There is no denying that there is something magical about winter weddings…..From the crisp day-time blue skies that transform into huddling around a fire place as the mist settles outside….. it’s practically picture perfect. But if you’re planning a winter wedding, we suggest you review the tips given to us by Granny Mouse Country House & Spa Banqueting Manager, Veronica Sookdin, if winter is your chosen season.

According to Sookdin, “ When planning a winter wedding there are a few inevitable issues that can creep into your day, but if you plan accordingly, and make the necessary preparation, your wedding will be one your friends, and family will never forget.”

So let’s look at her tips:

1. Invest in winter accessories: Whether it’s for you personally, your bridesmaids or even the groomsmen, keeping everyone warm, not only makes sense, but winter accessories can be amazing props when capturing your special day. Options include a long sleeve wedding dress, faux fur wraps, capes or some chic cardigans. It will provide you with warmth, and a glowing elegance.

2. Keep your guests warm: Instead of serving the usual champagne-based drinks while you’re having your photo’s done, look to keep your guests warm, through a fun hot chocolate and marshmallow station, or offer some mulled wine or a hot toddy. If your venue doesn’t have a fire place, add some blankets and heaters to your venue, making it more inviting for your guests.

3. It’s all about the light: During winter, it gets dark much earlier, so make sure you’ve chatted to your photographer, and adjusted your timelines to ensure you have the perfect lighting to capture your images.

4. Winter-Inspired Wedding favours: We all know how quickly wedding costs can escalate so, one fun thing about winter wedding favours, is that you can save some costs. Simply fill small jars with marshmallows, or offer hot chocolate sachets or candy canes as something fun. If you want to go a little more fancy, use scented candles or a mug with your wedding date and a fun quote

5. Add a pop of colour: Just because you are getting married in winter, don’t gravitate towards, whites, silvers or dark hues. Add pops of colour to your décor, or if you want to be bold, have your bridesmaids in bright colours. This will add spectacular dimensions to your wedding pics and will brighten the room, when the weather outside turns dreary.

Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is the perfect venue to host your winter wedding, and with a dedicated on-site team, ready and willing to assist with every detail, it is sure to be magical. For more information about the wedding packages on offer, and how Granny Mouse can turn your dream wedding into a reality, visit www.grannymouse.co.za or call (033) 234 4071.

As we move into the long and golden days of late summer, it is easy to forget that winter is not very far away…. Most of us get sucked into the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to plan ahead.

Make this year different and book ahead for an unbelievable winter getaway. It is during the chillier months that the Midlands is a real wonderland. As the leaves begin to colour and fall, we begin to look forward to mystical, beautiful landscapes as the mists descend on the many lakes and ponds and the beautiful star studded skies look down on us.

There’s nothing more romantic than cuddling before a log fire and enjoying a good wine or even a locally made sherry or honey mead.

From May, Granny Mouse is offering an Unbelievable Winter Wonder which will allow you a quick and simple breakaway to let your hair down as you enjoy our crisp fresh mountain air and an opportunity to visit quaint shops and cafes or even pull on your hiking boots.

R5 000 will enable a couple to spend two nights in one of our garden or deluxe rooms and enjoy a hearty breakfast on waking.

In addition, each couple can look forward to a 30 minute back and neck treatment at our spa and a Belgian chocolate gift pack on arrival. We’re including a wine and cookie pairing for each of our visitors and will wave each couple on their way with a case of wine on departure.

Book early to avoid disappointment. Our special offer covers a minimum two-night stay and you also have the choice of upgrading to a deluxe suite for an extra once off payment of R1 500 or staying a little longer at R1 350 per person sharing per night.