While reading a blog written by an American guy recently, I had to chuckle at his fervent plea to brides not to marry during the 'fall' (the American autumn), as this is the time of the year when many football games are held. It made me think about the numerous factors that need to be taken into account before just randomly picking a wedding date.

Dates of important sports fixtures

As we all know, South Africans are passionate about their sport and you will not be popular if you choose a date that clashes with an important sporting event.

Last year I felt so sorry for the many couples whose wedding day clashed with the final of the Rugby World Cup, in which South African beat England. I know of several who gave in and hired large TV screens, so that their guests could watch the game.

Fortunately we emerged the winners, which meant everyone at these weddings had even more to celebrate! On our website, www.celebrationhouse.co.za, you will find details of websites that have information about major sporting events. And of course with 2010 around the corner, it may be best to steer away from any dates around the time of the major games.

Popular months and dates

If you plan to marry during the popular summer months, when visiting the venue you've chosen, go armed with a choice of at least two dates — in case the first one has already been booked.

Couples are often surprised to discover that one of the most popular dates for weddings in South Africa is the public holiday that falls on 16th December. If this is your choice, you need to book all your service providers at least a year in advance.

Other popular dates are Valentine's Day (especially if it falls on a Saturday), and the Easter weekend.

Consider your guests

If you plan to invite friends and family from overseas to your wedding, it is only fair to give them plenty of advance warning. This is especially important if you wish to marry in the summer months, as air tickets are always at a premium during this time.

It's also a good idea to consider a long weekend, especially if you have many out- of-town guests who will be travelling from some distance away, as this will mean they will have to take less leave in order to attend.

The advantages of a winter wedding

I feel it's sad that the winter months are often overlooked when weddings are being planned, since they have a lot going for them. As it is a quiet time in the wedding industry, you will often benefit from winter specials on offer, which could translate into substantial savings.

With the sun setting much earlier in winter, the romantic light of candles can be used to good effect right from the start of the reception, and even during the ceremony itself. Roaring fires, candlelight, berries and lush green foliage all combine to create an instantly welcoming ambience, at very little cost.

Due to the cooler weather, guests are also generally more energetic and far more inclined to spend time on the dance floor than during the warmer months, when the mercury can rise into the 30s.

Other points

If having lots of flowers at your wedding is important to you, bear in mind that costs rise considerably around Easter, Christmas time, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

Before confirming your booking with your chosen venue, make sure that your marriage officer is happy with the date, as, after the bride and groom, he is probably the most important person at the wedding!

The National Wedding Show, London

The pace is picking up at Celebration House, as we prepare to jet off to London to take part in The National Wedding Show, being held at Earls Court over the weekend of 26th-28th September.

The 7th edition of 'Under African Skies, a guide to weddings and honeymoons in South Africa', has been printed and is ready to be air-freighted to London in time for the Show, where we will be handing out thousands of copies to visitors. Should you be in London at the end of September, please visit us at Stand B20, as we would love to meet you.

For more information, please visit our website www.celebrationhouse.co.za or contact us on +27 21 674 7350.