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.
A proposal should be well planned and deliberately thought out. We’re sure you’ve imagined yours before. Who hasn’t? Perhaps you saw the movie The Wedding Singer, which led you to crave a public display. Maybe you watched Leap Year, and the proposal on the ocean-side cliff led you to consider something more private.
It’s also possible that you’re not sure if you (or your partner) would prefer a public or private proposal. Consider the pros and cons of a public proposal to help you make the final decision.
Pros:
– It will be an event to remember
The public gesture will play like a movie in your partners head for years and years to come. It will likely be one of their fondest memories.
A public proposal also makes it easier for you to catch the moment on video or in a series of photographs. Arrange for a friend or family member to secretly record everything as it happens, and make it a moment that lasts forever.
– You can get other loved ones involved
Sharing this special moment with people who care dearly about you (and your partner) can make it feel extremely special. You’ll get to celebrate your engagement with your loved ones as it happens. On top of that, you can share the planning and preparations for the proposal with everyone you’re inviting to relieve some of the pressure.
– It will be easier to spread the news
If your proposal is public, everyone you care about will either be there when it happens or will find out very soon after. You won’t have to spend a day calling everyone with the good news.
Cons:
– Might not go as planned
If you’ve been together for a long time, and you’ve spoken about marriage, then this shouldn’t be too much of a worry. However, there is always the chance that your partner says no. In public, a “no” will feel so much worse.
On a similar note, you cannot control the environment around you. You could get caught in bad weather, your big question may be drowned out by noise, and other people may try to get involved unexpectedly.
– Unnecessary pressure
You could be putting unnecessary pressure on your partner to say yes, when they aren’t sure they’re ready to. They may feel more comfortable in a private setting to ask you to discuss the proposal and the way forward, but in public they can’t really do that.
You’ll also be putting a lot of pressure on yourself. A public proposal takes a lot of organizing and co-ordinating. If you’re not good under pressure, perhaps you should go for something more manageable.
– Expenses can pile up
If you’re really going big, like writing “will you marry me” in the sky, you may have to spend quite a bit of money. You’ll have to decide if it’s worth it, because that money may be better spent on the wedding itself.
The most important thing to consider about a public proposal is what will be most comfortable for you and your significant other. If you don’t mind the attention and pressure, and the big gesture and fanfare has always been something you wanted, then go for it!
ALSO SEE: Engagement ring care tips to keep your sparkler looking new
Feature image: BimbaPro/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 in the Midlands. It’s a day designed to make wedding planning feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more exciting. Bringing together some of the industry’s leading suppliers, creatives and wedding experts under one roof, the expo offers couples the chance to move from saved Pinterest boards to real-life planning.
From dreamy decor and elegant gowns to cakes, photographers, entertainment and ceremony specialists, the expo is packed with inspiration for every part of the big day. More importantly, it’s an opportunity to meet the people behind the brands, ask questions, compare ideas and start piecing together a wedding that feels personal, intentional and beautifully put together.
“Couples want a wedding that reflects who they are, but they also want peace of mind knowing every detail will be handled with care,” says Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills and wedding expert. “The Brahman Hills Bridal Expo brings that together by connecting couples with trusted suppliers, practical advice and a beautiful setting where ideas can truly come to life.”
Guests can expect a strong line-up of wedding suppliers, including Enhle Creatives, Magic Thyme, Nxeleshians, Obsessive Cupcake Disorder, Cake House, Posh Events, Weddings by Jackie, Real Beats Entertainment, DJ Ash, DJ Marcel, Conway Photography, Legacy Studios, Photos by Chene, MPMSA Photo, Mawande Kheswa Imaging, Black T Artistry, House of Kym, CC Designs, Dream Ceremonies, Wedding Celebrant, Weddings by Reg Courtney, Mystical Pyrotechnics, Chris Jenkins Saxophonist, Gifts by Rue and Jesus Is King Luxury Gifting Collective.
The Bridal Expo takes place from 10:00 to 15:00, with tickets priced at R50 per person. Food and drinks will also be available throughout the day.
Whether you’re newly engaged or busy finalising the finer details, the expo offers more than just inspiration. It’s a chance to connect with experts, discover new ideas and take the next step towards a wedding day that feels meaningful, seamless and uniquely yours.
To buy tickets, visit Quicket
ALSO SEE: Upcoming bridal expos & wedding events across South Africa
You’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients for the perfect proposal: a gorgeous engagement ring, a heart-tugging engagement speech, but oh, how to pop the question in a way that will make her heart flutter?
Going down on one knee and asking your soulmate to marry you is a stressful affair, and if all that stress has you feeling overwhelmed and confused about your perfect wedding proposal, try a few of these engagement ideas on for size.
Make sure to add your own personal and creative twist:
These are for those brave souls out there who don’t care a hoot about who is watching!
It’s the stuff rom-coms are made of! There are a number of caricaturists and artists in South Africa that will make the perfect accomplice to your wedding proposal. Hire them on the day and have them sketch the words: “Will you marry me?” And voila!
This doesn’t have to be everyone’s favourite landmark, but just you and your soon-to-be betrothed. It can be anything from a mountain, fountain, hotel to shopping mall, as long as it’s a place that’s special to both of you!
Who needs to be amongst people? If you and your future bride are both homebodies, here are home wedding proposals.
This can be both out and about or at home – you decide. However, nothing is more romantic than re-enacting your first date before creating a beautiful new memory by popping the question.
This is the perfect proposal idea if you both love board games or it’s a rainy day. Make sure to get a custom-made jigsaw puzzle with your picture and the words: “Will you marry me?” If you’ve completed the puzzle enough that you can clearly see your picture and the words, it’s time to go down on one knee.
If you love the great outdoors then check out a few of these ideas.
There’s nothing like letting your love soar to new heights, and popping the question while doing just that is a fantastic idea! Well, as long as a fear of heights is not on the table.
If you’re looking for a unique beach proposal, then why not add a cute little message to a bottle? Write a heartwarming poem or letter on a piece of parchment and add it to the bottle with cork before burying it in a designated spot under the sand. Don’t forget them to find the bottle, but make sure you have the ring ready to go!
You’re looking for fun. You’re looking for excitement. You’re looking for unique, here are a few ideas:
Escape rooms are all the rage right now, so why not add your own wedding proposal spin on things? Contact your favourite escape and try and work on a way that will allow you to incorporate your wedding proposal into the adventure of trying to escape the room!
You were looking for cute? Why not get a box that’s tall enough for you (a refrigerator box is a great start) and add a little note for your soon-to-be fiancé that may allude to what’s really inside the box.
ALSO SEE: Engagement ring care tips to keep your sparkler looking new
Feature Image: Adventure for Love
Wedding planning is equal parts dreamy and chaotic. Between choosing the perfect venue, finalising your guest list and finding suppliers who truly understand your vision, it can often feel like you’re making lists for the lists you still need to make.
To make the process a little smoother (and far more inspiring), we’ve rounded up some of the best upcoming bridal expos across South Africa. Whether you’re searching for fresh ideas, meeting suppliers face-to-face or simply looking for inspiration to bring your dream day to life, these events are well worth adding to your calendar.
The Tying Knots West Coast Pop-Up
Date: 30 May 2026
Time: 09:00 – 15:00
Where: Langebaan NG Church, Langebaan, Western Cape
Entrance: Tickets available via Webtickets
Website: Home – Wedding Co-Ordinator West Coast
Facebook: Facebook
Contact: [email protected] | 071 881 2831
A charming West Coast showcase designed for couples looking for wedding inspiration in a relaxed coastal setting. Expect supplier showcases, planning ideas and plenty of inspiration for your big day.
Winter Wedding Expo
Date: 6 June 2026
Time: 09:00 – 18:00
Where: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Old Mutual Conference and Exhibition Centre, Cape Town
Entrance: Tickets available via Quicket
Website: aspirepromotions.co.za
Facebook: Facebook
Contact: [email protected] | 079 757 2459
Set against the iconic beauty of Kirstenbosch, this elegant bridal fair offers inspiration, expert suppliers and a premium planning experience for couples looking to refine every detail.
Oakfield Farm Bridal Expo
Date: 27–28 June 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Where: Oakfield Farm, Honeydew, Gauteng
Entrance: Tickets available at the gate or via Webtickets
Website: Bridal Expo – Oakfield Farm
Contact: [email protected] | (011) 933 3464
One of South Africa’s most well-known bridal expos, Oakfield Farm remains a must-visit for engaged couples. Expect a wide variety of exhibitors, décor inspiration and access to leading wedding suppliers under one roof.
Greater Garden Route Wedding Expo
Date: 29–30 August 2026
Where: Mentors Country Estate, Jeffreys Bay
Entrance: Tickets available via Quicket
Website: ggrweddingexpo.co.za
Facebook: Greater Garden Route Wedding Expo
Contact: [email protected] | 071 896 6831
This regional favorite connects couples with some of the Garden Route’s most sought-after suppliers, making it ideal for destination weddings and coastal celebrations.
Winelands Bridal Fair
Date: 5–6 September 2026
Time: 09:00 – 15:30
Where: Klein Joostenberg, Stellenbosch
Entrance: Tickets available online or at the door
Website: Home – Donato Events
Facebook: Facebook
Contact: [email protected] | 076 406 4020
For couples dreaming of vineyard views and sophisticated celebrations, this bridal fair in the Cape Winelands offers inspiration, curated suppliers and a luxurious setting.
Sun Boardwalk Hotel Bridal Fair
Date: 6 September 2026
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Where: Boardwalk Hotel, Casino and Convention Centre, Summerstrand, Gqeberha
Entrance: Tickets available via Quicket
Website: SA BRIDAL FAIRS
Contact: 060 504 0408
A polished showcase for Eastern Cape couples looking to meet suppliers, discover fresh trends and explore wedding planning ideas in a stylish venue setting.
Radisson Blu Durban Bridal Fair
Date: 25 October 2026
Time: 10:00 – 14:00
Where: Radisson Blu Hotel, Umhlanga, Durban
Entrance: Tickets via Quicket (coming soon)
Website: SA BRIDAL FAIRS
Contact: 060 504 0408
Durban couples can expect a chic and contemporary wedding planning experience at this sought-after bridal showcase, featuring local suppliers and plenty of inspiration.
Brahman Hills Wedding Expo
Date: 24 May 2026
Time: 10:00 – 15:00
Where: Brahman Hills Wedding Venue, KwaZulu-Natal
Entrance: Tickets available via Quicket
Website: brahmanhills.co.za
Facebook: Facebook
Contact: [email protected] | (033) 266 6965
Set in the picturesque Midlands, this wedding expo offers couples a beautiful countryside experience paired with expert suppliers and elevated wedding inspiration.
Planning your wedding? Start here
Whether you’re looking for supplier inspiration, hoping to get your partner more involved in the planning process, or simply feeling curious about what’s trending in the South African wedding space, these wedding events across South Africa offer the perfect place to begin.
Bring your questions, your Pinterest boards and your vision — and let the planning magic begin.
ALSO SEE: Wedding dress inspo for autumn and winter brides
Image from Sasha Kim – Pexels (Woman in White Floral Wedding Dress Holding White Roses · Free Stock Photo)
So you’re engaged, and although it’s an exciting and thrilling time for both you and your significant other, conflict is bound to arise, often in the form of your soon-to-be family-in-law. Some cases may be worse than others, but we’d like to help you lessen the load. Read on for some practical tips and thoughts on how to keep them happy, and, appropriately involved.
Acceptance
First of all, you need to make peace with the fact that your wedding planning journey will come with a fair share of stress, drama and mishaps, but all of this could be managed easily by not stressing about the things you cannot change. That goes for the family you’re marrying into as well. If you’ve known the person you’re marrying for a good amount of time, you probably know their family too – including their habits and preferences. Just because you’re getting married doesn’t mean those things will change, so make it easier for yourself by making peace with it – you’d want your S.O to do the same for you.
You marry the family, too.
That said, your new spouse’s family is accepting a new member into theirs, as your family is too, so be mindful about including them in the planning process. Your wedding is a celebration of not only two people coming together, but two families uniting, so they need to feel that their opinions matter too. This doesn’t mean that you have to take every suggestion they make to heart, but they’ll feel much more included if you make an effort to hear them out and make some compromises.
Take a stand
Sometimes, keeping the peace means taking a stand. It’s extremely difficult to avoid hurting the feelings of someone who simply wants to help, but sometimes their need to help is greater than your need for it. Don’t allow yourself to get into a situation too deep before realising that you’re allowing things to happen that will ultimately make you unhappy. Say no when you need to, but explain your feelings and reasoning behind it so that a mutual understanding can be reached.
Same page
You and your S.O absolutely need to be on the same page when it comes to making the decisions in your planning process. This will allow you to adequately explain your reasoning to your families, without throwing anyone under the bus. However, if your parents are paying for some parts of the wedding, you need to be on the same page with them too. Be open about what you want, your visions and expectations to avoid unnecessary conflict, especially if you’re not the one paying for it.
Lessen the load
Just because it’s your wedding doesn’t mean you have to plan, take care of and do everything. Make your vision clear and allow your mother-in-law, father-in-law or whoever-in-law to help you out with making calls, DIY projects, collections or whatever it is you may need. This will allow them to feel involved, but not in an overwhelming way where they have the ability to make decisions for you. However, looking at the other side of the spectrum could be just as tricky. Maybe your father-in-law is great at building things with his hands, but up until now you haven’t been getting along that well. Take the plunge and ask him for help with your DIY projects – it might be the starting point for the relationship you’ve been looking for.
ALSO SEE: 8 guidelines for father of the groom
Feature image: Pexels
Planning the perfect proposal is nerve-wracking, exciting and maybe even a little overwhelming, all bundled up neatly into one big knot in your stomach. Throw in an unfamiliar destination, and that knot gets a little bigger. But don’t fear, we’ve got the fool-proof guide to making it go as smoothly as possible:
Do your research beforehand
By planning ahead, you’ll take a little pressure off yourself as well as have more peace of mind about how it’s all going to play out. Have a plan of where, how and when you’d like to pop the question, but don’t expect it to work out exactly as you see it in your head. When the moment is right, you’ll know, but also don’t be too stressed about changing it up in case of unforeseenable elements, like the weather.
That said, make sure you’re aware of what’s happeing in the area you’re planning to propose in, especially if you’ve never been there. Do a little internet search beforhand to see if any events are happening, if the area is a sacred place perhaps, or if any of the areas are restricted. It will also be handy to look at popular scenic locations, or romantic spots that other people have popped the question at for some inspiration.
Communicate with your hotel
…or resort, B&B, or wherever you’re planning on staying. Even if you’re not planning to propose at the place you’re staying at, they’ll most likely make some extra effort to make it romantic for you if they know what your plans are. Some places even organise some complimentary champagne, a romantic dinner, or some rose petals in your room for after you’ve popped the question.
Insure the ring
Before you even leave for your getaway, make sure the ring is insured. Things happen, but if you’re planning to propose while away, it’s the last thing you’d want to worry about. Get the ring insured for in case a stone pops out, or heaven forbid, it gets misplaced or stolen. It’s the responsible thing to do anyway, plus it will put your mind at ease.
Hide the ring, safely
Packing is stressful enough as it is, or at least for some. But making sure the ring stays safely hidden from your fiance-to-be’s eyes is extra daunting. If you don’t want to worry about it falling out of your pocket, or your partner accidentally seeing it in your bag, pack it in your check-in luggage. However, if you’re scared of your luggage getting lost or delayed (because yes, these things happen), keep it safely stashed in your carry-on. Rather safe than sorry, right?
Furthermore, if you’re worried about it being discovered at customs, it’s a good idea to place the ring box inside a bigger, nondescript box with a note inside to give the inspector or security guard a quick heads up in case they have to take a closer look.
Don’t wait until the last minute to propose
You want to wait for that perfect moment, but don’t wait until the last day of the trip. Nerves might not be your best friend, so your partner might notice that you’re acting a little differently. A little anticipation is good, especially if your partner is kind of expecting it, but if you propose earlier on, you’ll have more time to celebrate it in a special place.
Don’t overthink it
Sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut. If the moment feels right, go for it, even if it doesn’t go with your plans. Being spontaneous and it being unexpected sometimes makes the moment that much more special.
ALSO SEE: Alternative engagement ring stones
Feature image: Unsplash
Enchant your guests with a floral seating chart that’s in full bloom! Just be sure to let your stationer know your plan, so that they can create the design accordingly.
Calling the family and posting on the Gram? Duh! But what else should you do after he’s popped the question?
This doesn’t have to be a full-on engagement party just yet. In the days after you announce your impending nuptials, your phone will be buzzing off the hook with well-wishers hoping to see you as soon as possible and hear all about how he got down on one knee. So plan a little get-together to pop bottles with your nearest and dearest and tell them everything. Or, if you are a more low-key kind of couple, simply have a special night for two to revel in all the butterflies you’re feeling at the moment. Being engaged is a wonderful time. Enjoy it to the fullest.
The months leading up to your wedding are going to be split between days of pure joy and days of pure admin… So. Much. Admin. First up: You now have a small fortune on your finger, so be sure to protect your new asset and get it insured. Your guy should’ve been supplied with a valuation certificate upon purchase, but if not, take it to any reputable jeweller to get a value estimate. Send this to your insurance company to get it covered in case it gets lost or stolen. And while you’re at it, have it sized perfectly for your finger to make losing it less likely.
After “Let me see the ring!” and “How did he propose?”, the next most asked question you’ll get at this stage is “When’s the wedding?”. Unless you know exactly how it’s going to go down to the very last detail on a sunny day in February, you probably haven’t even thought about a date. Chat to your hubby-to-be and come up with a ‘thereabouts’ answer. Whether it’s “next summer” or “in three years’ time”, giving people some sort of timeline will ease the bombardment while also letting your guests mentally save the date.
Small getaway wedding or the do of the year at an exclusive wine farm? Figuring this out with your man is the best starting point of the planning to come, as it will help you determine everything from what venues to look at, to your all-important budget and guest list size.
Real talk time. Everyone from Chatty Cathy at the office to your mom and well-meaning-but-pushy friends are going to start pressuring you to begin planning. There’s so much to do, after all. Yes, Cathy, there is… but there’s no need to jump into contacting vendors and venues now if you don’t have the basics decided yet. You’ll cut down on a lot of wasted time if you know what you want before getting stuck in. Get on Pinterest and flip through wedding magazines. This is the fun part! Make a mood board with the images you love and you’ll soon start to see your dream day to come to life. Once you know what you want, seeking out the right vendors for you will be that much easier.
Photographers get snapped up way in advance, so if this is a route you want to go down – book it now! Otherwise, call on your creative friends to help set up a photoshoot of the two of you on the beach, in a forest, or even at home just being yourselves. Smartphone cameras are more than enough to get some amazing shots (don’t forget the dreamy filters!).
ALSO SEE: Locally loved flowers for your wedding bouquet
Written by Andrea Robertson for Summer 2019 print edition.
Feature image: Pexels
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:
– Classy back yard picnic
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– Garden dinner
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– Wine and cheese tasting
– Casino party
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– At home silent disco
– Glamping for a night
– A bonfire at the beach
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– Dress up/themed party
– Backyard movie night
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– Cocktail party
– Sunset cruise
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– Build-your-own pizza night
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– Pool party
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– Tribute to your first date
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.
ALSO SEE: Busted! 5 Common engagement ring myths debunked
Image: Pexels