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

17 things to do 48 hours before your wedding.

You have been planning for the big day for months, cancelled/add one thing after another on your wedding to-do lists. But now as the day approaches in less than 48 hours,  here is a list of 17 things to do before you say "I Do" to your heartrob.

Also, check gift ideas for bridesmaid/groomsmen

1. Check your wedding dress and shoes

Your wedding dress is one of the most important and irreplaceable aspects of your wedding.
You’ll want to be sure that there is nothing wrong with it and also that it still fits the way you want it to!
Try on your entire wedding day outfit together the day before your wedding so that if there are any last-minute alterations that need to be made,
you’ll still have time to do so. Practice walking around in your shoes on all types of flooring, such as hardwood and carpet.
If they’re uncomfortable or slippery, get shoe inserted with pads to stick on them.

2. Designate a person to be in charge

When the big day finally arrives, you’ll want to spend the day getting ready with your train and family. Choose a person outside of the immediate bridal party to be in charge of last minute questions and logistics. For example, if your caterer gets lost or your photographer is running late, this person can mediate the situation and ensure that things run smoothly.

3. Confirm details with all your vendors

There would be nothing more annoying than having one of your vendors show up late because they misunderstood what time you needed them.
Call and confirm all of the details with each of your vendors, including start and finish times, venue location and parking info and an itinerary of the whole day. You should also settle any outstanding balances and verify what their overtime charges are just in case.
Give them your designated person’s contact information so that they have it readily available.
such as your caterer, photographer, makeup artist, and the hairstylist.

4. Put together an emergency survival kit

Things may not always go according to plan. As much as we want your big day to go off without a hitch, there are so many different factors in play that could potentially cause a problem.
Be prepared for any outfit or beauty related mishaps with an emergency survival kit.
Include items that can get lost easily like deodorant, safety pins, lipstick, hairspray, face powder, shoe inserts, flip flops or flats for the reception, tissues, paracetamol..… you get the idea? just pack them all. This is something that you and your trains can work on together.

5. Lay out everything you’ll need the night before

The wedding day is always hectic, considering how many people are involved and all the excitement and emotion. Be ready to get started as soon as you wake up by laying out everything you’ll need the night before.
Prepare the getting ready outfits for you and your bridal party, all accessories and shoes. organise breakfast so that you’ll be fueled up for the day.
If you’re leaving shortly after the reception for your honeymoon,
have your suitcase packed and ready to go. This way you won’t be scrambling for anything.

6. Check the weather

Even if you’re not having an outdoor wedding, you’ll want to check the weather for both your wedding day and your honeymoon so that you can be prepared. You don’t want to be caught in the rain without an umbrella or appropriate shoes on the way from the car to the venue. If you are having an outdoor wedding, the weather will highly impact your day so coordinate with the venue accordingly beforehand so that you can avoid potential disasters. Check google or download
weather apps and update yourself.

7. Do a hair and makeup trial run

Even if you fully trust your hairstylist and makeup artist, it’s always good to have a trial run before the actual day so that you know exactly what you’ll be getting. This is a good time to have your bridesmaids and family offer their opinions on what looks best, and you will have a sneak preview of how gorgeous you’ll look on your big day.It may also be a good idea to have a backup hair and makeup plan in case something happens.

8. Meet with your bridesmaids/groomsmen

Your bridesmaids/groomsmen will be your primary support group on your actual wedding day,
so meeting with them the day before to hash out any final details well ensure that everyone is on the same page and things will go more smoothly. Confirm what order the bridesmaids are walking down the aisle, try on outfits and go over a general run-through of what the day will be like, from getting ready in the morning to closing down the reception. After you’ve discussed the more serious details, spend some time just hanging out doing non-wedding related things so that you can have some quality time with your best friends before you are officially married.

9. Spend time with your family

In the same vein as spending time with your bridesmaids, you should also spend some quality time with your family. This is not only a momentous occasion for just you, but your entire family as well.
It’s a time for you to all come together and celebrate love. Carve out an hour or two the day before your wedding to sit down with your closest family members and reminisce about old memories and Pray. This will be a good time for you to connect with your parents and siblings about what is expected on the big day and afterwards too.

10. Focus on yourself

We understand that your wedding day can be very stressful, so make sure that you also take a little bit of time for yourself and relax.

11, Eat a healthy meal.

12. Drink a lot of water.

Keep a cold glass of water nearby and make sure you spend some quality time with it.
This will help you avoid any dehydration that stress and running around can often cause.

13. Get a good night's sleep.

14. Turn your phone on silent few hours to the main day.

Say goodbye to checking Facebook and answering frantic text messages. Turn your chunky device on silent or hand it over to your maid-of-honor.

15. Get Cash on hand. 

Have a couple of bills nearby in case you need to settle any last-minute emergencies.

16. Watch something that'll make you laugh.

In the spirit of putting yourself in a happy and enlightened mood, plop yourself down in front of some funny YouTube videos.

17. Say a big "thank you."
Before the wedding-day chaos kicks in, be sure to thank people in advance for sticking by your side through this adventure. Give an extra hug to your train and your family members.

Credit: Brides.com

Wedding Reception Seating Arrangements.

Sitting arrangements inspires your reception, the layouts depend on the design of the reception space, Each design or arrangement is peculiar to the available space.
The most popular are: Square pegs, round holes (Os) and combination of both.

Before you start ooh-ing and aah-ing over how many geometric formations you can make with tables, factor-in these conditions when arranging your reception seating arrangements:

*The bride & groom typically sit at the the head table, (Usually the front) and are seated with the bridal party and the groomsmen.
*The parentals sit at the front table as well as members of the immediate family.
*The special guests also share the front table with the Parents
*The flower girl and ringbearer should sit with the parents but they can stay with the Bridal Train if it will be difficult organising them.
*Seating should flexible and easilly assessed on a case-by-case basis. as shown in the picture below.

*Square Pegs seating arrangements:
This is the traditional seating arrangement, Most tables are made in this shape.

**Round holes seating arrangements(Os):
Having round tables at your reception doesn’t necessarily mean 8 or 10 people to a table. You can be more intimate 'round' and get smaller tables.
Depending on the caliber of people you want at the table, the ideal is 6 guests.

***Combination of Square and Round Holes:
If you can't decide which option you like best, incorporate them all. You don’t need to stick to just one type of seating arrange.If you like all these ideas, there’s room for all of them at your table.

Others inspiring seating arrangements:

Thank you.





Photos credit:Google