Bow ties are a classic option that will add the finishing touch to your wedding day outfit. As dashing as they are, the sophisticated embellishment is a bit tricky to pull off. If you’re unsure and want to pull off the tasteful look yourself, here’s how to tie a bow tie on your wedding day, or any other day you want to look extra dapper:
Black is a classic colour to choose but if your wedding vibe allows for it, consider opting for a funky colour, pattern or material.
Sizing
To ensure you get that dashing and sophisticated look, adjust the bow tie according to your neck size. Ask a sales assistant to measure your neck when purchasing a bow tie. There should be an adjustable slider or a hook and holes that will allow you to make the bow tie bigger or smaller.
First place your bow tie around your neck facing up. Make sure that the right side is shorter than the left. Your left end is A and the right end is B.
Move A over to the right. It will be across from B. It should form an X shape.
Move A under B and bring it up through the neck loop.
You can now fold B towards the right and finally to the left, which will then create the bow shape.
The A side can now move straight down over the middle section (the bow shape)
A can be folded towards the chest.
Pinch the fold.
You need to push A through the loop behind B.
Finally, pull on the folded parts which will tighten it. Adjust the bow tie to be balanced on both sides.
Signature cocktails don’t necessarily have to be something invented from scratch. It can simply be one delicious drink for you to serve your guests all night long, with a few personal touches and add-ons, of course.
THE CLASSIC MOJITO
Mojitos are perfect as a simple starter and are an easy choice with its neutral flavours of mint, lime and gin. Spice things up by adding your favourites herbs and spices, or serve a fruity option.
RED WINE SANGRIA
A little sweet and the perfect summer drink, sangria is a delicious option that is affordable to serve as well. Make it before the time with your and your partner’s favourite summer fruits, a dry red and some fresh fruit juice.
MARGARITAS
This classy drink is another easy (and super affordable) option to have. Grab some tequila, lime, oranges and water and mix it up for a fun, summery cocktail. Even better? Set out a bunch of yummy ingredients to create a margarita-making station for your guests.
FRENCH 75
If you want to keep things really simple but still fun, opt for your usual quality champagne and add a dash of gin, lemon juice and sugar. You can also add some fruits and herbs to garnish, depending on whether you are going for a winter or summer theme. We love taking inspiration from a Bellini by adding a teaspoon of fresh fruit puree to the bottom of each glass. Guests who prefer a sweet drink will appreciate this touch.
WATERMELON PUNCH BOWLS
Having a punch bowl at your wedding says that you are a fun and laid-back couple who enjoy the summertime. First, choose your spirit. We recommend something with a more neutral flavour, like vodka or can. Add watermelon pieces, water, mint, lime and watermelon puree and you have a delicious and refreshing beverage for your guests!
A HOT IRISH COFFEE
For an autumn or winter wedding, a delicious and warm cocktail is an excellent way to treat your guests. If you want to make the Irish Coffee sweeter, replace the whiskey with Kahlua, or serve each to give your guests the option. If it’s really cold, Kahlua hot choccie goes down really well too!
While Beyonce might not agree, there are smarter ways to show ‘you like it’ than with a pricey engagement ring
As much as many of us may long for the sparkle of a diamond ring and the iconic ‘I said yes!’ Instagram reveal picture, the reality of it is that with the ongoing increases in the cost of living and the added expenses of a wedding looming, a huge engagement ring isn’t always very practical. But budget constraints need not to cramp your bridal bliss, especially if you change your thinking.
I’m a big believer of choosing an affordable ring, as I don’t think couples should start out their life together in debt
Ring in a new life
For Tamlyn Jacobus, the ability to afford an enjoyable life together far outweighed the need for an engagement ring.
‘If I were to follow societal traditions and has asked for a 1-2 carat, colourless princess cut, it would have set us back for the lifestyle we choose to live. Exploring eateries and travelling to different places in our region is something we enjoy doing regularly. Knowing spending money on a huge ring and that a big wedding wasn’t on the cards allowed us to go away on a few mini-escapes before saying I do.’
Tamlyn and Camilo eloped – and used the cash they saved to buy a home of their own. Tamlyn now wears a dainty white-gold band to signify their marriage.
Up, up and away
With a new generation redefining cultural and societal norms, we’re seeing new trends grow in popularity and with more and more people aspiring to travel, it’s no surprise that honeymoons are getting all the love.
‘My husband didn’t get a ring. He got me a simple engagement ring, but no wedding ring. I rarely wear the engagement ring. Instead of spending on the wedding or on rings, we travelled for weeks through South East Asia and put a deposit down on a townhouse,’ says Wendy van Eyck.
Soon-to-be-bride Kerri Davis agrees:
‘My ring has an amethyst stone and cost about R400. We saved for a two-week honeymoon to Thailand.’
Less ka-ching, more bling
‘I’m a big believer of choosing an affordable ring, as I don’t think couples should start out their life together in debt,’ says Tiffany Marx – Inspired Jewellery. It’s possible to have a beautiful engagement ring without breaking the bank. Here are Tiffany’s top tips for budget-friendly ring-buying:
Choose an alternative stone
Slightly tinted diamonds (like Champagne and salt-and-pepper diamonds) have become very popular. They are so different and much more affordable than whiter diamonds. Moissanite is also great options.
Buy a mount
These are cast rings that one can set the central stone-stones into. Although I would personally always suggest a handmade ring, choosing a mount tends to be a less expensive exercise as the ring is not a bespoke, handmade item.
Work with a jeweller
Many retail shops will only offer you traditional rings as that is what they sell. Try and find a jeweller whose style you like and is willing to work with whatever budget you have. At the end of the day, you can create a really beautiful ring regardless of the materials that are used if you have a good design.
The art of paper folding often associated with Japanese culture has long fascinated Westerners – and for good reason. The intricate designs that result look gorgeous and are often a talking point.
Which is why, inspired by one of the real weddings featured in Issue 1-2017, we found four easy origami napkin styles to wow your guests.
What you’ll need
• Square napkins in the colour of your choice
How to do it
For the windmill:
1 Fold all the corners into the centre of the napkin.
2 Fold the bottom of the napkin upwards to meet the middle then do the same for the top.
3 Fold the left side to the middle and repeat this on the right, ensuring both sides are equal.
4 Turn the napkin over nd pull out the corners from the inside until all four corners are exposed. Repeat for as many napkins as required.
For the heart:
1 Fold both sides into the middle, ensuring they are equal. Then fold in half lengthways.
2 Fold the top of the napkin down towards the bottom. The take the top and fold it sideways, creating a 90-degree line. Repeat on the opposite side by folding the bottom towards the top.
3 Turn the napkin over then take the top right corner and tuck it in. Repeat this on the left then turn over to see the end result. Repeat for as many napkins as required.
For the three-fold:
1 Fold the napkin in half from side to side, then fold from top to bottom to create a smaller square.
2 Using the top piece of fabric, roll the right corner into a tube. Do the same with the next two pieces of fabric on the right.
3 Turn the napkin so the tubes of fabric are horizontal then turn over the napkin and fold the right and left corners into the middle until they meet. Turn over once more to see the end result. Repeat for as many napkins as required.
For the sitting fan:
1 Fold the napkin in half then fold the bottom about 1 cm upwards.
2 Fold the same section for 1 cm towards the alternate side of the napkin. Continue folding for 1 cm on alternate sides until you have about 3 cm left.
3 Fold the napkin in half with the folded pieces horizontal. Then fold the leftover fabric into the centre and pull out all the folds into a fan. Repeat for as many napkins as required.
The Golden Globes 2026 once again proved that red carpets and wedding aisles aren’t worlds apart. From sculptural couture gowns that could effortlessly double as modern wedding dresses to sharply tailored suiting offering fresh inspiration for grooms and groomsmen alike, this year’s looks were a masterclass in ceremony-worthy style. Add in fashion-forward moments perfect for bridesmaids and wedding party outfits, and it’s clear: Hollywood’s biggest night delivered no shortage of ideas for couples planning a celebration that feels both timeless and of-the-moment.
While many of these show-stopping dresses weren’t designed in traditional bridal shades, their silhouettes, textures and detailing translate beautifully into white, ivory and soft neutral palettes , making them perfect reference points for brides, bridesmaids and wedding parties seeking fashion-forward inspiration with lasting appeal.
In the midst of wedding planning, pre-wedding celebrations, or the transition into married life, taking time to pause can feel both indulgent and essential. Whether you’re planning a calming escape before the big day, a romantic honeymoon, or a restorative bachelorette getaway, spa retreats offer a meaningful way to reconnect, unwind and reset together.
South Africa is home to an exceptional collection of spa retreats that lend themselves beautifully to wedding-related travel. Blending luxury with nature and indulgence with intention, these destinations range from secluded mountain hideaways to vineyard sanctuaries and refined city escapes, making them ideal for honeymoons, bachelorettes and pre-wedding escapes alike.
1. Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa – Cape Winelands
Tucked away in the serene valleys of the Cape Winelands, Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa is a sophisticated choice for couples or bridal parties seeking a structured yet luxurious wellness experience. Known for its comprehensive spa treatments and detox programmes, Santé combines tailored health assessments with holistic therapies designed to restore both body and mind.
With world-class facilities including hydrotherapy, Pilates and yoga studios, sauna and a heated indoor pool, it is well suited to couples wanting a mindful start to married life, or brides looking to arrive at the aisle feeling balanced and radiant.
For couples or groups drawn to nature-led experiences, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve offers a deeply immersive retreat. Set high in the Cederberg Mountains, this escape pairs luxurious spa therapies with wide-open landscapes, ancient rock art and outdoor exploration.
Riverside massages, open-air treatments and guided hikes make it a compelling option for adventurous honeymoons or intimate bachelorette retreats where nature, stillness and connection take centre stage.
Located in the rolling countryside of the Midlands Meander, Healing Earth Transformative Wellness is ideal for slower-paced celebrations or pre-wedding wind-downs. The spa’s bespoke treatments are inspired by nature and tailored to individual needs, offering everything from restorative massages to calming facial therapies.
With an outdoor yoga deck, wellness pool and tranquil spaces for relaxation, this retreat works beautifully for small bridal groups or couples seeking quiet luxury in a countryside setting.
4. Future Found Sanctuary – Cape Town
Just outside Cape Town, Future Found Sanctuary offers a regenerative wellness experience that feels both secluded and accessible. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, the retreat is surrounded by fynbos and sweeping mountain views, creating a serene backdrop for honeymoons or pre-wedding escapes.
The spa focuses on sensory renewal, with treatments complemented by forest walks, meditation spaces and guided wellness activities. It is an excellent choice for couples wanting meaningful relaxation without straying too far from the city.
For couples or bridal parties who appreciate refined, nature-inspired luxury, Babylonstoren is a standout destination. Set on a historic working farm, the spa draws heavily on the surrounding botanical gardens, offering herbal steam baths, botanical massages and open-air hot pools.
Between treatments, guests can explore the gardens, enjoy farm-to-table dining or simply soak in the views of vineyards and mountains, making it particularly appealing for romantic honeymoons or indulgent pre-wedding stays.
6. The Saxon Spa – Johannesburg
For those planning a city-based escape, The Saxon Spa in Johannesburg offers an elegant urban sanctuary with five-star appeal. Known for its holistic, results-driven treatments, the spa combines advanced skincare and body therapies with classic luxury.
Thermo-therapy suites, bespoke facials and tranquil gardens provide a polished yet peaceful environment, ideal for a short honeymoon stopover or a sophisticated bachelorette retreat without leaving the city.
Tips for Planning a Wedding-Focused Spa Escape
Book well in advance: Spa retreats are popular for honeymoons and group bookings, particularly at sought-after properties.
Consider group-friendly options: Some spas offer tailored packages for couples or bridal parties, including private facilities or shared treatments.
Balance indulgence with experience: Pair spa time with gentle activities such as yoga, guided walks or wine tastings to create a well-rounded stay.
When planning your wedding decor, it is easy to focus on flowers, tables and lighting while overlooking one detail that guests interact with constantly: the chairs. Wedding chair decorations are a subtle yet powerful way to tie your theme together, add texture to your venue and create visual interest from ceremony to reception.
Why wedding chair decorations matter
Chairs make up a large part of your venue’s visual landscape. Decorated chairs help:
Define the overall wedding aesthetic
Frame the aisle and ceremony focal point
Elevate standard venue furniture
Add softness and cohesion to the space
Enhance photographs from every angle
Ceremony chair decorations
Popular wedding chair decoration ideas include:
Floral posies or small arrangements tied to aisle chairs
Flowing fabric such as chiffon, voile or organza
Greenery like eucalyptus, olive branches or ivy
Simple ribbon bows for a classic and understated look
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
For a modern approach, decorate only the first few rows or alternate chairs to keep the look refined and uncluttered.
Reception chair decorations
Reception chair decor is usually more subtle, allowing tablescapes to take centre stage. Instead of decorating every chair, many couples focus on the bridal table or sweetheart table.
Consider:
Custom Mr and Mrs chair signs
Hanging floral installations behind the couple
Draped fabric over the backs of feature chairs
Statement chairs that stand apart from the rest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
This approach keeps the space elegant while still highlighting the couple.
Chair covers, sashes or bare chairs?
One of the biggest decisions couples face is whether to cover their chairs.
Chair covers are ideal if:
The venue chairs do not suit your aesthetic
You want a uniform and polished look
Your wedding style is formal or traditional
Bare chairs work beautifully when:
The chairs are already stylish, such as ghost chairs, wood or cross back chairs
Your wedding style is modern, rustic or minimalist
You want a lighter, more relaxed feel
Sometimes the most effective wedding chair decoration is letting beautiful furniture speak for itself.
Floral and greenery chair styling trends
Trending styles include:
Single stem florals tied with silk ribbon
Asymmetrical greenery placements
Dried flowers for a textured, bohemian look
Neutral florals that complement the bouquet and table arrangements
Keeping florals consistent with the rest of your decor ensures a cohesive result.
Personalised wedding chair decorations
Personal touches make chair decor feel meaningful rather than purely decorative.
Ideas include:
Reserved signs for family members
Custom calligraphy tags
Cultural or symbolic elements
Subtle nods to your love story
These details photograph beautifully and add emotional depth to your ceremony and reception.
Practical tips before you decide
Before committing to wedding chair decorations, consider:
How many chairs will be visible in key photos
Whether decor will be reused from ceremony to reception
Setup and breakdown logistics
Your overall decor budget
Chair decor does not need to be elaborate to be effective. A few well placed details often create the strongest visual impact.
Wedding trends rarely land the same way across borders, and in South Africa, couples tend to favour celebrations that feel grounded, expressive and connected to place. Weddings are becoming less about spectacle and more about intention, with design choices that balance beauty, meaning and practicality.
These 2026 wedding trends reflect how South African couples are redefining their wedding days in ways that feel considered, personal and distinctly local.
A richer approach to colour
Neutral palettes remain popular, but in 2026 they are being layered with deeper, earth-led tones. Shades such as olive, terracotta, chocolate brown and warm caramel are appearing across florals, stationery and table styling, often lifted with a subtle accent colour rather than bold contrast.
This approach works particularly well in natural settings, whether in the Winelands, along the coast or in the bush, where colour can enhance the environment rather than compete with it.
Bridal fashion with individuality
Photo: Hasan Hasanzadeh/Unsplash
South African brides are increasingly confident in their choices. Structured bodices, detachable skirts, statement sleeves and refined detailing are replacing overly embellished gowns. While white remains dominant, softer tones and textural fabrics are becoming more visible, especially for second looks or smaller celebrations.
Dress codes are also loosening, allowing guests to interpret the aesthetic while still respecting the formality of the day.
Food that reflects place and season
Dining continues to move away from lengthy, formal sit-down meals. In 2026, couples are favouring seasonal menus, shared-style dining and relaxed pacing that allows guests to move, mingle and enjoy the atmosphere.
Locally sourced ingredients, open-fire cooking, curated wine pairings and thoughtful late-night offerings reflect a growing appreciation for food as part of the overall experience, without becoming overly performative.
Tablescapes that feel natural, not overstyled
Long tables, considered linen choices and layered textures remain central to reception styling. Rather than highly theatrical setups, South African weddings lean towards tablescapes that feel refined yet effortless.
Ceramic tableware, glassware with character and floral arrangements that echo the surrounding landscape create settings that photograph beautifully while remaining functional and welcoming.
Florals with purpose
Floral design in 2026 is less about abundance for its own sake and more about placement and impact. Grounded installations, sculptural arrangements and aisle meadows are favoured over towering structures.
Florals are increasingly used to guide guests through a space, frame key moments or highlight architectural features, particularly at venues where the natural backdrop already does much of the work.
Private vows gain popularity
Photo: Micah & Sammie Chaffin/Unsplash
Private vow exchanges are becoming one of the most meaningful 2026 wedding trends. Many couples are choosing to share their vows quietly before the ceremony, allowing for an intimate moment away from guests and cameras.
Personalisation without excess
Rather than personalised everything, couples are choosing a few meaningful details and doing them well. Handwritten notes, subtle monograms, custom menus or a carefully chosen ceremony reading often replace multiple decorative elements.
Photography with an editorial eye
South African photographers continue to lead the shift towards a documentary, editorial style. Natural light, movement and unposed moments are prioritised, resulting in imagery that feels timeless and emotive rather than overly styled.
Smaller guest lists, stronger experiences
While large weddings still have their place, many 2026 celebrations are becoming more intimate. Smaller guest lists allow couples to invest in quality, detail and time with their guests, particularly at destination venues.
What’s quietly fading
Highly coordinated bridal parties, rigid timelines and overly formal traditions are becoming less common. Couples are choosing flexibility, comfort and authenticity, shaping days that feel reflective of who they are rather than what’s expected.
Adding a touch of childlike wonder to weddings for as long as we can remember, the flower girl is not only adorable but a much-loved wedding tradition too. While we often associate the moment with sweetness and innocence, the meaning and origin of the practice are rooted in much older customs.
There are two main ideas linked to this tradition. According to Reader’s Digest, it’s connected to themes of new beginnings and fertility (as many long-standing wedding traditions are), rather than romance.
In ancient Rome, marriages were often arranged and carried significant social purpose, including uniting families and ensuring a continuation of the family line. During these ceremonies, historic accounts describe young attendants accompanying the bride. A young girl would walk ahead of her, tossing grains or herbs to symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and protection.
As the centuries went on, the symbolism evolved with each era. Some medieval customs continued the idea of blessing the path ahead, often using herbs known for their associations with luck or protection. Over time, this slowly shifted into what we recognise today: little girls scattering petals or carrying blooms down the aisle.
Reader’s Digest also notes that having a young girl lead the procession came to represent the transition from childhood to womanhood — one reason why flower girls are often dressed in similar colours or styles to the bride.
Brides shares similar origins, adding that influences from both Roman and Greek traditions likely contributed to the early forms of this custom.
As the tradition developed further, the Elizabethan era embraced children in the wedding party as symbols of hope and innocence. Brides notes that this era strengthened the sentimental meaning behind including little ones.
By the time the Victorian era arrived, the flower girl had taken on a look much closer to the modern version. Petite baskets filled with flowers and delicate floral wreaths became popular, symbolising unending love and natural beauty.
Today, we still include children in our wedding parties, although the meaning has changed dramatically. Most couples no longer associate the role with fertility or symbolism around innocence — they simply enjoy the charm, fun, and family connection that a flower girl brings to the aisle. It’s become a sweet way to involve beloved nieces, nephews, or little family friends in one of life’s most special moments.
Now that you’ve got the ring, you’ve said yes, and you’ve spread your great news, it’s time to celebrate! Your engagement party is the first of many celebrations to come before the wedding in which you get to honour your relationship. You’ll definitely want to start your wedding journey off with a bang.
While some may opt for the traditional engagement party, others may want to spice things up a bit. Since an engagement party is a celebration of the couple, it should reflect their personalities, right?
Here are some fun engagement party ideas to get your imagination flowing:
If you did something exciting on your first date or ate some great food, try to incorporate that into the party. If you went to a certain restaurant, perhaps you could host the party there. Maybe you went to a carnival – you could either have all your guest join you at another carnival, or you could have a carnival themed party.
