Last week, I had the privilege of discussing with Radio personalities Ayo and Debbie of Radio Continental 102.3FM on the topic ” How To Plan A Great Wedding” It was  fun hanging out with my two favorites radio personalities and talking much about weddings and planning! I have decided to put this in writing for those of you who never got the chance to listen to the program. If you do prefer the audio version then scroll down for the link.

|Via Tunji Sarumi Photography|

START PLANNING EARLY

Once engaged, you planning starts. Its best to give a 6 to 12 months of planning your fab wedding as that would give you the ample time to run around, get creative ideas, more options and opportunity to make an informed choice.

DEAL WITH THE BASICS

Your budget (if you are on one) and the number of guests expected ( an idea) should be the first matter that should tackled . This is usually not a one day job affair. It involves not just the couple but the parents and extended family if necessary especially on the matter about the number of guests expected. It is usually almost impossible to get an exact number but you need to be firm and ensure you have a number to work with. Usually, if 500 guests are expected, then you should be looking to cater for 700 people.

GET A SCRAPBOOK AND START PINNING

A scrap book is what it is- for scrappy ideas. Jot, pin and scribble your wedding ideas in it. Your pictures cut from newspapers and wedding magazines also belongs here. Pinning on pinterest is a great way to collate your ideas online. There are countless number of inspiration in there and it’s just so very convenient as you can create a different board for your dress, accessories, reception and so on.

START A CHECKLIST

A checklist is a must if you want your wedding to be a success. Ask a bride what it feels like in preparing her wedding and she would tell you how over-whelming   it could be. A check list keeps you in check and help you stay organize. Create one with a timeline and you would be planning your way to success.

DEAL WITH A PROFESSIONAL PLANNER

Having to plan your wedding yourself is never an easy business. A professional gets paid to do their job and you are thus expected to see excellent RESULTS. It is always best to speak with someone with an extensive knowledge of planning a wedding or a specialty in a particular aspect for instance, on the bridal gown. Reason is simple. Your aunt/ friend might be a great shopper but while the bridal consultant would guide you on the best type of wedding dress that would complement your figure, your aunt might just choose a dress that she feels looks beautiful on you without noticing those details that a TRAINED eye would see. Moreso, your aunt is doing you a favor so you might feel compelled to go with her ideas and not bore her with what you really want without cutting across as being so rude.

DISCOUNTS AND PROMOS

Most vendors run discounts and promos to get more customers for the season so why not make good use of this opportunity to get the best deal from the best vendors. You can check their facebook page or website for

ATTEND BRIDAL FAYRES, EXHIBITIONS AND MARKETS

A bridal exhibition or a fair is where you have an opportunity to see a good number of wedding vendors under one roof or in one location. You have an opportunity to meet with them one on one, taste or feel their products and also strike a good deal with them too!  In most fairs, vendors do run promos or discounts for the early birds or those who would book for that day.  Your fears and concerns are all answered and you also get to meet and network with other brides .

SPLASH ON ONE OR TWO IMPORTANT ITEMS

If you  are working on a tight budget but still looking to create a stunning wedding, then splash on one or two most important item of your wedding. For most bride and grooms, their wedding pictures mean a whole lot to them so they invest in this. Others would splash on their wedding cake, wedding dress or aso-ebi while others would go for a stunning reception décor.

COOPERATE WITH VENDORS, RELATIVES/ FRIENDS

Cooperate and support all those who are giving a helping hand to make your wedding spectacular and you would be having the best team ever. People tend to respond and work better when there is a feel of team work involved. Your vendors should be trusted to do their professional work not stifle their creativity.

CELEBRATE YOU

Stunning and successful weddings are usually not the most expensive weddings. When you make your wedding-YOU then it becomes something special and different. One good way to celebrate you is by having a themed wedding or just choosing a motif/ object that could be added into all details in your wedding (using butterfly image as motif seen on your wedding invites, cake, and program e.t.c) You could also go the DIY route and create your own table centerpiece with fabrics designed by you.

 

If you prefer to listen to this conversation then follow link: http://www.mixcloud.com/rc1023fm/cbs-planning-a-great-wedding/

Enjoy! xx.