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 most likely to be the biggest talking point amongst all the aunties of the family.
On the other hand, for an elite circle of royals, billionaires, and A-list stars, the budget isn’t a limitation. It’s one massive opportunity to go all out and have the wedding that most people could only dream about. These are the weddings where “splurge” is the starting point, and the final bill could probably buy you a private island.
From London’s grandest cathedrals to the romance of Venice’s canals, we’re giving you a closer look at 12 of the most extravagant weddings in modern history — the people, the gowns, the guest lists, and the staggering price tags that made headlines.
The Crown Jewels of Wedding History
Princess Diana & Prince Charles — $140 million (estimated)
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
In 1981, the world nearly came to a stand-still to watch British sweetheart Lady Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles. The ivory taffeta gown with its 25-foot train was valued at a staggering $115,000. But, the scale of the day was the real showstopper — 27 wedding cakes, 3,500 invited guests, and a London procession lined by 600,000 people.
Around 750 million watched on TV across 74 countries, making it one of the most-watched live events in modern day history. At the time it was reported that the wedding costed $48 million, the equivalent of $140 million today. Even adjusted for inflation, it remains the most expensive wedding ever recorded.
Prince William & Kate Middleton — $48 million (adjusted)
Source: Vogue Australia on Facebook
Thirty years later, Westminster Abbey became the stage for another royal romance. This time, it was Charles and Diana’s oldest son William and his fiancée Kate who stole the spotlight.
Kate’s lace-sleeved Alexander McQueen gown cost an eye watering $434,000, and the 2,000 guests included world leaders, royalty, and celebrities. Almost 37 million people tuned in worldwide, cementing the ceremony as a modern royal classic.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle — $54.9 million (Estimated)
Source: Newbie Sunflower on X
On the 19th of May 2018, Harry and Meghan’s Windsor Castle wedding was a beautiful combination of British tradition with Hollywood sparkle.
Guests like Oprah, Idris Elba, David Beckham and Elton John joined the 600-strong list. Meghan’s Givenchy gown carried a hefty $265,000 price tag. Much of the wedding’s cost went to security, which was necessary for such a high-profile, globally-covered event.
It’s reported that the whole event costed about $54 million.
King Felipe & Queen Letizia — $42.5 million (Estimated)
Source: Old Royalty on X
Spain’s 2004 royal wedding between King Felipe and Queen Letizia was an opulent affair at the Almudena Cathedral in the Spanish capital, Madrid. Queen Letizia donned a Manuel Pertegaz gown — natural silk with gold thread embroidery and a 15-foot train, which reportedly cost $8 million alone. The 1,000-plus guest list included royalty from across Europe, underscoring the event’s diplomatic importance.
The total cost at the time was just over $25 million, and equivalent of $42.5 million today – making it one of the most expensive weddings of the 2000s.
Hollywood’s Luxe “I Dos”
Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries — $14.19 million (Estimated)
Source: Pop Culture 2009 on X
Although the marriage lasted just 72 days, Kim and Kris’s 2011 Montecito, California wedding was a masterclass in celebrity excess. Vera Wang designed three separate gowns for Kim- the main one costing $2million alone. 450 elite guests including tennis icon Serena Williams, Singer Demi Lovato, and basketball legend Scottie Pinnen attended.
The whole event was filmed for reality TV, adding to its spectacle and costed around $10 million at the time – an estimated $14 million today.
Michael Jordan & Yvette Prieto — $13.82 million (adjusted)
When NBA legend Michael Jordan wed Cuban model Yvette Prieto in 2013, Palm Beach played host to their elaborate $13 million dollar wedding. Her Swarovski crystal-covered J’Aton Couture gown and an Usher performance gave the celebration its Hollywood-meets-high-society feel.
It was a relatively small wedding with only 300 people, but still goes down as one of the most expensive weddings of the 2010’s.
Jeff Bezos & Lauren Sánchez — $10 million
Source: Praise John on X
In June 2025, Venice became the backdrop for one of the year’s most talked-about and controversial wedding.
The Amazon founder and former TV journalist hosted multi-day festivities, from a foam party to a pajama-themed celebration. Leonardo DiCaprio, Sydney Sweeney, and Tom Brady were among the star guests.
Jessica Biel & Justin Timberlake — $9.03 million (Estimated)
For their 2012 Italian countryside wedding, Jessica Biel, and global icon Justin Timberlake tied, the knot at the luxurious Borgo Engnazia resort in Puglia. In an attempt to break away from the traditional white bridal attire, Jessica wore a gorgeous blush-pink Giambattista Valli gown.
Their exclusive guest list included just 100 people , with the likes of Jimmy Fallon, Andy Samberg, and Timbaland attending the event. Although this was a small and intimate gathering, it still ended up costing $6.5 million, an estimated $9 million today.
Amal & George Clooney — $6.21 million (Estimated)
Venice again set the scene in 2014 as George Clooney married human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin at the Aman Canal Grand Hotel. Her custom made Oscar de la Renta gown and a guest list including Anna Wintour, Matt Damon, and Emily Blunt made headlines across the world.The wedding reportedly cost the couple $4.6 million, around $6.21 million today.
Sofia Vergara & Joe Manganiello — $5.42 million (Estimated)
In 2015, Palm Beach’s The Breakers hosted this glamorous wedding with 400 guests. Sofia’s strapless Zuhair Murad gown reflected her larger-than-life personality. Many of her Modern Family co-stars were in attendance.
The wedding reportedly cost the couple around $4 million at the time and just over $5 million today.
Salma Hayek & François-Henri Pinault — $5.3 million (adjusted)
After a low-key Paris courthouse ceremony on Valentine’s Day 2009, the couple celebrated months later with a lavish party at Venice’s iconic Teatro La Fenice opera house. Bono, Penelope Cruz, and Woody Harrelson were among the A-list guests.
Sofia Richie & Elliot Grainge — $4 million
Source: Vogue Magazine on X
In 2023, Sofia Richie’s Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc wedding in Antibes became a social media sensation. As one of Gen Z’s style icons, she curated a multi-day celebration attended by Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton, and other celebrity friends.
More Than Just Price Tags
These weddings weren’t just expensive — they were statements of personal style, power, and influence. Royals used them to reinforce tradition and diplomacy; Hollywood couples turned them into personal productions. Public reaction has always been split: some marvel at the romance, others question the spending.
But whether you’re a royal watcher or a pop culture fan, these weddings are cultural moments — ones that, love them or loathe them, will be talked about for decade
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also be overwhelming. One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to plan your wedding yourself or…
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 a day where family, culture, and celebration collide. Brides here don’t just shop for a gown — they seek a piece of art that speaks to who they are.
It’s no wonder that our homegrown wedding dress designers are attracting attention from brides across the globe. From couture creations dripping with beadwork to sleek minimalist gowns that let a bride’s natural beauty take centre stage, South Africa’s bridal fashion scene is as diverse and vibrant as the country itself.
Whether you dream of African prints, timeless elegance, or a modern twist on tradition, here are the local designers that can turn your wedding-day visions into reality.
Kobus Dippenaar — A Legacy of Elegance
With decades in the business, Kobus Dippenaar is considered to be the GOAT of South African bridal fashion. Dippenaar’s atelier sits in the heart of Cape Town’s CBD. His gowns blend expert craftsmanship with timeless style, gracing runways and wedding aisles with equal ease. Think soft mermaids slihouettes, cheeky slits, low backs, silky satins and an endless display of intricate details.
Elbeth Gillis — Couture with Global Recognition
Elbeth Gillis is synonymous with bridal couture that feels timeless. Using fabrics sourced from around the world, her gowns feature delicate lace, refined silhouettes, and intricate handcrafting. Gillis’s work has earned her awards like Couture Bridal Wear Designer of the Year in South Africa, and her dresses are stocked internationally in countries like Australia, Germany, the UK and Ireland. She’s living proof that elegance speaks every language and crosses borders.
Vesselina Pentcheva — A Cultural Tapestry
With roots in African and Eastern European traditions, Vesselina Pentcheva weaves cultural influences into every gown. The result? Dresses that feel deeply personal and globally inspired — perfect for the bride who wants her wedding look to tell her unique story.
Gavin Rajah — Red-Carpet Glamour Meets Bridal
Known for his high-fashion couture, Gavin Rajah brings runway glamour to the wedding aisle. His creations feature lavish fabrics, intricate beadwork, and dramatic silhouettes. If you’re looking for the kind of dress that turns your wedding into a fashion event, then you can’t go wrong with one of his gowns.
Janita Toerien — Your Dream, Hand-Stitched
For the bride who wants a dress that exists nowhere else in the world, Janita Toerien is a dream-maker. She works closely with each client, transforming personal style into one-of-a-kind couture. No detail is too small, no vision too bold.
Cindy Bam — Romance in Every Stitch
Having worked in the industry for nearly 25 years – Cindy Bam’s gowns are all about romance and femininity. Expect flowing silhouettes, soft lace, and intricate beadwork. These are dresses that make you feel like you’ve stepped out of a classic love story — elegant, graceful, and unforgettable.
Robyn Roberts — Simplicity as the New Luxury
Robyn Roberts Studio proves that less really can be more. Her gowns embrace clean lines and perfect tailoring, giving brides a look that’s quietly confident. For women who believe their beauty needs no embellishment, Roberts offers the ultimate understated elegance.
Jacqui Emmanuel — Fashion with a Conscience
In an age where sustainability matters, Jacqui Emmanuel blends style with responsibility. Having won the: Bespoke Designer of the Year at the South African Fashion Awards, her gowns are created with ethically sourced materials and eco-friendly techniques, proving that luxury and environmental awareness can walk down the aisle together.
Why South African Bridal Fashion Is on the Rise
On social media, South African brides are proudly showcasing their gowns, celebrating the blend of cultural heritage and cutting-edge fashion. Internationally, our designers are gaining recognition not just for their artistry, but for the way they capture the spirit of celebration.
So, when you start hunting for the dress, remember: your perfect gown might be closer to home than you think. And in South Africa, the designers are ready to turn your wedding dreams into reality.
South African summers (December–March) are notorious for intense sun and coastal winds, with daytime temperatures often hitting 30–40 °C. Without thoughtful planning, fresh wedding blooms like roses, peonies or…
Wedding Insurance: Covering Weather, Vendor Issues, and Unexpected Circumstances
Wedding insurance might not sound romantic at all. But in a country where a summer storm can roll in out of nowhere and load shedding can hit in the middle of your first dance, it’s a conversation worth having and more and more couples are covering themselves on all fronts.
What should you look out for? Is wedding insurance really neccessary. Stick around to find out as we’ll dive in to all the nitty gritty details about wedding insurance in South Africa.
Why Wedding Insurance Is Becoming a Talking Point
Weddings aren’t just love stories — they’re major investments. In South Africa, a full‑scale celebration can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of rand if budgets are left unchecked. And yet, many couples are relying purely on hope and crossed fingers to protect that investment.
From Cape Town to Johannesburg and beyond, social media is full of stories from couples blindsided by last‑minute disasters: a photographer who simply didn’t show, a caterer who closed down days before the reception, or a venue suddenly deemed unusable due to flooding. The list goes on…
Without wedding insurance, those non‑refundable deposits and frantic last‑minute suprises come straight out of your own pocket.
The Unpredictable South African Factor – The Weather…
South Africans know our weather likes to keep us guessing. Picture this: you’ve planned a picture‑perfect outdoor ceremony in the Winelands, only for the heavens to open in a freak midsummer thunderstorm. Or you’ve booked a beachfront ceremony in Durban, and a sudden cold front brings gale‑force winds.
Even indoor weddings aren’t immune to Murphy’s law. Power cuts during peak load shedding can disrupt lighting, sound systems and catering. On the other hand, heavy rain or wind can delay guests, vendors or even your arrival and throw the rest of the wedding progamme out completely.
What Wedding Insurance Actually Covers
Wedding insurance generally comes in two main types:
-
Cancellation or Postponement Cover
This type of cover protects you financially if you need to cancel or delay your wedding due to illness, extreme weather, vendor collapse or other unforeseen events. -
Liability Cover
This covers property damage or injury claims that may arise during your wedding. Many South African venues now require couples to have liability insurance before confirming a booking.
Some policies also cover lost or stolen wedding attire, damaged décor, vendor no‑shows, and even unexpected travel disruptions for destination weddings. You’ll need to read through everything carefully to know exactly what you’re covered for just incase anything happens and also so that there’s no misunderstandings.
Local Couples Share Their Take
In wedding planning forums, there’s a clear divide. Some say the peace of mind is priceless. One Joburg bride wrote: “Our DJ’s car broke down on the way to our wedding in Magaliesburg. The insurance paid for a last‑minute replacement — we didn’t miss a beat.”
Others see it as unnecessary. A Cape Town groom commented: “We had a small backyard wedding. We didn’t think it was worth the extra cost. But if we’d been at a big venue, I’d have reconsidered.”
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
If you’re considering wedding insurance, don’t just tick a box — make sure it suits your wedding. Ask:
-
What specific risks does it cover?
-
Does it include outdoor or destination weddings?
-
What are the payout limits and excess fees?
-
Does it cover all your vendors, including subcontractors?
-
How fast are claims processed?
So, Is It Worth It?
If your wedding budget represents a significant portion of your savings, or if you’re planning an elaborate event with multiple vendors and moving parts, the answer often leans toward yes. It’s not about expecting disaster, but about protecting your once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration from forces beyond your control.
In South Africa, where the weather can change in an instant and service providers may face sudden challenges, wedding insurance can be the safety net that keeps your big day intact — or at least ensures you can bounce back quickly if something goes wrong.
The Bottom Line:
You’ll never regret having wedding insurance if you need it. And if you don’t? Well, that’s the best‑case scenario — and a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Gone are the days when weddings in South Africa meant hundreds of guests and sprawling venues. In 2025, many couples are reshaping their expectations, prioritising intimacy, authenticity, and…
Photo by Redd Francisco on Unsplash
Wedding planning is exciting and South African couples are finding themselves enchanted by autumn. And for good reason. Between March and May, the country transforms into a painter’s palette of golden leaves, gentle breezes and soft, romantic light. For brides and grooms-to-be, it’s a season that offers charm without the sweltering heat of summer or the chill of winter.
But here’s the catch — word is out. With everyone hoping to take advantage of cooler temperatures, lower prices and shoulder season, Venues and photographers are already reporting a spike in 2026 autumn wedding bookings, with some prime dates disappearing faster than you can say “I do”.
With bookings filling up fast, you might feel a slightly overwhelmed planning your autumn wedding. Fear not though. We’ll guide you through every you need to know to sucessfully plan your whimsical autumn wedding.
The Romance of Autumn
Photo by Matthew Buchanan on Unsplash
Ask any couple who tied the knot in autumn and they’ll tell you — there’s something almost cinematic about it. The air is cooler but not cold, the sunlight takes on a dreamy golden hue, and the colours of the landscape seem made for wedding photos.
This is the kind of atmosphere that has made March to May the “it” season for South African weddings. From Stellenbosch wine farms to Mpumalanga’s highland lodges, autumn offers settings that feel straight out of a fairytale.
Why 2026 Autumn Dates are Going Fast
Traditionally, summer has been South Africa’s most popular wedding season. But in recent years, autumn has surged in popularity. The reasons are clear:
Perfect Weather Balance:
Let’s face it, no one wants to be sweating like mad in summer or freezing to death in winter on your wedding day. Autumn offers strikes the perfect balance between the two. Milder than summer, but warmer than winter, you can’t really go wrong.
Golden Hour Photography:
Photo by Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau on Unsplash
Everyone knows that golden hour is the best time to take photos. But what many people don’t know is that there’s a big difference between golden hour during summer and autumn.
Golden hour during summers brings about bright, warm rays that give you an instant glow and can take any picture from average to drop dead gorgeous. The downside is that there’s a limited time period to get those perfect golden hour photos.
Autumn’s golden hour on the other hand brings about unique opportunities. Autumn sunsets have a special softness, ideal for capturing portraits and landscapes. Lower shadows and rich colours create deeper contrasting back drops that are bound to leave anyone breathless once they see you’re wedding album.
Seasonal Menus:
Photo by Jennifer Schmidt on Unsplash
Having your wedding in Autumn presents you with a unique opportunity to play around with a seasonal menu. With slightly cooler temperatures creeping in, you can’t go wrong with some hearty comfort food.
Think rich butternut soup, roasted seasonal veg, and hearty main dishes. And for dessert, who doesn’t love a good malva or sticky toffee pudding?
Unique Seasonal Decorations:
Photo by Nicole Geri on Unsplash
One of the best things about having an Autumn wedding is the opportunity incorporate some of the seasons natural beauty into your wedding decor. A mix of red, oranges, yellows, and browns can create an extraordinary visual experience for you and your guests.
Cost Savings (Sometimes):
Shoulder seasons, usually mean fewer tourist crowds. This could mean better rates for venues and vendors. But, with shoulder season tourism beginning to take off, it’s best to not leave things too late so be sure to book your venue and everything else well in advance.
The Ups and Downs of Planning an Autumn Wedding
While we might have convinced you thus far to move your wedding date to Autumn, it’s worth remembering that the season comes with its own set of quirks:
Weather Can be Unpredictable:
Bad weather on your wedding day is pretty much everyone’s worst fear. In places like Cape Town where you can experience all four seasons in one day, having a back up plan in case the weather acts up – is crucial. So try and select an indoor venue, or a venue with a covered area.
Shorter Days:
As the sun starts setting earlier, this could potentially be a game changer during the planning stages of your wedding. Shorter day means that you’ll need to be strategic about ceremony times and
Public Holidays:
While you and your guests might not need to put in leave for your wedding day, public holidays can pose a problem. Easter, Freedom Day and other long weekends can affect guest and venue availability and travel costs. So, if you are planning on having your wedding on a public holiday, be sure to keep this in mind and book early.
An Autumn Wedding – Is it Worth it?
Autumn is a special time of the year. While the weather and other factors might play a big role in your decision to have your wedding in autumn or not, don’t write Autumn off completely.
With careful planning and contingency plans in place, Autumn might just be the season for your dream wedding. Many couples say the trade-off is worth it for the romantic atmosphere alone.