Wedding Fever
Wedding checklist will make your planning a breeze
The ultimate wedding-planning checklist will help you cut your to-do list into bite-sized pieces and help make your wedding planning a breeze
12 months before the wedding:
- Set a budget
- Make a guest list
- Choose the bridal party
- Decide on the theme and style of your wedding
- Choose a venue
- If a venue does not provide catering, select a caterer.
11 months before the wedding:
- Hire a photographer and videographer
- Hire a band or DJ.
10 months before the wedding:
- Wedding dress shopping
- Send out the invitations.
Nine months before the wedding:
- See and book an officiant
Eight months before the wedding:
- Cake testing and order the cake
- Shop around for a wedding car.
Seven months before the wedding:
- Purchase wedding rings
- Order bridal party’s clothing
- Choose and order flowers.
Six months before the wedding:
- Choose music for the wedding
- Order decorations.
Five months before the wedding:
- Plan and book the honeymoon.
Four months before the wedding:
- Hair and make-up trials
- Choose and order guest favours
- Write your vows.
Three months before the wedding:
- Dress fittings
- Buy wedding shoes
- Shop around for wedding jewellery.
Two months before the wedding:
- Collate RSVPs and follow
up on guests who have not responded
- Confirm date, time and details with vendors
- Book accommodation for wedding night.
One month before the wedding:
- Pay the vendors in full
- Final dress fitting
- Final meeting with photographer.
Preserving your forever: Choose the right photographer
One of the first things you'll want to do agter getting engaged, is decide on a wedding photographer. Choosing the right photographer is crucial because he or she will be in charge of preserving all of your big day's memories and hopefully providing you with photos you can look back on for a lifetime.
Don’t rush the process
Do not nag your photographer regarding the status of the images after the wedding. To maintain the highest possible editing standards, the majority of professional wedding photographers require somewhere between four and 12 weeks. Don’t rush the process if you want the best photographs. You might run the risk of obtaining poor images from a hasty job. Ask your photographer beforehand about their turnaround time.
Determine your budget
- Don’t scrimp on professional wedding photographs.
- The cost of your photography (and videography) can sometimes end up being the biggest single expense.
- An experienced, qualified professional wedding photographer can cost anything between R10 000 and R30 000.
- Packages vary, but keep in mind that in addition to the time they’ll spend photographing your day, their fees also take into account the cost of their equipment, travel time, and countless hours of planning and editing.
- I hear horror stories about people who thought they were getting bargain, but wound up feeling let down by mediocre photography.
- When it comes to weddings, there is no redo.
Choose a photographer’s style that most appeals to you
- Like any other creative form, photography can differ greatly from one artist to the next. You and your fiancé should determine which artistic style speaks to you and let that guide your decision.
- The “light and airy” and “dark and moody” styles, which many photographers have adopted, are two of the most popular trends.
- Bright photos that typically include soft, pastel-colored subjects are the characteristics of “light and airy” photographs.
- In contrast there is “dark and moody” photographs, which feature a lot of dramatic dark tones, heavy shadows, vibrant colours, and dramatic lighting.
- Find a photographer whose style you love and make sure they’re experienced working in environments similar to your wedding venue.
- Get a photographer who shoots in the manner or style you appreciate rather than asking a photographer to modify their style to suit your needs.
A guide to marital property regimes in South Africa
Are you planning to tie the knot soon? Before you say ‘I do,’ it is essential to be informed about the different marital property regimes in South Africa. The decision you make regarding your property regime, can have significant legal and financial implications for your future.
There are three options available to couples:
In community of property:
Under this regime, all assets and liabilities of both spouses are combined into a joint estate. This means that all property, debts, and assets acquired before and during the marriage become shared equally between the spouses. Both parties are equally responsible for any debt incurred.
Out of community of property with accrual:
This option allows couples to maintain their separate estates during the marriage. However, any growth or increase in the value of the assets during the marriage, is shared equally between the spouses upon dissolution of the marriage. This regime provides a fair distribution of assets accumulated during the marriage.
Out of community of property without accrual:
In this regime, each spouse retains their separate estate throughout the marriage, and there is no sharing of assets or liabilities. This means that neither party can be held responsible for the other’s debts or liabilities.
To determine the property regime that suits your needs, it is crucial to enter into an antenuptial contract, also known as a “prenup” or ‘ANC’ or ‘marriage contract,’ before getting married.
This legally binding contract is executed by an admitted and practising notary and outlines the terms and conditions, as well as the proprietary and legal consequences of the marriage.
By choosing an antenuptial contract, you and your partner can enjoy the benefits of being married out of community of property, safeguarding your individual assets and avoiding joint liability for debts. Even if you currently have no assets or liabilities, having an antenuptial contract can be advantageous in the long run.
It is essential to be aware that the choice of property regime is equally relevant for customary (lobola) marriages. If you opt not to enter into an antenuptial contract before the marriage, you will automatically be married in community of property, irrespective of whether you register the marriage at home affairs.
Making informed decisions about your property regime, can provide you and your partner with financial security and peace of mind throughout your marriage. Before saying your vows, consult with a qualified notary to draft the antenuptial contract that aligns with your mutual wishes and protects your individual interests. Remember, being well prepared today can ensure a harmonious and prosperous future together.
