24 May 2018

Even though times have changed, some things still remain constant such as the expectation of having society weddings, where one erects a tent and the community just comes in to feast.

Although these are expensive undertakings, comprising four celebrations namely bride price celebrations, signing ceremony, white wedding celebrations at the bride and the groom’s places, parents still want their children to go this route.

Larona (not real name) says she broke rank and married her Scottish husband in the United Kingdom, thousands of miles away from Botswana.

Asked why she took such a step, Larona said because society wedding have certain standards and rules that are not too kind on the pocket, with many expenses incurred even before the actual ceremony due to going back and forth for the negotiations.

She thus opted for what is called a destination wedding, which she said is less stressful as they did not have to deal with many people giving suggestions as to how their wedding should be like among, other issues.

She said everything was decided by her and her husband, as they were just fresh out of university and could only afford a small wedding.

Larona says their wedding expenses were roughly P6 700, which covered the registry, bride and groom’s outfits for the day, photography and dinner with only fifteen guests comprising of family and close friends.

 She, however explains that both families were fine with the arrangement.

While some people are of the view that most people who embark on destination weddings disregard parents’ input, Larona says that both their families met, discussed the cultural procedures and agreed to one ceremony first and that they should do the other later.

‘Although it took a while for such a decision to be made, it was worth the wait.

We were patient because in Africa we are all about culture and things have to be done right and by the book,’ she said.

Tlamelo Mndzebele, a wedding planner, says destination weddings are inexpensive and give the couple power over their spending by limiting the number of guests, reducing the costs of the tent, food, deco and many other expenses.

The wedding planner says one also does not have to worry about neighbours and gate crushers, which also gives service providers such as photographers freedom to executive their duties effectively. 

Ms Mndzebele is however cognisant of the fact that at the end of it all, parents still want to see tents pitched at their houses and many people gracing their homes to celebrate with them. ENDS