Traditionally the groom’s responsibility includes a short and easy list that covers the basics from planning the honeymoon, hiring the band, handling the wedding day transportation and so on. And for the groom, that is where the “Wedding Planning” responsibilities USED to end! However, as many of you are already finding out, that isn’t the end, and we have listed a few things to consider and to keep in mind to make your PRE WEDDING life a bit easier and HAPPIER. This list may not apply to everyone, but we are sure that it will keep any groom out of the doghouse and more importantly, doing these top 10 things will keep your fiancé thrilled!

From here on out in the wedding planning process you should know that:

1.Do Your Homework

Find a travel agent you trust! Make sure your flights all work and all your time lines and reservations are correct! There is nothing worse then planning to romance you new wife on an island and realize you arrive to the dock after the only boat left to take you to your hotel…ON THE IS­LAND! KNOW YOUR DESTINATION. Know where you are going and know what you land to do when you get there. Nothing worse then thinking you are going some­where that all you want to do is lay on the beach to find out the beach is too rocky to use or plan a trip to sight see and get to your hotel to find out there is nothing to see. KNOW WHAT YOU BOTH WANT. Understand before booking what you each expect out of this trip. Do

2. Be Realistic

You should know now that sex on the wedding night is most likely not going to happen, and NO, this is NOT a “preview” to your sex life for the rest of your life. HOW­EVER, if you know this going in you can take the pressure of and plan for a late check out and enjoy a nice late morn­ing with each her. Avoid AM flights, avoid making early plans to meet anyone, ask for a late checkout and just plan on waking up late together if you have that extra time.Plan The Best HONEYMOON Ever. Here is where you have to fight the urge to be cheap and remember that this is the one time in your life that your going on a HONEYMOON and it should be spectacular. Remember Romance, Relaxation, Adventure, Paradise and Pleasure. Spend some time on honeymoons.com reading about great locations, great tips, great places and decide where you should go to have the best time ever! As the groom this becomes your task and we want to re­mind you to:

3. Research Romance

I know you don’t need to worry about being Romantic anymore… she said YES, but your wrong. If being roman­tic does not come to you naturally, then start researching it now! If you think you wont need it on your honeymoon , your first year of marriage and the rest of your life you are dead wrong. Romance is not about money it is about thoughts and actions. If you take a little bit of time to see what is out there to help you I think you will be thrilled to find so many useful items that will be so important to creat­ing a lifetime of memories and great moments.

1. a) Light a candle and draw her a bath.
2. b) Leave a note for her inside her purse.
3. c) Make her lunch for the day.
4. d) Fix her coffee and bring it to her in bed

4. Create Your Honeymoon Wish list Together

In order to pick a honeymoon that is important to both of you create a list that helps you understand what you both want out of this adventure and trip of a lifetime. Do you want ocean front villas, does TV matter, do you want a butler, your own private plunge pool, do you want night­life, tours, sightseeing, water sports, golf and anything else you need to know to PICK where you want to visit! The more you know about you both want the better you will be at choosing a location that will make YOU both happy

5. Play Nice.

You need to understand how stressed your fiancé is with planning this wedding and nicknaming her bridezilla is, although funny and maybe a little true, it is hurtful.Understand that women are dreaming of their wedding day from when they are little girls, to women, this day needs to be flawless and exactly as she imagines it. help her to understand in a nice way they nobody will notice that the shade of pink is slightly off on the cake and that all the butterflies didn’t all fly away in unison when re­leased doesn’t not matter as much as the rest of your life together. keep reminding each other keep your eye on the whole not donut and that in the end you have a great time and each other.

6. Be Involved

You need to make sure someone is planning her bridal shower. DO NOT ASSUME. (You don’t need to be in­volved, but keep an open ear to make sure someone has taken the lead and planning is underway.) Be sure to offer to help surprise her or take her to the party.

7. Remember Romantic Gestures

We know that this may be one of the last things you want to do but research dance classes and then suggest to your new bride you both should consider taking a dance les­son or two! She will be thrilled and you will be happy on your wedding day when you are dancing in front of a huge crowd that you managed to not to tear her dress off by stepping on it with your two left feet! think about what you want to dance to and then tell her that you’re already thinking of what songs will make a great first dance and/ or even other songs you think the band or DJ should play.Plan a surprise for the reception like fireworks, special mu­sic, write her a poem and read it to her in front of your guests, a special new gift, look up love quotes and read them to her.Write special & endearing notes to your father-in-law and mother-in-law, thanking them for everything they’ve done, especially for creating the most amazing woman in the world. Have the Best Man deliver your Bride a special gift and breakfast the morning of the wedding. Bring her home flowers just because you love her so much and appreciate everything she is doing to make this the best wedding ever!

8. Know the “No No No’s”.

You need to know that you’re not inviting your ex girl­friend to the wedding, and it is not appropriate to even ask. (OK, Mr?) You need to remember that YOUR mother is not in charge of planning the wedding! Make sure you are there to make a great BUFFER for your new bride. She is planning this big event and keep in mind that she is hear­ing thousands of demands, thoughts and opinions making her nuts. Keep anyone from ruining this wonderful time for your new ride. And NO, referring to your wife as the future anything that is ruining your life stopping your life or killing you is not funny.

9. Register Together

Yes, we know most of you hate shopping. But you are ex­pected to go with your fiancé to register, and yes this is a big deal and yes it will take hours. What helps is to make a day of it. Plan out where you are going to avoid sales or crowds and then plan to have lunch together and en­joy getting ready to set up this new life together. Keep in mind the gifts are free so enjoy this! Register for things you would never splurge for yourself and keep an open mind.If you don’t think you need any household items, then reg­ister for something you need…YOUR HONEYMOON! this is a great way to get the trip you want and any extra can be rolled into your next trip and even the one after that! Contact Twiga tours for honeymoon registry)

10. A Helpful Groom Is A Happy Groom

You SHOULD be happy and more importantly OFFER to be involved in the planning of your wedding. More times then none your new bride will say; “Thank you honey, but I have it all under control” but knowing you offered and knew what to do will set you far above the bar that is set by those men who never think to ask or don’t want to help. Not only should you offer help but go one step further by making a list of family, friends and co-workers you would like to invite. Stay organized by starting a spreadsheet with names, and addresses of guests. (Facebook, email & phone numbers do not count.) Help also by working out a wed­ding budget with your fiance and offer to call vendors to set up appointments. Taking this positive role in planning the wedding will most likely help your fiancé handle the stress that comes with planning such a big event.

1.There are five elements which make for a great wedding reception: guests that you really want to be there, amaz­ing ambiance, great food, heart felt speeches and fantastic music

2.Destination weddings can be very costly, so make sure you choose a ven­ue which has good existing infrastruc­ture, such as accommodation and kitchen. This will help with the planning, logistics and cost of the big day.

3.“ Don’t worry if you can’t afford a wedding planner, but make sure you understand all the costs involved be­fore committing to anything and don’t make emotional decisions. Only invite people that you love and who are involved in your life to your wedding,

3.Using candlelight effectively can add great ambiance to the night, but don’t think that candles can only be used on tables. Dotting plinths of candles around the room will give the space a soft romantic glow.

4.Be realistic when budgeting for flowers and decor; they are two key elements when planning a wedding,”. Also keep your venue in mind – small arrangements in a large double volume room just won’t work.

5. Incorporating framed pictures of both the bride and groom’s families on the arrival drinks table/ dessert table is a brilliant way to add a personal touch and make family and friends feel part to your spe­cial day.

6.People often underestimate the amount of space that is needed for their reception spaces. Zoning the space of a basic floor plan is an ideal way to ensure that there is adequate space

7.Cocktail style wedding are very trendy at the moment. Having interactive food stations and lounge areas are also becoming increasingly popular.

8.When it comes to food, insist on a taste test. If your venue won’t do one for you, then choose another venue.

9.If you are having your wedding outside and it’s in an area that can get quite cold at night, make sure you have outdoor heating.

10.For Snacks and welcome drinks, It works well to have at least two types each of meat and vegetarian dishes, and maybe one fish op­tion. You want to make sure that the Snacks you’ve chosen fit the setting. Taste the snacks with the chef beforehand and make sure that they are easy to eat and wont mess all your guest.

12.To avoid your guests going hungry at your reception, its important to stick to a rough timing schedule

13.If you choose a buffet and have more than 75 guests make sure there are two serv­ing points . Arrange with your caterer to have less in each dish but have the dishes changed more often, to ensure the food always looks appetizing.

14.Wedding are expensive events . Even if you are on budget, stay away from a cash bar. Instead, you could offer fresh healthy juic­es . Your guests will appreciat

15.The most important ques­tion to ask your DJ when you first meet with him is if there is backup equipment and another Dj available, ( in case of) unforeseen problems on the day.Also check how many weddings the DJ has done-don’t select a DJ who has not played at least 30 weddings.It ( also) really helps if you can provide a playlist of songs you’d like to hear.

16.To get the music right for quite a mixed crowd of old and young people, try to find a middle ground: party classics or 80’s classics usually work. Also tend to bounce around be­tween genres playing two or three songs from one style and then swapping over to something else.

17.Don’t think that a Dj is your only option when it comes to music at your reception. You could have a string quarter or guitarist per­haps, but make sure you have another option so that guests don’t get bored of same sound for hours. You can even use your iPod if you’re on a budget- just make sure you put some thought and effort into the playlist.

18.To ensure you spend the maximum amount of time with your guest at your recep­tion, ask your photographer if you can do all your couple shots in the morning. That way only family pictures need to be taken after the ceremony, which will take less time. This is a good option if you have lots of overseas gust who you want to catch up with.

Dream destination; you’ve found it, in fact it had been way before you met your fiancée!

You always knew this is where you were going to tie the knot. For some it’s purely sentimental, “I always wanted a beach wedding” explains Nancy a bride as seen on my dream wedding married away with toes deep in the sand of the Indian Ocean. Some brides are living their fairytales by flying all the way to the South Coast for their nuptials , “it’s the need to be unique, Nairobi weddings have become so monotonous, I have been to the same venues for my friends’ wedding in the past three years. I simply cannot wed here” she concludes with such unswaying finality.

As Marion Obura, proprietor and planner at Majestic Events concedes, “ people chose to get married away for a myriad of reasons and every destination wedding comes with its own special experience” The former Samantha Wedding Members Business graduate explains from her years of experience gained in the wedding/event management world.

She also echoes a common sentiment by brides citing urban fatigue as one of the main reasons why most couples opt to take off and exchange vows in a less familiar location, “Naivasha, Mt Kenya and the South Coast tops the list-both for their scenic views and the unique experience they offer to both couple and guests.”

But while most may regard destination weddings as cause for otherwise unplanned vacations and dive on heads on; Marion notes that for a planner, you must keep in mind that this is work like any other and keep it professional, “your main goal is to save your client money, time and effort or energy they would have used/incurred in your absence.”

Religious ceremonies differ according to faith and can be conducted in your place of worship or your chosen ceremony venue. For details on your religious ceremony, contact your local minister as the procedures differ. Different faiths have different requirements that you should meet before you are eligible to have your ceremony at a particular religious venue.

In the Christian faith, regular church attendance isn’t always essential but some churches insist on it. Be sure to work closely with your minister or registrar by getting their approval for anything you want to add to the service at each stage of the process. In most cases the officiate will outline the service procedure and you can decide on how to personalize your marriage ceremony for example if you want something more individual like a special reading. The length or content depends entirely on you, depending on the kind of ceremony you will have.

Roman Catholic

The Catholic Church requires hefty marriage preparation. First, it requires both of you to be baptized and if possible one of you confirmed. When you go see the priest for the first time, he will ask to see your baptism certificates and fill a form giving details of your birth and occupation. If you are not a member, he will require a letter from your parish priest and for three consecutive Sundays, the banns, or public announcement of your intention to marry be read out in church. The marriage must then take place within three months. If you’ve been married before, your challenge is pretty daunting. Technically, it is impossible to marry in the Roman Catholic Church if your spouse is still alive. Even a civil divorce will not do the trick. You must receive an annulment of your previous marriage. The annulment procedure is complicated and intimidating, requiring a great deal of paperwork on the part of the person applying. It can cost quite a lot, too. (Note though, that a previous marriage that did not take place within the church does not require an annulment. From the church’s point of view, a civil- ceremony marriage that ends in divorce was never a marriage in the first place.) The Catholic Church will sanction a marriage between a Catholic and a non-Catholic providing all of the Church’s concerns are met and one of you is a confirmed catholic. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary, for say, a protestant person to convert to Catholicism in order to wed in a Catholic ceremony.

If you don’t have to worry about any of this congratulations. You may move to the next step; pre-marital counseling also known as Pre-Canal. This required counseling is some of the most extensive marriage preparation work that you can undertake. What can you expect from a Pre-Canal? A lot of talking between you, your groom, and your priest about your religious convictions and important marriage issues, workshops with other engaged couples and even some compatibility quizzes. If you need to go through pre-marital counseling, contact the church soon for their scheduled meetings. Group counseling programs (where many couples meet for a series of evenings or a weekend retreat) are scheduled throughout the year.

Over time, new ideas have developed and wedding arches have become widespread. Aside from the elegant simplicity it adds to a wedding, an arch is the grand centerpiece for a vow exchange and binding together of a bride and her groom.

There are arches of different colours, material and sizes and the simple decorating ideas can turn one into a sight to behold.

Contrary to belief, wedding arches are not only ideal for outdoor weddings but also indoor wedding ceremonies.

Arches are tasteful, wondrous and fairytale like and add a sensual romantic mood to a wedding ceremony.

There is an arch for every theme; for the rustic forest themes, one can use a metallic arch decorated with wild flowers or rustic wood draped with sheer fabric.  Whether it is an indoor ceremony or an outdoor ceremony, you can never go wrong with a wedding arch.

Have a stress-free wedding dress shopping experience by sticking to these ten golden rules…

1.Do your Research

If you walk into a boutique with no idea what wedding dress style, material or shape you’re looking for, you’re likely to feel overwhelmed by the sea of taffeta and lace. Do some bridal gown research before you go shopping and you’ll get more out of the appointment, as the staff will know where to start.

2.Budget

Wouldn’t it be tragic to try on and fall in love with a gown only to find out that it is way too pricy? Ensure that you have a budget and share it with the bridal shop attendants so as to save you from frustration and save time.

3. Shopping Party

Every bridal shop wants to give you the best service possible and that can be difficult when there’s one too many opinions flying around the room. Most boutiques are intimate places with limited space and staff, so stick to a few close companions to lessen the stress and have a peaceful shopping experience.

4. Contingency Funds

Be sure to have contingency funds in the event alterations will be needed. The prices vary with the amount of work that needs to be done, the decorative detail, the material used and the design of the gown. Be prepared to spend a little extra as the bridal boutiques don’t incur the costs on alterations

5. Curb the Greed

Trying on a bridal gown is far more time consuming and exhausting compared to trying on your average dress, so whittle your selection down to a few favorite pieces and have ample time to enjoy the process in choosing your dream wedding dress.

6. Payments

Most boutiques will not offer a refund if you change your mind, so don’t commit to a dress unless you are sure it is ‘The One’. Look around other bridal shops so as to have options on prices and dresses as well. However, if you are shopping when a sale is on, there will be pressure to buy on the spot, so it’s best to do your research first and have a particular style in mind.

7. Weight Issues

Let the shop attendants know if you are working towards losing a significant amount of weight before the big day or if you are to get married during your third trimester, so they can put off alterations until the last minute. Ensure that there are no surprises on your big day when there will be no time for fixes.

8. Undergarments

Wear underwear that is true to your natural shape. Padded bras and panties can easily alter your measurements that in turn may result in an ill-fitting gown. Avoid wearing heavily padded bras and basics to a fitting, unless you plan on wearing them on the wedding day.

9. Makeup Tips

Makeup can be messy, especially because it is likely to smudge. While you obviously want to feel glamorous when you’re trying on bridal gowns, steer clear of caked-on foundation that comes off easily which could cost you if smudged on a crisp white wedding gown.

10. Appointments

Lots of places operate with a booking system to ease the pressure and provide exceptional service, so be sure to call ahead to facilitate comfort for your most important shopping affair.

African fabrics are rich in colour and design. This is something that gets featured more than anything else. Most of the outfits are mainly ceremonial. As you have seen with African Heritage Design Company style of clothing.

Pan African Brides from Nigeria (seated) wearing ‘Okene’ weave by Nigerian women. She shows off a jacket with matching skirt, and head tie. Malachite and cast brass mask necklace by African Heritage. The Dramatic headdress is from the Cameroon.
Adapted from the Ceremonial Beaded Elephant Masks of the Cameroon. This Bride (standng) displays and elaborately beaded panel atop a flowing gown. The feather headdress is ceremonial, also from Cameroon.

Malagassy Silk  Flowing dress with Raw silk Malagassy silk front. Elegant Silk Coat with leather “alo alo” applique at back. Multi strand necklace and matching earrings by African Heritage. Her hat adapted form Nubian Basketry from Uganda and Sudan.

Ghanaian Royalty
This bare back Kaftan is trimmed with Royal Kente. African Heritage jewelry adorns the bride and is made
from assorted Pan African Beads. The earring are “Fulani gold” worn traditionally by nomadic Fulani people.
Photo: David

Contemporary Adornment
Inspired by the traditional colorful beaded jewelry for the Maasai and other northern communities. African Heritage presents this fresh collection of accessories using white beds.Shown is an elabolrate headress and single line bangles Bridal Elegance.This outfit features a fabulous beaded shawl and headdress from assorted white beads accessories with bangles to match.

The model shows of a special “8 panel” Khanga gown originally designed by Jane Owinga Shabaan. This has been recreated and features gold printed designs at the bottom and is embellished with gold sequins around the neckline slits. The flowing outfit
made using 8 pieces of white Khanga is completed with a white matching head wrap
Photo: David Beatty

Ceremonial Guardian
The Sentry wears a traditional Luo (Kenya) monkey skin outfit complete with fly whisk and warthog teeth headdress.

Majestic Ethiopian
This Bride wear an elegant “Shema” Cloth trimmed cotton outfit with train. Gold jewelry from African Heritage Collection.

More Royalty
A 3 piece outfit with sequined corset, off shoulder ruffle and Kente skirt. Matching porcupine earrings.
Photo: David Beatty

Kenyan Princess
Rose is escorted, on the opposite page, by 2 Maasai warriors wearing white skirts in place of the traditional leather. She adorns an elegant flowing beaded dress over a silk mid rib by African Heritage. This outfit expresses the abundance of wealth in Kenyan bead-work which is done by women.

Ethnic Beauty
This outfit is adapted from Kenya’s Kikuyu Traditional dress code. This is an off shoulder variation decorated with shells and bead-work. The Multi colored “hanging” are held by a shell decorated head band. Costume is completed with Sandals with cowhide straps.

Fresh Contemporary Flare
The bride wears a sleek raw silk blouse with flared sleeves over a flowing skirt with Apron concept at front. She adorns a spectacular African Heritage “boat neck” back and front necklace, made from hammered Aluminum elements, with matching earrings and incised cuff. The Groom is clad in a National Dress inspired Jacket (3 slit Collar) made also from Raw silk and hat and trimmed with grey to match trousers. Beaded Rubber sandals to complete his costume. Other photo: Groom is adorned in a regal Aluminum Cloak to match brides.
Photo: David Beatty

Beaded Satin, Rust and Ivory
Sleeveless Dress with matching bead-work. Traditional neck piece from Kenya’s Rendille/ Samburu community. Incised Aluminum Armbands and bangles and a classical beaded headdress. The Meru Gourd is finished in a stylish, geometric silver finish.
Photo: David Beatty

Now that US president Barack Obama is in Kenya, there is an instant air of pride and utter excitement in Kenya’s countrymen and women. Since we are all about the -weak in the knees- kind of love stories, weddings and everything blissful, we will certainly not bore you with political talk. I bet many of you would like to know the love story between the leader of the free world and his stunning wife; Michelle Obama.

The couple first met when 25 year old  Michelle Robinson was working at a law  firm as an adviser to 27 year old Barack  Obama, who was at the time a summer  associate from Harvard Law. Her first  impression of him was not so pleasant, but after  spending a lot of time together, an interest brewed for Obama, who even after his advances were rebuffed several  times, his persistence scored him a first date with Michelle. “I asked her out. She refused. I kept asking. She kept refusing.”I’m your adviser,” she said. “It’s not appropriate.” Finally, I offered to quit my job, and at last she relented.” President Barack Obama is quoted as saying in an O magazine interview.

They visited the Art Institute of Chicago, had lunch at the museums courtyard, took a long walk down Michigan Avenue to a movie theater where they watched a drama flick; Do the Right Thing and later went for some ice cream.

“On our first date, I treated her to the finest ice cream Baskin-Robbins had to offer, our dinner table doubling as the curb,” Barack Obama said in a 2007 O Magazine feature. “I kissed her, and it tasted like chocolate.”After their date, it was clear that they were seemingly head over heels for each other. “We clicked right away…by the end of the date, it was over…I was sold,” Michelle has been quoted saying. To commemorate their special moment, a plaque lies at the very same spot they shared their first kiss.

Michelle and Barack tied the knot on October 3, 1992. “Barack didn’t pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he delivered.” Michelle has said. President Barack Obama’s beautiful wife walked down the aisle in a stunning off shoulder, sweetheart neckline satin gown paired with a princess length veil and opera gloves.

“Sometimes, when we’re lying together, I look at her and I feel dizzy with the realization that here is another distinct person from me, who has memories, origins, thoughts, feelings that are different from my own. That tension between familiarity and mystery meshes something strong between us. Even if one builds a life together based on trust, attentiveness and mutual support, I think that it’s important that a partner continues to surprise.” President Barack Obama on his love for Michelle (Ian Kerner, Ph.D. “5 Love Lessons We Can Learn From the Obamas)

Credits:

Huffington Post

NBC Chicago

www.Instyle.com

Here is a suggested list of things to do just before your wedding So you don’t lose your cool on your wedding day here is the things you must do the day before.it is one more day to wedded bliss!

The hours leading up to your wedding should be totally serene and they will be, if you take care of these five things the day before

1.Lay out your getting ready clothes.

Since you will be likely photographed from the moment you wake up by your mom, your maids and eventually your photographer you probably wont want to throw on an old t-shirt with baggy gym shorts. Put some thought into your out fit. If you didn’t buy an official getting ready robe, opt for a dress you can step in and out of or a top that buttons or zips, so you didn’t have to drag your shirt or dress over finished hair and make up

2.Round up your day of essentials in a clutch

You wont need much on your wedded day, but its smart to fill a clutch with some just in case items a mini deodorant, gum, tissue and a list of your vendors phone numbers. If you plan to switch to flip-flops during the reception, toss those in there as well.

3.Pack all your accessories in one bag

Have everything in one place so you’re not scrambling to find an earring or a hairpin the morning of. This includes your day of clutch, jewelry, shoes, undergarments and hair accessories. Leave your accessories bag next to your wedding dress.

4.Hand over your cell phone to your MoH

Let your MoH screen your calls. She can field questions from relatives to the colleague who wants to know what time the wedding starts. If there are vendors calls that don’t know where the table numbers are the DJ wants to talk to someone at the reception site. Ask your wedding planner or MoH to deal with them, assuming she’s nearby.

5.Write a love note to your groom

I suggest you give the best man a note to slip to your grooms right before the ceremony. The note can either be sexy or sweet (“I cant wait to be your wife”), but either way it will get your guy even more excited to meet you at the end of the isle.

We’ve seen the pain that can come up during a wedding and there is an absent parent. This is an issue that’s near and dear to our bride Diana as seen on My Dream Wedding.

As always, the real difficulty with a wedding is that it puts how we wish things were into conflict with reality. They say that out of three major events in life; your birth, your wedding and your death, there is only one you have control over and that is your wedding day.

Parents are a very big part of a wedding and their blessings are important, according to the traditional customs and beliefs. They play important roles such as walking the bride down the aisle and handing over of their little girl to the man of her dreams, sometimes paying for the ceremony, as well as giving advice to the newly weds.

However, due to unavoidable circumstances one or both parents may be absent to experience this important step in life for the bride and groom concerned and one of the reasons may be because they were absent in your life as you were growing up so you feel there is no need to have them present on the biggest event of your life.Whatever you chose to do, there are certain things to think about.

Parents are there for their children and get involved in the emotional, physical and mental growth and the same goes for when you are planning your wedding. So if they were absent throughout your growth, would you then invite them to your wedding?

The wedding will not have to be the ultimate determination of your relationship with your absent parent, but either decision comes with a deep emotional impact. You know that only you alone can make the decision, but if you were in a situation like this, what would you do?