While most people opt to have their wedding in summer when they can spend time outdoors, enjoying the African sun, there is something uniquely special about a winter wedding in South Africa. Winter weddings can be oh-so-glamorous, hopelessly romantic, and surprisingly affordable. Here are some of our top tips for planning a winter wedding:
Look for somewhere with a fireplace
There’s nothing more romantic than overstuffed couches, a roaring fire, and the sound of the rain coming down outdoors. When planning a winter wedding, always look for a spot with a central, eye-catching fireplace, or two, where your guests will congregate and sip an Irish coffee until the wee hours of the morning.
Invite your guests to spend the night
If you can afford it, book a place where you’ll get exclusive use, and your guests can spend the night. That way, you don’t have to worry about your loved ones driving somewhere in the dark, and you can even all have breakfast together the day after your wedding. Keep the numbers small to make it more affordable, and you’ll have the bonus of being able to spend quality time with every guest in attendance. Also, accommodation in South Africa usually is cheaper in the winter months, so you can stretch the budget for a full-on wedding weekend.
Don’t forget the views
While you may not be getting married outdoors, you’ll still want to wed somewhere with a picturesque setting. Look for an undercover terrace or large room with stacking doors where you can create an indoor/outdoor feel no matter the weather, and you can get great pictures of the ceremony and reception. The light is also magical in winter, so to make the most of it, you’ll want somewhere with a pretty natural environment. Just be sure to chat to your photographer regarding the time of your ceremony and reception to maximize the soft winter light when it is at its best.
Go all out for your winter celebrations
You can have some fun planning a winter wedding. Think icy winter wonderland decor, furs, white flowers and accents. Or up the temperature with a warm color theme, spicy foods, and hot, delicious drinks with a kick. If you’re not feeling particularly festive when it comes to ideas, talk to a wedding planner who can spark your imagination. Here at Beautiful Knysna Villas, we love working with Ecozest, a floral design studio and wedding coordination company known for their beautiful designs with flowers and their thoughtful decor.
Looking for a winter wedding destination that offers all the above and more? We have you covered at Alkira Lodge. Nestled high on the hill overlooking the Knysna lagoon, Alkira has beautiful food, cozy bars, relaxing lounges, central fireplaces, covered terraces, and panoramic views with beautiful golden hour sunset light, for that ideal winter wedding and the photos to make those memories last. Call or email us to chat about planning your dream celebration.
