Planning a Memorable Wedding in Cape Town

Because there’s a lot more to it than saying ‘I do’

Last updated: 13 November 2024

Sunset at Clifton Beach: You’re staring questioningly into your lovers eyes during a picnic when they pop the question. You immediately reply, ‘yes’, because lord knows how many hints you've dropped over the years. But pre-marital bliss does not last long. Nothing prepared you for the flock of kissing aunts, demanding to know about cakes, flowers, invitations and who’ll sit next to who. There’s a lot more to a wedding than simply saying, ‘I do’, which is why we’ve come up with a selection of Cape Town’s Wedding Wonderlands.

GUIDE TO BUYING DIAMONDS

What makes a “good” diamond? Yair Shimansky, founder of Shimansky, personally sources Shimansky’s diamonds and gemstones from local mines and closely oversees every step of the design, craftsmanship, and production. Here’s your guide to buying diamonds. 

Level 1 | The Clock Tower | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town | Image: Shimansky

GET THAT SMILE READY FOR THE BIG DAY

You’ll be looking back on your wedding pics for years to come, so make sure your smile is as bright as can be.You will get instant results after just one session with the safe, affordable, in-chair teeth whitening treatment available at over 30 dentists in Cape Town. The non-invasive procedure, which involves applying a gel to your teeth that is activated by a special blue LED light, takes about an hour and is virtually painless. Your dentist will come up with personalised plan that suits your particular needs, plus at-home whitening products are also available to maintain the shade you like with Zoom Whitening.

GET FIT FOR THE BIG DAY 

A relationship is comfortable, which translates as lavish dinners and cookies in bed – not so great if you want to fit into that marvelous dress. Sitting on a bike, whilst reading the latest celebrity gossip just won’t cut the fitness mustard. Cape Crossfit is based on a series of movements using body and free weights – a grueling workout for sexy wedding pins.

AND OTHER TIPS

Take his Mastercard to the Wedding Box:
If he complains about the price, simply respond: ‘Would you rather marry a pristine princess or a malignant meringue?’ The Wedding Box houses modern and classic designs (imported from New York), teamed with shoes and accessories. Book a private consultation with Foula, to dress up your character and aspirations.

Or, if you want bespoke wedding dress of show-stopping proportions, seek out Gavin Rajah, Paul van Zyl or Gert van der Merwe – arguably Cape Town's best wedding dress designers.

If music be the food of love…

Most couples see the wedding dance as one of life’s defining moments. ‘Like a Bat out of Hell’ is not the most flattering of music choices, so it’s important to choose a musical maestro you can trust.

…book Wired String Quartet:
If this foursome can marry ‘hip’ and ‘string quartet’ in the same sentence, then they’re good enough to marry you. The highly sought after quartet have performed at global music festivals and have even recorded a movie soundtrack. Their two hour wedding package includes; uplifting classical music, latin tango and jazz standards.

Don’t get married when the dandelions are in bloom

Flowers are an important visual feature of a wedding, full of colour, personality and aroma. Which is why it’s important to get married when roses are in bloom.

Little flowers from Mont Petit Fleur:
Choose from their wide range of wedding designs, or create your own from fabrics, pictures or ideas. Your unique flower arrangements will be sure to light up the room (or complement the princess dress).

Get caught on camera by a couple of creative lovebirds:
Who better to capture the special moments of your big day than a creative couple who are planning their own nuptials? Toni and Desmond share ten years of photographic experience and have an innovative, artistic approach to shoots. 

Your invitations should make a memorable entrance:
Your wedding invitation should say: ‘Come to my wedding, where I shall be wearing a smoking hot princess dress.’ If you want everyone to turn up, presentation is key. The Letterpress is the only artisanal print shop to use antique, hand-operated printing, luxury cotton papers and elegant, hand-lined packaging. Once you’ve held one of these silky beauties, you’ll never look back.

Pimp your wedding ride with a Bentley Flying Spur:
No one arrives at their wedding in a clapped out three-wheeler and retains any dignity. Rent a luxury car and you’ll get sleek, solid and elegant, with a comfortable interior and a rather large engine. It’s all about wedding presence – just make sure the groom’s eye is on you and not this stunning beauty. Get on the road with a Bently Flying Spur

He popped the question on Clifton Beach. Why not get married there?

Timeless Weddings Company:
Picture being wed by an African Penguin, then jetting off in a limousine, champagne in hand, along Chapman’s Peak; or saying your vows under a floral archway at Camps Bay. Weddings like this don’t just happen! That’s where Timeless come in. They’ll arrange everything you can think of, from ministers, to beach permits. 

Towerbosch Restaurant (Knorhoek Estate):
Picture a thatch-roofed restaurant, a mountain stream and sweeping lawns, and you’re there. Your ceremony can be held under a gazebo, or under idyllic trees and your guests will be treated to a variety of gourmet menu options and activities such as, wine tasting and spa treatments. Taste the enchantment at Towerbosch Restaurant

Seal the deal with one sip from the wedding cup:
The wedding cup has become the logo of Warwick Wine Estate and a symbol of love, faithfulness and good luck. Many wedding couples visit the estate to drink from the cup and celebrate their love. Legend has it that a 14th century German made the cup to win the hand of a fair lady. You can also enjoy gourmet picnics, fine wines and magnificent views of False Bay and the Cape Winelands.

There’s nothing homey about a collapsed tent...

Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat:
A honeymoon is a quiet, intimate celebration of your love that should make lifelong memories. A romantic setting at the foot of the awe-inspiring, Cederberg Mountains is far more appealing than a collapsed tent and howling winds. Bushman’s 5-star Relais & Chateaux is a lovers oasis amongst idyllic surroundings. Their Beginnings Four Night Package includes luxury accommodation, romantic dinners and activities.

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MORE WEDDING & ROMANCE RELATED READS

• Get a safe, in-chair treatment with Zoom Whitening.
• Find the ideal romantic getaway here.
• Find a lovely gift for your other half with these romantic gift ideas in Cape Town.
• What about things to do with the kids or planning the perfect shopping trip? Visit our Things to do Section.
• Looking for something more conventional? Why not have your wedding at a brewery. 

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