Is it your dream to work in weddings and events? The wedding planning and events industry in South Africa is booming at the moment, with an increasing number of international visitors choosing the spectacular landscapes of SA for their celebrations and corporate “do’s”.

Wedding day gazebo restaurant celebration

With favourable exchange rates and our magnificent game reserves, vineyards, mountains and beaches, South Africa is a deservedly popular choice with both locals and international visitors for their big events.

What does it take to work in events?

Working in the (often glitzy and glamorous) wedding and events industry requires creativity, initiative, responsibility, hard work and a solid set of industry-specific skills. If you want to be successful in this fast-paced and perfection-driven world you’ll need to shine up on skills like draping, décor and table settings, as well as your protocol and etiquette. So what does this involve?

Draping

Draping is using fabrics artistically to decorate marquees, rooms, arches, gazebos, stages, tables, chairs and more. Beautiful draping can transform a plain marquee into a stunning banquet hall, or a boring metal frame into a fairytale gazebo.

Décor

Décor is used to tastefully and appropriately decorate a space. It can include draping, lighting, flowers, candles, table settings, centrepieces and anything else required for the decoration of a space. A space can be, for example, a tent, ballroom, hallway, gazebo or even an outside area like a garden, verandah or beach.

Table setting and centre pieces

A table setting is the way in which crockery (plates and bowls), cutlery (knives, forks and spoons) and glassware (drinking glasses like wine glasses and champagne flutes) are presented on a table. It may also include the layout of décor such as place cards, menus, wine lists, flowers, gifts, etc. Centre pieces are usually the focal point of table decoration. Common examples are flower arrangements, candles and greenery, vases of beach sand and seashells or fruit displays.

Protocol and etiquette

Protocol and etiquette are communication and management skills necessary for working in hospitality and events. This kind of training is a “how-to” on the right way to make decisions, communicate, behave, and perform the required services when dealing with guests, colleagues and bosses. If you’re keen to learn some new skills or brush up on long-dormant ones, the International Hotel School offers a variety of short courses to help you get ahead in the wedding and events industry, such as:

• Foundational draping
• Advanced draping
• Foundational décor
• Advanced décor
• Table setting and centre pieces
• Protocol and etiquette

Contact IHS for more information and kickstart your career in weddings and events!