Planning a wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. From choosing the perfect venue, to selecting a menu that satisfies everyone’s tastes, there are numerous details to consider.
To help alleviate some of the stress and ensure a memorable celebration, social media sensation and MC Sipho Alphi Mkhwanazi our June cover star has compiled a list of essential wedding tips. Whether you’re a bride, groom, or part of the wedding party, these tips will guide you towards creating a truly unforgettable event
Deciding on your guest list:
A lot of you may think this one is an obvious one, but you would be surprised at how many people forget this important step. Decide on your guest list early in the planning process. This will help you determine the size of your venue and the amount of food and drinks you’ll need. Bear in mind that most wedding venues charge per head, so you definitely want to pay for someone you know is close to you and holds a special place in you and your spouse’s heart. Consider the relationships and social dynamics of your guests to ensure a harmonious atmosphere on your wedding day. Try to be firm with your invites so that you don’t find yourself paying for people you haven’t seen in a very long time, or people who may not even show up at all.
Research and choose the right venue:
The venue sets the tone for your wedding day. More couples are opting to use specialized wedding venues with accommodation and all facilities in house. Some are still going for more affordable options like setting up a marquee at home. In any case, choose a venue that reflects your personality and style. Consider the location, capacity, and amenities of the venue. If your ceremony and reception will be at different venues, plan transportation for your guests or even accommodation for guests who travel from far. Ensure that it’s the right size for your anticipated guests, equipped with the necessary technology for your sound system and lights, and features the ambiance you envision for your special day.
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Find an exceptional wedding planner:
Every bride always wants to be involved in the planning of her wedding. Everything in simple detail must be perfect and to the T. However, I always find that it is much smarter to find a brilliant wedding planner who will allow you to experience the best wedding day with a fraction of the stresses that come with planning it. Wedding planners have a bird’s eye view on the entire event and everything leading up to the big day. Furthermore, they are able to be strict with you so that you do not go over budget whilst preparing to say I DO. Consider hiring a professional wedding planner to help you navigate the planning process. A wedding planner can offer insider knowledge, vendor connections, and expert advice. Wedding planners aren’t always easy to find, so take your time while you look for one.
“Client said Black and White… I said WOOORIGHT BABY, SEE YOU THERE! ☺️”
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Send Save-the-Dates:
Whether you send digital mailers or paper invitations, make sure you give your guests plenty of time to make arrangements to come. Create an attractive and inviting design that reflects your wedding’s theme and captivates your guests. Remember to be specific about the theme of your wedding and how you would like your guests to dress. Solid colours always work perfectly on pictures. I see quite a lot of couples going for monochromes and stronger earthy tones. Whatever theme you decide, communicate that effectively on your invites and pray and hope that everyone will stick to the theme.
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Secure your vendors and suppliers in time:
The wedding business is a huge market in South Africa and our exceptional wedding makers are always in high demand. You need the absolute best for your big day, no compromises. Once you’ve booked your venue, start looking for the best vendors to help make your dream wedding a reality. The food at your wedding must be to die for, so your caterer and chef need to be on their A-game. Whether you’re going for a DJ or a live band, they need to come to the party and blow everyone away. Find a trusted photographer and videographer whose work speaks for them. Your florist and decor team need to turn your venue into a fairytale castle. Again, choosing the right professionals will ensure the success of your wedding.
Selecting the wedding party:
I have so many stories to tell about how much of a thorny issue this stage can be. You would be surprised by the amount of crazy and funny politics there are in the selection of a wedding party for the big day. As tough as the decision can sometimes be, you need to choose the people you want to stand beside you on your special day. Make sure to select people who will make your day even more special. This includes close friends and family. It’s your big day so you are at liberty to choose as many people as you want to stand by you on this day. Remember to also choose people who understand the expenses of being part of the wedding party and can afford to pull their weight when it comes to outfits and the like. That way, you do not have all of those expenses on your shoulders.
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Last but definitely not least, every event needs someone to carry it with flair and absolute style:
The MC/host for your wedding sets the tone of the day and the memories that will live on even after the big day. You need to make sure that they are the perfect candidate for the job. This is where I come in. For me, each wedding is a clean canvas and an opportunity for me to create incredible memories that my couple and audience will never forget. For anyone who has seen me in action, you know that your big day will be filled with so much dancing, crazy laughter and a whole lot of singing. After all, it’s a celebration, a union of two lovers and the coming together of friends and loved ones to celebrate the beauty and gift of love. I honestly don’t hold back! Check out some of the videos on my social media handles while you decide to invite me to come make your day extra special.
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Also see: 5 Ways to overcome pre-wedding anxiety
