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In Advice

How to announce your engagement online without making it feel like a performance

June 4, 2026 No Comments

In a world where every milestone seems to come with a social media announcement, sharing your engagement can feel surprisingly complicated.

Do you post immediately? Do you wait? Do you upload a polished carousel, a candid Reel, or simply change your relationship status and call it a day?

The truth is that there’s no single “right” way to announce your engagement online. In fact, one of the biggest trends we’re seeing this year – is couples choosing authenticity over perfection and sharing their news in a way that feels true to their relationship rather than what social media expects.

Here are a few tips to keep in your back pocket before you hit post.

Tell your inner circle first

Before your engagement appears on Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, make sure the people closest to you hear the news directly from you.

Parents, siblings, grandparents and close friends should ideally find out through a phone call, FaceTime or in-person conversation before discovering it on their feed. It’s a small gesture that means a lot and helps avoid hurt feelings later.

Once your VIPs know, you can share the news with the wider world.

Choose photos that actually feel like you

Not everyone has a perfectly captured proposal moment, and that’s okay.

Maybe your partner was wearing their favourite old hoodie. Maybe your nails weren’t done. Maybe the proposal photos are slightly blurry because everyone was too excited to focus.

The good news? Highly polished engagement announcements are no longer the only option.

While professional engagement shoots remain timeless, candid moments, photo dumps and authentic snapshots continue to resonate because they tell a genuine story. Use photos that feel meaningful to your relationship, whether that’s a professionally planned shoot or a spontaneous phone photo from the day itself.

Don’t overthink the caption

Your caption doesn’t need to be a novel.

Some couples love sharing the full proposal story. Others simply post a ring emoji, a date, or a short sentence that says everything.

Whether you choose a heartfelt paragraph, a favourite song lyric or a simple “Forever starts here”, the best captions are the ones that sound like you.

One thing worth avoiding? Anything that feels performative or turns the announcement into a competition. Let the focus stay on the joy of the moment rather than the size of the ring, the extravagance of the proposal or proving anything to anyone.

Consider a Reel, TikTok or soft launch

In 2026, engagement announcements aren’t limited to static photos.

Many couples are creating short Reels featuring proposal clips, reaction videos, behind-the-scenes footage or even a collection of favourite moments from their relationship.

Others are embracing the “soft launch” approach by sharing subtle hints before making an official announcement. Think a glimpse of a ring in a photo dump, a cryptic caption or a casual post that lets followers connect the dots themselves.

If a grand reveal doesn’t feel like your style, that’s perfectly okay too.

Create boundaries around wedding content

Being engaged is exciting, but not every wedding planning update needs its own feed post.

If you want to document venue visits, dress appointments, menu tastings and DIY projects, Stories remain one of the best places to do it. Creating a dedicated highlight allows you to keep those memories in one place without overwhelming your followers.

Remember: your engagement announcement is about sharing a special moment, not creating content on a schedule.

The bottom line

There is no rulebook when it comes to announcing your engagement online. Some couples post within minutes, while others wait days, weeks or even months before sharing the news. Some opt for a cinematic Reel, while others keep it simple with a single photo and a few heartfelt words.

The beauty of modern engagement announcements is that they can look however you want them to. So, whether you’re planning a grand reveal or a quiet soft launch, focus less on what will perform well online and more on what feels right for you. Because long after the likes and comments have faded, you’ll remember the excitement, the love and the moment you said “yes.”

ALSO SEE: 13 fun engagement party ideas

13 fun engagement party ideas

Featured image: eduardo199o9 / Pexels

In Celebs

Dua Lipa marries Callum Turner in intimate London ceremony

May 31, 2026 No Comments

Pop superstar Dua Lipa is officially married.

The Grammy-winning singer reportedly tied the knot with British actor Callum Turner in an intimate ceremony held at London’s Old Marylebone Town Hall on Sunday, 31 May 2026, surrounded by close family and friends. The surprise wedding comes after months of speculation surrounding the couple’s engagement and wedding plans.

According to reports, the pair opted for a low-key civil ceremony in one of London’s most iconic wedding venues. Photos shared by international media show the newlyweds leaving the venue hand-in-hand while guests showered them with confetti and flower petals.

For the occasion, Dua Lipa reportedly wore a custom white Schiaparelli ensemble paired with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat and classic white heels, while Turner chose a timeless navy suit. The fashion-forward look was fitting for a bride who has become one of the most influential style icons of her generation.

DUA LIPA IS OFFICIALLY MARRIED, OH MY GOD 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/Hcfe15llm7

— dua lipa crave (@addictionlipa) May 31, 2026

The couple first sparked dating rumours in early 2024 before making their relationship public later that year. Engagement speculation intensified after Dua Lipa was spotted wearing a diamond ring, which she later confirmed during an interview with British Vogue in 2025.

Speaking about her engagement at the time, the singer described the prospect of growing old together and being “best friends forever” as a “really special feeling”.

Their romance reportedly began after meeting through mutual connections in London, with the pair later reconnecting in Los Angeles. Since then, they have become one of entertainment’s most talked-about couples, frequently appearing together at high-profile events and on social media.

While the London ceremony was intimate, several international reports suggest that this may be just the beginning of the celebrations. A larger multi-day wedding event is reportedly planned in Sicily, Italy, where an impressive guest list of celebrities and close friends is expected to attend. Neither Lipa nor Turner has publicly confirmed the details.

Fans across the globe have already flooded social media with messages of congratulations, celebrating the couple’s next chapter together.

ALSO SEE: Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are reportedly engaged

Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are reportedly engaged

Feature image: Dua Lipa/Instagram

In Announcements

Sue Duminy shares her engagement news

May 5, 2026 No Comments

There’s a new chapter unfolding for Sue Duminy, and this one comes with a sparkling ring and a resounding “yes.”

The Cape Town-based content creator took to Instagram to share the news of her engagement, posting a heartfelt video of the moment her partner proposed at the iconic AfrikaBurn.

“I said… yes,” she captioned the post, alongside a message reflecting on a love that feels grounding and deeply aligned.

She previously introduced her partner, Roberto Franco, to her followers late last year. Since then, the couple have shared snippets of their life together — from travel escapes to festival moments.

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A post shared by Sue Erasmus (@sueduminy)

Sue was previously married to former Proteas cricketer JP Duminy, with whom she shares two daughters. The pair announced their separation in early 2024 after many years together.

Congratulations to the happy couple on their engagement and this exciting new beginning.

ALSO SEE: Neels van Jaarsveld reportedly ties the knot

Neels van Jaarsveld reportedly ties the knot

Feature image: Sue Duminy/Instagram

In Celebs

Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are reportedly engaged

April 28, 2026 No Comments

After months of romance and globe-trotting moments, Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles have reportedly taken the next step in their relationship.

The couple, who have been linked since mid-2025, are said to have shared news of their engagement with a close-knit circle of friends and family. While neither has publicly confirmed the milestone, the sighting of a diamond ring on that finger has been enough to set the rumour mill spinning — and, this time, it seems the whispers are true.

Of course, the ring has already become a talking point. Described as a slim band set with a striking cushion-cut diamond worn east-west, it strikes that perfect balance between timeless elegance and contemporary edge.

Their journey to this moment hasn’t been without its own chapters. Kravitz, who previously ended her engagement in late 2024, has kept her personal life largely private, stepping back into the spotlight on her own terms. Styles, known for guarding his relationships just as closely, seems to share that same approach.

ALSO SEE: Brendan Peyper announces his engagement

Brendan Peyper announces his engagement

Source: Adapted from reporting by Vogue.

Feature image: Vogue/Instagram

In News

The true story of a wedding during the Chernobyl disaster

April 20, 2026 No Comments

On 26 April 1986, as an explosion rocked the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, life in the nearby city of Pripyat appeared — at least on the surface — to continue as normal.

Among those moving ahead with their plans were Iryna Stetsenko, 19, and Serhiy Lobanov, 25, who were due to be married that same day, just 4km from the plant.

The wedding morning

In the early hours before the ceremony, residents reported unusual sounds and vibrations. Iryna recalled a low rumble and shaking windows, while Serhiy described feeling what he thought might have been a minor tremor.

Despite this, there was no clear information.

According to BBC News, Soviet authorities did not immediately disclose what had happened. Radio broadcasts remained silent, and when residents called for answers, they were told not to panic and to continue with planned events.

By morning, however, signs of disruption were visible. Soldiers in gas masks appeared the city, and streets were being washed down. At the market, unusually quiet for a Saturday, Serhiy bought a small bouquet of tulips for the bride.

“We knew something wasn’t right”

The wedding went ahead at Pripyat’s Palace of Culture, The couple exchanged vows in front of family and friends, but the mood was far from celebratory. Guests were aware that something had happened, even if the details were unclear.

“There was tension,” Serhiy later said to BBC. “Everyone understood something was wrong.”

At the reception, the atmosphere remained subdued. The couple had planned a traditional waltz for their first dance, but quickly fell out of step. Instead, they held each other and moved together quietly.

What was happening just kilometres away

While the wedding continued, reactor four at the plant had exploded during a failed safety test, triggering the Chernobyl disaster.

The blast released large amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere, affecting vast areas of Ukraine and beyond. Emergency crews worked through the night to contain the damage, many exposed to dangerous radiation levels.

Residents, however, were not immediately evacuated or fully informed.

A wedding cut short

In the early hours of the following morning, just hours after becoming husband and wife, Iryna and Serhiy were told to leave.

Evacuation trains were scheduled to depart at dawn. With little time to prepare, they gathered what they could. Iryna, who had no other suitable clothing on hand, ran through the streets in her wedding dress to return home and change before leaving.

Like thousands of others, they were told the evacuation would be temporary.

They never returned to Pripyat.

Life after Chernobyl

In the days following their evacuation, the couple stayed with family far from the exclusion zone. It was there that Iryna discovered she was pregnant.

At the time, there were widespread concerns about the potential effects of radiation exposure on unborn children. Despite the uncertainty, she continued with the pregnancy and later gave birth to a healthy daughter.

Over the years, the couple have said they believe the disaster may have affected their health, though this has not been medically confirmed.

Decades later

Today, Pripyat remains abandoned, and the reactor is sealed beneath a protective structure designed to contain radiation. While some areas are now considered safe for limited visits, the region is still heavily monitored.

For Iryna and Serhiy, the events of that day reshaped the course of their lives.

Their wedding, set against the backdrop of one of history’s most devastating nuclear accidents, was not the celebration they had imagined — but it marked the beginning of a marriage that has endured decades of upheaval.

ALSO SEE: 67 of our favourite last dance songs to end your wedding on a high

67 of our favourite last dance songs to end your wedding on a high

Feature image: BBC News

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 Celebs

Kim Cattrall marries longtime partner in intimate ceremony

December 9, 2025 No Comments

Kim Cattrall has married her partner of nearly a decade, marking a joyful new chapter for the 69-year-old star best known for her role as Samantha Jones in Sex and the City.

The actress tied the knot with audio engineer Russell Thomas on 4 December in a small ceremony attended by just 12 guests. Styled by iconic Sex and the City costume designer Patricia Field, Cattrall’s wedding look added a nostalgic nod to the character that made her a global favourite.

Cattrall and Thomas first met in 2016 when she appeared on BBC Radio’s Woman’s Hour, where he was working behind the scenes. The pair kept in touch, began dating shortly after, and have been together for nine years. Thomas, 14 years younger than Cattrall, has been described by her as “a rebel” with a wicked sense of humour.

In a recent interview, she said their relationship is defined by its ease. “I’m very comfortable around him. He’s a firecracker… and he’s easy on the eyes,” she told People.

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A colourful romantic history

Cattrall has been married three times before. Her first marriage, to writer Larry Davis, was annulled in 1979. She went on to marry German architect Andre J. Lyson in 1982, with the couple divorcing seven years later. Her third marriage, to musician Mark Levinson, began in 1998 and included their much-publicised collaboration on the 2002 book Satisfaction: The Art of the Female Orgasm. They split in 2004.

Over the years, she has also been linked to notable figures, including Pierre Trudeau, Daniel Benzali, Gerald Casale and Bernard-Henri Lévy.

Open about a child-free life

Cattrall has long spoken honestly about choosing not to have children, explaining that maternal fulfilment can take many forms. “I am not a biological parent, but I am a parent,” she has said, citing her close relationships with mentees, nieces and nephews. In past essays, she noted that societal pressure once made her question her path, but ultimately she chose a life aligned with her instincts, not expectations.

A happy ending

After decades of navigating love in the public eye, Cattrall’s fourth marriage marks a fresh start with a partner she describes as both grounding and adventurous. Nearly 20 years after Sex and the City ended, the actress who embodied one of TV’s most commitment-averse characters appears to have found her perfect match — and a love story all her own.

ALSO SEE: Venus Williams shares the sweetest engagement moments

Venus Williams shares the sweetest engagement moments

Written by Jade McGee for Woman&Home.

Feature image: Instagram/Kim Cattrall

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

Royal champagne from Lady Diana’s wedding goes up for auction

November 26, 2025 No Comments

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

What Wines & Drinks to Serve at Weddings in 2025

Feature image: Supplied by Bruun Rasmussen

In Weddings

Wedding grinch steals groom’s fire by spiking him

July 21, 2022 No Comments

There are plenty of things couples worry will spoil their wedding day. Uncooperative weather, a guest who enjoys the bar tab a little too much, or worst of all – another couple getting engaged on the same day.

However, while most of these worries never come to be, sometimes an unexpected spoil emerges thanks to a wedding grinch.

Such was the case for an American couple. Taking to TikTok, bride Brandy told the story with footage of her husband, Billy, who began acting strangely and couldn’t even say his vows coherently.

It turned out that the groom’s drink had been spiked, causing massive discomfort, confusion and an unhealthy racing heart for him. Brandy claims that he was spiked with crushed Adderal.

His symptoms included sweating, being red in the face, emotional ups and downs and being unable to form words as well as anger, confusion and memory loss according to Brandy. She says that he was drug tested and that this kind of thing happens at weddings so that people can have more duration to party longer.

The video quickly went viral (reaching almost 1 million views) on the video-sharing app, and soon TikTok users were ready to fight the culprit. Brandy had shared the video with the intention to help prevent the same thing from happening to anyone else.

“Our poor kids were traumatized by the experience. Billy doesn’t remember anything after I walked down,” said Brandy.

In the comments, many people demanded that the couple have a redo, with some wondering whether the newly-weds could sue for the entire wedding cost. Others suggested that they renew their wedding vows the following year, so that Billy could remember the special day – with the costs coming out of the culprit’s pocket.

Picture: Screenshot from video/@brandy_billy