Our culture is not an easy one to stomach especially when it comes to weddings, they love to keep up with and outdo the Johnsons (so to speak). Sometimes at the expense of the couple, often times it’s the bride that bears the brunt of it all. Below I have written some tips that helped me through my traditional wedding. I hope you enjoy and are blessed 😊
Tip 1:
P-R-A-Y: To be honest I can just stop there because that is the only thing that can get you through sleepless nights and all the variations of one colour that you will soon discover exist. It may not seem “that deep” but this is warfare. Have a prayer circle of people who are on job and ready to battle for and with you in the spirit (I’m so blessed that mine could be my bridesmaids but that may not be the case for you so find some people and gear your bridesmaids up!) But there are also some other things so let’s dive in.
Tip 2:
Stay connected to the source: As cliche as it sounds, it is important to make fellowship with God and the people of God, your number 1 priority. It is all too easy to because “too busy” for God. Resist that temptation. You need the refreshment that can only come through time with Him when your tailor isn’t picking up and your room is filled with aso-ebi.
Tip 3:
Delegate!: Delegate everything possible! Your bridal party is not just there for show, they need to work. When it comes to aso-ebi, give them to someone that will be in charge of collecting the money, contacting people and doing drop offs. Something like catering can be handled by parents/family members.
Tip 4:
Pick your battles: Some things are worth fighting for, it’s your day after all. Other things however, can be compromised on. I, for example, refused to lose sleep over things like party favours for the traditional wedding but I could not settle when it came to material that I would give to my friends. I took a lot of heat but at the end of the day it was worth it 😍.
Tip 5:
Ask for help: Pretty self explanatory, don’t overlook anyone but also do not put too much hope in anyone. This season will reveal hearts to you. Save money where you can, if you have creative friends or friends of friends, ask for their help. Up and coming businesses are usually very generous and will often give you a discount. Don’t let pride make you pay £500 where you could have paid £50. Don’t be over frugal though!
Tip 6:
Enjoy yourself: Make sure you eliminate any and I mean ANY thing that will steal your joy especially on the day because it can happen so quickly. The day goes so fast that you could spend all of it with a sour look on your face or a heavy heart and not even realise until you see pictures with your face screwed up lol! Pray and dance like it’s the last time you will ever do either and SHINE baby girl.
Tip 7:
Shop around: People are out to make money from you. Don’t jump on the first offer you get even if everyone is making you feel like there is no time, there is. You’d be surprised how many people will charge a silly price just because they hear the word wedding. Especially when things are being done for you overseas, try as much as you can to shop around. Ask people who have done it before; where and how, entrust some things to parents. The amount of vendors my mum was able to talk into giving us a discount was a blessing, no matter how little, every penny counts.
As I think of more tips I will update this 😊