Weddings at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa are truly spectacular.
With everything you could need based on site, from the idyllic chapel
with panoramic views over the Caversham Valley, to a reception venue
catering for up to 120 guests, and a culinary team ready to create
your unique wedding feast.
“Granny Mouse is the wedding destination of choice for couples from
all over South Africa” says Granny Mouse Country House & Spa GM Sean
Granger. But what if you wanted to tie the knot somewhere further
afield? “Veronica Sookdin, our Banqueting Manager, has some great
advice” says Granger.
Do:
Have a small destination wedding and celebrate with an at-home
reception when you return.
Include a wedding website with your Save The Dates and invitations.
Send out Save The Dates as early as possible, giving your guests time
to plan. Don’t just pull a date out of a hat. A heads-up is always
nice if you are planning to have guests attend.
Find out if your VIPs can attend.
Make your guests feel welcome. Keep them up to date with all the
information they’ll need.
Select a destination that is easy to get to for most guests.
Hire a travel agent that specialises in destination weddings.
Take a scouting trip to check out the venue.
Do keep things cost-effective. Call hotels to see if you can negotiate
group discounts. If you book 10 or more rooms, most hotels will
provide a discount.
Consider traditions both at home and away. Research the marriage
requirements before you select your destination. Each country has its
own requirements, which can change from time to time.
Carry your wedding dress on the plane with you – don’t try to pack it.
Most airplanes have a coat closet they can hang it in.
Find local favours and gifts for your guests. You chose your
destination for a reason, so reflect the destination by finding little
trinkets from the area to give to guests.
Negotiate.
Always have a hair and makeup trial, even if you choose the resort
team (bring your own materials).
Hire a professional wedding planner. Many hotels and resorts offer
day-of planning services, but to ensure you have all the details
covered, it’s best to hire a 3rd party professional. Your location is
likely to have a list of preferred vendors with which they have an
established relationship.
Don’t:
Feel obligated to pay for travel and accommodation for your wedding party.
Ship anything. Nada… nothing… just don’t.
Over plan for your guests. You aren’t a tour or cruise director. Build
in a few fun activities but then give them some free time to chill and
hang out on their own.
Expect everyone invited to attend.
Overpack.
Underestimate the weather.
Pay for the wedding photographer provided. Hire your own and bring
them with you as a guest.
Pay for the most expensive wedding package. Look at all the perks and
concessions.
Sweat the small stuff. Stuff happens. Be flexible and roll with it.
Turn into a Bridezilla. It’s not worth it.
Leave your guests hanging. Adding a few activities that are “optional”
for guests is the way to do it. The gatherings don’t have to be
extravagant, it’s more about spending time with your loved ones.
Be upset when your friends and closest family leave you hanging.
Choose a dress because it’s in style today.
Haul your dress around with you on your honeymoon. Designate a family
member or friend to take the dress home with them – and any other
items you don’t need.
Forget about making your marriage legal.
Feel obligated to invite kids, unless they are yours lol!
Forget to have fun!
When it comes to planning a destination wedding, don’t forget the
biggest do and don’t of all – the planning process. As in, do enjoy
it, and don’t forget about it. It is just as important as the day
itself. This is your wedding day and you are creating memories that
you will look back on one day. Don’t let anyone else’s vision
overshadow what you want for you and your other half (within reason,
of course). Suggestions are totally fine, but at the end of the day,
listen to your heart.