Weddings in the Drakensberg and
Natal Midlands.
This page specializes in weddings, wedding arrangements and wedding venues
in the Drakensberg and
Natal Midlands in KwaZulu
Natal South
Africa. We intend informing brides & grooms needing wedding receptions
and general wedding information about the charms of the Drakensberg and the
Natal Midlands. The Drakensberg
Mountains is the country's grandest mountain range with awesome scenery
and the mountains would provide a magnificent backdrop to your wedding day.
Romanic country weddings, Holiday Resort weddings, Wedding receptions in
game reserves, Modern weddings, Traditional Hotel weddings, Big wedding venues,
Small wedding venues, Drakensberg Mountain weddings, The Drakensberg and
Natal Midlands has something that is perfect for you.
Why
we recommend the Drakensberg and Natal-Midlands in KwaZulu-Natal
We
like to recommend Drakensberg and Natal
Midlands wedding venues because of
its huge range of wedding reception opportunities: majestic mountain scenery,
the Midlands
Meander, warm climate, golf courses, world heritage sites and
excellent hotels.
There are just so many wedding venues to choose - from the
vibrant and exciting to the romantic and secluded. KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg
also boasts a premier cultural venue, which celebrates the rich heritage
of the province.
For those who decide on a Berg Wedding there is a wide choice
of wedding venue and conference centres to suit all budgets - from the lower
budget wedding to the most exclusive upmarket venues. Weddings right in the
mountains and wedding venues with private access to the beach. So whether
your wedding is a small intimate and stylish occasion or a large formal celebration
I think you will find that the Drakensberg and Natal Midlands offers the
wedding opportunities to suite your expectaions perfectly
Generally
wedding venue prices are quite a lot lower than in Gauteng or the Western
Cape. Some couples even travel all the way from the UK to take advantage
of the great value for money that KZN offers.
Drakensberg tourism inspects all wedding venues. We feel
that you should see see every venue that is available and you should select
the level of service that you require and afford. We try to advise and recommend
the best venues and greatest deals.
After all your wedding is one of the biggest days of your life,
and you want it to be perfect. Compare reception facilities and more with
a simple click of your mouse. Search and research for a wedding and reception
venue from our extensive list of fine Hotels and dedicated Function Venues.
The
factors influencing your choice of venue will include the type of wedding
you want, the number of guests you intend inviting, your budget, the season
and the time of day. Popular venues include hotels, community and church
halls, sport clubs, restaurants, country clubs and marquee weddings at private
residences or farms. Theme weddings, set in a medieval environment, for example,
are also becoming more popular.
Before you decide on the venue, decide what you would like
served at the reception - breakfast, lunch, tea, cocktails or dinner. With
this in mind, make a short-list of four to six venues and get sample menus
from them. Also consider that vegetarian, halaal or kosher meals may be necessary.
Make sure the room had adequate ventilation or air conditioning
if your wedding is in Summer, or that it has heating in Winter. If you are
not having dancing, then make sure the venue has a pa system for speeches
and background music. If they can't provide it themselves, they may be able
to recommend someone who does. If the venue does not offer catering, you
will need to get outside caterers, or even self-cater (which can be HARD
work!).
Marquee Receptions: These are ideal for relaxed, beautiful
and intimate weddings, although they can also be large without losing that
special something. Ideally the garden must be flat and spacious. Make sure
there are adequate toilet facilities, and that porta-loo's are discreetly
placed. Always remember to have an adequate supply of toilet paper.
Provide good lighting for the caterers and parking areas. Consider
hiring a security guard to keep an eye on vehicles parked in the street.
Find out what power requirements the caterers require (especially if they
are using urns and bain-marie's). Get a good electrician to calculate the
current requirements and plan the lighting and power cables. Certain parts
of the country are prone to power failures, so make sure you have access
to a back-up generator, or know someone who has. Make sure pets are restrained
and that the neighbors are aware of the coming party!!
Church
and Community Halls is an ideal option for a formal reception with a large
number of people, as the facilities are geared towards large numbers. Find
out what rules and regulations will need to be met. For example, some halls
may not allow the removal of (ugly) paintings or ornimation. Halls often
require a great deal of work to make them look personal. Most have strict
rules on closing times and alcohol consumption.
In terms of power and lighting, ensure the power points work
and that the lighting is sufficient. Often halls only have fluorescent lighting
which cannot be turned down; only on or off. Lastly, ensure the caterers
are satisfied with the kitchen facilities.
Hotels , country clubs and restaurants: Get your written quotes
well in advance, and keep liaising regularly with one functions coordinator
if possible. Enquire about special lodging rates for guests. Consider how
the colour scheme in the functions room will compliment or clash with your
selected colours.
Decoration Ideas: The mood of a reception, party, or gathering
is determined by the theme of decorations. Decorations create an atmosphere
and add colour, beauty and festivity to the occasion! The initial reaction
to the array of decorations sets the mood. Professional decorators and supply
houses should be willing to listen to what you have in mind, give suggestions,
and even demonstrate your theme for you.
Balloons can be used to decorate the dance floor, create arches
over the head table and doorways, and can be formed into canopies, ceiling
sculptures and clusters. Balloon and/or flower bouquets make wonderful centerpieces
and are a fun way to complete a colour scheme.
Theme wedding receptions are more popular, especially for second
marriages when the parties often take on a smaller, more festive tone. A
Hawaiian Luau, Fifties Sock-Hop, or Mexican Fiesta are just a few ideas for
a reception that can be carried through with decorations, food, paper products,
and even costumes.
Disposable cameras placed throughout the reception hall will
provide guests with loads of fun and you with a complete collection of candid
guest shots and reception follies. Have your banquet and bridesmaids flowers
placed on the cake table or throughout the reception area for an extra decorating
touch.
Think about applying a theme to the decor - this not only ensures
a unique, exciting approach but also streamlines the planning. You
could apply a theme idea by simply working with a particular colour and variants
thereof.
- Antbear Guest Lodge - Near to giants
Castle Capcitry up to 40 guests
- lords of the manor Lords of the Manor - Mooi River Capacity: Up to 50 guests.
Can go bigger for a tented wedding
- Spion Kop Lodge Capacity: Up to 70 guests in lodge & 120 in marquee.
Chapel: Garden gazebo or conference centre
- Drakensville Capacity: Up to 195 guests Chapel onsite: Up to 195 guests
- Penwarn Country Lodge - Southern
Drakensberg Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Chapel onsite: Pagoda on island available for ceremonies
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