HOW TO PLAN A WEDDING FOR BEGINNERS
So, you’re engaged. The moment you’ve been dreaming about has arrived, and suddenly everyone is asking: “When’s the big day?”
Exciting? Absolutely. Overwhelming? Also yes.
If you’ve never planned a wedding before (and let’s be honest, most people haven’t), it can feel like a lot for two people to handle.
We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to planning your wedding in South Africa. Simple, practical, and beginner-friendly.
Step 1:
Start with what matters most
Before you even look at venues or dresses, take a quiet moment with your partner. Ask each other:
- What kind of experience do we want to create for ourselves and our guests?
- What are the non-negotiables? (For some, its food, for others, photography or live music.)
- What’s our realistic budget?
This conversation will shape every decision that follows. Think of it as your compass – it keeps you from getting lost in Pinterest boards and endless supplier quotes. It will help you to stay true to your authenticity.
Step 2:
Set your budget (and keep it real)
South African weddings vary hugely in cost, depending on guest count, location, and style. A smaller 50-guest farm wedding may cost R150k, while a large vineyard wedding could easily top R400k.
Here’s a rough breakdown to guide your thinking:
- Venue & catering: 40–50%
- Photography & videography: 10–15%
- Flowers & décor: 10–15%
- Music & entertainment: 5–10%
- Attire, hair & makeup: 5–10%
- Stationery, cake, transport, etc.: 10–15%
Pro tip: Always build in a 5–10% buffer for “surprises” – because they always happen.
Step 3:
Choose your guest list wisely
Your guest list drives your budget more than almost anything else. More people equate more food, more seating, more flowers, and décor.
Catering is usually charged per person, so every additional guest adds up.
Ask yourselves:
- Do we want an intimate wedding or a big family affair?
- Which people do we truly want to celebrate with?
In South Africa, it’s common to feel pressure from family to invite everyone. Be kind but firm – this day is about your love story, not keeping everyone happy.
Step 4:
Find Your venue
Now that you know your budget and guest list, it’s time to book your venue. Venues often book out 12–18 months in advance, especially for Saturdays.
When viewing venues, ask:
- Do they have your preferred date or season available?
- What’s included in the hire fee? (Tables, chairs, crockery, coordinator?)
- Is accommodation available on-site or nearby?
- What are the catering options?
- Are there backup plans for rain or load shedding?
- Is there an on-site coordinator included?
South Africa has everything from wine estates in Stellenbosch to bushveld lodges in Limpopo. If you’re Gauteng-based, you’ll find hidden gems like The Stone Cellar (ahem) offering weekend wedding experiences without the long trip to the coast.
Step 5:
Secure your core suppliers
Once the venue is booked, you’ll want to lock in your main suppliers:
- Photographer & videographer – good ones book up quickly.
- Florist & décor.
- DJ or live band.
- Dress & attire.
- Hair & Makeup
In South Africa, many venues have preferred supplier lists. This can save you hours of research and ensures you’re working with people who already know the space. Also, if you are considering a destination venue, keep in mind that your suppliers will include an additional travel fee in their price or accommodation cost if they need to stay over.
Step 6:
Legal stuff (Don’t skip this part)
In all the excitement, don’t forget about the actual marriage registration. In South Africa, only marriage officers recognised by Home Affairs can legally marry you.
Options include:
- Religious leaders registered as marriage officers.
- An officiant recommended by your venue.
- A magistrate or Home Affairs official.
Tip: Check that your chosen officiant is licensed and ask what documents you need (IDs, BI-30 forms, divorce decrees if applicable).
Step 7:
Plan your timeline
Here’s a simple structure most couples use:
- 12+ months out: Book venue, photographer, major suppliers.
- 9 months out: Choose attire, send save-the-dates.
- 6 months out: Lock in menu, décor, music.
- 3 months out: Send invitations, confirm legal paperwork.
- 1 month out: Final guest count, seating chart, final payments.
- Wedding week: Mani & pedis, packing, breathe.
Step 8:
Think about the guest experience
Your guests are travelling, taking leave, and investing in your big day. The little touches matter.
- Provide clear directions and shuttle options (if needed).
- Think about shade, seating, and drinks for pre-ceremony time.
- Don’t skimp on food – a hungry guest is not a happy guest.
- Think about making it fun – lawn games, live music, photo booths.
Step 9:
Personalise the details
Pinterest is inspiring, but your wedding doesn’t need to look like everyone else’s. Add touches that reflect your story:
- A favourite family recipe as part of the menu.
- A song that means something to you both.
- Décor that reflects your shared travels, pets, or heritage.
This is what makes a wedding memorable.
Step 10:
Remember what it’s all about
When planning gets stressful, come back to this: you’re marrying the love of your life. Everything else is just details.
Take moments to pause, laugh, and enjoy the process. Trust your suppliers, trust your choices, and trust that the day will be beautiful – because it will be.
Last but not least
If you break it down into steps, start with what matters most, and surround yourself with the right people, you’ll not only plan a wedding, you’ll plan a celebration that feels like you. Authentic.
