Similar to coconut water and good skin, tradition and weddings go hand-in-hand, and there’s nothing more traditional than forking out thousands for a jaw-dropping engagement ring. We’ve been conditioned to believe that the perfect wedding or engagement ring should look a particular way, but that isn’t necessarily the case.
We’re busting five myths that may soothe your anxious heart and help inspire you to break away from tradition:
The bigger the diamond, the better the ring
Incredible marketing in the 1980s epitomised the luxury status that came with owning a giant diamond ring, and celebrities such as the Kardashians haven’t helped dissuade this sentiment either. However, picking out something quaint and delicate can be just as beautiful and can still make a statement.
There are also plenty of advantages to choosing a ring that doesn’t weigh as much as a small gerbil, which includes affordability and everyday wear and tear. If your sparkler is 1 carat or under, try choosing a design where the diamond is front and centre while exploring various shapes that suit your style.
Engagement rings should be bland
Who said your engagement ring shouldn’t have a pop of colour? A recent trend we’ve been seeing lately is a move away from the traditional clear precious gemstones and towards blues, reds and greens.
Traditionally, coloured gemstones are often associated with royals. Think, the late Princess Diana’s gorgeous blue sapphire engagement ring. However, more brides-to-be are indulging in a little colour when it comes to their wedding rings with vibrant blood-red rubies and shimmering green emeralds at the top of the list. Just make sure that when you’re picking out your favourite precious gemstone, you stick with stones that are 7-10 on the MOHs hardness scale to ensure it doesn’t get damaged.
Any stone will work well for an engagement ring
We know that the affordable moonstone engagement ring you saw online looks fantastic, but you’ll need to consider the durability of the stone you’ll be purchasing. Your engagement ring is going to take a beating, and between doing the dishes every evening to exercising, certain stones are just not durable enough. Stones such as opal and pearls can be a great alternative to the traditional engagement ring, but these precious stones are often considered “soft,” especially when compared to the MOHs hardness scale.
For example, pearls are ranked 2.5 on MOHs hardness scale, so care will need to be taken to avoid scratching or damaging this precious gem. However, diamonds are ranked 10 on this hardness scale, so they can be quite durable.
There are no ethical engagement rings out there
Times have certainly changed, and so have consumer habits. It’s the age of the conscious shopper and shopping ethically and sustainably has become a top priority as people around the world attempt to contribute to a sustainable future for all. While you may think that finding an ethically sourced engagement ring might be tough, more jewellers have shifted their focus to one that conserves the resources of the planet and caters to those looking to ensure a greener future.
Traceable gemstones, recycled gemstones, lab-grown gemstones and recycled gold are just a few options for the sustainable wedding couple.
The jeweller isn’t always right
Oftentimes, you’re buying an engagement ring for the first time, so what could you possibly know. Jewellers are there to give you advice when it comes to a few important details, including a diamond’s 4 C’s, price comparisons, durability and craftsmanship. Be wary of jewellers who are steering you towards a ring that you may not feel comfortable with, only you know your future fiance’s style and wants, so keep that in mind when browsing. And don’t forget to take your time!
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Picture: Unsplash
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A rare Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961, created for the wedding of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana, will soon go on auction at Bruun Rasmussen. The bottle is one of the few remaining from the royal celebration and is expected to draw major interest.
A royal bottle with a big price tag
The 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana is still known as the “Wedding of the Century.” Now, more than 40 years later, collectors can buy a piece of that moment. Bruun Rasmussen will offer a magnum of Dom Pérignon Vintage 1961 on 11 December. It carries an estimated value of EUR 67,000–80,000, which is roughly R1.3 million to R1.55 million.
Dom Pérignon created this special release for the royal wedding on 29 July 1981. Guests enjoyed it after the ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral and during the reception at Buckingham Palace.
“Vintage 1961 is one of Dom Pérignon’s most celebrated vintages. The bottles for the royal wedding came from a very small run, which makes them extremely rare,” says Thomas Rosendahl, Head of the Wine Department at Bruun Rasmussen.
Each bottle was disgorged in 1981 and finished with a commemorative label marking the occasion. This detail makes the release even more collectible.
Rosendahl explains why the bottle is such a standout piece:
“It’s more than a great vintage. It’s a cultural artefact linked to an unforgettable royal event. We expect strong international interest from wine collectors and fans of royal memorabilia.”
The magnum will appear at the Bruun Rasmussen auction on 11 December.
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Feature image: Supplied by Bruun Rasmussen
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You’ve found your dream dress but it doesn’t sit quite the way you were expecting. While most brides spend hours dreaming about the perfect gown that they’ll walk down the aisle in, what’s not often talked about (or dreamt about) is the logistics of wedding dress alterations.
The fit of your wedding dress is oh-so-important, which makes understanding wedding alterations just as important – but what to know?
Types of wedding dress alterations:
Adding details
If you have the time and the budget, customising your dress to include a range of details that suit your fancy – sleeves, train length, shoulder straps or beading – can be done by a reliable seamstress.
Basic hemming
This is probably the most common type of alteration and can range from hemming the length of the gown to adjusting the fit of the dress. These basic adjustments are a great way to make sure your wedding gown is comfy, looks spectacular on you and leaves you feeling beautiful.
Keep in mind that most wedding gowns will need alterations, which leads us to the next tip: budget.
Planning is everything
Add wedding dress alterations to your budget:
You want to look amazing on your big day and it’s important to remember that you may need wedding dress alterations to ensure that the dress fits you like a glove. Now, some wedding boutiques are heaven-sent and offer free alterations (depending on what you want to be done), however, you may need to add alterations to your budget.
So, how much will it cost? Another important note is that all wedding dress seamstresses are different and will charge their own rate, but you can expect to pay around R2500 (or more) for alterations, so make sure that you add this into your wedding budget. Another aspect to keep in mind – more expensive is always better, so make sure that you shop around.
Timing is everything
No bride needs the extra stress and stressing about whether you’ll receive your wedding gown before you walk down the aisle is stressful. Timing is everything when it comes to alterations, so make sure that you create a timeline that ensures you won’t be pulling your hair from the stress.
If it’s possible, purchase your wedding dress at least 10 months before your date as buying your dress early allows you to have an abundance of time for fittings. Schedule a fitting at least eight to 12 weeks before the wedding and then a second fitting at least two weeks before you walk down the aisle.
Fitting tricks
Bring along your wedding shoes, accessories and undergarments
Bring along your wedding day essentials in order to ensure that you get a proper fit. There’s no question that shoe length, your favourite shapewear and a strapless bra can make all the difference when trying on clothes, and the same goes for your wedding dress. You want to know exactly how it’s going to fit and during your fitting appointments, you’ll get a sense of what you’ll look like on the day.
An extra tip: Your wedding dress is usually altered according to the length of your shoe, so if you’re looking to change into a pair of sneakers during the reception, it’s going to be a bit long and you may find yourself tripping all over the place. To avoid this, make sure that you purchase a shoe that you love and will keep you nice and comfy.
Bring a friend
This may be an unspoken wedding dress shopping rule, but it’s something that is always a good idea to say again. Bring along a supportive friend or family member to help keep your spirits up and help give you a different (but positive) perspective when shopping around or going for fittings. It’s also really nice to have someone to document those memories with a selfie or two before clinking your glass in celebration of finding “the one.”
Happy wedding dress shopping!
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Feature Image: Unsplash
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Planning a wedding in the city comes with a special kind of magic, the energy, the skyline views, the architecture, and the blend of modern flair with timeless romance. South Africa’s major cities offer some of the most unique and breathtaking urban venues, perfect for couples who want a sophisticated celebration without escaping to the countryside.
Here’s your guide to the most beautiful city wedding venues across South Africa, each offering its own charm, character, and unforgettable backdrop.
Johannesburg: Glamour, Skyline Views & Modern Elegance
Joburg’s wedding scene is a blend of luxury and cosmopolitan style, making it ideal for couples who love modern romance.
1. The Forum – The Campus (Bryanston)
A sleek architectural masterpiece with manicured gardens and contemporary event spaces. It’s perfect for stylish, design-led weddings with indoor-outdoor flexibility.
2. Randlords (Braamfontein)
Located at the top of South Point Towers, Randlords offers panoramic 360-degree views of Johannesburg. Sunset ceremonies and glittering night receptions here feel absolutely magical.
3. The Sanctuary Venue (Kyalami)
A serene escape within the city — elegant interiors, soft lighting, and tranquil water features make it ideal for intimate, luxurious celebrations.
Cape Town: Urban Romance with Ocean & Mountain Magic
Cape Town is where natural beauty meets city sophistication. Couples can enjoy iconic views without leaving the metropolitan heartbeat.
1. The Silo Hotel (V&A Waterfront)
A jewel of contemporary luxury. Think dramatic architecture, glamorous interiors, and exclusive rooftop spaces overlooking Table Mountain.
2. Zeitz MOCAA (Silo District)
For art lovers and modern couples, this world-famous museum offers unforgettable spaces filled with creativity and architectural brilliance.
3. Kelvin Grove (Newlands)
A timeless city-centre classic with lush gardens, grand ballrooms and a heritage feel — perfect for elegant, traditional weddings.
Durban: Warm Coastal City Vibes & Tropical Flair
Durban’s city venues bring sunshine, ocean breezes, and a relaxed urban energy — perfect for vibrant celebrations.
1. The Oyster Box (Umhlanga)
While known for coastal luxury, the Oyster Box also offers chic indoor venues with a glamorous city-meets-ocean appeal.
2. Coastlands Musgrave
This venue offers sky-high city views and contemporary ballrooms ideal for large, glamorous weddings.
3. The Beverly Hills Hotel
Iconic, elegant, and perfect for couples who want a modern city wedding with a touch of beachside romance.
Pretoria: Classic Architecture & City Sophistication
Pretoria combines historical charm with modern design, offering timeless and stately venues.
1. The Pretoria Country Club
Elegant, classic and beautifully maintained — a favourite for sophisticated urban weddings.
2. Monte De Dios
A luxury venue set just outside the city buzz but still close enough to maintain an urban feel. Think European-style charm with sweeping views.
3. Black Bamboo at Menlyn
Ideal for smaller, intimate, high-end weddings with award-winning cuisine and stylish décor.
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): Seaside City Celebrations
This coastal city blends relaxed atmosphere with modern city convenience.
1. The Boardwalk Hotel & Convention Centre
A luxurious waterfront venue perfect for couples who want elegance with a laid-back coastal twist.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel
Chic and contemporary with ocean views — perfect for modern weddings with picture-perfect photo opportunities.
Why Choose a City Wedding Venue in South Africa?
City weddings bring together convenience, style and endless possibilities:
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Easy access for guests
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Close proximity to top hotels, photographers and décor teams
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Stylish architecture and skyline backdrops
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All-weather flexibility
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A modern, elegant atmosphere
Whether you’re dreaming of a glamorous rooftop ceremony, an artistic industrial space, or a luxurious ballroom in the heart of the city, South Africa offers countless options to bring your vision to life.
Featured Image: Canva