Shopping for your wedding dress is a significant part of your wedding journey. For some brides, this is the time when it all starts to feel real, so make sure your experience is as good as it can possibly get:
Alongside all the beauty of an autumn or winter wedding comes one unpredictable guest: rain. And while a few drops might make for dreamy photos, a full-on downpour can quickly turn “I do” into “what now?”
The good news? A little foresight goes a long way. With the right backup plan, your wedding can feel just as magical — if not more so — no matter what the skies decide.
Start with a Plan B (and actually love it)
A backup plan shouldn’t feel like a compromise. Whether it’s a marquee, a covered veranda, or an indoor space at your venue, choose an option you genuinely love. That way, if the weather turns, it does not feel like a like a last-minute scramble.
Think soft draping, warm lighting, and layered textures that echo your original vision. Done right, your “Plan B” can feel just as considered and beautiful as your outdoor setup.
Tents, but make them chic
If you’re set on an outdoor celebration, a tent is your best insurance policy. But forget the standard white marquee — today’s options are anything but basic. Clear-roof tents let in that moody autumn sky (minus the rain), while sailcloth tents bring a romantic feel.
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Lean into the season
Instead of fighting the weather, embrace it. Autumn and winter are the perfect excuse for thoughtful touches that double as practical solutions — think plush blankets for guests, warm welcome drinks like mulled wine or spiced cider, and even a basket of umbrellas that match your colour palette.
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Have a timeline that can flex
Weather doesn’t always follow a schedule, so build a little breathing room into yours. If there’s a chance of showers, consider moving key moments like your ceremony earlier in the day, or be open to shifting things slightly if needed.
Work closely with your planner or venue coordinator — they’ve likely handled this before and can guide the flow without disrupting the mood.
Communicate with your suppliers
From your photographer to your florist, your suppliers should be looped into your backup plan from the start. Photographers, in particular, can help you identify covered spots for portraits or suggest creative alternatives that still capture the essence of your day.
Florists can also advise on blooms that hold up better in cooler, damp conditions.
Footwear matters more than you think
Those delicate heels might look beautiful, but damp grass and soft ground can be unforgiving. Consider a second pair of shoes (stylish flats, boots, or block heels) that will keep you comfortable and confident, whatever the terrain.
The same goes for your bridal party — a heads-up here can save a lot of wobbling down the aisle.
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ALSO SEE: Wedding dress inspo for autumn and winter brides
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Mixing cologne, body spray, deodorant and aftershave can become a messy affair. Here is our gentlemen’s guide to understanding these different products and how to use them:
Cologne is the strongest form of fragrance and generally lasts the longest. It’s ideal for nights out, a special date, or more formal functions.
Body sprays are the second strongest. These nifty, portable sprays are great for daytime or after gym wear. Sprays last a few hours and can be easily re-applied to keep you smelling fresh.
Aftershave and deodorant serve dual functions. These products don’t just smell good, they also serve a purpose. We suggest using neutral-smelling aftershaves and deodorants to avoid scents clashing and becoming muddied, while still benefitting from their practical usage.
Aftershave contains soothing and anti-bacterial agents. It prevents irritations, itching, burning and rashes, all while hydrating your skin too. It usually contains a type of astringent, an ingredient that seals up pores to prevent bacteria infecting the skin after shaving.
Deodorant, the most subdued of all scents, is mostly functional. It’s important to note that not all deodorants are antiperspirants. Antiperspirants close or block the pores under your pits, working against your natural odour, while a deodorant masks the smell of sweat while still allowing skin to breathe. Antiperspirants not only reduce sweating, but also regulate your skin’s pH level, preventing stinky pits.
To strike a perfect balance, we suggest choosing one fragrance (cologne or body spray) according to the occasion and combining it with a neutral aftershave and deodorant.
ALSO SEE: 8 guidelines for father of the groom
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If there’s one thing dominating the world of trends, it’s the desire to be unique, ignite our inner child and have fun again. Who could blame us?
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
Your wedding cake may be the main event on the dessert table, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with some other sweet treats!
For those that aren’t cake people, having an alternative dessert options is really great and inclusive. We love smaller, individual treats because they’re easy to serve and look super cute too! Another bonus: they can double as a take-home wedding favour.
From macarons to donuts and crocombouche to churros, here are a few delectable dessert ideas your guests will absolutely love:
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Who doesn’t enjoy a good glass of wine? From gin to beer, champagne to whiskey, alcohol is a mainstay at any wedding.
Beyond just drinking it, why not incorporate alcohol into your decor? Bottles can be used in in a variety of ways for many purposes. Use empty bottles as a DIY seating chart, or pour some glasses of champagne to use as an escort card.
Here are a few boozy ideas to inspire you:
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ALSO SEE: Tips for choosing your wedding’s signature cocktail names
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Ending your wedding on the right note is just as important as the first dance. The final song of the night is often one of the moment that lingers in your guests’ memories — the last shared singalong, the final dance with the last guests on the dancefloor, or that quiet moment between just the two of you before the celebration comes to an end.
The best last dance songs always bring people together one more time. Choosing the right track matters because it creates closure, celebration, and a final burst of joy to end one of life’s biggest days on a high.
Below are 67 of the best wedding last dance songs to end your night perfectly (or to simply add to your wedding’s playlist).
67 of our favourite last dance wedding songs
- Mr Brightside – The Killers
- (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles – The Proclaimers
- Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
- Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
- (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
- Celebration – Kool & The Gang
- Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
- Get Lucky – Daft Punk
- This Will Be – Natalie Cole
- All Night Long – Lionel Richie
- Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode
- Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
- Dancing Queen – ABBA
- I’ll Be There for You – The Rembrandts
- Save the Last Dance for Me – Michael Bublé
- At Last – Etta James
- We Are Young – Fun.
- We Are Family – Sister Sledge
- One More Time – Daft Punk
- Come On Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners
- I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
- Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
- Stand By Me – Ben E. King
- Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
- You’ve Got the Love – Florence + The Machine
- Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
- Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
- Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
- I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
- Proud Mary – Tina Turner
- Jump Around – House of Pain
- A Little Respect – Erasure
- I Love It – Icona Pop
- Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
- You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
- I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
- The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
- Forever – Chris Brown
- You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
- Ho Hey – The Lumineers
- Like a Prayer – Madonna
- How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
- Houdini – Dua Lipa
- HOT TO GO! – Chappell Roan
- Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
- We Found Love – Rihanna
- DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love – Usher
- Yeah! – Usher
- Low – Flo Rida
- Raise Your Glass – P!nk
- Everytime We Touch – Cascada
- Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
- The Time (Dirty Bit) – Black Eyed Peas
- American Pie – Don McLean
- Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
- Lovely Day – Bill Withers
- My Girl – The Temptations
- Real Love Baby – Father John Misty
- Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
- All the Small Things – Blink-182
- Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root
- Calm Down – Rema & Selena Gomez
- Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard
- Amazed – Lonestar
ALSO SEE: Tips for choosing your wedding’s signature cocktail names
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In recent years, weddings have begun to evolve beyond a single day of celebration. Increasingly, couples are choosing to transform their weddings into full weekend experiences, gatherings that allow friends and family to come together, connect and celebrate over several days rather than just a few hours. This extended format not only deepens the guest experience but also contributes to increased demand for local accommodation, hospitality services and nearby attractions. This shift has given rise to what many in the industry are calling the “wedding weekend” – a growing trend that places as much emphasis on shared experiences as it does on the ceremony itself.
One of the main reasons couples are embracing the wedding weekend concept is the desire to spend more meaningful time with their guests. Traditional weddings often move at a fast pace, with the day unfolding in a blur of greetings, photographs and formalities. By extending celebrations across an entire weekend, couples are able to slow the pace, creating opportunities for genuine connection with the people who have travelled to celebrate alongside them. For many destinations, this also means guests are staying longer and engaging more with the surrounding area.
What does a wedding weekend look like?
A typical wedding weekend often begins with a relaxed welcome gathering on the Friday evening. Rather than a formal rehearsal dinner, many couples are opting for casual drinks or a laid-back dinner where guests can meet one another and settle into the celebratory atmosphere. This opening event sets the tone for the weekend and allows guests who may not know each other to connect before the main celebration begins. These additional gatherings often create further opportunities for local caterers, venues and service providers to be part of the celebration.
Saturday naturally becomes the centrepiece of the weekend, with the ceremony and reception taking place against the backdrop of a more relaxed schedule. Because guests are already on-site or nearby, there is less pressure on strict timelines. Couples can take their time with the ceremony, enjoy unhurried photo sessions and create a reception that unfolds at a comfortable, celebratory pace.
Sunday often provides a gentle conclusion to the celebrations, typically with a farewell breakfast or brunch where guests can gather one last time before departing. These final moments tend to be among the most memorable, offering couples the opportunity to thank their guests personally and reflect on the weekend’s highlights.
What makes the wedding weekend particularly special, however, are the experiences that happen between the main events. Many couples are incorporating informal activities that allow guests to explore the surroundings and enjoy the destination together. This could include garden lunches, guided walks, wine tastings or simply relaxing in scenic surroundings with a drink in hand. These activities could encourage collaboration with local guides, producers and tourism operators, further benefiting the surrounding community.
Food and hospitality play a central role in shaping the atmosphere of a wedding weekend. Rather than focusing on a single formal meal, couples can create a series of culinary moments throughout the celebration, from welcome cocktails and canapés to beautifully prepared dinners and relaxed brunches the following morning. This layered approach allows guests to savour the experience and enjoy the occasion without feeling rushed.
A wedding weekend at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa
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Naturally, the success of a wedding weekend depends greatly on the setting. Venues that offer accommodation, picturesque surroundings and a variety of spaces for both formal and informal gatherings are particularly well suited to this style of celebration. In regions such as the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, venues like Granny Mouse Country House & Spa provide the kind of relaxed countryside atmosphere that allows wedding weekends to unfold effortlessly, with gardens, intimate ceremony spaces and comfortable accommodation all within easy reach.
Ultimately, by creating space for connection, laughter and celebration over several days, couples can savour every moment. Their guests, in turn, become part of something truly special, with extended stays that naturally contribute to the local economy.
If the perfect weekend wedding is what you’re after, then contact the Granny Mouse team at [email protected]
ALSO SEE: How (and when) to greet your wedding guests
Featured image: Stacey Vandas/Pexels
Words: Supplied by My Word PR.