Your Ultimate Guide to Planning an Online Wedding
Planning a wedding is a big deal and can be a time-consuming process, especially if you want to do it yourself. With full-time jobs, other time constraints, and the surprises life throws at us, you might find yourself needing to go online. Fortunately, we are more connected than ever, making it possible to plan your entire wedding from the comfort of your couch (or bed), with or without a glass of wine!
Whether circumstances have forced you to plan online, you prefer working at odd hours, or the thought of doing everything in person leaves you breaking out in a cold sweat, this is the guide you’ve been waiting for. Planning your wedding online has never been easier!
Here are our links, tips, and must-have sites (in no specific order):
Invitations and Stationery
Whether you want to send paper invites or opt for modern digital alternatives, there are numerous sites to assist you. Essential stationery might include save-the-dates, invitations, programs, menus, table seating charts, name cards, and thank-you notes. If you prefer digital save-the-dates and invitations, sites like Open Envelope, Paper Moon, and Bunny Pants (providing WhatsApp invitations) are excellent options. Fuchsia Designs offers a full spectrum of services, from table numbers to wine bottle tag designs. For the creative and tech-savvy, design your own invites using Canva and print them at your local printer.
Venue Search
Finding and contacting venues you love is crucial. Any reputable venue should be able to send you a customized quote and a document outlining their costs and added services. Online services like Our-Venue (which provides estimated quotes based on your info), Confetti, and VenueAdvisor are helpful. Note that these sites often list only larger, well-known venues, except VenueAdvisor that is known for listing the hidden gems, new venues, or good-but-older ones.
Important factors to remember:
Color Coordination
For a seamless look, coordinating colors is key. If you saw a color you loved but don’t know its name or Hex code, MyPantone is your best bet. This service isn’t free but is very helpful. Our favorite tool is Coolors.co, where you upload a photo you love, and it pulls out a color palette for you to use in your wedding scheme.
Registry for Gifts
Options for registries are almost endless. From bespoke small businesses to larger ones, many places offer online registries. If you choose several online or brick-and-mortar stores, consider creating a wedding website to consolidate all links and information. This makes it easier for guests to buy what you and your partner want.
Wedding Website
Many stationery providers who offer online invites also offer wedding websites. For something more specialized, we recommend Happly.
Bridesmaid Dresses
If your bridal party is scattered across the city/country/world, online options are ideal. Locally, Gelique offers online shopping and branches across SA, while The Maiden provides custom-made dresses. For broader options, check out Victoria’s Queen or Bonnyin.
Groom’s Attire
Although trickier, online options for groom’s attire exist. EuroSuit offers an online service for kitting out the groom and his bridal party.
Catering
Though you can’t taste the food online, websites and reviews can guide you. Contact shortlisted caterers, provide your specifications, and get proposed menus and cost breakdowns. Need help? Contact Laughing Chefs caterers for a personalised and detailed quote.
Flowers
Start online and book a call with shortlisted florists to finalize details. For a table mockup, an in-person meeting might be needed. Visit Floom for an online budget calculator or Bliss Floral Creations for personalized service. Other florists include Oopsie Daisy, Jeweled Florist, and The Bloom Room.
Decor
Ginger Ray offers decor items like bunting, candy buffet setups, and guest books. SA Wedding Decor provides a wide range, from charger plates to chairs. Wedding Party and Belle Doux are excellent one-stop shops for decor needs.
Budget
To manage expenses, download a budgeting app. We recommend Hitched and The Knot for easy-to-use tools.
The Dress and Accessories
Our favorite wedding dress provider in South Africa is Whimsical Bridal for gorgeous dresses at great prices. For pre-loved dresses, check out Vintage Lace. Coco Melody offers a fully online solution, and Little Lace has a wide variety of bridal accessories.
Photographer
Choosing a photographer is personal and crucial. Google local photographers and check reviews. Our recommendation: Fires Photography!
Wedding Planning Tools
Recommended apps include Hitched, Bride Control, and Appy Ever After.
Bachelorette and Kitchen Tea Essentials
Order printed bags, personalized T-shirts, cake toppers, tags, and cards online. Visit Blooming Wonderful or Love and Sparkles for a great selection. For “Will you be my bridesmaid?” gift boxes, check out A Life Lead Simply, Pink Cosmetics, and Box Boutique.
Wow! That was a post and a half. Of course, there’s much more we could say, but once you’ve covered the basics above, you’re well on your way. Best of luck, and remember—enjoy the process!