Continuing our series on international wedding planners we are delighted to introduce Aleit from South Africa who create the most stunning and visual weddings.

 What type of location do most wedding ceremonies themselves take place?

Couples usually prefer ceremonies to take place outside during our lovely summer season – beach ceremonies or a mountain or wine lands backdrop are the favourites.  Most of the wine estates in Cape Town and Stellenbosch have lovely gardens with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.  During winter a chapel or historic stone church near the reception area is preferred.

What type of location do most wedding receptions take place?

In the Cape wine lands, wine estates are extremely popular.  Most wine estates have lovely venues and often a clear span marquee is the best option to make the best of the summer weather, warm nights and lovely scenery of the area.

How many guests are usual to such a wedding?

Most of the weddings we co-ordinate are attended by 60 to 250 guests.  Intimate weddings for 30 people, or even only 5 guests, are also popular.

What customs/traditions are most common in your weddings?

In South Africa we follow the British trends, such as throwing of confetti after the ceremony, cutting of the wedding cake, opening of the dance floor and throwing of the garter and bouquet.  We also co-ordinate Indian, Muslim, Greek and Jewish weddings, where even the modern couples mostly stick to their respective wedding traditions, even if their beliefs aren’t orthodox.

However, we try to convince couples, to be different when it comes to wedding traditions, to think out of the box and dare to do something different.  Give a new spin on an old tradition, nothing is set in stone and you are allowed to change the “rules” to suit your own style and personality!

What does a typical wedding cost?

Our weddings never amount to less than R2,500.00 – R5,000.00 per person.  This includes the following services:  Venue Hire; Food, Wine & Beverages; Professional Waitrons; Service Charge on Food & Beverages; The Wedding Cake; Flowers, Decor and Enhancing Lighting; Professional Sound Engineers;  Musicians (for during Pre-Ceremony Drinks, Pre-dinner Drinks, the Reception and the After Party); The Officiating Officer/Minister; Gazebo for Garden Ceremony;  Freeform Tent (if applicable);  White Flooring for the Dance Floor and Other Areas (if applicable); Hiring of Chairs, Cutlery and Crockery; Stationery; Hair Stylist & Make-up Artist for the Bride and Additional Guests; The Photographer; Transport and a Videographer. 

How important are independent wedding planners in your country?

We have many wedding co-ordinators in South Africa because our country is such a popular wedding destination.  Only a handful sticks to a good level of service excellence.  More and more couples are considering the services of a wedding co-ordinator, especially if they live abroad.  In the past, wedding co-ordinators was seen as a luxury, but nowadays the young, professional couples understand the need of having a service professional by their side to help plan their dream day.

Any anecdotes/comments/tips on planning a wedding in your country

Check references of all service providers.  There are many, but only a few delivers a good service and an excellent, personal experience.  Make sure you have a signed contract and that you have  everything discussed regarding your wedding day in writing.

Create a timetable for the day to ensure that everyone involved knows exactly when and where they must be.

Do consider hiring the services of a wedding co-ordinator if you are planning your wedding from abroad.  They know the industry and will lead you to the service professionals that suits your style and budget.

Check the weather forecast in advance and be prepared with a plan B to protect your guests from extreme weather conditions (wind, heat or rain).  Your own and your guests’ comfort is very important.

Instead of following traditions, create your own!  Be unique and give your guests a different experience that reflects your style and personality.

To contact Aleit for you wedding visit their website