It’s always great receiving an invitation to a wedding. It’s a joyous occasion that you are honoured to be part of. As excited as you may be, your wallet might not be as thrilled. All the costs are easy to forget, so be prepared for these expenses if you’re a wedding guest.
The engagement party
Couples usually have an engagement party to celebrate the good news and the marriage to come. It’s not always a big thing, but there is a chance that you may encounter a few expenses.
- You may need to purchase a gift. It’s not a requirement, but if you feel the need to get the couple a gift, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy or over the top and you shouldn’t feel pressured into getting something expensive.
- Not all engagement parties are super formal, but if the one you’re going to happens to be, and you don’t own anything up to par, then you may need to go on a little shopping trip.
- Hopefully, there are drinks available but if the soiree doesn’t feature an open bar, you’ll have to fork out some cash for your liquor.
Bridal shower
- Pitching up with a gift is now expected unless stated otherwise, so that’s definitely a deduction.
The bachelor/bachelorette party
- A gift may not be necessary but depending on how close you are to the bride, you may be required to contribute to various things surrounding the party itself.
- If you’re going out, you may have to pay your own way for things like dinner and drinks.
- Travel costs. Now, this isn’t always the case, but you may be required to travel to a destination for the party. Whether it’s an hour or plane away, that’s still a cost.
The wedding
- Travel comes up again, as the ceremony and reception may be held at a special place that’s of course at a distance. You’ll have to make your own way there unless stated otherwise.
- This is the main event and a special gift is now mandatory. Most couples opt for a wedding registry that consists of a variety of gifts with different price tags, big and small.
- Since it is the big day, you have to look your best. Depending on what the dress code is and what’s available in your closet, you may need to stop window shopping.
- If it is a destination wedding, chances are, you may need to sort out your own accommodation. Some couples may book a few rooms at a hotel but you’ll have to pay your own way.
It’s important to remember that even if you get an invitation to all the wedding festivities, you don’t have to attend them all, especially since they can become quite costly.
As expensive as all these things may seem, before you decline the invitation, keep in mind that all the things listed may not be applicable to all events.
ALSO SEE: Wedding guest dress code explained
Feature image: Pexels
South African entertainment is celebrating a real-life love story after House of Zwide co-stars Shalate Sekhabi and Wanda Zuma reportedly tied the knot, taking their on-screen romance to the next…
There’s a new chapter unfolding for Sue Duminy, and this one comes with a sparkling ring and a resounding “yes.”
The Cape Town-based content creator took to Instagram to share the news of her engagement, posting a heartfelt video of the moment her partner proposed at the iconic AfrikaBurn.
“I said… yes,” she captioned the post, alongside a message reflecting on a love that feels grounding and deeply aligned.
She previously introduced her partner, Roberto Franco, to her followers late last year. Since then, the couple have shared snippets of their life together — from travel escapes to festival moments.
View this post on Instagram
Sue was previously married to former Proteas cricketer JP Duminy, with whom she shares two daughters. The pair announced their separation in early 2024 after many years together.
Congratulations to the happy couple on their engagement and this exciting new beginning.
ALSO SEE: Neels van Jaarsveld reportedly ties the knot
Feature image: Sue Duminy/Instagram
Shopping for your wedding dress is a significant part of your wedding journey. For some brides, this is the time when it all starts to feel real, so…
Alongside all the beauty of an autumn or winter wedding comes one unpredictable guest: rain. And while a few drops might make for dreamy photos, a full-on downpour…
Mixing cologne, body spray, deodorant and aftershave can become a messy affair. Here is our gentlemen’s guide to understanding these different products and how to use them:
Cologne is the strongest form of fragrance and generally lasts the longest. It’s ideal for nights out, a special date, or more formal functions.
Body sprays are the second strongest. These nifty, portable sprays are great for daytime or after gym wear. Sprays last a few hours and can be easily re-applied to keep you smelling fresh.
Aftershave and deodorant serve dual functions. These products don’t just smell good, they also serve a purpose. We suggest using neutral-smelling aftershaves and deodorants to avoid scents clashing and becoming muddied, while still benefitting from their practical usage.
Aftershave contains soothing and anti-bacterial agents. It prevents irritations, itching, burning and rashes, all while hydrating your skin too. It usually contains a type of astringent, an ingredient that seals up pores to prevent bacteria infecting the skin after shaving.
Deodorant, the most subdued of all scents, is mostly functional. It’s important to note that not all deodorants are antiperspirants. Antiperspirants close or block the pores under your pits, working against your natural odour, while a deodorant masks the smell of sweat while still allowing skin to breathe. Antiperspirants not only reduce sweating, but also regulate your skin’s pH level, preventing stinky pits.
To strike a perfect balance, we suggest choosing one fragrance (cologne or body spray) according to the occasion and combining it with a neutral aftershave and deodorant.
ALSO SEE: 8 guidelines for father of the groom
Feature image: Pexels