We all know how stressful planning a wedding can be, making wedding planning burnout a very real possibility. Whether you’re trying not to pull out your hair as wedding costs skyrocket or you’re obsessing over every little detail to ensure that everything goes the way you’ve pictured it, feeling overwhelmed is guaranteed to happen if you’re not careful.
Thankfully, this isn’t something new and there are endless resources to help the modern bridal couple looking to keep costs and anxiety low.
If you’re looking for a dreamy honeymoon destination, try taking a peek in your own backyard. The glittering sands of the South of France, or the azure-blue waters…
For years, destination weddings were seen as the ultimate modern fairytale: oceanfront vows, multi-day celebrations and Instagram-worthy scenery far away from home. But in 2026, couples are asking a much more practical question – are destination weddings still actually worth it?
The answer is no longer as straightforward as it used to be. Between rising travel costs, guest fatigue and the growing shift towards intentional weddings, destination celebrations are evolving fast. Yet despite the challenges, they remain incredibly popular – just in a very different form than before.
Destination weddings aren’t disappearing, they’re getting smaller
One of the biggest misconceptions about destination weddings is that they’re fading out. In reality, they’re simply becoming more intimate.
Across wedding trend reports, planners are seeing couples move away from huge overseas guest lists in favour of smaller, experience-focused celebrations with close family and friends only.
The modern destination wedding is less about showing off and more about creating quality time. Instead of inviting 200 guests, many couples are hosting 30 to 70 people and investing more intentionally in the experience itself – boutique accommodation, curated dinners, welcome events and extended weekends together.
Ironically, smaller guest lists are making destination weddings feel more luxurious and personal than ever.
The cost conversation is changing
The idea that destination weddings are always cheaper than traditional weddings is becoming increasingly outdated. While a smaller guest list can reduce overall costs, destination weddings come with their own financial pressures: travel logistics, accommodation coordination, vendor transport and multi-day hosting expectations.
According to recent wedding budget breakdowns, destination weddings in 2026 can range anywhere from mid-tier affordability to ultra-luxury pricing depending on the location and guest count.
At the same time, guests are becoming more vocal about the financial strain of attending weddings that require flights, leave days and expensive accommodation. Online discussions around “wedding guest fatigue” have exploded, with many people admitting they now decline destination weddings due to costs.
That shift is forcing couples to think more carefully about accessibility, affordability and whether their dream location genuinely works for the people they want there most.
Guest experience now matters more than aesthetics
Perhaps the biggest shift in 2026 wedding culture is that couples are prioritising how a wedding feels – not just how it photographs.
Wedding experts say guest experience has become one of the defining priorities for modern weddings.
That means destination weddings only really work when logistics are handled thoughtfully. Couples are increasingly choosing destinations with easier travel access, group accommodation options and activities that feel worthwhile for guests making the trip.
There’s also growing resistance to weddings that unintentionally burden guests financially. Viral social media debates and Reddit threads regularly criticise destination weddings that expect guests to overspend or navigate complicated travel arrangements with little support from the couple.
In other words: the “worth it” factor often depends less on the destination itself and more on how considerate the planning is.
Social media changed destination weddings, and couples are noticing
For years, destination weddings exploded partly because of aspirational wedding content online. Beautiful villas in Italy, beach ceremonies in Bali and cliffside receptions in Greece became part of the modern wedding fantasy.
But in 2026, there’s noticeable pushback against weddings designed primarily for aesthetics or content creation. Industry reports show couples are leaning towards more authentic, personal celebrations instead of recreating viral Pinterest weddings.
That doesn’t mean destination weddings are “out.” It simply means couples are becoming more intentional about why they’re choosing them.
A meaningful location, cultural connection or intimate travel experience now tends to resonate more strongly than choosing a venue purely because it’s trending online.
So… are destination weddings still worth it?
For the right couple, absolutely.
Destination weddings still offer something traditional weddings often struggle to replicate – uninterrupted time with loved ones, immersive experiences and the feeling of stepping away from everyday life completely.
But in 2026, successful destination weddings require balance. Couples are increasingly expected to think about guest budgets, convenience, genuine experience and not just aesthetics.
The destination weddings that work best today are the ones rooted in intentionality rather than excess. Smaller guest lists, meaningful locations and carefully considered experiences are replacing the pressure to create the biggest or most extravagant celebration possible.
And honestly? That shift might be what saves destination weddings from becoming just another passing trend.
ALSO SEE: Honeymoon in Your Backyard: Luxury Destinations in South Africa That Couples Overlook
Honeymoon in Your Backyard: Luxury Destinations in South Africa That Couples Overlook
Feature image: Pinterest
Wedding dresses have always been a reflection of their time. Bridal fashion has shifted with culture, politics, and pop-culture icons shaping what brides wear down the aisle. Here’s…
There are many popular diamond shapes to choose from when it comes to engagement rings. The top ten are: round, princess, oval, marquise, pear, cushion, emerald, asscher, radiant and heart.
The shape of the diamond refers the basic outline when viewed face up. The cut of a diamond refers to how the diamond’s facets are arranged and its ability to reflect light. The most common cutting style is brilliant (cut with 57 or 58 facets to maximise sparkle) and then there is also the step cut which is generally used when cutting square and rectangular shapes (used for cutting emerald and asscher shapes).
Considering the 4 C’s — cut, colour, clarity and carat weight — alongside your budget is important when deciding on a diamond shape. Ultimately, though, it comes down to personal preference, as each shape offers its own unique charm and character.
Round
A round shaped diamond is the most popular choice for an engagement ring as it looks good on most hands and in most settings. Almost all round diamonds are cut brilliant which maximises the potential brightness. However, due to the high demand of this shape, the cost per carat is higher than other shapes.
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Princess
This shape is also very popular due to the fact that it has a unique shape and has a slightly lower price per carat than the round shape. It also works in most ring setting styles, although it should be set with 4 prongs to protect all four corners. A brilliant cut princess diamond rivals the brilliant round because it offers that sparkle at a lower price. Its square shape also easily disguises imperfections meaning that you can choose pretty much any carat size.
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Oval
This shape is becoming more popular and it is an adaptation of the brilliant cut round shape so it is perfect for those who like the sparkle of the round but want something a bit more unique. The elongated shape creates the illusion of a larger size and makes the finger appear longer and slimmer. It is also flexible in terms of setting styles and hides small imperfections.
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Marquise
This long and narrow shape has one of the largest surface areas in the upper part of the diamond of all the shapes. It makes the size appear larger than it is and makes the finger seem longer and slimmer, like the oval. Symmetry is important when cutting this shape as the two end points should align and the right and left sides should form a mirror image. It should be set with 2 prongs to protect the two points.
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Pear
This shape is a combination of the round and marquise shapes with a tapered point on the one end. It also has the lengthening and slimming effect on the finger due to its asymmetry. It is feminine, unique and elegant. This shape also needs to be symmetrical and set with a prong at the point for protection. You can decide which direction you would like the point to face but positioning the point to face the fingernails is more flattering on the hand.
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Cushion
Cushion cut is a square shape with rounded corners. This style shows clarity (imperfections) well which is something to take into consideration when deciding which of the 4 c’s is most important to you – high clarity in this case. This shape works well in vintage settings.
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Emerald
This shape was originally for cutting emeralds, hence the name. Due to the way it’s cut, it produces a hall of mirrors effect rather than the sparkle that comes with brilliant cuts. It also emphasises the symmetry that comes with this shape. It is flattering on the hand and the long lines and flashes of light that come with this shape bring a sense of elegance. It is not such a common choice for an engagement ring meaning that you can find more affordable options in higher quality than other shapes. However, this shape does not hide imperfections as well as shapes that are cut brilliant.
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Asscher
This shape has an antique feel to it and is similar to the square emerald but with larger facets. The more facets, the more sparkle. But like the emerald and because of the open and square cut corners, it does not hide imperfections well and so a high clarity is necessary.
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Radiant
This shape is the first square shape to be cut brilliant, the second being princess. A square radiant shape is similar to princess but with cropped corners. It will often look the same as princess if it is set with four prongs covering each corner. A rectangular radiant shape is perfect for those who like the look of the emerald shape but want the shine that comes with the brilliant cut. Clarity is less of a concern with this shape as the many facets hide imperfections.
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Heart
This shape is a classic symbol of love but carat weight is important as the shape is difficult to achieve in diamonds smaller than 0.50 carats. Symmetry is also important in this shape. The irregular shape of a heart cut means it will need to be set with more prongs to protect the stone. The many facets that come with the cutting of this shape will ensure a lot of sparkle.
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Ultimately, choosing a diamond shape comes down to balancing personal style, practicality and budget. Some shapes maximise sparkle, others create the illusion of a larger stone, while certain cuts highlight clarity and symmetry more than others.
If you love brilliance and shine, opt for a brilliant-cut shape like round, princess or radiant. If you prefer elegance and finger-lengthening silhouettes, oval, marquise and emerald cuts are timeless choices. And if vintage-inspired or distinctive styles appeal to you, cushion, asscher or pear shapes offer plenty of character.
The best way to decide? Narrow your favourites down to two or three shapes and try them on in person. Seeing how each shape looks and feels on your hand will ultimately tell you more than any guide can.
ALSO SEE: Unique wedding rings designed by local jewellers
Featured image: Pinterest
You do not need to spend your entire wedding budget on one pair of shoes you will wear for a few hours. These days, budget-friendly bridal shoes are…
Being asked to officiate a wedding is a pretty big deal. Whether it’s your best friend, your cousin or a sibling tying the knot, being chosen to lead one of the most important moments in someone’s life is equal parts exciting, emotional and slightly terrifying.
Before you panic-Google “how to marry people”, here’s what you need to know. From legal requirements to speech tips, these are the most important tips for officiating a marriage without turning the ceremony into a rambling TED Talk.
First things first: Can anyone officiate a wedding in South Africa?
This is where things get a little tricky.
In South Africa, not just anyone can legally officiate a marriage. To legally marry a couple, you need to be an authorised marriage officer registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
This usually includes:
- Religious leaders
- Certain government officials
- Designated marriage officers
So if your friend asks you to officiate their wedding, you technically cannot legally sign the marriage documents unless you’re officially registered and authorised.
So what do couples usually do?
A lot of modern couples choose to split the legal and ceremonial parts of the wedding.
This means:
- The legal paperwork is done separately through a registered marriage officer or at Department of Home Affairs
- Then a friend or family member leads the symbolic ceremony on the wedding day itself
Honestly? Guests usually never even notice the difference. It allows couples to have a more personal, relaxed and meaningful ceremony led by someone who actually knows them.
Tips for officiating a marriage without freezing up
Get the vibe right
Before you write a single word, chat to the couple properly.
Ask them:
- Do they want funny, emotional or formal?
- Are there religious or cultural traditions involved?
- Do they want guests to laugh, cry or both?
- Are there any topics or inside jokes to avoid?
Some couples want a light-hearted ceremony with personality. Others want something more traditional and sentimental. Your job is to set the tone.
Start with a strong opening
The first few lines matter more than you think.
You do not need to sound like a movie narrator or a royal announcer. Keep it warm and natural.
Tell their story
One of the best tips for officiating a marriage is remembering that the ceremony is about the couple, not your stand-up comedy debut.
Share:
- How they met
- What makes their relationship special
- Small moments that show who they are together
- Why the people around them love them
Avoid:
- Embarrassing stories
- Ex drama
- Overly private details
- Anything that could make grandparents uncomfortable
If you’re using humour, keep it light and inclusive.
Include personal touches
This is where a friend or family member officiating can really shine.
You can include:
- Personal vows
- Readings or poems
- Cultural traditions
- A moment of silence for loved ones
- Guest participation
- A ring warming ceremony
Practice more than you think you need to
Even confident public speakers get nervous at weddings.
Read your script out loud multiple times before the day. Timing, pacing and pronunciation feel very different in your head compared to saying them aloud in front of 100 people and a crying flower girl.
A few practical tips:
- Print your speech out
- Use larger font sizes
- Speak slower than normal
- Pause after emotional moments
- Keep water nearby
- Don’t wing it completely
How long should the ceremony speech be?
Shorter is usually better.
Most wedding ceremonies sit comfortably between 15 and 30 minutes depending on:
- Vows
- Readings
- Rituals
- Religious elements
If you’re leading a non-religious ceremony, aim for meaningful rather than marathon-length.
Nobody wants to hear you speaking longer than the reception speeches.
What should you actually say during the ceremony?
Most ceremonies follow a simple structure:
- Welcome guests
- Introduce the couple’s story
- Share thoughts about marriage or love
- Move into vows
- Exchange rings
- Official declaration
- The kiss
- Final introduction of the married couple
You don’t need fancy language. You just need sincerity.
ALSO SEE: Nail your wedding speech
Feature image: Pexels
A beautiful wedding is built through thoughtful details, trusted suppliers and thorough planning. This Sunday, 24 May 2026, couples are invited to the annual Brahman Hills Bridal Expo…