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.
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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
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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
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There was a time when walking down the aisle in anything other than crisp ivory or bridal white would have caused a few gasps from the front row. But modern brides are rewriting the rulebook.
Why brides are choosing a non-white wedding dress
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The rise of the non-white wedding dress says a lot about where weddings are headed in general. Brides are moving away from tradition for tradition’s sake and leaning into choices that feel a bit more authentic and emotionally connected to their personalities.
For some, white simply does not feel flattering. For others, it feels too expected.
A soft sage gown may suit a nature-loving bride far more than bright white ever could. A champagne dress can feel timeless yet warmer against certain skin tones. A black wedding dress might perfectly suit a fashion-forward city celebration. And then there are brides who simply want the freedom to wear colour because they adore it.
The colours brides are loving right now
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The beauty of a colour wedding dress is that there are no limits. Some brides choose the subtlest hint of colour, while others embrace dramatic statement shades.
Popular options include:
- Soft blush pink
- Champagne and nude tones
- Dusty blue
- Sage green
- Lilac and lavender
- Floral appliqué gowns
- Ombre detailing
- Black wedding dresses
- Gold or metallic finishes
- Rich jewel tones for winter weddings
Which brides tend to choose colourful wedding dresses?
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Interestingly, colourful wedding dresses are no longer reserved for unconventional weddings only.
You will often spot non-white gowns at:
- Garden weddings
- Destination weddings
- Intimate weddings
- Art-inspired weddings
- Modern city weddings
- Second marriages
- Fashion-forward luxury weddings
- Cultural fusion celebrations
They also appeal to brides who:
- Love fashion
- Want standout wedding photos
- Feel disconnected from strict traditions
- Want a dress they may realistically rewear
- Prefer individuality over convention
And perhaps most importantly, many brides choosing non-white gowns say the dress simply feels more like them.
Nervous about going fully colourful? Start subtly
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Not every bride wants a bright pink ballgown — and that is perfectly fine.
If you love the idea of a non-white wedding dress but still want something timeless, consider:
- Champagne instead of white
- Floral embroidery over ivory
- A soft blush underlayer
- Coloured gloves or a cape
- A pastel overskirt
- Delicate blue or silver detailing
- A dramatic second reception dress
ALSO SEE: High-neck wedding dresses we love
Feature image: Unsplash
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