It’s the little things sometimes overlooked which make the world of difference. There are so many aspects to this occasion that it can be overwhelming. The trick is to stay on top of the pile by attending one thing at a time. If you look at these small details right from the word go you can simplify your whole planning process.
It is easy to forget about the following in the rush of wedding planning:
1. Parking.
- Coordinate with your venue or wedding planner to ensure that there will be adequate parking space.
- Simplify your guest’s arrival by clearly demarcating the parking areas.
- Make it clear for them to see where to go for the ceremony.
2. The entrance.
- This is the first connection your guests make with your wedding so it is important to be mindful of this. As a noun the word ‘entrance’ means the point of entry. As a transitive verb it means to ‘fascinate’. Captivate your guests by beautifying a welcoming entrance.
- You can have a table with welcome drinks or a cupcake labeled with each guest’s name (for example).
- It can even be a decorative piece without an initial gift, get creative and put a smile on your guests face as they enter.
3. Seating.
- Ensure that your guests know what to do and where to go upon arrival.
- If they arrive before the ceremony and you have a separate space for them to sit or mingle, see that it is clearly communicated.
- Put up notices (these can be really fun or elegant, akin to your design style) or have a welcoming person guiding the guests into the flow of the procession.
- Comfort is key. The little things like cushions where you know the elderly will be seated hold immense value.
- Put yourself emphatically in your guest’s shoes and feel what you would be uncomfortable or what would enhance the experience as a guest.
- Again, if you are expecting a large audience then ensure that it is clearly demarcated (yes it is the ‘parking’ of the guests) minimizing confusion and maximizing enjoyment.
4. The ceremony
- If you know your ceremony is going to be a lengthy one, be mindful that is engaging and keep it real.
- Stick to what you feel is right for you and don’t drone on with anything if it holds no value for you.
- Guests will love a long ceremony if it feels real and you as the bride (or groom) are enchanted with your own ceremony.
5. Speeches
- These are too often accepted as just another thing to incorporate instead of a great opportunity for another beautiful moment on your special occasion.
- Plan the speeches in the program well. Understanding the flow of the evening’s progression allows you to amplify the enjoyment for all concerned (especially the bride and groom).
- Let it be a fun aspect to the wedding; make a special place for the speaker to stand on or in. Another idea is to have a creative hat, sash or even a feather boa (depends on your wedding design style) to lighten the nerves!
The most important quality of your wedding is the union of the bride and the groom and this extends into the union of both respective families, forging a new one. Honoring this as the sacred union symbolized by your African wedding is an essential aspect, capable of truly illuminating your African wedding.