Brits flock to SA to get hitched

A SURVEY by Direct Line Home Insurance has shown that one in four Britons get married overseas with South Africa being the most popular choice of destination. South Africa accounted for 6% of total British weddings. According to the survey, the desire to combine a wedding and honeymoon into one trip is the main motivation behind having a wedding overseas. Sally Haines, joint md of Travel Network and Weddings SA has noticed this trend which she says is also particularly popular with the German market. Travel Network and Weddings SA is a planning service specialising in coordinating weddings for couples visiting from abroad. Haines said that many couples choose to turn their wedding day into a “wedding week” incorporating bachelor parties and hen’s nights as well as the actual ceremony into the celebrations. She added that the exchange rate and good weather are also major factors in foreigners’ decisions to get married on South African ground. Her company found that bush and beach weddings were most popular with smaller parties of about 50 guests, while larger groups usually opted for the winelands in the Cape region. The survey also discovered that 27% of Britons chose to have their weddings abroad to escape irritating relatives. Anne Mann of Wedding Concepts agrees and said that many couples want to escape having to throw an enormous wedding and would rather spend the time with a smaller selection of friends and family. She added: “Despite the stronger rand, couples still have better value for money in SA than in the UK and guests are provided with an exciting experience.” Sue Lewitton (suel@nowmedia.co.za)