The A to Z Guide to
Planning Your Wedding
Planning weddings is so much fun though stressful for some.
We can’t but have fun while planning it over and over again with different
couples, So to help brides get a grip on planning their wedding, we decided to
do an A-Z list of how to plan your own wedding.
Ambience
What type of ambience have you imagined for your perfect day?
Do you want an outdoor or indoor venue? Plated or Buffet Menu? Dance floor and rich lighting or soft subtle
setup? Guest artistes or simply a DJ /Live band? Thinking through on the overall ambience is
the first thing you need to do. Once done, that gives an idea as to what kind
of event you want.
Accessories
Brides need to accessorize with accessories that is best suited
for them and their outfits. From the ear rings, to the neckpieces, hairpieces, bracelets,
and wrist watches……everything a girl needs to SHINE on her big day.
Aso Oke(Traditional Wear)
Aso-Oke for yorubas,
ethnic wears in case of the south-south, South east, North and middle belt
regions.
This is the traditional outfit for the Nigerian brides, although
the Aso oke is fast catching up with every bride from other parts of Nigeria as
well.
The beauty of the aso oke has worn over even our Hausa
brides. Made by specialized weavers, they have all sorts of designs and styles
to choose from. The colours picked by the bride are mixed to create a wonderful
outfit. So pick your colours and get professional advice from the Aso- Oke
vendor to know if the combination would work.
The middle belt,south-south and South east sisters indulge
in their different ethnic outfits while the northern sisters wear the kaftan
with hijab,lace with gele or the Indian sari .
Aso-Ebi
Wearing the same type of fabric is a common thing at most
weddings. But the choice is up to you. Family members and parents usually decide
whether or not to pick aso ebi, but some brides go with the new trend of
picking a separate aso-ebi for her friends. She can delegate a friend or
sibling to handle the purchase and distribution of the aso-ebi or simply get an
Aso-ebi vendor which is probably the best, so she can transfer the stress and
reduce her worries.
Attendants
The number of attendants you want is simply up to you. You
alone can decide who and who you want as your attendants. Whatever their number
they should be people you really want to have around you on your special day.
Beads
These come in all colours, the option of course is to get a
bead maker to custom make for you or simply buy of the shelf.
Budget
This is the most important part in planning a wedding. Without
knowing what this is. You really can’t start a wedding planning process. Figure
out how much is available; ask around for prices of the different things needed
for the wedding. Sit down with both sets of parents to find out what their
inputs are. Don’t make plans on money that isn’t available. Plan within your
limit.
Bouquet
This is one of the bride’s main accessories of the day. You
can place an order for fresh flowers, which could be a combination of flowers
of your choice or a straight forward bouquet of roses, lily or a flower of your
preference depending on availability; this can be done at any local flower shop.
The other option is procuring lovely arranged silk flowers from specialist at a
cheaper rate, and most especially if you are allergic to fresh flowers or don’t
have a flower shop near you.
Ceremony
This is heart of your wedding day, you can opt for a
religious ceremony at your church or mosque, a legal ceremony at your local
government registry office, or just have the ceremony at the same venue as your
reception venue.
Cake
This is always a too watch out for! The couple sees a cake
designer and they discuss all the options available to them, colours, types, size,
layer, details, cut offs etc. There are so many eye popping designs out there. And
a lot of couples just mix and match the details to create their own.
Destination wedding
If you want to have your wedding outside your country, then it’s
even more fun. This style of wedding is getting more and more popular by the day.
But before you decide to get married outside your country of residence be sure
to do you thorough research to know what the destination location requirements
are. Different countries have different rules and regulations, so be sure to
check them first.
Desserts
Hmmm tasty sweets. There are lots of varieties to choose
from Strawberry gateau, White forest, Cheese cake, Chocolate gateau, Red velvet
with cream cheese, Red velvet with whipped cream and lots more.
Do you want it for every guest or for your friends only? The
answer depends on your pocket.
Drink Handlers
They are specialized drink providers .They give you a quote
based on your number of guests and advise you as to what quantity you need to
get. They save you the stress of having to rent bottles and buy drinks
yourself, you would not have to bother about how the drinks get to the venue
,how they are iced etc. You simply delegate someone to take stock of what they
brought to the venue and compare to what you paid for and also take stock after
the event, to know you expect a refund for drinks not consumed. A huge
advantage of using them is that the boys are professionals and are dressed as
such. And they give you back your money if you have left over drinks.
Emergency kit
An emergency kit is very important for your big day. Because
of wedding-day mishaps like torn hems or broken heels.
Some must-haves: double-sided fabric tape, a small sewing
kit, superglue, deodorant, breath mints, clear nail polish, tissues, wipes….
Engagement parties
This is not a norm in Nigeria, but can be so much fun for the
bride's and groom's family and friends to get acquainted before the wedding day,
but it is not compulsory. It does not have to be a formal or serious event but
you can have a theme just to make it more fun. And anyone can volunteer to be
the host.
Favors
It’s always nice to give a gift in appreciation of what
someone has done. So show your guests how much you appreciate their presence
with any nice favor. The options are endless, from candles to coasters to
fridge magnets, notepads or tiny tote bags filled with loads of candies etc. Check
gift shops like gift shack or simply go online or to the local stores or
markets.
First dance
Show everyone you have class and style by doing something
different. Go for a dance class together, it’s fun. Learn any style you want and
simply amaze/ wow your guests at the reception.
Food and Presentation
A reception needs a caterer with good looking and tasty
meals, proper table settings and neatly dressed waiters and dishers.
Food
presentation is always so important; no one wants to eat a meal where all the
food is just splashed on the plate with oil stains on the edges of the plate.
From the table covers to the overlays to the charger plates, cutlery, napkins, cups,
wine cups, champagne cups etc. all must be properly laid. And the food properly
served to stimulate the appetite of the guests and not to repel them.
Groom's Cake
Surprise your man with a cake with his area of interest or passion.
Like cake representing his favourite team or sport, hobby etc
Heritage
Be sure to incorporate things from you and your fiances
cultural background at the traditional ceremony.it gives the guest an idea as
to what background you are both from and it adds Colour to the event.
Hen Night
This is
organized by your friends or sisters; it’s a type of bridal shower that last
through the night, the guest and bride to be wear their sleep wear, it’s always
a nice fun time with all your closest buddies before you walk down the aisle.
It’s a time of good food, gifts, games and advice from friends.
Invitations
The search for this should be a minimum of three months
before the wedding, if you have a wedding theme you can tell the printer to
incorporate the theme on card.If it’s a strictly by IV event, remember to state
how many people each card admits on the card .Be sure to check every
information before giving the go ahead for printing.
Junior Bridesmaid
These are usually girls teenagers, options are your younger
sisters, nieces or cousins. The decision is up to you.
Kid's Table
Having a kid’s
table area is a great idea for parties. Show the kids that they are also guests
and let them have a great time by seating them all at a kids' table specially designed
with them in mind .Get coloring books and crayons at and also have goodie bags
of treats for them. Enlist an adult to supervise the little ones and ensure a
security person is on watch. But with all these, most parents are always
skeptical living their kids because of security situation in the country.
Lighting
This is one of the most unique ways of transforming a venue.
Get lighting professionals or simply talk to your decorator about it. It helps
create a great effect for the event
Makeup artist
This is one of your key vendors, every bride wants to look
stunning for her big day .So you must ensure you get a professional makeup
artist that knows his/her job well. Some artists prefer doing a trial with the
bride and some do not. The most important thing is that the right type colour
tone is used as foundation and brides should take time to look at works samples
of makeup artist to be sure the artist would suit her.
MC
The MC must be someone that speaks very good English and is
a professional MC for weddings. A professional MC does not say rude jokes and knows
how to get the crowd to respond to him/her.
The reception has to be fun and interesting to make people
enjoy themselves. So get a MC that’s both fun and cultured to do a thorough
job.
Music
Before now, the option used to be do you want a DJ or a live
Band but these days the norm is to have both. It’s always gives a real vibe to
the party. The DJ is in charge of the entrance dance and first dance while the
band handles the parents dance, but in all its better the couple decide the
sequence of play prior to the event.
Notification
These are letters sent by your family to friends and family
officially notifying them of your upcoming marriage, it’s a save the date note.
It should be given out months before the wedding.
Open Bar
Open bars are now a common sight at weddings. There are
different packages offered by different drink handlers. You might have to look
through their options and decide what you would like.
Outdoor Wedding
The beauty of an outdoor wedding is always a very classy
one, if you get a perfect outdoor space to use. Just be sure to have a solid
backup plan in case Mother Nature doesn't cooperate with your plans. You could
have an evening reception with the sun setting in the background hmmm, nice
backdrop. But you have to pray the weather does not change, Better still if you
must have an outdoor event make sure the venue has an indoor space you can
convert to ,if the weather changes.
Photographer
You need not just a photographer BUT a VERY GOOD
PHOTOGRAPHER. There are shots that should not be missed; moments not captured
are gone forever. A photographer tells the story of your event in pictures; it
must be well said in detail and without missing moments. Minimum for any event
must always be 2 cameras.
Photo booths
These are getting popular by the beat. Guests can get
pictures of themselves taken in a photo booth at the reception and they can
take the pictures as souvenirs and also a full album is given to the bride and
groom. Different packages are available by the providers.
Place Cards
This helps to clearly define who sits where. If you have a
strictly by IV event then the table numbers should be written on the invites .I
believe people should always respect these as there are always reasons for the
placements made.
'
Props
These are details used by the decorator or planner to
enhance the look of the event. You should always ask what options are available
and that would suit your type of event.
Quiet Time
Meetings, appointments, arguments have a way of pulling the
strain on the couple thus making them forget why they want to get married. Get
away from it, go out have fun, watch movies, go swimming, do what always make
you both happy and constantly remind each other that the wedding is just a day
and your marriage a lifetime. Don’t let the planning turn you against
yourselves
Registry
Registering for your wedding gifts is so much easier now.
Almost all major retailers now have full-service online registries.
So get your list and send the details to your friends and
loved ones. That way you would not have to throw them away or pray over them
for months.
Security
Getting professional security is so important for weddings
and events in general, so as to safe guard your guests and loved ones from
uninvited guests that have their own intentions.
They help secure the venue exits and monitor the area. Most
miscreants always avoid venues that have security so it’s always good to get
some to protect your guests from thefts and embarrassment.
Thank-you notes
You know you have to write thank-you notes. But you can send
them via mails or text messages. Please if possible try not to send them as
broadcasts and personalize your mails as much as possible. Also ensure you call
your parents, siblings and those other special people, they really would
appreciate it.
Ushers
These are guys or ladies responsible for escorting your
family members and friends to their seats as they arrive for the ceremony. They
help to share the souvenirs, show the guests where the restrooms are, ensure
all the guests are well taken care of and are used in rendering basic errands
during the event. Appoint at least one usher for every 50 guests.
Vendors
From the florist to the caterer, your vendors are the pros
you'll rely on to carry out your wedding-day wishes. When hiring vendors take
the time to check their references, ask for samples when possible (many
caterers or bakers will do tastings, and some florists often provide a sample arrangements
for your centerpiece), and be sure to get everything you agree on in writing.
Videography
This has taken a whole new turn, as it’s not the
conventional olden day wedding videos any more. It’s like a movie starring the
bride and groom. The videos that are made now are fun and almost like movies,
this could be attributed to the quality of cameras and the unread script, now
you have trailers for wedding videos; telling the couples story from proposal,
to planning and actual event, It’s fun
to watch videos now as compared to yester years (…..2012)lol
Vows
Most ceremonies in Nigeria have the basic vow templates, but
you could write your own vows and send to your spouse alongside a gift early on
the D-day. This would totally blow their mind.
RSVP
Acronym for the French phrase répondez, s'il vous plaît,
which means please reply.
Nigerians rarely make use of this ,as its always clearly
stated but I think people do not really know what it’s for, Now if you get an
invite to an event and you know you would attend ,you simply call/text “YES”
to the RSVP on the card and confirm to
them your availability for the event. This is normally used for the head count
for the event. BUT except you having a strictly by invite affair this really
doesn’t work here in Nigeria, as even uninvited guest show up for events. But we Nigerians have our own special use for
the RSVP; that’s the number we call when we need direction to the event.
Wedding planner
Think wedding planners are only for the wealthy? Think again. They have different packages; all you need to do is to get the best package that suits you. They really do take the stress of sourcing vendors, haggling prices, drawing up contracts, ensuring the venue is set and coordinating a smooth event.
Xtra IVs
Ensure you make extra invitations and envelopes. You'll need
them for any last-minute additions to your guest list and for redoing any
envelope-addressing mistakes. And don't forget to keep your copy.
Young Attendants
Get cute gifts for your young attendants they would love you
for it and their parents would appreciate it.
Zero regrets
Even if there were few issues here and there, take a look
around; at all the family members and friends who so happily celebrated the day
with you. And let it all go, look back on your day with zero regrets—and look
forward to starting life as a newlywed! The most important part of the day is
that your bride or groom shows up. Once that happens, just flow with the day as
no wedding holds without the other partner.
*pictures were sourced from our album, Google and our favorite wedding site; bella
naija .
Feel free to add more details.
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