For many women, the wedding hairstyle is one of the first details to take shape once the engagement ring is on. It sets the tone for the overall bridal look, influencing everything from the dress silhouette to the veil or hair accessories that follow.
This image-led edit brings together wedding hairstyle inspiration for most hair types and lengths, with visuals designed to guide the mood rather than dictate the rules.
Short hair
Buzzcuts, bobs and everything in between prove that long hair isn’t the only option for wedding hairstyles. There are plenty of ways to work with shorter lengths to create chic, polished or playful looks.
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Medium length and long hair
Medium and long hair naturally lends itself to more styling options, from effortless updos and loose waves to bedazzled or understated, natural looks.
When planning your wedding decor, it is easy to focus on flowers, tables and lighting while overlooking one detail that guests interact with constantly: the chairs. Wedding chair decorations are a subtle yet powerful way to tie your theme together, add texture to your venue and create visual interest from ceremony to reception.
Why wedding chair decorations matter
Chairs make up a large part of your venue’s visual landscape. Decorated chairs help:
Define the overall wedding aesthetic
Frame the aisle and ceremony focal point
Elevate standard venue furniture
Add softness and cohesion to the space
Enhance photographs from every angle
Ceremony chair decorations
Popular wedding chair decoration ideas include:
Floral posies or small arrangements tied to aisle chairs
Flowing fabric such as chiffon, voile or organza
Greenery like eucalyptus, olive branches or ivy
Simple ribbon bows for a classic and understated look
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
For a modern approach, decorate only the first few rows or alternate chairs to keep the look refined and uncluttered.
Reception chair decorations
Reception chair decor is usually more subtle, allowing tablescapes to take centre stage. Instead of decorating every chair, many couples focus on the bridal table or sweetheart table.
Consider:
Custom Mr and Mrs chair signs
Hanging floral installations behind the couple
Draped fabric over the backs of feature chairs
Statement chairs that stand apart from the rest
Photo: Pinterest
Photo: Pinterest
This approach keeps the space elegant while still highlighting the couple.
Chair covers, sashes or bare chairs?
One of the biggest decisions couples face is whether to cover their chairs.
Chair covers are ideal if:
The venue chairs do not suit your aesthetic
You want a uniform and polished look
Your wedding style is formal or traditional
Bare chairs work beautifully when:
The chairs are already stylish, such as ghost chairs, wood or cross back chairs
Your wedding style is modern, rustic or minimalist
You want a lighter, more relaxed feel
Sometimes the most effective wedding chair decoration is letting beautiful furniture speak for itself.
Floral and greenery chair styling trends
Trending styles include:
Single stem florals tied with silk ribbon
Asymmetrical greenery placements
Dried flowers for a textured, bohemian look
Neutral florals that complement the bouquet and table arrangements
Keeping florals consistent with the rest of your decor ensures a cohesive result.
Personalised wedding chair decorations
Personal touches make chair decor feel meaningful rather than purely decorative.
Ideas include:
Reserved signs for family members
Custom calligraphy tags
Cultural or symbolic elements
Subtle nods to your love story
These details photograph beautifully and add emotional depth to your ceremony and reception.
Practical tips before you decide
Before committing to wedding chair decorations, consider:
How many chairs will be visible in key photos
Whether decor will be reused from ceremony to reception
Setup and breakdown logistics
Your overall decor budget
Chair decor does not need to be elaborate to be effective. A few well placed details often create the strongest visual impact.
Wedding trends rarely land the same way across borders, and in South Africa, couples tend to favour celebrations that feel grounded, expressive and connected to place. Weddings are becoming less about spectacle and more about intention, with design choices that balance beauty, meaning and practicality.
These 2026 wedding trends reflect how South African couples are redefining their wedding days in ways that feel considered, personal and distinctly local.
A richer approach to colour
Neutral palettes remain popular, but in 2026 they are being layered with deeper, earth-led tones. Shades such as olive, terracotta, chocolate brown and warm caramel are appearing across florals, stationery and table styling, often lifted with a subtle accent colour rather than bold contrast.
This approach works particularly well in natural settings, whether in the Winelands, along the coast or in the bush, where colour can enhance the environment rather than compete with it.
Bridal fashion with individuality
Photo: Hasan Hasanzadeh/Unsplash
South African brides are increasingly confident in their choices. Structured bodices, detachable skirts, statement sleeves and refined detailing are replacing overly embellished gowns. While white remains dominant, softer tones and textural fabrics are becoming more visible, especially for second looks or smaller celebrations.
Dress codes are also loosening, allowing guests to interpret the aesthetic while still respecting the formality of the day.
Food that reflects place and season
Dining continues to move away from lengthy, formal sit-down meals. In 2026, couples are favouring seasonal menus, shared-style dining and relaxed pacing that allows guests to move, mingle and enjoy the atmosphere.
Locally sourced ingredients, open-fire cooking, curated wine pairings and thoughtful late-night offerings reflect a growing appreciation for food as part of the overall experience, without becoming overly performative.
Tablescapes that feel natural, not overstyled
Long tables, considered linen choices and layered textures remain central to reception styling. Rather than highly theatrical setups, South African weddings lean towards tablescapes that feel refined yet effortless.
Ceramic tableware, glassware with character and floral arrangements that echo the surrounding landscape create settings that photograph beautifully while remaining functional and welcoming.
Florals with purpose
Floral design in 2026 is less about abundance for its own sake and more about placement and impact. Grounded installations, sculptural arrangements and aisle meadows are favoured over towering structures.
Florals are increasingly used to guide guests through a space, frame key moments or highlight architectural features, particularly at venues where the natural backdrop already does much of the work.
Private vows gain popularity
Photo: Micah & Sammie Chaffin/Unsplash
Private vow exchanges are becoming one of the most meaningful 2026 wedding trends. Many couples are choosing to share their vows quietly before the ceremony, allowing for an intimate moment away from guests and cameras.
Personalisation without excess
Rather than personalised everything, couples are choosing a few meaningful details and doing them well. Handwritten notes, subtle monograms, custom menus or a carefully chosen ceremony reading often replace multiple decorative elements.
Photography with an editorial eye
South African photographers continue to lead the shift towards a documentary, editorial style. Natural light, movement and unposed moments are prioritised, resulting in imagery that feels timeless and emotive rather than overly styled.
Smaller guest lists, stronger experiences
While large weddings still have their place, many 2026 celebrations are becoming more intimate. Smaller guest lists allow couples to invest in quality, detail and time with their guests, particularly at destination venues.
What’s quietly fading
Highly coordinated bridal parties, rigid timelines and overly formal traditions are becoming less common. Couples are choosing flexibility, comfort and authenticity, shaping days that feel reflective of who they are rather than what’s expected.
Soft neutrals will always have a place in weddings, but 2025 has welcomed a richer shade into the spotlight. Chocolate brown has emerged as a key wedding colour trend. Now, we must admit, brown wasn’t at the top of our list of favourite colours, but seeing how it has been used at weddings made us fall in love a little.
Why chocolate brown works for weddings
Chocolate brown strikes a rare balance. It feels warm without overpowering a palette and refined without feeling cold. As a wedding colour trend, it offers something different while still photographing beautifully and ageing well over time.
It also complements a wide range of skin tones and transitions effortlessly between seasons, making it a strong choice for couples wanting to move beyond predictable whites and beiges without committing to bold colour.
Bridesmaid dresses in chocolate brown
Photo: Birdie Grey/Pinterest
Bridesmaid dresses are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to incorporate this wedding colour trend. Chocolate brown is flattering, wearable and instantly cohesive, whether styled in matching gowns or mixed silhouettes.
Satin and silk elevate the shade for more formal celebrations, while chiffon and matte fabrics soften the look for relaxed settings. Paired with gold jewellery, natural makeup and neutral bouquets, the result feels polished but unfussy.
Using chocolate brown in wedding decor
In decor, chocolate brown works best as a grounding layer rather than the main focus. Table linens, runners or napkins in warm brown tones add depth when paired with white crockery, candlelight and natural textures.
For ceremonies, subtle brown accents through wood elements, fabric details or earthy floral arrangements help anchor the space. Keeping lighter tones like ivory or blush in the mix ensures the overall look remains fresh and inviting.
Stationery and styling details
Photo: Kaleidoscope Events/Pinterest
This wedding colour trend shines in the details. Chocolate brown adds richness to stationery through textured paper, warm ink tones or wax seals, setting a refined tone from the first impression.
It also translates beautifully into styling touches such as signage, cake detailing or groom accessories like brown leather shoes or belts, creating cohesion without feeling overly styled.
Colours that pair well with chocolate brown
Part of chocolate brown’s appeal lies in its versatility. Paired with cream or stone, it creates a timeless, neutral palette. Blush and dusty rose add softness, while olive green, terracotta or black introduce a more contemporary edge.
Metallic accents like gold or bronze lift the palette further, adding warmth and subtle contrast without overpowering the look.
Your wedding day is filled with moments that deserve more than photographs alone. From live painters capturing your ceremony as it unfolds to caricature artists creating keepsakes for your guests, wedding artists add a layer of creativity, entertainment, and meaning to your celebration.
We spotlight some of the most sought after wedding artists in South Africa, each offering something beautifully unique.
Danielle Jordaan and her team are known for elegant live wedding paintings that capture key moments from ceremonies and receptions. Couples can choose whether they want their first kiss, vows, or first dance brought to life on canvas. Instagram: @daniellejordaanstudio Website: www.daniellejordaan.com
Specialising in watercolour live wedding paintings, Art by Sunel captures the softness and emotion of your day. Sunel also offers guest portraits that work beautifully as personalised wedding favours. Based in Centurion, Gauteng Instagram: @sunel_paintsweddings Website: www.artbysunel.co.za
Focused on live wedding and event painting, Karen transforms fleeting moments into lasting artworks that become meaningful home pieces long after the wedding day.
Instagram: @the_wedding_painter_sa
Website: www.liveweddingpaint.com
Gary is a highly experienced caricature artist who creates quick, expressive portraits that entertain guests while offering a personalised keepsake. Ideal for cocktail hour or reception entertainment. Instagram: @livecartoonportraits Website: www.livecartoonportraits.com
Ted offers a blend of live scene illustration and caricature portraits, capturing both atmosphere and personality. His work adds a creative, interactive element to weddings.
Instagram: @keycaricatures Website: www.keycaricatures.com
Karina’s lively caricatures are full of personality and charm. Her work can be incorporated as guest entertainment or custom illustrated wedding keepsakes. Instagram: @besmittencaricatures Website: www.besmitten.co.za
Known for his energetic and fast paced live caricature style, Martinus keeps guests engaged while producing fun, expressive artwork throughout the event.
Instagram: @martinusvantee Website: www.martinusvantee.com
How to choose the right wedding artist
Decide whether you want art as live entertainment, a keepsake for yourselves, or personalised favours for guests Consider the artist’s style and how it complements your wedding aesthetic Book early, especially for peak season dates Think about placement during the day, such as cocktail hour or reception downtime
The Pont des Arts in Paris is commonly known by it’s other name, the Love Lock Bridge. People from around the world have flocked to this site to immortalise their love for their partner by clipping a padlock on the railing and throwing the key into the Seine river below.
Love lock bridges are not exclusive to Paris but are found around the globe. According to City Wonders, the first love lock bridge was actually in Hungary.
The urban legend of how the concept of love lock bridges started dates back to World War 1. The story goes that a woman who lost her love during the war began placing padlocks on the bridges where they would meet. The locks were symbolic of her unbreakable love.
In Paris, people had been placing padlocks on the Pont des Arts since 2008. Unfortunately though, the weight of all the locks began causing structural damage to the bridge. By 2015, city officials removed all the locks from the bridge to prevent the bridge from collapsing.
Paris has also put an official ban on placing locks on bridges. Of course this hasn’t really stopped people from doing it anyway.
For decades, kitchen teas, bachelorettes, and bachelors have been celebrated separately, but modern couples are rewriting the rules. Over the past few years, the idea of hosting a joint bachelor and bachelorette party has become far more common, especially among couples with overlapping friend groups or those looking to simplify pre-wedding plans. That said, separate celebrations are still the most common. Many brides love their girls-only moment, and plenty of grooms enjoy their own dedicated send-off. But with the rising cost of events, busy schedules, and couples wanting more shared memories, combined celebrations are definitely gaining momentum.
Why combining your celebrations makes perfect sense
1. More time with your favourite people
Instead of splitting the wedding party for separate weekends, a joint celebration means you and your partner actually get to enjoy the build-up together. No FOMO, no separate plans. Just shared fun before the big day.
2. It helps both sides bond
A combined event brings bridesmaids, groomsmen, and mutual friends into one space. It’s the perfect ice-breaker before the wedding, especially if your groups don’t know each other well. By the time the big day arrives, everyone feels like they’ve been friends for years.
3. It’s budget-friendly
Two events often mean double the accommodation, transport, decor, and activities. A joint bash can cut costs for the wedding party and the couple. Think shared transport, split venue hire, and group discounts.
4. Less pressure, more inclusivity
Joint celebrations naturally avoid the stereotype-heavy, gendered activities some bridal parties want to avoid. They offer a more relaxed, everyone-welcome vibe. This is great for couples who prefer something low-key or who have mixed-gender friend circles.
Fun ways to combine the celebrations
If you’re leaning toward one shared event, here are ideas that work beautifully for co-ed groups:
• A themed dinner party or backyard braai
A relaxed, at-home celebration where everyone brings a dish or you hire a private chef. Add games or a DIY cocktail bar for extra fun.
• A competitive game night
Board games, trivia, or card games are perfect for mixed groups. Create teams that blend both sides of the wedding party for instant bonding.
• A wine, gin, or craft beer tasting
Great for groups wanting a more refined (or more adventurous!) outing. Non-drinkers can enjoy alternatives like coffee, cheese, or chocolate tastings.
• A group activity day
Think mini-golf, a cooking class, an escape room, or a friendly sports match. Something collaborative is ideal for building connections.
• A party bus or boat day
If you want high energy, rent a party shuttle or a boat for a few hours. It’s a simple way to keep everyone together without complicated planning.
• A weekend away
From glamping to a beach house, a shared weekend escape can be a cost-effective way to have both separate moments and joint activities.
Why a combined celebration might not be the best fit
Joint pre-wedding celebrations are fun and increasingly popular, but they don’t suit every couple or every friend group. Some people prefer the tradition of separate bachelor and bachelorette parties because they want the freedom to plan an experience that truly reflects the bride or groom individually.
You also need to consider group dynamics: if certain personalities don’t mix well, or if your friends have very different ideas of what “fun” looks like, combining the celebrations could leave someone feeling out of place. And of course, if one side prefers a more relaxed experience while the other is expecting something wild and energetic, the compromise may dilute the excitement for both groups.
Should you combine yours?
In the end, it comes down to what feels most “you.” If your group is already close, you prefer shared experiences, or you’d like to simplify the pre-wedding calendar, a joint celebration might be perfect. If you’re dreaming of a more traditional girls-only or guys-only vibe, that’s just as valid.
Adding a touch of childlike wonder to weddings for as long as we can remember, the flower girl is not only adorable but a much-loved wedding tradition too. While we often associate the moment with sweetness and innocence, the meaning and origin of the practice are rooted in much older customs.
There are two main ideas linked to this tradition. According to Reader’s Digest, it’s connected to themes of new beginnings and fertility (as many long-standing wedding traditions are), rather than romance.
In ancient Rome, marriages were often arranged and carried significant social purpose, including uniting families and ensuring a continuation of the family line. During these ceremonies, historic accounts describe young attendants accompanying the bride. A young girl would walk ahead of her, tossing grains or herbs to symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and protection.
As the centuries went on, the symbolism evolved with each era. Some medieval customs continued the idea of blessing the path ahead, often using herbs known for their associations with luck or protection. Over time, this slowly shifted into what we recognise today: little girls scattering petals or carrying blooms down the aisle.
Reader’s Digest also notes that having a young girl lead the procession came to represent the transition from childhood to womanhood — one reason why flower girls are often dressed in similar colours or styles to the bride.
Brides shares similar origins, adding that influences from both Roman and Greek traditions likely contributed to the early forms of this custom.
As the tradition developed further, the Elizabethan era embraced children in the wedding party as symbols of hope and innocence. Brides notes that this era strengthened the sentimental meaning behind including little ones.
By the time the Victorian era arrived, the flower girl had taken on a look much closer to the modern version. Petite baskets filled with flowers and delicate floral wreaths became popular, symbolising unending love and natural beauty.
Today, we still include children in our wedding parties, although the meaning has changed dramatically. Most couples no longer associate the role with fertility or symbolism around innocence — they simply enjoy the charm, fun, and family connection that a flower girl brings to the aisle. It’s become a sweet way to involve beloved nieces, nephews, or little family friends in one of life’s most special moments.
Now that you’ve got the ring, you’ve said yes, and you’ve spread your great news, it’s time to celebrate! Your engagement party is the first of many celebrations to come before the wedding in which you get to honour your relationship. You’ll definitely want to start your wedding journey off with a bang.
While some may opt for the traditional engagement party, others may want to spice things up a bit. Since an engagement party is a celebration of the couple, it should reflect their personalities, right?
Here are some fun engagement party ideas to get your imagination flowing:
If you did something exciting on your first date or ate some great food, try to incorporate that into the party. If you went to a certain restaurant, perhaps you could host the party there. Maybe you went to a carnival – you could either have all your guest join you at another carnival, or you could have a carnival themed party.
When crafting your perfect bridal look, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your values. For a Muslim bride who chooses to wear a hijab, this is an important addition to her beauty.
A hijab is a headscarf some Muslim women wear over their hair and chest, in honour of their Islamic tradition. Islam encourages both men and women to dress modestly once they hit puberty, and a hijab is a common method of following this guideline for women. However, it is not a requirement, so some Muslims may choose not to wear one.
A hijab can be highly personal and speaks to one’s culture and upbringing. It can be worn in a multitude of ways, from a simple wrap to an ornate headpiece accessorised with jewels and stones. It’s like wearing a crown.
The fabric you choose will have to complement your dress. Generally, brides have the hijab made from the same fabric their dress in to ensure it matches in colour and creates a uniform look. The fabric will act as a base, and you can always dress it up with jewels and extra accessories.
Photo: Pinterest
If you want something different, you could always make a statement with some texture and dimension. Chiffon adds a lighter look and ethereal quality, and sowing 3D flowers of different sizes will add a stunning depth to your look. Lace is always perfect for a touch of romance, and a more clean look, opt for pearls.
