Today we’d like to introduce you to Santlo Mokae.
Hi Santlo , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Weddings & Events By Design was born from my own experience as a bride-to-be back in 2009. During that time, I struggled to find a vendor who offered all the services I needed or who partnered with reliable professionals to create an affordable, all‑inclusive wedding package. What should have been one of the happiest seasons of my life quickly became overwhelming and stressful.
Instead of letting that frustration defeat me, I used it as inspiration. I realized that no couple should have to navigate that kind of chaos alone. Out of my own challenges came a vision — to create a business that simplifies the planning process, connects clients with trusted vendors, and brings every detail together seamlessly.
That vision became Weddings & Events By Design, a company built on empathy, experience, and a genuine desire to make every celebration stress‑free, beautiful, and unforgettable.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any business, we’ve faced our share of challenges — especially when it comes to helping clients understand the full scope of our services. Many customers aren’t always familiar with standard industry practices or may not know which questions to ask in order to gain a clear understanding of the planning process.
It’s also common for clients to assume that a vendor automatically handles certain tasks, when in reality those responsibilities may fall outside that vendor’s role. These misunderstandings can create unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
At Weddings & Events By Design, we’ve learned that clear communication is essential. We take the time to explain our process, outline responsibilities, and guide clients step‑by‑step so they always know what to expect. Our goal is to eliminate confusion, set realistic expectations, and ensure every detail is handled with transparency and care.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What truly sets Weddings & Events By Design apart from many other event planning and décor companies is our commitment to honoring our clients’ budgets without ever compromising on elegance. We believe that every celebration deserves beauty, creativity, and thoughtful design — no matter the price point.
We proudly serve all types of events, including weddings, baby showers, quinceañeras, birthdays, anniversaries, and so much more. Wherever there is a celebration, we are ready to bring the vision to life.
Many people assume that hiring an event planner or decorator automatically means spending thousands of dollars or facing unrealistic fees. That’s not who we are. We work closely with each client to understand their vision, their priorities, and their budget, ensuring that every detail feels intentional, beautiful, and attainable.
One of the things I am most proud of is being both a woman‑owned business and a South African entrepreneur. My cultural background allows me to plan and design events that honor a wide range of traditions, styles, and celebrations. Creating elaborate, meaningful, and culturally rich experiences brings me joy.
With a creative eye for detail and a passion for transforming ideas into reality, I love crafting events that reflect each client’s unique story. At Weddings & Events By Design, your vision becomes our inspiration.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the event planning and décor industry evolving significantly over the next 5–10 years, becoming even more responsive to the needs and expectations of our clients. As celebrations continue to grow more personalized, culturally diverse, and experience‑driven, our industry will expand to offer more tailored services, flexible packages, and creative solutions that reflect each client’s unique vision.
Weddings & Events By Design is committed to growing alongside these changes — embracing new trends, technologies, and design approaches while staying true to our core values of affordability, elegance, and exceptional service. The future of our industry is all about customization, inclusivity, and meaningful experiences, and we are excited to be part of that evolution.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.weddings2design.com
- Instagram: weddings_by_design
- Other: Tic-Tok @weddings_by_design
