It has taken me a long time to write this because of how genuinely upsetting and traumatic this experience was, but I feel a responsibility to warn other couples.
I placed my full trust in Dream Weddings on a Budget, run by Claudia and her daughter Cianna, to plan my wedding in South Africa as I live abroad. Unfortunately, it was the worst decision I could have made.
They strongly recommended the venue Rusticana in Klapmuts and handled the booking of the venue, accommodation, and related arrangements. I was assured the chalets were beautiful and suitable for guests. In reality, the accommodation was completely unacceptable bugs and ants everywhere, no basic amenities like soap, broken fans in 35+ degree heat, toilets that wouldn’t flush, and doors that didn’t lock. It was not fit for guests, let alone a bride.
I had to be moved on the day of my wedding because the conditions were so unbearable that my makeup and spray tan were literally melting. I was relocated to accommodation an hour away from the venue, which caused me to miss my wedding breakfast and arrive late to my own wedding. I was also unable to get ready with my bridesmaids due to the last-minute disruption. Meanwhile, the groom and his party were left to stay in those conditions. While I appreciate that they paid for the move, it should have never happened.
During the photo session, the venue turned on the sprinklers, soaking the entire wedding party. While Claudia moved us, this was basic damage control, not good planning.
The issues did not stop there. The bar was not properly stocked, despite this being part of the service. Guests had to go out, purchase alcohol themselves, restock the bar, and even hand out water, only to be reimbursed over a month later, while the venue continued profiting from the bar.
The heat was extreme, yet guests were told they could not sit inside with fans and were instead directed to sit under trees. Several guests were left sunburnt. Many later told me they found Claudia’s conduct rude and unhelpful.
To make matters worse, the venue toilets also did not function. Instead of resolving the issue, they simply closed off most of the bathrooms and instructed over 50 guests to use a single toilet, which itself did not flush. This is completely unacceptable for any event, let alone a wedding.
I paid for multiple items that were never provided, including welcome drinks and non-alcoholic beverages, a champagne tower and received no refund. Fridges were not turned on until late in the afternoon, meaning drinks were warm. Champagne was placed on tables without ice, and we were told we would need to source or pay extra for it ourselves. Meaning champagne wasn’t drank.
The food was also extremely disappointing, fatty, tough, and nothing like what was discussed. I requested a spit braai and instead received something closer to stew. I chose donuts instead of a cake, but they were left exposed in the back of the room for hours, covered in flies, and were inedible.
The DJ, who appears to be associated with them, was unprofessional, openly mocking my music choices and playing inappropriate music during dinner, completely misreading the atmosphere.
To make matters worse, items were taken from guests and from us. Our money box went missing, sentimental photos of deceased relatives were taken and only returned three months later, and a guest had clothing stolen from his chalet.
We were not refunded for unused accommodation or for the many services and items that were paid for but not delivered.
This was not just disorganisation, it was a complete failure of professionalism, accountability, and basic service. The lack of care, communication, and integrity surrounding such an important day has left lasting distress.
Your wedding day is something you can never get back. Based on my experience, I strongly urge others to think very carefully before trusting Dream Weddings on a Budget with it.u
