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!
ALSO SEE: Sweet inscriptions to have engraved in your ring
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.
ALSO SEE: What Wines & Drinks to Serve at Weddings in 2025
Feature image: Supplied by Bruun Rasmussen
Having your ring engraved is an excellent way to personalise your engagement ring. It allows couples to write sweet messages of devotion to one another, and keep it…
Choosing the right wedding favours is more than just a token of appreciation, it’s a way to extend your love, personality, and gratitude to your guests. Here are some thoughtful, on‑trend wedding favour ideas for 2025 that balance style, practicality, and sentiment.
1. Mini Succulents & Live Plants
Giving guests a living favour, like tiny succulents or herb pots is both eco-friendly and meaningful. These mini plants symbolize growth and lasting love, and guests can take them home and continue nurturing them.
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Why it works: It’s sustainable, decorative, and long-lasting.
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Tip: Use small terracotta pots, concrete planters, or even custom-printed tags.
2. Local Honey Jars
Mini jars of honey, especially local varieties are a sweet and rustic favour that many couples love.
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Why it works: Edible, thoughtful, and represents “sweetness” in your union.
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Personalization: Add custom labels with your names, wedding date, or a fun message like “Meant to Bee.”
3. Infused Olive Oil
Infused olive oil (think rosemary, garlic, chili) makes a sophisticated and practical gift.
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Why it works: Culinary lovers will appreciate it; it’s useful and elegant.
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Presentation: Use mini glass bottles, and label them with flavor notes plus a “Drizzle with love” tagline.
4. Mini Recovery / “Morning-After” Kits
These kits are a playful yet practical favour, especially for weddings that end late or are very lively. Fill them with items like electrolyte sachets, mints, pain reliever, and maybe a sleep mask or sunglasses.
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Why it works: It shows you care about your guests even after the party ends.
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Design idea: Use small pouches or kraft bags, and attach a fun tag like “Dance now, recover later.”
5. Handmade Soaps & Scented Candles
Artisanal soap bars or scented candles are classic and elegant gifts that guests can actually use.
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Why it works: They’re luxurious, personal, and can be customized to your wedding scent or color palette.
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Custom touch: Personalize the labels with your wedding date or a message like “May this light your way.”
6. Seed Packets / Botanical Favours
Packets of flower, herb, or wildflower seeds are a beautiful way to symbolize growth and hope.
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Why it works: Guests can plant them later, creating a lasting memory from your day.
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How to make it special: Include planting instructions or a note that says, “Watch our love grow.”
7. Personalized Keepsakes & Trinkets
Tiny keepsakes, like custom keychains, bottle stoppers, bookmarks, or magnets are practical and memorable.
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Why it works: These items are useful in everyday life, so guests are more likely to keep them.
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Ideas: Engrave initials, wedding date, or a small symbol that’s meaningful to you.
8. Miniature Alcohol Bottles or Drinkables
Small bottles of wine, champagne, or a custom cocktail make for charming and celebratory favours.
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Why it works: It’s a festive touch, especially for a destination wedding or a couple that loves wine.
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Tip: Add a custom tag or label with a pun or thank-you message.
9. Tea Bags or Loose Leaf Tea
Tea is a comforting, versatile gift. Consider packaging tea leaves in vials or test tubes, or giving tea bags with a decorative tag.
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Why it works: Guests can enjoy a relaxing brew at home and remember your day.
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Twist: Pair with a heart-shaped tea infuser or a personalized spoon.
10. Personalized Bookmarks or Luggage Tags
These are particularly great if your wedding has a travel or literary theme.
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Why it works: Useful, light to transport, and easy to personalize.
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Design idea: Have your names, date, or even a short quote printed or engraved.
Pro Tips for Choosing & Presenting Wedding Favours
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Match to your theme: Let your favours reflect your wedding style, rustic, modern, botanical, cultural, etc.
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Keep it functional: Guests appreciate items they can actually use, not just pretty decorations.
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Add a personal touch: A tag, note, or custom label makes even simple favours feel intentional.
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Mind your budget: Focus on what matters. Some practical items (like seeds or tea) can be budget-friendly and very meaningful.
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Eco-conscious choices: Opt for reusable, plantable, or consumable favours to reduce waste and make a positive environmental statement.
Examples of Popular Favour Products
Here are a few actual products to inspire or use for your wedding favours:
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Shiny Sphere Lip Balm: A cute, practical favour in a rose-gold sphere, perfect for a pastel or glam wedding.
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Wedding Wish Message‑in‑a‑Bottle: Tiny glass bottles with a note or charm make sweet keepsakes.
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Wedding Favour Petit Fours: Edible, elegant, and perfect for guests with a sweet tooth.
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Bulk “Cheers to Love” Shot Glass Favors: Fun, reusable shot glasses for a lively celebration.
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Boho Macrame Keychain Set: Practical keepsake-style favour with boho charm.
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Custom Tea Bags (Handmade): Personalize the tea flavour and packaging to your wedding style.
Wedding favours don’t have to be afterthoughts, they can be beautiful, meaningful, and genuinely appreciated by your guests. Whether you go eco-friendly with succulents, share the sweetness of local honey, or offer practical keepsakes, your choices can reflect your story and style. Choose favour ideas that feel authentic to you, and add a personal touch that makes your guests feel truly thanked.
Featured Image: Canva
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South Africa is a land of breathtaking beauty and diversity, making it a truly magical place to say “I do.” Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard sunset, a forest ceremony, an elegant ballroom, or a wild safari, South Africa has a wedding venue to match your vision. Here are some of the most enchanting wedding venues around the country, each offering its own unique charm and character.
Vineyard Romance in the Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands is synonymous with romance, and its wine estates are among the most sought-after wedding venues in South Africa.
Boschendal Estate
Steeped in history, Boschendal combines pastoral elegance with grand architecture. Their event spaces allow for both intimate gatherings and large celebrations, while guests can stay in on-site cottages surrounded by mountain views.
Webersburg Wine Estate
With its restored Cape Dutch homestead, rolling lawns, vineyards, and a peaceful dam, Webersburg provides a classic Winelands backdrop for your ceremony.
Klein Welmoed Estate
A more intimate option, Klein Welmoed offers a beautifully restored “barn” space in landscaped gardens, framed by the Helderberg Mountains and olive groves.
Johannesdal 1207
For a modern yet serene venue, Johannesdal 1207 blends architectural finesse with sweeping mountain vistas, ideal for a refined, design-forward celebration.
Domaine Brahms (Paarl)
A fairy-tale venue in Paarl with charming gardens and elegant spaces, perfect for couples wanting a quintessential country-chic celebration.
Luxurious Cape Town Settings
If you’d like a wedding close to or within Cape Town, the city and its outskirts offer an array of glamorous venues.
Babylonstoren
A working wine farm that feels like stepping into a garden dream, with its beautifully designed gardens, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and farm-to-table dining.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Tintswalo Atlantic
Laurent at Lourensford Wine Estate
This glass and marble venue set at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains offers a modern, sophisticated setting with a panoramic natural backdrop.
Bosjes Chapel
For couples drawn to bold architecture, Bosjes offers a glass-and-steel chapel framed by vineyards and mountains, a ceremony space that feels like a work of art.
Charming City & Heritage Venues
Urban settings and heritage buildings bring elegance and character for couples who want city sophistication.
Morrells Boutique Estate (Johannesburg)
With manicured gardens and French Provencal-inspired architecture, this estate is a romantic gem in Johannesburg.
Shepstone Gardens (Johannesburg)
Villa d’Este (Johannesburg)
A heritage villa styled like an Italian villa, complete with formal gardens, statues, and fountains. Its old-world charm makes it a luxurious choice for a city wedding.
Safari & Wild Settings
If your heart is set on adventure and nature, Africa’s wilderness offers breathtaking wedding backdrops.
Private Game Lodges
Many luxury safari lodges across South Africa (especially in the Kruger or private reserves) provide all-inclusive wedding packages, combining the beauty of the bush with high-end comforts.
While not always publicly advertised, safari weddings can create deeply personal, memorable experiences under the African sky, exchanging vows surrounded by wildlife and natural landscapes.
Garden & Public Spaces
Arderne Gardens, Cape Town
For couples who want a lush, botanical setting without the farm or estate feel, Arderne Gardens in Claremont is a hidden gem. Its giant Norfolk Pine, koi ponds, and expansive lawns make for serene photo moments.
Why South Africa Is a Dream Wedding Destination
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Stunning Variety: From vineyards and mountains to ocean cliffs and safari plains, South Africa offers an extraordinary range of landscapes in one country.
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World-Class Hospitality: Whether you’re in a boutique wine estate or a luxury lodge, service tends to be top-notch , deeply personal and warm.
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Accessibility: Major wedding hubs like Cape Town and Johannesburg have international airports, making it easy for destination guests to attend.
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Value for Luxury: Compared to some global wedding destinations, South Africa can offer more affordable luxury, especially at boutique estates and lodges.
Tips for Choosing the Right Venue
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Visit In Person: Nothing replaces seeing the venue yourself (or via virtual tours) — this way you can feel the space, light, and layout.
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Book Early: Popular wine estates and safari lodges can be booked more than a year in advance, especially for peak wedding seasons.
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Consider Guest Accommodation: Venues like Boschendal or Tintswalo Atlantic offer on-site stays, which is great for destination weddings.
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Work With a Planner: Especially for remote or high-end venues, a local wedding planner can make all the difference in navigating logistics.
With such a wealth of breathtaking venues, planning your South African wedding can feel like curating your own love story across landscapes. Whether you envision rustic elegance, modern luxury, or wild romance, there’s a venue in this beautiful country that’s sure to match your dream.
Featured Image: Discover Paarl