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    wedding exit
    In Advice

    Ten creative ways to exit your wedding

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    The wedding exit photo is an important one! It symbolises you, as a newly-wed couple, taking your first steps out into the world as a unit. Many couples go all out for wedding exists, from leaving in a tractor to escaping in a helicopter.

    If you want to keep it simple but still make it special there are tons of options too! There’s no need to stress about an over-the-top exist that, in the end, burns an unnecessary hole in your pocket.

    Here are some simple but stunning ideas to inspire you:

    Classic: 

    (Many people are now against confetti and instead use biodegradable versions like this couple who are using “Floralfetti”)

    Sparklers: 

    Bubbles: 

    Through your bridal party:

    Ribbons: 

    Light Sabers: 

    Pom-poms: 

     

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    A post shared by Blackberry Ridge (@blackberryridgega)

    Glow sticks: 

    Sports references:

    Flower petals: 

     

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    A post shared by MELISSA GLYNN (@mglynnphoto)

    ALSO SEE: What is an Irish exit?

    What is an Irish exit?

    Feature image: Pexels

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    bridal expos south africa
    In Planning

    Upcoming bridal expos & wedding events across South Africa

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    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)  

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    self care for the modern bride
    In Advice

    5 Ways to practice self care while planning your wedding

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    You don’t have to sit on a hill and meditate to de-stress. Although that’s exactly what you’ll want to do after haggling with wedding vendors and explaining to your uncle (second-removed) why he isn’t sitting at the main family table. 

    Whether you’re planning your wedding or meandering through life, making sure that you indulge in self-care is oh-so-important. But with so many things happening in the background, it’s pretty easy to let things slip through the cracks. 

    To keep you on track and remind you to incorporate self-care tasks – no matter how small – into your routine as you go about your wedding planning, here are a few things we hope you won’t let take a backseat:

    Eat Up 

    For some reason, brides feel the need to go on crazy fad diets in order to lose weight to fit into their wedding dress, but no bride wants to look like a completely different person when looking back at their wedding photos. And no one wants to feel hungry all the time. Nutrition is such a major component when it comes to self-care and is the key to our mental and physical well-being. Skip the fads and stick to a balanced diet that hit those targeted food groups – veggies, proteins, and all the wholesome goodness. 

    It’s all mental 

    When our cortisol levels are constantly elevated (thanks, stress) our mental health tends to take a backseat. While there’s a certain level of stress and anxiety that comes with wedding planning, if you feel that it’s affecting your mood and it’s gone beyond just “a bad day,” do not ignore such a big sign. Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether that be meditation apps, breathwork retreats, talk therapy or a break away from wedding planning. Follow your intuition. 

    Get your heart pumping 

    Now, we understand that your Significant Other is more than enough when it comes to getting your heart pumping and skipping beats, but sometimes you need a little more. Exercise is an excellent way to de-stress, so make sure that you get sweating. Take it easy with yoga or pilates, or really push things to the limit with some incredible workouts like CrossFit.

    If you feel yourself checking your schedule and watch, why not keep things simple by going for post-dinner walks. This is also a great way to get those endorphins going and connect with your partner as the big day approaches. 

    It’s okay to relax

    When you’re juggling work, a social life and wedding planning, it can be difficult to find the time to let go and relax. Release your grip on the reins and indulge in activities that will allow your stress to melt away. Think; movie nights, coffee dates (minus wedding talk), Netflix binges, naps and luxurious baths with tons of candles. Throw in a massage or two in for good measure! 

    Don’t forget those around you

    During the hustle and bustle that is wedding planning, you can sometimes forget about those closest to you. Decompress by spending some quality time with friends and family, doing things that are completely unrelated to your wedding. Sunday dinners with family and Saturday brunches with friends – now that’s magic!

    ALSO SEE: Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

    Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

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    premarital counselling
    In Advice

    Things you should know about premarital counselling

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    In the past, premarital counselling was mainly carried out in religious institutions. These days, however, it has become more popular with non-religious couples too. Couples go to seek guidance and advice in the hopes of preventing divorce.

    According to the Mayo Clinic, “Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for marriage. Premarital counseling can help ensure that you and your partner have a strong, healthy relationship — giving you a better chance for a stable and satisfying marriage”. They add that the sessions will assist you in identifying weaknesses that could result in trouble for you as a couple further down the road.

    What to expect from premarital counselling: 

    The counselling is usually carried out by a licensed therapist. You’ll sit in the therapists office with your partner by your side discussing a variety of topics related to marriage. Some of these topics include: Money, quality time together, sex, roles in marriage, children, extended family, beliefs and values, and goals.

    Some therapists may have you fill out questionnaires separately. The questionnaire will have you answer questions about each other. Thereafter, the therapist will help you to work through the results together.

    Benefits of premarital counselling: 

    – Helps guide the conversation 

    Discussing heavy topics such as religion, sex, or kids, can result in both partners getting emotional and therefore losing focus of the topic at hand. A counsellor will help to guide the conversation. They also ensure you don’t get angry or misinterpret each other.

    – Teaches communication 

    An important thing to know is that different people respond in different ways to tones and speech patterns. You must be aware of how your partner needs to be spoken to, in order to feel understood, supported, and heard. Premarital counselling also teaches you how to communicate in a healthy and productive way.

    – Helps you prepare for your future together 

    You will be made aware of which expectations are realistic and which are not.  You will also get an idea of your timing and goals as a couple, for example when you both want to have kids, or when you want to move to a bigger house. Additionally, your anxieties and fears will be lessened as a result of how well counselling demystifies marriage. It also ensure’s that you avoid many potential conflicts in the future.

    – You’ll learn more about yourself and your partner 

    Often, counselling is an eye opening experience. You discover things about yourself you’ve never known because the mental health professional is guiding you towards these realisations. When you and your partner have these experiences together, it also becomes a sort of bonding experience.

    Tips for successful premarital counselling: 

    – Know that it will be tough 

    You’ll be dealing with very touchy subjects. Be sure to be as open as you can and don’t be scared to be vulnerable. Most importantly, don’t give up because it’s uncomfortable! Remember that in the end, this will only grow and strengthen your relationship.

    – Don’t say what you think they want to hear 

    Avoid saying things that downplay your emotions or opinions, don’t answer in a way that you think is correct (there are no right or wrong answers). You should also avoid saying things just because it makes you seem more compatible with your significant other. If you do that, there will be no real progress.

    – It’s not a competition 

    There is no winner or loser, and there should be no “I told you so” at the end of the session.

    Be open to listening and accepting that you are both capable of being better.

    ALSO SEE: The pocket guide for announcing your engagement on social media

    The pocket guide for announcing your engagement on social media

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    In Engagements

    5 Incredible ways you can avoid wedding planning burnout

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    We all know how stressful planning a wedding can be, making wedding planning burnout a very real possibility. Whether you’re trying not to pull out your hair as wedding costs skyrocket or you’re obsessing over every little detail to ensure that everything goes the way you’ve pictured it, feeling overwhelmed is guaranteed to happen if you’re not careful.

    Thankfully, this isn’t something new and there are endless resources to help the modern bridal couple looking to keep costs and anxiety low.

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    In Weddings

    Wedding grinch steals groom’s fire by spiking him

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    There are plenty of things couples worry will spoil their wedding day. Uncooperative weather, a guest who enjoys the bar tab a little too much, or worst of all – another couple getting engaged on the same day.

    However, while most of these worries never come to be, sometimes an unexpected spoil emerges thanks to a wedding grinch.

    Such was the case for an American couple. Taking to TikTok, bride Brandy told the story with footage of her husband, Billy, who began acting strangely and couldn’t even say his vows coherently.

    It turned out that the groom’s drink had been spiked, causing massive discomfort, confusion and an unhealthy racing heart for him. Brandy claims that he was spiked with crushed Adderal.

    His symptoms included sweating, being red in the face, emotional ups and downs and being unable to form words as well as anger, confusion and memory loss according to Brandy. She says that he was drug tested and that this kind of thing happens at weddings so that people can have more duration to party longer.

    The video quickly went viral (reaching almost 1 million views) on the video-sharing app, and soon TikTok users were ready to fight the culprit. Brandy had shared the video with the intention to help prevent the same thing from happening to anyone else.

    “Our poor kids were traumatized by the experience. Billy doesn’t remember anything after I walked down,” said Brandy.

    In the comments, many people demanded that the couple have a redo, with some wondering whether the newly-weds could sue for the entire wedding cost. Others suggested that they renew their wedding vows the following year, so that Billy could remember the special day – with the costs coming out of the culprit’s pocket.

    Picture: Screenshot from video/@brandy_billy

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    In Honeymoons

    Are expensive weddings overrated?

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    They say that money can’t buy everything (and certainly not love), but often when wedding plan talks are in the works, it’s easy to get caught up in the tale that “expensive is better.”

    But is it, actually?

    Recently, Reddit users decided to weigh in on the topic.

    u/11sam111 kicked off the conversation with the concept that expanding one’s budget to focus money beyond the big day (ie: on honeymoons!) is a better way to go than cashing it all in for a day where “you miss everything because it’s so busy.”

    Other Reddit users were quick to share their responses and shed light on what actually makes the day memorable that more often than not, doesn’t come with a price tag.

    Here’s what people’s thoughts were: 

    Stick to what you can afford

    “We had a $300 wedding and spent the $20k that would have gone to a bit wedding on a house down payment and medical bills for having our kid. On the other hand my friend had a $35k wedding that was two full days of having a blast with all of her loved ones and that’s okay too! No shame either way as long you stick to what you can afford and don’t hurt anyone.” – ThrowRA_SILspilled

    There might be better uses for the budget

    “I’ve talked with several people that did a similar thing, they all regret nothing. One took all the wedding money he was gonna spend and used it on a down payment for a house, and another used it to take a month off with his husband to travel.” – Jan_Itor_Md_

    If you spend it, don’t regret it

    “I have no regrets about spending money for an event that was meaningful to the people I love.” – the_lemon_lobster

    Don’t let your wedding put you in debt

    “One of my friends spent 30k on his wedding. Then was upset because he and his new wife couldn’t afford to get [an] apartment together because they were in debt for 25k cus they took a loan to pay for it. Just insanity” – keyboardstatic

    It’s your money

    “I mean honestly, it’s your money and people waste the majority of their money on frivolous stuff anyway so if that’s what you chose to spend your money on and it made you happy, then kudos to you. I’m not really knocking the people who do per se, I just don’t understand it. But I totally don’t need to.” –SonOfSet1

    A little first-class travel couldn’t hurt

    “I eloped with my now husband in feb of 2020 (pre lockdown) we used the money we save to fly to Thailand first class and spent two weeks travelling for only 8grand total! Waaaay better use of our time.” – MidnaMarbles

    What are your thoughts? Are you team “as expensive as possible” or team “save it for something else meaningful”?

    Picture: Netflix

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    In uncategorized

    All about Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s big Italian wedding

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    When the news surfaced that Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker had gone lowkey with their wedding (a simple courthouse ceremony with a guest list you could count on one hand) people began to speculate that something bigger was in the works.

    Ellen von Unwerth

    And, as internet sleuths often are, the suspicions were right!

    Little under a week since their original wedding, the pair celebrated their married status with an incredible Italian wedding bash on Sunday, 22 May, at Castello Brown, Portofino, as per Page Six.

    As expected, the Kardashian-Jenner clan all attended, with brother Rob Kardashian’s attendance still in question.

    NINO/GC Images

    Kourtney’s dress saw a magnificent mini Dolce & Gabbana wedding number, with a veil longer than the hem, inspired by a tattoo on the back of Travis’s head, accompanied by gloves and white heels. Travis played the perfect pairing with his black suit, also by Dolce & Gabanna.

    Ellen von Unwerth

    Kourtney later swapped the vision of white for a striking black dress again featuring matching globes and a Virgin Mary emblem in the centre of the dress – something many have likened to a copy of a similar dress sister Kim wore in 2017. But hey, if it goes with the energy, let it prevail!

    @kourtneykardashian

    More wedding details reveal that Kris Jenner was reportedly getting down on the dance floor, Travis gave a heartfelt speech with his new wife by his side, the clan’s union of children from their respective sides were happily present, and the internet’s most fascinating couple, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly were also in attendance, as per E!

    Picture:Ellen von Unwerth

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    In Weddings

    Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker tie the knot at low-key wedding

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    In a low-key courthouse ceremony, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker officially tied the knot.

    @kourtneykardash

    Now, a Kardashian having a downplayed wedding isn’t exactly on brand, but for Kourtney and Travis, AKA one of the most loved-up couples in Hollywood, the lack of grandeur seems fitting in the pair’s “we’re the different couple” narrative.

    @kourtneykardash

    If anything, Kourtney’s chill mini Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress and subtle veil and Travis’s sleek all-black suit are refreshing in a world where celebrity love (especially at the Kardashian level) is almost always contested with grandeur.

    @kourtneykardash

    The two sported pictures in a fabulous convertible, giving a 1960s genre film essence, as seen on Kourtney’s Instagram.

    @kourtneykardash

    However, rumours are pinning that there will be a bigger wedding down the line in Italy, according to a source as People reports. However, this is still just hearsay at this point, as Vogue notes, the couple have not confirmed big wedding plans.

    @kourtneykardash

    The courthouse wedding follows their practice wedding in Las Vagas post-Grammys in April according to Elle, but the marriage license wasn’t procured, making the ceremony unofficial. Kourtney had aptly captioned the pictures from this ceremony as “practice makes perfect” and her latest official wedding pictures with “Till death do us part.”

    Picture: @kourtneykardash

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    In Wedding Gowns

    WATCH: Bride forgets half her dress and realises right before the vows

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    When we think about that special day, amidst imaginings of how our partners will look at us adoringly, the dress that we’ll wear flawlessly after months of picking the perfect one, and the smiles on our guests’ faces as we say “I do”, we may also consider what could turn our fairytale into a nightmare.

    The rings get lost, the cake topples over, or worse – you forget to put on half your wedding gown.

    Well, for one digital creator, Becky Jefferies, discovering that she had forgotten half her dress behind turned out to be a reality. However, this story has a good ending and can be understood far more as a romantic comedy than a nightmare.

    Just before the bride and groom-to-be were about to say their vows, Becky became aware that things were a little lighter, as the detachable Point D’Esprit portion of her gown had not been put on!

    Kindly, Becky took the mic and asked the guests if she could complete her look. As anyone who has ever spent what felt like a lifetime choosing the perfect dress will know, it’s a lot of effort (both mental and physical) to finish your bridal look, and wearing only half of it is like submitting an art project without the all-important details!

    Despite the slight sense of “is this really happening” evident in Becky’s demeanour, the bride’s finishings quickly made it down the aisle just in time. “I bet you’ve never been to a wedding like this before,” Becky added humorously finally ready to say her vows in the completed dress she dreamed of (though, she looked stunning either way).

    WATCH: Bride forgets half her dress and realises right before the vows

     

     

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    A post shared by Becky Jefferies (@jetsetbecks)

    Picture: Screenshot from video

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