admin
Ashirayi Mhlanga Lifestyle Writer
GROWING up, every wedding I attended was in a hall. So many people would want to fit into that hall, the air conditioning and ventilation would be so poor. It ended up being very stuffy especially when people started dancing. I remember just sitting there day dreaming and hoping my own wedding would not be anything like that.
Fortunately, a new era has dawned which allows for all wedding dreams to be made possible – the era of garden weddings.
Apart from making dreams happen, garden venues have proved to have a great deal of advantages as well. Space is no longer an issue.
The large capacity they offer has made them greatly popular. Some venues can take up to 1 500 guests which could never have been possible in the traditional halls.
Surely, how would one breathe in a hall with 1 000 people? But with a garden venue nature does it all for you as live flowers perfume the air while providing a picturesque setting for this all-important day.
Taking kids to weddings back then was just difficult because they became restless and bored. Well, not anymore in this era of garden weddings. Your children will have so many activities to get up to, depending on the venue. From elephant rides, horseback rides, canoeing, painting, swimming, tour guides all under good supervision but normally at an extra charge. Better than them getting bored and asking to go home.
Depending on what tickles your fancy, there are a variety of garden venues to choose from in Harare. If you want to wed in an African kind of setting with natural bush around, some wild game parading in the bush and a bonus of a beautiful African sunset at the end of the day then there are several venues to choose from within and on the outskirts of Harare.
Others would prefer a lakeside wedding, right by the still and serene waters or even afloat the calm waters or a paradise experience with manicured green grass and water features everywhere.
The most sought after venues usually offer great packages to satisfy demanding clientele and always do their best to make sure the dream wedding becomes a reality. The unique features including their spaciousness allow for them to be fully booked most of the year.
But as with all trends, once entrepreneurs realise that something is popular they all try their best to jump onto the gravy train. Ten years ago, one could count the number of garden wedding venues worth talking about. But today it looks like there is literally such a venue behind every bush.
So how do you choose the right one for you? What are the factors that come into play so that your wedding is as perfect as you have dreamt of since you were a little girl or boy? Of course, it is important to choose a venue that looks wonderful. But there is more than just how the gardens will look on your wedding pictures and videos.
Cost
Obviously, your pocket will determine where you go. The top of the range venues will charge up to US$10 000 for their venue. Normally, this includes the table settings, decor and other extras. More modest venues can be got for as little as US$200. Shop around before you decide to make a booking. Most of the venues also offer catering and other services like decor, photography and PA systems. Or you can hire those separately to meet your personal desires.
Location
You may want this to be accessible or inaccessible depending on whether you fear gatecrashers or not. Most of the better venues are slightly off the beaten track requiring you to give out cards with directions.
Weather-wise
I remember once attending what would have been a lovely wedding in December. But all the glamour disappeared as the bridal party and guests had to run for cover when heavy rains started pelting down and the foliage proved no defence.
An ideal garden wedding venue is a place where they are prepared for the vagaries of nature. That simply means that they must have tents ready to go up a few hours before the wedding.
Tents are becoming more and more luxurious with add-ons like silk lining and stunning lighting fixtures. Tents also mean that even winter weddings can still be out in the garden without turning the guests into icicles.
Online Reporter