South African wedding planners are known for executing beautifully coordinated celebrations. Below are the names you should consider and what they charge.
South Africa has quietly become one of the world’s most sought-after destination wedding locations. Couples travel from Europe, the Americas, and across Africa to say their vows against dramatic coastlines, rolling vineyards, untamed bush landscapes, and historic estates. Few places offer this range of natural backdrops in one country, which makes South Africa an easy choice for couples who want their wedding to feel like an experience, not just an event.
Beyond the scenery, weddings in South Africa are deeply shaped by culture, tradition, and a strong sense of celebration. From contemporary luxury venues to heritage spaces that honour custom and family, the country offers something for every style of union. This mix of modern sophistication and meaningful tradition is what draws couples in and keeps South Africa at the top of destination wedding lists year after year.
At the center of these unforgettable celebrations are South African wedding planners. Many of them go far beyond timelines and logistics. They coordinate, style, and manage every moving part, often designing not just weddings but full-scale events that feel personal and beautifully put together. In this article, we look at some of the most sought-after wedding planners in South Africa, what they offer, and how much couples can expect to invest in their services.
The Best South African Wedding Planners
This list didn’t come together by chance. Janatribe looked closely at planners who are consistently recommended by couples, praised in reviews, and trusted to deliver weddings that actually live up to expectations. We paid attention to planners whose work speaks for itself, from the way their events come together to how often their names come up in real conversations about great weddings.
We also considered visibility and momentum. Planners with a strong and authentic social media presence, recent wedding projects, and a clear sense of style stood out. Experience mattered too. Those who have handled multiple weddings this year, worked across different venues, and successfully managed both intimate celebrations and large-scale events naturally rose to the top.
The result is a carefully curated selection of South African wedding planners who combine creativity, coordination, and real-world execution. Below are the planners worth considering, along with insights into their services and what couples can expect to pay.
1. Precious the Planner
- Founder: Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Unsurpassed attention to detail, personalised services, and leverage by passion, expertise, and professionalism
- Instagram: @precioustheplanner
- Website: www.preciouscelebrations.co.za
Precious Celebrations is a Johannesburg-based luxury wedding and event planning company founded by Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko. It is known for personalized, creative, and bespoke celebrations, earning recognition as one of Southern Africa’s leading wedding and event planning companies.
2. Kraak Wedding and Events
- Founder: Hannes Maritz
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Business attribute: Male-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Handling complex logistics and last-minute challenges with ease
- Instagram: @kraak.co.za
- Website: www.kraak.co.za
Kraak, based in Cape Town, is a top-tier wedding planner known for flawlessly orchestrating every detail of weddings and events. Renowned for handling complex logistics and last-minute challenges with ease, they allow couples to fully enjoy their day. Combining modern trends with timeless traditions, Kraak delivers celebrations that are both seamless and magical, earning a reputation for precision, creativity, and unforgettable experiences.
3. I Do Box
- Founder: Keelyn Crowley
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Renowned for managing every detail with precision, ensuring weddings and events run seamlessly so couples can fully enjoy their day
- Instagram: @idobox
- Website: www.idobox.co.za
I Do Box, based in South Africa, is known for full-service wedding coordination that leaves couples stress-free on their big day. Since 2013, they’ve planned over 100 weddings, excelling at supplier coordination, custom styling, and seamless execution. Renowned for personalizing every celebration to reflect each couple’s unique vision, I Do Box ensures every detail is perfectly managed from start to finish.
4. Mon Amour Events
- Founder: Jessica Thiart
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Known for tailoring each wedding or event to reflect the couple’s unique vision, style, and story, creating truly bespoke experiences
- Instagram: @mon_amourevents
- Website: mon-amour-events.com
Mon Amour Events, based in South Africa, is known for creating unforgettable, flawlessly executed weddings and events. With over ten years of experience, they excel at turning every vision into reality, managing every detail with precision, and delivering celebrations that exceed expectations.
5. Oh Happy Day
- Founder: Joelene Sylvester
- Location: Durban, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Celebrated for taking the burden off couples, coordinating suppliers, styling, and logistics from start to finish with professionalism and care
- Instagram: @ohhappydaysouthafrica
- Website: www.ohhappyday.co.za
Oh Happy Day is an award-winning wedding planning and event company, passionately led by a dynamic team of creative specialists. Whether you’re seeking a wedding planner in South Africa or dreaming of a luxurious destination wedding abroad, they specialize in crafting unforgettable experiences.
6. Anne Mann Celebrates
- Founder: Anne Mann
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Stress-free, flawlessly executed weddings and events
- Instagram: @_anne.mann_
- Website: www.annemann.co.za
Anne Mann Celebrates, based in Cape Town, is known for stress-free, flawlessly executed weddings and events. Renowned for making couples feel completely cared for, they deliver celebrations where every detail is expertly managed. Featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Weddings, WedLuxe, and more, Anne Mann Celebrates is trusted for elegance, precision, and unforgettable experiences.
7. 360 Link Events
- Founder: Zita Duarte De Abreu
- Location: Pretoria, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Creating meaningful, fully immersive events and brand activations
- Instagram: @360link_events
- Website: 360link.co.za
360Link Events is a South African agency known for creating meaningful, fully immersive events and brand activations. Renowned for combining creativity, passion, and expertise, they handle everything from concept to execution. Couples and clients trust 360Link for seamless, memorable experiences that are thoughtfully curated and expertly delivered.
8. The Event Planners SA
- Founders: Niki Denner and Madri le Roux-Moriz
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Creating beautifully coordinated weddings and events
- Instagram: @theeventplannerssa
- Website: www.theeventplanners.co.za
The Event Planners SA, based in Cape Town, is known for creating beautifully coordinated weddings and events with over 15 years of experience. Led by Niki and Madri, they are celebrated for their creativity, personalized service, and seamless execution. Couples trust them to bring every detail together flawlessly, turning visions into memorable, stress-free celebrations.
9. Trunk Events
- Founder: Tracy Branford
- Location: Claremont, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Creating chic, flawlessly organized weddings and events
- Instagram: @trunkevents
- Website: trunkevents.co.za
Trunk Events, led by Tracy Branford, is a Cape Town-based planner known for creating chic, flawlessly organized weddings and events. Renowned for her hands-on approach, attention to detail, and personal touch, Tracy excels at full planning, on-the-day coordination, and styling while staying mindful of budgets. Couples trust Trunk Events for seamless, stylish celebrations where every detail is thoughtfully executed.
10. On the Day Events
- Founder: Kristin Wicks
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Flawless on-the-day coordination and full planning services
- Instagram: @onthedayevents
- Website: onthedayevents.co.za
On the Day Events, based in Cape Town, is known for flawless on-the-day coordination and full planning services. With over 12 years of experience, they specialize in ensuring weddings and events run smoothly and stress-free, offering styling, consulting, and expert coordination. Renowned for their personal approach and relationship-driven service, they help couples bring their dream celebrations to life with ease and joy.
Other Best Wedding Planners in South Africa
11. Dear Grace Event Specialists
- Founder: Simone Blake
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Creating elegant, heartfelt, and unforgettable weddings and events
- Instagram: @dear_grace_event_specialists
- Website: www.deargraceeventspecialists.com
Dear Grace Event Specialists, based in Cape Town, is known for creating elegant, heartfelt, and unforgettable weddings and events. Founded by Simone Blake, the team is celebrated for their attention to detail, compassionate approach, and ability to transform every celebration into a cherished memory. Couples trust Dear Grace for seamless, beautifully styled events that balance sophistication with warmth and joy.
12. Warren Stone Weddings
- Founder: Chelsea Warren-Stone
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Creating seamless, luxurious weddings for both local and international couples
- Instagram: @warrenstoneweddings
- Website: warrenstoneweddings.com
Warren-Stone Weddings and Events is a top South African planner known for creating seamless, luxurious weddings for both local and international couples. Renowned for their passion and all-inclusive approach, they expertly coordinate every detail, delivering extravagant, multicultural celebrations that are stress-free and unforgettable, with a reputation for flawless execution in Cape Town.
13. Meletlo Celebrations (The Ultimate Planner)
- Founder: Tshego Moloabi
- Location: Roodepoort, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Transforming couples’ visions into beautifully styled, unforgettable experiences
- Instagram: @the_ultimateplanner
- Website: meletlocelebrations.co.za
Meletlo Celebrations is a full-service South African wedding planner known for creating awe-inspiring, all-encompassing celebrations. Renowned for transforming couples’ visions into beautifully styled, unforgettable experiences, they handle everything from event planning to floral design. With meticulous attention to detail and a personal approach, Meletlo ensures every wedding is seamless, unique, and filled with love, joy, and memorable moments.
14. Strawberry Weddings and Events
- Founder: Dayna Viglietti
- Location: Polkadraai Road, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Treating every wedding like its own and specializing in fully bespoke, stress-free celebrations
- Instagram: @strawberryweddingsandevents
- Website: strawberryweddingsandevents.co.za
Strawberry Weddings and Events, based in the Stellenbosch Winelands, Cape Town, is known for treating every wedding like its own. Founded by former bride Dayna Viglietti and run with Elzaan Brink and Andrea Berhardt, the team specializes in fully bespoke, stress-free celebrations. Renowned for their personal touch, trustworthiness, and meticulous planning, they craft unforgettable weddings for both local and international couples, always aiming to exceed expectations.
15. Paheli Weddings & Events
- Founder: Preeshani
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Business attribute: Female-owned brand
- Best for: Destination wedding planning for luxury celebrations
- Known for: Creating unforgettable Indian weddings
- Instagram: @paheliweddings
- Website: paheli.co.za
Paheli Weddings & Events is a luxury South African planner known for creating unforgettable Indian weddings. Renowned for blending personal love stories with flawless execution, they handle everything from full planning to on-the-day coordination, styling, or partial planning. Couples trust Paheli for their ability to remove stress, honor traditions, and craft magical, bespoke celebrations that leave lasting memories.
Cost of South African Wedding Planners
The cost of hiring a South African wedding planner varies widely, and that’s because there’s no single way weddings are planned here. Some couples need light coordination, others want full creative direction from concept to final send-off. In many cases, planners price their services as a percentage of the total wedding budget, often falling between 10–15 percent, especially for full-service planning. The final cost is shaped by several factors, including the scale of the wedding, the level of involvement required, guest count, location, and how hands-on the planner is throughout the process.
How much do wedding planners charge in South Africa?
On average, couples should expect a broad pricing range. Basic day-of or month-of coordination can start around R5,000 to R10,000, while full-service planning typically begins much higher. For most weddings, comprehensive planning services fall between R20,000 and R60,000. Luxury and destination weddings are in a different league altogether. High-end planners offering bespoke experiences often start from R250,000 and can climb to R850,000 or more, depending on complexity, creative scope, and execution level. Experience, reputation, and the planner’s ability to manage large-scale or multi-day celebrations all play a major role in where fees land.
These ranges align closely with what established planning platforms and studios publicly share:
- Ethereal Events reports that wedding planners in Cape Town typically charge between R45,000 and R110,000, especially for full-service planning.
- Vonvé Bridal places the average cost of a wedding planner in South Africa between R10,000 and R50,000+, depending on the scope of services.
- WedMeGood, an international vendor directory, lists Paheli Weddings, a South Africa–based Indian wedding planner, at approximately $9,334, reflecting destination and culturally specific planning services.
- Wezoree features several top Cape Town planners with planning fees around $10,000, including Kraak, I Do Box, Mon Amour Events, Anne Mann Celebrates, Luke Krone Events, and Wedding Concept SA.
Taken together, these figures show a clear pricing spectrum, from accessible coordination to premium, luxury-led planning designed for large-scale and destination weddings.
Why Couples Opt for Top-Rated Wedding Planners in South Africa
Couples don’t choose top-rated wedding planners by accident. In a country known for destination weddings, multi-day celebrations, and complex logistics, experience quickly becomes non-negotiable. South Africa’s most trusted planners have earned their reputation by consistently delivering weddings that feel effortless on the surface, even when a hundred moving parts are working behind the scenes. Below are some of the main reasons couples continue to place their celebrations in their hands.
1. They understand destination-level logistics
South African weddings often involve travel, accommodation, transport, and guests flying in from multiple countries. Top planners know how to manage timelines, vendor coordination, and guest movement without turning the planning process into a full-time job for the couple.
2. They know the venues inside out
From wine estates and coastal resorts to private lodges and heritage venues, experienced planners understand what works where. They know venue limitations, seasonal challenges, and how to maximise each space, which prevents costly mistakes and last-minute surprises.
3. They turn ideas into executable plans
Many couples have strong Pinterest boards but no clear roadmap. Top-rated planners bridge that gap, translating ideas into realistic designs, workable layouts, and achievable schedules that actually come together on the day.
4. They have trusted vendor networks
Established planners work repeatedly with florists, stylists, caterers, and production teams who deliver consistently. This saves time, reduces risk, and often leads to better coordination and smoother communication across all vendors.
5. They manage pressure calmly
Weddings come with emotions, expectations, and high stakes. Seasoned planners are used to making fast decisions, solving problems quietly, and keeping celebrations on track without involving the couple in unnecessary stress.
6. They offer more than just planning
Many top planners also coordinate styling, guest experience, and event flow. Some even manage related events like welcome dinners and post-wedding celebrations, creating a cohesive experience from start to finish.
7. They protect the couple’s time and energy
For many couples, especially destination clients, the biggest benefit is peace of mind. Top-rated planners handle the details so couples can focus on enjoying the process and being fully present on their wedding day.
What to Consider When Booking Wedding Planners in South Africa
Booking a wedding planner is a big decision, especially in a market as diverse as South Africa’s. Planners differ widely in style, pricing, involvement, and approach, which is why taking time to evaluate the right fit matters. Before committing, couples should look beyond social media highlights and consider the factors below.
1. Scope of services offered
Some planners focus strictly on coordination, while others provide full planning, styling, and creative direction. Understanding exactly what is included helps avoid mismatched expectations later on.
2. Experience with similar weddings
A planner who excels at intimate city weddings may not be the best fit for a large destination or cultural celebration. Couples should look for experience that aligns with their guest count, venue type, and overall vision.
3. Transparency around pricing
Clear pricing structures, detailed proposals, and honest conversations about budgets build trust. Planners who explain how their fees work up front help couples plan realistically.
4. Communication style and availability
Planning works best when communication feels natural and consistent. Couples should consider how often they’ll hear from their planner, how updates are shared, and whether the planner’s working style suits them.
5. Creative alignment
Every planner has a signature approach. Reviewing past weddings helps couples understand whether a planner leans classic, modern, minimalist, or bold, and whether that style complements their own.
6. Vendor relationships and flexibility
Some planners prefer working with specific vendors, while others are open to new collaborations. Couples should clarify how flexible the planner is and how vendor recommendations are made.
7. On-the-day presence and support
It’s important to know who will be on site on the wedding day and how the team operates during setup, the ceremony, and the reception. Strong on-the-day coordination ensures everything runs smoothly when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
South Africa has earned its place as one of the most exciting wedding destinations in the world, not just because of its landscapes and venues, but because of the people who bring celebrations to life. From coastal ceremonies to vineyard receptions and destination weddings that span days, the right planner often makes the difference between a beautiful idea and a flawlessly executed experience.
As this article shows, wedding planning in South Africa is not one-size-fits-all. Prices vary, services differ, and planners bring their own approach to coordination, styling, and event flow. What remains consistent is the value of experience, clear communication, and choosing someone who understands both the vision and the logistics behind it.
For couples planning a wedding in South Africa, investing in a planner is less about outsourcing tasks and more about gaining peace of mind. The planners featured here represent a range of styles, budgets, and expertise, giving couples a solid starting point for finding the right fit. With the right team in place, the focus shifts from managing details to enjoying the celebration itself, exactly how a wedding should feel.
