Celebrating love on a budget: uncovering cheap and lavish wedding concepts in South Africa, regardless of your destination.
Nestled within the heart of South Africa, where diverse cultures intertwine, the nation serves as a canvas for couples seeking the perfect backdrop for their union. From the picturesque landscapes to the vibrant tapestry of traditions, South Africa beckons as an ideal destination for multicultural wedding celebrations.
As love knows no bounds, this article by JanaTribe sets the stage for a journey into crafting budget-friendly wedding experiences that embrace the richness of South Africa’s cultural mosaic.
12 ways to have a cheap but beautiful wedding in South Africa?
Food for thought for every couple is that a wedding is not the most important thing, but marriage is. Although you might want to have a blast at the wedding ceremony, it is just a one-day event, and the rest of the journey makes up the marriage.
Hence, it is important to learn that the real meaning of a successful wedding or marriage is the dedication and love between the couple, not the size of the event. Choosing a low-cost wedding does not take away from the day’s importance; instead, it frees the couple to focus on the things that are most important to them without worrying about breaking the bank.
Couples who opt for a budget-friendly wedding often discover that their wedding becomes a more meaningful and intimate expression of their love, free from the constraints of societal expectations. Budget-friendly weddings can be chosen consciously for a variety of reasons, including practicality and sustainability, a desire for a more intimate gathering, or financial constraints.
For a South African couple planning to have a wedding on a tight budget, below are 10 unique ideas that you’d forever be grateful for.
1. Do your research as a couple to agree to a low-budget wedding
Doing your research as partners should be the first and foremost thing to consider. Couples are to decide on the kind of wedding they want—either a luxury or a low-budget type. You should have a reason for deciding on one: you want your dream wedding to become a reality, you want to please people, or you simply do not want to break the bank just for a day’s event.
You and your partner should have a clear understanding of how much you want to spend on your wedding. Couples are to talk about what they feel they can realistically afford. This might feel like an overwhelming process, but to ensure you don’t stretch yourself too thin, it’s a must for planning purposes.
To put it in simpler words, couples should identify their priorities and allocate their budget accordingly.
According to recent estimates sighted on Top Reviews SA, the average cost of a wedding in South Africa ranges from R70,000 to R150,000 for a simple wedding with a small guest list.
Pay attention to the things that matter most to you and your spouse, such as a special location, heartfelt décor, or delicious food.
2. Connect with newlyweds
Connecting with other newlyweds while planning for a wedding can be a great way to save money. Couples can share ideas and tips, as well as trade or borrow items for their wedding, like wedding decorations and even wedding gowns.
Online communities and social media groups, as well as attending local wedding expos or fairs, can be excellent resources for connecting with other couples.
3. Consider off-peak seasons and days
Opting for an off-peak wedding season or a weekday celebration can significantly reduce costs in wedding planning.
Off-peak seasons are times, months, or days when wedding celebrations or events are less popular. Couples must be smart enough to know that weddings mostly take place in January and December; hence, they would consider the middle of the year to have their wedding ceremonies.
Another advantage is that many vendors offer discounted rates during less popular times, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to other essential elements.
4. Finding affordable venue options
When it comes to wedding planning, couples are often drawn to popular venues because of their reputation and associated splendor. Both the grandeur of hosting an event in a renowned location and the desire to tie the knot in a well-known destination can be strong motivators.
In one of our articles, we listed the 10 most luxurious wedding venues in South Africa, and nevertheless, the pursuit of these extremely sought-after locations can be costly, leaving couples struggling with their limited funds.
The financial realities of organizing a wedding can quickly bring couples back to earth, despite the undeniable allure of exclusive venues. Popular and opulent locations often command premium prices for their prestige, leaving limited room in the budget for other important aspects of the celebration. This is where it makes sense to consider more affordable venue options.
Consider non-traditional venues, such as parks, community centers, or even the backyard of a friend or family member.
A less traditional setting can be turned into a highly customized area that lets couples weave their individuality and love stories into every aspect of the celebration.
Selecting more economical venues allows for more creative freedom and budgetary flexibility because they frequently have lower leasing costs and offer a more intimate atmosphere.
In addition, picking a less expensive location might free up funds for things that matter to the couple—like fine dining, unforgettable entertainment, or a dream honeymoon. It is a calculated move that turns attention from the location to the celebration itself since the couple and their loved ones will make a lot more special memories than the venue itself.
5. To cut down on venue costs, couples can get married at home.
Another option to reduce the cost of wedding venues or destinations is to have your ceremony at home.
Do not worry if you do not live in a lavish home; you can also ask your friends for help. You might be lucky to use one of their parents’ houses for your event.
Let a friend or relative get you a lovely garden if you do not already have one. Furthermore, unless the weather demands otherwise, you do not need the Bedouin tent to make it ideal. You have been able to save up to 50% of your spending by choosing your wedding location.
6. Select all-inclusive packages as opposed to selecting many vendors.
Simplify your planning process and potentially save money by choosing all-inclusive wedding packages offered by certain venues or vendors. These packages often bundle together services such as catering, venue rental, and even decor, providing a cost-effective solution.
Before committing, carefully review what each package includes to ensure it aligns with your vision and budget, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free planning experience.
7. Shrink guest lists and use digital invitations
When deciding who to invite to your special day, it’s important to be very discerning about who should be there. Keeping the guest list concise can have a substantial impact on your overall budget. Invite those who truly matter and share in your joy, creating a more intimate and meaningful celebration.
Wedding guest lists can easily grow out of control over time, so before you invite your closest colleague or next-door neighbor, consider the budget and whether their presence is necessary. Remember, this day is a celebration for you and your spouse, not a neighborhood party!
Many little details can make a wedding celebration all the more alluring, but some can bloat your budget unnecessarily. For instance, personalised stationery might be a nice touch, but it will probably end up in your guests’ trash bins after the wedding is over.
Couples can go paperless when planning their wedding by communicating with vendors and guests via digital tools. So, save on printing and postage costs by opting for digital invitations.
This not only saves money spent on paper invitations and RSVPs, but it’s also more environmentally friendly, and it also allows you to allocate more budget to other aspects of the wedding.
8. Considering DIY Decorations
Couples who do not opt for an all-inclusive package from one vendor always spend outrageous amounts on decorations.
There are many ways to bring the costs down regarding wedding decorations for a budget-friendly wedding. Remember, elegance doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
For a budget-friendly wedding, there are many methods to cut expenses on decorations. If you are feeling particularly crafty, think about making some easy DIY decorations, which can be completed well in advance of the wedding.
You can seek out more knowledge on wedding decoration on YouTube to delve into creative and budget-friendly decor ideas that transform your chosen venue into a magical space.
9. Shop for a wedding dress on a budget—borrow or rent if you can!
One of the major costs of a wedding can be the wedding dress, but it doesn’t have to be.
Embark on a journey through cost-effective options for wedding attire that exude style and grace. From affordable bridal gowns to groomsmen ensembles, cultivate shopping strategies and alternatives that cater to various budgets.
If your dress isn’t the number one priority for the big day, consider buying a dress that feels affordable to you, which will allow you to allocate those extra funds to something that feels important.
Explore options for secondhand dresses or consider renting formal wear to save on costs without compromising on style.
10. The couple should be catering smarter to reduce the cost of food, water, and drinks
Instead of a lavish sit-down meal, consider more budget-friendly catering options, such as a buffet or food stations. Opt for locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to reduce costs while supporting local businesses.
For instance, you could enlist the help of a friend or relative who is a skilled chef to help you prepare and serve your visitors delectable meals. This will incur some expenses, but generally speaking, all you need to pay for are the ingredients, takeaway packs, plastic spoons, and a few other small but attractive items.
Also, it is always right to know the estimated number of guests attending your wedding. This not only helps to afford the less expensive venues, but it also helps to know the quantity of food to serve during the event.
11. Capturing moments on a budget: Photography and Videography
Hundreds of couples spend madly on photography and videography on their wedding day. But preserving the magic of your special day through visuals need not drain your finances.
Couples are to be advised on securing budget-friendly photography and videography services. From hiring emerging talents to exploring local talents, discover how to capture every heartfelt moment without compromising on the quality of your cherished memories.
12. Consider entertainment ideas on a budget: Music, Dance, and More
Even if the day is intended to be all about you, couples should make an effort to entertain their guests by arranging for live performances by artists, DJs spinning classic and modern tunes, etc. to get everyone dancing and livening up the atmosphere.
The entertainment factor can align with your budgetary constraints and shouldn’t be a headache. Explore creative ways to infuse music, dance, and other forms of entertainment into your wedding day without overspending.
In a Subreddit discussion in a South African community on the platform, a lot of married couples shared how much their wedding cost and one couple revealed that they created their playlist and chose a family member to be their DJ. Instructions were given to him on when to play and pause music. Another even disclosed that they allowed their relative to play the piano at church.
Conclusion
This ultimate article encapsulates the process of designing an affordable wedding in the alluring country of South Africa as the last strains of celebration fade into the distance. Couples may dance deftly between love and budget thanks to the venue’s charm, food, fashion, entertainment, and captured moments.
Take inspiration from the diverse fabric of South Africa’s fabric to create a unique marriage that captures the essence of your inventiveness and ingenuity as well as the depth of your love. As you begin a lifetime of mutual happiness and love, celebrate the beauty of unity without financial burdens.
