London, Dubai, Seychelles, or… Lagos???

With the world of today being a global village, destination weddings have become all the rage but the million dollar question is “Are destination weddings better than weddings at home?”

For a couple who wants a huge wedding; with all of the friends they’ve acquired in life present, a traditional home wedding might be more appropriate but for the bride and groom who want to exchange nuptials in the presence of a small intimate group of close family and friends may lean more towards a destination wedding. Either way, both destination and local weddings have their pros and cons.

Although the thought of tying the knot on the tropical island of Fiji may put a smile on your face, the price to pay for such a dream wedding leaves nothing to smile about. Destination weddings do not only put a strain on ones pockets but from the hassle of getting a visa to the limited vendor choices, getting married in a foreign country can be the rain on your wedding parade.

Even with this in mind, destination weddings provide the “two birds, one stone” factor. Not only does a destination wedding provide for the union of a man and woman in a captivating environment but it also allow the couple and their guests acquire a mini holiday in the wedding process

The beauty of planning a wedding in the comfort of one’s own home; so to speak, is that the wedding turns out to be more cost effect and more accommodating. There are no language barriers or legal issues (marriage licenses) that may need sorting out before the day. On the other hand, one could argue that having a traditional home wedding leaves no wow factor as it is not as memorable an experience as a destination wedding.

With all said and done, no matter where you want to get married, either you want to travel or just plan a traditional wedding, it still leads to you being united with the one you love.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and we’d never advise you to sacrifice quality on the altar of frugality but we realise that there is life after the big day therefore, we have come up with five cost effective tips to enable you save money yet still have the most beautiful day of your life!

TIP 1: Buy your dress from the manufacturers as opposed to the retailers. This is always a cheaper alternative as you have cut out the cost of the middleman, also, you could opt for a vintage dress or check out the special occasions rack! Making your own dress is worth a thought as well.

TIP 2: Pick a location that doesn’t require too much work with regards to décor and will allow you to work with a caterer of your choice without charging corkage fees. It would be great to use a hotel that would give the couple a complimentary suite after the wedding, this comes at a price though as food and beverage always costs more at a hotel than from a local caterer.

TIP 3: Prioritize! Write a priority list at the beginning of your planning. ‘Keeping up with the Jones’ will only put you in some hot financial pepper soup! Ask yourself if the champagne fountain, string quartets and the goody bag filled with designer souvenirs are really necessary. You can have a memorable day with a little less fan fare.

TIP 4: Get as much help as possible. Ask friends and family for whatever assistance they can render that might be useful to the wedding. You could also use a family or friends house for your engagement as opposed to paying for a venue. Sit back and look around before you step out. You’ll be amazed what resources you can pool from within your circle.

TIP 5: Downsize! Keep your guest list small. Family and close friends should be your priority. Everyone likes a party but an intimate reception is makes your day even more special.

With these tips in mind, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. It’s a win-win situation, just as it should be.

We all want to get married and have that fairy tale wedding where everything is beautiful. From the decorations to the food, to your wedding gown and hair, everything must be perfect. But how do we go about achieving a perfect wedding?  It is never too early to start planning, in fact the earlier the better.  Planning can start from as early as one year before the wedding. This helps a lot in terms of availability of venue, choosing your wedding gown and choosing a theme. It gives you time to plan and incorporate everything necessary into your wedding.  It will help take off the stress and anxiety of rushing to get things done last minute and also gives you time to save.

Here are some tips in planning the wedding of your dreams:

• Carefully choose a date:

You should pick a date that will be convenient for both families and friends. You should also put into consideration the weather during that time, so if you want a Garden Wedding you should be looking at a date in the dry season or if you want a cosy indoor wedding then rain or shine you will be fine. Couples are also being creative these days in choosing a date, you can choose unique and memorable dates that will help friends and especially the groom remember your wedding anniversary for example 11/11/11

• Choose a venue:

This is very important in the early stages.  Locate a place for the ceremony as well as the reception and book your date at both venues. You might have a venue in mind, indoors or outdoors, the earlier you book your venue, the better chance of it being available. You should also consider your needs before choosing a venue; parking, changing room (this is useful to touch up you make up and get a drink while you wait to make your grand entry)

• Get a theme:

This is where the bride and/or the groom get to personalise their wedding.  The ambience of your wedding can have a huge effect on the overall wedding.  Do you have a colour scheme? How do you want your hall/venue to look? Do you have something in mind you want your bridesmaids to wear?  Choosing to work with a wedding theme will help guide you with decisions such as your style of wedding invitation, decorations, bridal train attire and so much more.  If you do not have a theme in mind, just look around for the things you like the most and work with it.

• Select your wedding rings:

Some brides want their wedding rings to be a surprise and want their partners to select a design.  Others want to be part of the selection process.  What is most important is that you are both on the same page.  Do this early enough so that if you need to, you can pay in instalments.

• Have an engagement dinner:

This is a perfect way to gather all your friends and family together to share in your joy and happiness.  It is also the perfect opportunity to announce dates and locations for the ceremony and reception.  For people who want to have destination weddings, this will be the perfect way to ensure that even your friends and family who cannot make it out of town get to share in the celebrations.

• Order your flowers:

The perfect time to place an order for your flowers would be approximately six months before your big day.  They may have to be imported.  But be careful not to get too carried away with your love for the beauty of flowers as these can be expensive and will add a great deal to your budget.  Remember, you don’t only have to use flowers; you can also use props (these too are very beautiful and will also give you the class you are looking for).

• Select your wedding cake:

With so many choices of wedding cake designs and flavours, picking a wedding cake can be daunting.  How many tiers do you want?  What shapes do you like? What flavour cakes do you prefer?  Traditionally, wedding cakes are fruit but nothing says you cannot have a sponge, carrot, marble or even chocolate wedding cake.  You can have a different flavour for each tier.  Do you want fresh or sugared flowers?

• Select your photographer:

When selecting your photographer, ensure you view previous work done by them making sure that they successfully captured those special moments.  It may be a good idea to get a backup photographer or just simply ensure that the photographer you select has a way of backing up the pictures he takes so that there is no risk of your pictures getting lost or ruined.

• Pick your rehearsal date/rehearsal dinner date:

Rehearsals are a good way to ensure that the bridal party know what is expected of them on the wedding day.  You may have a specific entrance dance planned or even a specific way that you want your bridesmaids to walk and smile.

• Transportation:

Determine whether you would like to use any specific model of cars.  Do you require a limousine service?  Do you want to rent a car?  Maybe you just want to borrow from a family member or loved one who has a range of nice flashy cars.  Either way making a decision on time will be to your advantage.

• Plan your honeymoon:

Where would you like to go?  The Caribbean, Hawaii, Greece, Seychelles?  Wherever you decide, make sure you start saving early and make your bookings.  Couples may not see the importance of a honeymoon but think about it, after months of planning and waiting for your special day, waiting for the beginning of the rest of your lives, you need to get away and have some alone time together, time to reflect and enjoy each other’s company.

• Get a wedding planner:

The list above is far from exhaustive.  There are so many more things that need to be thought of, the list could go on and on.  Planning a wedding can be a huge headache and a lot of stress.  A wedding planner can offer you something no bride has and that’s EXPERIENCE.  Even an unimaginative planner has been involved in enough weddings and has seen enough to have ideas that you have probably never thought of.  This experience can save you a whole heap of money while ensuring that your dreams become a reality.  Wedding planners have good knowledge of the latest trends and would be able to give their opinion and advice on wedding themes and colour schemes.

Enjoy every moment of this experience as it happens only once.  Let it be a memorable one that stays with you forever.

 

 

Symbolism of Flowers

When thinking of a wedding the picture of flowers always comes to mind. Their colour always adds an irreplaceable value to any decoration. Whether it is a simple arrangement or you want to go all out, flowers always give an elegance that no other decoration can match.

In our society today, we are only beginning to appreciate and understand the value of flowers. Many people are indifferent to the meanings or types of flowers; others do not even know that flowers represent different moods or feelings.

Flowers have a special meaning, this can be traced as far back as the Victorian Era, where flowers were used as an expression of feelings. A gentleman, who wants to show his affection for a certain lady, will send her flowers and because the meaning of flowers was well known, she understands his feelings based on the type of flower he sends. Today flowers are still sent as an expression of emotions either to say “I love you” or “I’m sorry” or to just to show you care.

So what do the flowers you are using symbolise?

Most people while choosing flowers select based on their colour or their attraction/beauty or the fact that they are popular ones. You might want to consider the meaning of certain flowers before choosing them. Here’s a look at some popular flowers and their symbolism.

Roses: these are the most popular type of flower, and most commonly used to show love. However there are different colours of roses and each have their own meaning. Red roses symbolises love, passion, respect, desire. White roses symbolises innocence, reverence, humility, truth. Yellow roses symbolises friendship, caring, happiness, freedom. Dark pink roses symbolises gratitude, appreciation. Pale pink roses symbolises grace, admiration. Ivy roses symbolises fidelity.

Daises: this flower is a favourite to many, although rarely people’s first choice in decorations. It symbolises romance, innocent spirit, modesty

Carnations: in their colour message, carnations are said to mean love, fascination and distinction. Light red carnations symbolises admiration, deep red symbolises deep love. White carnations symbolises goodluck and pure love while pink carnations symbolises a mothers undying love.

Tulips: this beautiful flower symbolises undying and hopeless love.

Orchid: this symbolises wisdom, beauty thoughtfulness

Lilies: this flower symbolises majesty, purity, elegance

Daffodils: this symbolises regard

Jasmine: this symbolises amiability

Honeysuckle: this flower symbolises generosity.

Apple blossom: this symbolises better things to come

Orange blossom: this symbolises purity and virginity

Lemon blossom: this symbolises fidelity in love

Magnolia: this symbolises perseverance

Violet: this symbolises faithfulness

These are just a few flowers and their symbolism. So should you choose to add a message to your weddings, you now know the Language of Flowers and may convey their sentiment and symbolism to others.

1. PRINCESS CUT – This more modern cut says you’re spontaneous, eclectic and a lot of fun! You enjoy the spotlight and love attention. You’re the type of bride who’d jet-off and elope on a whim. Note – Whitney Houston wore a princess cut.

1. CUSHION CUT – This was a popular diamond in the 18^th Century. However, Jennifer Garner and Nicole Richie have brought it right back. This cut speaks daring, sophisticated and stylish. You’re the trend-setting bride all other brides look up to.

1. PEAR-SHAPED – You just want to be different. Pear wearers tend to be quite demanding and high maintenance. If it can’t be perfect, don’t do it at all! That’s their philosophy.

1. EMERALD CUT – You are a symbol of inner strength, power and leadership. The emerald cut has a quiet, regal elegance that represents a woman who is straightforward and true to herself. This is one convention breaker who just might come up with the unachievable “perfect wedding”.

1. HEART-SHAPED – This is the ring for the perfect romantic. Those who believe that “Love Conquers All”. They are in a world of their own and live in fantasyland.

Hmmm… Now for the answers to the Wedding Quiz…

A . If you answered this more than 5 times, you are every planners dream bride! Organized, always ready with a plan B and very efficient. You do not let the circumstances upset your calm demeanor. You understand that no plan is foolproof, so you always make allowances for an alternative. Big up’s girl. If there is anything like a perfect wedding, you should have it!

B. If you answered this more than 5 times, don’t forget to move into your new home with your mother. You are so dependent on your mother for everything. Maybe because you still have not grown up or you just see that as an easy escape from responsibility. Don’t be shocked if your mum refuses to let go of the reins when you are ready to grow up and take control.

c. If this was your constant pick, you should rethink this wedding! Why are you so non-chalant? Every regular bride shows excitement and involvement in her wedding. You exhibit neither of these. If you are not interested, pull out now before it is too late. If you are, but have problems showing what you feel, take a trip with your sweetheart and find the fire that brought you to this point. Good luck either way!

D. And you mademoiselle, check yourself before you wreck yourself! You are every planner’s nightmare and even your groom is a tad afraid of you. Why don’t you try smiling as opposed to frowning and talking as opposed to yelling? People want to be treated right, and you get the best from them when you do that. If you expend all your energy now, you won’t be able to enjoy the moment. Which is the whole point, don’t you think?

1. It’s six months to your wedding and:
a. You’ve concluded all arrangements and you’re ready to go off and relax till D-Day
b. Your mum must have things covered
c. Six months? Wow! Time flies!
d. You have your checklist and you’re breathing down everyone’s neck. From your planner, to the caterers, make-up artiste… Six months is round the corner!

2. You dress arrives and the zip is at the side as opposed to the back. You:
a. Already have a Plan B wedding dress
b. Run to your mum. She fixes all things
c. Don’t even notice. Same difference!
d. Freak out! Isn’t anyone listening? The simplest things are never done right!

3. You husband-to-be decides he wants to add a couple of people to his train. You:
a. Smile. Have stand-by bridesmaids, it’s all good.
b. Ask your mum to ask your cousins to join the train
c. Couldn’t be bothered. Who counts the people on a train anyway
d. Have a huge go at him. Where has he been all along? You’ve been working your b**t off to make this wedding perfect and he just comes along with chaos

4. It’s a couple of weeks to your wedding and your superb Italian chef leaves town:
a. You ring up Alfonso, he catered at your best friend’s wedding. He was your second choice anyway
b. Your mum changes the menu immediately and brings a traditional caterer
c. If we can’t have Italian food, there’s Chinese! How many people love Italian food, anyway?
d. You storm into the restaurant and scream down the place. They have to get an alternative or you’ll ruin their reputation!

5. One week to your big day and all the champagne, wine and liquor you shipped is being delayed. You:
a. Have an alternate wine store. They deliver via air freight. Sorted!
b. Your mum has back up. Not the same quality, but close. Should do!
c. You husband-to-be will sort it out.
d. After yelling at the wine dealers in Europe, you attack your groom. He made the silly plans after all. He will get on a plane and go fix the mess he created!

6. You’re just about to enter the church on your Big Day, only to find that the wrong song has been cued for you. You:
a. Smile and walk with total grace. You envisaged this. No one must guess anything is wrong
b. Mother! How could you let this slip?
c. I thought the church chose songs for couples! A hymn is a hymn!
d. How could they? I spoke to EVERYONE at the parish about this. They’ll never get my tithe here again! And that is after I’ve given them a thorough washing down.

7. At the reception, you notice some chaos at the entrance. You:
a. Speak into your little walkie-talkie. Security sorts things out in seconds. Never losing that perfect smile.
b. You send your bridesmaid to your mum. You’re near tears
c. Whatever happens, they shouldn’t come close to me!
d. You get up and go to find out what the security men you paid for are doing. They will definitely not get the other half of their cheque!

8. During your first dance, sound and light suddenly go off. You:
a. Speak to your standby electricians. Make a short announcement, get the MC to keep people entertained and in no time all is back to normal.
b. Dash to your mum’s table and pull her up to go sort things out. She promised to keep everything under control!
c. Go back to your seat as your husband handles everything. He’s the one in control after all
d. Get off the dance floor and head backstage. You yell and yell and yell until the lights come on. People need to be treated like animals!

9. On the flight to your honeymoon destination, you find that you’re given the wrong seats. You wanted a window and now you’re stuck in the middle. You:
a. Kindly ask the hostess to fix it and at the same time ask (with a smile) if you can swap with the person at the window. Your smile works wonders and all is well!
b. Ring your mum to make sure she got the seat reservations right and get her to speak to the hostess who promises to sort you out
c. Blame your husband and get settled into your ‘new’ space. Can’t wait to sleep!
d. Make such a fuss and almost get into a verbal fight with the hostess. Nothing ever works!

10. You get to your honeymoon destination and find that your reservation was double booked. You:
a. Smile and move on to the other hotel you reserved. Always a Plan B!
b. Breakdown. How could mum have let this slip?
c. Where’s the closest Bed & Breakfast?
d. Raise hell at the front desk and promise to write a damning review. So much for 5 star!

Answers soon…