The National Wedding Show, London
What an amazing and very busy three days we had recently at The National Wedding Show, held at Earls Court in London. Since 2002, when we first noticed the huge increase in the number of couples from abroad choosing to marry on our shores, Celebration House has been exhibiting at this very popular event on the London calendar.
This year's Show was just as well attended as in previous years, if not more so. From the minute the doors opened on the Friday morning until they closed at 5pm on the Sunday, we hardly had time to draw breath, as we stood and smiled and answered questions about marrying in South Africa.
We were delighted to discover that there is still a huge amount of interest in our country as a wedding destination, and we were also thrilled by the many glowing comments we received about South Africa, and Cape Town in particular. Those who had visited our country had only enthusiastic words of praise for all we have to offer.
Over the three-day duration of the Show, we handed out thousands of copies of our free, 64-page full colour publication, Under African Skies, a guide to weddings and honeymoons in South Africa. A full report on the Show and details of how to obtain a copy of this publication can be found on our website, www.celebrationhouse.co.za.
The Wedding & Honeymoon Association
of South Africa (WAHASA)
At the Show we also promoted the importance of choosing a service provider approved by WAHASA, and visitors were impressed to hear that all the service providers in Under African Skies have been approved by this Association. If you would like to find out more about WAHASA, please visit www.wahasa.co.za.
'Wedding Trees'
Many thanks for all the compliments received about our latest green initiative with Stodels Nurseries. I loved the suggestion (from a Marriage Officer) that couples consider planting their trees at either the church or venue where they marry. Remember, if you plant a tree to commemorate your wedding, we would love to have a photo of the event to share with others on our wedding tree website, www.weddingtree.co.za.
Legalities of marriage
At The National Wedding Show, in addition to chatting to many British couples wishing to marry on our shores, we got the chance to speak to numerous 'ex-pats' planning to marry back home. What we found a little disconcerting was the number of couples who were unaware of the legal implications of their weddings. Many British brides marrying South African men had no idea that the domicile (home country) of the groom would apply to their marriage, meaning that, unlike Britain, where you are automatically married 'out of community of property', they would be married according to South African law, namely 'in community of property'. (If this applies to you, please read our legal articles on www.celebrationhouse.co.za.)
A word of caution
I read recently about a newly-married bride who was planning to fly to South Africa to attend a wedding. When booking the tickets by phone, the bride - obviously enjoying her new title - booked her ticket in her married name. She then realised that her passport and green card were in her maiden name, and that there would be no time to change them before they left the USA. An airline representative told the newly-wed that South African Airways would issue a refund, but minus a 25% administrative fee ($400). She would then have to buy a new, and probably more expensive, ticket. And there was no guarantee that she would get a seat on the same flight as her husband.
Fortunately for her, her father approached Christopher Elliott (ombudsman at National Geographic Traveler Magazine in Washington) for help, and when he contacted SAA on her behalf, to their credit, they agreed to reduce the cost to $50. As this is not the first time this has happened, I thought I would share with you the following suggestions, offered by Chris Elliott, to help you avoid name-related errors:
'Hiring a travel agent is the most obvious. Although an agent will charge a ticketing fee, you can be sure that a competent travel professional will get your names right. They're also well connected, so that if something does go wrong, they can usually negotiate a name change at little or no cost.
You can also book online instead of by phone. That's your next-safest option, because you're given several opportunities to review your name, and most airlines also have warnings that the name on your passport has to match the name on your ticket.'
He also said that the situation could have been worse had the bride in question tried to fly under her original ticket, using her marriage certificate as evidence that her name had been legally changed. That might have got her onto the plane, but she may not have been allowed back into the USA - a much bigger problem!
This month's competition
This month our website competition offers you the chance to win a wonderful Bouquet Facial in the beautiful Librisa Spa at the Mount Nelson Hotel. Located in two stylishly restored heritage homes in the hotel gardens, the Spa features state-of-the-art facilities and a tranquil conservatory for relaxation and enjoyment before and after treatment.
To find out more and to enter this exciting competition, click here.
The Really Useful WEDDING BOOK
for South Africa
I was delighted with the fantastic response my latest book received at the London Show, and the wonderful compliments from couples who already have the book. My best story, though, relates to the mother who bought a copy for herself and one for her daughter who lives in England, so that while planning the wedding in South Africa, they can literally, as she puts it, 'be on the same page'!
The book also makes a great engagement gift. It is available from Celebration House (at a reduced price) and from leading booksellers countrywide. If you experience any difficulty in obtaining a copy, please e-mail us at info@celebrationhouse.co.za. To read what others have to say about the book, click here.
NEW at Celebration House
While in London, we stocked up with all the latest British wedding magazines, and you are more than welcome to visit us and peruse these exciting publications, which will keep you up to date with what's happening on the international wedding scene.
Celebration House welcomes you!
If you haven't yet visited us, we would love to welcome you to our unique, FREE wedding exhibition and information centre in the heart of Claremont - we're a stone's throw from Cavendish Square and we offer free parking right outside our door!
We are NOT wedding coordinators - we don't organise the event for you - but we do provide all the 'inside' information you need to be able to do it successfully yourself.
There is no need to make an appointment, nor is there any charge for visiting Celebration House. We do not take commissions from any of our exhibitors, and we provide a tranquil and relaxing environment in which to plan your wedding.
There are over 120 displays to view at your leisure and all those who exhibit with us are approved by The Wedding & Honeymoon Association of South Africa (WAHASA). This means that those who engage their services can rest assured, knowing they are dealing with reliable professionals in the wedding industry.
Visit us on Saturday 1 November and win a prize!
As an added bonus, this Saturday we'll be handing out spot prizes to several lucky visitors to Celebration House. We're not going to tell you what they are - that's part of the fun - but we guarantee you'll be thrilled if you win one!
Celebration House hours are:
Monday to Friday: 09h00 to 16h00
Saturdays: 09h30 to 14h00
Celebration House Top Tip
When compiling your wedding budget, be honest about what you can afford, then add 10% for unforeseen extras. If these don't materialise, you will have a bonus towards your new life together - but by taking them into account right from the start, you will hopefully prevent sleepless nights caused by nasty surprises!
Until next time
Best wishes
Pam Black - Owner of Celebration House
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Celebration House Claremont CC disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense however caused, arising from the use of, or reliance upon, in any manner, the information provided through this service. |
October 2008
Contact Celebration House:
Address:
14 Protea Road,
Claremont
7700
Tel: (021) 674 7350
Fax: (021) 674 7355
Email: info@celebrationhouse.co.za
Website: www.celebrationhouse.co.za
www.capetownweddingfestival.co.za
www.wahasa.co.za
www.underafricanskiesmag.co.za
www.weddingtree.co.za
© Celebration House
October 2008
All rights reserved.
Should you wish to unsubscribe, please click here.
All rights are reserved, including the right to reproduce this newsletter, or part thereof, in any form.
Celebration House Claremont CC disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense however caused, arising from the use of, or reliance upon, in any manner, the information provided through this service.
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