Planning a wedding can be exciting. Planning a wedding while…
So here are tips to make the process easier and stress-free
A wedding planner is a must
You will need someone on the ground to ensure that everything is going according to plan. Someone who can meet with vendors when necessary and see to it that your plans are executed to perfection. Which is why you need a professional wedding planner. Your cousin might be the most organized person you know, but if she is not an experienced wedding planner, she might not know exactly how everything should be executed or even have the connections in the industry to secure discounts for you.
Remember to ask for referrals from the wedding planner (other couples she has worked with) so as to know what their experience was.
The Internet is your friend
There are miles and miles between you and your wedding planner. So how do you stay in touch throughout the wedding planning journey? Using the internet, of course! Stay in touch with your vendors and wedding planner using WhatsApp, email and you could even Skype or Facetime with them. If you would like fairy lights draped over your reception and burlap bouquets for your bridesmaids, then don’t just tell your vendors…show them. Send them images of wedding ideas via Dropbox. Another great tool to use is Pinterest where you can dedicate different boards to different ideas. The Sweetest Thing can have lots of cake photos and your flower ideas can go to the Flower Power board. You could also share your Pinterest folder with your planner so you are all on the same page. Create WhatsApp groups for your bridal party as early as possible to discuss, among other things, their outfits, transport arrangements and wedding ideas.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
| See More Photos From This Wedding Here | Photography by De Capture |
Go for a venue that offers packages
The more vendors you have to deal with, the more complicated your wedding planning process will be. So it certainly helps if your venue comes with more than just grounds or a hall. Plus you will find that most wedding packages come with discounts. Sawela Lodges located in Naivasha offers wedding packages along with a lovely, spacious venue. They have this package, the Hawaiian Ginger Package that comes with an elaborate 5 course menu consisting of 1 soup, 4 salads, 3 meats, 4 starches, 3 vegetables, 4 desserts, 1 soft drink, tea or coffee. As well as professional catering service, use of their lush, manicured grounds for ceremony, reception and photo shoot. The package also includes decor setup; tents, tables, seats, bridal table setup. And a complimentary Honeymoon night on full board in the exquisite honeymoon suite (Late check-out at 2pm) and a 1 hour boat ride for the bride and groom. On your first anniversary you get a complimentary 1 night accommodation.
The Hawaiian Ginger Package is at an affordable rate of Ksh. 3, 800 per plate for adults, Ksh. 1,900 for 4yrs - 12yrs and free for children below 4 years of age.
A minimum number of pax 200 is required.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
| See More Photos From This Wedding Here | Photography by De Capture |
Secure your dates early
Now more than ever you need to pick dates early. This will help you to plan your travel dates and to book your flights well in advance. As you make your travel arrangements, plan to arrive in the country at least 2 weeks to the wedding date. That way you have ample time to have a physical meeting with vendors, go over wedding details, make last minute changes and of course catch up with friends and family before the big day.
Consider an intimate wedding
Having been away for years you might have lost touch with some friends. The silver lining in that cloud is that you probably have a smaller number of people that you absolutely must invite to your wedding. Making an intimate wedding possible. The great thing about intimate weddings is that you can maximize on quality without breaking the bank. A lot of wedding costs; such as catering venue, tables, chairs, tents and décor, are pegged on numbers. Since you will need less of almost everything, you can go for exquisite options and still remain within your budget.
Consider a destination wedding
Though you once called Kenya home, you and your fiancé don’t live here anymore. And so you may not be obligated to get married in any specific place. You can get married pretty much anywhere you choose. So why not consider a destination wedding? It could be by the beach with the sound of the ocean crashing on the beach. Or it could be in Naivasha, by the lake, beneath acacia trees with the melody of birds chirping. And when it comes to Naivasha we know the perfect place; Lake Naivasha Sawela Lodges. The best thing about Sawela Lodges is that they offer a wedding package that includes the venue, catering and wedding night accommodation. There in-house planner will help you organize all the nitty-grittys of your big day and bring your dreams to life.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.![]()
Clik here to view.
| See More Photos From This Wedding Here | Photography by Osborne Macharia |
Source from abroad
Depending on the country you reside in there are some things that are easier or cheaper to source for there than in Kenya. Are wedding dresses cheaper in that country? Then consider buying yours there. How about favours and décor items is there a wider variety there? Then see what you can buy. We are not talking about hauling seats and tents across continents, just those items that are not bulky, light in weight and will add some serious style to your wedding…and will save you a buck.
Email Sawela Lodges on sales@sawelalodges.com
The Internet is your friend
There are miles and miles between you and your wedding planner. So how do you stay in touch throughout the wedding planning journey? Using the internet, of course! Stay in touch with your vendors and wedding planner using WhatsApp, email and you could even Skype or Facetime with them. If you would like fairy lights draped over your reception and burlap bouquets for your bridesmaids, then don’t just tell your vendors…show them. Send them images of wedding ideas via Dropbox. Another great tool to use is Pinterest where you can dedicate different boards to different ideas. The Sweetest Thing can have lots of cake photos and your flower ideas can go to the Flower Power board. You could also share your Pinterest folder with your planner so you are all on the same page. Create WhatsApp groups for your bridal party as early as possible to discuss, among other things, their outfits, transport arrangements and wedding ideas.