When you sit down to map out your wedding, the biggest question isn't just “who?” or “where?”, but "how much will this actually cost?" To properly break this down, we have selected three different tiers to look at, catering for couples of all ages and financial statuses to consider: Budget, Comfortable, and Extravagant.
Of course, we understand that the approach to every wedding can be unique, and in many instances there are parts of the wedding that can be covered through a family member or friend. However, for the purpose of costing, we have had a look at the various elements that a general wedding would require.
Budget: R50 000 – R150 000
Small, smart, and value-driven—that’s the vibe here. Think of a simple yet meaningful celebration with 50 guests or less in attendance. The cost of a budget wedding can vary drastically depending on your appetite for DIY. In fact, a budget wedding could come in at even lower than R50 000 if you decided to opt out of some of ‘standard’ wedding services.
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Venue hire: You can secure a lovely outdoor farm or small-stand event space for R25,000 (for 30- 50 guests).
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Tables, chairs, crockery: Several South African Reddit users shared a real breakdown of first hand costs they experienced from roughly two years ago, including: “Venue: R25,000 · Tables and chairs: R2,500 · Food: R12,500 (R250 per head) · Decor: R5,000 · DJ: R5,000 · Photographer: R15,000 · Booze: R5,000 · Officiant: R2,500”. That totals R72,500—and that’s before anything bridal or attire-related.
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Weddings under R100k: DIY options can bring the total under R100,000. Perhaps you ask friends or family to handle photography and music. Opt for a non-traditional wedding venue on a farm or property that someone you know may own etc.
What this tier gives you: a charming, smaller-scale celebration. Venue, food, basic décor, music, photos—and plenty of DIY spirit. You might not have a coordinator or full styling, but what you gain is value and intimacy.
Comfortable: R200 0000 - R250,000
This wedding should give you more polish, more guests, and generally more comfort throughout the planning and execution. This is where many South Africans land when they want something beautiful without breaking the bank.
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A wedding planner’s R250k breakdown recommends allocating R125k to venue and catering (R450 per person for 100 guests).
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That leaves room for: R25k photography, R25k videography, R3.5k officiant, R15k DJ, R3.5k cake, R2.5k hair & makeup, R5–7k coordinator—plus flowers and décor.
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Average wedding cost in 2024 is estimated at R240k–R300k according to Expatica, climbing from a R200k–250k average in 2021.
What this tier gives you: A classic, smoothly-run wedding for 80–120 guests. You’ll have a good venue with inclusions, a professional supplier team, a coordinator, good food and photos - and maybe a cash bar.
Luxurious: R500,000+
Here, we go big. Large guest lists, premium suppliers, multiple events—this is the wedding of dreams and certainly would require some deep pockets.
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High-end venues cost R40k–100k just for the space.
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Top-tier suppliers often charge R25k–55k for photography, R25k–70k for décor, R8k–15k for DJs and bands, and R450–650+ per person catered depending on the menu selection.
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For 150+ guests, that adds up quickly—plus the extras like floral installations, upgraded attire, fancy invitations, transport, and accommodations.
What this tier gives you: A grand affair—beautifully styled, expertly managed, with many moving parts executed flawlessly. Think multi-course menus, lavish décor, hired accessories, maybe even fireworks or drones.
Cost Summary Breakdown:
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Under R150k: You can absolutely have a beautiful, heartfelt wedding—just keep the guest list tight and lean towards some DIY and local knowledge.
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R200k – 300k: That’s ideal for a full-service experience for roughly 100 guests. You get pros, polish, and peace of mind.
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R500k+: If you’re going all out - large event, luxury venue, premium vendors - you’ll want to budget accordingly.
You can use the RCS Personal Loan calculator to get an estimate of the monthly repayments for each category. For example, if you went with the R150K loan you may be looking at R5,479.84 pm for 60 months. But, remember to deduct any contributions your parents may be making from the total loan amount.
Planning Tips for Your Tier
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Start with your guest list - your per-person cost multiplies fast.
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Choose your vibe: Is intimacy or glitz and glamour more important?
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Get multiple quotes for venues and catering early.
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Prioritise must-haves - spend on your top vendor (often photographer), trim elsewhere.
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Build a 10% buffer for contingencies (weather, overtime, extra chairs).
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Use credit wisely - match your available wedding credit to realistic tier costs.
In 2025 South Africa, real weddings are happening for as little as R50,000 or as much as hundreds of thousands. The secret isn’t a fixed number - it’s your vision, priorities, and how you allocate your resources. Whether you’re dreaming of a humble farm celebration, an elegant mid-tier party, or a show-stopping extravaganza, your wedding credit option should align with what matters most to you. With planning and honest budgeting, you can confidently finance the day you'll remember forever.
And remember, RCS can help you prepare for your dream wedding with a personal loan ranging from R2000 to R300 000, with flexible payment terms. Check out the benefits of an RCS Personal Loan now and you can apply online in minutes.
