💸 This Couple’s Entire Wedding Décor Cost Less Than R3,000

Location: Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape
Couple: Lutho & Naledi
Theme: Afro-Minimalism Meets Backyard Romance
Who says you need to spend a small fortune to create wedding magic? Lutho and Naledi’s entire décor setup came in under R3,000, and it was everything: stylish, soulful, and filled with intentional touches.

From foraged greenery to hand-me-down glassware, this wedding proved that love looks good on a budget.

🌿 The Vision: Afro-Minimal & Made With Love

“When we started planning, we knew the guest list was small and the heart had to be big,” says Naledi. The couple hosted 45 guests in Lutho’s uncle’s garden, and committed to:

Using what they already had

Borrowing before buying

Supporting local vendors and crafters

🧺 Décor Breakdown: What R3,000 Actually Bought

Here's where every cent went:

Even with weather backups, they didn’t hit the R3,000 mark!

💐 The Look: Simple, Soft, and So Beautiful

The garden tables were laid with:

Crisp white runners

Locally made vases with greenery foraged from nearby farms

Tea lights in mismatched jars collected over months

Handwritten kraft paper menus and personal notes on each plate

The ceremony area was framed by an arch made from branches and eucalyptus, built by the groom’s cousin.

“It wasn’t flashy. But it felt sacred.”

💃🏾 The Vibe: Cozy, Intentional, and Joy-Filled

The whole day flowed like a Sunday family lunch—with music, barefoot dancing, and happy tears.

Guests brought their own drinks and a few baked dessert trays

Dinner was served family-style, cooked by aunties and cousins

A live trio of students from Rhodes University provided soft jazz + Afro-soul

Naledi wore her mother’s wedding earrings, and Lutho rocked vintage leather shoes passed down from his dad

💡 Naledi’s Top Tips for Décor on a Budget

Use what you already have – homes are filled with magic

Ask for help early – you’ll be surprised how generous people are

Thrift it, don’t stress it – pre-loved décor adds personality

Stick to one colour palette – makes it look cohesive

Keep the guest count small – less décor, more connection

📸 Vendor Shoutouts

Photographer: 

Décor Assist: 

Florals: 

Music: 

💛 Final Thoughts from the Couple:

“We didn’t have much money. But we had family, love, and the right lighting. Turns out, that’s more than enough.”