More and more bridal couples are looking to cut their spending. Whether it’s purchasing affordable wedding dresses on SHEIN or throwing an intimate ceremony for friends and family, “cheap” is the new word on the wedding streets.
The latest wedding trends seem to reflect this as brides and grooms-to-be look to splurge on items and memories that are closest to their hearts (like a honeymoon for instance), and it’s all thanks to our post-pandemic world.
So, just what are these wedding trends?
The bar revamped:
Alcohol can add quite a hefty sum to your wedding budget and appears modern bridal couples are unwilling to pay the price. They’re opting out of offering guests a bar tab but are choosing to switch this with a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.
Winter weddings are a whole lot cosier as hot beverage stations are available throughout the event. From spiced rooibos to non-alcoholic sparkling wines, bridal are looking to switch things up in the best way possible.
The intimate wedding
One of the best things to come out of the pandemic is the trend of the intimate wedding. Brides and grooms are ditching the big wedding day affair in favour of smoothing smaller.
After all, this is a time to connect with loved ones and celebrate something loving and special. The guest list has gotten smaller and so have the locations, and this bodes well for couples looking to keep things simple and affordable.
Stepping outside the box
Tradition has been thrown out the window when it comes to wedding attire. Gone are the days of brides walking down the aisle in a white or wedding dress as more trends looking towards colour. Think untraditional colours such as black, red, pink – anything the bride fancies. Cosplay outfits are also fast becoming a “thing” for couples looking to indulge their adventures selves.
Supporting small businesses
Many small businesses suffered under the intense lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led many individuals, including brides and grooms, to favour small business owners – a trend we hope will continue.
Aspiring home cooks and food vendors getting on their feet are now the go-to as the new wedding trend looks to skip “traditional” wedding vendors in favour of small businesses.
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Soft neutrals will always have a place in weddings, but 2025 has welcomed a richer shade into the spotlight. Chocolate brown has emerged as a key wedding colour trend. Now, we must admit, brown wasn’t at the top of our list of favourite colours, but seeing how it has been used at weddings made us fall in love a little.
Why chocolate brown works for weddings
Chocolate brown strikes a rare balance. It feels warm without overpowering a palette and refined without feeling cold. As a wedding colour trend, it offers something different while still photographing beautifully and ageing well over time.
It also complements a wide range of skin tones and transitions effortlessly between seasons, making it a strong choice for couples wanting to move beyond predictable whites and beiges without committing to bold colour.
Bridesmaid dresses in chocolate brown
Bridesmaid dresses are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to incorporate this wedding colour trend. Chocolate brown is flattering, wearable and instantly cohesive, whether styled in matching gowns or mixed silhouettes.
Satin and silk elevate the shade for more formal celebrations, while chiffon and matte fabrics soften the look for relaxed settings. Paired with gold jewellery, natural makeup and neutral bouquets, the result feels polished but unfussy.
Using chocolate brown in wedding decor
In decor, chocolate brown works best as a grounding layer rather than the main focus. Table linens, runners or napkins in warm brown tones add depth when paired with white crockery, candlelight and natural textures.
For ceremonies, subtle brown accents through wood elements, fabric details or earthy floral arrangements help anchor the space. Keeping lighter tones like ivory or blush in the mix ensures the overall look remains fresh and inviting.
Stationery and styling details
This wedding colour trend shines in the details. Chocolate brown adds richness to stationery through textured paper, warm ink tones or wax seals, setting a refined tone from the first impression.
It also translates beautifully into styling touches such as signage, cake detailing or groom accessories like brown leather shoes or belts, creating cohesion without feeling overly styled.
Colours that pair well with chocolate brown
Part of chocolate brown’s appeal lies in its versatility. Paired with cream or stone, it creates a timeless, neutral palette. Blush and dusty rose add softness, while olive green, terracotta or black introduce a more contemporary edge.
Metallic accents like gold or bronze lift the palette further, adding warmth and subtle contrast without overpowering the look.
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For decades, kitchen teas, bachelorettes, and bachelors have been celebrated separately, but modern couples are rewriting the rules. Over the past few years, the idea of hosting a joint bachelor and bachelorette party has become far more common, especially among couples with overlapping friend groups or those looking to simplify pre-wedding plans. That said, separate celebrations are still the most common. Many brides love their girls-only moment, and plenty of grooms enjoy their own dedicated send-off. But with the rising cost of events, busy schedules, and couples wanting more shared memories, combined celebrations are definitely gaining momentum.
Why combining your celebrations makes perfect sense
1. More time with your favourite people
Instead of splitting the wedding party for separate weekends, a joint celebration means you and your partner actually get to enjoy the build-up together. No FOMO, no separate plans. Just shared fun before the big day.
2. It helps both sides bond
A combined event brings bridesmaids, groomsmen, and mutual friends into one space. It’s the perfect ice-breaker before the wedding, especially if your groups don’t know each other well. By the time the big day arrives, everyone feels like they’ve been friends for years.
3. It’s budget-friendly
Two events often mean double the accommodation, transport, decor, and activities. A joint bash can cut costs for the wedding party and the couple. Think shared transport, split venue hire, and group discounts.
4. Less pressure, more inclusivity
Joint celebrations naturally avoid the stereotype-heavy, gendered activities some bridal parties want to avoid. They offer a more relaxed, everyone-welcome vibe. This is great for couples who prefer something low-key or who have mixed-gender friend circles.
Fun ways to combine the celebrations
If you’re leaning toward one shared event, here are ideas that work beautifully for co-ed groups:
• A themed dinner party or backyard braai
A relaxed, at-home celebration where everyone brings a dish or you hire a private chef. Add games or a DIY cocktail bar for extra fun.
• A competitive game night
Board games, trivia, or card games are perfect for mixed groups. Create teams that blend both sides of the wedding party for instant bonding.
• A wine, gin, or craft beer tasting
Great for groups wanting a more refined (or more adventurous!) outing. Non-drinkers can enjoy alternatives like coffee, cheese, or chocolate tastings.
• A group activity day
Think mini-golf, a cooking class, an escape room, or a friendly sports match. Something collaborative is ideal for building connections.
• A party bus or boat day
If you want high energy, rent a party shuttle or a boat for a few hours. It’s a simple way to keep everyone together without complicated planning.
• A weekend away
From glamping to a beach house, a shared weekend escape can be a cost-effective way to have both separate moments and joint activities.
Why a combined celebration might not be the best fit
Joint pre-wedding celebrations are fun and increasingly popular, but they don’t suit every couple or every friend group. Some people prefer the tradition of separate bachelor and bachelorette parties because they want the freedom to plan an experience that truly reflects the bride or groom individually.
You also need to consider group dynamics: if certain personalities don’t mix well, or if your friends have very different ideas of what “fun” looks like, combining the celebrations could leave someone feeling out of place. And of course, if one side prefers a more relaxed experience while the other is expecting something wild and energetic, the compromise may dilute the excitement for both groups.
Should you combine yours?
In the end, it comes down to what feels most “you.” If your group is already close, you prefer shared experiences, or you’d like to simplify the pre-wedding calendar, a joint celebration might be perfect. If you’re dreaming of a more traditional girls-only or guys-only vibe, that’s just as valid.
ALSO SEE: How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea
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When crafting your perfect bridal look, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your values. For a Muslim bride who chooses to wear a hijab, this is an important addition to her beauty.
A hijab is a headscarf some Muslim women wear over their hair and chest, in honour of their Islamic tradition. Islam encourages both men and women to dress modestly once they hit puberty, and a hijab is a common method of following this guideline for women. However, it is not a requirement, so some Muslims may choose not to wear one.
A hijab can be highly personal and speaks to one’s culture and upbringing. It can be worn in a multitude of ways, from a simple wrap to an ornate headpiece accessorised with jewels and stones. It’s like wearing a crown.
The fabric you choose will have to complement your dress. Generally, brides have the hijab made from the same fabric their dress in to ensure it matches in colour and creates a uniform look. The fabric will act as a base, and you can always dress it up with jewels and extra accessories.
If you want something different, you could always make a statement with some texture and dimension. Chiffon adds a lighter look and ethereal quality, and sowing 3D flowers of different sizes will add a stunning depth to your look. Lace is always perfect for a touch of romance, and a more clean look, opt for pearls.
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For years, Venus Williams has been fiercely private, letting her legendary tennis career speak louder than her personal life. But last week, the five-time Wimbledon champion treated fans to a rare and intimate glimpse into her engagement with Andrea Preti, sharing a carousel of enchanting photos on Instagram captioned simply: “Engaged 1/31/25.”
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The post marks a heartwarming contrast to the fierce, competitive energy fans are used to seeing on the court.
A Vogue-Worthy Celebration of Love
Set in a lush, romantic garden, the engagement portraits feel straight out of a magazine spread. Williams stuns in a crisp white Prada halter dress, exuding effortless sophistication, while Preti, her Italian-Danish actor and former model fiancé, complements her elegance perfectly.
One photo, in particular, warms hearts: the couple smiling alongside Harry, Williams’s beloved dog who turned 18 this year. Including Harry in the shoot adds a personal, familial touch, signaling that this chapter is not just about Venus and Andrea—it’s a celebration of their entire little unit.
Andrea Preti: Partner and Cheerleader
Preti, 37, is a multi-hyphenate talent in the entertainment industry, balancing acting, producing, and modeling. His artistic résumé spans indie films like One More Day and Italian TV dramas such as A Professor and Temptation. But beyond his career, he has been a steadfast supporter of Venus’s tennis journey. During her engagement announcement in July, she revealed that he had encouraged her to continue competing, saying, “My fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing.”
Their connection, though largely private, has been documented in glimpses around the world. The romance first emerged publicly in July 2024 during a boat trip in Italy. By February 2025, sightings of Venus wearing a diamond ring at a Milan fashion event fueled engagement speculation. The rumors were confirmed months later in July, putting any doubts to rest.
A History of Love and Privacy
Before finding love with Preti, Venus had a few high-profile relationships. She shared a long-term relationship with golfer Hank Kuehne from 2007 to 2010 and later dated Cuban model Elio Pis, who also modeled for her EleVen clothing line. Yet through it all, Venus has maintained her personal life with discretion, choosing to let her achievements and work define her public persona.
Now, with these stunning engagement photos, fans get a rare peek behind the curtain. Venus Williams, known for her grace and competitiveness, shows that off the court, her life is filled with quiet joy, love, and family moments worth celebrating.
While a wedding date remains unannounced, fans are clearly savoring this intimate reveal—proof that even legends deserve their happily ever after.
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Source: IOL
Feature image: Instagram/Venus Williams