Reduce Your Catering Costs : Catering is one of the biggest costs for a wedding, you can save on this, by having a morning ceremony, with a champagne breakfast. Not only do you save on catering it will also reduce your drinks bill as you will not have to provide the different varieties of alcohol and drinks that you would normally have to budget for in the case of an evening wedding.

A succulent centerpiece: With such a variety of colours and species available, succulents make fantastic centerpieces. Go for more of a defined structural plant for a contemporary wedding, whereas the more elaborate florally succulents can give your wedding a vintage feel. Bring in your colour scheme by either choosing a plant with the matching foliage colour or make your centerpiece pop with splash of brightly coloured plant pots.

A cool alternative to the welcome drink: A funky bucket with ice and home-made ice lollies. Add a bit of Bacardi (or any other alcoholic beverage of your choice) for some kick. Remember to use small quantities or else it may not freeze well. Do separate ones for the kids and guests who don't enjoy alcohol!

A Contemporary Centerpiece: For a modern, contemporary feel, have gold fish bowls as table centerpieces; you can coordinate the stones for each bowl, to match the colours of your wedding theme. Look after the fish before the wedding as you obviously don't want any of them floating belly side up on your special day. Make sure you have a plan for after the wedding too, to accommodate the fish or to relocate them to a loving home.

An Alternative to a Traditional Wedding Cake: If you are thinking of an intimate outdoors wedding or perhaps a mix and match bohemian theme, how about tiered cake stands with an assortment of pastries and desserts from your local home industry? The cost involved will be far less than an ornate wedding cake and your guests will appreciate the many different delectable’ yummies’ that they get to choose from.

Protea Centrepiece: Fill long, thin glass vases with a single protea each - use proteas that have not opened up completely, clean the stems of any foliage. Space them randomly along the length of a rectangular table, for a minimalistic approach to a table arrangement.
Wedding idea: Aleit

Chic Country wedding idea: If you are planning an enchanting country or garden wedding, then strategically placed blackboards pertaining to the reception menu or seating plan adds a beautifully whimsical touch. Bring out your artistic side and decorate the board to your heart's content.
Wedding idea: Aleit Photographer: Christine Meintjes.