When it comes to weddings, every bride dreams of looking flawless as she walks down the aisle. But the big question is: should you do your own makeup or trust a professional stylist? In South Africa, where weddings can range from intimate garden ceremonies to grand luxury affairs, the decision often comes down to budget, confidence, and personal style.
The Case for Doing Your Own Makeup
If you’re someone who feels confident with a makeup brush, doing your own makeup might be a cost-effective and empowering choice.
Pros:
-
Budget-friendly: Perfect for brides who are cutting costs in 2025’s tighter wedding economy.
-
Personal control: You know exactly what products work for your skin and what look makes you feel beautiful.
-
Practice makes perfect: With trial runs, you can perfect your wedding-day look well in advance.
Cons:
-
Stress factor: On the morning of your wedding, nerves can make even the steadiest hands shaky.
-
No backup plan: If something goes wrong—like a smudged eyeliner—you may not have time to fix it.
-
Less polished: Even skilled DIY brides may not achieve the long-lasting, camera-ready finish that professionals deliver.
The Case for Hiring a Professional Stylist
Professional makeup artists bring experience, creativity, and calm to your wedding day preparations.
Pros:
-
Expertise: Trained in working with different skin tones, textures, and wedding-day lighting.
-
Stress-free: You can sit back, relax, and enjoy being pampered while someone else ensures you look radiant.
-
High-quality products: Pros often use premium, long-wear products that keep your makeup intact through tears, heat, and hours of celebration.
Cons:
-
Cost: Hiring a professional can be pricey, especially for bridal parties.
-
Less control: You’ll need to communicate your preferences clearly to avoid a look that doesn’t feel like “you.”
-
Availability: Popular artists in South Africa get booked months (sometimes years) in advance.
Finding the Balance
Many brides are now choosing a hybrid approach, doing their own makeup for pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or rehearsal, and hiring a professional for the big day itself. This way, you save money but still enjoy the polished, stress-free look for your wedding photos and ceremony.
The choice between doing your own makeup and hiring a professional stylist ultimately depends on your budget, confidence, and vision. Whether you’re a DIY queen or prefer the pampering touch of a pro, what matters most is that you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself on your special day.
Featured Image: Canva
Mzansi’s favourite beauty queens are proving that 2025 is the year of love. Within weeks of each other, Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi and former Miss South Africa…
Every bride dreams of a flawless wedding day, but the reality is that unexpected hiccups happen. From sudden beauty mishaps to décor glitches, even the best-laid plans can hit a bump. The good news? Brides around the world have tried-and-tested quick fixes that can turn potential disasters into barely noticeable blips. Here are 7 last-minute wedding day hacks that brides swear by to save the day.
1. The Emergency Kit is Your Best Friend
Think of it as your bridal survival bag. Stock it with safety pins, fashion tape, painkillers, a mini sewing kit, blotting papers, and clear nail polish (perfect for stopping runs in tights or even sealing loose threads). Many brides say this little kit has saved them more times than they can count.
Why it matters:
Unexpected stains, loose buttons, or fashion mishaps? You’re covered and your day stays on track.
2. Double-Sided Tape for Dress and Décor
If a bridesmaid’s strap won’t stay in place or a centerpiece looks unstable, double-sided tape comes to the rescue. Brides also use it for sticking down veils on a windy day or securing shoes that are slightly too loose. It’s a tiny item that can save you from big headaches.
Why it matters:
Unexpected rain or heat can ruin your outfit, but a little prep ensures you’re still picture-perfect.
3. Baby Powder for Stains and Sweat
From makeup smudges to underarm sweat, baby powder can be a miracle worker. Dab it lightly on oily stains or sprinkle it on inner thighs to prevent chafing if the weather is hot. It’s an old-school trick, but brides still swear by it.
4. White Chalk for Dress Emergencies
Spilled wine or a makeup smudge on your gown? White chalk can cover small stains instantly until you can get it professionally cleaned. It’s an easy, inexpensive hack that blends well with most fabrics.
5. Backup Flats for Dancing
Heels look stunning but can feel like torture after a few hours. Brides who slipped a pair of cute flats or sandals under their sweetheart table say it saved their night and their feet. No one notices under the gown, and you’ll be free to dance until dawn.
6. Straws for Sip-Safe Makeup
Smudged lipstick right before photos is every bride’s nightmare. Keep straws nearby so you can sip without ruining your makeup. Many brides say this one tiny habit kept their lipstick photo-ready all day.
7. A Point Person for the Chaos
Your maid of honor, a trusted friend, or even your wedding planner can be your go-to fixer. Hand them your phone and your emergency kit so you can focus on enjoying your day. Brides say having a “wedding day captain” ensures small hiccups never reach the bride’s radar.
At the end of the day, weddings are about love, not perfection. But with these clever last-minute hacks, you can smooth over the unexpected and keep your celebration stress-free. Brides who’ve been there promise: it’s these little tricks that often make the biggest difference.
Featured Image: Canva
Source: CoutureIsBeyond on X For most couples, the wedding budget decides everything. The dress, the flowers, the music, the guest list. And the catering of course, because that’s…
Evolving Traditions with Local Flair
In 2025, South African pre-wedding celebrations are more creative, personalized, and meaningful than ever. Brides and their entourages are embracing global trends like immersive experiences and sustainability, while adding uniquely South African touches, from vineyard backdrops to handcrafted décor. Whether you’re planning a laid-back garden gathering or a glam retro bash, these ideas will help make your celebration feel both trend-forward and rooted in local culture.
Bridal Shower Trends for 2025
Trending Themes Worth a Try
-
Farmers Market Elegance (“She’s Off the Market”)
Think fresh produce stalls, artisanal cheeses, gingham linens, and sustainable décor, perfect for lovers of local, eco-conscious styling. -
Cottagecore Romance
Cozy aesthetics with lace runners, pastel blooms, vintage crockery, and fairy lights evoke that cozy, Nancy Meyers film vibe. -
Disco & Diamonds Retro
Dare to sparkle with disco-ball centerpieces, metallic accents, and glam ’70s shimmer—a fun, nostalgic twist. -
Garden Party Chic (“Sow in Love”)
Ideal for outdoor celebrations with dainty tablescapes, parasols, hanging greenery, and wildflower details. -
Personalized Bright Hues
Bold color palettes, think citrus summer or ’90s hues set by the guest of honor’s personality and style.
Interactive Décor & Activities
-
Activity Stations Are a Must: From fragrance bars and flower crowns to DIY boba and honey jar favors, these stations create fun, tactile experiences.
-
Intimate & Inclusive Vibes: Personal touches like custom thank-you cards, ribbon details, and games that include all attendees even both partners add warmth and thoughtfulness.
Food, Drink & Sustainability
-
Bars That Spark Joy: Prosecco walls, mimosa stations, and boba or fragrance bars elevate the celebration while enabling guests to customize their experience.
-
Eco-Conscious Favors: Local honey jars, seed-paper favors, and reused décor tools feel both thoughtful and earth-friendly.
-
Local Sourcing Wins: Emphasize produce and décor from local markets and artisans, supports small businesses while offering a touch of South African flair.
Bachelorette Party Trends for 2025
Sober-Curious & Experience-Driven
-
Mocktail Nights & Tastings: Wine-adjacent but alcohol-free celebrations, think kombucha or NA wine pairings, complete with creative glassware and playlists.
-
Wellness Activities: Yoga, pottery classes, arcade lounges, or sunset hikes create memorable, group-bonding experiences.
Sentimental Keepsakes
-
Jewelry Workshops: Create charm bracelets or matching welded anklets, gifts that double as mementos of the day.
Nostalgia & Festival Energy
-
Y2K and Festival Vibes: Matching tracksuits, glitter, disposable cameras, “Bridechella” setups, and customized playlists bring back early-2000s charm.
Spiritual & Creative Funs
-
Presentations & Astrology Nights: From fun slideshows (“Why the Bride is the Main Character”) to tarot readings and zodiac dress codes, these ideas add dimension and humor.
Outdoors & Local Adventures
-
Garden Picnics & Glamping: A visually stunning alternative to clubbing, combining comfort, nature, and easy decor.
-
Local Road Trips: Explore scenic routes like the Garden Route or Waterberg stop at quaint stays, capture the journey, and pair it with group bonding.
-
Western & Camp Themes: “Cowgirl,” “Coastal Cowgirl,” and “Last Rodeo” themes combining western flair with retro or festival elements, think cowboy hats, bonfires, line dancing, and horseback options.
Retro Revival
-
Decade-Inspired Throwbacks: Choose a decade (’60s elegance, ‘70s disco, ’80s glam) and bring it to life with prop decor, themed cocktails, and era-specific playlists.
Bridging Global Trends with South African Flair
-
Eco-Chic Sensibility: Prioritize local sourcing, zero-waste décor, and upcycled elements, especially popular in bridal showers where artisanal touches go a long way.
-
Cultural Infusions: African prints, shweshwe fabrics, and local floral arrangements make décor unique and place-specific.
-
Venue Considerations: South Africa boasts stunning landscapes, from Cape vineyards and Winelands estates to countryside airbnbs and game lodges. Tailor the setting to your bridal vibe.
-
Beauty & Décor Synergy: Soft glam, floral hairpieces, and well-curated nail-art or self-care stations tie the look together.
Crafting the Perfect Celebration
Whether you’re leaning into sustainable sophistication or vibrant nostalgia, your bridal shower or bachelorette party should feel authentic. Balance global inspiration like festival themes or mocktail bars with local cultural elements, South African art, landscapes, and flavors to create a celebration that’s fresh, meaningful, and memorable.
Featured Image: Pixels
Photo by Duo Chen on Unsplash In South Africa, a wedding dress is never just a dress. It’s a symbol of love, a reflection of heritage, and often the centrepiece of…
Image Source: Eastern Cape is Beautiful on Facebook
Where Coastal Romance Meets Wild Beauty: Eastern Cape’s Most Breathtaking Wedding Venues
The Eastern Cape is one of South Africa’s most underrated wedding destinations. It’s a place where the dramatic Wild Coast meets gentle, sun-warmed beaches, where forest chapels hide beneath canopies of green, and where safari lodges offer once-in-a-lifetime moments beneath the African sky. With an 800km coastline, malaria-free game reserves, charming historic towns, and a climate that feels like summer most of the year, the Eastern Cape is a dream setting for saying “I do.”
It’s not just the landscapes that make this province special, it’s the mix of cultures, warm hospitality, and rich heritage that turn a wedding here into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re drawn to the Indian Ocean breeze, the quiet romance of the Karoo, or the call of the wild, there’s a venue here that will feel like it was made for your love story.
So, let’s get started and help you find the perfect venue to host your dream wedding in the Eastern Cape.
For the Nature-Loving Couple
The Plantation – Port Elizabeth’s Fairytale Forest
Source: The Plantation on Instagram
Hidden in an indigenous forest just outside Port Elizabeth, The Plantation is where wedding dreams meet nature’s magic. Voted the “Wedding Venue of the Year – South Africa” in 2023/2024 and “Wedding Venue of the Year 2024 – Eastern Cape,” The Plantation has made quite a name for itself.
Its open-sided chapel lets the forest in, with sunlight spilling across the aisle and birdsong as your wedding soundtrack. Reception spaces spill onto wrap-around porches, while fairy lights twinkle through the trees.
The Plantation is known for stress-free, all-inclusive wedding packages – a lifesaver for couples planning their wedding from afar. One of their unique selling points is that their wedding packages are fully customisable and flexible. Their kitchen is famous for exquisite wedding feasts, and the venue’s location makes it perfect for honeymooning along the Garden Route.
The venue is large and spacious and can accommodate between 10 and 200 people comfortably. There’s also various accommodate available with shuttle services to get your guests to the venue from their accommodation without any hick ups.
For the Wild at Heart
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve – A Safari Wedding to Remember
Source: Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
Thirty kilometres from East London, at the gateway to the Wild Coast, lies Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Here, vows are exchanged in a quaint chapel before guests stroll along a red carpet to a lodge transformed into a wedding wonderland.
Their wedding package includes the venue hire, decor, sound equipment and catering. As an added bonus they offer complimentary overnight accommodation for the bride and groom in their luxury Honeymoon suite.
And it includes a complimentary mini Game drive after an enjoyable breakfast the day after your wedding! What’s not to love?
The reserve is home to four of the Big Five – including a pride of rare white lions – and offers 5 types of luxury tented accommodation beneath indigenous trees. The wedding feast is prepared by in-house chefs for up to 300 guests, and game drives the next morning mean your celebration truly becomes an African adventure.
For Ocean Lovers
St Francis Links – Seaside Elegance with a Golf Course View
Source: St. Francis Links on Facebook
Overlooking one of South Africa’s top golf courses and the Indian Ocean, St Francis Links blends glamour with a relaxed coastal feel. Located just 30 minutes from Jeffrey’s Bay and only 1 hour away from P.E, in the quiet town of St Francis Bay, this is the perfect coastal venue.
Guests have come as far as New York, New Zealand, and Khazakstan to celebrate their special day at St Francis Links, which says a lot.
Whether you want an intimate gathering or an elaborate 200-guest celebration, the venue offers world-class catering with customs menus designed by their head chef, weekend-long wedding packages, and even pre-wedding golf days.
With 12 on-site accommodation options and a spa, your wedding weekend can be as indulgent as it is memorable.
Ocean View Hotel – Coffee Bay’s Wild Coast Romance
Source: Ocean View Hotel on Facebook
Perched in one of the Wild Coast’s most breathtaking bays, the Ocean View Hotel in Coffee Bay offers a wedding backdrop of towering cliffs, golden sands, and rolling waves. Amongst all the outstanding coastal venues in country it’s a pretty hard backdrop to beat.
The journey here takes you through rural countryside and dramatic landscapes – a fitting prelude to a wedding that feels worlds away from the ordinary.
With activities such as fishing, diving, boat charters, guided tours and more, you won’t even have to go anywhere else for your honeymoon, as this venue has got it all.
For Historic Charm
The Drostdy Hotel – Graaff-Reinet’s Karoo Elegance
Source: Drostdy Hotel on Instagram
Situated in the heart of the Karoo, The Drostdy Hotel offers timeless sophistication and a one of a kind backdrop for your big day. You’re spoilt for choice with lush gardens, intimate gallery spaces, or candlelit terraces beneath the stars.
They offer a special Africology Bridal Spa option, to make sure that you’re left feeling refreshed, pampered and glowing for your big day. They even have a special kiddies spa menu, for the little ring bearers to make sure they don’t miss out on all the fun.
With two venues able to accomodate between 60 and 120 people, and 48 luxurious rooms available, you and your guests are ensured a comfortable stay and memorable experience.
With the Karoo’s dramatic beauty and old-world charm, there’s set to be some extra romance to your wedding photographs.
For Countryside Romance
Mooihoek Berry Barn– Rustic Charm in the Gamtoos Valley
Source: Mooihoek Berry Barn on Instagram
Family-run for three generations, Mooihoek Farm’s Berry Barn is perfect for intimate weddings of up to 80 guests. With sweeping valley views, homely hospitality, and seasonal farm-to-table food, it’s ideal for couples seeking a laid-back but beautiful countryside celebration. Situated in the small town of Hankey, it’s only 45 minutes away from Jeffrey’s Bay and 1 hour way from P.E, making it easy to access.
They offer a brides dressing room and additional accomodation as well, so you and your bridal party don’t have to worry about being late for your big day.
Gonubie Manor – A Grand Old Lady of the Eastern Cape
Source: Ganubie Manor on Instagram
Once a historic stopover for travellers in the 1800s, Gonubie Manor now hosts weddings in its manicured gardens and elegant halls, accommodating anything from 120 to 450 guests. So if you’ve got a big family that needs to be accommodated, then this venue is for you. From rustic ox wagon backdrops to chandelier-lit receptions, it’s a versatile venue steeped in history.
You can customise your wedding menu, so whether you want more traditional South African dishes or a 5-course menu, their catering team’s got you covered.
With self catering accomodation, cottages and luxury suites all on site, your guests won’t have to worry about where they’ll stay and how they’ll get to your wedding on time.
For a Luxury Safari Celebration
Bukela Game Lodge – Romance in the Wild
Source: Bukela Game Reserve on Instagram
Set in the Amakhala Game Reserve in Addo, Bukela offers luxury safari weddings surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa. Exchange vows overlooking sweeping valleys, celebrate under the stars, and wake to the calls of elephants and buffalo. With both suites and safari tents, your guests can enjoy the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort.
With a luxurious spa, numerous safari experiences, and other guided activities, you can enjoy your wedding and honeymoon all in one location.
Why the Eastern Cape is a Wedding Gem
The Eastern Cape offers something few wedding destinations can match – variety. You can marry barefoot on the beach, beneath a forest canopy, in a luxury lodge, or on a Karoo estate. Venues here are generally more affordable than those in Cape Town or Durban, yet the quality and natural beauty are world-class.
Social media is filled with glowing reviews from newlyweds who tied the knot here – from Johannesburg couples seeking a coastal escape to international guests flying in for a safari celebration. The warm local hospitality, combined with the province’s jaw-dropping scenery, makes it an unbeatable choice for couples who want more than just a venue – they want a place that tells a story.