visiting www.home-affairs.gov.za.

Source: http://www.confettidaydreams.com/getting-married-in-cape-town-ultimate-guide/