COMMUNITY LIVING
Weddings on
RESIDENTIAL ESTATES
Capturing and keeping the marriage market
People-whispering One-stop shop
46 H O A
Plettenberg Bay resident Julie Smith has been in the hospitality industry for 36 + years – 30 of these as part of the famous Hunter Hotels Group , serving as GM and group operations / human resources ace during that time . Now owner of Pippa ’ s Flowers & Co , she has been involved with ‘ literally hundreds of weddings ’.
Smith says anyone interested in entering this sphere must know that , as much as plans , amenities and menus should work , your good reputation hinges on understanding that it ’ s essentially a ‘ people / heart / passion thing ’.
‘ If your estate already hosts weddings , you ’ ll know that it ’ s a fickle industry . Everything has changed over the past years in the broader context of tourism and hospitality . So it ’ s more critical than ever to think on your feet while maintaining consistency .’
Estates with conference facilities that could double as a banquet hall , an onsite restaurant , and overnight accommodation start ahead of the pack , safety and practicality being priorities for wedding planners .
‘ Advantages of a single venue for the ceremony and reception , rehearsal dinners and after-parties cannot be overstated . Service providers such as hair and make-up come to the venue so that the bride doesn ’ t have to travel . When a single venue is involved , there are no issues with driving under the influence , or getting lost on unfamiliar roads twixt church and reception .’
Smith says that the option of onsite accommodation also helps . ‘ Spending the night there , enjoying an intimate pre-wedding dinner , means that you ’ re familiar with the venue when the big day arrives .’