Almost every decision in this Journal has a number behind it, and almost every piece of advice on the subject elsewhere either refuses to discuss the number or invents one. These articles do neither. They explain what a budget buys, what moves the cost of a ring or a wedding most, where a rand spent shows and where it disappears, and how to have the conversation with Gavin, a planner or a venue without embarrassment. Prices are never quoted, because they change with the exchange rate and the season; the reasoning does not.
The Journal · Money, spoken about plainly
Topic · Budget
Money, spoken about plainly
Ring budgets, wedding budgets and where the money actually goes, without a single invented figure.
18 articles

When delaying the proposal is the better decision

How to choose a proposal planner

Flowers for a proposal without overdoing it

Choosing a picnic or private-dining company for a proposal

How to set an engagement-ring budget

A made-to-order or ready-made engagement ring

Platinum, white gold, yellow gold or rose gold

Where spending more on a diamond makes a visible difference

Coloured diamonds: what to look for

The first 30 days after getting engaged

How to build a wedding budget

When to hire a wedding planner

How to build a wedding guest list

An intimate wedding or a large wedding

What a bespoke commission actually costs

When to propose, and when to wait

The four Cs that actually matter
The next step
Talk it through with Gavin.
Every piece starts with a conversation rather than a catalogue. In person at the Illovo studio, or by video call from anywhere.
