A-Z of wedding Planning

If you miss other posts on wedding planning, here is an abridged version of Everything You Need To Plan A Wedding.

Below, you can find a checklist to help you make sure that you’ve thought about and planned for every part of your wedding.

also check low cost wedding budget guide, wedding planning tips, who to invite to your wedding and who to exclude.

                         Photo credit: Google

1. What to Print-

-Invitations.
-Banners (for description to wedding venue)
-Thank You Notes.
-Wedding programme.

2. Wedding Venue and Reception Checklist-

When choosing the location for your wedding and reception you need to take quite a few things into consideration. Here are some things you should ask about when choosing a venue:

- Maximum Capacity. You'll probably book the wedding & reception venue before deciding on final numbers. Check that they can accommodate the number of people you wish to invite. The last thing you want is a venue that’s too small for your guests to fit comfortably.

- Safety Measures and responsibility for damage. ensure you confirm fees for damages and the security available for your guest.

- Car pack.
- Alternative power supply and who is responsible for it.



3. Bride and Bridesmaids:-

- Hair and Makeup. Make sure you have a hair and makeup professional and that you've had some planning appointments to check what hairstyles will work best for your wedding theme.

- Dresses. Some people prefer that their bridesmaids dress identically. Others give bridesmaids more flexibility, allowing them to choose the cut and style or even allowing them to wear any dress they’d like of a certain colour.

- Shoes. As with the dresses, there are a number of different approaches to selecting a bridesmaid’s shoes. If you aren't too picky, you can ask your bridesmaids to bring their own shoes, just specify the type and colour. check 5 flats ideal for your wedding

- Earrings.

- Necklaces.


4. Groom & Groomsmen

When shopping for wedding suits, it's important to send along a woman, as most men think that just any old suit will do. check top wedding tuxedos 



5. The Cake

- Type- dont forget to specify the type of cake you want to the caterer.

- Knives. For cutting the cake. You can use just any knife or you can buy specific wedding knives for the occasion and photos. Just make sure that the knife is easily accessible once it’s time to cut the cake. 

6. Flowers

When picking flowers there is a lot to take into consideration including the colour of the flowers, the size of the bouquet, and the price. Here are some of the more common areas you need to wrk on.

- Bouquets. For the bride and bridesmaids. click on this before you choose your bouquet

- Boutonnieres. For the groom and the groomsmen.

- Centerpieces. For reception decoration.(should be handled by the decorator, but you can specify what you want) People typically use flowers as centerpieces on the table for the reception.

- Extra Bouquet. If you plan to throw the bouquet at the end of the reception, you should think about whether you want to toss the one used in your ceremony or have a second one made up especially for the bouquet tossing.

7. The Wedding
When preparing the church, hall or other location for the wedding you need to make sure everything's organised and suitable.

- Chairs. If you are using an unconventional  wedding venue, you may need to rearrange the chairs if need be or get more chairs to complement what is available.



8. The Reception

Once you've chosen and paid for the reception venue you'll need to make sure everything's arranged and ready:

- Table Decorations. Whether it’s a floral centerpiece or some artfully arranged fruits or candles, you’ll want to have some decorative item on your guests’ tables.

- Tablecloth and Chair Covers. Sometimes supplied by venue If not, you’ll need to coordinate with the Decorator.

- Music. You can go the traditional route and hire a band or DJ. Don't forget to choose a special song for the first wedding dance.

- Gifts.Do you have any preference in gifts you do or do not receive? who is in charge? Where will the gifts be placed?

- Table Plans. Do you know where everyone will sit? You could decide to let people sit wherever they would like or you could arrange the tables in a way you think would be best.
check how to arrange your chairs and tables here
- Place Cards. So guests can easily find their seats.

9. The Photographs
- Location. You need to decide if you'll have the official wedding portraits taken before or after the ceremony, where you will take the official photos, and whether you’ll also want more casual or candid pictures taken during the reception as well.

- Video. Will you have a professional wedding video?

- Props. Are you planning to have any special keepsakes, memorabilia, or other items in the photo shoots?


10. Cars & Transport

- Bridal Car. For transporting the bride and the father of the bride to the wedding ceremony and then the bride and groom to their honeymoon.

- Bridesmaids’ Car. For transporting bridesmaids and flower girls.

- Groom’s Transport. For taking the groom and groomsmen to the wedding before the start of the ceremony.

- Honeymoon Car. Usually the couple or man's car. Remember that it's traditional in many places to decorate the vehicle in various ways including attaching "Just Married" to the bumper.

- Guests Without Transport. Elderly relatives or those without transport may need transport and/or accommodation arranged. If the reception is far from the ceremony venue, you may also want to consider arranging transportation for all the guests just to cut down on confusion and make sure everyone gets there on time.



11. Important People

- Officiant or Priest. This is one person you better not forget! You should check with them first, some will wish to join you at the reception while others consider it more professional not to.

- Wedding Planner. Many people hire a wedding planner to take some of the stress out of dealing with all the details of preparation. Wedding planners have contacts in the business and often know the best and cheapest places to go to make arrangements for your ceremony and MILES EVENT is the perfect planner for your ceremony.

- The Emcee.
- The Photographer.
- Ushers and Organisers. You'll need people to do any last minute setups (while you're busy getting dressed for the wedding), organise last minute details, make sure things run smoothly and also ushers ready to help people get to their seats, both at wedding and reception.

12. The Bridal Bag

On the special day chances are you'll need all sorts of little things. Pack a small bag that contains all the little extras just in case. Give the bag to someone who'll be nearby most of the day and carry it discreetly. Here's an idea of what to put in it:

Mobile Phones. For members of the bridal party.
White Chalk. Great for covering up stains on white dresses.
Needle and Thread. For little mishaps.
Colored and White Ribbon. For patching up, covering, and fixing any hair problems.
Tampons or softcups.
Safety Pins
Double-Sided Tape
Extra Makeup
Hairspray
Antihistamines and Tylenol
Dental Floss/Breath Mints
Wet Wipes
Bobby Pins
Perfume or Deodorant

13, The Honeymoon

- Transport. Do you have a honeymoon car ready to whisk you from the wedding to your destination?

- Clothing. Do you have a suitcase packed for both bride and groom with everything you'll need on the honeymoon?

- Travel Arrangements. Have you booked your holiday?


Other things to remember-

- Gifts. For bridesmaids, groomsmen and people such as the parents of the bride and groom. amazing gift ideas

- Wedding Rings. Keep them in their original boxes so they're harder to lose or smudge.

- Ring Cushion. For the page boy or ring bearer.

- Thank You Cards. To send out after you get back from the honeymoon and sort through the gifts.

- Cleanup, Gift Pickup & Payment. Will any bar tabs or reception costs need to be paid following the wedding? Who will take the gifts home from the reception? Will anyone need to clean up or pack up once the bride and groom leave the wedding reception to start their honeymoon?

- Rentals. Do you need to rent any chairs or other items, especially if you are having an outdoor wedding?

- Miscellaneous Make sure you've got extra money with you if required for any emergency payment.
How to fight stress when planning an event

For questions and enquiries, Contact:
Mileeventconsult@gmail.com
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credit: additional content from holidappy.com

The 5 Wedding Planning Rules and Norms You Can Break.

Yes, it's true there are a lot of traditions when it comes to weddings, but things have changed too.
I combined 5 of the norms you can do without, check them out!

You may also be interested in top wedding dont's

1. Having a Seating Split During the Ceremony

Let your Guests choose to sit wherever they want!
It used to be that guests of the bride sat on the left side at the ceremony and guests of the groom sat on the right. But if your partner's family is huge and yours is tiny,  your ceremony will look a little weird if most people are seated on the right side. You can make provisions for VIPs, parents, grandparents and the like to prime seats and instruct other guests to sit in any open seat. You no longer have to have the bride's family sit on one side and the groom's family sit on the other. Mixed seating is okay to do and even makes the newly fused together families feel more comfortable at the ceremony.

2. Walking Down the Aisle 

If walking down the aisle is something that makes you feel jittery, you can skip that tradition altogether. You don't have to do a long straight walk. You can have the ceremony start with both of you up there together or even walking down the aisle together.

3.walking down the aisle with your Father.

This is a tradition that needs to be checked, if the dad is not around, nothing stops the mother from walking down the aisle with you, rather than giving the privilege to any relative.

4. The first time you see your groom on your wedding day should be at your ceremony.

OK! its not a crime to have a little chat before the wedding starts. Catch a glimpse of your partner in her/his gown/suit. reassure yourselves of being sure of the journey you are about to start, some prayer won't hurt too.

5. Wedding outfit must be white gowns and suit.

Yes! white gown is attached to purity, but you may opt for something informal. like your favourite club jersey or a blue wedding gown, be ready for criticisms though.

What to Do After You Say "Yes!"

Congratulations, You’re engaged!
As the excitement of your proposal fades, you might find yourself asking, “Now what?,”
I answered the big question for you, check them out!

you may aslo like 17 things to do 48 hours to your wedding

1. Breathe

It is the number one thing brides-to-be all seem to forget to do.
This is an amazing and exciting time and your first instinct is going to be to start planning right away.
Not so fast, Relax. Enjoy your moment. Breathe and let it sink in that you have just said yes
to the person you love with whom you get to spend the rest of your life with.

2. Spread the Word. 

Sharing your happy news is one of the best parts of getting engaged.
You’ll want to tell your nearest and dearest (parents, siblings) in person or over the phone. (if your partner did not involve them in the proposal)
change your status on Facebook and start tweeting and Instagramming all the romantic details of your proposal! #amengaged #2arebetterthanone #omg! #icantwait... 
I know you have been compiling them, share the news Dear.

3. Figure Out What You* Want

*You = you and your partner. Your wedding is individual to you and your partner no matter how much everyone else offers an opinion.
Sit down and talk about how you see your big day.Hammer out the important issues, ask questions..

4. Work with a Budget

Unless you have one of those magic trees that money grows on, creating a budget will be one of the most important things
you do during this whole process.

5. Surround Yourself with the Right Team

You’ve enjoyed some engagement time.
Hiring a wedding planner can take all of the stress out of the planning process, leaving you to focus on what matters.
Your planner will be your sounding board, designer, therapist, negotiator and your ally. When the process gets overwhelming,
it’s often your planner that helps you back down to reality, And MILES EVENT is just the PERFECT WEDDING PLANNER you can think off, We are set to take you through
a journey that will beat your wildest imagination.

6. Book a photography session. 

This is not mandatory, however, it’s a lot of fun, you’ll end up with a great reminder of this special time in your lives.
In fact, you could use your engagement photos to make an official announcement card.

6. Set the Date. 

This is usually done with the consent of both family.

7. Settle on a guest list. 

This is akin to the 4th point. Check Who to invite to your wedding. 

9. Locate the perfect venue. 

After you settled the guest list, You’ll want to start figuring out the perfect wedding venue.
*Do you want the ceremony and reception held in the same place?
*Do you want it at a hotel where guests can make arrangements for accommodations?
These are all characteristics to consider, as well as the maximum number of guests that the venue accommodates,
time limitations, venue colour and what in-house vendors are required vs. those you can hire outside of the establishment.

10. Contact primary vendors. 

You’ll want to start meeting your main vendors, such as a photographer, caterer, planner, and Mc.
These professionals typically book a year out, so if you have your heart set on a particular person, it’s best you reach out as soon as possible.

During all of the wedding planning and stressful challenges you may face during this process,
try your best to enjoy it together. Don’t lose focus of what’s most important about the celebration – your love and the joining of you two as husband and wife.

Have pleasant planning.

Top 12 Wedding Don'ts

You have been planning for the big day for years (for some, its from the womb), so you must plan accordingly to avoid any potential pitfalls along the way.
You don't want to spend the first month of your wedding, (probably life time)  apologising for errors or mistake made.

Take a look at these all-too-common “ don'ts” and avoid them as you prepare for your big day.

you may also like 17 must Dos 48 hours to your wedding and Top 25 wedding planning tips

1. Don't be Superbride/Supergroom.

You're smart, you're focused, you're energetic. But you're still one wo(man).
Superbrides/grooms devote every waking hour to wedding planning, sew their own dress, designed and made their own invitations, baked her own three-tiered cake, decorate their hall,
brushing aside all offers of help. People in this category often battle with a lot of planning undone.
Call in your trusted sidekicks to help you out before you are left scrambling and gasping for breath.
People want to help. So do yourself a huge favor and accept their kind offers.

2. Don't invite more than your budget.

This cant be overemphasised, If you have a low budget, stick with a low wedding, invite people your budget can adequately take care off. you definitely don't want people murmuring about not getting enough to eat and drink or a place to sit.

3. Don't be bossy with your bridesmaids.

In the most traditional sense, your bridesmaids, in particular your maid of honor,
are there to stand up for you as you take your vows, to act as witnesses to this solemn event.
Somewhere along the line, bridesmaids have become, more like maids, and to an extent there's nothing wrong with that.
These are your sisters, cousins, best friends, future in-laws, and there's something sort of sweet about the way they gather around you, wearing finery you picked out, helping you pin up your bustle, holding your flowers. But some brides ask (or worse, demand) far more:
They expect their bridesmaids to shell out for needlessly expensive outfits, to run endless errands, to wear their hair just so, to attend your parties. Don't let this happen. Be sensitive to how you'd feel if the tables were turned. Gifts to the maids are always welcome, of course,
but a little kindness and care go a lot further.

4. Don't make guests cool their heels for hours between ceremony and reception.

Your wedding reception (if not the same venue with the joining) should not be too far from your church/registry, do your best, If you really must wed at, say, your childhood church, confine your search for reception venue to at least 15 minute drive from the wherever the ceremony.

5. Don’t let parents steamroll your invite list. 

Some guest list are more of Mom and Dad’s idea of a good party than the couple’s. Don't be pushed into having the whole good women/Godly Men club, or garden club at the wedding. Brush up on your negotiating skills and start early. Once you have a budget in mind, you can rough out the number of guests it’s feasible to invite. Then ask both sets of parents for invite lists,
in order of preference, so you can cut from the bottom if necessary. Stay in charge!

6. Don't bow to peer pressure.

It’s insidious. You just got back from a friend’s wedding and you’re troubled:
She had a band and a Dj while you booked a DJ. She had her Reception in a 3m hall, she imported her wedding gown, her Aso-ebi is 350k...
Well, stop right there. If you scramble your plans to best hers:
1) You’ll go over budget, and 2) You’ll hate yourself for it.
Worse, you’ll veer off the course you set for your own dream wedding. She made her wedding hers. And you’re making your wedding yours.

7. Don't spend the whole day searching for what is right or wrong.

Some arrangement may not go as planned on the Big day, Don't freak out, remain calm while you trust the best hands (you appointed) to sort them out. 

8. Don’t get so caught up in your wedding.

It’s wonderful, but it’s one day. Focus on your partner, your marriage and the rest of your happy lives. It helps take the pressure off which dress, what flowers and cake flavor. Perspective helps happiness a lot.

9. Don't skimp on wedding-party gifts.

If it's important to thank your guests with a tangible gift to show your appreciation, be fair on the method of sharing the souvenir, don't buy something for 100 guests while you are expecting 200. If you are sharing at all, it must go round. It will make up for your friends who do not have
enough to share. You can also inform friends and family not to select while sharing their gifts, its important you make your guests realise they are all important.

10. Don't forget to feed your wedding vendors.

The last thing you want on your wedding day is a low-energy DJ or an exhausted photographer.
Your vendors are putting on your affair so that you don't have to, so plan on feeding any wedding professionals who will be there with you at the reception.
This includes your photographer, and DJ or band, plus their assistants. Work their meals into your budget. you are responsible for letting your caterer know how many extra meals they need to prepare for your vendors. Just remember, your vendors are going to be working five to eight hours
(or more!) that day and you don't want their energy to flag just as the party gets going.

11. Don't wait a year to send your thank-you notes.

No, you do not have a year to mail your thank-you cards. You should send thank-you notes to everyone who has given you a gift or part of the whole process at any of  the wedding festivities (the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelor's eve and wedding) in a much more timely fashion.
For gifts received during the engagement party and shower, send a thank you as soon as possible, for gifts sent before the wedding date, send a card / text before the wedding; for gifts given on the wedding day itself, mail a thank-you note within one to two weeks and for gifts received after your wedding, send one within two to three weeks.

12. Don't just read without sharing this with your friends.

You can also share your experience in the comment box or mail at mileeventconsult@gmail.com\

Blue Wedding Colour Combination Ideas

Blue is a cool colour, it’s the colour of the sky and sea. It symbolises stability, loyalty, confidence, trustworthy, dependable, committment, intelligence and peace
Blue is also world's most favourite colour, it is the least “gender specific” color, having equal appeal to both men and women.

Blue comes in different shades and it is used regularly as the main or supporting colour for events.
The shades of blue include, but not limited to: Navy, Aqual, Light, Turquoise, Mint, Royal, Periwinkle, Powder, and Dusty.
I compiled these shades with other colours and i hope they inspire you for your next event.

Also check Pink and Green colour inspirations.

1.) Aqual Blue- Aqual is a lovely colour that falls between Teal and Turquoise.

-Aqual Blue + Chocolate

-Aqual Blue + Red

-Aqual Blue + Green

-Aqual Blue + Fushia

2.) Navy Blue: 

-Navy + Gold

-Navy + Orange

-Navy + pink

-Navy + coral

-Navy + grey

3.) Light Blue

-Light Blue + Lavender

4.) Turquoise Blue

-Turquoise + Chocolate

-Turquoise + Purple

-Turquoise + Green

Others
-Blue + Orange

-Blue + Salmon

-Royal Blue + Peach

Photos Credit: Pinterest,the Knot and Google

Low Cost Wedding Budget Guide

It is estimated that an Average Nigerian Wedding costs 1.8 million Naira, This is about 45% more than the average in the United States.
It is advisable for Organisers to throw a party within their means and cut unnecessary expenses.

See how to cut wedding expenses and who to invite to your wedding, also check people to exclude from your wedding  for a better idea on how to cut cost.

I prepared a wedding budget of #650,000 to guide you on planning your wedding budget.

Category: Low budget
Number of guest: 100

below is the breakdown of expenses
Catering:

Reception Food and Drinks
*cake: 3 tie cake                                      20,000
*drinks (water + Juice) @#200/guest      20,000
*food @ 750/serving =                            75,000

Wedding attire:

For Bride

*wedding gown                                          25,000
*bouquet and veil                                         5,000
*shoe                                                           15,000
*make up:(Hair,nails)                                 20,000

For Groom

*wedding Tux/Suit                                      20,000
*shoe                                                           15,000
*Groom's accessories                                  10,000
(cuff-links,belt,flower boutonniere)

*wedding ring(couple)                                15,000

Photography:                                             50,000

Reception venue:
Church's open space (free)
Canopy and chairs-                                      150,000
Decoration-                                                  50,000

MC-(free) get a funny friend or family
Music-DJ                                                     20,000
Stationary-(Invitation cards and program) 40,000
Souvenirs                                                     50,000
Miscellaneous                                              50,000

TOTAL-                                                        650,000

Please note;
1. This budget is only a guide, it could be more or less.
2. It excludes some services that can be rendered for free by family members and friends e.g wedding planner, security and protocol
3. The guest list comprises of close family and friends.
4. It is assumed that the reception venue is free.
5. Low key wedding is not a taboo, It is in fact, the new trend.

I hope this post inspired you on how to plan a wedding budget?
share your ideas in the comment section or send me a mail mileeventconsult@gmail.com.

Amazing Gift ideas for bridesmaid/Groomsmen

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen are often the unsung heroes of wedding planning. They wear whatever dress you choose, plan the bachelorette party and bridal shower, and stand by your side during the ceremony.
So it's important to thank them for all of their hard work and dedication with a totally amazing gift.

We compiled the most exciting presents you can give.
From headphones to super cute mobile chargers, we can guarantee your 'maids will love (and actually use!) your gift.

have a look at 17 things to do 48 hours to your wedding.

Gift ideas for Bridesmaid

1. wrist watch

2. Head phones

3. Travelcase

 4. Earings

 5. Mobile charger (power bank)

 6.  Water Bottle

 7. Ipad Case

 8. Robe

 9. Bluetooth portable speaker

 10. Customised Pajama Set

 11. Beach Bag

 12. Flash Drives

Gift ideas for Grooms Men

1. Ipad case

 2. wrist watch

 3. Bluetooth speakers

 4. Bottle Openers

 5. Pair of Socks

 6. Wallet

 7. Cufflinks