FAQs
When must I RSVP by?
Please RSVP by Saturday, August 20, 2022.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
Passport holders from the following list of countries do not need a visa in advance of travel to visit South Africa: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Namibia, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden. For further info, refer to: http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
Do I need travel insurance?
It is not required to enter South Africa but we highly encourage it. We do not travel anywhere outside of the US without travel insurance because of the risk of potentially incurring tremendous bills if someone gets sick or something goes wrong. The easiest way to purchase travel insurance is through an add on to your airfare ticket which is typically through a group like Allianz Global Assistance, through the credit card you booked your flight with, or you can purchase it separately and shop insurance plans on a marketplace like Square Mouth.
Is there a COVID-19 protocol for the wedding and any other events?
While the pandemic days are thankfully behind us, we have a number of immunocompromised family members and a very special 96 year-old granny who will be in attendance, so we have a heightened responsibility to keep everyone healthy and safe from COVID-19. As part of our promise and responsibility to keep everyone safe, we kindly request that you test before the wedding to keep our immunocompromised family members and everyone healthy and safe. If you do happen to start feeling sick before or after the wedding, please WhatsApp or call Alyssa (+1 917-829-1647) or Richard (+1 929-256-9012) immediately.
Please note that rapid tests are not readily available in South Africa and must be brought with you on your trip, they can be easily purchased on Amazon or drug stores. We ordered packs of these for ourselves that we will be using on our trip. If you do happen to start feeling sick in South Africa and test positive for COVID-19, please let Alyssa and Richard know immediately.
The ceremony and cocktail hour are both scheduled to be outdoors (with spacious indoor options in the event of inclement weather) and the reception venue has high ceilings and will be open to the outdoors.
What should I bring to South Africa?
If you are joining us from afar, we recommend packing mostly casual attire for any outings during the day, several nice outfits for dinners and any hiking or safari gear that you might need. While it will be spring in South Africa, it can get windy/rainy, so bring a sweater! Don’t forget your dress / suit / tux for the wedding as well!
What is there to do around Cape Town?
There are countless activities to do in Cape Town. We have curated a list of hotels, restaurants, and things to do. Check out the Travel Guide section of our website to explore things to do in and around Cape Town. If you are interested in checking out a few areas with a local guide, we recommend getting in touch with Jordz Zeelie who is a licensed guide and does everything from walking tours, to sailing around Cape Town to ocean kayaking. He is best reached by text / WhatsApp: +27 (82) 788-5053.
How should I get around Cape Town?
We recommend taking Uber Black everywhere. While normal Ubers tend to be okay, Uber Black ensures a comfortable, clean and safe ride. The cost of an Uber Black is exponentially less than the USA and Europe so it is also an affordable way to get around town. If you are interested in a private driver or chauffeur service, we recommend JARAT tours which is partners of the Mount Nelson. Their price list can be found here. A car can be booked directly with Gillian Slater: gillian.slater@belmond.com.
What will the weather be like this time of year?
October is Spring in South Africa. As Cape Town is a coastal city, it can be windy and while the weather is generally warm and mild, there can be some colder days. Temperatures range from low 60’s at night to mid-70s F (15C to 20C) during the day. Stellenbosch is located more inland and is protected by mountains. The weather in Stellenbosch in the Spring tends to be less windy than Cape Town with temperatures ranging from high 50s at night to mid-70s F (10C to 20C) during the day.
What do I need to know traveling to South Africa?
South Africa is an incredibly beautiful country with a booming tourism scene full of excellent food, hotels, beaches, wine lands, safaris and more. Cape Town is the safest city in South Africa. However, travelers do need to exercise caution when traveling to and in South Africa. Crime is the primary security threat to travelers. What this practically means is to exercise caution and some common sense. Here is what we recommend:
(a) Do not display wealth publicly: leave your shiny jewelry or nice watches at home (or in the hotel safe).
(b) Avoid walking around the center of town in Cape Town, particularly at night – there are some dodgy spots, however many other spots worth visiting. Consult a local and our Travel Guide.
(c) Do not stroll around without knowing where to go. Pick a few spots to visit (see our curated Travel Guide for more info!) and drive/Uber Black from spot to spot.
(d) Take Uber Black to get around. Uber Black is safe, convenient and a very cost effective way to get around town.
(e) Avoid walking and talking on your cell phone. Be aware of your surroundings when taking photos with your phone or using a camera.
(f) Consider wrapping your luggage when traveling to, and especially from South Africa. If you are heading up-country to Johannesburg to go on safari after the wedding, use increased caution at the airport and definitely have your luggage wrapped.
What should I wear for the wedding? Is there a dress code?
The dress code for our wedding is Formal. Ladies should wear long dresses and the gentlemen should wear a dark suit or tuxedo.
Where are the ceremony and the reception taking place?
The wedding ceremony and reception will be taking place at MolenVliet Vineyards.
Will the ceremony and reception be indoors or outdoors?
The wedding ceremony will take place outdoors on a grass lawn, the cocktail hour will be outdoors and the reception will be indoors. In the event of rain, outdoor events will be brought indoors. The walk from the ceremony area to the cocktail hour is a few minutes so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes – for the ladies we recommend block heels instead of stilettos. There will be golf carts available for the elderly.
What happens after the ceremony?
After the ceremony, the bride and groom and their immediate family will be taking pictures nearby. Guests can head down to the reception area to enjoy the cocktail hour.
Are there other wedding events I can attend?
We are hosting welcome drinks on Thursday, October 20th and a braai on Saturday, October 22nd. Please see the Event Schedule for more details.
What should I do if I can’t make it?
You will be missed! If you cannot make it to our wedding, please let us know as soon as possible and RSVP “No,” so we can plan accordingly.
What time should I arrive to the wedding?
We recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony to make sure everyone is on time and we can get the party started as scheduled!
Where should guests park?
There is free onsite parking at MolenVliet Vineyards.
Are kids welcome?
While we love your little ones, our wedding is going to be an adults-only event so that everyone can relax and enjoy the evening. We appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time and leaving the kids at home so you can celebrate with us.
Can I bring a date?
We will only able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.
Do you have a hotel block for guests? Where do you recommend I stay?
Please see the Accommodation page for further info on hotel blocks or rates in Cape Town.
Will transportation be provided between to/from Cape Town?
Transportation will not be provided to/from Cape Town to Stellenbosch. We recommend taking an Uber Black or booking a private car service.
Will there be any vegan/vegetarian/celiac disease/allergies at the wedding reception?
We will have meat, fish and vegetarian options. If you are allergic to any types of food, please email us to let us know in advance so that we can try and accommodate dietary restrictions.
Can I take and post pictures of the wedding on social media?
Yes.
Where are you registered?
We are registered at Zola & Williams Sonoma. www.zola.com/registry/lysrich and www.williamssonoma.com/reigstry/lysrich.
I still have questions, what is the best way to contact you?
Please feel free to reach out to us for any of your questions.
Richard: richbryer@gmail.com / +1 929.256.9012
Alyssa: lysrich@gmail.com / +1 917.829.1647