South Africa is increasingly popular as a wedding destination, and when one considers the country�s scenic appeal, romance, and value-for-money status, it�s really not surprising.
According to vacationtechnician, a luxury adventure specialist, couples can afford a five-star wedding with all the frills for less than what they�d pay in the United Kingdom, Europe or the USA. The average cost of a wedding in Britain is around �15 000 or �20 000, but the same function would cost only R80 000 in South Africa or 12,474.1 US Dollars, despite the recent strengthening of the rand. Consequently, they say, the savings are enormous.
A draw for weddings in Southern Africa is the excellent weather. The "wedding season" in Southern Africa extends from September to the end of April, and even into May, with 39 weekends of good weather available. In contrast, only around 13 weekends in the UK offer good weather. Although of course, if you�re bringing your guests out from foreign climes, you can get married any day of the week.
So what are some of the most popular options for getting hitched in South Africa?
Winelands Wedding
The fairytale wedding you�ve always wanted can come to life in the Cape Winelands. Romance is in the very air here, among the historic oaks, rolling hills and beautiful old buildings, needing only a horse-drawn carriage (which of course can be arranged) to complete the picture. Perfect for incurable romantics and anyone who wants a �classic� wedding.
Many wine farms have award-winning restaurants, so excellent food and service is par for the course, and one less thing that needs to be organised. It�s also the perfect place for a honeymoon, with luxury accommodation often available at the estate.
Popular venues just a short drive from Cape Town include Buitenverwachting, Steenberg, Zevenwacht, Spier, the Lanzerac Manor and the Grand Roche Hotel in Paarl, but the list is endless.
Beach Wedding
South Africa has some of the world�s most beautiful beaches with long, idyllic stretches of white sand, dramatic scenery and crashing waves. Who wouldn�t want to get married here? If you get married between July and October, you might even have a Southern Right whale or two dropping in on the festivities.
Favourite locations close to Cape Town include Boulders Beach, with penguins in attendance, outside Simonstown, Camps Bay and world-famous Clifton beach. Another option would be some of the beautiful beaches on the Garden Route, the Eastern Cape or along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Beach weddings can be made easier with the help of conveniently-located restaurants. The Boulders Beach Lodge offers a function room, restaurant and pampering wellness centre, while the Strandloper Restaurant on the West Coast has become known for their excellent food and relaxed functions in their rustic outdoor restaurant.
Safari Wedding
Weddings in game parks combine breathtaking beauty and exotic experiences with a real "Out of Africa" feel. Don�t think you�ll be roughing it either � private game lodges combine wilderness and luxury in the most addictive of ways. If you ever wanted to be treated like royalty, this is your chance!
Lodges such as Shamwari in the Eastern Cape, Sabi Sabi, Phinda and Londolozi are very popular for weddings and honeymoons, with superb accommodation and cuisine. Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal are especially renowned for their safari lodges.
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Posted by vacationtechnician at April 6, 2004 11:32 PM | TrackBack