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    last dance
    In Advice

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

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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

    1. Mr Brightside – The Killers
    2. (I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles – The Proclaimers
    3. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
    4. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
    5. (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
    6. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
    7. Celebration – Kool & The Gang
    8. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
    9. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
    10. Get Lucky – Daft Punk
    11. This Will Be – Natalie Cole
    12. All Night Long – Lionel Richie
    13. Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode
    14. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
    15. Dancing Queen – ABBA
    16. I’ll Be There for You – The Rembrandts
    17. Save the Last Dance for Me – Michael Bublé
    18. At Last – Etta James
    19. We Are Young – Fun.
    20. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
    21. One More Time – Daft Punk
    22. Come On Eileen – Dexys Midnight Runners
    23. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
    24. Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
    25. Stand By Me – Ben E. King
    26. Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
    27. You’ve Got the Love – Florence + The Machine
    28. Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
    29. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
    30. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
    31. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
    32. Proud Mary – Tina Turner
    33. Jump Around – House of Pain
    34. A Little Respect – Erasure
    35. I Love It – Icona Pop
    36. Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
    37. You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
    38. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
    39. Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
    40. The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
    41. Forever – Chris Brown
    42. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
    43. Ho Hey – The Lumineers
    44. Like a Prayer – Madonna
    45. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
    46. Houdini – Dua Lipa
    47. HOT TO GO! – Chappell Roan
    48. Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
    49. We Found Love – Rihanna
    50. DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love – Usher
    51. Yeah! – Usher
    52. Low – Flo Rida
    53. Raise Your Glass – P!nk
    54. Everytime We Touch – Cascada
    55. Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
    56. The Time (Dirty Bit) – Black Eyed Peas
    57. American Pie – Don McLean
    58. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
    59. Lovely Day – Bill Withers
    60. My Girl – The Temptations
    61. Real Love Baby – Father John Misty
    62. Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
    63. All the Small Things – Blink-182
    64. Send Me On My Way – Rusted Root
    65. Calm Down – Rema & Selena Gomez
    66. Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard
    67. Amazed – Lonestar

    ALSO SEE: Tips for choosing your wedding’s signature cocktail names

    Tips for choosing your wedding’s signature cocktail names

    Feature image: Pexels

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    wedding weekend
    In Advice

    Why more and more couples are choosing a wedding weekend

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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

    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

    How (and when) to greet your wedding guests

    Featured image: Stacey Vandas/Pexels

    Words: Supplied by My Word PR.

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    plus-one
    In Advice

    Plus-one or not? How to keep it fair and stress-free

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    Finalising your guest list is where wedding planning starts to feel very real  (and very personal). Between budgets, venue limits and family expectations, deciding who gets a plus-one can quickly become one of the trickiest parts of the process.

    The good news? There’s no one-size-fits-all rule. With a clear approach (and a little confidence), you can make decisions that feel fair, thoughtful and aligned with your vision for the day.

    What is a wedding plus-one, really?

    A “plus-one” simply means a guest is invited to bring someone along — usually a partner, but sometimes a date or companion. It’s a lovely gesture, but not a requirement for every guest.

    Start with your non-negotiables

    Before diving into individual decisions, get clear on your limitations:

    • Budget: Every extra guest affects catering, seating and rentals
    • Venue capacity: Space will naturally cap your numbers
    • Wedding style: A large, lively celebration vs an intimate gathering

    Once you know your boundaries, it becomes much easier to make consistent calls.

    Who should get a plus-one?

    While every wedding is different, there are a few widely accepted guidelines that help keep things fair and respectful.

    Couples in committed relationships

    If a guest is married, engaged or in a long-term relationship, it’s generally expected to include their partner, even if you’ve never met them. It acknowledges their relationship as a meaningful part of their life.

    Your bridal party

    Your inner circle has likely shown up for every fitting, plan and pre-wedding moment. Offering them a plus-one is a simple but meaningful way to say thank you.

    Guests travelling or coming solo

    If someone is travelling far or won’t know many people at your wedding, allowing them to bring a guest can make the experience far more comfortable and enjoyable.

    Close friends and immediate family

    For your nearest and dearest, a plus-one can feel like a natural extension of their invite, even if they’re not in a serious relationship.

    Who doesn’t necessarily need one?

    This is where it gets a little more flexible and where your discretion comes in.

    Guests in casual or new relationships

    If someone has only recently started dating, you’re not obligated to extend a plus-one. You can always reassess closer to the wedding if things become more serious.

    Singles who know plenty of guests

    If your friend group overlaps or your family is tight-knit, solo guests are unlikely to feel alone — meaning a plus-one isn’t essential.

    Coworkers or distant connections

    If you’re inviting colleagues or acquaintances, it’s perfectly acceptable to keep the invite limited. Just make sure you’re consistent across the group.

    The golden rule: be consistent

    If there’s one thing that avoids awkward conversations, it’s consistency.

    For example:

    • All married and cohabiting couples get a plus-one
    • Only the bridal party receives one regardless of relationship status
    • Or, no plus-ones beyond serious relationships

    Whatever you decide, apply it across the board. It makes your choices easier to explain and easier for guests to accept.

    How to make it clear on your invitations

    Your invitation should do the talking for you.

    • Named guest only? That person is invited solo
    • “And Guest”? They have a plus-one
    • Both names listed? You’re inviting a specific couple

    You can also clarify your policy on your wedding website to avoid any confusion (or last-minute requests).

    When you can’t offer everyone a plus-one

    If your guest list is tight, don’t feel guilty. It’s completely acceptable to limit plus-ones, especially if you’re prioritising intimacy or working within a strict budget.

    If guests ask, a kind and honest response goes a long way: “We would have loved to include everyone, but due to venue limitations, we’ve had to keep things quite intimate.”

    ALSO SEE: Wedding guest dress code explained

    Wedding guest dress code… explained

    Feature image: Pexels

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    In Advice

    Your guide to the perfect wedding seating plan

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    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

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    wedding content creator
    In Advice

    The rise of wedding content creators

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    Once upon a time, your wedding memories lived in a carefully curated album and a highlight video you’d eagerly wait weeks to receive. Today? Your wedding day can live online before the last glass of champagne is poured. Enter the wedding content creator — the industry’s newest (and fastest-growing) must-have.

    From TikTok-worthy transitions to candid, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments, this new wave of creatives is reshaping how couples experience and remember their big day. And no, it’s not just for influencers.

    What is a wedding content creator?

    A wedding content creator is a professional hired to capture your day through a social media lens. Think vertical videos, iPhone footage, behind-the-scenes snippets, and real-time storytelling.

    Unlike traditional photographers or videographers, their focus isn’t editorial perfection; it’s immediacy and authenticity. They’re there for the in-between moments: the laughter before you walk down the aisle, the outfit changes, the dance floor chaos, the quiet glances no one else notices.

    In short, they document what your guests would have posted — but better.

    Not a replacement, though

    Let’s get one thing straight: wedding content creators are not here to replace photographers or videographers.

    Your photographer captures timeless, frame-worthy images. Your videographer crafts a cinematic narrative. A content creator, on the other hand, fills in the gaps by delivering raw, unfiltered moments that feel real and deeply personal.

    It’s less about choosing one over the other, and more about building a dream team that captures your day from every angle.

    Why wedding content creators are trending

    The social media shift

    Weddings have become inherently social. From proposal announcements to “get ready with me” reels, couples are documenting every step of their journey.

    Even those who wouldn’t consider themselves content creators are now thinking in terms of shareable moments.

    And with platforms prioritising short-form video, having someone who understands trends, timing, and storytelling is invaluable.

    Instant gratification is everything

    One of the biggest appeals? Speed.

    Instead of waiting weeks (or months), couples can receive content within 24 to 48 hours. That means:

    • Posting your first wedding reel while the excitement is still fresh

    • Reliving moments almost instantly

    • Sharing highlights with guests (and those who couldn’t attend) in real time

    The beauty of the unscripted

    There’s something undeniably special about the moments that aren’t planned.

    These are the memories that often mean the most — the ones you didn’t even realise were happening.

    The rise of unplugged weddings

    More couples are opting for unplugged ceremonies, asking guests to put their phones away and be fully present.

    But that doesn’t mean missing out on candid content.

    A wedding content creator ensures everything is still captured without a sea of phones in your aisle photos.

    Is it worth it?

    The short answer? It depends on how you want to remember your wedding.

    If you love the idea of:

    • Reliving your day instantly

    • Having content ready to share

    • Capturing candid, unfiltered moments

    • Telling a more complete story

    …then a wedding content creator might just be your favourite vendor.

    Even for couples who aren’t active on social media, the appeal lies in access — having a bank of real, emotional, beautifully imperfect moments to look back on.

    ALSO SEE: Get creative with your wedding dress after the big day

    Get creative with your wedding dress after the big day

    Feature image: Jonathan Borba/Pexels

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    wedding website
    In Planning

    Tips for creating a wedding website

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    The digital age is upon us. Hard print copy is slowly leaving our fingertips as we migrate online. Most people have access to the internet and a variety of digital devices. As lovely as physical wedding invites are it may be a great idea to consider a digital approach. To help you along we have put together a few notes on how to achieve a successful site. Here are a few nifty tips to consider when starting your own wed-site. 

    1. Know your limits

    If you’re not great with computers don’t opt for a website where you have to create everything from scratch. Rather go with platforms that provide existing templates. You can still customise it and make it look great! Make sure to choose a website that will showcase what you want and make you happy. Look around and decide after viewing a few options.

    2. Don’t forget the basics

    It’s so much fun choosing various designs and pictures so try to remember the basics. Be informative and ensure your wed-site goes beyond just aesthetics. Remember to include the what, where, when, who and how. Provide your guests with the 411 on dress code, the program, accommodation, location, registry, and local attractions if you are planning a destination wedding.

    3. Representation

    Be sure to create a wed-site that is a great reflection of you as a couple and of your wedding theme. Personalize the display to give guests a sneak peek of your big day – stick to a specific font, incorporate your colour scheme, or include a small photo timeline. To add extra flair, something to consider is creating a unique logo.

    4. Boast yourselves

    It’s your big day and you’re allowed to make things about yourselves. Tell your guests about your love story, how you met, funny anecdotes and how things led to this point. With that being said don’t write essays – keep things short and sweet.

    5. Registries and hashtags

    Hashtags are a great way to create an online photo album that all your guests can take part in. Perhaps the most beneficial feature of a hashtag is its ability to pull all of your wedding photos, from any source, into one place. Don’t forget to add your wedding registry link. 

    6. Protect your big day

    Be sure to use a password for your wed-site. You don’t need any wedding crashers. Any special invite-only events shouldn’t be mentioned on the wed-site like rehearsal dinner and bachelor parties.

    7. Consideration

    As mentioned before, digital is taking over but consider the fact that elderly people may not keep up with the times. If your elderly guests still sit waiting for the postman, try creating a special physical copy just for them. Also, consider having a FAQ section. Things may not always be clear and that’ll help a lot.

    Don’t think of a bland email that just consists of details and lack of creativity and representation of your love. Creating a wedding website or wed-site can be fun and exciting.

    You’re able to put your own twist on things and can play it up or down as much as you’d like. You don’t have to be tech-savvy as many websites offer existing templates that you can customise. With just one click, your guests can check out all the details and be informed of any changes.

    ALSO SEE: How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

    How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

    Image: Pixabay

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    unplug your wedding
    In Advice

    Should you unplug your wedding?

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    Technology is undoubtedly a massive part of our lives in this day and age. Our phones are practically extensions of our arms and we can’t go without checking in to our social media once a day. Most of our memories are made by captured moments on our digital devices and not by living in those moments. This can frustrate people who would rather be doing the latter, especially when it comes to significant occasions such as weddings.

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