by Karishma Thakurdin
From brides arriving in helicopters, champagne towers to building a 20m aisle over water and wedding dresses covered in pearls – luxury Cape Town wedding planner Tracy Blandford has seen it all!
In an interview with Lux Afrique, Tracy who started Trunk Events more than a decade ago delved into the importance of having a wedding planner and some of the current wedding trends.
It’s no secret that planning a wedding isn’t a walk in the park, especially because every bridal couple dreams of making their fairy tale a reality. And that’s why choosing the right wedding planner should be at the top of your to-do list!
Tracy says having a wedding planner is an “absolute must” to avoid unnecessary stress, which allows the couple to focus on their special day.
“Just knowing that you can release all the details to a team who manages the day for you is vital. It also allows you to switch off and focus on you and your partner, and the journey you are about to embark upon.”
She added that wedding planners also have pivotal industry relationships and knowledge, and through their guidance couples often end up saving lots of money.
“They don’t know what things cost, so we assist them with working within a realistic budget which they can afford, and we help them to fix that budget and not make irrational decisions based on the emotions around this one day.”
Tracy strives to allow any couple the ability to afford a wedding planner to ensure that their day runs smoothly. “Our focus is making dreams come true, one ‘I Do’ at a time.”
Since Covid-19 restrictions have relaxed around the world and especially in SA, Tracy says there’s been a significant boom in international couples turning to Cape Town to host their destination weddings.
Some of her recent clients have been from across Africa including Angola, Mozambique, Ghana & Namibia.
“Our African weddings are the best! Super colourful and full of experiences for the guests. We find that the African influences are trending currently and whether the couple is mixed, or both are from an African culture, the elements of music & food is massive.
“Live entertainment coupled with African dancers, Marimba bands and food stations are always a hit for the pre-drinks session which is normally a 2-hour period where our couples mingle with the guests and enjoy their wedding, before rushing off for any photos.”
Living in digital world has also impacted local wedding trends in a massive way.
“Social media has a heavy influence on our couples, and they tend to see trends abroad and if budget allows, they introduce these ideas here in SA. Whether it is a local couple or a destination wedding, once something trends, we tend to do it!,” Tracy added.
Tracy who entered the world of wedding planning 11 years ago believes that being a female in the industry is an advantage and is passionate about creating opportunities for other young female entrepreneurs.
“I strongly believe that being a female in the wedding industry is an advantage because I can relate to many brides and their moms and can connect on this level. I have an amazing team of young female entrepreneurs who are learning on the job all the time and who will be the future of the brand.
