Find a venue for your date, guests and budget

The date, the guest count and the budget decide the venue, and the venue decides almost everything else. Answer these first; the plan shows venues that fit, then the photographer, music and decor with a book-by date for each.

The steps

Book the venue
Venues listed here fit your guest count, and their published price per guest fits about a third of your budget. Ask two or three of them whether your date is free.
Who: VenueCost: R 40 000 – R 150 000 2025 average range*Book 10–18 months before
Caterer (if the venue doesn't do the food)
Who: CatererCost: R 20 000 – R 50 000 2025 average range*Book 6–12 months before
Photographer
Book soon after the venue: the good ones fill their Saturdays first.
Who: PhotographerCost: R 15 000 – R 40 000 2025 average range*Book 9–12 months before
DJ or band
A DJ is almost always cheaper than a live band. Many couples have a solo musician for the ceremony and a DJ for the party.
Who: DJ or musiciansCost: R 6 000 – R 25 000 2025 average range*Book 6–9 months before
Videographer optional
Who: VideographerBook 6–9 months before
Decor and flowers
Ask your venue what it includes first (tables, linen, lighting) so you don't pay twice.
Who: Decorator, floristBook 3–6 months before
Hair and make-up
Book a trial a month or two before the day.
Who: Hair and make-up artistCost: R 2 000 – R 5 000 2025 average range*Book 2–4 months before
Cake or dessert table optional
Who: BakerBook 1–3 months before

Price ranges are national averages for 2025 until venues and suppliers here publish their own. Venue prices per guest are what the venue publishes; always ask for a written quote for your date.

Find a venue for your date, guests and budget

The steps

Book the venue

Caterer (if the venue doesn't do the food)

Photographer

DJ or band

Videographer optional

Decor and flowers

Hair and make-up

Cake or dessert table optional

Sources