The new issue of your ultimate Bridal Magazine, Samantha’s Bridal is now on sale. Packed with gorgeous ideas and expert advice on weddings, this new issue is one you don’t want to miss! On the cover, Avril  Nyambura a local artist  tells it all on her engagement and proposal, plus her fairytale Tell-all and it’s just the tip of the inspiration iceberg. One can’t help but feel ecstatic with the bright and colourful cover …

From stunning gowns you can’t wait to try on, to the perfect wedding look, how to make a workable wedding themes and not forgetting some brilliant wedding day advice from past couples. This issue has got all you need to know about your perfect nuptial.

230+  perfect new wedding ideas and trends to try or buy this wedding season.

Plus, we have sampled some stunning real weddings that will fill your mind with diverse ideas on various themes for your big day.

Not forgetting the wedding answers get all your wedding questions answered,from grooming to what to keep in mind as you plan for your big day.

On happily ever after its a tale of tragedy turned blissful love as Mr. and Mrs.Ndungu who have been married for 15 years share their story and life journeys together with some valuable lessons and advice on marriage.Get a good read on a few nuggets of wisdom in their journey of life and love.

In anticipation for the upcoming Samantha bridal wedding expo this July 31st to 2 august, read on groom taking over as real men plan weddings and lots of exciting prizes to be won.

Keep up with the action by following us on Twitter @Samanthasbridal, like us on Facebook: Samantha Bridal TV Show and don’t forget to check us out on Instagram: SamanthasBridal!

For those who prefer a simple and intimate ceremony, a vow exchange at the attorney general’s is the way to go. For whatever reasons you may have, be it budget constraints, time or if you just don’t fancy the whole shebang that comes with a white wedding, an attorney general officiated wedding could be a top option.

One such bride Liz, whom we featured on our show our bride said that after waiting for 14 years, her fiancé was just not for the idea of having a big white wedding, so she gave in and chose to have it officiated at the attorney general’s. Without compromising their vision and dreams, they came up with a perfect plan and at the end of the day, they were wed and happy.

Even with the simplicity that came with it, it was still as special and valuable as any other wedding. Her dream was to always have a church wedding but circumstances caused a change of heart. And although she didn’t get to walk down the aisle, her marriage is as legit as could possibly be. For such a wedding there are certain requirements such as witnesses; just like those that congregate in a church.

A minimum of two witnesses is all one needs to get a go-ahead for the exchange of vows. Time keeping is another requirement and unlike the usual lateness that most brides cannot seem to shake off and always get off of easily, there is absolutely no admittance if you turn up late. “This is not like a church wedding where you have everyone waiting for you, this is an A.G‘s office where if you are not there on time the guy will just pack up and leave. He is not obliged to wait for you” Liz narrates. As seen on the My Dream Wedding Show, it involves taking the vows in front of the presiding officiate and then signing the marriage certificate. It’s that simple.

You can chose to have banquet or a party thereafter to celebrate with your friends and family.

At the end of the day, what is important is your love and commitment and however way you choose to make that commitment is up to you, just as long as you are both happy and content.

Here are some classic Bridal shower night advice and ideas to help your party succeed.

With more than enough to occupy the bride’s mind, she’ll be relying on her friends to sort out the specifics relating to the Bridal shower.

The bridal shower is traditionally organized by the brides maid Most of the bridal showers tend to be a surprise Bridal shower. You will rely on the groom to keep an eye on the bride and ensure she is at the venue There is no such a thing as the definitive guide on how to carry a Bridal shower weekend off with perfection, but there are a few rules of thumb that will stop you from making a white elephant out of the whole thing.

The main areas to tick off are: Who? Where? What, When, how of the Bridal shower? How to get there? And what to do? Everything else is just window dressing.

1. Who?

Assuming that the bride is in the know and has selected her sub-committee of Bridal shower organizers, and that this power lobby includes you and a maximum of 2 other people, the chances are that she has given you a list of names that include the following brands of Bridal shower guests: –

The Definite

This is the hard-core soul who the bride wants there no matter what the circumstances. You will probably be on this list and will not have to persuade the others to attend. But you will have to take heed of any dates they will not be available.

The Possible

This will include people who she hasn’t seen for a little while and isn’t sure of how likely they are to come, what with commitments, children and the like. The list will also include the “generally unreliable”, i.e. those who the bride regards as ‘characters’ but who you may view as “pains;”

Have-To’s :This includes the prospective in-laws’ relevant members being invited to proceedings, usually with the bride’s secret hope that they can’t actually come so that she can totally enjoy herself without being on her best behavior but will still look a great daughter-in-law for having offered in the first place!

This also sometimes includes oddballs and space cadets who are long-time friends of someone on the ‘definite’ list, and thereby have to be invited.

Definitely Not’s. Occasionally, the bride in question may have a couple of names who would one day have made the ‘Have To’s’ list, but now, for reasons of violence, betrayal or suspected wrong-doing, are as welcome as gonorrhea. The determined but diplomatic bride will probably suggest picking a date or venue that this person will not be able to make, thereby again making it seem to the aforementioned undesirable that they had been invited to the Bridal shower in fact they were never on the agenda. Be careful with this one though, it can backfire. You may earn your spurs from negotiating this part alone!

2. Where?

The bride will doubtless have penciled down a shortlist of possible locations, though she probably won’t care as long as it meets all her requirements. This is where your real work begins, for the venue has to be somewhere that will be easy enough for everyone to get to without it being somewhere they’ve all been plenty of times before; somewhere that is an exciting prospect, but not so far that the travel costs put people off; somewhere that is original and memorable .A budget return fare by rocket to a health spa/pole dancing class on the moon might not be ideal. Destination bridal showers have become very popular. So If you are planning for an out of town weekend,. Last minute ‘anywhere will do’ jobs might be okay for the guys, but we want what’s best, don’t we! At this point, whilst deciding on where you want to base the fun and frolics, you will also need to know what approximate budget everyone is looking towards. It is no use going off and doing loads of research on a crammed itinerary in if the cost per person doubles that of what most guests can afford. As the coordinator, you have to disprove the famous adage and keep all of the people happy absolutely all of the time.

3. When?

The days of Bridal shower and stag festivities overlapping with the wedding ceremony are thankfully long gone. Nobody would be silly enough to risk a major hangover on the biggest of days, the modern alternative being to honour the Bridal shower’s rite of passage a good few weeks before the wedding. You will need to have two or three alternative dates though before you start making calls and sending emails, particularly if the bride has given you a long list of ‘must haves’. If there is even a chance of an alternative weekend being considered, get the bride to give you one just in case.

4. How To Get There?

This will be closely linked with your decision on where to go and depends on factors like transport, where the guests themselves live, what time each person can get to the hotel on the Friday, what time they each need to get back on the Sunday, etc.

5. What To Do?

A massive part of the success of your weekend will be not so much where you are as what you do. Commonly, the bride will suggest one or two things that she’s heard about or had recommended, but apart from that the itinerary will be in your hands. Naturally, you want a good standard of accommodation and a sit-down Meal while you’re there, but you might be asked to sort out anything from a day’s Pampering to some adrenaline activities too. As with the choice of dates, try to dissuade the bride from being too specific, just in case her original preference hits an availability snag!

Try to imagine what cocktail of events will most suit and please the spread of guests likely to attend – would everyone really go for Quad Biking over a visit to a health spa? – And also consider that you need to hit the middle ground between not having enough to do and having too regimented a line-up. Easy? Yeah, right. The weekend can always have a theme too, should the lady of the hour so desire.

Bridesmaid Dos:

1. Buy your bridesmaid dress, shoes, and any other (Without complaining) and be prepared, to pay for professional make up artist and hairstylist
2. Provide emotional support for the bride throughout her engagement, especially during the often stress-filled final weeks.
3. Offer to help the bride with planning tasks. Try to volunteer for specific duties, like scouting for bridesmaids’ dresses or stuffing invites.
4. Help plan, co-host, and pay for the bridal shower. Contribute financially to these events. Attend as many other pre-wedding parties as your schedule will allow.
5. Budget for your gift giving funds. In addition to a wedding present, you will most likely give gifts at the engagement party, bridal shower, and other festivities. How much should you spend? Purchase or go in on group gifts.
6. At the shower, help record gifts so the couple can write thank-yours.
7. On the wedding day, help the bride get ready before the wedding, and offer to hold on to her makeup bag for touch ups throughout the day.
8. Be there for the bride on the wedding day. Of course you should have a good time, but don’t sneak off on your own in case the bride needs you.
9. Help bustle the bride’s dress before the reception
10. Instigate a packed dance floor at the reception the guests will take cues from the wedding party. Even if nobody else is dancing, don’t be afraid you will make a fool of yourself.

Bridesmaid Don’ts:

1. Don’t show up late – for anything.
2. Don’t burden the bride with tons of last minute questions – if possible point any questions or concerns to the maid/matron-of-honor or another bridesmaid.
3. Don’t make a spectacle of yourself by drinking too much at any of the formal festivities. (However, cutting loose at the bridal shower bash is just fine!)
4. And finally, try not to complain about the style of bridesmaid dress the bride chooses (even if you hate it).
5. Above all – be a good friend!

Did You Know?

The maid of honor’s role isn’t gender-specific anymore. Honor attendants can be men as well as women, and it isn’t unheard of to have more than one honor attendant sharing the privilege of serving as the bride’s trusted confidante and aide. Actually, this is a great way to split the labor and bestow the honor on more than one trusted friend or relative.

Maid of Honor Extra duties

If you are the maid of honor, know that your fancy little title and prestigious place near the alter requires a little extra effort. The maid of honor also has some specific wedding day duties beyond wearing a big smile and keeping the bride happy:

1. Attend one of the wedding dress fittings with the bride
2. Ensure all the maids have gone for their dress fittings, their hair and make is taken care off, they to the ceremony on time and that they have their bouquets
3. Help the bride dress and deal with her hair, jewelry and the unavoidable wedding day jitters.
4. Act as a messenger between the bride and groom (and various and sundry family members).
5. Handle dress and veil issues. Maneuverability could be important here, even in the restroom, so this is an important and sometimes-unexpected duty involving lifting, fluffing, arranging and rear
6. Hold and protect the Groom’s ring.
7. Hold the bride’s bouquet for the duration of the wedding ceremony.
8. Witness the marriage license signing.
9. Participate in the first dance at a formal reception (partnered with the best man).

Wedding style! Wedding style!

What’s new, what’s happening, and what’s stylish now?

You might wear a uniform or follow an office dress code Monday through Friday, and on the weekend, you like to have a little fun with fashion. I am sure you already know that your friend’s wedding is not the place to test drive your new romper or rock those jeans you just splurged on. There are a few gray areas when it comes to appropriate wedding guest attire. Maybe that cocktail dress has a questionable hemline or it might be the same color the bridal party is wearing. There are plenty of clothing options that can turn you into an unintentional eyesore at any union, but you don’t have to earn the ire of every bride and groom you know. Just follow this list of 10 things you should never wear to a wedding, and you’ll keep receiving those invitations!

1.A Tux

There’s only one guy in a penguin suit there today, and it’s not you (unless, of course, the ceremony is a black-tie affair, in which case you, the groom, and every other male in attendance is bow tied out). However, just as it’s in bad taste to upstage the bride, you shouldn’t go out of your way to one-up the groom. Although it’s doubtful he’ll run into a closet and weep or complain about you to all his friends if you show up looking better than he does, it’s just not polite. Yes, we know you can’t do anything to tone down your innate good looks, but the least you can do is dress them down in a coat and leave the super-suit to the man saying “I do.”

2: Jeans and a T-shirt

We don’t care how casual the wedding is and how laid-back the bride in question might be, attending in jeans and a T-shirt is not an option. It doesn’t matter if it’s on the beach, in your couple’s backyard, or even if you don’t know the couple very well. If you’re bothering to show up, the least you can do is throw on a dress or a pair of khakis and a button-up shirt again, assuming it’s a casual ceremony.Also, just to be clear, don’t even think about slipping on a pair of flip-flops. Pumps, heels, flats, loafers and sandals are a go, but plastic footwear is a huge wedding no-no. (Possible exception: If the wedding invite explicitly states that it’s a “flip-flop casual” beach event, you may wear them.)

3. Something Skimpy

Nothing screams “look at me” like a skimpy outfit. There’s nothing wrong with showing off a little leg or décolleté every once in a while, but there’s a time and place for such things, and weddings aren’t one of them. No, you’re not exactly showing up the bride, but showing off your assets is a surefire way to take away from her big day, so don’t do it.

4.Bell bottoms and Other Dated Outfits

Attire Bell bottoms may work for a stylish night out on the town. But try sporting these wide-legged pants at your college roommate’s wedding, and you might as well shake, shake, and shake your booty back to your place for a change of clothes. Disco isn’t cool when people say, “I do.” That’s not to say that you can’t invoke other styles and eras with your wedding guest garb. A 1960s pencil skirt will allow you to turn heads without causing a distraction, and a dress with an empire waist and cap sleeves will invoke the 1940s without making you look like a has-been. Just remember to adhere to the style of the wedding we’ve established that bell bottoms won’t fit into even the most casual ceremonies, but a vintage sundress won’t do at a black-tie affair, either.

5. A Tiara

You’d think we wouldn’t even have to mention this one, but you’d be surprised by what attention-seeking guests have tried to pull off. So, we’ll just state it plainly:Do not, under any circumstances, wear a tiara to any wedding other than your own. Not only is it disrespectful to the bride, it’ll just make you look desperate and ridiculous. This rule, of course, extends to crowns, ornamental headbands or anything else that could be mistaken for a tiara or any other headpiece the bride may choose to wear.

6. Brides maid dress

We know you spend a lot of money on it and it’s not out of style. Slipping it on again for a formal affair might be awfully tempting. But you have to be careful, as there’s a fine line between donning a vibrantly colored formal evening gown and a white, champagne or blush dress that’ll make you look too much a lost brides maid. Use discretion and err on the side of caution. If you’re at all unsure, leave it alone.

7. Black

It’s always in style and looks flattering on almost everybody, but according to some, it should never be worn to a wedding especially for women. Black dresses connote mourning and death for many people, but there’s a difference between showing up to your best friend’s wedding in funeral garb and wearing a sleek, little black number to an evening wedding. As long as the dress feels fun and light, regardless of how dark it is, you should be fine. Sequins usually work, as do black cocktail dresses for formal ceremonies. However, if there’s even the slightest chance it could fit into a procession for the deceased, put it back on the rack and slip into something more colorful.

8.Anything Loud or Garish

People are there to look at the bride, not your obnoxious hat/dress/purse/shoes/ eye shadow. Donning loud or garish apparel and accessories is a surprisingly common method of wedding-crashing women use to upstage the bride. Your outlandish choices might not be directly comparable to the bride’s traditional white garb, but everyone including the new Mrs. Will likely takes them as a sign of extremely poor taste or a desperate call for attention. You’ll get people talking, but you probably won’t like what they have to say!

9. White

It’s never a good idea to wear anything that could conceivably be mistaken for a wedding dress. But, just like the tradition against wearing black to on the big day, we think this rule can be broken if you go about it the right way. A simple, off-white dress or skirt should be fine, and if you want to be absolutely sure you’re not stepping on any perfectly manicured toes, get a glimpse of the bride’s dress before the big day. Make sure your white outfit of choice is dramatically different, so if she’s wearing a full-skirted gown, your slender, white evening gown shouldn’t pose much of a problem. If she’s wearing a simple number, though, pick another color. Even if you look your best in white, you won’t care what color you’re wearing when she’s a staring dagger into your eyes instead of saying “I do.”

10. A Pantsuit

You’re going to a wedding, not a meeting at the office! Drop the business persona and show your style in a skirt, dress or any kind of clothing that would look out of place with a coffee stain. This is a celebration of two people choosing to unite their lives together forever, so the least you can do is find something that isn’t overly stuffy and businessy to wear. We’re not just talking about your standard black or charcoal suit.

This rule also applies to pretty pastel skirt-jacket combos. They might work for a dinner event, but they just set the wrong tone for weddings. Yes, we know some very powerful women frequently wear pantsuits, but even Hillary Clinton wore a vibrant dress on Chelsea’s big day, and if she can do it, you can, too. We’d also advise staying away from businessy accessories trade the giant bag or briefcase for a clutch, and don’t wear any scarves that scream “I belong in cubicle No. 4!”

Well, the walk down the aisle is the most important moment for all brides. This is the time when everything comes to a halt, when all your guests get on their feet and all eyes are instantly fixated on you, Therefore, how you chose to make your grand entrance should be what makes you comfortable and at the same time, what will be memorable.

As seen on My Dream Wedding, Felicia chose to dance down the aisle, all the way to her waiting groom. If you choose to dance down the aisle, select your song early in advance. Consider having a choreographer to teach you a proper dance to own your way down the aisle or if you feel your moves are good enough, you can take time to plan and rehearse the dance for your big day.

Whether you chose to dance down the aisle to funky pop music or slow music, make it the best that it can possibly be.

A dance down the aisle will do away with any build up anxiety and guarantee you and your guests a good time.

Second time marriages often involve children from previous relationship, either from the bride or the groom’s side or both. There are plenty of ways to involve the children in the union to create a blended family. This is a good foundation right from the start to have the children feel like an important part of the union, which they in fact are.

There are several exciting and creative ways to incorporate children into the ceremony. As an exciting and emotional moment for both families coming together as one it is always a big gesture for the children to play a big role in the wedding.

For older children, it is easier to involve them in the planning as well as taking roles and responsibilities on the wedding day. This however, may be a challenge with younger ones because they can be very shy, so you have to be sensitive to their feelings and do not force them to do anything they would be uncomfortable with.

Here are some ideas on how to incorporate children into the wedding ceremony

1. Wedding line-up

Having the children wear a unique outfit as part of the wedding ceremony and be a part of the bridal line-up goes a long way in making them feel important.

2. Special dance

A special dance can also be incorporated such as the traditional father daughter dance or mother son dance in which all the children get a chance to dance with their new step parent.

3. Unity candle

Lighting a unity candle during the ceremony as a family instead of just the groom and his bride is a big way to incorporate the children.

4. Sand ceremony

You can also have the children participate in the sand ceremony. The best way to do this is to have each one of the children have a container of sand of in a color of their choice and have all of the children pour their sand into a large container all at once to symbolize the union of two families.

5. Vows

The Children can exchange vows to each other and to their parents. As seen on the Samantha bridal, My Dream Wedding TV show, Phidilia and her groom chose to have their children say personalized vows to each other. “I felt it was also crucial that even the kids will feel part and parcel of this union, I thought why not incorporate them in the vows” says the bride. This was quiet an emotional moment.

6. Special words

Children can be given the chance to say something special at the wedding ceremony or reception. This is the perfect way to ensure that the children say what truly is on their mind and express how they feel. This will definitely make the day special for them too. Be sure to suggest your ideas early in the planning process, to ensure that they are well prepared.

First and foremost, treat yourself like the princess you are. Indulge yourself. You only get to wear a wedding gown once in a lifetime the one time you can have all the attention a real princess deserves. You are special and you deserve the ultimate princess feeling.

A Fashionable Entrance:

Drama’s essential to a fantasy wedding, so plot out your high points. Find a way to make a grand entrance at the ceremony or reception: a spiral staircase and or a trumpeter. Outfit your guests with beautiful paper cones they can use to shower you with rose petals as you leave the church (another popular choice is confetti).

Travel from church to reception venue via horse-drawn carriage…For the true fairy tale princess wedding, a horse drawn carriage is essential. Let the Samantha Royal Victorian carriage make your big day one you that will forever be etched in your memories. As seen on the My Dream Wedding show, Phidilia talks of the experience, “for once I felt like a princess” she says.

The Cinderella gown

A ballroom type silhouette gown is befitting for a princess. A snugly fitting bodice with a full skirt gives that air of a fair princess. But even when the gown is an A-line with a sleeker silhouette, fairytale brides usually go for a substantial veil, floor-length or longer. The train must extend a few feet than the normal. No princess walks into church without a long train cascading down the isle behind her. The train, both a cathedral and semi-cathedral train are most suitable for a princess bride. A train exudes class and elegance both of which are associated with the elite and affluent class.

The cathedral veil

A princess must be swathed with yards and yards of rich material flowing gracefully behind her. This gives the bride that romantic, dreamy look. A princess bride must be swathed with yards and yards of tulle. This gives the bride that romantic dreamy look. The hair is often a half or full up do, but formally styled, dripping with romantic ringlets. A tiara is a must have and it must be sparkly to catch the camera lights to give that dazzling effect. It should be matched with equally dazzling jeweler. And if you want the full-out princess look, straight from the pages of an oversize storybook? Add opera-length gloves, a tiara and a sparkly rhinestone choker

Roses for a Rose:

Flowers for fairytale weddings tend to lean on the traditional side. Occasionally you’ll see exotic orchids, but mostly what fairytale brides prefer (in bouquets, especially) are classical choices like scented roses, lilies If carrying a hand-tied bouquet, she might have crystal bouquet picks, or choose the larger cascading style. Plenty of flowers are key for pulling off the fairytale look, but don’t overlook the important of candles for setting the mood. Keep them simple, but group large masses together for maximum effect. Floating candles in clear cylinders offer More of a visual punch than regular votive.

A Royal Repast:

Fortunately for your guests, Cinderella food means elegant ‘comfort food’: cream sauces, poached mushrooms and wine. Consider Oysters Rockefeller, and a roast beef carving station. For a touch of the country squire, serve crispy roast duck or Cornish game hens, and plenty of champagne. The hair is often a half or full up do, but formally styled, dripping with romantic ringlets. A tiara is a must have and it must be sparkly to catch the camera lights to give that dazzling effect. It should be matched with equally dazzling jewelry. And if you want the full-out princess look, straight from the pages of an oversized storybook? Add opera-length gloves, a tiara and a sparkly rhinestone choker

The Sweet Strains of Love:

A bit of intimate floor music will really set the mood. Take the time to learn a romantic waltz with your Prince Charming and throw in a few stylistic surprises, so all eyes stay glued to you through your first dance. Also see about booking string quartet, at least during the ceremony or Later on, ask the DJ to queue up a few romantic ballads like from the Beauty and the Beast soundtrack albums plus other soundtracks with tunes worth a spin:

Dressing The Royal Retinue:

Bridesmaids, as often as not, are wearing something with at least at a touch of pink! A string of pearls makes a treasured gift for each of your girls. But what about the men? Grooms find it hard to look past the usual black tux, which fortunately looks stunning next to a princess bride. But a white tuxedo has a bit more fairytale flavor, and it’s well worth considering. After all, no man one wants to look like a fashion victim, but Euro collections and rays offer some elegant choices that just might put to rest any Prince Charming qualms about style faux pas.

The Honour Of Your Presence Is Requested…

Just because you’re having a fairytale wedding doesn’t mean your invites need to sport castles, but they should be something special. Just choose an elegant, timeless font and style (letterpress is always a gorgeous option). Or go custom: you can never go wrong with beautiful ribbon to wrap up a made-just-for-you pocket fold design, with a few quality rhinestones placed by hand.

Setting the Scene:

Pink fairytale ballroom weddings starts with draping, and lots of it: draped walls, head tables, cake tables, sweetheart tables, you name it. Luxurious linens are the name of the game. In addition, this theme pretty much determines where you’ll hold the reception: a ballroom or a marque. (Unless, that is, you’re lucky enough to be able to book an actual castle or Manor house (Egerton Castle).Fortunately, a good ballroom will do some of the decorating work for you: look for regal curtains, dramatic molding and sparkly chandeliers. A fairytale wedding is not the place for humble, easy total across centerpieces. Here, you need the drama that only height and heft can provide.

Only height and heft provide. Go for towering eiffel vases filled with dramatic fantasy floral arrangements, leggy topiaries, or tall clear cylinders wrapped in satin ribbon and filled with floating candles. Other ingredients in your toolbox: lots of silver (candelabras, silver cake plateaus), plenty of pinks, classical symbols (swan or double-swan ice sculptures are perfect here), and pearl or rhinestone accents as brooches or bouquet ornaments.

Also: sparkling monogrammed cake toppers, whimsical “I DO” letters for the cake table, and buckets and buckets of rose petals. Plus, every princess bride needs a really cute card box. A giant Storybook guest book would be a cute.

Lastly, behave like a princess. Your behavior must match your glorious gown. Make sure you are easy-going, polite, charming, well mannered, dignified and graceful from the word go to the end of the wedding day. That is the hallmark of a true Princess.