Planning Archives | Wedding ETC

In Advice

10 Fun Engagement party ideas for a celebration that feels like you

August 13, 2026 No Comments

You’ve got the ring, you’ve said yes and you’ve probably told everyone who will listen. Now comes the fun part: celebrating. An engagement party is the first opportunity to gather your favourite people together before the wedding planning really gets underway. And while the traditional engagement party still has its place, couples are increasingly choosing celebrations that feel more personal, relaxed and reflective of who they are.

In fact, the latest wedding trends are moving away from one-size-fits-all celebrations in favour of experiences that feel intentional and individual. Pinterest’s 2026 Wedding Trends Report points to low-key pre-wedding soirées and celebrations shaped around personality, while Wedding ETC’s own 2026 wedding coverage has highlighted the growing preference for intimacy, personalisation and meaningful experiences.

So, if a formal dinner with a predictable playlist isn’t quite your thing, here are 10 engagement party ideas worth considering.

1.Host an elevated backyard picnic

You don’t need a fancy venue to throw a beautiful engagement party. Turn your garden, courtyard or even a spacious backyard into an intimate picnic setting with low tables, cushions, fresh flowers, candles and plenty of good food. A grazing table or shared platters can keep things relaxed while still making the celebration feel special.

The trick is to make the setting feel intentional rather than simply putting a few blankets on the grass. Think layered textures, beautiful glassware, seasonal flowers and a playlist that feels like you.

It is also a great option for couples who want something intimate without spending a fortune on a venue.

2. Plan a garden dinner

If you love the idea of an outdoor celebration but want something a little more polished, take the party outside after dark.

A long table dressed with candles, flowers and beautiful tableware can create a romantic setting without requiring excessive décor. Add string lights overhead, serve a relaxed dinner and let the evening unfold naturally.

This also taps into the wider move towards dinner-party-style celebrations. Rather than focusing on formal programming, couples are increasingly putting food, conversation and quality time with their guests at the centre of the experience.

3. Have a wine and cheese tasting

For the couple who would rather spend the evening eating and drinking than playing awkward party games, this one’s for you. Host a wine and cheese evening at home, at a wine farm or at a private venue and create a tasting experience around a few of your favourite varieties.

You could ask a local wine expert to guide the tasting, pair wines with South African cheeses and add seasonal fruit, charcuterie and freshly baked bread to the table.

For a South African engagement, this is particularly fitting. A Winelands setting gives you a naturally beautiful backdrop, but you could just as easily recreate the experience at home.

4. Make it a brunch

Who says an engagement party needs to happen at night? A daytime celebration can be just as memorable, and brunch gives you plenty of room to play with the menu. Think pastries, pancakes, fresh fruit, breakfast boards, good coffee and a celebratory toast.

You could host it at home, book a beautiful restaurant or take over a garden space for a relaxed morning with family and friends.

Brunch is also a practical option for couples who want to celebrate without turning the engagement party into an entire weekend event. Engagement party inspiration increasingly includes daytime celebrations such as brunches and picnic lunches, proving there is no longer a strict formula for when these parties should happen.

5. Recreate your first date

This one is less about the décor and more about the story. Think back to your first date and use it as the inspiration for the engagement party.

If you met at a particular restaurant, recreate the menu. If your first date involved takeaway and a movie, lean into that. If you bonded over a particular cuisine, build the evening around it. The best engagement parties do not necessarily have the biggest budgets. They have details that mean something to the couple.

And that is increasingly the direction celebrations are heading in: personal details that tell a story rather than generic décor chosen simply because it looks good online.

6. Throw a themed dinner party

A theme does not have to mean matching costumes and novelty decorations. Instead, build the entire evening around somewhere you love.

A Mediterranean-inspired dinner, an Italian summer soirée, a 1970s-inspired dinner party or even a celebration inspired by your favourite holiday destination can give the event a strong identity without making it feel like a children’s birthday party.

Think themed food, music, cocktails or mocktails, stationery and décor. The key is restraint. Choose a concept and let a few thoughtful details carry it.

7. Plan a sunset celebration

South Africa has no shortage of beautiful sunsets, so why not make one the backdrop to your engagement party?

Find a venue, garden, rooftop, beachside location or private outdoor space with a view and plan the celebration around golden hour.

Keep the décor relatively simple and let the location do most of the work. Add candles or warm lighting once the sun goes down, serve drinks and canapés, and create a playlist that takes the evening from sunset into night. It is a particularly good option for couples who want something that feels special without overproducing the event.

8. Turn it into a games night

If your relationship is built on competition, laughter and a little friendly chaos, embrace it.

Set up lawn games, board games, card games or a couple’s trivia competition based on your relationship. You could even create a quiz about the couple and see which family member or friend knows you best.

This works especially well for smaller gatherings because it gives guests something to do beyond eating and making conversation. Just don’t make the games so complicated that your guests feel like they’ve accidentally arrived at a corporate team-building exercise.

9. Host an at-home celebration

There is something wonderfully intimate about celebrating at home. You could cook together, order your favourite food, create a cocktail or mocktail menu, put together a playlist of songs that mean something to you and invite only your closest family and friends.

An at-home engagement party also gives you more freedom to personalise the space. Display photographs from your relationship, recreate moments from your story or create a memory table featuring little details from your life together.

This kind of celebration fits neatly into the broader shift towards smaller, more intentional gatherings. Current wedding trends increasingly favour authenticity and meaningful details over creating an event purely for appearances.

10. Plan an experience instead of a party

Perhaps the biggest shift of all is that your engagement party doesn’t actually have to look like a traditional party.

Book a boat day. Plan a weekend away. Organise a cooking class. Go glamping. Arrange a private picnic. Host a pottery workshop. Spend the day at a wine farm. Organise a sunset hike followed by dinner.

If you and your partner have a shared hobby or favourite activity, build the celebration around it. The point is not to recreate somebody else’s Pinterest board. It is to celebrate your relationship in a way that feels recognisably yours.

The bottom line

Your engagement party does not need to be another box to tick before the wedding.

It can be a backyard dinner with your closest people, a boozy brunch, a sunset picnic, a weekend away or an elaborate celebration with everyone you love. There are no hard rules anymore, and that is exactly what makes planning one so much fun.

The best engagement party ideas are ultimately the ones that tell your story. So forget about what an engagement party is supposed to look like. Think about how you want the celebration to feel, who you want beside you and what you and your partner genuinely enjoy doing together.

Then build the party around that. After all, this is the first celebration of your future together. It should feel like you.

ALSO SEE: Not all diamonds wear the same: How to choose an engagement ring that actually suits your hand

Not all diamonds wear the same: How to choose an engagement ring that actually suits your hand

Featured image: Pinterest

In Advice

Just got engaged? Here’s why you don’t have to start planning your wedding straight away

July 13, 2026 No Comments

One minute you’re admiring a ring on your finger. The next, everyone wants to know the date, the venue, the dress, the flowers, the guest list and whether you’ve chosen your first dance song.

Slow down. Getting engaged is a milestone in its own right, not simply the starting line for wedding planning. Yet it’s remarkable how quickly the excitement of saying “yes” can be replaced by a never-ending stream of questions.

“So… when’s the wedding?” For some couples, the answer comes easily. They’ve already been planning for months. Others would rather sit in this new chapter for a while before diving into spreadsheets, budgets and seating plans. And that’s more than okay.

Your engagement deserves its own moment

Think about it. The proposal itself is a story you’ll probably tell for decades. Maybe it happened on a mountain after an exhausting hike. Perhaps it was during a weekend away, over breakfast at home, or completely unexpectedly while walking the dog. Maybe everything went according to plan. Or maybe absolutely nothing did.

Those imperfect moments often become the best stories. Long after the wedding photos have been framed, you’ll still laugh about the ring almost falling into the ocean, someone accidentally interrupting the proposal, or how nervous your partner was that they could barely get the words out. It’s worth taking the time to enjoy that chapter before rushing into the next one.

There isn’t a deadline

Social media can make it feel as though engagements follow a strict timeline. Announcement photos. Venue booked. Dress shopping. Countdown begins.

Real life doesn’t work like that. Some couples marry within months. Others stay engaged for several years. Neither is more “correct” than the other.

There are countless reasons why you might want to wait before planning a wedding. Maybe you’re saving for the celebration you really want. Perhaps you’ve just bought a home or are focused on your careers. There could be family commitments, health concerns or a new baby on the way. Or maybe there isn’t a reason at all.

Maybe you’re simply enjoying being engaged. That’s reason enough.

Weddings are expensive

Let’s be honest. Weddings aren’t cheap. For many South African couples, planning a wedding also means saving for one. Rushing into deposits and big decisions before you’re financially comfortable can add unnecessary pressure to what’s supposed to be an exciting time.

Waiting a year — or even longer — doesn’t make your engagement any less meaningful. If anything, it gives you time to plan the day you actually want, rather than the day you feel pressured to have.

Set the pace together

One of the best things you can do early on is decide, as a couple, what works for you.

If you’re choosing to wait before planning, let people know politely but confidently. A simple “We’re enjoying being engaged for now, and we’ll share our plans when we’re ready” is often enough. Setting those boundaries now can make the entire wedding-planning journey feel a little less overwhelming later.

Don’t skip this chapter

It’s easy to think of an engagement as the bit between dating and getting married. But it deserves celebrating too.

Go on dates. Take engagement photos if you want to. Wear the ring proudly. Tell your proposal story for the hundredth time.

Dream about the future without feeling like every conversation has to end with a colour palette or venue tour. The wedding will come. For now, enjoy the fact that you’ve found your person. The planning can wait.

ALSO SEE: Old soul, new sparkle: How modern couples are reimagining heirloom engagement rings

Old soul, new sparkle: How modern couples are reimagining heirloom engagement rings

Feature image: Unsplash

In Engagements

5 Incredible ways you can avoid wedding planning burnout

May 28, 2026 No Comments

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.

In Advice

Pros and cons of a public proposal

May 27, 2026 No Comments

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

Engagement ring care tips to keep your sparkler looking new

Feature image: BimbaPro/Pexels

In Advice

Brahman Hills Bridal Expo returns to the Midlands this weekend

May 20, 2026 No Comments

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

Upcoming bridal expos & wedding events across South Africa

In Advice

8 Romantic engagement ideas to help you pop the question!

May 13, 2026 No Comments

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:

Loud and proud, for everyone to see:

These are for those brave souls out there who don’t care a hoot about who is watching!

Have a caricaturist at your side

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!

A favourite landmark

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!

Keep it close to home

Who needs to be amongst people? If you and your future bride are both homebodies, here are home wedding proposals.

Re-create your first date

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.

A custom jigsaw puzzle

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.

Embrace Mother Nature

If you love the great outdoors then check out a few of these ideas.

Hot air balloon

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.

Message in a bottle

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!

Adorable proposal ideas

You’re looking for fun. You’re looking for excitement. You’re looking for unique, here are a few ideas:

Escape room

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!

Gift delivery

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

Engagement ring care tips to keep your sparkler looking new

Feature Image: Adventure for Love

In Planning

Upcoming bridal expos & wedding events across South Africa

May 12, 2026 No Comments

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

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)

In Advice

How to keep your (soon-to-be) family-in-law happy

May 5, 2026 No Comments

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

8 guidelines for father of the groom

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

How to pull off the perfect destination proposal

May 4, 2026 No Comments

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

Alternative engagement ring stones

Feature image: Unsplash

In Engagements

DIY floral seating chart

March 4, 2026 No Comments

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.