Once you've worked out a budget and the number of guests you plan to invite to your wedding, you can start to think about where to hold the celebration. The venue you choose will more than likely be the major cost of your wedding, so take your time over this one, choose wisely and book early.

Many popular venues are booked at least a year in advance (particularly during the summer season (from November to April).

I met a bride once who, anticipating (or hoping) that a marriage proposal was imminent, went and booked her chosen venue in advance to ensure that she wasn't disappointed — I never quite decided if this was the ultimate in optimism or just admirable forward planning!

Couples choosing to marry in South Africa are very fortunate as our country offers a stunning range of venues for weddings. From stately, five-star hotels, to Cape Dutch homesteads in the winelands, the choice is vast and exciting. Other attractive options are weddings on the beach or in game parks.

Before visiting a venue, it is best to make an appointment. This will avoid disappointment if you arrive at a time that there is a function on the go and you're unable to see all that the venue has to offer.

Tables, chairs and tablecloths

When comparing the costs of the different venues, don't forget to take into account the hidden ones.

If you hold your reception at a restaurant, you won't have to worry about the hiring of chairs, tables, etc. If, on the other hand, you plan to use a marquee, a hall or the beach, you will have to hire everything from chairs and tables to tablecloths, crockery, serving dishes, waiters and so forth — so make a note to include these costs when working out your final budget.

Check with the venue what colour tablecloths they have available. If their selection doesn't match your chosen colour scheme, you may have to add the hiring of cloths to your overall budget.

Some venues include the cost of chair covers in their hiring costs, whilst others don't supply them, so if you are planning to use these, remember to enquire what their policy is. Be aware, too, that tiebacks are not always included in the hiring fee and could involve an extra charge.

Additional charges and accommodation

Remember to check with the venue if there is any additional venue hire charge and to include this and the cost of a tip in your budget.

We have heard of guests being bumped off the list because these extras weren't calculated in at the beginning!

If the venue you choose also provides accommodation, ask whether the wedding night is included in the price, as this is often the case.

If you're planning to hold your ceremony at the reception venue, enquire if there's any additional cost for this and if there are any items you need to hire — i.e. gazebo, lectern, red carpet etc.

Find out what electrical facilities are available, if these are required by your musicians.

Get it in writing and ask the right questions

It is vital to get everything in writing from the functions manager. Ensure that you receive written confirmation of all that has been agreed upon so that, should there be a change in staff by the time your function takes place, you can provide proof of the agreement.

Make sure you ask these questions:

• What time do you have to vacate the venue and is there an extra charge after midnight?


• Is there an additional hiring fee for the venue or is this included in the per head charge?


• Is the gratuity included in the cost?


• Is there a time limit regarding the playing of music? This could apply if the venue is in a built-up area.


• If you need to change out of your wedding dress into a going-away outfit, is there somewhere on the premises where you may do so?


• When do they require a deposit to ensure that your booking is confirmed?


• Will they provide a cake table/gift table and board and easel for the seating plan?


• Will they type your seating plan for you?


• What will the corkage be if you bring your own wine?

Permits for public places and weather

Should you be planning to marry on a beach you will need to obtain permission from the local council. If you are using the services of a wedding co-ordinator, he or she will be able to acquire the necessary permit for you.

Bear in mind, too, that the drinking of alcohol is not permitted on public beaches.

As the weather at the beach can be very unpredictable it always vital to have a back-up plan. On the Celebration House website you will find an interesting article on Beach Weddings provided by Intent, as well as more details of whom to contact for permission to use the beach.

Whilst it might seem very romantic to marry on top of Table Mountain, this can be fraught with unforeseen problems. The weather is the major factor to be taken into account, as when the famous Cape south-easter blows, at gale force, the cableway does not operate.

Since this is the only means of reaching the summit — besides physically climbing the mountain — you do run the risk of your wedding being put on hold for another day. Alternatively, you could be halfway through the ceremony when the cloud comes down and you have to leave the mountain!

Try and ascertain right from the start with all service providers if there are any additional, hidden costs and always ask for quotes in writing.

By sorting out problem areas in advance, you will be more assured of a trouble-free function.

You cannot ask enough questions! We are often too polite and feel embarrassed to ask lots of questions — don't! Never forget that at the end of the day, it is your wedding and your money that is paying for the event.

For more information, visit the Celebration House website.