A guide to wedding planning in KZN

Congratulations, you are engaged and about to embark on an amazing journey. Being a wedding photographer who has shot over 60 weddings,

this guide is to help you in areas where you feel unsure. Wedding planning shouldn't be stressful, it should be a season or time of joy and excitement.

Wedding venues in KZN South Africa

I am not a wedding planner by all means, but I have shot at quite a few wedding venues and I have seen what works and what doesn't. I want to save you time and stress by sharing advice and tips. You may use them or not but here are a few great wedding venues in KZN

The Groves wedding venue

Haycroft farm in the midlands

Haycroft wedding venue is situated in the beautiful Midlands. They have a beautiful forest area for your ceremony and a stunning open-air chapel. They recently upgraded their guest accommodation so your guests don't have to worry about driving back. They also have a big spacious bridal getting-ready space for the morning of your wedding day. Honestly, a venue that has everything in one location

Wingrove valley in PMB

Wingrove valley surprised me when I first shot there. They have a stunning reception area with a big deck overlooking the water for your guests to enjoy canapes. Its also a venue that's not too far, they are situated in PMB. Its definitely a wedding venue that is becoming more and more popular.

Sweethome wedding venue in Eston

Sweethome wedding venue is a lovely farm situated in Eston on the South Coast. A family that comes together to serve you as a couple to ensure you have the best wedding day possible. They have the most beautiful and romantic chapel overlooking the water. A gorgeous and big reception. If you love farm weddings then this venue is worth a visit.

Kirstenvale wedding venue

Kirstenvale is a stunning bush wedding venue just outside of PMB. If you love the bush then this venue offers exactly what you are looking for. A gorgeous ceremony under the trees. A wedding venue that's naturally beautiful. Pack those vellies and enjoy the winter sunset at this wedding venue

Providence wedding venue

Providence is a wedding venue situated in the Midlands. A true old gem with such character. A wedding venue that feels close to home. Providence has a beautiful indoor chapel and has also upgraded its guest's accommodations. A beautiful venue to go and view if you want to get married in the Midlands.

Weltevreden manor

Weltevreden Manor is a country hideaway gem in the heart of the Midlands. A home away from home. This beautiful venue offers stunning views and has such charm to it.

Choosing your photographer | Videographer

There are a lot of great wedding photographers, but the question you should be asking yourself is, are they a good fit for us as a couple? You need to remember that a photographer spends most of your wedding day with you, actually, more than your fiance does. This means you should choose a photographer you feel a good connection with and who you also like. Look at full galleries if possible. How credible are they?

Do you like their style and how they shoot weddings?

These are all questions you need to ask yourself when you book your wedding photographer.

Videographer I work with

Shaun Tarr Photo & Film

Recent work



Florists

Wildflower floral design

Carmen floral studio

Muirhead hiring

Wedding planners

Make up artists

Kym & Me make up team

bella bellemuah

Glow hair & make up

Brenna paige hair & make up artist

What works

Having shot for 5 years now I have seen what works well and I want to share it with you.

These are just some ideas that you can use or share with a friend.

1. Having everything in one location

It's not always possible but if you can it's so much easier if you do not have to drive around on your wedding day

2. Booking the same team for hair and makeup

Having the same team to come and do all hair and makeup is easier on you and on your budget. A little tip, try and book your trials for the day of your engagement shoot. This way you can see beforehand how your make-up will look in photos.

3. Getting a good DJ

A good DJ means great music for your guests and a great party.

4. First dance when entering

If you are nervous about your first dance this is a good way to do your dance when you enter as MR and MRS. This way you can feel so much more relaxed

5. Try and get the formalities done so you have more time on the dancefloor

This ensures you have so many more candid dance photos and just overall candid images of your reception time.

Typical timeline

Ceremony: 15:00-15:30

{This also depends on how long your ceremony will be but most times its around 30 to 45 min}

Canapes: 15:30-15:45

(Cake cutting can also be done during this timeframe)

{Try and spend at least about 15 min to 20 min with your guests before photos}

Family photos: 16:00-16:25

{Make sure you have a family shot list for your photographer}

Bridal party photos: 16:25-16:45

Creative couple photos: 16:45-17:15

Speeches: 17:45-18:15

Cake cutting{if not done before}: 18:30

Shoe game or photo scramble game: 18:35

Dinner: 18:45-19:25

First dance: 19:30-19:45

Garter & bouquet toss; 19:50

Canapes

You want your guests to have a great time while celebrating with you. A few things you can do is have lawn games, a gin bar and make a DIY selfie frame for your guests to use for photos. Here a few of my favourite canape shots

Outdoor ceremony

This is why you need to choose your season wisely. If you really want to get married outdoors then maybe try and book your wedding during the fall and not in the rainy season. Fall and winter seasons are so beautiful for outdoor ceremonies. The light is much softer and you won't likely get a surprise for bad weather.

This also ensures you won't be walking in mud or have your guests get stuck in a muddy situation.

Open air chapel

An open-air chapel is a chapel that is open on the sides. This is so great because it gives a lot of natural light and air which makes it so much more comfortable.

Getting ready

Depending on your photographer, in most cases, the groom and the groomsmen will get ready first. So oftentimes they will get ready as normal, take a few portraits and candids, and then get undressed again. Brides, on the other hand, take a bit longer and that is why we like to spend more time with the bride and bridesmaids than with the groom. The groom getting ready time is normally around an hour and 15 min and then the bride is a full 2 hours.

In those two hours, you will spend some time taking fun photos with your bridesmaids. You will get ready and then you will have your first looks with your dad/bridesmaids.

It's always nice to have a room that is semi-neat and ready for those photos. Your dress needs to be hung out the morning of your wedding day with your details ready for your photographer.

Getting ready (Groom)

Getting ready (Bride)

Details