Planning a wedding? If coordinating shuttles between three different venues, praying Aunt Linda doesn’t get lost between the ceremony and the reception, and calculating whether you have time to change shoes between locations sounds like a nightmare, there’s an alternative.
More South African couples are now ditching the multi-venue shuffle entirely, hosting everything from the ceremony and reception to the honeymoon at a single venue. “It’s becoming an increasingly popular choice,” says Nico Forbes, Meeting and Events Manager at Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town.
The shift makes sense. By consolidating venues and having everything handled in-house, couples can redirect money that would go to transport, multiple venue fees, and external vendors toward better food, entertainment, or that honeymoon upgrade they’ve been eyeing. But the benefits go deeper than just logistics and cost.
“Couples also tend to be more present on their wedding day when they’re not mentally tracking timelines and transport schedules,” adds Fara Hamid, Marketing Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga. “Guests benefit too. They can actually relax, have a few drinks, and enjoy themselves without worrying about driving or catching a shuttle. Older relatives and guests with mobility issues particularly appreciate not having to navigate multiple locations.”
And then there’s the morning after. While traditional weddings end with the newlyweds collapsing into bed at 2 am only to wake up and pack for their honeymoon flight, one-venue celebrations let them ease into married life as they’re already where they need to be.
How to Pull Off the Perfect All-in-One Wedding
Below, Forbes and Hamid share their advice for couples considering this approach:
- Book early. Popular venues fill up 12-18 months in advance, especially over weekends, so lock in your dates as soon as you can.
- Make it authentically yours. Infuse your personalities into the ceremony and reception: a signature cocktail, custom décor, personalised menu, or music that reflects your taste. These touches transform a beautiful space into your celebration.
- Listen to what’s worked before. Venues have orchestrated hundreds of weddings. They know what flows smoothly and what creates bottlenecks. Ask for their recommendations on everything from menu formats to event timelines.
- Hire a dedicated coordinator. This is non-negotiable. A wedding planner who runs everything on behalf of the couple including the ceremony, parents, guests, setup, photoshoot, makes things run more smoothly. They know what the vision is and make sure the couple can enjoy each moment without worry. This person acts as the central point of contact between you and the venue, handling the thousand moving parts so you don’t have to.
The Venue-Shopping Checklist
But how can you be sure a venue can deliver on that ‘no running around’ dream? To find the perfect spot, Setshego Ledwaba, Marketing Manager at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo Airport, advises asking a few key questions:
- Can it accommodate your guest count and vision? Don’t assume all large venues are created equal. Look for spaces that can be reconfigured for different parts of your day – an intimate ceremony area that transforms into a dining hall and later, a dance floor.
- Are there multiple photogenic spots? Pool decks, garden spaces, and varied architectural features give your photographer options to capture completely different vibes from each part of your celebration without leaving the venue.
- Can they handle your full guest experience? Prioritise venues offering on-site restaurants, and the flexibility to host pre-wedding events. Special room rates for guests make a real difference for out-of-towners.
- What about security and guest safety? Ask about their security measures. It’s a legitimate question, and a good venue will have clear answers.
- Can they provide a proper honeymoon experience? The best venues understand that your wedding day shouldn’t end abruptly. Ask about honeymoon suites and turndown service with rose petals, champagne, and romantic touches that ease you from celebration into your first night as newlyweds.
One Seamless Experience
Ultimately, choosing a single venue is about shifting the focus from logistics to love. It’s about creating a day, and a day after, that feels like a seamless celebration, not a marathon. The experience shouldn’t end when the music stops but should flow effortlessly into the first chapter of a couple’s life together.
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