1. Jess & Michael – Cape Town

Hack: DIY Decor with a Side of Wine

Jess, a marketing manager, and Michael, a surfer-slash-architect, got married in Jess’s aunt’s wine farm courtyard just outside Stellenbosch.
Instead of florals, they collected over 200 empty wine bottles (donated by friends — perks of being in the Winelands!) and used them as candle holders and vases.

🗨️ “It cost us nothing but a few hangovers and made for the most romantic candlelit setting.”

2. Tanya & Luke – Harare (Now UK-Based)

Hack: Digital Invites, Printed Love

Tanya and Luke, now living in Leeds, planned a homecoming wedding in Harare. Instead of printing invites, they used a free Canva template and sent everything via WhatsApp.

🗨️ “My gran still wanted something printed, so we did 5 luxe versions just for keepsakes.”

3. Rachel & Ben – Lusaka

Hack: Friends with Skills = Free Vendors

Rachel’s sister is a makeup artist. Ben’s best friend owns a speaker setup. Another friend bakes cakes. They called in favours — and their wedding cost under K25,000 ($1,000).

🗨️ “We offered trade-offs, like buying people airtime or covering petrol. Everyone showed up for us.”

4. Samantha & Pieter – Durban

Hack: Gown for a Steal

Sam found a pre-loved Justin Alexander gown on a Facebook bridal resale group for R3,500. After a few alterations and a R300 steam, she looked like a queen.

🗨️ “Honestly, nobody cared that it wasn’t brand-new. And I loved the idea of giving it a second ‘I do’.”

5. Emily & James – Joburg

Hack: One Venue, One Everything

They found a quirky art gallery that let them host the ceremony, reception, AND photos all in one space. No transport, no timeline stress, and less cost.

🗨️ “We even brought in our own drinks, which saved us thousands.”

6. Chloe & Dan – UK to Mauritius

Hack: Destination Wedding, Local Guest List

Living in London but longing for sun, they booked a beachfront resort in Mauritius. But only invited 12 guests — mostly local family. No wedding party, no drama.

🗨️ “It felt intimate, stress-free and actually affordable for us — plus we turned it into a mini honeymoon.”

7. Laura & Grant – Pretoria

Hack: Buffet Braai Beats Plated

Instead of a formal three-course, they had a braai buffet with pap, wors, chakalaka, and salad. It fed 100 guests for under R8,000.

🗨️ “It was so us — people still talk about the chakalaka. And it gave the wedding a lekker, chilled vibe.”

8. Amy & Craig – Gweru

Hack: Florals from the Garden

Craig’s mum grows roses and lavender. Amy’s aunt has bougainvillea. The result? Hand-picked, fragrant floral arrangements for free.

🗨️ “We made our own bouquets the night before with wine and Spotify — such a core memory.”

9. Natalie & Kyle – Windhoek (Diaspora: Sydney)

Hack: Skip the Favours

No fridge magnets. No mini perfumes. Nada.

🗨️ “We just had great food, good vibes, and a ‘thank you’ toast. Guests were happy — and so was our bank account.”

10. Candice & Dean – Garden Route

Hack: Monday Wedding = Discount Everything

They tied the knot on a Monday (off-season), and their venue, photographer, and even cake baker offered 20–40% discounts.

🗨️ “Most guests made a long weekend of it. We got dream vendors at half the price.