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In Bachelorette Party

Your complete bachelorette party planning checklist

February 12, 2026 No Comments

It’s the bride’s all-important big send-off into married life. Been tasked with throwing the party? We have you covered…

Like any event, a bachelorette party requires proper planning, and while it is a big responsibility (this is the bride’s last hurrah as a single woman), it doesn’t have to be a chore. Schedule fun planning evenings with the bridesmaids where you can thrash out ideas over a few glasses of wine or dinner.

THE BASICS

Avoid any unnecessary stress and start planning at least three months ahead of time. A good place to start is determining what kind of event your bride would love. Is she a party animal? Does she prefer smaller, more intimate dinner parties over crowded bars? Once you’ve come to a decision about what kind of bachelorette your bride is, turn your attention to the budget. A memorable hen party really doesn’t have to break the bank. The goal is for the bride to celebrate with her good friends, so make sure you don’t choose an experience that excludes those on a tighter budget.

For a hen night on a shoestring, consider hosting the party at a friend’s house so that there’s no need to worry about venue hire fees. Once you have the location, ask guests to each bring a platter of food and a bottle of wine or bubbly. As for entertainment, there are plenty of fun, free games you can play at the house before venturing out to a club or bar – and consider an after-party venue that offers special deals like half-price cocktail evenings.

If your friends have a little more to spend, you can still celebrate at home, but instead of guests bringing food, hire a caterer. To add some interest, book entertainment, whether it’s a karaoke machine or a pole-dancing class. For those who want to go all out, a weekend away is a great bonding experience – but remember, you’ll have to pay for the bride!

THE CHECKLIST

Whatever event and budget you decide on, you need to plan the hen night like a military operation – so delegate tasks among the bridesmaids to make sure everything on the list gets done. Here are a few things to remember:

Invitations
Give guests enough notice and hold the bachelorette party at least two weeks before the big day. Choose just one person to whom RSVPs should be sent.

Venue hire
If you do decide to host the party at a hired venue or take a trip out of town, book well in advance and make sure you do your research – a safe bet is to choose places that have come recommended by friends.

Transport
Drinking and driving is a no-no, so book taxis for the night in advance and be sure to confirm the booking the day before the party.

Buy the goodies
What would a bachelorette party be without silly props and crazy games? And of course, let’s not forget the bride’s outfit. Purchase everything at least a month before the event to avoid last-minute hassles.

THE GUEST LIST

Once you have a game plan, create a guest list. Depending on what you have planned, you need to decide whether you are extending invitations to family (yes, parents and grandparents) or just friends. A popular route to go so as not to exclude anyone is to host pre-party drinks where people of all ages can attend and then the youngsters can hit the town afterwards. Alternatively, consider throwing a hen night for just the friends and a more ‘civilised’ kitchen tea another day for all the women in the bride’s life.

ALSO SEE: Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?

Feature image: Pexels

Words: Clare Syfret

In Celebs

Amor Vittone is engaged

January 29, 2026 No Comments

Singer, businesswoman and media personality Amor Vittone is engaged. The star shared the happy news on social media on 28 January, posting a photo of her elegant engagement ring alongside the simple, heartfelt caption: “I said yes.”

The announcement was met with an outpouring of love, as fans and friends celebrated a new chapter for the multi-talented performer, who has long been a familiar and much-loved face in South African media. She is also widely known as the former wife of late Springbok rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen

A love story that began in pretoria

Amor Vittone’s fiancé is Marius van Biljon, a businessman, radio presenter and MC. The couple first crossed paths at Captain’s Island, Van Biljon’s family restaurant in Pretoria.

Their connection began professionally when Vittone performed at the restaurant, but it didn’t end there. She later returned for a Women’s Day celebration, and it was during these encounters that something more meaningful started to take shape.

Finding love after loss

For Van Biljon, this engagement marks a deeply significant new beginning. He was previously married to Shannon van Biljon, the late Mrs Pretoria Tshwane 2023, who passed away in July 2025 following a brief illness related to early-stage kidney failure.

The couple recently spoke about their story in an interview on Jacaranda FM, offering listeners a glimpse into how their relationship grew organically.

ALSO SEE: Locally loved flowers for your wedding bouquet

Locally loved flowers for your wedding bouquet

Feature image: Amor Vittone/Facebook

In Advice

5 Things to do after you get engaged

January 27, 2026 No Comments

Calling the family and posting on the Gram? Duh! But what else should you do after he’s popped the question?

1 CELEBRATE!

This doesn’t have to be a full-on engagement party just yet. In the days after you announce your impending nuptials, your phone will be buzzing off the hook with well-wishers hoping to see you as soon as possible and hear all about how he got down on one knee. So plan a little get-together to pop bottles with your nearest and dearest and tell them everything. Or, if you are a more low-key kind of couple, simply have a special night for two to revel in all the butterflies you’re feeling at the moment. Being engaged is a wonderful time. Enjoy it to the fullest.

2 GET YOUR RING INSURED (AND SIZED!)

The months leading up to your wedding are going to be split between days of pure joy and days of pure admin… So. Much. Admin. First up: You now have a small fortune on your finger, so be sure to protect your new asset and get it insured. Your guy should’ve been supplied with a valuation certificate upon purchase, but if not, take it to any reputable jeweller to get a value estimate. Send this to your insurance company to get it covered in case it gets lost or stolen. And while you’re at it, have it sized perfectly for your finger to make losing it less likely.

3 SET A (VAGUE) DATE

After “Let me see the ring!” and “How did he propose?”, the next most asked question you’ll get at this stage is “When’s the wedding?”. Unless you know exactly how it’s going to go down to the very last detail on a sunny day in February, you probably haven’t even thought about a date. Chat to your hubby-to-be and come up with a ‘thereabouts’ answer. Whether it’s “next summer” or “in three years’ time”, giving people some sort of timeline will ease the bombardment while also letting your guests mentally save the date.

4 DETERMINE THE TYPE OF WEDDING

Small getaway wedding or the do of the year at an exclusive wine farm? Figuring this out with your man is the best starting point of the planning to come, as it will help you determine everything from what venues to look at, to your all-important budget and guest list size.

5 GATHER INSPIRATION

Real talk time. Everyone from Chatty Cathy at the office to your mom and well-meaning-but-pushy friends are going to start pressuring you to begin planning. There’s so much to do, after all. Yes, Cathy, there is… but there’s no need to jump into contacting vendors and venues now if you don’t have the basics decided yet. You’ll cut down on a lot of wasted time if you know what you want before getting stuck in. Get on Pinterest and flip through wedding magazines. This is the fun part! Make a mood board with the images you love and you’ll soon start to see your dream day to come to life. Once you know what you want, seeking out the right vendors for you will be that much easier.

BOOK AN ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

Photographers get snapped up way in advance, so if this is a route you want to go down – book it now! Otherwise, call on your creative friends to help set up a photoshoot of the two of you on the beach, in a forest, or even at home just being yourselves. Smartphone cameras are more than enough to get some amazing shots (don’t forget the dreamy filters!).

ALSO SEE: Locally loved flowers for your wedding bouquet

Locally loved flowers for your wedding bouquet

Written by Andrea Robertson for Summer 2019 print edition.

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

(Don’t) put a ring on it

January 22, 2026 No Comments

While Beyonce might not agree, there are smarter ways to show ‘you like it’ than with a pricey engagement ring

As much as many of us may long for the sparkle of a diamond ring and the iconic ‘I said yes!’ Instagram reveal picture, the reality of it is that with the ongoing increases in the cost of living and the added expenses of a wedding looming, a huge engagement ring isn’t always very practical. But budget constraints need not to cramp your bridal bliss, especially if you change your thinking.

I’m a big believer of choosing an affordable ring, as I don’t think couples should start out their life together in debt

Ring in a new life

For Tamlyn Jacobus, the ability to afford an enjoyable life together far outweighed the need for an engagement ring.

‘If I were to follow societal traditions and has asked for a 1-2 carat, colourless princess cut, it would have set us back for the lifestyle we choose to live. Exploring eateries and travelling to different places in our region is something we enjoy doing regularly. Knowing spending money on a huge ring and that a big wedding wasn’t on the cards allowed us to go away on a few mini-escapes before saying I do.’

Tamlyn and Camilo eloped – and used the cash they saved to buy a home of their own. Tamlyn now wears a dainty white-gold band to signify their marriage.

Up, up and away

With a new generation redefining cultural and societal norms, we’re seeing new trends grow in popularity and with more and more people aspiring to travel, it’s no surprise that honeymoons are getting all the love.

‘My husband didn’t get a ring. He got me a simple engagement ring, but no wedding ring. I rarely wear the engagement ring. Instead of spending on the wedding or on rings, we travelled for weeks through South East Asia and put a deposit down on a townhouse,’ says Wendy van Eyck.

Soon-to-be-bride Kerri Davis agrees:

‘My ring has an amethyst stone and cost about R400. We saved for a two-week honeymoon to Thailand.’

Less ka-ching, more bling

‘I’m a big believer of choosing an affordable ring, as I don’t think couples should start out their life together in debt,’ says Tiffany Marx – Inspired Jewellery. It’s possible to have a beautiful engagement ring without breaking the bank. Here are Tiffany’s top tips for budget-friendly ring-buying:

Choose an alternative stone

Slightly tinted diamonds (like Champagne and salt-and-pepper diamonds) have become very popular. They are so different and much more affordable than whiter diamonds. Moissanite is also great options.

Buy a mount

These are cast rings that one can set the central stone-stones into. Although I would personally always suggest a handmade ring, choosing a mount tends to be a less expensive exercise as the ring is not a bespoke, handmade item.

Work with a jeweller

Many retail shops will only offer you traditional rings as that is what they sell. Try and find a jeweller whose style you like and is willing to work with whatever budget you have. At the end of the day, you can create a really beautiful ring regardless of the materials that are used if you have a good design.

ALSO SEE: Busted! 5 Common engagement ring myths debunked

Busted! 5 Common engagement ring myths debunked

Feature image: Unsplash

Article written by Bianca Hartel for the Summer 2019 print issue.

In Celebs

Venus Williams shares the sweetest engagement moments

December 8, 2025 No Comments

For years, Venus Williams has been fiercely private, letting her legendary tennis career speak louder than her personal life. But last week, the five-time Wimbledon champion treated fans to a rare and intimate glimpse into her engagement with Andrea Preti, sharing a carousel of enchanting photos on Instagram captioned simply: “Engaged 1/31/25.”

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A post shared by Venus Williams (@venuswilliams)

The post marks a heartwarming contrast to the fierce, competitive energy fans are used to seeing on the court.

A Vogue-Worthy Celebration of Love

Set in a lush, romantic garden, the engagement portraits feel straight out of a magazine spread. Williams stuns in a crisp white Prada halter dress, exuding effortless sophistication, while Preti, her Italian-Danish actor and former model fiancé, complements her elegance perfectly.

One photo, in particular, warms hearts: the couple smiling alongside Harry, Williams’s beloved dog who turned 18 this year. Including Harry in the shoot adds a personal, familial touch, signaling that this chapter is not just about Venus and Andrea—it’s a celebration of their entire little unit.

Andrea Preti: Partner and Cheerleader

Preti, 37, is a multi-hyphenate talent in the entertainment industry, balancing acting, producing, and modeling. His artistic résumé spans indie films like One More Day and Italian TV dramas such as A Professor and Temptation. But beyond his career, he has been a steadfast supporter of Venus’s tennis journey. During her engagement announcement in July, she revealed that he had encouraged her to continue competing, saying, “My fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing.”

Their connection, though largely private, has been documented in glimpses around the world. The romance first emerged publicly in July 2024 during a boat trip in Italy. By February 2025, sightings of Venus wearing a diamond ring at a Milan fashion event fueled engagement speculation. The rumors were confirmed months later in July, putting any doubts to rest.

A History of Love and Privacy

Before finding love with Preti, Venus had a few high-profile relationships. She shared a long-term relationship with golfer Hank Kuehne from 2007 to 2010 and later dated Cuban model Elio Pis, who also modeled for her EleVen clothing line. Yet through it all, Venus has maintained her personal life with discretion, choosing to let her achievements and work define her public persona.

Now, with these stunning engagement photos, fans get a rare peek behind the curtain. Venus Williams, known for her grace and competitiveness, shows that off the court, her life is filled with quiet joy, love, and family moments worth celebrating.

While a wedding date remains unannounced, fans are clearly savoring this intimate reveal—proof that even legends deserve their happily ever after.

ALSO SEE: Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

Source: IOL

Feature image: Instagram/Venus Williams

In Celebs

Nadia Jaftha announces her engagement

December 1, 2025 No Comments

South African content creator and entrepreneur Nadia Jaftha announced her engagement on the morning of 1 December, sharing a moment that immediately lit up social media with excitement and support.

Jaftha is known for keeping her personal life intentionally private, so for many followers, news of her relationship — and now engagement — to Reece Meyer came as a genuine surprise. The reveal, however, was met with an outpouring of joy, with fans celebrating a milestone they hadn’t anticipated but wholeheartedly embraced.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nadia Jaftha (@nadiajaftha)

Nadia and Reece are long-time collaborators, working together as co-founders of ACE Labs and co-owners of The Smile Bar.

A heartfelt congratulations to Nadia and Reece as they begin this new chapter together.

ALSO SEE: The pocket guide for announcing your engagement on social media

The pocket guide for announcing your engagement on social media

Featured image: Nadia Jaftha/Instagram

In Advice

Busted! 5 Common engagement ring myths debunked

November 27, 2025 No Comments

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

Sweet inscriptions to have engraved in your ring

Picture: Unsplash

In Advice

8 Romantic engagement ideas to help you pop the question!

August 3, 2022 No Comments

You’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients for the perfect proposal: a gorgeous engagement ring, a heart-tugging engagement speech, but oh, how to pop the question in a way that will make her heart flutter?

Going down on one knee and asking your soulmate to marry you is a stressful affair, and if all that stress has you feeling overwhelmed and confused about your perfect wedding proposal, try a few of these engagement ideas on for size.

Make sure to add your own personal and creative twist:

Loud and proud, for everyone to see:

These are for those brave souls out there who don’t care a hoot about who is watching!

Have a caricaturist at your side

It’s the stuff rom-coms are made of! There are a number of caricaturists and artists in South Africa that will make the perfect accomplice to your wedding proposal. Hire them on the day and have them sketch the words: “Will you marry me?” And voila!

A favourite landmark

This doesn’t have to be everyone’s favourite landmark, but just you and your soon-to-be betrothed. It can be anything from a mountain, fountain, hotel to shopping mall, as long as it’s a place that’s special to both of you!

Keep it close to home

Who needs to be amongst people? If you and your future bride are both homebodies, here are home wedding proposals.

Re-create your first date

This can be both out and about or at home – you decide. However, nothing is more romantic than re-enacting your first date before creating a beautiful new memory by popping the question.

A custom jigsaw puzzle

This is the perfect proposal idea if you both love board games or it’s a rainy day. Make sure to get a custom-made jigsaw puzzle with your picture and the words: “Will you marry me?” If you’ve completed the puzzle enough that you can clearly see your picture and the words, it’s time to go down on one knee.

Embrace Mother Nature

If you love the great outdoors then check out a few of these ideas.

Hot Air Balloon

There’s nothing like letting your love soar to new heights, and popping the question while doing just that is a fantastic idea! Well, as long as a fear of heights is not on the table.

Message in a bottle

If you’re looking for a unique beach proposal, then why not add a cute little message to a bottle? Write a heartwarming poem or letter on a piece of parchment and add it to the bottle with cork before burying it in a designated spot under the sand. Don’t forget them to find the bottle, but make sure you have the ring ready to go!

Adorable proposal ideas

You’re looking for fun. You’re looking for excitement. You’re looking for unique, here are a few ideas:

Escape Room

Escape rooms are all the rage right now, so why not add your own wedding proposal spin on things? Contact your favourite escape and try and work on a way that will allow you to incorporate your wedding proposal into the adventure of trying to escape the room!

Gift Delivery

You were looking for cute? Why not get a box that’s tall enough for you (a refrigerator box is a great start) and add a little note for your soon-to-be fiance that may allude to what’s really inside the box.

Feature Image: Adventure for Love

In Advice

6 special spots to ‘pop the question’ in Cape Town

May 21, 2022 No Comments

You’re looking for the perfect spot to pop the question (or you keep imagining the magical place that will serve as your proposal setting, soon to be hinted at when you spontaneously take your partner there).

However, with so many options in places like Cape Town, picking one place can be overwhelming for the best of us.

Before we drop the deets on 6 special spots to ‘pop the question’ in Cape Town, it’s worth noting a few disclaimers.

1. No matter where you choose, even if it’s the comfort of your own garden, it will still be a special moment. The place doesn’t define the importance of asking someone to spend their life with you, the person does!

2. Too much pressure on getting everything perfect can take away from your own enjoyment of the moment, or your partners.

3. Some of the most magical and tear-jerking proposals have happened in the most obscure places, or the ones that are personal to your relationship. If your partner is sentimental, then proposing at their favourite sunset spot, the place you went on your first date, or somewhere where you both remember laughing for hours can mean far more than a place boasting grandeur or tantalising views.

Now, for those who are all about scenery, and places that are known for their romantic spins, here are some top picks in the Mother City:

1.The Rock sunset spot

Known for its incredible views, The Rock sunset spot marries intimacy and Cape sunsets are their finest, an incredible spot to share with the person to whom you’d give the whole sunset eternally if you could. The Rock is a perfect ‘pop the question spot’ that applies to any kind of lover, but fits best for the one who always ensures that watching the sunset together is on the cards.

Where:405 Ocean View Drive, Bantry Bay

2. Kirstenbosch National

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens homes everything a nature lover could hope to experience in one epic garden. Not many people can say they made the special decision to be together forever and always at a new 7th Wonder of The World, but you can. The Boomslang Walkway is one of the most sought after spots in the Gardens, hosting breathtaking views and an explorer’s thrill. To add an even more romantic spin, have a picnic with Fynkos and enjoy nature’s bounty as rolling lawns and flowers surround you. For someone who loves mother Earth almost as much as they love you, Kirstenbosch will certainly serve as that fairytale backdrop.

Where:Rhodes drive, Newlands

3. The Paris of Cape Town – Franschoek

Franschhoek is renowned for its romantic energy, challenging the Parisians on their notions of love being in the air. A trip to Franschoek means divine food, lots of wine and even perfume-making – all leading up to the big ask. For a classic proposal, try Le Petite La Colombe, which is not only one of the top restaurants in the world but a Wineland’s favourite for proposals. If your partner is all about grandeur and would sell a kidney to live in France, then this spot fits the bill. If you’re looking for something a little different, Babylonstoren boasts spoils of romantic magic, from the greenhouse to a gorgeous canoe trip – arguably one of the most romantic spots.

Where: Le Petit Colombe | Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek
Babylonstoren | Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium

4.At the top of the Cape Wheel

They make you feel like you’re on top of the world, so why not capitalise on it romantically? The Waterfront’s famous Cape Wheel offers picnic options where you can add some champagne and truly cheers to a beautiful future amongst the stars. If your relationship has always felt like a film plot, then entering the next chapter this way will certainly be Nicholas Sparks approved.

Where: Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront

5.Norval Art Foundation

Art is tangible and visible emotion. Norval Art Foundation is easily one of the most aesthetic places to propose, and for the art lover in your relationship, it’s a perfect painting. Who wouldn’t want to make such a special decision surrounded by art as your audience? Norval Art Foundation hosts so many curious spots to share the most romantic moments of your life, with new exhibitions constantly in the works, ready to build your audience.

Where:4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai

6. Table Mountain, of course

This list wouldn’t be complete without vouching for a seat at the finest table in Cape Town. Whether you decide to take a hike along Table Mountain National Park’s trails, ride the cableway all the way to the top or go to the new TAP bar (an addition part of the Aerial Cable Way’s delicious ‘above the world’s experiences) you simply can’t go wrong with the gem of our city.

Where: Table Mountain National Park

Picture: @gracecharlottephoto

In Engagements

A roaring proposal! A lion joined this Cape Town couple’s engagement

April 5, 2022 No Comments

While a couple were in the midst of a marriage proposal, a few seconds after the bride-to-be said ‘yes’, a lion stepped onto the scene to join in on the magic, and let out a roar (possibly of approval if this were a Disney movie) moments after the two became fianceés.

The moment took place in the Kgalagadi at the Cape Town couple’s campsite in Botswana.

According to John Peiser, he had heard a roar in the distance and decided it was the perfect moment to propose to his fiance, Sandy.

“Mr. Lion must have told a friend, as a lioness came into our camp the very next evening, more or less the same time!” John recalled speaking to Latest Sightings.

Footage was captured of the special moment, and it stands as just one of many magical moments in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

WATCH: Lions during the proposal aftermath

Feature Image: Screenshot