Signature cocktails are one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to personalise your wedding day.
The good news? You don’t need to overthink it. Naming your wedding cocktails should feel playful. Here’s how to land on names that feel personal, clever, and completely you.
An autumn wedding comes with a built-in sense of atmosphere with the help of softer light, richer textures and a natural depth of colour that does a lot of the work for you.
Here are 20 autumn wedding colours that we love:
If you’ve just made it past the potential minefield that is the guest list, here’s your next challenge: How are you going to seat everyone? Round tables? Long ones? One long banquet table? Goodness. Read on to set your mind free from all these decisions…
1. DANCE FLOOR FIRST!
This is your starting point. The most popular – and effective – option is to plonk your dance floor in the centre of the room. Then you’ll position the band or DJ against the wall. If your venue doesn’t allow for this, you can place the dance floor at one end of the room, centred and backed up against a wall.
2. FIND YOUR TABLES
Choose the shape and size of your tables – but regardless of this, make sure the two of you are in a central spot that your guests can see. Figure out how many guests fit at each table, to determine how many tables you will need.
3. THE FLOOR PLAN
Start with yourself and your SO – you get the best seats in the house, whether that means with the best view or closest to the bar (it’s been a long few months!) Then arrange your tables as symmetrically as possible – in a U-shape around the centre dance floor or fill one end of the space (if the dance floor is on the one side).
4. VIPs
Reserve the tables closest to the two of you for your immediate families, and set aside tables further from the band/DJ for older guests. The less desirable seats should be saved for your friends. Keep people together who will enjoy the time together – perhaps there are family members who haven’t seen each other in a while?
5. THE BAR
This will also be dependent on your venue, but as a rule of thumb, the bar should be away from the entrance to avoid possible congestion. If you have more than one bar (one bar with two bartenders for every 100 guests is a good point of measure), then position one close to the dance floor and another one on the other side of the room.
6. ARRANGE THE NAMES
Now that the hard work is over, how are you going to let your guests know where to sit on the day? If you have more than 75 guests, displaying their names in alphabetical order is the most convenient option, to eliminate confusion and unnecessary time spent at the seating chart. To make it more exciting, give each guest a refreshing cocktail or glass of bubbly along with their table number – it really sets the tone for a festive reception!
ALSO SEE: How to save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style
How to save money on wedding flowers without sacrificing style
Written by Claire Davies for Wedding Etc. Summer 2020
Feature image: Pexels
If your wedding falls during Ramadan and you have Muslim guests, you might wonder how to make the experience a respectful one for them during this time. With a little thought, you can ensure everyone feels included while you enjoy your day. These simple tips help you plan a wedding during Ramadan that works for all your guests.
Time it right
Avoid food-focused moments like canapés, cocktail hour or dinner before sunset if you can. Ramadan shifts each year, so sunset (iftar) times change daily and by city. Check a local timetable online. Even noting sunset on your programme helps guests plan.
Offer simple iftar
A small iftar table at sunset is thoughtful. Dates, water, juice or light snacks — enough to break the fast comfortably.
Talk to your caterer
Let your caterer know in advance about fasting guests and halal meal requests. Keep meals warm or plated later if needed. Small adjustments go a long way.
Cocktail hour before sunset?
If you have a cocktail hour before sunset, provide comfortable seating and social spaces so fasting guests can enjoy themselves without focusing only on food.
Provide quiet spaces
Some guests may want to pray after sunset. A small, private room is helpful. Not mandatory, just considerate.
Share information in advance
Mention that your wedding falls during Ramadan on your website or invitations. Let guests know you’ve considered fasting and halal options. It helps them plan and shows respect.
Don’t assume everyone is fasting
Children and those with health reasons may not fast. Flexibility is key, so focus on consideration, not assumptions.
Small gestures count
A quick check-in with Muslim guests before the day — asking if there’s anything that would make it easier — is often appreciated more than any big arrangement.
ALSO SEE: 7 quirky wedding ideas perfect for summer
Feature image: Pexels
You’ve had the big engagement and decided on a date – now it’s time to get down to the planning but your partner doesn’t seem keen on contributing. Wedding planning can be stressful enough without having a partner who is not interested in helping out, so we’ve put together these five tips to get your partner involved in planning your big day together.
1. FROM THE GET-GO
Make sure you are both discussing wedding options from the start. You don’t want to get ahead without your partner and leave them behind, only to want their input later on.
2. BE OPEN MINDED
Your partner may have some strange ideas, but try not to brush them off harshly, as you want them to continue making contributions. If you don’t like something, be gentle and explain why.
3. GET HANDS-ON
If there are certain areas that you know your partner will be interested in, such as the music, food or transport, then hand over those tasks, making sure you are both on the same page when it comes to what you want.
4. ASK FOR HELP
If you’re struggling to juggle all of the invitations, nagging family members and bookings, ask your partner if they can take on some of the tasks, or that you work on them together to ease the pressure.
5. JUST BE HONEST
Tell your partner that you want their input, after all, you both decided to have a wedding. Having open communication will help you to express how you feel as well as finding out what your partner wants.
ALSO SEE: 5 ways to avoid a family takeover at your wedding
Feature image: Priscilla du Preez/Unsplash
Calling the family and posting on the Gram? Duh! But what else should you do after he’s popped the question?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Written by Andrea Robertson for Summer 2019 print edition.
Feature image: Pexels
In the midst of wedding planning, pre-wedding celebrations, or the transition into married life, taking time to pause can feel both indulgent and essential. Whether you’re planning a calming escape before the big day, a romantic honeymoon, or a restorative bachelorette getaway, spa retreats offer a meaningful way to reconnect, unwind and reset together.
South Africa is home to an exceptional collection of spa retreats that lend themselves beautifully to wedding-related travel. Blending luxury with nature and indulgence with intention, these destinations range from secluded mountain hideaways to vineyard sanctuaries and refined city escapes, making them ideal for honeymoons, bachelorettes and pre-wedding escapes alike.
Tucked away in the serene valleys of the Cape Winelands, Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa is a sophisticated choice for couples or bridal parties seeking a structured yet luxurious wellness experience. Known for its comprehensive spa treatments and detox programmes, Santé combines tailored health assessments with holistic therapies designed to restore both body and mind.
With world-class facilities including hydrotherapy, Pilates and yoga studios, sauna and a heated indoor pool, it is well suited to couples wanting a mindful start to married life, or brides looking to arrive at the aisle feeling balanced and radiant.
For couples or groups drawn to nature-led experiences, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve offers a deeply immersive retreat. Set high in the Cederberg Mountains, this escape pairs luxurious spa therapies with wide-open landscapes, ancient rock art and outdoor exploration.
Riverside massages, open-air treatments and guided hikes make it a compelling option for adventurous honeymoons or intimate bachelorette retreats where nature, stillness and connection take centre stage.
Located in the rolling countryside of the Midlands Meander, Healing Earth Transformative Wellness is ideal for slower-paced celebrations or pre-wedding wind-downs. The spa’s bespoke treatments are inspired by nature and tailored to individual needs, offering everything from restorative massages to calming facial therapies.
With an outdoor yoga deck, wellness pool and tranquil spaces for relaxation, this retreat works beautifully for small bridal groups or couples seeking quiet luxury in a countryside setting.
Just outside Cape Town, Future Found Sanctuary offers a regenerative wellness experience that feels both secluded and accessible. Set against the slopes of Table Mountain, the retreat is surrounded by fynbos and sweeping mountain views, creating a serene backdrop for honeymoons or pre-wedding escapes.
The spa focuses on sensory renewal, with treatments complemented by forest walks, meditation spaces and guided wellness activities. It is an excellent choice for couples wanting meaningful relaxation without straying too far from the city.
For couples or bridal parties who appreciate refined, nature-inspired luxury, Babylonstoren is a standout destination. Set on a historic working farm, the spa draws heavily on the surrounding botanical gardens, offering herbal steam baths, botanical massages and open-air hot pools.
Between treatments, guests can explore the gardens, enjoy farm-to-table dining or simply soak in the views of vineyards and mountains, making it particularly appealing for romantic honeymoons or indulgent pre-wedding stays.
For those planning a city-based escape, The Saxon Spa in Johannesburg offers an elegant urban sanctuary with five-star appeal. Known for its holistic, results-driven treatments, the spa combines advanced skincare and body therapies with classic luxury.
Thermo-therapy suites, bespoke facials and tranquil gardens provide a polished yet peaceful environment, ideal for a short honeymoon stopover or a sophisticated bachelorette retreat without leaving the city.
Book well in advance: Spa retreats are popular for honeymoons and group bookings, particularly at sought-after properties.
Consider group-friendly options: Some spas offer tailored packages for couples or bridal parties, including private facilities or shared treatments.
Balance indulgence with experience: Pair spa time with gentle activities such as yoga, guided walks or wine tastings to create a well-rounded stay.
ALSO SEE: Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?
Written by Zoe Erasmus for Getaway.
Feature image: Pexels
A wedding day is a time for celebration. Chances are, however, some might celebrate a bit too hard. Wedding hangovers can be pretty harsh for your guests, so why not help them recover?
Wedding hangover kits have become popular wedding favours in recent years. What’s great about this favour is that it’s easily DIY’ed, and couples can add whatever they want.
– A bottle of water to prevent a dry throat
– An eye mask to reduce puffiness
– Plasters for those blisters after dancing all night long
– A granola bar for energy
– Sunglasses to hide those bloodshot eyes
– Gum or mouth wash
– A mini bottle of alcohol because… you know, hair of the dog
Feature image: Unsplash
Few places in South Africa can match the romantic allure of Stellenbosch. With its rolling vineyards, mountain views and old-world charm, the Cape Winelands town has become one of the country’s most sought-after wedding destinations. Whether you dream of exchanging vows in a centuries-old chapel, under a canopy of oak trees, or beside a sleek glass pavilion, Stellenbosch offers a venue for every kind of love story.
Here are some of the most enchanting wedding venues that promise a perfect blend of luxury, nature and South African warmth.
Hidden in the Banghoek Valley, Zorgvliet Wines feels like a fairytale come to life. Framed by the Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountains, this wine estate pairs breathtaking views with understated elegance. Couples can say their “I dos” in a charming chapel before moving to The Oak Room for a refined reception, complete with vineyard views and soft candlelight.
The nearby Country Lodge sleeps 36 guests, making it easy for loved ones to linger for a weekend of celebration. From picnics on the lawns to sunset braais under the stars, Zorgvliet knows how to turn a wedding into an experience.
Image Sources: Zorgvliet Wines
Situated just off Bottelary Road, Eikenhof Estate offers a tranquil escape while remaining close to Stellenbosch, Brackenfell and Kuilsriver. The venue’s Cap Classique Hall combines rustic charm with modern touches—wooden pergolas, natural stone walls, chandeliers and a warm indoor fireplace.
The lawn and patio area are perfect for cocktails or a marquee-style celebration, while the on-site manor and guest villa make it ideal for multi-day festivities. As locals say, Eikenhof blends “nature and perfection” in the most effortless way.
Image Source: Eikenhof Estate on Instagram
For couples craving a contemporary touch, Landtscap offers a light-filled venue overlooking the vineyards and mountains. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows frame 180-degree views, ensuring nature remains part of the décor.
The venue can host up to 190 guests and provides stylish designer tables, crystal glassware, and oak furnishings. With multiple spaces—including ceremony lawns and decks—it’s an adaptable venue for couples who want a bespoke celebration. The on-site accommodation, Fransmanshuijs and Fransmans Cottage, add a touch of luxury with wood-fired hot tubs and panoramic patios—perfect for pre-wedding relaxation.
Image Source: Landscapt on Instagram
At Highberry Vineyards, nature takes centre stage. The 60-hectare farm sits among lakes, paddocks and the Hottentots Holland Mountains, offering endless backdrops for photos. Known for restoring 12 hectares of indigenous Renosterveld, Highberry radiates a sense of peace and authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Couples love the venue’s intimacy, with its elegant farmhouse and manicured gardens serving as the perfect bridal prep space. It’s a favourite among nature-loving couples who want an eco-conscious yet luxurious wedding.
Source: Highberry on Instagram
Family-owned since 1919, Middelvlei Wine Estate brings a timeless warmth to any celebration. Just 4km from Stellenbosch town, this working wine farm exudes old-world charm with its rustic Wine Barn that accommodates up to 120 guests.
Known for hearty South African dishes, fine wine, and genuine hospitality, Middelvlei’s relaxed atmosphere captures the heart of the Winelands. For smaller weddings, the Barrel Cellar offers an intimate space that feels both romantic and real—a place where stories are made to last generations.
Nestled in the heart of the Winelands, Cultivar Guest Lodge offers couples the flexibility of hosting both ceremony and reception on-site. Whether you choose a garden ceremony by the pool or a reception in the elegant Napoleon Hall, every detail is curated to suit your style and budget.
With a focus on stress-free planning, Cultivar’s in-house team can handle everything from décor and catering to sound and photography. The panoramic mountain views from the balcony seal the deal for couples seeking an intimate yet unforgettable setting.
Blending history with innovation, Hazendal Wine Estate is one of Stellenbosch’s most versatile wedding venues. Each space offers its own character—from the ethereal Floating Pavilion set on a pond to the sophisticated Grand Hall that can host 250 guests.
Couples can also exchange vows in The Glasshouse or celebrate outdoors on The Lawn with mountain views. The estate’s boutique hotel, The Hazendal, adds a luxurious stay for guests, while the estate’s mix of architecture, art, and fine dining creates a truly world-class experience.
Whether your heart leans toward modern minimalism, rustic romance, or classic elegance, Stellenbosch’s wedding venues promise something unforgettable. Each estate tells its own story—a story of heritage, landscape and love.
As one recent bride shared on social media, “There’s something magical about saying ‘I do’ where the vines meet the mountains—it’s the kind of beauty that stays with you forever.”
So, as you plan your special day, remember: in Stellenbosch, love isn’t just celebrated—it’s beautifully cultivated.
Featured Image Source: Matthias Wesselmann on Unsplash
Renewing your wedding vows is one of the most heartfelt ways to celebrate love — whether you’ve been married for one year or fifty. It’s not about redoing your wedding day; it’s about reflecting on how far you’ve come, the life you’ve built, and the promises that still hold you together.
In South Africa, more couples are embracing vow renewals as a way to reconnect after challenges, mark milestone anniversaries, or simply reaffirm the commitment that first brought them together. Whether it’s an intimate sunset ceremony on Clifton Beach or a family gathering in your backyard, it’s your love story — rewritten in your own way.
Every couple’s reason for renewing their vows is different — and that’s the beauty of it. Some do it to mark a milestone, like a 10th or 25th anniversary. Others plan a second celebration after years of marriage because their first wedding was small, rushed, or financially constrained.
For some, it’s deeply emotional — a way to celebrate overcoming illness, personal loss, or infidelity. For others, it’s romantic — a chance to reignite the spark and say “I still choose you” in front of loved ones. There have even been touching moments where couples renew vows in hospital rooms or retirement homes, surrounded by family and memories.
Many couples have shared that the experience brought a sense of closure, gratitude, and excitement for the next chapter. It’s not about perfection this time — it’s about authenticity.
There’s no official rule. Some couples prefer milestone anniversaries, while others do it whenever they feel the moment is right. The right time might come after overcoming a shared struggle, reaching a family milestone, or simply wanting to celebrate the calm after life’s storms.
What matters most is that it feels genuine. If you’re both in a place of reflection and gratitude, that’s your cue.
Unlike your wedding day, a vow renewal isn’t a legal ceremony. You don’t need a marriage license, witnesses, or even an officiant. That means total freedom — no red tape, just heart.
You can hold your ceremony anywhere: in a chapel, at a beach picnic, or even in your own living room. A friend, family member, or even one of your children can lead the renewal. Some couples create a “vow renewal certificate” as a keepsake, just for fun.
It’s a celebration, not a legal procedure — and that’s what makes it beautifully personal.
The best part of planning a vow renewal is that it’s entirely on your terms. Here’s how to make it memorable:
Think about what feels right — a small, candlelit ceremony or a full-on destination celebration. Some couples prefer quiet garden ceremonies, while others throw elegant soirées at local venues or wine estates.
It could just be the two of you, or a full family affair with children, grandchildren, and close friends. Keep in mind: gifts aren’t expected, but you can exchange new or upgraded rings as symbols of continued love.
Pick a spot that means something to you — maybe where you first met, your honeymoon destination, or a scenic escape you’ve always dreamed of visiting together. Once you have your date, send out simple but thoughtful invitations that reflect the tone of your event.
Even if it’s just a small gathering, consider hiring a photographer. You’ll want to look back on these photos as a visual story of your shared journey.
Forget the rules. You don’t need a gown or tux — unless you want to. Many couples opt for elegant yet relaxed outfits that match the mood of their renewal. Think linen suits, silk dresses, or coordinating colours that photograph beautifully.
This is where emotion takes centre stage. Unlike your original wedding vows, these should reflect the years of experience, lessons, and laughter you’ve shared. Speak from the heart — acknowledge how you’ve grown and what you still promise for the future.
Some couples revisit their original vows and update them, while others write something completely new. Keep it honest and personal — your story is what makes it special.
Example inspiration:
“I still choose you — through every laugh, every challenge, and every dream we’ve chased together. You are my home, my heart, and my favourite adventure.”
Whether you celebrate privately or throw a full-blown family affair, your vow renewal should feel like an authentic reflection of your journey. Add a soundtrack that tells your story, serve your favourite food, or recreate a special photo from your wedding day.
As one couple shared online after their 20-year renewal: “We didn’t just say ‘I do’ again — we said ‘we still do.’ And that’s what made it magic.”
In the end, a vow renewal isn’t about the dress, the décor, or the number of guests — it’s about the two people who kept showing up for each other, every single day.
Because real love isn’t found in the first ‘I do.’ It’s in all the ones that come after.
Featured Image Source: Pinterest