Rapper Prezzo appeared on POVPodcastKenya, where he opened up about his lavish 2008 wedding to Daisy Kiplagat. The wedding was highly publicised and expensive, costing Sh4.6 million. Prezzo also shared how he regretted the wedding, saying if he were to do it again, he would go to the Attorney General’s office with his brother as a witness. He stated, “I would go to the AG’s office with my brother Steve as a witness. The saddest thing is like my mother told me you have so many friends why don’t you have a committee? I said men when I was meeting this lady they were not there.”
The marriage to Kiplagat lasted a few months. The wedding at the Karen Country Club had a guest list containing former Kiambu governor William Kabogo and performers like Nasty Thomas and Wyre. Prezzo added, “Truth be told you see at the end of the day I wasted that money in feeding people who were not even relevant in my life…Most of my friends who came to my wedding ate, danced, and drank; however, not even one of them came up to try and help mend my marriage, which was on the rocks.”
Expensive weddings are a common regret. In a survey, what many couples regretted were:
1. Expensive locations
Vendor costs are higher when you choose an expensive location. Exotic, isolated places have limited options for providing services such as catering and event equipment. This means you will spend more. Hotels in tourist areas also have high hosting prices for weddings.
2. Large guest lists
Preparing food, sitting, and accommodation for more people costs much more money. Some venues may offer discounts for large numbers, but the event will still be expensive.
Read Also: 9 Types Of People You Are Likely To Meet At A Wedding
3. Décor
A wedding is a fancy beautiful affair. The more detail in the décor, the more likely it is to be expensive. Flower arrangements are expensive. However, adding details like fairy lights, woodwork, or sculptures can be fruitless. One couple even said the guests left before the fairy lights could be turned on at night. Extra additions will cost you more.
4. Bridal wear
Weddings are a once-in-a-lifetime affair. Many brides want to look their best. Some brides have gotten expensive gowns to look beautiful for the event. However, regrets set in later since a wedding dress is only worn once.
Read Also: Things To Look Out For When Shopping For A Wedding Dress
5. Wedding planners
Planners help couples cover everything. They also ensure the schedule goes as organised. Some couples spend too much on a professional planner when they can do without one. An event coordinator can help keep things in check.
Read Also: Wedding Planners On Signs That A Relationship Will Not Work
How to plan an inexpensive wedding
It may be wiser to save up your funds to better invest in your future. Planning a more frugal wedding can also reduce the hassle of having to crowdfund friends and family to get enough money to throw the party. Weddings don’t need to be extravagant if you’re on a tight budget.
Read Also: Getting Married? Here Is A Wedding Checklist You Can Use
Here’s how to organise a simple, memorable wedding that doesn’t break the bank.
1. Book your venue on a weekday
Saturdays are the most popular day for weddings. This can hike up prices because of the demand. Booking your wedding from Sunday to Thursday can have lower rates. Venues may struggle to fill in their weekdays. This can get you better rates. A weekday wedding can also result in a smaller guest list, reducing the general cost.
2. Use unique venues that have their equipment
Hotels can cost more than boutique areas. Botanical gardens, church parks, and schools are cheaper alternatives to hotels. You can also hire a friend’s house if you don’t have a large garden. Some gardens come with tents, audio-visual equipment, and chairs. This cost can be added to the booking fee for the venue.
3. Use flowers in season
Do some research to find out which flowers are available at the time of your wedding. Alternatively, you can use flowers that are always in season. Try buying buds that bloom on the wedding day to save up. If you have the space, plant the flowers for the wedding that can be harvested when it’s time.
4. Use your budget to guide your list
Once you’ve decided how much money you’ll spend on the wedding, decide on the best vendors. Ensure you research all the possible vendors available for what you need. Use social media to compare prices and be willing to canvass for the most affordable options.
Read Also: 5 ways of raising funds for a wedding
5. Consider a civil ceremony
Religious or traditional weddings can have large parties. A civil marriage by notice is straightforward and cheap. The total process costs about Sh3900. The couple must only register with the required documents and make their vows before the registrar once they confirm that they intend to get married. After the registrar signs the certificates, your witnesses also sign.
6. Hire a student DJ
Professional DJs may be very expensive. Hiring a student DJ with some event experience may be more budget-friendly. Finding a DJ in training with access to equipment can help you save on music and entertainment costs.
7. Ask a friend to MC the wedding
It is easier to negotiate a fee within your budget with a friend rather than a professional master of ceremonies. They can be affordable if you have a friend with hosting experience.
8. Tailor affordable clothes
Use an affordable tailor when selecting your dress and other bridal party clothes. You can also buy good quality high-end dresses. If your family has heirlooms, use a family member’s dress, and re-design it if possible. Buy shoes and jewellery that can be worn again.
When hiring a stylist and make-up artist, consider using experts from a local salon to get affordable but professional options.
Read Also: 7 Wedding Hairstyles To Wow On Your Big Day
The event shouldn’t put you in enormous debt. It should be an event that you remember fondly. Most notably, every couple says you shouldn’t scrimp on a professional videographer and photographer.
Check out
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