10 Must Read Wedding Night Secrets

Firsts are always important and hardly ever forgotten, your first car, job, pet or house and your wedding night is no different, it’s the first of many nights to be spent as MAN and WIFE!

Get ready, here are our top tips to make it a night to remember!

1. Setting the mood: Getting the ambience right in your honeymoon suite can not be over exaggerated. After an amazing but hectic day with your family and friends celebrating your love, it's time to relax and bond as a couple. Arrange to have the lights dimmed, lit tea light candles and rose petals spread on the bed, transforming it from a hotel room to your magical boudoir.
2. Music: Sounds and moments have a magical way of intertwining to form lasting memories. Grab your iPod and make a playlist of the song that reminds you guys of your first date, first kiss, and a brand new one to remind you of your first night together as husband and wife.
3. Undress each other: Take each other’s clothes off, it’s an excellent way to build intimacy. Lightly brush her skin as you remove the intricate bodice of her wedding dress, send chills up her spine.
4. Shower Together: In his 1979 hit, Turn Off the Lights, Teddy Pendergrass had the right Idea “Let's take a shower, shower together, I’ll wash your bodyyy, you’ll wash mine” need we say more?
5. Build the Anticipation: Kiss softly and make out like two shy teenagers, you’ve got your honeymoon and entire lives ahead you, why not discover each of your soul mates pleasure points, slowly, very slowly.
6. Food: All couples agree that they never taste any item from the carefully selected menu at the reception. Arrange for room service to provide finger food and refreshments waiting.
7. Treasure Hunt: Hide little gifts around the room or play the 'honey game' - blindfold your partner and get them to hunt for the drop of honey on your body, fingers or lips, all tools are welcome.
8. Lingerie: This is your chance to splurge for the sexiest piece - Chemise, Babydolls, silk or lace- it doesn’t matter what you chose, he’ll be wowed either way.
9. Cuddle: After all said and done nothing beats resting in the arms of the love of your life, reminiscing about the wedding day and listening to their gentle snoring just before you drop off.
10. Last on our list but most importantly don’t forget the 'Do Not Disturb' sign

A-Z of Planning your Best Friend’s Bridal Shower

Who better to plan a bridal shower than your best friend or sister. As a best friend, you probably know almost everything and anything that your friend would want to experience and most importantly know all the people she would love to attend.

Also, it is safe to assume that as a best friend you know where the bride-to-be will want to celebrate this day and the activities that she would enjoy. Don’t forget it’s all about her.

So what do you do if you're not blessed with superb planning skills?Fret not and follow our simple steps below

1. First, pick a date that you are sure is comfortable for the bride. It must not clash with any of her personal activities as regards the wedding.
2. Determine if you want it as a surprise or not. If yes, get all the information you would need from her months before.
3. Invite at least one other close friend to plan with you. You need other ideas and you will be amazed by how much information they have about your best friend that you didn't know.
4. Determine what theme you would go with (remember, it’s about her and so should be one you know she would totally rock).
5. Get a venue that makes sense, can it accommodate all her girls without breaking the bank? Can it be decorated to suit the theme? Is it a place she will love? You get the drift.
6. Speak to all vendors (food and drink at the minimum and maybe an activity coordinator?) needed and narrow down based on preferences and budget.
7. Agree and communicate date and time to vendors at least four months to the event and check in with them twice a month.
8. Draft a list of friends and family that would be attending.
9. If they have to contribute financially, communicate to each of them personally (most effectively via email) explaining what the plan is and how you need their contributions to make this happen.
10. Don’t involve the bride on the finance journey; work with what you have.
11. Make sure the invites go out to all at least two months before the event day to give invitees the time to prepare and also clear their schedule for that day. (Invitees are those you know the bride wants to attend and not those you think should attend. A safer method will be to get the list from the bride almost after she is engaged if you don’t want any spoilers just in case you want it as a surprise party).
12. Never get too carried away during the event tending to friends and family that you forget about the bride-to-be, all activities must revolve around her; we can't stress this enough.
13. Finally, remember to send 'thank you' emails or text messages to all attendees; it couldn’t have happened without them.

Bridal showers set the pace for how organised or enjoyable the actual wedding will be to the friends and family, and also communicate to the bride that everything will work out just fine her wedding! So please, do your best to tell the right/best story with a great event.

All the best!

7 'No No's that will Ruin Your Wedding

Just before you think that this is an article that spells doom, remember that knowing things like the steps below will help you guard against them. We want your wedding to be a dream come true, so here are seven things you need to avoid;

1. Going Way over Your Budget; Wedding planning is a real test of discipline. When you and your partner have decided on your budget, do your best to stick to this budget. You don’t want either of you being unhappy on your wedding day because of all the debt you have incurred. Realistically you’re going to add some extra naira to whatever you had initially planned but it should be considerably small.
2. Leaving Everything to Your Wedding Planner; Great you have a wedding planner, but he/she is not a mind reader and if you don’t tell him/her what you want they’ll never know. Be as detailed as possible and be involved in the decision so you’re not disappointed on your wedding day.
3. Not Testing Out Your Wedding Vendors; So she has over 20,000 followers on Instagram, so you believe she has to be good at what she does, not necessarily. Never take a vendor just by his/her words make sure you have a test of what she does. The same goes for your DJ, MC, Caterer, Make-up Artist, Photographer.... basically, all of your vendors. You could even attend a wedding your MC will be anchoring to see if he fits into your style.
4. Being Rigid and Selfish; the wedding is just one day, but your in-laws, partner and family will be with you forever. Don’t be selfish in your decisions and offend them, listen to what your partner wants also, listen to things that your parents-in-law would like and compromise where possible. As much as possible make sure they buy into your idea.
5. Not Getting Your Playlist Together; Your DJ is young and happening so he plays all the recent songs, while on the other hand you’re an old soul that loves the 80’s blues. Never assume that your DJ will get it right. Give him a list of songs he should play and when exactly to play them.
6. Planning too late; it is often believed that once there’s money you don’t need to plan ages before the wedding, wrong wrong wrong.Give yourself at least six months to plan your wedding intensively. This way you source for the best deals, venue and vendors you want. Make sure all the things you order are arriving at least six weeks to the wedding. Those Christian Louboutin shoes you ordered may not fit so well and you might need to get another pair.
7. Planning Everything Yourself; No matter how organised you are, it’s important you get extra hands to help out, you don’t want to be worn out and look miserable on your wedding day and then forget seemingly small but important things like the bible needed in the church. Let your friends and family help handle different segments.

15 Pictures Every Nigerian Bride Can Relate To

It would seem everybody and their dog has an opinion about your wedding.

 1. Now if you can just get up the nerve to post this on your social media, maybe they would get the message... but wouldn’t that affect aso-ebi sales and wedding gifts? This life is not fair.

Photo Credit: www.someecards.com/kim1389829

 2. Don’t they realise they are on bridesmaid duty 24/7? Which is how much time you spend talking about wedding stuff but it’s your wedding. And you know they are online; one of them just “Lol’d” someone’s tweet! Rude.

Photo Credit: www.pinterest.com/peacockpremierevents

 3. You just told your mother you want a small and intimate wedding and this was her reaction. “Is it my wedding or yours Mummy?” No answer.

Photo Credit: Nairaland.com

 4. Well, at least they’re paying for all the family and 60 years worth of friends they insisted on inviting.

Photo Credit: bloomsbythebox.com

 5. You were over the moon when your fiancé and Mum hit it off, but now they are joint saboteurs of your dream wedding. He just okay’d invites for 70 cousins you don’t even know, and she thinks his idea for an Arsenal pocket square is cute. What is this????

Photo Credit: Quickmeme.com

 6. You are still bargaining with your caterer, makeup artist and the limo company and this dude got himself a hoverboard?! Fine. You are trading in his honeymoon ticket. He can hover all the way to Seychelles while the masseuse works out all the stress he has caused.

Photo Credit: Boards.weddingbee.com

 7. The Arsenal banner you did NOT sign off on has been delivered. Where is that groom? No, you just want to talk to him, why is everyone being dramatic? *Loads shotgun*

Photo Credit: Memecenter.com

 8. She just tried to change your colours from understated peach and mint; to gold, red and green. Can she just move to Cameroon if she likes their flag so much?

Photo Credit: Imgflip.com

 9. It would appear your pocket and your tastes do not match. What you can afford is giving you a headache. Maybe you can secretly record Boo’s constant singing and send to Don Jazzy in faith.

Photo Credit: Bollywoodshaadis

 10. You have recited this mantra 52 times, but your dreams haven’t received the memo. Oriental Hotel showed up again last night.

Photo Credit: www.someecards.com/cassandra2924779

 11. You accept that you won’t get your dream wedding, but you’re beginning to see “less privileged” in a whole new light. Help, somebody.

Photo Credit: gettyimages.com

 12. Yes! Now you can afford to add meat to your first stew as a married couple.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @jidsfrique007

13. She is basically passing off her dream wedding as yours and now she wants to choose your dress too? Here, have a tissue Mum. Pictacular.co

 14. You are only reacting to all the incompetence and nonchalance that everyone else is exhibiting. It is the most important day of your life and this stylist just arrived with an eggshell veil, when you specifically said seashell.

Photo Credit: Kfzuzulo.com

 15. Even after all you had to go through, you look angelic this morning; and you will be counting those teardrops. Let it out boy, the maid of honour’s got tissues. 

10 Things Every Nigerian Bride Must Do Before Taking the Plunge

1. Take some time for yourself
   
   
   Take some time for yourself
   No planning, no freak-outs, no fire-breathing. Just breathe. Take a trip alone if possible; you may not get this chance again.
2. Reconnect with your girlfriends
   Spend some real time with them. No, bridesmaids’ dresses fittings do not count. You are taking a huge life step so they might be feeling insignificant. Go out like old times so they know they’ll always be your squad.
3. Spend some time with your parents
   You probably won’t be seeing them as often soon. You may not even be able to call them as often. Cherish the time left to be their little girl and get some sound marriage advice.
4. Date your fiancé
   A sweet little rendezvous will remind you why you’re going through this in the first place. Talk about him, and keep it wedding-free, unless of course he wants to go there.
5. Get your skin care game on
   There are no last minute miracles to get the skin of your dreams. Get a regimen that works for you and commit. If you haven’t found one that tackles your skin issues, see a dermatologist. If you’re going to get a spa facial, give your skin some days to heal afterward. You don’t want raw, blotchy skin on your wedding day.
6. Tackle your finances 
   ...If you haven’t already done so, discuss with Boo how money will be handled, and how much will be merged. Money is a huge issue for unprepared newly-weds. Get it sorted beforehand.
7. Do Hair and Makeup trials
   Try out different styles, even different artistes. Have pictures taken in natural light and with flash before you decide. Once you do, book immediately to avoid clashing schedules and tears of betrayal.
8. Get fit and healthy
   Trust us; you want to look your best for the picture your generations will hang in the family room. Take longer walks, add more cardio to your gym time, cut out the junk food, and drink lots of water. You might even love it and keep it up after your “I do’s”.
9. Buy 'comfy' flats
   You have to be ready for when your heels start to scream murder. Do not be Cinderella at midnight; have a cute pair of flats on standby and the dance floor will be yours.
10. Sleep
    Get some shut eye for the love of you. Sleepless nights will have you looking strained, unable to focus on enjoying D-day, and frankly, will interfere with the wedding night if you catch our drift. Know when to turn off the lights and your phone, and sleep

5 Questions To Ask Your Makeup Artist

It’s once in a lifetime and your makeup is a major affair because it’s your wedding day! You want to look as beautiful as possible on this big day. Do you want to look back at those pictures and show your kids how beautiful their momma was on her big day? Then you have to get your make-up right. As much as you are trying to cut costs, do not compromise on getting good makeup. You should only pick your make-up artist based on references from other people and his/her work. Here are five (5) questions that will help narrow down your make-up artist choices.

1. Do you specialise in wedding make-up? You can also ask how many brides she has worked on and how long she has been doing this.
   Tip: Bridal Makeup is a lot different from photography, runway or everyday makeup. The make-up artist should be accustomed to making up a bride and also have an understanding of how the wedding day schedule goes.
2. How do I make a booking? Do you require a deposit? What about terms of the contract?
   Tip; understand what the artist requires to secure your date on her book. Sometimes the deposit will be nominal, but most will require 25 – 50% of the total package of services. And be sure to get it all in writing, with receipts for each payment (no stories!)
3. Do you offer trial makeup? It’s always a good idea to have a glimpse of how you will look on your big day (and to know if you have to run from this makeup artist!). It also allows the make-up artist understand what works for your face. Ensure you ask if this will come with an extra charge.
   Tip: don’t waste the free trial (If it is free) get your makeup artist to do the free trial on your introduction day or for your pre- wedding shoot.
4. What products and brands do you use? Ask for the main makeup she will be using on you; many makeup artists mix various products, but there’s always the main one.
   Tip; Make sure they’re brand names you recognise as being good and are not allergic to. If you have sensitive skin and your makeup artist recommends something new, have a patch test done on a small part of your face and see how it works.
5. How long will she/he need to do your makeup? Timing should also include tying of 'gele'.
   Tip; if your makeup artist can’t give you a time frame or if she takes over an hour per person then that’s a long time to be sitting in a chair! You might want to reconsider.
6. Do you have a connection with your makeup artist? This question is actually for you the bride! You have to be comfortable around your make-up artist, ensure she’s not bossy, rude or proud.
   Tip; you don’t have to use a make-up artist if you don’t like him/her. A lot of things might get you upset that day; you don’t need a make-up artist that is rude or has an attitude.

6 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Caterer

As Air is to life and dancing is to an Indian Movie (I’m yet to see an Indian movie without dancing) so is food to a Nigerian wedding. You sure would want your food to be so good that your guest can’t stop talking about it for a very long time. For this reason you need to pay close attention to what and how your wedding guest are to be served. It’s always better to ask for referrals from Family and Friends. Your other vendors such as the person handling cocktail or baking your cake may also have suggestions for a good caterer. Once you’ve narrowed down to a few caterers arrange to have an interview and ask this 6 question No 3 is a deal breaker.

1. How Long Have You Being Doing This and How Many Weddings Have You Catered For? There is nothing wrong with using a new caterer, but we cannot deny the expertise that comes with experience.
2. What Services are you including? You should never assume when it comes to planning your wedding. Ask the most seemingly stupid questions. Are you going to set the tables? Do I have to pay for the waiters separately?
3. What Is the Server to Guest Ratio? This is important because this will determine how quickly food is served and also how quickly the table is cleared. Averagely 1 waiter should attend to 12-20 guests.
4. When is the next event you’ll be catering for, can I attend? Seeing is believing! Your caterer can tell you all you want to believe, but it’s only in a real life scenario that you’ll be sure of his/her skills. This is particularly important if you didn’t get any referrals before picking the caterer. Take note of how organized s/he is and how courteous the waiters are. Even if you can’t attend any of the weddings, ask to speak to a client s/he has worked for.
5. Have you ever been in a situation where the crowd present was more than the food budgeted for? Of course you don’t expect her to begin to prepare another meal half way through the wedding, but you’ll love to know how she handled it. Typically Caterers always prepare for a little more than you ordered. This is what you should expect her to say.
6. Can I have a Tasting Session Before the Wedding? Most caterers organize a tasting before the wedding. Ask if this will be the same food portion size guest will be served at the wedding. if you love the look of your meal at the tasting, ask if everything will be presented in the same way on your wedding day. Also ask to the see the utensils and plate to be used on the wedding day.

Are there any questions you think we should add to the list?

7 Questions You Must Ask Your Wedding Venue

When the post-engagement excitement turns into pre-wedding planning mode, one of the first things you'll find yourself on the hunt for is a venue to host your wedding. You may look at local options or even far away destination wedding venue that will give your big day a backdrop that looks like it's straight out of a postcard.

Either way, before signing on the dotted line and agreeing to throw the wedding of your dreams at a location that fits your budget, here are the top seven questions to ask the space before saying "I do" to them.

1. Is the date only yours? While you've snagged a piece of the venue for your wedding date, it's worth asking how many other weddings they are also having on that day. If there's more than one, be sure there's enough room separating the two weddings and enough staff on hand to work both.
2. Are there options for food? Before searching for outside food and drink vendors, ask the venue if they have an in-house caterer with whom they frequently work. If they don't, ask for a recommended vendor list so you can see which local vendors have worked there in the past (especially for destination weddings).
3. Do we get a point of contact? It's important to know if the venue has a day-of coordinator or a wedding planner that they can provide, free of charge, for your wedding. This will help you determine if you need to hire an outside planner as well.
4. When are we able to start the party? You'll want to have the space at least a couple of  hours before the wedding takes place to allow enough time for set up. Get a time frame in writing before signing on the dotted line so you know in advance when the venue is all yours.
5. Is there a rain back-up plan? Since you can't predict what the weather is going to be like on the day of your wedding, chat with the venue to see what they have in store in case it rains on your wedding day. Ask if they can move any part of the ceremony or cocktail hour indoors, last minute, if needed.
6. Are there any last-minute costs? Before you decide to go with the venue of your choice for your wedding, find out if the price they are quoting includes everything, or if there are any lingering costs associated with the space. Have them give you a break down of what's included and pick apart anything that may be left out.
7. Is there a bridal suite? You'll want a little hidden space before the ceremony begins for you to relax and do any and all beauty touchups.

How You Could Save Up For Your Wedding

It is important that you begin saving for your wedding as early as possible. You can use some of these tips to save for your big day:

Start saving early: Open a savings account as soon as you can and start saving. Remember not to use this bank account for other expenses. You can work with your bank to set an option for auto-debit at the beginning of the month from your other "earning" account to the wedding account.

Bonus: The gifts you receive from family, relatives, friends and the bonus from your job / business, can add to your wedding kitty. Big affair or small ceremony? As you progress with your saving routine, think about how you would like to get married. Do you prefer a big wedding with elaborate ceremonies or a small affair with only close family and friends? This will help you decide on the amount to be saved per month to meet your target.

Set a budget: Once you are engaged, make a cost estimate for the wedding. Consider major expenses like the venue, décor, food, outfits, jewellery, photographer, and contingency fund. Once you have an estimate, set a budget for each of the heads. Remember to stick to your budget when you finalize things and go shopping!

Consider it as an EMI (equated monthly installment) for loans: Save for the wedding as if you have to repay a loan. You must do it every month. This will ensure an even flow of funds to your savings account and from your regular salary account.

Get rid of the bad habits: If you have any addiction, like smoking, drinking or even shopping, stop it now. Once you stop spending unnecessarily and start saving the money in your wedding fund, you will be surprised at how much you spent on these habits.

Is Divorce Ever An Option?

One of the hardest things to do is let go of someone you loved and with whom you imagined a ‘happily ever after.'

The encyclopedia defines Divorce as the termination of marriage or marital union, the canceling and or reorganising of the legal duties and responsibilities thus dissolving the bonds of matrimony between married couple under the rule of law of the particular country/state. There are so many reasons I can bring up to justify or condemn divorce; ultimately it boils down to the parties involved. I believe in second chances or maybe even third or fourth chances (lol), but I will emphasize that it MUST not be at the expense of your life.

Physical or Emotional Abuse

It is tough to ask anyone to continue to show love or even stay while he/she is having a mental breakdown or even at risk of losing his/her life. If all hope is lost and help has been sought with no improvement, my advice is that the abused partner leaves. The length of a separation can be based on abusive partner’s willingness to seek help. (May I categorically state that the abused partner should not stay in the marriage while the abusive partner is seeking help because the abused partner also needs to be healed of all psychological traumas and needs to be in a place where she [or he] is been showered with love).

Infidelity, Irresponsibility, and other Problems

While these reasons can be highly debated as critical or not, no one is in a position to tell another adult how to live his/her life irrespective of tradition and or religion. On the other hand, while all or some of these reasons can lead to temporal separation; I would say; ‘Let’s not give up on love or loved ones so easily, let’s do all we can to make them the best they used to be or want to be.' In conclusion, even though your union will have its own challenges; it must make you feel loved, happy and fulfilled. If it doesn’t, please do something about it but divorce as a last resort, or much earlier if your mental or physical health is at risk

7 Unique Ideas For Your Pre-wedding Shots

Pre-wedding pictures are one of the highlights of planning your wedding. This is a great way for you to get comfortable in front of the camera in preparation for your wedding pictures (this is particularly for the guys, not with all the selfies ladies take). The photo shoot will also be an opportunity for you to test your make-up artist and photographer, not forgetting all the love and romance you’ll get from taking this pictures. Make sure your Pre-wedding pictures tells your love story and should exhibit your individuality. If you’re trying to do something out of the norm, here are 7 Unique Pre-wedding pictures you can try.

 1) What’s your favourite Movie Character? You can try the star wars theme picture, this will surely get a lot of attention for a very long time. 

 2) Nobody can deny that High School romance is the most exciting, go back to 10 years and have a high school theme pre-wedding photo, what about playing dress up in your school uniform? 

 3) Are you the fast and daring couple? Nothing can depict your love like a Motor-bike themed pre-wedding picture. Let your heart beat fast! 

 4) Culture is beautiful, show off your 'orente' (lady) to the world in this traditional and very rich cultural background. 

 5) With the increasing number of theme parks, this is something you should try. Have a picture when you’re both on a roller coaster, show the world that you’re the fun-loving couple. 

 6) Disney lovers, get in here, who is your favourite cartoon character? Goldie Locks, Rapunzel, Elsa in frozen, Cinderella? Whatever you choose, let him be your Knight in shining armour and rescue you from the evil monster. 

 7) Marriage is a journey and this is one ride you should enjoy, depict this by having a car-themed pre-wedding picture but this time sit on the vehicle and not in it.  


Do you have any unique ideas you would to share with us?

Getting Back in the Game: Dating Nuggets for Single Parents

Whether you’re five months’ post-divorce or five years, there’s no denying that getting back into the dating scene is daunting. Simply put, there is no "right" time to get back in the game.

Possibly a better question than when is why do you want to start dating? And what are you looking to find? If you're bored or lonely; try hanging out with friends and family or perhaps donating your time to a non-profit cause is the way to go. Whatever you decide, do not expect dating to satisfy all your needs as this is impractical and might attract (or cause you to accept) people who aren't best for you.

Fear no more, get back in the game with these tips

1. Please stay out of bed for as long as possible. Once you allow sex, it makes it harder to let go.
2. Never bring a new date home; try to keep your dating out of sight of your kids.
3. Make sure to clarify things from on-set by asking the right questions and observing actions/responses.
4. Don’t be out for people with opposite abilities of your EX. They can seem satisfactory at first but make sure you are loving your new partner for who they are rather than just filling the holes left by your ex.
5. When things get serious, it would be advised to introduce your new date to your EX but away from the kids.
6. Introduce your date to your kids as a friend and gradually ease them into liking him/her. Don’t let them feel the new friend is a replacement.
7. The focal points of your discussion must be on topics that will make you learn about each other and not all about your past, your divorce, Ex or even about your children.
8. No matter what the age of the child, avoid a detailed explanation of why you broke up. They need to know but not as confidants.
9. Above all, make sure you are not ignoring any signs that might cause you your happiness.

Wishing every single parent out there love!

7 Interesting Things Your Home Says About You

Have you ever walked into a new friend’s house and realized upon taking in your surroundings that there were so many things you didn’t know about that person? Guilty. Since we inject our humble abode with a feeling of comfort that’s personal to us, it no doubt also says a lot about who we are as individuals.

Below are some on-point things our homes reveal about us:

1. Your political affiliation: A study in Political Psychology says that conservatives are often extremely neat, tend to have bright rooms, and collect more sports memorabilia, flags, and cleaning supplies. Liberals, on the other hand, tend to use more color in their space and are often cluttered.

2. If you are outgoing: Color pros say you can judge whether people are extroverted based on their front door: Red means you are bold and outgoing, blue says you are relaxed, green says you are more traditional, and black means you are quiet.

3. What you weigh: If you are a woman and keep a box of cereal on your kitchen counter, you weigh around 20 pounds more on average than women who don’t, according to a Cornell University study. On the flip side, individuals who keep a bowl of fruit out weigh significantly less than those who don’t.

4. How type A you are: Ironically, if your sock drawer is messy, it’s likely you are type A. According to experts, individuals who are highly organized don’t waste time keeping little things in order.

5. If you’re a millennial: If you have framed selfies of yourself on display, you are likely a millennial, since older generations found this is poor taste.

6. If you like your job: A survey discovered that those who made their beds in the morning felt more fulfilled at work.

7. If you suffer from anxiety: If you don’t have any clutter anywhere—not even under your bed or in your closet—chances are you’re harboring some anxiety. Scientists suggest this is because those who experience anxiety try to control other things in their lives.

How To Start A Wedding Planning Business From Home

If you are passionate about the romance and beauty that come with weddings, then chances are that you will jump at the idea of becoming a wedding planner. Wedding planning is an exciting field and a good business opportunity for those who have been looking to start a business of their own; because aside from the financial gains, you get a chance to express your creativity and get a feeling of satisfaction seeing the beauty of your handiwork. Hundreds of weddings are held in your locality every year and it's been known that the least amount spent on the average Nigerian wedding, is approximately 1.2 million naira (this is just an estimate for a small wedding excluding middle to highbrow weddings). Having said that, below are proven tips on how to start a successful wedding planning business.

1. Learn everything you can about weddings

There are a lot of things and opportunities involved in planning a wedding. You can learn all these by visiting wedding ceremonies, reading wedding books/magazines and browsing on internet. Talking to newly married couples and other wedding planners is also a way to gather relevant information about the business. As you learn about the business, it is advisable you carry out feasibility study and write a business plan. If you enjoy what you are doing, you will find the wedding planning business fun-filled and very rewarding. You need strong organizational skills, keen attention to detail, a level head, and patience to deal with emotional ups and downs that may start even before the Big Day. Always bear in mind that some things are bound to go wrong no matter how well you plan. The maid of honor’s shoes might break, or the florist might send the wrong flowers. It’s your duty to set things right and make sure everything goes smoothly.

2. Know your wedding vendors

Also, use that opportunity to know a number of individuals you will be working with while planning a wedding, such as caterers, photographers, florists, and so on. After linking up with many of them, you need to find out the differences in price, specialty, reliability, and quality of service delivery.

3. Get certified as a wedding planner

It is important that you find out if there are colleges or universities around you offering wedding or event planning programs. Many other institutions offer full certification programs that may span weeks or a few days. While certification is not a requirement for starting the wedding planning business, it will help you get a crash course in planning and make you more credible. Certification programs may be somewhat expensive, but the benefits that come with enrolling with one far outweigh the cost.

4. Plan your business

Decide on the structure of your business and what services you will offer. Will you plan entire weddings or only handle specific parts such as venue set up and decoration? You will also need to find a good name for your business—one that is clever and easy to remember. You can surf the web for wedding planning business name ideas. Also, you will need to work on the rest of your business’s image, which entails your logo and fonts you will use in your marketing. You will also need to determine from the start if you want to venture into the wedding planning business full-time or part-time. Whichever option you choose, you must bear in mind that it may take months to years for your business to get off the ground, and even longer before you start making decent profits.

5. Make your business legitimate by incorporating and getting a license

It is advisable that you consult with an attorney about the possibilities and advantages. The attorney can provide valuable advice when it comes to determining which business structure (sole proprietorship, limited liability company or corporation) will work for you, and also registering your business in the state you want it to be registered. He or she can also review documents you plan to use in your business, such as your client contract.

6. Develop yourself in the area of fashion

Fashion, beauty care, event planning and wedding planning go hand in hand. To become a successful wedding planner, your feet must stand strong on good fashion. You may be lucky to have many friends and family members who will allow you to plan their wedding and learn from the process.

7. Let your image or handiwork reflect your style

Planning a wedding is all about style, because the bride in particular is actually trusting your eye and your ideas to make her wedding beautiful and memorable. Therefore, your company’s image, starting from your business name to your logo and to the colors and fonts you will use in your marketing tools, must showcase great style and draw attention.

8. Develop a marketing strategy

To really kick off in business, you must create a marketing strategy that can be executed at low cost and yield high returns (profit). This can be achieved by advertising your business online and otherwise. After putting everything in place, you can start advertising your business. Tell your friends and relatives about your business and implore them to help you spread word about it, especially at weddings. You can also advertise you business by doing free jobs once in a while for your clients especially when you are starting up newly; and those individuals you did jobs for freely will advertise your business through word of mouth and referral. Since most businesses now attract customers online, you’d be better off with a website. This will give all the information they need to know about your business. Don’t forget the good old business cards, too.

In conclusion, it is important you have at the back of your mind that your success rests more on building relationships. So try investing your time and energy into developing bonds with other wedding planning professionals around you and clients as well.

Breath Taking 'Harry Potter' Themed Wedding

If you're not married, this is going to make you want to yank the first person you see on the street and force them into marrying you this instant if only to have an excuse to commission a giant Harry Potter wedding cake.

Plenty of people have themed their weddings based on the famous boy wizard, but none of them will ever come close to the heart-stopping and ridiculously on point Harry Potter wedding of Cassie and Lewis Byrom. Every sweeping view and perfect minute detail was captured by photographer Kelly Clarke.

The diehard Potter-head couple wed at Manchester Town Hall, which is a majestic Hogwarts look-alike if there ever were one. To put it simply: If you're already married, they've put your wedding to shame. Don't beat yourself up about it, though — these pictures make a Kardashian wedding look like office happy hour.

Before you scroll down and look at these images, we should warn you that they will probably kill you dead. Lol!

 The couple embarked on this beautifully nerdy wedding after Lewis proposed at Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter last year.

 Although you would think from a bird's eye view that the Byrom's wedding was just like any other classy affair, there were actually ~surprise~ Potter easter eggs all over the event. For instance, the bride snuck all sorts of adorable Harry Potter into her ensemble.

 And, of course, tied it together with this gorgeous bouquet .

 Which just happens to be made out of the pages of Harry Potter books.

 All of the guests were assigned to sit at either the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or Hufflepuff tables. We find this particularly commendable, because sorting your own family and friends seems like it would be one of the most challenging tasks in planning such a wedding.

 And don't even get me started about this CAKE. If I had an actual Time Turner, I would use it to get myself invited to this wedding and cut myself a slice of that masterpiece.