Wedding Day Advice | Choosing a Venue

Photo courtesy of Aleit, Photographer Joe Dreyer

1. Energy
   Although a lot of people flock to the Western Cape and KwaZulu Natal for the big waters, we should’nt underestimate what Gauteng has to offer. The city in itself has an energy and buzz that makes it difficult to resist and makes you come back for more.
2. Gauteng summers
   Gauteng is perfect for a summer wedding due to the lack of humidity. The bride can walk down the aisle feeling fresh as a daisy and not worry about make-up dripping off! The groom can also feel comfortable and fresh his wedding suit, even in summer.
3. Bushveld charm
   The bushveld has a different kind of charm to it – nothing comes close to those evenings spend next to a fire under an open sky, the sound of wild in the distance. When it comes to choosing a wedding venue Gauteng offers a great variety: The scenic Magaliesberg with all its interesting little shops and majestic mountain range; Hartebeespoort Dam with its stunning venues, flea markets and tangible holiday atmosphere. If you prefer having your reception at a lodge, again, Gauteng aims to please – There are luxury lodges for a big, formal wedding and more casual lodges for smaller, intimate weddings.
4. Adventure wedding
   If you want to get away from the traditional way of doing things and have a more adventurous wedding in mind, Gauteng offers some interesting options. If getting married on a luxury boat at Hartebeespoort Dam doesn’t get the blood pumping, Magaliesberg is just the place for you. Saying “I do” while on a hot-air balloon will certainly get the adrenaline going and make for stunning wedding photos!
5. Tourist attractions
   The Cradle of Humankind is a huge tourist attraction and offers great places of interest, venues, restaurants and activities – rock climbing, bridge swinging, caving, hot air ballooning, paragliding and river rafting are just a few. Soweto has also become an enormous tourist attraction, bringing something totally different to your Gauteng experience. It is now possible to organise a Soweto tour, visit a trendy restaurant and even have your honeymoon in Soweto!
6. Entertainment and shopping
   This province is the entertainment and lifestyle capital of South Africa. Sixty percent of African tourists visit Gauteng to shop, not surprising as the province has over 70 major shopping malls. They are always one step ahead with their upmarket, trendy restaurants, entertainment, events and theatre performances.
7. Safari in the City
   Besides all the beautiful lodge venues, Glen Afric offers a one on one experience with their tame animals. If you are brave, you can walk with young, hand-raised elephants. Imagine the unique wedding photo opportunities!
8. Peoples people
   Gauteng definitely has the friendliest people in South Africa! Whether you meet them in Gauteng or run into them in Cape Town, Durban or elswhere – their hospitality will amaze you. This also flows over to their businesses, they are serious about customer service, which means they are serious about delivering a wonderfully smooth wedding!
9. Exhibitions
   One would find more bridal exhibitions in Gauteng than anywhere else in South Africa. It features great exhibition centres like Ghallagher Estate and the Dome which regularly hold bridal expos. Oakfield Farm Expo Centre has all-year-round exhibitions with all the service providers under one roof which makes planning your wedding a pleasure.
10. Marriage Meander
    The Marriage Meander is a leisurely journey, transporting brides-to-be and their retinues to select wedding venues putting them in contact with professional service providers. The Marriage Meander will enable you to plan your Wedding Day in a relaxed environment whilst having fun.