Bridal Guide
Bridal Guide
Abeautifully restored VW Kombi is set to add a touch of vintage charm to your wedding day. In the heart of the Cape Winelands these iconic vehicles are turning heads, and making memories, thanks to the passion of local enthusiast Paul Cochrane.
“My love for classic VW Kombis started when I was a young boy; my dad always had one parked outside.” He now owns a small fleet of these beloved vehicles. “When my wife and I relocated from KwaZulu-Natal to the Western Cape 23 years ago I bought my first Kombi. As most old-car collectors will understand, soon there was a second, then a third and a fourth... they’re part of the family.”
Each of Cochrane’s Kombis has its own name and personality, is lovingly maintained and in pristine condition. They
“earn their keep” by being rented out for weddings, matric balls and special events, enabling others to bask in their nostalgia and joy.
Over the years Cochrane’s VWs have become local celebrities, appearing in music videos, TV ads, movies and countless photo shoots. For him it’s more about sharing a lifestyle and preserving a bit of motoring history.
“This is old technology,” he says with a smile. “We’re a two-man team. Pieter Hamersma, a bona fide Stellenbosch blacksmith, is ready to jump into the driver’s seat. We stick to old-school rules: clean and shiny vehicles, arriving an hour early and good old-fashioned manners.”
Whether stylish wedding transport, a quirky photo booth backdrop or to make an unforge able entrance, Cochrane’s Kombis bring a sense of fun, freedom and retro flair.
Don’t plan your wedding before visiting our websites or store. We hire out the most beautiful linen and crocker y for your wedding.
Add a touch of vintage charm to your wedding day with a beautifully restored VW Kombi.
Atthe foot of Tulbagh’s red-tinged Winterhoek Mountains is Mont Rouge, where natural beauty, warmth and timeless elegance meet. This working farm, owned by the Du Plessis family since 1928, has grown from fertile fruit orchards into a celebration landmark.
A SETTING STEEPED IN CHARM
Mont Rouge’s Barnwood Hall combines rustic textures of rock and timber with a spacious layout. For those seeking nature’s embrace the Fern Grove delivers a fairytale forest experience with babbling brooks. Die Vlei, lush, is ideal for pleasant pre-drinks under open skies.
TAILORED PACKAGES FOR EVERY SEASON
Mont Rouge offers wedding packages to suit intimate and grand celebrations, priced from R25 000. They include elegant tables and white cross-back chairs to ceremony arches.
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FARM-FRESH FEASTS
Mont Rouge offers hearty, home-style cooking, signature dishes such as lamb-on-the-spit, sweet pampoenkoekies, and freshly baked roosterkoek. There are vegetarian and dietary options. Dessert options – pavlovas, malva pudding or chocolate-mousse pots –make sweet endings sweeter.
A TOUCH OF VINTAGE CLASS
Couples can also book a vintage 1938 Chevrolet for their grand entrance.
STAY A LITTLE LONGER
The farm’s four riverside co ages offer a tranquil post-wedding retreat. Co-owner Cindy Havenga employs a heartfelt hands-on approach. “There’s nothing I enjoy more than seeing the joy on our guests’ faces and witnessing their awe when they experience what we’ve created.”
A couple sharing their first wedding dance.
Bridal Guide
Yourwedding day is a whirlwind of love, laughter and celebration, but soon a er it’s your honeymoon that gives you the chance truly to pause, reconnect and begin your new chapter as a couple.
Choosing the perfect honeymoon destination is about cra ing an experience that reflects both your personalities, dreams and shared sense of adventure. Here’s a guide to the ideal South African honeymoon:
START WITH YOUR SHARED VISION
Before scrolling through endless Instagram feeds of turquoise seas or snow-capped mountains pause and ask yourselves what you want this honeymoon to feel like.
Relaxed and luxurious: Are you dreaming of sundrenched beaches, spa treatments and languid mornings in a private villa?
Cultural and immersive: Do you want to wander cobbled streets, explore local cuisine and experience a destination’s history and heritage?
Adventure and nature: Are hikes, safaris or diving into new experiences at the top of your list?
Knowing your ideal “feel” will make it easier to filter destinations and experiences.
CONSIDER PRACTICAL CONSTRAINTS
Overlooking practical details can derail the most breathtaking destination.
Time and schedule: How many days do you truly have? Factor in travel and layovers to avoid exhaustion. Budget: Your spend must include flights, transfers, accommodation, dining, excursions, visas and travel insurance. Season and weather: Avoid monsoon, hurricane or extreme-heat periods.
Accessibility and amenities: Ensure ease of travel, safety and basic comforts.
Create a simple “feasibility grid”: Rate each place on flight duration, cost, weather and conveniences.
Style of honeymoon: Choose what suits your love story.
TROPICAL AND ISLAND ESCAPES
Sun, sand and sea are a timeless choice for romance. Think overwater villas in the Maldives, Mauritius’ turquoise coves or Seychelles’ secluded beaches. Perfect for couples seeking luxury, relaxation and privacy.
Your honeymoon gives you the chance truly to pause, reconnect and begin your new chapter as a couple.
Photo: Ismail Mohamed/Unsplash
CULTURAL
AND CITY ADVENTURES
Rome or Barcelona offer architecture, culinary delights, art and nightlife. Ideal for the cosmopolitan couple.
NATURE AND WILDERNESS RETREATS
Reconnect with nature on safari in Kruger or a scenic hike through Patagonia. These offer unparalleled intimacy and adventure, but do plan for logistics, safety and seasonality.
WELLNESS AND SPA RETREATS
Think boutique resorts in Bali or Thailand with yoga sessions, spa treatments and serene surroundings. Perfect reset a er the wedding whirlwind.
NARROWING YOUR OPTIONS
Budget vs. dream experiences: Eliminate destinations that strain finances or require excessive travel.
Weather and timing: Ensure good climate.
Ease and logistics: Check transfers, internal flights and safety considerations.
TIMING AND BOOKING STRATEGY
Book early: A 6-12 month lead time is ideal.
Special perks: Many resorts offer honeymoon packages — complimentary dinners, spa credits, or room upgrades — simply by le ing them know it’s your honeymoon.
Flexible itinerary: Leave time for spontaneity and rest — a few unscheduled days can create some of the most memorable moments. Allow for quiet mornings and shared moments.
Jyhet al die ring gekies, datum vasgestel en jou gaste uitgenooi. Maar het jy aan alles gedink? Ongeag jou ouderdom of die soort troue waarop jy besluit het, is daar belangrike geldsake wat jy in ag moet neem voordat jy in die huwelik tree.
EERSTE HUWELIKE
Kies die regte huwelikskontrak
Die lewe is gewoonlik maanskyn en rose vir diegene wat kies om met die liefde van hul lewe voor die kansel te gaan staan. In die algemeen trou die meeste Suid-Afrikaners eers in hul vroeë tot middel dertigs en dis heel moontlik dat hulle al bates, soos eiendom en voertuie, besit, maar skuld aangegaan het voordat hulle in die gangetjie stap. “Dit is baie belangrik dat jy die regte huwelikskontrak kies voordat jy sê ‘ja’ om toekomstige finansiële komplikasies, wat jou huwelik kan raak, te vermy,” sê Alex Simeonides, die uitvoerende hoof van Capital Legacy. “En, moenie vergeet om jou testament op datum te bring om hierdie
Bridal
lewensveranderinde mylpaal in ag te neem nie.”
Wees versigtig: As jy binne gemeenskap van goedere getroud is, kan jy net 50% van die gesamentlike boedel aan iemand van jou keuse laat wanneer jy sterf. Jou gade kan kies wat gebeur met die ander hel e van die boedel. Dink daaraan en oorweeg ’n huweliksvoorwaardekontrak, want dan behou albei eggenote hul eie bates.
TWEEDE KEER GELUKKIG
Neem die unieke behoe es van vermengde gesinne in ag. Tweede huwelike word al hoe meer algemeen, maar ’n eenvoudige wysiging aan jou testament laat nie die finansiële verpligtinge van jou vorige huwelik verdwyn nie.
“Vermengde gesinne kan ’n hele klomp finansiële kompleksiteite veroorsaak”, sê Simeonides. “Doeltreffende boedelbeplanning en wysigings aan jou testament beteken jy sal verseker dat enige minderjarige kinders van ’n vorige huwelik ondersteun word en ook dat jou huidige eggenoot en familie ook versorg en ondersteun sal word.”
Wees versigtig: Gebruik ’n finansiële tussenganger om te verseker dat jy deur doeltreffende boedelbeplanning ’n erfenis aan jou familie agterlaat.
TRADISIONELE HUWELIKE
Beskerm jou regte
Baie Suid-Afrikaners verkies om hul kultuur te vereer deur tradisioneel te trou. Dit beteken nie dat jy finansieel hoef te verloor nie. Wanneer beide die makoti en mkhwenyana se families die lobola-onderhandelinge afgehandel het, is jy amptelik getroud. Baie Suid-Afrikaners is nie bewus dat ’n geregistreerde tradisionele huwelik outomaties as ‘binne gemeenskap van goedere’ getroud beskou word nie en elke eggenoot is geregtig tot die hel e van die gesamentlike boedel – albei se bates ... en albei se skuld.
Wees versigtig: As jy ’n huweliksvoorwaardekontrak wil aangaan, sal jy dit moet oorweeg om die kontrak gedurende die finaliseringseremonie te onderteken ten einde jou boedel te beskerm en later ’n moontlike eis teen jou boedel te verhoed indien een van julle te sterwe sou kom.
Feit: ’n Huweliksvoorwaardekontrak moet voor die troue deur ’n notaris opgestel en binne drie maande in die Registrasie van Akte geregistreer word.
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“We’re
ge ing married!”
Pros
Following all the congratulations the question will occur, “So when?” It’s a big decision. The perfect celebration must take the seasons into account. Spring, summer, autumn or winter the Granny Mouse Country House & Spa team gives some pros and cons:
A winter wedding doesn’t have to be a gloomy thought. Winter-wedding fashion is exquisite.
SPRING
Symbolising new life, Spring is lush, green and abundant.
Pros
• With flowers in full bloom, you won’t be short of supply.
• Springtime is also just before the summer wedding rush, so you’ll probably get fantastic pre-season deals.
• Still quite cool, so no sweating in suits or make-up “runs”.
• Cape Winelands vineyards are verdant again, thanks to good rains, making for a romantic outdoor wedding shoot.
Cons
• Unpredictable rain may rear its ugly head, a lingering le over from winter, so a rain option for the venue is good.
SUMMER
Pros
• Summer brings holiday spirit, guests are in party mode!
• There are quite a few public holidays to choose from.
• Loved ones are also taking leave over Christmas. Cons
• Summer in South Africa also means international visitors take advantage of our glorious weather. This may wreak havoc on booking, so a summer wedding means securing a favourite venue well in advance.
• Fighting blistering heat may mean incurring expense for keeping guests cool. Think parasols, garden umbrellas, aircon for marquees, cold refreshments and lots of ice!
• Things are pricy during wedding season so watch your budget closely to get the most bang for your buck.
AUTUMN
A personal favourite for many, with shades of burnt orange, hues of yellow and gold.
• Autumn is a cooler season, but April and May can still swelter, so make sure you provide for the cooler evenings.
Cons
• Changing foliage, leaves changing colour and baring trees can make for dreamy romantic wedding pictures.
WINTER
Winter brings a romance all of its own.
Pros
• Nights are chilly; factor heaters and blankets into costs.
• Long sleeves, shawls and faux fur can be dramatic.
• Touches such as a blazing fireplace, hot chocolate and gluhwein will resonate for years.
Cons
• Indoor options for ceremony, pre-drinks and reception are good.
Adapted from Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.
Bridal Guide 2025
Your wedding day presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an almost ethereally happy experience.
It will be captured in all its splendour by the expert eye of a fantastic photographer and imprinted in the memories of friends and family for eternity. The jewel in this celebratory crown is, of course, the momentous wedding cake, glistening with a sparkle only rivalled by the happiness in the lucky couple’s eyes.
dietary preferences (vegan or gluten-free).
Some couples prefer bakers who use local, organic and in-season products.
Wedding-cake wizard, award-winning TV chef and cookbook author Grace Stevens shares how to make your wedding cake absolutely whimsical.
Flavours
and Fillings
Design and Decoration
Great bakers are only too happy to mix and match flavours to suit the client’s inspiration and preferred palate. Like chefs and signature dishes, bakers have signature flavours and blends that demonstrate their culinary artistry. Honest, clear communication ensures the right blend and
Each cake decorator has a speciality with a portfolio of work, particularly on social media. Therefore, doing research is good. Custom designs or standard cakes depends on your baker.
It’s o en the decorator that brings the personality of the couple and their artistic flair to the cake. Couples should request different options and various pricing tiers.
Bu ercream and fondant, sugarcra and chocolate work and sugar flowers versus fresh flowers can all be confusing. Edible flowers, especially for outdoor weddings, such as sugar flowers are a great option as they don’t wilt and your decorator can make any flower you wish. Fresh flowers, on the other hand, depend on seasons and can be expensive, wilt and even poisonous! It’s always best to take pictures of the cake a er delivery.
Execution and Logistics
To avoid any disaster arrange your cake maker deliver and set up their masterpiece. Once done, it’s wise to have an agreed-on person, such as someone in the wedding party, look a er the cake and sign that it has been received. Therefore, make sure to book your baker at least three months ahead; in Spring they get incredibly busy. Be sure to discuss any traditions with them, for instance, buying the boxes for packing small pieces of cake. Payment terms vary, some taking a 50% deposit, the balance due 14 days before the event. Decorative cake stands, sparkly toppers and elaborate knives usually add to the cost.
Bakers can be flexible, although refund policies do differ, so clarify these at the outset. Ensure flavours conjure-up memories of great company and love that linger for years. Follow Stevens on Instagram @ grace_stevenschef and visit her website for the best recipes www.gracestevens.co.za.
For illustration purpose. Photo: Jason Martin Leung/Unsplash
Bridal Guide 2025
Whysign an Antenuptial Contract (ANC) before the wedding?
In South Africa three different marital regimes exist:
• Marriage in community of property (default in SA)
• Marriage out of community of property (with accrual)
• Marriage out of community of property (without accrual)
For many couples the default “in community of property” is not ideal, for which consulting a lawyer to make an informed choice is important.
A legal ANC avoids doubt and potential for dispute, invariably costly. Under ths regime assets would be properly distributed in the event of a divorce.
For an all-inclusive, light-on-pocket fee a Faure & Faure Inc. A orneys dedicated legal team assists the couple by:
• Explaining different ANC options (advantages and disadvantages), and they can choose the most suitable.
• Compiling a dra ANC they must both sign.
• A copy of the prescribed certificate is provided for the Marriage Officer while the original goes to the Deeds Office.
• The couple also receives a copy of the registered ANC. Being married in an “out of community” se ing doesn’t mean this is necessarily the case or one’s nationality/citizenship decides. No, it is where the husband is domiciled at the time.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DETAIL
A recent Appellate decision (M v M (332/2015) [2016] ZASCA 5, 9 (March 2017)) illustrates how essential it is, before marriage, to have a lawyer structure a detailed contract.
A divorcing couple that had been married and divorced three times had been married out of community of property with the accrual system, so each was in principle entitled to 50% of all “accrual” (growth) in their estates a er marriage, except as specifically excluded from accrual by their ANC. The husband had, on the advice of his accountant, created a new legal entity for each of his new timeshare business ventures, to ensure that if one business failed the others would not be affected. Their ANC specified the assets (business interests, trusts, CCs and companies) were excluded from the accrual. This was contested by the wife during the divorce; she
requested the High Court declare the assets of three trusts to be those of her husband for accrual
• The ANC’s facts and interpretation do not exclude them
• They were simply the husband’s “alter ego”.
Lesson: Stipulate exclusions clearly in your ANC.
The court held none of the trusts’ assets be taken into account in determining accrual, two not even covered by the exclusion clause. Against the husband’s view, the court said it covered only “the particular asset” and its proceeds.
The court found the husband didn’t use his trusts dishonestly.
Marelize Meintjes, a Director at Faure & Faure Inc. A orneys, specialises in Family Law,. Call 021 871 1200 or email marelize@faurefaure.co.za.
SunEnjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Wild Coast with vistas of Indian Ocean waves crashing onto long, unspoilt white beaches.
International’s Wild Coast Sun Resort is located just off the breathtakingly beautiful beach, with picturesque views that would also make a beautiful backdrop to your special day.
The perfect family-holiday destination flanked by the ocean, a river, a lagoon and 750 ha of lush indigenous bush, the property boasts a 4-star 396 bedroom hotel, R80-million water park, games area for children, outdoor sports, top-ranked 18-hole golf course, casino and a range of restaurants.
Located just 5 km from Port Edward, the resort straddles the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, your honeymoon or a family-holiday, there’s plenty of adventure to be found in the area, from deep-sea fishing charters, rock, surf, fly and spear fishing, scuba diving, hiking trails and horse rides on the beach. Walk along sandy beaches and discover relics from old coastal shipwrecks. Also, paddle-boat, canoe or cruise the vast Mtamvuna River. The area’s Red Desert, at 200 m in diameter, was recently proclaimed the smallest in the world. It is now a protected nature reserve and visitors can see many archaeological discoveries found at the site.
Adults can experience the thrill of the casino with its wide range of slot machines and popular Tables games such as roule e, blackjack and other classics, with smoking and non-smoking facilities available. Land-based sports, mostly at the Sports Centre, include gym, lawn bowls, squash and tennis. The golf course is famed for its magnificently curated fairways and greens that cross rugged terrain of hills, ravines, rivers, dams, waterfalls and lagoon, with its ocean views.
For children, there’s the AquaPlay area’s slides, Segway, quad biking, cycling and, indoors, the Magic Company and Cosmic Bowling in the Aloha Village.
Enjoy the adrenalin rush of Wild Waves Water Park, which boasts some of the world’s best water rides. Choose from a gentle Lazy River tube experience to more adventurous, heart-pounding body slides.
All ages can spend their days playing on the rides. It offers the latest water rides for those seeking adventure and fun. Oh, the possibilities are virtually endless!
While Spring and Summer are o en seen as the traditional seasons for weddings across South Africa, winter holds a charm all of its own, a quiet romance that brings warmth to the cold and an intimacy to a celebration. With exquisite fashion, comforting cuisine, glowing fireplaces and a landscape painted in rich, warm tones, a winter wedding promises an experience as memorable as it is magical. Of course, like any season, winter comes with its challenges. Rain, wind, cloud cover, and possibly even snow, can occasionally disrupt the day and outdoor ceremonies become a less reliable option. Gusty winds in particular can wreak havoc on décor; unanchored signage or framed photos can quickly become casualties.
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Simple planning, however, easily overcomes these obstacles. Weighted bases for décor, securing smaller elements such as pens or photo-booth props, and having a member of your wedding party on hand to make quick adjustments will ensure everything stays in place. The need for an indoor venue throughout the celebration — from ceremony to reception — is essential.
Winter brings a stark, cinematic beauty that can be just as breathtaking, with its own nuptial advantages. For instance, longevity; from the bridal bouquet to the cake everything simply holds up be er in the cold. Flowers stay fresh throughout the day, make-up remains flawless, and there’s no threat of icing slipping off a beautifully decorated cake. What’s more, the couple themselves are likely to feel cooler and more comfortable in their wedding a ire, In winter luxurious fabrics, long sleeves, sweeping capes, faux-fur wraps, gloves and delicate shawls all add dramatic flair and timeless sophistication.
The so , diffused light is a photographer’s dream, creating a romantic, moody ambience that’s hard to replicate in the brightness of summer. Winter sunsets offer a unique colour pale e and misty morning landscapes or candlelit receptions provide stunning backdrops. Then there’s the food, among the most memorable parts of any wedding. Winter lends itself to decadent, comforting
cuisine. Guests will remember the way warm apple cider greeted them on arrival, the richness of a cheese fondue, the indulgence of white-hot chocolate or a dessert table laden with chocolate puddings and sticky treats. A hearty carvery with warm vegetable dishes or artisanal cheese boards can become a feature in themselves, offering both comfort and a touch of culinary theatre. It’s the kind of food that warms both the stomach and the soul, perfect for a celebration of love.
Decor-wise, winter opens the doors to creativity. The season invites an aesthetic that is both cosy and ethereal; dried oak leaves instead of confe i, co on blooms to mimic snow and flickering candles that not only add romance, but warmth. Lighting plays a central role, from fairy lights to vintage filament bulbs and so ly-glowing wall sconces. Even a simple touch like jars of twinkling ba ery-operated lights nestled in greenery can add an intimate sparkle. Outdoor fire baskets or lanterns provide a welcoming glow and create an inviting atmosphere from the moment guests arrive.
Winter present budgeting ease, the season falling outside the traditional peak, many venues offering reduced rates and a ractive packages. It’s ideal for securing a dream location, décor and suppliers at far more accessible prices. The ideal venue for a winter wedding should be love wrapped in warmth, elegance and an intimacy both heartfelt and magical.
Marrying in winter is romantic.
Turn heads at your Matric Ball, Wedding, or Special Event with a ride in a classic VW Kombi!
GBridal Guide
etting married in South Africa can be expensive. Accurate numbers are hard to come by, but planners suggest weddings can range from R70 000 to R80 000 for between 80 and 100 guests, which can escalate to R200 000. Today many couples need or want to carry or contribute to the costs. There are many reasons: historical customs are changing, couples don’t want to put undue pressure on their families or they prefer to be independent and make all their own decisions. Whatever the reasons, peak wedding season in South Africa starts in September and some prospective brides and grooms may now be considering how to find the money or postponing the wedding until they have been able to save enough to pay for it.
unexpected expenses may crop up in the first months or years of marriage, so leave yourself some financial flexibility. According to clinical psychologist Jodi Tromp, financial di culties and disagreements are one of the leading causes of divorce in South Africa.”
For couples not able to find alternative means to raise some or all of the funds and not wanting to wait, applying for a loan may be a consideration.
Hema Morar, chief operating o cer: lend enabler at specialist loan provider DirectAxis, says before applying for a loan there are some important things to consider.
“Of course, every bride wants to be beautiful and every couple wants to have a wonderful time with their family and friends, but weddings can be expensive. It’s finding the balance between having a memorable wedding and starting married life on a sound financial footing.”
Once you know how much you can a ord to spend, you can plan accordingly.
There are no hard-and-fast rules to drawing up a wedding budget, but the major costs will most likely be venue hire, catering and beverages, which will comprise up to 50% of the budget.
This, of course, will determine how many guests you can a ord to invite. Other costs include the dress, make-up and accessories, photography and videography, entertainment, flowers and décor, invitations and the table dressing. Each of these will comprise 10% to 15% of the costs.
Hema says that the first step is to work out what you can a ord. This may include any money you’ve been able to save and contributions from family. Internationally crowdfunding has become a way some people raise money for unconventional or destination weddings, but not so much in South Africa.
The same applies if you decide to take out a loan. Use a loan calculator such as: https://www.directaxis.co.za/loans/personal-loan/calculator to determine how much you can a ord to borrow based on the monthly repayments. Hema suggests erring on the side of caution.
“It’s sensible to be conservative, rather than borrowing the full amount you think you can a ord. You never know what
Also consider some family traditions may include rehearsal dinners as well as pre- and post-wedding functions. When looking to manage costs think about things that are important to you as a couple and will contribute to warm and abiding memories.
Also consider some family think about things that are important to you as a couple reception in a beautiful garden or nature reserve. Another consideration is checking for o -peak
If you’re both into nature and the outdoors, you could consider a reception in a beautiful garden or nature reserve. Another consideration is checking for o -peak wedding and honeymoon costs, slightly lower than peak season. When planning, leave a reasonable contingency of 15% for unexpected costs.
If you don’t use it for the wedding it may come in handy for the honeymoon or simply provide a nice financial cushion for your first few months of marriage.
“Another way in which many couples today create abiding memories is to ask guests to contribute towards their honeymoon, rather than buy them wedding presents,” said Hema.
“Although planning and budgeting may seem the least romantic aspect of your wedding you’ll love each other for having done it and worked together to make what may be your first joint financial decision.”
Bridal Guide 2025
Whenit comes to planning a wedding couples o en focus on the big moments; the dress, the vows, the first dance. Yet there’s one element that has the power to linger in guests’ memories long a er the last song has played: the food.
Your wedding menu isn’t just about feeding your guests; it’s about creating an experience. A beautifully curated meal can elevate your celebration, reflecting your personality as a couple and bringing loved ones together. Perfectly paired wines, the right culinary touches can transform a wedding into an unforge able sensory journey.
Every couple has a story; food can be deeply personal, a nod to where you come from, where you’ve travelled, even your favourite moments together. Ideally, a catering team works closely with couples to design a bespoke menu that captures their unique journey. Whether it’s recreating a dish from your first date or giving family recipes a gourmet twist every plate becomes part of the celebration.
Complement a great menu with artisanal cheeses, farmfresh vegetables, grass-fed meats and handcra ed chocolates, brought together by culinary artists schooled in the fine art of flavours.
The result? Sheer gastronomical joy. As important as the food is the wine that accompanies it. A thoughtfully selected wine pairing can enhance each dish, bringing subtle flavours out and adding a layer of sophistication.
Couples can work with the venue’s team to design pairings that suit both the menu and their guests’ preferences. Imagine a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement fresh seafood canapés, a bold Pinotage alongside a perfectly cooked steak
and a luxurious dessert wine to close the evening. A wine cellar also provides a unique se ing for intimate pre-wedding gatherings. It’s where love of food and wine comes together, se ing the tone for the celebration ahead. The exceptional food and drink should surprise and delight your guests at every turn. Also consider offering cra gins and beers or refreshing sparkling wines. Buffets and morning-a er breakfasts can also end it all on a high note. One planning challenge is coordinating all the moving parts: catering, accommodation, logistics and décor, and it’s
perhaps where a top-notch planner can make a difference. This frees couples up to focus on celebrating their love with friends and family.
A wedding menu, ideally, should reflect who you are as a couple, one that doesn’t skimp on exceptional cuisine and personalised service, so you have a celebration that delights every sense.
• Adapted from Granny Mouse Country House & Spa
• Where Forever Begins in Timeless Country Elegance
• Crafting Intimate Celebrations with Grace and Love
• Timeless Weddings in the Heart of the Winelands
• Elegance. Romance. Vir Altyd.
• Where Love and Country Charm Become One
• We Offer ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES
PAYMENT PLANS to suit your budget
SBridal Guide
ymbolising commitment to a shared life, engagement rings and wedding bands are important.
ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Dating back to Ancient Rome, engagement rings have been of ivory, flint, copper or iron. The first diamond one appeared in 1477, given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy.
Today, coloured gemstones and lab-grown stones are affordable, eco-conscious alternatives.
bands have been white, yellow and rose gold, platinum and palladium. Stones add personality, band widths vary as do finishes, but they must always reflect your love and personal style.
Book your wedding venue
POPULAR DIAMOND ALTERNATIVES
Moissanite: Sparkling, durable and affordable.
Aquamarine: Elegant pale blue with moderate hardness.
Emerald: Medium-intensity green.
Morganite: Feminine pink stone, versatile and delicate.
Ruby: Symbol of love, deep pink to red, durable.
Sapphire: Classic, hard and available in various shades.
WEDDING BANDS
From ancient Egyptian and Greek times metallic wedding
Wedding bands symbolise a lifelong commitment.
Photo: Drew Coffman/Unsplash
Helpmekaar Venue and Accommodation is situated on the R45, about 5 km from Wellington in the Western Cape. We offer an intimate rustic venue, fit for any special occasion or celebration. Contact us on 082 688 8443 to arrange a viewing.
