It’s no secret that weddings are a pricey affair – but our top 8 wedding budget tips will ensure yours doesn’t drain your funds.
1. A STITCH IN TIME
Believe us when we say that the months leading up to your big day will fly by, even quicker when you haven’t factored in as much planning as you’d expected. So while time may not be a tangible currency for exchange, it will save you plenty of stress and may even afford you reduced rates here and there if you book things such as the venue, entertainment, catering and honeymoon far enough in advance. You’ll thank us.
2. ALL IN
You’ll be surprised by how much you can save by selecting a venue with catering, drinks and equipment included, as opposed to booking these all through different providers. If the venue is catering, but charging a hefty price for the desserts, bring your own. ‘Bring your own desserts or sweets table,’ says Mikaila Beretta, a Cape Town events coordinator, ‘and take your venue’s menu option without the dessert. It’s more cost-effective and more fun for your guests.’ Ask about special rates during off-season to cut costs even further. Keeping the guest list short also means less work and expense.
3. IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Is your friend’s house just begging to be done up for a relaxed yet sophisticated reception? Does Uncle Richard have MasterChef skills he’s willing to offer for an unforgettable post-ceremony meal? Plenty of couples opt to get their loved ones involved in lieu of some type of a wedding gift – after all, if you’re saving money and getting the gift of a beautiful wedding, you can spend on items you really like for your new life as a married couple.
4. GO GREEN
‘The decor is usually expensive and can take up a lot of your budget if you aren’t aware of DIY options, which your planner should also be able to include and manage without the maximum cost,’ says Mikaila. Flowers often form a pretty large chunk of this expense. Luckily, there’s a super-stylish way to get around this budget nemesis: greenery like leaves, branches and creepers. Pinterest is your go-to resource, as it’s bursting with ideas of how to incorporate everything from delicious monster and banana leaves to olive branches into your decor and bridal-party bouquets. If you opt for a plant with smaller leaves, you can even use these as confetti.
5. YOU ARE (STYLISHLY) INVITED
Your parents may have had professionally printed card invitations with a patterned border and gold foiling, but that doesn’t mean you need to squeeze this (rather hefty) expense into your budget. Spend some time browsing the beautiful templates available online, then stock your home printer with good quality paper and you’re in business! Want to go eco-friendly? Digital invitations are the answer. For a small fee, you can customise your own invitations to be sent out via email, and track the RSVPs online AS an added perk!
6. FAVOUR FOR LESS
You’ll easily add extra expenses and another item to your to-do list when you start thinking about favours for your wedding retinue and guests. Keep things simple, especially if you have a large guest list, by tying sweets in pretty gauze bags, for example. Easy-peasy!
7. KEEP IT SIMPLE
Have your eye on a costly aisle runner? What about a scattering of pretty flower petals instead? Trying to fit design and printing costs for your programmes into the budget? The cost of 50-plus programmes, of which four will be taken home by the guests and the rest left on the floor to be trodden on? Probably not worth it.
8. SNAP HAPPY
The photography quality is one service you don’t want to skimp on. You want someone who will capture the true essence of your special day. Shop around before settling on a photographer – and you may be surprised by the reasonable prices you find along the way.
The way to get around forking out a big chunk of your wedding budget for this service? Keep the number of hours of service down to one or two.
Kristin Breytenbach and Nicky Rossouw roped in their families for a modest-meets-rustic wedding in the heart of the Cape Winelands. THE VENUE Winery Road Forest was a dream…
One of the most difficult parts of planning your wedding food is deciding whether you want a buffet or plated meal. We’ve laid out the pros and cons so you can easily decide what’s best for you.
A PLATED MEAL
The facts
A plated meal is the more traditional meal option, where your guests are each served three courses, plus canapés before the reception. Caterers will usually give guests an option of two to three main meals (with a vegetarian option as one of them).
The pros
All of your guests get their food at the same time. Since you know what everyone is eating, caterers will only buy for that amount of people, which makes it a more cost-effective option. You can also plan the entertainment – dancing, speeches and any surprises –
in-between each course.
The cons
It needs more waitstaff, which can get expensive (if your wedding package includes servers, however, this won’t be a concern). And more than likely, you and your partner will choose options based on what you love to eat, which may not appeal to everyone.
A BUFFET
The facts
Self-serve stations are set up. You can also hire servers to stand behind each warmer and dish up for the guests, which tends to be more hygienic and controlled. It is the non-traditional, more casual catering option.
The pros
Fewer servers will be needed and you can cut catering costs. You will also be able to serve more food options – which is a good idea, considering all the allergies, diets and intolerances guests may have. It encourages guests to mingle and chat, creating a relaxing atmosphere before party time.
The cons
Whether tables take turns heading up to the buffet or a long line forms, your guests will have to queue and wait for their food. If the buffet is not included in your catering package, you will have to rent the tables, linen, serving platters and warmers, which can be costly. People will always dish up more if they serve themselves, and caterers know this – the extra food purchased will beef up your catering bill. Guests milling around carrying plates laden with food may not bring the sense of elegance to the occasion that most couples would like.
Image: Unsplash
An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often…
Your veil doesn’t just have to be a piece of chiffon you plonk on your head, these statement veils have become the ultimate piece for the chic bride this season.
1. CATHEDRAL
The most dramatic of all the veils, with a minimum length of 2.5 m. The veil usually has plenty of lace and embroidery detail to further enhance the dramatic effect, and can sometimes even have a mantilla finish incorporated on top. It is best worn with an updo or bun that has been tightly secured, as the veil can be heavy!
2. CAPE
This is for you if you’re not a fan of the traditional veil, but still like the idea of having one. A cape is worn over the shoulders, and the possibilities for hairstyles are countless, as there are no restrictions. For a sophisticated look, go for a topknot or sleek ballerina bun; for a more Boho feel, opt for loose, textured curls.
3. FINGERTIP
The fingertip veil comes down to just where your fingertips are when your arms are relaxed. Best worn with a delicate updo or low ponytail so that the veil can be clipped into the back and still reach the fingertips. For a softer effect, hold the veil in place higher on your head with a headpiece so that it falls softly over your shoulders like loose curls.
4. BLUSHER
This is the part of the veil that covers the face, and comes in different lengths and styles. Although the more traditional option is to keep the blusher short, other styles use it to more dramatic effect, such as a longer-length veil with an equally long blusher. This veil works well with any soft, romantic hairstyle whether a low bun with loose strands or hair worn completely down. Stay away from a high ballerina bun, as you want to avoid having volume on top of your head. It can be held in place with an Alice band or tiara, but can also be delicately draped over your head if the edges have heavier finishes to weigh it down.
5. BALLET/WALTZ
This veil falls between the calves and ankles. It’s longer and more dramatic than a fingertip veil, but shorter and easier to dance in than a floor-length option. Best for a shorter hairstyle or a lower updo, where it can be clipped in securely.
Give your guests a day they’ll never forget (and something to do while you have your photos done) with fun and creative outdoor wedding games perfect for a…
Whether you’re a metrosexual, moustachioed man or a couldn’t-be-bothered bearded bro, our ultimate grooming guide will have you looking dapper on your big day.
BACK TO BASICS
If you haven’t started investing in a solid skincare regime yet, the day you get engaged is the perfect time to start. Begin by washing your face correctly with a good-quality cleanser, add a biweekly exfoliation into your routine, and nourish your skin with a moisturiser that suits your skin type and contains an SPF for daily sun protection. Speaking of hydration, up your water intake to eight glasses a day for a clearer, more radiant complexion come the big day.
We recommend:
Dermalogica Daily Defense Block SPF15
Clinique For Men Oil Control Exfoliating Tonic
Nivea Men Active Energy Face Wash Gel
CLOSE SHAVE
The only way you’re going to find your stubble sweet spot is by testing it out before the wedding. Shave a few times and take note of how long it takes for your beard to grow to a length you’re happy with for the ceremony. An unruly, scruffy beard is never a good look, so trim it slightly more than you usually would for a clean look (and to keep your bride smiling) on the day.
We recommend:
Philips Series 7000 Wet And Dry Shaver
GO PRO
If you’re wary of trimming and styling your own stubble, why not gather your groomsmen and treat yourself to a hot-towel shave ahead of your wedding? Chat to your trusty barber about both your hair and fuzz options, including how close to the wedding you should have your final haircut and shave – all depending on your typical growth and proneness to irritation.
EYES ON THE PRIZE
Maybe you hit the bar a bit heavy at the bachelor party and your peepers are far from sparkling. Sit for a few minutes with ice packs on your eyes (cold cucumber slices work too, in a pinch), and then follow with redness-reducing eye drops and a soothing under-eye gel.
We recommend:
Clarins Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum
TOP TO TOE
Don’t forget about your hands and feet – they deserve a good pampering too. Book a men’s mani-pedi at a salon a few days before the wedding. Your bride will be impressed at your attention to detail, and we bet you’ll love the feel of well-kept fingertips and soft skin. Use a dollop of hand cream on the day to prep your mitts to ensure plenty of hand-holding.
We recommend:
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
GRIN AND BARE IT
Consider getting your teeth cleaned and whitened a few weeks before the wedding, especially if you are a big coffee drinker, red-wine lover or smoker. For a cheaper alternative, add a dentist-approved whitening toothpaste to your brushing routine a few months before the day.
SCENT AND SENSIBILITY
There are few things worse than a groom who reeks of cheap cologne, so be sure to choose your fragrance wisely and apply sparingly. Already have a signature scent? Go with that, or shop around a few weeks before the day to find something special. We recommend a lighter scent (one with ‘green’ notes of herbs and zesty citrus) as opposed to an overly masculine one with strong woody notes.
We recommend:
Chanel Allure Homme Sport EDT
BROW NOW
Tame those caterpillars by plucking any errant hairs a few days before your wedding. Focus only on removing the rogue hairs between your eyes. Leave the ones above your brows and inside the inner or outer-eye lines alone – plucking these is overkill.
We recommend:
Studio Basics Slant Tip Tweezer