Couple Shares Their Home Affairs Wedding, Mzansi Swoons Over Their Love
- A heartwarming TikTok video showcased a woman and her partner's small Home Affairs wedding
- This type of ceremony provides couples with a debt-free start to marriage and reduces the pressure of traditional weddings
- The video highlighted a growing trend in South Africa where more couples are opting for Home Affairs weddings
- Briefly News spoke to Phindile Yende, a published author and motivational speaker known for her book Yet You Married Him, which explores the complexities of relationships, as well as Mrs Tsholo Mawhayi, a marriage counsellor
South Africans are increasingly embracing Home Affairs weddings, as exemplified by a viral TikTok video, choosing small and affordable ceremonies over costly traditional ones to prioritise personal meaning and a debt-free start to marriage.
Source: TikTok
In a heartwarming TikTok video, user @mandisazuzile and her partner showcased their Home Affairs wedding, capturing the essence of love without the financial strain of traditional weddings. The couple's story resonated deeply with South Africans, highlighting a growing trend toward affordable, meaningful ceremonies.
Read also
"May life be kind to you both": 22-year-old couple ties the knot at Home Affairs, SA reacts
In the video, Mandisa beams with joy as she and her partner share moments from their special day at Home Affairs. Dressed in simple yet elegant attire, the couple also brought the children to witness this moment. They proceeded to the office where marriages are officiated, signed official documents, and posed for photos with a few close witnesses.
Home Affairs weddings in South Africa are celebrated for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Weddings at the Department of Home Affairs are free; however, you will be charged a R75 fee for an unabridged or complete marriage certificate. This accessibility has made it an attractive option for many couples seeking a debt-free start to their marriage.
DON'T MISS IT: Stay Away From Fake News With Our Short, Free Fact-Checking Course. Join And Get Certified!
Netizens embrace affordable Home Affairs weddings
Mzansi's reaction to the couple's video was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing admiration for their choice. The story sparked conversations about redefining wedding norms and embracing simplicity.
There’s a growing trend in South Africa where more couples are choosing Home Affairs weddings for their simplicity and affordability. These ceremonies offer a stress-free alternative to traditional weddings, allowing couples to avoid the high costs and social pressures that come with big celebrations. As more people embrace this low-key approach, it reflects a wider shift toward valuing personal meaning over lavish displays.
Phindile Yende weighed in on how financial pressures, shifting priorities, and societal expectations are changing the way couples approach marriage today. On how financial pressures impact couples emotionally, both before and after marriage, she said:
“Couples today are rewriting the script. No longer is it just about pleasing parents or showcasing prosperity; it's about building a life that makes financial sense. My ex-husband and I had also chosen financial prudence because we knew each other’s financial stance as we stayed together before entering marriage. Modern couples often live together before getting married, allowing them to grasp each other's financial habits and priorities. It’s no longer a mystery what debts or spending tendencies may impact the relationship; these are shared, seen, and often discussed well before vows."
"And the burden of financial provision no longer falls solely on men. Women now shoulder household expenses alongside their partners, and with that comes equal ownership of financial decisions and their consequences. Often though, the dream wedding isn't dead; it's just delayed. Many couples now opt for modest ceremonies with plans to celebrate their love through meaningful anniversary events once they’re financially secure. These celebrations feel more earned and less pressured."
"Wedding loans have become silent stressors in many marriages. A bank loan taken to finance a day meant to symbolise love often lingers long after the cake is cut and the guests are gone. Young couples now understand that if debt is entered together, it affects both emotionally, mentally, and financially.”
On whether simpler weddings indicate a focus on long-term goals:
“Yes, couples who choose smaller ceremonies are more likely to focus on spending money on a bond, other investments, or vehicles. Some may already be in debt and have too many commitments. Where children may be involved and combined responsibilities already exist, there’s simply not enough money for a big wedding. But because they want to formalise their relationship, because so much is already shared, the option of tying the knot at Home Affairs is practical and meaningful.”
On how financial disagreements can lead to stress or divorce, and what couples can do about it:
“Money is a huge contributor to many divorces and stressful marriages. Among other issues in my failed marriage, financial woes exacerbated the challenges we faced. We lived beyond our means, and young couples have a tendency to do this because they want to be seen and meet unrealistic social expectations. They stop enjoying the marriage because everything becomes about meeting financial responsibilities and paying debt. Fights erupt over unmet obligations."
"The small things that keep the relationship alive are neglected because there's no money for them. Unnecessary expectations are placed on each other, particularly on the man. And when he can’t meet those expectations, he often seeks peace elsewhere, adding to the strain that already exists.”
Mrs Mawhayi shared valuable insight with Briefly News on how finances can affect relationships and why smaller weddings can often bring couples closer. She said:
“Financial pressures around weddings are very stressful, especially if lobola is involved. Emotionally, it can actually help bring you closer because it feels like it’s you two against the world. For us, it was mainly pressure from family to have more guests and a bigger wedding, but we didn’t want to use credit at all. So emotionally, it helped make us stronger because we were on the same page. If people are not on the same page about how to finance the wedding and what’s a need versus a want, that can undoubtedly cause emotional distress for couples.”
She added that couples who choose smaller weddings often do so with maturity and long-term thinking.
“I would think so, especially if the intent behind the smaller wedding is to reserve funds to build the marriage, such as getting a home, building savings for future kids, or other projects. They’re showing that they’re already focused on the future and not relying on going with the flow or tackling only short-term goals.”
Mrs Mawhayi also highlighted how money can easily become one of the biggest stressors in relationships.
“Financial disagreements can actually frustrate couples to the last degree. Finances inform a huge chunk of life, so if there are disagreements in that area, it affects individuals deeply.”
To help couples manage better, she stressed the importance of structure and honesty.
“From the start, there should be conversations around finances and defining priorities in terms of what can be spent on and what can’t. For us, what helps is having one person with the final say; it’s scary, but it helps because that person feels a sense of responsibility and doesn’t want to be the reason finances crumble. Communication around finances and both partners sharing their views helps the one with the final say make good decisions.”
She concluded with a practical tip:
“A yearly review of how the previous year went and setting goals for the next year helps a lot. It keeps both partners aligned and accountable, financially and emotionally.”
Source: TikTok
Mzansi's reaction to the video
Cencha said:
"My husband and I did the same, and here we are 25 years later. 😊"
Charmaine wrote:
"Congrats! Did this 41 years ago, found a random guy as a witness, and we’re still counting. 🙏"
Hannah added:
"A beautiful, full of love and most of all debt-free wedding. Love this. 🥰 May your marriage be blessed forever."
VuyokaziGulwa shared:
"How do I like it 100 times? 🥰🥰👌🙏"
Rencia Naicker said:
"You don't need an expensive wedding to make a marriage! ❤️"
Melissa Multiplied added:
"We had the same type of wedding and we’re still in a peaceful, safe, stable, powerful marriage with Jesus Christ as our foundation. Congratulations, you looked stunning! 😍"
The pondering mum said:
"We did it just the same. 16 years later! No regrets and most importantly, no debt."
Candice Amber Bester asked
"Does one make an appointment, or how does it work?"
Lucille Mann commented:
"Stunning! May your future be blessed together. ❤️"
Bridgette Abrahams said:
"Beautiful. Can you please tell me how to go about it? I honestly refuse to give a big wedding."
Kay_deem said:
"Then you take that money, build a beautiful home if you don’t have one. Saved yourself from community gossip and pretending families at the wedding. What a beautiful thing."
Check out the heartwarming TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News stories about small weddings
- A young couple's simple backyard wedding celebration captured hearts on TikTok, showcasing how love shines brightest in its simplest form.
- A content creator shared heartwarming footage of her special day getting married at Home Affairs with her Venda partner.
- A couple shared a video of their beautiful yet simple wedding at Home Affairs, followed by a small celebration with close family and friends.
Source: Briefly News
