• Category

    Finance

    Category

    Gone are the days when weddings in South Africa meant hundreds of guests and sprawling venues. In 2025, many couples are reshaping their expectations, prioritising intimacy, authenticity, and sustainability. Micro‑weddings, with guest lists under 50, are on the rise. Surveys like The Knot Worldwide’s reveal that 48% of couples are considering this option, climbing to 57% among those already engaged (The Knot Worldwide). Locally, wedding planners in Cape Town and Johannesburg report more requests for boutique vineyard ceremonies and private estate celebrations over traditional ballrooms.

    Yet, traditional weddings remain powerful, rooted in rich cultural heritage, multi-day celebrations, and the involvement of extended family. Whether you’re debating a micro ceremony or a grand celebration, it’s less about right or wrong and more about what represents your love story best.

    What Is a Micro‑Wedding?

    Micro‑weddings in South Africa typically feature 10 to 50 guests, often held at boutique vineyards, private gardens, luxury guesthouses or even family estates. These weddings emphasize meaningful interactions, with every detail carefully curated: personalised vows, bespoke cocktails, intimate seating, or handcrafted favours.

    Industry reports in SA highlight that micro‑weddings with a luxe twist (featuring custom cocktails, live cooking stations, bespoke stationery, and elevated décor) are especially in demand (Hidden Gems Venues). Local planners in Cape Town confirm couples love venues like boutique wine estates in Stellenbosch, Paarl, or boutique hotels in Franschhoek.

    Celebrants also note that micro‑weddings lend themselves to immersive experiences, think live caricature artists, private mixologists crafting cocktails, or small interactive food stations, enriching every moment with luxury despite a smaller budget.

    The Traditional South African Wedding

    Traditional weddings in SA often feature 100+ guests, involving extended families, cultural rituals, and multi-day festivities. They remain particularly prevalent within Zulu, Indian, Afrikaans, and other cultural communities. These ceremonies typically involve religious services, traditional attire, and large venue rentals such as hotels, church halls or large safari lodges.

    For example, Avianto in Gauteng and The Forum Embassy Hill in Cape Town or safari lodges like Zulu Nyala remain popular choices. These venues offer multi-function capacity and cultural flexibility. While these events are often more expensive, costing R150,000–R500,000+, they reflect deep cultural connections and communal celebration.

    Even large religious ceremonies continue across SA: for instance, the International Pentecost Holiness Church in Heidelberg recently hosted a mass wedding for around 3,000 participants, some entering polygamous customary marriages, an extreme example of tradition upheld at scale (apnews.com).

    Cost Comparison: Savings vs Splurge

    In South Africa, micro‑weddings typically cost between R40,000–R120,000, thanks to smaller catering, rental, décor and guestlist management. Many couples splurge instead on high‑end photography, fine dining or bespoke décor to maintain luxury within budget.

    Traditional weddings can range from R150,000 to over R500,000, especially when guest numbers exceed 150, venues require large halls or marquees, and cultural rites require multiple events such as wine ceremonies or separate receptions.

    With micro‑weddings, savings are found in reduced scale, but couples still invest in quality. For instance, luxury food stations, featuring local produce and interactive elements like build‑your‑own sushi or braai‑style cooking, often dominate guest experiences, even in intimate settings (Hidden Gems Venues),(Dear Diary).

    Emotional & Social Considerations

    A micro‑wedding’s intimacy can deepen connection, but may also strain family expectations. Some planners note that couples often wrestle with limiting the guest list: deciding which friends or extended relatives to invite can be emotional. As one planning guide puts it, micro‑weddings “offer intimate connections and cost savings but limit guest participation” while larger weddings welcome entire communities, with added complexity (Dear Diary).

    Many SA planners report that micro‑weddings appeal to couples prioritising mindfulness and authenticity over tradition. Families may push for larger gatherings, but couples are increasingly finding ways to compromise, for example, hosting a separate, smaller post‑wedding party for extended family or streaming their ceremony virtually.

    Legal & Logistical Differences

    Legal marriage requirements with Home Affairs remain unchanged regardless of scale. However, micro‑weddings often simplify logistics dramatically: fewer vendors, straightforward seating and layout needs, and reduced exposure to problems like load-shedding. Private venues often don’t require extensive event permits, so planning becomes more streamlined.

    What SA Couples Are Choosing in 2025

    National and global data point toward rising interest in micro‑weddings: international reports show 48%–57% of engaged couples leaning this way (The Knot Worldwide). In South Africa, planners in Cape Town and Johannesburg confirm this especially in eco-conscious, boutique-centric areas.

    Different regions trend differently: in Cape Town, eco-luxe micro‑weddings held at vineyards or boutique estates are especially popular. In Gauteng, hybrid models, small ceremonies followed by larger receptions or streamed events are gaining traction. In Durban, traditional Indian and Zulu weddings remain strong, often resisting the micro‑trend given cultural importance of broader familial gathering.

    What Feels Right for You

    There’s no right or wrong when choosing between micro‑weddings and traditional celebrations in South Africa. It’s about balancing your vision, budget, and cultural or family values. Micro‑weddings offer intimacy, personalization, and cost control, ideal for meaningful moments. Traditional large-scale celebrations offer cultural richness, community involvement, and a communal experience.

    Talk with your partner and planner about what matters most, guest experience, meaningful traditions or financial flexibility. Consider hybrid options or post‑event celebrations to satisfy everyone. Above all, your wedding should reflect your story, not tradition by default.

    Featured Image: Pixels

    Every bride and groom attempts to make their wedding day as dreamy as possible. Unfortunately, going all out by having the biggest cake and wedding venue can sometimes feel as though it’s costing you an arm and a leg.

    If you’re looking to save money but don’t know where to cut costs, here are a few genius ideas:

    One-tiered wedding cakes are the way to go

    Picture: Maggie Austin Cakes

    When it comes to cake, bigger isn’t always better. More and more couples are ditching the extravagant three-tiered wedding cakes for something simpler. One-tiered desserts can be just as breathing-taking as their bigger counterparts and a smaller display can always be made a bit more eye-catching with a dessert bar.

    Who needs a centrepiece?

    Picture: Michelle Boyd Photography

    No really… who does? Ditch the massive centrepieces and opt for something more demure… budget-friendly bud holders. Make it extra special by choosing a flower that has a special meaning; perhaps the romantic rose or beautiful tulip? No matter which flowers you choose to display, slim bud holders will make this a lot more affordable.

    Get fruity…

    Picture: Pinterest

    If bud holders are just too simple for you, go all out by taking the organic approach. Grab lemons, apples, oranges, or your favourite fruit, and sprinkle them with flower petals. Take things up a notch by adding gold fruit!

    Opt for an elegant buffet

    Picture: Pinterest

    We’ve never heard anyone complain when presented with a delicious and abundant buffet. Opting for a wedding buffet to keep your guests satisfied could help you save money in the long run, including staffing costs.

    Take a chance on photography talent

    Picture: Pinterest

    It’s no secret that wedding photographers can be quite pricey, especially those that have established themselves. A great way to save on costs is to seek out a photographer that’s talented but trying to make a name for themselves. Who knows? You may have the next Annie Leibovitz photographing your wedding.

    Invest in a wedding website

    Picture: Pinterest

    This is a cute and paperless way to let guests know they’re invited to your upcoming nuptials! It’s also a great way to save money with a wedding website costing R1000 – depending on who you choose to create your website. Provide guests with all relevant information in one place, including, wedding details, rehearsal details and RSVP options.

    No need for top-shelf liquor 

    While there’s nothing with wanting to serve your guests the best liquor out there, sometimes it helps to cut down on costs by cutting down on brand names. Do your guests really need Johnnie Walker Gold.

    Feature Image: Jana Williams Photography

    Planning a wedding is expensive, not to mention the honeymoon and the new life you’ll build together afterward. It’s easily understandable why many couples would prefer a cash gift instead of a physical gift on their wedding day.

    It can sometimes feel a bit classless to ask for money, but it doesn’t need to be. However, it’s important to do it the right way to avoid offending some older family members or putting pressure on anyone to contribute more than they were originally willing to spend on a gift.

    Here are some tips to get that big tip at the end of your big day:

    Don’t ask for money on your wedding invitation

    The wedding invitation is to introduce your upcoming union and is all about the good vibes. Adding a clause that you’re expecting cash from your guests can be construed a bit tasteless. Instead, set up a wedding website where you can include a link to a cash registry or banking details of an account set up specifically for the cash gifts.

    Let your guests know how you plan to spend the money

    While you don’t owe anyone an explanation, giving your guests a general idea of how you plan to spend the money might make them more willing to contribute. For example, if it’s a honeymoon fund for a dream vacation or house renovations fund, your guests will know that their money is going toward something important.

    It could also be a good idea to set up a specific target amount, with a live tracker displaying how close you are to your goal. Some might feel even more willing to contribute if they know you are closer to reaching your dream.

    Use a cash registry

    If you feel awkward asking for money outright, you can easily direct your guests to your cash registry on your wedding website. There are sites that run it all for you, so all you need to do is fill in the details and add the link, and voilà. Try out South African sites like Wrapistry or Gift Tree.

    Set up cash boxes at your reception

    Some people don’t trust online banking or are simply not technologically-savvy. Give your older guests an in-person option by setting up a cash donation box at your reception. You’ll need your wedding planner or a minder to keep an eye over the box throughout the evening to make sure the money stays safe.

    Picture: Pexels

    Flowers are always a good idea, as they bring colour, texture and smell lovely too! With all the incredibly beautiful flowers out there, it’s hard to choose the right ones for your wedding tables.

    While roses have been used for ages, we never get tired of looking at them. In season during South Africa’s summer months, they are readily available in most parts of the country and are available in so many different kinds and colours that you are spoiled for choice.

    Think romantic, playful and sensual. We take a look at modern trends on how to make your tables pop with roses:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DUKObJPqw/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_SJSjOAMb7/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_R-2m1pmvE/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_R4cJTJeKv/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Q3N8vFpnd/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QfSGQjbnq/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QLN0tJusl/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_OtolFhBws/

     

    Image: Pexels

    For a first-time property buyer, when you don’t yet have a solid understanding of the ins-and-outs of the property industry, taking that first step towards home ownership can be daunting.

    There’s a lot to consider before stepping onto the property ladder. And it isn’t as simple as going from the bottom to the top. You have to climb one ring at a time: do your research, ask questions and put yourself in the hands of people with in-depth industry knowledge.

    One concern that comes up for most potential property buyers is the issue of affordability. Carl Coetzee, CEO of BetterBond, says that it might be wise to consider co-ownership ‒ an accessible and certainly a more cost-effective way for people to enter the property market.

    “Assessing affordability is the first rung on the ladder to qualifying for a bond. One way to make it more affordable is to purchase property with a friend, partner or parent,” says Coetzee.

    The bond originator encourages people to apply for pre-qualification as the very first step to securing a bond. Pre-qualification is the process whereby the size of the bond the individual qualifies for is determined. A pre-qualification certificate can be issued within 24 hours and is typically valid for three months, assuming your financial position remains the same in those three months.

    Coetzee adds that a key benefit of pre-qualification is that it demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer as you have already gone through the process of thoroughly assessing how much you qualify for.

    BetterBond handles clients’ home loan applications (at no charge), submitting to multiple banks to find the best deal available. They also offer free services online, including an affordability calculator which calculates the size of bond you could potentially qualify for based on your current income and expenses.

    So, what are the pros, cons and considerations of property co-ownership?

    According to the Stats SA General Household Survey 2018, around 35% of South African households own their property (with 18.3% owned by an individual and 17% owned jointly).

    Coetzee explains that there are obvious benefits such as sharing the costs and maintenance of a property, but it is very important for applicants to know exactly what they are getting into.

    “There are certain things you should consider when deciding if co-ownership is for you. For example, is the person you are looking to purchase property with someone you are willing to enter into a financial agreement with? Trust is very important,” he says.

    “You have to ask the right questions and ensure you are well informed before going into this kind of partnership. Once you have decided to go ahead, a written agreement must be drawn up at the outset outlining every detail of the arrangement,” Coetzee explains.

    “All terms must be agreed upon in this legally binding contract to avoid any potential issues or confusion down the line, especially if all partners are equal in the contract as no one party then has the authority to make decisions unless all are in agreement.”

    The co-ownership agreement should entail who will live on the property; who will pay or contribute towards deposits and initial payments for the property; how ownership will be shared (it is automatically equal if not stated otherwise); who will be allowed to draw funds from the bond; what will happen in the event of the death or incapacitation of one of the co-owners; what will happen if one or more parties in the contract wish to part ways or sell the property; how profits or losses on the property will be split; and anything else that might result in potential disputes.

    “Co-ownership makes it significantly easier to enter the property market, especially in light of the current economy where money is tight for most. But before entering into such an agreement, you have to consider all factors of the arrangement carefully and in great detail,” says Coetzee.

    “Clarity is key to a successful co-ownership agreement. All co-owners must agree on how things will work upfront, leaving no room for ambiguity.”

    Feature image: Pexels

    Before you finalise your budget, it’s a good idea to look for costs you may have overlooked. The last thing you want is to overspend or to budget incorrectly and as a result sacrifice something you want!

    There are some fees that can sneak up on you and some that you forget to consider. Other times, you may not even realise that certain things have a cost attached to them.

    Here are some hidden costs you should consider when wedding planning:

    – Marriage Certificate Fee 

    It is free to get married at Home Affairs and they usually provide you with a hand written, abridged marriage certificate. However, if you require an unabridged marriage certificate, it’ll cost you about R75.

    While this is a small fee, it should not be dismissed as insignificant. Remember that every little thing adds up in the end!

    – Postage 

    This is necessary for before and after the wedding. You’ll have to send out save the dates and invitations before and thank you notes after. (Unless, of course, you’re going digital).

    Stamps and mailing fees can result in a relatively large fee. This is especially true if cards are oddly shaped or quite large.

    – Overtime Fees 

    Wedding’s are a lot of fun. As a result, it’s common for the party to carry on even after the agreed upon ending time. The venue, DJ or Band, and catering company (which includes waiters and kitchen staff) will charge you extra if your big day goes over schedule.

    – Vendor Trials 

    If you’re testing out floral combinations, this could cost you more than you expect. Sometimes you’ll get the first trial free. Thereafter, however, you’ll have to start paying for the vendors time and efforts. Especially if you change your mind a lot or are having trouble finding exactly what you want.

    Often, hair and make-up trials also have fees attached to them. After all, the artists are using their time and equipment.

    – Clean-up Costs 

    We often forget about the post-wedding costs because we’re so caught up in the whirlwind of things that need to be done and paid for before the special day arrives.

    Don’t forget that there are clean-up costs involved, and often you’ll have to pay for the taking down of your decorations too.

    – Non-exclusive Companies 

    Some venues come with their own caterers, designers and the like. Other venues work exclusively with specifically chosen vendors. Usually, if a venue has either of these policies and you prefer to choose your own vendors, you’ll have to pay an extra fee.

    – Cake Cutting and Corkage

    Similar to the point above, many venues have their own chefs or they have an agreement with a cake company. If you bring your own cake along, you’ll be charged extra for the cake to be cut and served to your guests. For this, you usually pay a certain amount per guest.

    The same goes for bringing your own wine! If you bring you’re own, you’ll be charged extra for it to be served.

    Image: Pixabay

    Flowers have always been an important part of wedding décor, and we assume they will continue as such. From bouquets and boutonnières to centrepieces and decorations, the wedding flowers play a big role in creating an atmosphere.

    The only problem is that flowers are quite pricey; they can extensively push up your expenses list. This is the opposite of the goal…right? We all want to save some money and bring that wedding expenses down as low as possible.

    Here are a few ways you can save money on your wedding flowers:

    – Keep it local and seasonal 

    Avoiding importing your flowers will save you big bucks. A local option is definitely the better choice for your budget. A similar principle applies to in-season blossoms. While you probably could find your desired out-of-season flower somewhere, it’ll be way more pricey than picking something in-season. The flowers will be fresher too!

    – Go for greens 

    Adding some lush leaves and greenery can do wonders for your budget and your floral arrangements. They add a whimsical feel to your decor  and fill up your arrangements in a stylish way, saving you from purchasing large quantities of flowers.

    – Bigger blooms 

    This one is simple. The bigger the flower, the less you have to buy. Save yourself some cash and opt for a larger or statement bloom.

    – Limit yourself to three flowers 

    In most cases, a florist will order the flowers in bulk, even if you don’t need too many of a specific one. If you keep the flower variations to three or less, it’ll save you some money because a bulk purchase will be necessary and none will go to waste.

    – Mix and match decor elements 

    Add tea lights, fairy lights and candles or whatever trimming your heart desires to your venue. Opting for some different decor elements will cut your flower expenses drastically.

    – Leave flowers out where you can 

    Perhaps you could skip the boutonnieres and corsages. While some people might want to keep them for tradition, they are not a necessity and can be replaced with alternatives if need be.

    – Forget a February wedding 

    Valentine’s Day pushes up the price of flowers! You’re likely to pay much more than usual for whatever flower you want in February. Best avoid this month to keep the costs down.

    Image: Pexels

    When you think “wedding day”, you probably think big. Big excitement, big ceremony, and definitely big bank account.

    This couple decided to switch things up, opting for a small, lower-than-usual budget wedding ceremony and saving their money for the honeymoon and a car instead.

    Wongalethu and Honey Vakala said this is the best decision they have ever made. “My family had big plans, my mom invited all of her friends, colleagues and some of the community members and even booked the wedding venue. I had to stand up for my wife and show her that the man she is marrying has a backbone. I cancelled all the plans my mother had for my wedding day and she didn’t take it well,” Wongalethu told Drum.

    It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, though. It also meant that they could not invite a number of people that they really wanted to share their day with, including marital counsellors, some relatives, colleagues and close friends. “We don’t have any regrets on how everything turned out however, we regret not inviting the people who we really wanted to be there,” he said.

    They managed to save money through people in their community offering to make various contributions, which made the day extra special to them. “A friend of ours in Long street offered to tailor make our wedding attire which was such a blessing,” he added.

    The couple got married on Heritage Day, September 24 in a small church in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, where they are from. The wedding cost them R6 000 and they have no regrets.

    They used the rest of their money to put a deposit on their brand-new car and went on a lovely island honeymoon in Thailand.

    Picture: Facebook/Wongalethu Vakala

    For those planning their wedding, some things may seem out of their financial reach. Most modern weddings have become extravagant and costly, but they don’t have to be. There are a number of ways an engaged couple can save some coins whilst planning their dream wedding. Here are some tips to reduce your wedding budget:

    Turn to technology:

    Cut costs by sending out digital wedding invites and having guests RSVP online. Simply find a great digital artist to design your online invite (or design it yourself using apps like Canva) and set up a link to a website, Google Drive document, app or a phone number guests can use to RSVP.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding Invitations ? (@vicious.designs.vfb) on

    Think local:

    Of course, dedicated wedding venues are popular for a reason. However, there are a variety of other locations that can work just as well for a fraction of the price. Consider having your wedding reception at country clubs, community halls, parks, restaurants, galleries or even a family member or friend’s property.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by LAS VEGAS WEDDING OFFICIANT (@peachy_keen_unions) on

    Say yes to the affordable dress:

    A large chunk of one’s wedding budget often goes towards the dress. Spend your money wisely by searching for sample sales, repurposing a family member’s dress, picking something off-the-rack or even thrifting a wedding dress. Remember that any dress can be good as new with some custom-additions. Think of it as your ‘something old’!

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Daily Wedding Dress Inspo ?✨ (@weddingdressesofficial) on

    Get a personal officiant:

    Have a friend or family member become ordained online so that they can marry you and your partner, saving you money and giving your wedding a personal touch.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding & Elopements (@dillonkin) on

    DIY the day away:

    There are so many simple DIY’s that will save you money and personalise your wedding. Use thrift shopped mirrors, chalkboards or window panes to create one big wedding program. Besides being cost-effective, it’s also better for the environment to not print out individual programs.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Isabel | Calligrapher (@chalk_n_ink_) on

    Go out-of-season:

    Off-peak dates can get you your dream venue at a cheaper price. As most weddings are held on Saturdays, consider having your wedding on a Friday or Sunday to cut venue and food/drink costs.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Cape Town Wedding Photographer (@simonefranzel) on

    Mix-and-match:

    Use more affordable flowers as decoration. Mismatched, smaller centerpieces are cost-effective and cute. You can also add bulk and dimension to your bouquets by using foliage.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Weddings and Special Events (@jademcintoshflowers) on

    Give power to your flowers:

    Flowers are expensive. Make sure they work double-duty by reusing them throughout the day. Consider reusing bridesmaids bouquets after the ceremony to create one large centerpiece or add them to table decor.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Flower Design Events (@flowerdesignevents) on

    Strategically plan out your Big Day:

    We get, it, sometimes things can run overtime during your wedding. However, photographers and musicians will charge extra if they have to stay longer than originally agreed, or wait around unnecessarily. Ensure you stick to a swift schedule between your ceremony and reception to avoid paying more than you bargained for.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Sharyn | Wedding Photographer (@sharynhodges) on

    Make your wedding family style:

    Shareable family-style meals are more cost-effective and interactive than 3-course sit-down meals. Consider designing a shareable menu filled with fan favourites that will cater to every diet.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Rustic Wedding Show (@therusticweddingshow) on

    Be wise with your wedding favours:

    Wedding favours don’t have to be extravagant. Something small and travel-friendly is ideal. Think mini-wine bottles, handmade soaps, individual succulents or tiny jars of your favourite sweets. You can also offer shareable favours for couples, such as a bottle of wine, to cut costs. You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by GrowRaw (@growraw) on

    Image: Unsplash

    Whether you are paying for the wedding yourselves or your parents are contributing, you will need to calculate how much money you have to spend. Once you have this figure, immediately set aside 5-10% of that for contingency.

    Establishing and sticking to your budget is the best gift you can give yourself as a couple. In order to do this, you have to ensure that all your planning is documented. But before you start crunching numbers, think about the overall feeling you want your wedding to have as this will affect how you spend within your budget.

    Do your research on vendors and get estimates on how much each thing will cost. This will include everything from venue to flowers to the dress and so on. Then get quotes from vendors and write it all down next to estimated costs.

    Now that you know what kind of wedding you would like to have and how much money you have to spend, put together a rough guest list. The number of guests determines your venue, food and alcohol.

    These are generally the largest expenses and a wise rule to follow is to allocate 40% of your budget to these three things.

    It is time to discuss your non-negotiables with your partner (try to keep it down to three). These are things that you have always dreamed of having at your wedding and are willing to spend the money needed in order to achieve them. Research vendors and get quotes so that you can allocate it to the budget and then see how much is left to spend on the rest of the wedding. If you are already over budget based on your list, or close to the end of your budget, have a look at your priorities again and see what you can reduce.

    Now that you’ve got all your quotes and guest list numbers, you can create the spreadsheet. You can get a template online or create your own but try to keep it as simple as possible. Put your overall sum in the top corner somewhere and then create these tabs: estimated, modified and actual.

    Your estimated tab will be amounts that you have found based on research.

    Modified will have real quotes from vendors.

    Actual will be the final amount that you end up paying.

    Time for a reality check – does your budget allow you to achieve what you want? If not, you may have to adjust your budget if that is an option or adjust your expectations.

    Steps to take in order to ensure you stick to your budget:

    1. Figure out how much you have to spend.
    2. Research vendors and get quotes before settling on your budget.
    3. Write a list including all researched costs and quotes from vendors.
    4. Write down your proposed guest list
    5. Create the spreadsheet and input all the relevant information.

    Image: Unsplash