Nothing quite beats the African Bushveld and a good ol’ safari wedding! It comes complete with sunshine, incredible wildlife, amazing sunsets, early morning game drives and peaceful landscapes.
It’s no wonder it’s a popular choice to host your wedding celebration. People from all over the world flock to these Big Five African venues to give their guests a unique experience, one that they may never have had before.
Countries like Botswana, Tanzania, Namibia, Kenya and South Africa have a huge variety of incredible safari destinations to choose from.
So, if you’re looking to have your wedding in the Bushveld, here are a few tips that may be helpful as you plan plan plan!
VENUE SELECTION
We are spoiled for choice here in Africa when it comes to choosing bushveld venues. And the vast array of options out there means that there is certainly a venue that will suit your needs, aesthetic desires and experiences that you want to give your friends and family.
First begin with what type of accommodation you are after and in which country in Africa you’d like to be. There are lodges and camps, tented safari camps, chalets, bungalows, traditional huts, permanent tens and hotels. These all fall in categories from luxury to budget.
Once you know what type of accommodation you want, begin researching locations and always check the proximity to the nearest airport as this can be quite a daunting travel itinerary for those coming from other countries.
A popular Big 5 destination in South Africa is the Kruger National Park, which has a variety of accommodation options available in all budget ranges.
Keep in mind that the more remote your venue from your desired suppliers, the higher your overall costs for staffing, décor, entertainment etc. will be.
Also make sure that your venue has back up plans in case of rain so that your ceremony and reception plan A and B are both great options for you. This will avoid any disappointment should the weather turn and you get to experience a bush thunderstorm.
DATE CHOICE
Africa runs hot. Like…really hot. Summer months (I’d say from October – February) in the bushveld can run from the mid 30 degrees Celsius and in to the low 40 degrees Celsius daily!
This makes for great summer vacay fun, but when you want to be in a wedding dress and you would like your guests to be wearing a bit more than a bikini, shorts and flip flops then take into consideration what time of year you book. Of course, many lodges are equipped with everything you will need to keep guests cool and happy, so it just comes down to where you decide to get married.
Another thing to bear in mind is that your wedding weekend will be a 2–3 day event and even as much as 4-5 days if you are an international couple bringing everyone over. Travel time, a day off to acclimate (especially for those who will be slightly jet lagged), the wedding day and the day after should all be considered when planning out the itinerary.
Lastly, don’t delay in booking your venue. The more popular destinations and venues can book up a year in advance so get a planner and get the ball rolling asap!
DECOR TIPS
Keep it simple. You are in one of the most beautiful settings one can be in, so play to that strength.
Take your chosen venue’s aesthetic into consideration and work around that for your design palette.
Chances are, if you have chosen a safari wedding then you are not the traditional wedding gal or guy anyway, so make it more of an experiential wedding weekend and wow your guests daily.
On a side note, in the immense heat of summer and the travel time to most of these lodges, you don’t want to have a floral heavy design. It can be so complicated and can result in wilted, heat drained little petals.
You know what I’m gonna say…. THINK. OUTSIDE. THE. BOX
NITTY GRITTY’S
- Check if the area is Malaria free
- Check if the venue you have selected has WIFI or any signal if that is of concern to you.
- It’s advisable to do a wedding website with extensive information for your guests. Here you can include the temperatures, recommended attire, the venue location, travel directions, travel adapter type, must-have items (sunblock/hat/insect repellent etc.) and what they can expect on the itinerary during their stay.
- Check and inform your guests of all the additional costs such as visas, conservation fees, game drives and other activities that are available for them to do so they can plan their experiences properly.
- Manage your expectations. Africa has its own beautiful traditions and way of doing things which may be a culture shock for some.
Wherever you decide to take your nearest and dearest to witness your vow exchange, it is sure to be spectacular and something that they will be speaking about for a very long time.
Planner + Stylist @modeweddings.sa
Photography @kreativ_photoandfilm
Venue @lunikhy_game_farm
Bridal makeup @kreativ_photoandfilm
HMUA @mooistemakeup
Band @themorningafterband
Dress @blancobridalcouture
Cake @dirtypeach_cakeboutique
Bride @nickspenny
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