After a hiatus from print, Wedding Etc is back with a beautiful 178-page issue designed to inspire every couple, no matter where they are in their wedding journey. From finding your dream venue and choosing your wedding-day fragrance to planning the perfect honeymoon, here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find inside.
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There is something undeniably magical about walking into a space where every detail has been thoughtfully curated around one of life’s biggest celebrations. From the moment I arrived at the Lourensford Bridal Showcase at Lourensford Wine Estate on 1 August, it was clear that this wasn’t just another wedding expo. It was an immersive experience designed to inspire couples as they begin planning their journey to “I do.”
A warm welcome at Lourensford Wine Estate
The beautiful Cape Winelands setting provided the perfect backdrop for the day. As I entered the venue, an incredibly friendly team welcomed me. They immediately set the tone for the day. Guests received beautifully prepared goodie bags before collecting a welcome drink and enjoying the light bites on offer. Even the smallest interactions reflected genuine hospitality. At one point, with my hands full of brochures, samples and my camera, one of the staff members kindly stepped in to help without hesitation. It was a simple gesture, but one that perfectly captured the warmth of the day.
Bridal fashion takes centre stage
The showcase officially began with a bridal fashion show by Fender Bridal, accompanied by the enchanting sounds of live violin music performed by Donné Violinist. The combination was nothing short of magical.
Fender Bridal presented a collection for every type of bride. The runway featured timeless classics alongside modern silhouettes with hints of old-world luxury. Every gown felt elegant, sophisticated and wearable. Whether you’re envisioning sleek contemporary styling, romantic lace, structured silhouettes or flowing fabrics, the collection demonstrated that today’s brides truly have endless options.
Adding another layer of romance was Donné Violinist, whose live performance transformed the fashion show into an unforgettable experience. The music created an atmosphere that felt whimsical, intimate and effortlessly elegant, proving just how much live entertainment can elevate a wedding celebration.
Once the runway concluded, guests were encouraged to explore the various exhibitors before gathering for an educational wedding planning workshop. This gave everyone the opportunity to chat directly with suppliers, ask questions and discover services tailored to every stage of wedding planning.
Cake, conversations and wedding inspiration
One of my favourite stops was The Cake Patisserie Studio. Their tasting station quickly became a crowd favourite, offering guests a selection of beautifully crafted cupcakes in various flavours. I sampled both the chocolate fudge and carrot cupcakes, and both were incredibly moist, flavourful and beautifully balanced. Safe to say my cake craving had officially been satisfied for the day.
The workshop itself was informative, practical and engaging. Rather than overwhelming couples with endless inspiration, the speakers focused on the realities of planning a successful wedding while still creating an unforgettable experience.
Expert advice for every couple
The first presentation came from Trunk Events. The founder effortlessly blended professionalism with warmth and humour while discussing one of the biggest aspects of wedding planning: the budget. She explained why establishing a realistic budget should always be the starting point and highlighted the value that an experienced wedding planner brings, helping couples manage timelines, suppliers and unexpected challenges so they can fully enjoy their wedding day.
Galilee Image Consultant followed with valuable advice on personal styling. From choosing colour palettes and bridal party attire to selecting hairstyles and makeup looks, the session centred around one important message: your wedding should still feel like you. Rather than chasing trends, couples were encouraged to embrace styles that reflect their personalities and make them feel confident and comfortable.
Beyond the workshop, the showcase brought together an impressive collection of local wedding professionals, each offering something unique.
Meet the wedding suppliers
- Fender Bridal specialises in beautifully crafted bridal gowns that cater to a variety of styles, body shapes and wedding aesthetics. Their collections combine modern design with timeless elegance, helping brides find a dress that feels uniquely theirs.
- Cake Patisserie Studio creates bespoke wedding cakes and luxury desserts, offering couples beautifully designed centrepieces that taste every bit as good as they look.
- Angelic Aesthetics provides professional wedding photography, capturing authentic moments and transforming them into timeless memories that couples can treasure long after the celebrations have ended.
- Nélané Jewellery offers handcrafted jewellery, including engagement rings, wedding bands and bespoke fine jewellery designed to commemorate life’s most meaningful milestones.
- Galilee Image Consultant helps brides and bridal parties refine their personal style through image consulting, colour analysis and styling guidance that ensures every wedding look feels authentic.
- Walker Media specialises in wedding videography and cinematic storytelling, documenting weddings through beautifully produced films that preserve every emotion of the day.
- Trunk Events is a full-service wedding planning and event management company, assisting couples with everything from concept development and supplier coordination to flawless on-the-day execution.
- Abundance Catering creates tailored catering experiences, offering beautifully presented menus designed to suit each couple’s vision while delivering exceptional hospitality.
- The Photo Booth Parlour brings a fun, interactive element to weddings through stylish photo booth experiences complete with instant keepsakes for guests.
- Donné Violinist provides live violin entertainment for ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions, adding a romantic soundtrack to every stage of the celebration.
- Bits for Brides offers thoughtfully curated bridal accessories and finishing touches that help complete the wedding day look.
- Love Wildly specialises in wedding stationery and bespoke event signage, creating personalised paper goods that tie together every visual detail of a celebration.
- The Collectiv captures weddings through modern photography, focusing on genuine emotion and timeless storytelling that reflects each couple’s unique journey.
Throughout the afternoon, what stood out most wasn’t simply the beautiful displays or expertly styled tables. It was the atmosphere. There was no pressure to make immediate bookings or rushed conversations. Instead, suppliers took the time to genuinely connect with couples, answer questions and share their expertise. The result was an event that felt welcoming, informative and refreshingly relaxed.
A showcase worth adding to your wedding planning calendar
For newly engaged couples, the Lourensford Bridal Showcase offers far more than wedding inspiration. It provides the opportunity to meet trusted suppliers face-to-face, experience their work first-hand and gain practical advice that can make planning considerably less overwhelming.
As I left with my goodie bag a little fuller than when I arrived and plenty of inspiration to take home, one thing was certain: the Lourensford Bridal Showcase has established itself as a standout event on the local wedding calendar. If this year’s showcase is anything to go by, next year’s event is already worth looking forward to.
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Feature image: Zayaan Marthinus
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After months of planning your wedding, your honeymoon should be about celebrating your new chapter together—not worrying about your bank balance.
The good news? Saving money doesn’t have to mean settling for less. Today’s couples are becoming more intentional with their travel, choosing meaningful experiences over unnecessary extras and finding clever ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the romance.
Here are seven practical ways to make your honeymoon budget work harder.
1. Book early – but stay flexible
If you’ve already chosen your destination, booking flights and accommodation several months in advance often unlocks the best rates. But flexibility can be just as valuable.
Travelling during the shoulder season – the period just before or after peak travel – can mean lower airfares, reduced accommodation costs and fewer crowds, while still offering excellent weather in many destinations. Travel experts continue to recommend shoulder-season travel as one of the easiest ways to reduce honeymoon costs without compromising the experience.
2. Let your guests contribute to your honeymoon
Many modern couples are replacing traditional gift registries with honeymoon funds or experience-based registries.
Instead of receiving duplicate kitchen appliances or décor, guests can contribute towards flights, a sunset cruise, a couples’ spa treatment or even a romantic dinner. It allows loved ones to be part of memories you’ll treasure long after the wedding day. Honeymoon registries continue to grow in popularity as couples prioritise experiences over physical gifts.
3. Use travel rewards you’ve already earned
Frequent-flyer miles, airline loyalty programmes and credit card travel rewards can make a significant dent in your honeymoon expenses.
If you’ve been collecting points while paying for wedding-related purchases, now is the perfect time to cash them in for flights, airport lounge access or hotel stays. Even a partial redemption can free up money for experiences once you arrive.
4. Skip the expensive extras you’ll barely remember
It’s easy to be tempted by luxury upgrades simply because they’re labelled as “honeymoon specials”.
Before saying yes to every add-on, ask yourself whether it genuinely adds value. Champagne on arrival is lovely, but would you rather put that money towards a private excursion, a memorable dinner or an extra night away? Many travel experts suggest choosing one meaningful splurge instead of paying for multiple premium extras.
5. Consider an all-inclusive stay
For couples who want to relax without constantly checking prices, an all-inclusive resort can offer excellent value.
With accommodation, meals and many activities included upfront, you’ll have fewer surprise expenses and a clearer idea of your overall honeymoon budget before you even leave home. It’s also a simple way to avoid overspending once you’re in holiday mode.
6. Look closer to home
An unforgettable honeymoon doesn’t have to involve a long-haul flight.
South Africa and neighbouring destinations offer world-class safari lodges, wine estates, luxury beach escapes and boutique hotels that deliver all the romance – often at a fraction of the cost of overseas travel. Local honeymoons are becoming increasingly popular for couples looking to maximise both value and quality.
7. Budget for the little things
Flights and accommodation usually get all the attention, but smaller costs can quickly add up.
Airport transfers, resort fees, gratuities, travel insurance, mobile data, excursions and souvenirs should all be factored into your honeymoon budget from the beginning. Building in a small contingency fund can help you enjoy your trip without unexpected financial stress.
Love doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag
The most memorable honeymoons aren’t defined by five-star price tags—they’re shaped by shared experiences. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a mountain village, watching the sunset from a beach or enjoying a candlelit dinner after a day of exploring, thoughtful planning allows you to focus on what matters most: celebrating your first adventure as newlyweds together.
Because the best honeymoon isn’t necessarily the most expensive one – it’s the one you’ll never stop talking about.
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Featured image: Amanda Sixsmith / Unsplash
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Wedding budgets have a way of growing quietly. One upgraded menu. A few extra centrepieces. Another twenty guests because “we can’t leave them out.” Before long, couples find themselves spending thousands on details they barely notice on the day or remember afterwards.
The good news? Most wedding regrets follow familiar patterns.
Three experienced South African wedding planners shared the expenses couples most commonly wish they’d approached differently, along with the investments that consistently create a more memorable celebration.
1.Oversized guest lists
Almost every planner agrees: guest lists are where budgets disappear fastest. Louise from Runaway Romance says many couples later regret inviting distant relatives, acquaintances or colleagues simply because they felt obligated.
“Just because you went to their wedding doesn’t mean you have to return the favour.”
A smaller guest list doesn’t just reduce catering costs. It also lowers expenses across the board – from furniture hire and stationery to flowers, favours and beverages.
Current wedding trends continue to favour more intimate celebrations where couples can spend quality time with the people who matter most.
2. Wedding favours that guests leave behind
Personalised gifts can seem like a thoughtful finishing touch, but planners say they’re often one of the least memorable expenses.
Melissa from Pretty in Stains says elaborate favours frequently remain on reception tables at the end of the evening.
Instead of spending hundreds – or thousands – on keepsakes, that budget could be redirected towards something guests actually experience, whether that’s exceptional food, live entertainment or an unforgettable dance floor.
3.Decorative details over meaningful experiences
Pinterest-worthy styling certainly has its place, but it’s easy to prioritise aesthetics over atmosphere.
Melissa says thoughtful lighting, excellent food, quality entertainment and professional photography generally leave a far bigger impression than adding another decorative installation.
Modern weddings are becoming increasingly experience-driven, with couples focusing on how the celebration feels rather than simply how it photographs.
4. Imported flowers that only last a day
Luxurious floral installations remain a popular trend, but they’re also one of the easiest areas for costs to escalate.
Louise recommends thinking carefully before investing heavily in imported blooms that are discarded after a single day.
Seasonal, locally sourced flowers often achieve a similarly beautiful result while reducing costs – and many couples are now choosing arrangements that can be donated or taken home after the celebration.
5. Large bridal parties
More bridesmaids often mean more dresses, hair appointments, makeup, gifts and transport.
Louise says some couples later realise they would have preferred keeping their bridal party smaller and giving close friends different roles throughout the day instead.
A more intimate wedding party also tends to simplify logistics and reduce planning stress.
6. Chasing social media trends
Wedding inspiration is more accessible than ever, but planners warn that endless scrolling can quickly become expensive.
Louise says spending too much time on Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest often creates confusion as couples continuously change direction or try to recreate trends that don’t suit them.
Rebecca Glen, founder of The Wedding Fairy, believes many couples spend money on traditions simply because they feel they should.
“If something doesn’t reflect who you are or doesn’t add to the experience you want to create, it’s worth questioning whether it’s necessary at all.”
7. Designing before planning
Choosing flowers, colour palettes and décor before finalising the bigger decisions can lead to costly changes later.
Melissa recommends establishing a realistic budget before anything else, followed by securing your venue, date and key suppliers.
Rebecca agrees, noting that design naturally evolves throughout the planning process and is best tackled once the logistical foundations are firmly in place.
8. Choosing vendors based on price alone
Everyone loves a bargain – but your wedding isn’t always the place to chase the cheapest quote. All three planners stress the importance of looking beyond beautiful Instagram feeds.
Communication, professionalism, backup plans, reviews and reliability are often better indicators of the experience you’ll receive.
As Melissa points out, the way a supplier communicates from your very first enquiry often says more than their portfolio alone.
9. Skipping photography and videography
While decorative elements fade, your memories become more valuable over time.
Melissa recalls one groom who insisted a videographer was non-negotiable after losing his father at a young age.
His parents’ wedding film had become one of the few moving memories he still had of them together. Stories like these are why planners consistently recommend prioritising photography and videography over temporary décor upgrades.
10. Spending to impress instead of spending intentionally
Perhaps the biggest regret isn’t one particular purchase – it’s spending money to meet other people’s expectations. Guest pressure, family opinions and social media can easily distract couples from what actually matters.
Rebecca says there is no perfect wedding budget formula.
“The key is to prioritise what genuinely matters to you as a couple and give yourself permission to skip anything that doesn’t. Nothing is truly compulsory.”
As South African weddings continue shifting towards smaller celebrations, boutique venues, destination weekends and experience-led planning, intentional spending is becoming one of the biggest luxury trends of all.
What today’s couples are choosing instead
Across the industry, planners are noticing a clear change in priorities. Couples are increasingly investing in immersive guest experiences rather than oversized celebrations. Smaller guest lists, boutique venues, destination weekends, signature cocktails, meaningful food experiences and longer celebrations are replacing the pressure to create a wedding that simply looks expensive online.
Many are also choosing intimate legal ceremonies followed by larger celebrations later, while others are embracing elopements that allow them to redirect their budget towards travel or a dream honeymoon.
The common thread isn’t spending less – it’s spending with purpose.
More than a budget
Every wedding will have expenses that matter deeply to one couple and not at all to another. The secret isn’t following someone else’s checklist – it’s knowing what will still feel meaningful years after the flowers have wilted and the trends have faded. When every decision reflects your priorities rather than outside expectations, your budget naturally starts working harder for the memories that truly last.
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The excitement of getting engaged often comes with one unavoidable question: Where do we even begin?
Between Pinterest boards, TikTok trends and endless Instagram inspiration, it’s easy to jump straight into choosing colour palettes or saving floral installations before you’ve even decided on a venue. But according to experienced wedding planners, the most successful weddings rarely start with aesthetics – they start with a plan.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate celebration or a lavish weekend affair, getting the order right from the beginning can save you money, reduce unnecessary stress and make every decision that follows feel far more intentional. Here’s how the experts recommend approaching wedding planning.
Take a moment to enjoy being engaged
It may sound counterproductive, but one of the first pieces of advice from planners is to simply – pause.
Rebecca Glen, founder and lead planner at The Wedding Fairy, encourages couples to enjoy this chapter before diving headfirst into logistics.
“The first step is actually to pause and enjoy being engaged. That season is short, and it’s worth taking it in before jumping straight into logistics.”
Wedding planning can easily become a months-long project filled with deadlines and decisions. Giving yourselves space to celebrate this milestone before opening spreadsheets and comparing venues can make the journey feel far more enjoyable.
Start with your budget – not your Pinterest board
Every planner interviewed agreed on one thing: the budget should come first. Before browsing venues or saving inspiration online, sit down together and decide what you’re realistically comfortable spending, how many guests you’d like to invite and which parts of the day matter most to you.
Melissa from Pretty in Stains says this conversation creates the foundation for every decision that follows.
“Before looking at venues or Pinterest boards, couples should establish what they’re comfortable spending, who they genuinely want to celebrate with, and what matters most to them as a couple.”
Social media has made luxury weddings more accessible than ever – but not necessarily more attainable. Without a realistic budget, it’s easy to fall in love with ideas that simply don’t fit your finances.
If you’re hiring a planner, book them early
If a wedding planner is part of your vision, don’t leave them until later. Both Louise from Runaway Romance and Rebecca Glen recommend making this one of your very first bookings.
A planner doesn’t simply organise suppliers – they help shape the entire planning process. From setting realistic budgets and timelines to recommending trusted vendors and managing expectations, involving them early can prevent costly mistakes later.
Secure your venue before anything else
Once your budget and guest count are established, it’s time to find your venue.
Your venue determines far more than just where you’ll celebrate – it influences your wedding date, guest capacity, style, catering options and even which suppliers are available. Booking the venue first also gives you a confirmed date, allowing the rest of your planning to fall into place.
Lock in your priority suppliers
Some suppliers can only take on one wedding a day – and they’re often booked months, if not years, in advance. Photography and videography consistently top planners’ priority lists, but they’re not the only professionals couples should secure early.
Louise from Runaway Romance says one supplier is surprisingly overlooked.
“People often leave the marriage officer too late – they’re the most important vendor because without them you’re not legally married.”
Once your venue is confirmed, prioritise booking your:
- Marriage officer or officiant
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Hair and makeup artists
- Wedding planner (if you haven’t already)
Everything else can usually follow afterwards.
Leave the décor decisions until later
One of the biggest planning mistakes? Choosing flowers, décor and styling too early. As exciting as mood boards can be, planners say design naturally evolves throughout the planning process. Your tastes may change, seasonal flower availability can shift and trends come and go.
Rebecca Glen explains that design is far easier to tackle once the major logistical decisions have already been finalised.
Similarly, Louise advises against locking in floral choices too early, noting that seasonal availability and pricing often change.
Think about experiences – not just aesthetics
While beautiful décor photographs well, it’s rarely what couples remember most after the wedding. Instead, planners are seeing a noticeable shift towards experience-driven celebrations, where guest connection takes priority over extravagant styling.
Melissa from Pretty in Stains says today’s couples are increasingly choosing smaller guest lists and creating meaningful experiences rather than simply focusing on how the wedding looks. That also changes where your budget has the greatest impact.
Instead of spending thousands on elaborate wedding favours that guests often leave behind, planners recommend investing in exceptional food, entertainment, photography, videography and thoughtful touches that create lasting memories.
Melissa recalls one groom who refused to compromise on hiring a videographer because one of the few moving memories he had of his late father was his parents’ wedding film.
“Some investments become more valuable with time.”
Keep your guest list intentional
If there’s one expense planners repeatedly hear couples question afterwards, it’s an unnecessarily large guest list. Many people feel obligated to invite distant relatives, old acquaintances or colleagues simply because they attended someone else’s wedding.
Louise says many former clients later wished they’d kept their celebrations smaller and more personal, redirecting that money towards experiences like an unforgettable honeymoon, meaningful food and drink moments or personalised guest experiences.
Smaller guest lists also allow couples to spend more intentionally on the people who matter most.
Don’t plan a wedding for social media
Across all three planners, one theme emerged repeatedly: don’t let trends dictate your wedding. Whether it’s the latest TikTok aesthetic, viral reception trend or Pinterest-perfect tablescape, today’s trends can quickly become tomorrow’s dated photos.
Instead, planners encourage couples to focus on authenticity. Rebecca believes every decision should support the experience you genuinely want to create – not what you think your wedding should look like online.
Melissa echoes this sentiment, “Keep your marriage as your north star.”
Whenever a decision feels overwhelming, ask yourselves one simple question: Does this reflect who we are as a couple?
If the answer is yes, you’re probably making the right choice.
Choose your suppliers carefully
Instagram portfolios only tell part of the story. Every planner emphasised the importance of reading reviews, meeting suppliers beforehand and paying attention to how they communicate from the very first enquiry.
Good suppliers don’t simply send a quote – they ask questions, understand your priorities and offer guidance throughout the process.
If possible, arrange engagement shoots, hair and makeup trials, food tastings or floral mock-ups before making final commitments. Sometimes, how someone works is just as important as the work itself.
The bottom line
Wedding planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Starting with the right foundations – your budget, priorities, guest list and trusted suppliers – makes every decision afterwards far easier.
The biggest takeaway from the experts isn’t about following a perfect checklist or chasing every trend. It’s about creating a celebration that reflects your relationship, feels authentic to the two of you and leaves space to actually enjoy the journey.
Long after the flowers have wilted and the décor has been packed away, the moments you’ll treasure most are the ones that felt unmistakably yours.
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Featured image: Pinterest