Things to do this Heritage Day
Celebrate Heritage this weekend, from Cape Malay to DJ Kent
Planning a Memorable Wedding in Cape Town
Because there’s a lot more to it than saying ‘I do’
Sunset at Clifton Beach: You’re staring questioningly into your lovers eyes during a picnic when they pop the question. You immediately reply, ‘yes’, because lord knows how many hints you've dropped over the years. But pre-marital bliss does not last long. Nothing prepared you for the flock of kissing aunts, demanding to know about cakes, flowers, invitations and who’ll sit next to who. There’s a lot more to a wedding than simply saying, ‘I do’, which is why we’ve come up with a selection of Cape Town’s Wedding Wonderlands.
WEDDING ROCKS AT SHIMANSKY
Discover diamonds direct from mine to finger. Every Shimansky diamond is hand-selected direct from the source. You’ll appreciate a diamond or tanzanite rock more if you are in the know. Shimansky uses a combination of skilled handcraftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology to bring you the best of these precious stones. Shimansky also houses exquisite signature collections like "My Girl", "Evolym" and "Brilliant 10". The founder, Yair Shimansky, has been selling jewellry for over 30 years and signs off on every jewel. 
Level 1 | The Clock Tower | V&A Waterfront | Cape Town
GET THAT SMILE READY FOR THE BIG DAY
You’ll be looking back on your wedding pics for years to come, so make sure your smile is as bright as can be.You will get instant results after just one session with the safe, affordable, in-chair teeth whitening treatment available at over 30 dentists in Cape Town. The non-invasive procedure, which involves applying a gel to your teeth that is activated by a special blue LED light, takes about an hour and is virtually painless. Your dentist will come up with personalised plan that suits your particular needs, plus at-home whitening products are also available to maintain the shade you like with Zoom Whitening.
ONE-OF-A-KIND FYNBOS RING
You can never start planning a wedding too early. Even before you pop the question. Maybe even before you find the right girl. Okay maybe that’s a bit too early, but it’s never too soon to start shopping for that special engagement ring if you want to handcraft something that is as rare and special as your relationship. Don’t stress because Cape Diamonds are the experts at creating bespoke, handcrafted engagement rings in a range of precious metals including gold and platinum. They’ll also guide you through the process of choosing the right cut, setting and metals to make sure they suit your style. They even have thousands of diamonds to choose from at their Cape Town workshop, so you are guaranteed to go home with stars in your eyes.
Unit 6 | Victoria Junction | 57 Prestwich St | Green Point | +27 (0)21 421 5364
GET FIT FOR THE BIG DAY
A relationship is comfortable, which translates as lavish dinners and cookies in bed – not so great if you want to fit into that marvelous dress. Sitting on a bike, whilst reading the latest celebrity gossip just won’t cut the fitness mustard. Cape Crossfit is based on a series of movements using body and free weights – a grueling workout for sexy wedding pins.
AND OTHER TIPS
Take his Mastercard to the Wedding Box:
If he complains about the price, simply respond: ‘Would you rather marry a pristine princess or a malignant meringue?’ The Wedding Box houses modern and classic designs (imported from New York), teamed with shoes and accessories. Book a private consultation with Foula, to dress up your character and aspirations.
Or, if you want bespoke wedding dress of show-stopping proportions, seek out Gavin Rajah, Paul van Zyl or Gert van der Merwe – arguably Cape Town's best wedding dress designers.
If music be the food of love…
Most couples see the wedding dance as one of life’s defining moments. ‘Like a Bat out of Hell’ is not the most flattering of music choices, so it’s important to choose a musical maestro you can trust.
…book Wired String Quartet:
If this foursome can marry ‘hip’ and ‘string quartet’ in the same sentence, then they’re good enough to marry you. The highly sought after quartet have performed at global music festivals and have even recorded a movie soundtrack. Their two hour wedding package includes; uplifting classical music, latin tango and jazz standards.
Don’t get married when the dandelions are in bloom
Flowers are an important visual feature of a wedding, full of colour, personality and aroma. Which is why it’s important to get married when roses are in bloom.
Little flowers from Mont Petit Fleur:
Choose from their wide range of wedding designs, or create your own from fabrics, pictures or ideas. Your unique flower arrangements will be sure to light up the room (or complement the princess dress).
Get caught on camera by a couple of creative lovebirds:
Who better to capture the special moments of your big day than a creative couple who are planning their own nuptials? Toni and Desmond share ten years of photographic experience and have an innovative, artistic approach to shoots.
Your invitations should make a memorable entrance:
Your wedding invitation should say: ‘Come to my wedding, where I shall be wearing a smoking hot princess dress.’ If you want everyone to turn up, presentation is key. The Letterpress is the only artisanal print shop to use antique, hand-operated printing, luxury cotton papers and elegant, hand-lined packaging. Once you’ve held one of these silky beauties, you’ll never look back.
Pimp your wedding ride with a Bentley Flying Spur:
No one arrives at their wedding in a clapped out three-wheeler and retains any dignity. Rent a luxury car and you’ll get sleek, solid and elegant, with a comfortable interior and a rather large engine. It’s all about wedding presence – just make sure the groom’s eye is on you and not this stunning beauty. Get on the road with a Bently Flying Spur
He popped the question on Clifton Beach. Why not get married there?
Timeless Weddings Company:
Picture being wed by an African Penguin, then jetting off in a limousine, champagne in hand, along Chapman’s Peak; or saying your vows under a floral archway at Camps Bay. Weddings like this don’t just happen! That’s where Timeless come in. They’ll arrange everything you can think of, from ministers, to beach permits.
Towerbosch Restaurant (Knorhoek Estate):
Picture a thatch-roofed restaurant, a mountain stream and sweeping lawns, and you’re there. Your ceremony can be held under a gazebo, or under idyllic trees and your guests will be treated to a variety of gourmet menu options and activities such as, wine tasting and spa treatments. Taste the enchantment at Towerbosch Restaurant
Seal the deal with one sip from the wedding cup:
The wedding cup has become the logo of Warwick Wine Estate and a symbol of love, faithfulness and good luck. Many wedding couples visit the estate to drink from the cup and celebrate their love. Legend has it that a 14th century German made the cup to win the hand of a fair lady. You can also enjoy gourmet picnics, fine wines and magnificent views of False Bay and the Cape Winelands.
There’s nothing homey about a collapsed tent...
Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat:
A honeymoon is a quiet, intimate celebration of your love that should make lifelong memories. A romantic setting at the foot of the awe-inspiring, Cederberg Mountains is far more appealing than a collapsed tent and howling winds. Bushman’s 5-star Relais & Chateaux is a lovers oasis amongst idyllic surroundings. Their Beginnings Four Night Package includes luxury accommodation, romantic dinners and activities.
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MORE WEDDING & ROMANCE RELATED READS
- Get a safe, in-chair treatment with Zoom Whitening.
- Find the ideal romantic getaway here.
- Find a lovely gift for your other half with these romantic gift ideas in Cape Town.
- What about things to do with the kids or planning the perfect shopping trip? Visit our Things to do Section.
- Looking for something more conventional? Why not have your wedding at a brewery.
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