Securing great deals on wedding essentials during Black Friday is a smart way to plan a dream wedding without overspending. South African retailers offer discounts on everything from attire to décor, giving you the chance to save on some big-ticket items – or even a large portion of the ‘extras’ which can often shoot you over budget.
Looking at deals that have surfaced around Black Friday, both past and present, we can guide you on what to lookout for in November when Black Friday fever rolls around.
- Wedding Attire: Dresses and Suits
Wedding attire is a costly part of any wedding. Black Friday deals at stores like Bride & Co often include discounts on bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and suits for the groom and groomsmen. In recent years, Bride & Co has provided Black Friday specials that allow couples to purchase designer dresses and wedding attire for up to 40% off! Additionally, Forever New has offered discounts of up to 50% on formalwear, perfect for bridesmaid dresses or bridal accessories.
- Wedding Décor and Venue Essentials
Décor is a huge part of any wedding budget, covering everything from flowers to table settings. Stores like Mr Price Home and @home have a variety of home décor and furniture items that can be repurposed for wedding setups. During Black Friday, these stores have offered discounts of up to 50% on items like candles, lighting, and furniture, which can be used as centerpieces or lounge seating at your venue.
- Invitations and Stationery
Printing costs for wedding invitations, save-the-dates, and programs can add up quickly. South African printing companies like Jetline and Scrapbook Studio regularly offer Black Friday deals on custom printing, where you can save on bulk printing orders. Jetline’s previous Black Friday promotions included discounts on digital and litho printing, which are ideal for invitations and custom stationery. These deals can sometimes also be tailored specifically to an individual branch, so make sure to search around to see which branch might be offering the best deal for your needs.
- Catering Equipment and Appliances
For couples looking to cater their wedding or provide a unique bar setup, stores like Makro and Game are popular options for Black Friday deals on kitchenware and catering appliances. In recent years, both retailers have offered substantial Black Friday discounts on items like coffee machines, blenders, and outdoor grills, which are perfect for self-catered weddings or post-wedding celebrations. They also offer wine and liquor deals during Black Friday, making it more affordable to stock up on drinks.
- Wedding Rings and Jewellery
Jewellery, including wedding bands and accessories, can be expensive, but Black Friday can help bring down those costs. Retailers like American Swiss and Foschini often provide discounts on fine jewellery during Black Friday. American Swiss has offered up to 30% off select items in previous sales, and Foschini often provides deals on bridal jewellery. These deals allow you to get high-quality rings and accessories at a fraction of the cost.
- Bridal Party Gifts and Beauty Products
For bridal party gifts and beauty products, Clicks and Dis-Chem have Black Friday specials on skincare and beauty products that are perfect for brides and bridesmaids. Clicks often offers discounts of up to 30% on makeup and skincare brands, which are perfect for wedding day prep. Similarly, Dis-Chem’s Black Friday deals on perfumes, beauty kits, and skincare can be a budget-friendly way to thank your bridal party with luxurious gift sets.
- Honeymoon Travel Deals
South African airlines and travel agencies frequently join in the Black Friday sales, offering discounts on flights and accommodation. Check Travelstart for Black Friday promotions on popular honeymoon destinations, both domestic and international. In past years, FlySafair has offered flights starting as low as R399 on Black Friday, making it a great time to book your post-wedding getaway at a reduced rate – so ensure that you are following their social pages or website to check for sudden deal announcements.
Final Tips for Black Friday Wedding Shopping
Planning a wedding on a budget is achievable with Black Friday discounts, but keep these tips in mind:
- Start Early: Research stores and make a list of wedding essentials you need before Black Friday.
- Subscribe to Newsletters: Many retailers announce their best deals to subscribers first.
- Compare Prices: Check prices on multiple sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- Shop Online: Many Black Friday sales are now online, saving you the hassle of shopping in-store.
With careful planning, Black Friday can be a valuable tool to save on your wedding, ensuring you get quality items without overextending your budget.
As an added bonus, all of these retailers are within the RCS Shopping Network, which means that if you have a RCS Store Card you can purchase what you need and pay it off over the coming months. Added to this, if you are considering a personal loan to manage your wedding costs, RCS could provide what you need, check out our personal loans page or even apply online now.
