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.
Credit: Pinterest
If you plan on making your own kit, consider adding some of these items:
– 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
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.
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.
You don’t have to sit on a hill and meditate to de-stress. Although that’s exactly what you’ll want to do after haggling with wedding vendors and explaining to your uncle (second-removed) why he isn’t sitting at the main family table.
Whether you’re planning your wedding or meandering through life, making sure that you indulge in self-care is oh-so-important. But with so many things happening in the background, it’s pretty easy to let things slip through the cracks.
To keep you on track and remind you to incorporate self-care tasks – no matter how small – into your routine as you go about your wedding planning, here are a few things we hope you won’t let take a backseat:
Eat Up
For some reason, brides feel the need to go on crazy fad diets in order to lose weight to fit into their wedding dress, but no bride wants to look like a completely different person when looking back at their wedding photos. And no one wants to feel hungry all the time. Nutrition is such a major component when it comes to self-care and is the key to our mental and physical well-being. Skip the fads and stick to a balanced diet that hit those targeted food groups – veggies, proteins, and all the wholesome goodness.
It’s all mental
When our cortisol levels are constantly elevated (thanks, stress) our mental health tends to take a backseat. While there’s a certain level of stress and anxiety that comes with wedding planning, if you feel that it’s affecting your mood and it’s gone beyond just “a bad day,” do not ignore such a big sign. Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether that be meditation apps, breathwork retreats, talk therapy or a break away from wedding planning. Follow your intuition.
Get your heart pumping
Now, we understand that your Significant Other is more than enough when it comes to getting your heart pumping and skipping beats, but sometimes you need a little more. Exercise is an excellent way to de-stress, so make sure that you get sweating. Take it easy with yoga or pilates, or really push things to the limit with some incredible workouts like CrossFit.
If you feel yourself checking your schedule and watch, why not keep things simple by going for post-dinner walks. This is also a great way to get those endorphins going and connect with your partner as the big day approaches.
It’s okay to relax
When you’re juggling work, a social life and wedding planning, it can be difficult to find the time to let go and relax. Release your grip on the reins and indulge in activities that will allow your stress to melt away. Think; movie nights, coffee dates (minus wedding talk), Netflix binges, naps and luxurious baths with tons of candles. Throw in a massage or two in for good measure!
Don’t forget those around you
During the hustle and bustle that is wedding planning, you can sometimes forget about those closest to you. Decompress by spending some quality time with friends and family, doing things that are completely unrelated to your wedding. Sunday dinners with family and Saturday brunches with friends – now that’s magic!
Summer celebrations — from weddings to honeymoons — are all about sunshine, good company, and a glass in hand. And while it’s easy to just open a bottle and pour, a little know-how can make every sip feel more special.
The right prep, the right pairing, and the right setup can elevate your reception drinks or honeymoon evenings instantly.
Make the most of every bottle
Start with your senses: look at the colour, swirl gently, and inhale to pick up the wine’s distinctive notes before taking a slow first sip. The small details matter:
Use the right glasses:
Tulip-shaped glasses bring out aromas
Flutes keep bubbles lively
Stemless glasses are ideal for relaxed settings
Get the temperature right:
Sparkling wine: 6–8°C
Whites: 8–12°C
Rosé: ±10°C
Light reds: 12–14°C
Fuller reds: 14–18°C
Don’t underestimate presentation: Nicely chilled bottles, beautiful glassware, and a simple setup make home celebrations or honeymoon picnics feel extra special.
And above all, pace yourselves; responsible sipping is non-negotiable.
Quick pairing guide for wedding menus & honeymoon meals
Crisp white wines Perfect with prawns, seafood salads, lemon-herb roast chicken, or fresh goat’s cheese. Serve at 8–10°C.
Dry rosé Great with cold cuts, light salads, and tomato-based snacks. Serve at 8–10°C.
White blends or Chenin-style wines Lovely with creamy salads, mild curries, and roast chicken. Serve at 10–12°C.
Light reds Ideal with grilled meats, boerewors, and lamb chops — perfect for warm weather. Serve at 14–16°C.
Sparkling wine / MCC Perfect for starters, seafood, desserts, and all your celebratory toasts. Serve at 6–8°C.
All-rounder A chilled dry rosé works beautifully with a mix of courses.
Quick ways to upgrade your wine experience
Whites → smaller bowl
Reds → larger bowl
Rosé → tapered bowl
Sparkling → wide tulip
Temperature and glassware alone can completely change your wine experience — whether it’s your reception, a small gathering, or a sunset honeymoon sip.
We all hope that our wedding day will go off without a hitch, but sometimes mishaps happen. Between wardrobe malfunction to allergic reactions to beauty blunders – it’s all part of the process.
I’m sure we’d all love to be prepared for every scenario our minds can conjure, but this is simply not possible. However, a little preparation goes a long way and adding an emergency kit to your wedding day can be a great way to alleviate stress.
Needle and Thread
Sometimes things tear, and that’s true for bridesmaids and wedding dresses. Having a handy dandy sewing kit is a must when getting ready for your big day, it helps avoid anyone running around looking for a needle and thread.
Shoe Repair Glue
We’re preparing for everything, right? While a tear in a dress is a very real reality, sometimes heels get stuck on things they shouldn’t and give way to gravity. Adding some shoe repair glue into your emergency kit may save you the trouble of re-doing your makeup after your wedding shoe hits a snag.
Double-Sided Wardrobe Tape
Stop necklines from sagging and keep straps covered with this life-saving tool! This magical little took has the ability to tackle wardrobe malfunction by simply peeling and sticking.
Picture: Pinterest
Wine Stain Remover
The drinks are flowing and the guests are getting down on the dance floor. A shove here and a spill there, sometimes white wedding dresses can get stained when having a good time. Not to worry, Takealot has a few good options when it comes to stain removals, especially red wine!
Mini First Aid Kit
Grab a travel-sized first aid kit from your nearest pharmacy or online. These kits are equipped with everything you could need when handling bumps, scratches, and other minor accidents that may derail your day.
You will most likely be stressing about numerous things before your wedding – your skin doesn’t have to be one of them. Here is what not to do to your skin before the big day.
1. Spend too much time in the sun
Don’t try to get the tan of your life right before your big day. You could get burnt and you and your skin will be dehydrated, and it will show. On that note, stay away from tanning beds as well; they can just as much – if not more – damage your skin.
Take a look in the mirror and think about whether you actually need a tan. If you do, rather try a subtle self-tanning product for a few weeks leading up to the big day. Start toning it down a week before.
And remember to wear sunscreen every single day, even on your wedding day, to ensure you stay sun safe.
2. Pick at blemishes
This doesn’t only apply to your pre-wedding preparations but it’s great advice for every time you are tempted to pick. Picking, squeezing or scratching a spot on your face will cause scarring. We know it’s incredibly hard not to pop that pimple as soon as it arises, but it’s important to leave it alone. The bacteria underneath your nails can penetrate this vulnerable area, causing swelling and redness.
Instead, apply a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide (not toothpaste!) to the area twice a day after cleansing, and try to leave it alone.
If you are struggling with a painful, cystic spot right before the big day, visit your dermatologist and have a cortisone shot in the affected area. This will help considerably more than any topical treatment.
3. Change your routine
Every bride wants her skin to be perfect. Stick to what you know works for you and don’t try to switch up your routine a month before. Your skin WILL freak out.
A few months before your wedding, introduce your skin to a brightening treatment (containing malic acid or vitamin C) paired with a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid. Cell turnover takes approximately 30 days, so any new treatment you use will only begin to show its effects after a month.
Pro tip: Don’t use an acne treatment if you do not have problem skin as a preventative measure. It will only dry out your skin and you won’t glow as much when you say ‘I do.’
4. Get a peel too soon before your wedding day
Getting a harsh chemical peel a few days before your wedding won’t be beneficial in the least. A peel of any kind requires some downtime, and your skin needs to chill out for a week or more.
A peel literally removes a layer of skin, cleansing deep down into your pores, and revealing smooth and glowing skin. It helps in the disappearance of ance, scars, wrinkles and a rough texture, but it will not give you perfect skin overnight.
Try a peel way in advance to see how it works for you, and then go for another (more gentle, if necessary) session at least two months before your wedding. They are one of the greatest things you can do for perfect wedding skin, but always be sure to chat to your therapist to make sure your timing and choice of treatment is spot on.
5. Get too stressed out
Don’t forget to make time for yourself, meditate and breathe. All the stress of planning and making sure every detail is perfect will take a massive toll on your skin. Try listening to soothing music before bed, take a long bath, and breathe long and deep breaths to calm down your nervous system. And remember to hydrate!
The first year of marriage is always marital bliss, especially when you have heaps of debt behind your name. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming up the perfect wedding – bells and whistles included – walking down the aisle doesn’t have to mean walking straight into wedding debt.
Overspending on your wedding day may just cancel out the marital bliss everyone enthusiastically talks about. According to a 2019 study by LendingTree concluded that 45% of newlyweds between the ages of 18 and 53 went into debt to pay for the wedding. And with many South African couples paying between R80 000 – R120 000, as per Standard Bank, it’s no surprise why.
While getting married can be an expensive business, sometimes it helps to stop and think before making a big purchase on Kim Kardashian-esque flower wall.
Trade debt for memories
Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the tasks and balance sheets of planning a wedding, but it’s important to remember why everyone is really attending your wedding – love. The food, DJ, wedding photographer, and signature drink are just the cherry on top of your love and commitment cake, and it’s important to keep this at the centre of your planning.
Get on the same page
According to the same 2019 study, nearly 76% of newlyweds who reported they went into debt also stated they argued over wedding-related expenses. The remedy? Bridal couples need to get on the same page when determining what they’re spending their hard-earned cash on. Creating a wedding budget and discussing expense details are two ways for avid debt collectors. If you’re looking to splurge on an open bar, make sure you’re both comfortable with how long it will be “open,” what liquor will be available, and what the total will come to.
Stick to your boundaries
We’ve all heard the phrase: “keeping up with the Joneses,” but sometimes it’s okay to watch them cruise on by. Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming which can easily lead to bridal couples listening to the opinions of others. A great way to avoid being swayed by friends and family members and what they’d like to see at your wedding is by writing down a list of wedding priorities that are important to you and your partner. Consider what is “worth-it” and what is “non-negotiable,” this will provide you with a better foundation with which to smile and say “no, thank you.”
In the past, premarital counselling was mainly carried out in religious institutions. These days, however, it has become more popular with non-religious couples too. Couples go to seek guidance and advice in the hopes of preventing divorce.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for marriage. Premarital counseling can help ensure that you and your partner have a strong, healthy relationship — giving you a better chance for a stable and satisfying marriage”. They add that the sessions will assist you in identifying weaknesses that could result in trouble for you as a couple further down the road.
What to expect from premarital counselling:
The counselling is usually carried out by a licensed therapist. You’ll sit in the therapists office with your partner by your side discussing a variety of topics related to marriage. Some of these topics include: Money, quality time together, sex, roles in marriage, children, extended family, beliefs and values, and goals.
Some therapists may have you fill out questionnaires separately. The questionnaire will have you answer questions about each other. Thereafter, the therapist will help you to work through the results together.
Benefits of premarital counselling:
– Helps guide the conversation
Discussing heavy topics such as religion, sex, or kids, can result in both partners getting emotional and therefore losing focus of the topic at hand. A counsellor will help to guide the conversation. They also ensure you don’t get angry or misinterpret each other.
– Teaches communication
An important thing to know is that different people respond in different ways to tones and speech patterns. You must be aware of how your partner needs to be spoken to, in order to feel understood, supported, and heard. Premarital counselling also teaches you how to communicate in a healthy and productive way.
– Helps you prepare for your future together
You will be made aware of which expectations are realistic and which are not. You will also get an idea of your timing and goals as a couple, for example when you both want to have kids, or when you want to move to a bigger house. Additionally, your anxieties and fears will be lessened as a result of how well counselling demystifies marriage. It also ensure’s that you avoid many potential conflicts in the future.
– You’ll learn more about yourself and your partner
Often, counselling is an eye opening experience. You discover things about yourself you’ve never known because the mental health professional is guiding you towards these realisations. When you and your partner have these experiences together, it also becomes a sort of bonding experience.
Tips for successful premarital counselling:
– Know that it will be tough
You’ll be dealing with very touchy subjects. Be sure to be as open as you can and don’t be scared to be vulnerable. Most importantly, don’t give up because it’s uncomfortable! Remember that in the end, this will only grow and strengthen your relationship.
– Don’t say what you think they want to hear
Avoid saying things that downplay your emotions or opinions, don’t answer in a way that you think is correct (there are no right or wrong answers). You should also avoid saying things just because it makes you seem more compatible with your significant other. If you do that, there will be no real progress.
– It’s not a competition
There is no winner or loser, and there should be no “I told you so” at the end of the session.
Be open to listening and accepting that you are both capable of being better.
