Waterkloof Wine Estate offers a picture perfect Winelands setting to tie the knot in an eco-savvy way. They specialise in stylish, intimate weddings that do not cost the earth. When you are planning your Big Day, the location is probably the most important item on your checklist and these days more and more couples are opting for a greener wedding because of an awareness of the colossal carbon footprint attached to the day.

Their magnificently appointed restaurant and tasting lounge is the ideal venue if you want to hold an eco-chic ceremony and reception in one place in order to cut back on travel.

Waterkloof’s ‘green’ philosophy also rings true in our kitchen as we use our own lamb, herbs and eggs and support smaller, local yet top quality producers to guarantee that the freshness of our contemporary dishes is paramount. We get our still and sparkling mineral water from a natural spring on the estate.

Waterkloof’s tailor-made wedding reception packages combined with sheer decadence, personal service, elegant estate wines and unsurpassed cuisine ensure that the bride and groom share a truly personal, moving and sustainable celebration with their friends and family.

We love this eco friendly venue and so excited to have them feature on our website.

I've always loved the idea of being able to try a little bit of everything, I'm a real buffet lover in that sense. So when I came across the idea of a dessert buffet I knew I had to share it with you.

Forget the traditional three tiered cake, or the plated desserts served to the guests, incorporate a decadent dessert table instead. Have your guests choose from your favourite desserts and encourage them to try one of each type by keeping the desserts to bitesize.

A brilliant idea if you wanted to keep it in the family is to ask granny to make those mini milktarts, or get other family members involved in that way by contributing.

Provide small plates or take-away boxes for the guests to fill up with desserts.

The idea of including pets in your wedding day might sound like a fun and different idea, however, don't be fooled by the amount of planning that needs to happen to make sure it's stress and embarresing free.

Consider the following things

• Make sure your guests are comfortable with the fact that a pet will be included. Don't forget that some guests might have allergies to pet hair.
• Ask permission at your ceremony venue that pets are allowed.
• Decide on the role your pet will play at the wedding.
• Practice with your pet at the ceremony location often so it purely becomes routine on the day of the wedding.
• Designate someone to watch your pet during the ceremony so you can focus all your attention at the service.
• Be flexible. No matter how well behaved your pet is during rehearsal, it might just react the other way on the wedding day. Make sure you have a plan B.
• Ensure there are no hazards which might harm your pet such as poisenous plants.
• Don't forget to book an appointment with your pet groomer so he or she can look it's best.

There are lots of ways to involve furry (or feathered) friends in your celebration, whether in a formal role as ring bearers or flower dogs, for example or simply as honored guests.