Wedding planning guides

Real South African costs, timings and questions to ask - for every decision, including a traditional ceremony where there is one. Free to read, no account needed.

Traditional Ceremony

Many South African couples plan two ceremonies: a Western-style event and a separate traditional ceremony — umembeso and lobola-related celebrations i…

Venue

The venue is where the ceremony and reception happen — and in South Africa, often the catering too. Most venues are sold either dry-hire (space only) …

Catering

Catering covers food, drink, and usually the waitstaff and tableware needed to serve them. Pricing tiers vary by course count, bar inclusions, and sta…

Photography

Wedding photography is the one deliverable that outlasts the day itself. South African pricing spans a wide range, driven mostly by experience level, …

Attire

Covers the bridal gown, the groom's attire, and bridal party outfits — and for many South African couples, a second traditional outfit as well. Lead t…

Décor & Florals

Décor and florals shape the look and feel of both ceremony and reception — table settings, florals, draping, and lighting all fall under this category…

Videography

Videography captures the day in motion — ceremony vows, speeches, and highlight-reel moments that photography alone can't.

Hair & Makeup

Hair and makeup (often called 'HMU') covers styling for the couple and, often, the bridal party — usually done on-site the morning of the wedding.

Cake

The wedding cake (or increasingly, a dessert table/alternative) is a small line item cost-wise but a highly visible one, often a dedicated photo momen…

Music & Entertainment

Covers the ceremony musician(s), reception DJ or live band, and any additional entertainment (MC, dancers, performers).

Invitations & Stationery

Covers save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and on-the-day stationery like seating charts, menus, and programmes.

Transport

Covers getting the couple, bridal party, and sometimes guests between ceremony, photo locations, and reception — classic cars, shuttles, or a simple d…

Jewellery & Rings

Engagement and wedding rings, plus any wedding-day jewellery for the couple or bridal party.

Officiant / Celebrant

The person who legally and/or ceremonially marries you — a religious leader, civil marriage officer, or independent celebrant, depending on the ceremo…

Bar & Drinks

Covers the bar service, alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks for the reception — sometimes bundled with catering, sometimes a separate vendor.

Guest Accommodation

Covers accommodation blocks for out-of-town guests, and sometimes the couple's own wedding-night stay.

Honeymoon

The post-wedding trip — anywhere from a short local getaway to an international multi-stop trip.