So you’ve done the hard bit and dropped knee (or said yes, that takes some willpower), now comes the easy and not at all stressful bit where you choose the venue to play host to your special day.

Of course you quickly realise that your work has only just begun, trying to figure out the ideal venue becoming the monster in the corner nagging away at every opportunity. How do you ensure that you satisfy both sets of parents, try your best to facilitate bridesmaid and groom hook-ups and keep that one mate of yours from breaking anything overly valuable?

Luckily you have friends like us to steer you in the right direction and, because we care so much, we’ve gone and hand-picked five locations in the Western Cape that are sure to play host to a cracking wedding. Because we don’t want you Vaalies and Durbanites feeling left out we’ve picked a gem for each of you as well.

Without further ado we give you our pick, the descriptions below courtesy of SafariNow…

1. Brenaissance Wine & Stud Estate – Stellenbosch

Situated in the secluded beauty of the Devon Valley at the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, Brenaissance Wine & Stud Estate exudes luxury and serenity.

Brenaissance Wine & Stud Estate incorporates several elements of agriculture, art, food, wine and hospitality to present to you a story of “New Beginnings”, diversity, sustainable methods and contrarian practices…

Other features of the Estate include opulent event and wedding venues, luxury accommodation and a quality Boran cattle Stud. This Wine & Stud Estate radiates the passion of its owners Hayley and Tom Breytenbach.

2. Vrede en Lust – Pniel

Nestled at the foothills of the Simonsberg, in South Africa’s most celebrated Franschhoek wine region, lies Vrede en Lust. Vrede en Lust is a working wine farm with foundations going back 315 years. Guests can enjoy the unique location next to the vineyards, with large oak trees providing ample shade.

Whilst on the farm, one can walk, run or cycle through the vineyards all the way to the top of the farm or up into the forests above. Franschhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch, with all they have to offer, are all close by. 4×4 Land Rover trips up the mountain to enjoy the view can also be arranged.

3. Old Mac Daddy – Elgin

The Airstream Trailer Park idea was originally inspired by a natural rural setting, so when The Daddy Long Legs Group discovered a little piece of heaven on a private farm in the apple-growing Elgin Valley, they went to work immediately. The Old Mac Daddy Park is the nostalgic camping holiday of childhood with added luxurious touches, designer trailer suites, slopes of whispering pines, lakes, endless nature-inspired activity, wholesome farm-grown food and all of this just a 40 minute drive from the Cape Town CBD.

4. MolenVliet Oosthuizen Family Vineyards – Stellenbosch

Burrowed in the heart of the Cape Wine Country, between historical Stellenbosch and gourmet Franschhoek, you will find the inconceivable MolenVliet Oosthuizen Family Vineyards sparkling in its own personal elegance.

The four Cottages are double en-suite units which include a picnic-style Continental breakfast. The spacious rooms are air-conditioned and elegantly furnished. Each room opens onto a private balcony overlooking beautiful gardens. The exclusive Manor House is surrounded by the most beautiful mountain and vineyard views from most rooms and the pool deck.

5. La Residence – Franschoek

La Residence is situated in the Franschhoek Valley on a 30-acre estate filled with vines, fruit trees, flowers and herbs. It is a romantic and indulgent paradise whose magnificent interior is filled with rich fabrics, wonderful artwork and antique furniture…

On hot days, the shimmering infinity pool beckons. Sip drinks under a shady umbrella or relax with treatments in the spa. Service is warm and personalized while an atmosphere of ease and relaxation pervades. Fresh produce from the garden and fine local wines create memorable dining experiences.

6. Kleinkaap Boutique Hotel – Centurion, Gauteng

Inspired by the fairest Cape, the gracious Kleinkaap Cape Dutch Hotel exudes beauty and elegance. Its statuesque magnificence will enthrall all. Encapsulated in solitude, amidst lush, majestic Oak trees in natural, free-flowing indigenous gardens, Kleinkaap offers picture perfect luxury.

Kleinkaap is the ideal venue for weddings, conferences, functions, meetings and team buildings. First class cuisine and professional service is the standard at Kleinkaap. This Cape Dutch, gabled wedding venue and conference estate of 2.5 hectares, is situated in the foremost suburb of Clubview in Centurion. Their menus mirror the seasons, incorporating many of South Africa’s finest natural ingredients.

7. Cranford Country Lodge – Howick, KZN

Cranford Country Lodge is a stunning country chic lodge, situated in the heart of the Midlands Meander. This is a breathtaking wedding venue and boasts luxury accommodation, in bed and breakfast or self-catering suites…

There are two big trout and bass dams for fishing, as well as a lovely salt water swimming pool. If you’re feeling active, their tennis court is available. The Blackburn family is truly thrilled to be a part of Cranford and together with their fully trained and friendly staff, look forward to welcoming you to Curry’s Post and the magic that is at Cranford.

Does that help? Let’s hope so, I would hate to have further complicated your already stressful life by throwing some pearlers into the mix.

Good luck out there, here’s hoping it’s all plain sailing from the big day on.