We recently watched our wedding video – on a cool Saturday evening. If I’m being honest, my husband had to cajole me to watch it, as I wasn’t quite keen. I had an awesome wedding, and I was pretty happy with the way the day turned out. But I’d watched it before and apart from the fact that it’s kind of funny watching yourself on video, some parts of the video were kind of uncomfortable to watch. Although I didn’t really mind watching my husband tear up while saying his vows. Woohoo!
I guess different people will have different things that they consider important on the day of a wedding that’ll create such memories. For my younger brother, it was making sure that he had saved enough money to buy champagne, he could freely pop. I was so happy the photographer got a perfect shot of this. (See photo here).
The different kinds of dancers at the wedding will obviously hope for different things – For the party shakers, an awesome DJ or band is key, while the networkers simply look forward to a sensible crowd to mingle with. Oh and of course, most of the guests hope for good food and most importantly – Nigerian style small chops, at a Nigerian wedding.
But I’ve digressed too much. This post is about the top 3 things I think the couple should be concerned in creating beautiful wedding memories. Decor, Venue, Food? Nope. All these are great, but not in my top 3. So here we go:
When we drew up our wedding budget (complete with excel spread sheets, exact numbers and prices), photography was perhaps the only bit we were willing to splurge a bit on. And honestly, it’s perfectly understandable. Pictures last, but a lifetime. It’s the one thing that determines how your wedding really went. Trust me, those weddings you gush about on your favourite wedding websites, you may not gush so much if saw a lot of the behind the scenes. But the photographer often shows you the best side. What you want to see. In the best way. Right angles. Filtered. Edited.
Also remember that as the couple, you can probably only see bits of the wedding, and you probably won’t see everyone. A good photographer gives you the chance to re-experience your wedding, again – at any time. My wedding photos is definitely one of the things that make me happy. Don’t forget those are the photos you’ll probably hang up in your living room and the ones your great grandchildren will get to see. Well, I guess you can always take a cue from my mums friend that didn’t like her portrait wedding photos and so went right back to the studio with her husband to take another!
Whether you choose to call this person a Compere, Host, Master of Ceremonies (Mistress maybe, feminists?), I beg you, do not take this decision lightly. If the Photographer has the power to ruin the timeless memories of your wedding. The MC has the power to ruin it in real time. Plus your guests will never forget. And if you get all that on video, then that’s pretty timeless as well.
I felt uncomfortable watching some parts of the video because of a few improper jokes here and there. But no, we did not overlook this important bit. We had carefully noted that we wanted none of those crude adult rated wedding jokes and boring repetitive games. We wanted a simple classy MC. And we did get one. We had a meeting with him and he perfectly understood our needs, and fit in with out plans. And then on the Thursday before the wedding, there was some sort of emergency and he had to leave the country. So we didn’t really get a chance to communicate properly with the replacement MC.
At some point in my mind, I may have rolled my eyes at the jokes. My friend who is planning her wedding recently said to me “It’s better people don’t remember your MC than they do – for the wrong reasons”. I agree with her. The MC could really make everything a drag. Honestly, it doesn’t take too much to host such events in my opinion. So if you can’t afford some of these MCs, simply have a friend who you trust do it! And make sure you have a discussion with such person so they know what you expect on that day, and other necessary information.
Ta-da. I’m sure you were wondering what the final bit of this will be. Well well, for me it’s the bride. But not so much because I’m fussy. In fact, I couldn’t be bothered and I got my dress like 6 weeks before the wedding and it was pretty much the second dress I tried on. But I’ve put this in because “what’s a wedding without the bride”. Plus you know her opinion of the wedding is what really matters and she’ll be the one to gush to everyone forever about how beautiful the day was.
The groom may call in via Skype and people won’t battle an eyelid. Trust me. My husband had to leave the country for an interview to return on the Friday before the wedding. I didn’t really bat an eyelid, as to what’ll happen if he missed his return flight.
I think it’s important for the bride to be happy and look awesome on that day. Increase the budget by a tiny bit for stuff related to her if necessary. As I was very concerned about my hair, I was prepared to pay a bit more than usual, to ensure it was well laid and on fleek! Paying extra for makeup wasn’t in my plans (and I didn’t think I needed much transformation). But at the same time, I had no intention of taking my mum’s advice to do my own makeup myself. Our husbands may not be like that guy who couldn’t stop ‘wailing’ when he saw his wife. But at least, a romantic stare and a few tears will be very welcome.
That’s what I think. At the end of the day, although want beautiful memories, the wedding is just a day! Have fun and don’t go broke trying to impress. Plus if anything goes wrong, you can always write a story about it. Now if only I can get that MC’s jokes out of my head…
What do you guys think? Married? What things did you consider important. Not married? What are you willing to increase the budget for to make you happy in retrospect?
Love,
Kachee… Xx
pS: My husband read this post and asked why number 3 is just the bride and not ‘the couple’. I guess we can make a concession – if the budget allows.
ppS: Speaking about hanging wedding photos in your living room, what do you guys think about this. Compulsory or not?
Olaa Bobade
September 14, 2016 at 01:11Yaay, the post is here! Okay, okay, first to read and comment. Where’s my medal? Lol. I love this post because well.. weddings. Yes, to hanging photos in the living room and a big Yes to the wedding series. ❤❤ Laitanbee Blog
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 15:44It’s here indeed! Thank you for opening the comment section. I’m having your medal engraved. More to come on Weddings! Thanks love.
Berry Dakara
September 14, 2016 at 02:29When it was my wedding, the things that were most important to me were1. Photography2. Location3. Small Chops – I didn’t even care about the food or drinks, but small chops had to be there!4. And definitely Music – we had a band and DJ.My Favorite Photos from My WeddingBerry Dakara Blog
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 11:24Your love for small chops! I remember your wedding photos so clearly and your DIY bouquet. And successfully pulling off your out door wedding. With your dance-loving family, I can see why Music was very important.
Precious
September 15, 2016 at 21:33Hahaha Berry you have a thing for small chops!
Amakamedia
September 14, 2016 at 06:25Nice one here. Music, MC and Decorations (including cake) is very important for me. I love colours, still wondering what colours I’d choose. Till then. .YES to hanging a wedding photo, at least one (or maybe even just one), on the wall. Pictures have a way of reminding you where you’ve been, where you are and where you are going. So, I believe looking up at my picture on the wall everyday would be an inspiration. :)amakamedia.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 20:26Weird but I don’t really like cake – but I really wanted a pretty cake. I agree with at least one. Plus sometimes, it reminds you of why you made the decision to marry this person and all the happy times.Colours! It was quite a struggle, but I loved what we ended up with in the end.
Paula Olaitan Benedict
September 14, 2016 at 10:41DJ, MC, Photographer and FOOD…. very important to me
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 14:38Lol @ FOOD in capital letters. That’s obviously pretty important to you!
Paula Olaitan Benedict
September 14, 2016 at 14:51Don’t eat alot but I like good food… smiles… imagine attending a wedding and not being able to eat any of the things on the menu because the food is bad… that is all o will remember about the celebration.
Oyetunji Temitope
September 14, 2016 at 11:08Our wedding bandsPhotographyFood [main course and dessert (including ofada, fish and chips, buka amala)]MC and DJ are on the same scale of preferenceYay to “From our wedding experience”
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 11:22Oh Bands. Yes absolutely. Spoke about that in the Post on my Wedding Rings. You just made me hungry for Ofadaaaaa! I don’t think I even ate much at the wedding. But for guests I guess that’s realy important. Thanks for sharing! xx
BagosMutendiBlog
September 14, 2016 at 11:13Very helpful *furiously taking notes
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 11:20Hahahah. Not much to take down now. Thank you for reading darling!
'Dara
September 14, 2016 at 11:38Yes, yes, yes to hanging your wedding pictures. Very compulsory. Hang it everywhere possible. Well, that’s only if you invest in a good photographer that will make people swoon the moment they step into your house.I agree with Berry on the location. If you come to share in my joy, I owe it to you to make you as comfortable as possible in a serene environment.Sorry about your bad MC. Hope he didn’t make you feel too bad on the day.Please include wedding stories. I love wedding stories!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 11:50Lol @ hang it everywhere! To be honest I wouldn’t mind hanging ours everywhere. We had really pretty ones! Oh location is key. As a matter of fact – church and reception was a 2 mins walking distance. We didn’t want anyone to stress. Ok I guess this my list is a bit incomplete. That just means more wedding stories coming up. I love wedding stories too so so much.Nah, our MC didn’t ruin the day. It was still amazing! Thanks for your comment! Xx
Nengi
September 14, 2016 at 16:32I totally agree on point no 2. I found my trad wedding to be way more fun than the white. My photographer did an amazing job at an amazing price. I recommend him every time! I think food is important. Have great food and people will have a great time. Content tummies = happy people!As for displaying the wedding photos, I say YES!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 20:22I remember seeing your wedding photos in law school and asking who did your makeup and your photog! Used your MUA, and can’t remember why I didn’t use your photo again. They were really good. To be fair, Food is important. I was just being cheeky with number 3!
Brenda Mobebi
September 14, 2016 at 17:01venue from the church to the reception should be trek-able. As you stated, 2 minutes walk is perfect, at most not more than 5 minutes. A bad MC can ruin the entire mood so MC should be carefully picked or tell him what and what to say.Brenda http://brendascouch.com/201…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 14, 2016 at 20:24You’re right! We really didn’t want got stress our guests so we had to consider venue. And that MC point, people often overlook it, but it’s important!
Tamuno Tonye
September 14, 2016 at 17:23I like weddings so yes! to writing more about your wedding experiences.I didn’t realize how important MC’s are until this post,I’d really hate improper jokes at my wedding.I’d definitely have my wedding pictures around my house when I get married.www.tonyeigbani.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 17, 2016 at 23:35As in. Trust me, improper jokes can be a mess. I’ll def be writing these posts. I love them! Thanks Tonye!
Stephylately
September 14, 2016 at 18:58Hanging your wedding pics in your home is definitely a must. The MC is extremely important because he/she determines the mood of the whole event. The wedding I recently went to, had an MC who tried too hard to be funny. The whole time he spoke I just felt like slapping him lol. xwww.stephylately.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 15, 2016 at 12:40As in! Bad MCs can ruin the day. I saw your photos on IG and they looked so so lovely. Thanks for your comment love!
Bababi
September 14, 2016 at 19:08Lol Kachi the lover geh!I don’t like the idea of hanging up photos on the wall. So I’m definitely not hanging wedding photos or family photos. Fancy decorative items are more appealing to me.I agree with your 1 &2 but I’ll switch your 3 with decor instead. I say this because most brides will never forget to take care of themselves for their own wedding. They’re most likely covered on the splurging.Decor is very important. No matter how good your photog is; if the decor in the background is not great, my dear, o ti lo wo one chance o!For my wedding the most important things to me were my photographer and decor. I’m hardly ever amused with jokes- Most times I have a straight face on while watching “Night of a thousand laughs” so I really couldn’t be bothered with the MC. For my dress sef, I wasn’t fussy. My mum has this wonderful tailor; I told her what I wanted and she drew it out on paper for me. It fit what I had imagined so I didn’t bother disturbing her about when it’ll be ready bease i trusted her. My dress was ready for fitting exactly one week to the wedding and I wasn’t disappointed. As for food, my mum was the champion. Cos I dont like cooking and entertaining guest (I’m weird I know 🙈), so I didnt know the importance of this but my mum handled it so well everyone including all drivers, ushers, bouncers, gate men had enough to eat.Anyway my priority would be;1. Photography 2. Decor3. MC (awkward jokes aren’t permitted)
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 16, 2016 at 16:58True she, most brides don’t forget themselves. But the prices for Decor these days though! It’ll def be good to have a great ambience. You already know what I think about your awesome dress! We prob need to share her details or something. Lol!Thanks for always sharing with us!
Funke olotu
September 14, 2016 at 21:11Your number point Is real yunno… like it’s number one on my list… Great listhttps://funkeolotu.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 15, 2016 at 12:39I agree with you. Photography is a big deal!
Tunrie
September 15, 2016 at 11:53Taking notes. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 16, 2016 at 16:56Ku She!!
Precious
September 15, 2016 at 21:36I agree that the MC could make or break the occasion. Imagine someone who tries to crack jokes but they end up not being funny. Or an MC that is as boring as… It helps to get someone who is eloquent with a great sense of humour and awesome time management skills.Very useful post for wannabe couples!PreciousCore Blog
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 16, 2016 at 16:59Thanks Sis! Those ones whose jokes are not funny eh… gosh! Eloquence, humour and time management skills, is actually all we need. You’re spot on!
Oluwatoceen!
September 16, 2016 at 01:34Awww Kachee, i love your blog . I have been lowkeying visiting your blog without commenting because #teamlazy but the chains are broken. Amen!!Anyway am not married yet and I also agree with investing in a good photographer, another thing I would most likely increase my budget is for my looks mehn( hair, dresses, makeup inclusive) even though I feel like I already know where to get the best deals from. Another thing I really want is a turnt party mainly because I have never celebrated anything before in my life( the turn up style) but all things will definitely work out for my good😄.I didn’t expect this comment to be this long( pardon any errors)Lastly, how do you stay consistent and all around especially with your networking skill, mehn real because I actually knew when you started blogging; hmm indeed while men slept..,Keep shining dearMuch lovethatinternist.wordpress.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 16, 2016 at 16:56Amen to broken chains!!! Lol. Thanks for finally commenting. Lol @ turnt party. I know what you mean because i had also never celebrated anything like that. Maybe my 30th can be turnt again. Don’t worry, we love long comments and errors are ok (it’s not a CV). Lol!Honestly, as per consistency, I just love got write these posts as they are always in my head, and i write on the train on my phone, going to or back from work. It’s God’s grace as well though.Thank you, thank you!!
favour moyse
September 16, 2016 at 03:13Travelled and you didn’t bat an eye lid huh?
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 16, 2016 at 16:51Hahahaha. That was obviously exaggerated. Lol!
ifunanya Dibiaezue
September 16, 2016 at 07:27I completely agree with this especially the photographer and MC part(also I am a bit of a drama queen so I just know a lot of fuss will be made) Keep dropping notes girl, we need all the info we can get….xxxhttps://www.sunlightdreamer…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 16, 2016 at 17:02I’m surely going to be dropping them. I was actually being kind of cheeky with number 3. But 1 and 2 are key!
Omowumi Oguntuase
September 16, 2016 at 07:28Yes to more wedding experience posts! When I am planning my wedding, my dress is the one thing I intend to splurge on because if God would have it, I want it to be passed down to my children/grandchildren etc and they get to modify to their taste, I’ve always wanted that so getting a timeless dress would be great. Then yes the photography has to be perfect because guess who likes pictures LOL. Makeup for me won’t be that much of a big deal because I have a lot of makeup artists around me. I need to hang my wedding photo in the living room cos I need a reminder of that happy day even when things go slightly rough. LOL.https://wumituase.wordpress…
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 16, 2016 at 17:08Ah! You’re one of those who want to pass the dresses down. Amen! Hanging photos is definitely a good reminder of the happy times and all you’ve been through. I totally agree!
Tessy Onyia
September 16, 2016 at 22:00So so true Kachi, well I made sure my makeup and hair were on point, then I invited two camera men just in case one messes up hehe, then the foods& drink were sorted out as well and then the hall deco…Not forgetting my special gown, I wasn’t in a hurry, I got it a month to the wedding.Great write up.www.tessyonyia.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 17, 2016 at 23:25Hahahaha test. Two camera men! Lol. You didn’t even take chances. Food & Drink is important too! Thanks for your comment!
Lady J™
September 17, 2016 at 05:24Hello Kachi, first, well done on your blog. I have found quite some interesting reads. Keep it up!!For my husband and I, our weddings (trad & white) were awesome, near-perfect. And as testified by family & guests esp. at the white, best wedding they ever attended. For them, the overflow of all edibles and drinkables, the decor and ambience, MC, DJ, the couple and interestingly the wedding Mass.Like you and yours, we are also an ‘East meets West’ couple. I’m of Igbo descent and he is Yoruba. And we all know how easily an inter-tribal wedding can go wrong if not handled well. A major factor asides the ever-sufficient grace of God was that we were in union with our goal and priorities. We were tactical and wise with family intrusion. Also, we engaged an awesome planner who understood what we wanted and delivered. We couldn’t escape this given our busy professional lives esp. between two countries. We drew up a budget which contained every single thing from church fees to even undergarments and we followed through, back and forth with spreadsheets. Although, we spent more on a few other items, our top priorities were Church (choir, church programme esp. for a Wedding Mass), Photography, Decor and Entertainment (DJ & MC). We were also very important and were willing to spend a lil’ extra on our outfits, bride’s makeup and hair or food and drinks but we weren’t going to break the bank. E.g. With the planner’s guidance, we vetted potential vendors and it’s amazing how you can get even better quality and service from ‘silent or upcoming’ ones – underdogs. The food, drinks and all was on point and over sufficient. My makeup and hair were no doubt also on fleek and I didn’t need to spend many ‘0s’. Again, I always thought I’d wear a reception dress being that my mum wore one when my parents got married in the early 70’s. But along the line, growing up, I wished more to find the ‘ideal’ dress which I’d enjoy wearing and rocking the entire day. And, yes I did, so even when I was offered a free customized reception dress, I declined politely. Some day, I wish to share on how to plan and have a beautiful fun wedding (for couple and guests) on a reasonable budget. Yeah, ‘reasonable’ is relative but from what most people (asides us and our planner) thought we spent, it sure was.We celebrate our 1st anniversary soonest and occasionally it’s these pictures and videos that remind us of how we started our journey.As per pictures, we just have a table top picture of us in the living room. It doesn’t look like a wedding picture until a closer look due to the illusion of light. Instead, our best pre-wedding photo is the main picture on the wall. BTW, the pre-wedding photoshoot was done late evening before the church wedding to tell you how chilled we were – it wasn’t a so much of a priority but it was a good way to start our bond with the photography team. Our big wedding picture is yet to find its resting place but definitely not in the living room – most likely along a walkway or even the bedroom.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 17, 2016 at 23:34Lady J! Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing with us. Read your comment with my husband and we could totally relate. Mass was our priority as well, and the church too! If you don’t mind maybe we can even feature you on the blog, and you could share your love story, including all the planning details of the wedding. I’ll love to know how planning for the day went and issues that came up if any, plus your tips on planning on a reasonable budget! Please say yes!Congrats on your forth coming anniversary! God bless your union always!
Abby
September 17, 2016 at 09:58Yes yes yes to more wedding stories! I don’t mind the idea of hanging wedding pictures. My dad has wedding photographs of my older siblings hung in our living room.Only thing I know for now about my wedding is I want KSA to be there 😂😭 and none of that purple hued decor and photography I see all around these days. 😑. The rest is a blur really. Lool.When I get to that bridge will cross it.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 17, 2016 at 10:07Loool! You sound just like Tee who wants KSA at everything! I think parents often hang their kids’ wedding photos. Lol! I havn’t noticed the purple hued decor + photog! These things change everyday! Thanks Abby for always reading! ❤️
Abby
September 22, 2016 at 07:29Haha! Glad I’m not alone on KSA. You’re very welcome. You create really interesting content! Xx😘
oma amadi
September 17, 2016 at 17:48Yay , hi kachee I’ve been a silent reader for a while now, but am commenting today because I feel I’ll learn a lot from your experience, so yay to it
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 17, 2016 at 17:50Hi!! Thanks for finally commenting! I really appreciate, and I’ll be sharing the rest of it in due course! 😘
Praise Abu
September 19, 2016 at 10:47Big Yay… I really enjoyed this post and I look forward to reading more posts from this series. I don’t think it is compulsory to hang wedding photos in the living room but for some reason it has become a tradition that has existed and still exist. The couple should decide and do whatever works for them. Hanging wedding photos is a personal decision that should be made by the couple.My Style Look Book Series
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 19, 2016 at 15:39Thanks a lot love! I’ll surely be writing them. And you’re spot on. I think the hanging photos is a tradition, but ultimately, it’s a personal decision.
Bubu Green
September 19, 2016 at 16:11Ahhh Kachee! How did I miss this post? Bad MCs “weeee not keeee us!” I wish I could erase the blunders from my head. I was a radio presenter so I specifically asked my former colleague at that time to compere at my wedding because he is a classy MC. Some pressing issues made him decline few days to the wedding. So we got another who wasn’t as classy in his jokes but could crack us up. During my wedding reception, I just noticed a change in MC. I wondered where ours went but still went with the flow. The proxy MC was doing okay. Suddenly,he just started saying unnecessary rude jokes. I was his bait twice. If you look at my wedding fotos, I had a straight face and plastic smile from a particular time to the end. Cos he just ruined it for me. We had to call him in the middle of his jokes to tell him he was off. But he had already ruined it. I cringe when i watch that part of my video. I want to even edit them all out. We found out the official MC got a news about his Dad’s demise so he was excused. My top 3 will be photography, decor, music! If you add 4th-MC. As for food and drinks, I really don’t care. My wedding is not “Tantalizers”, hoping to eat heaven and earth. Love, love this post. Yayyy to more! I got a couple of stories too especially on MCs. http://www.bubusboulevard.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 20, 2016 at 20:17In fact Bubu!!! So sad. I don’t know why they think some jokes are funny. Lol @ wedding not being tantalisers. I can relate to that. But you know our people. We like food! Looking forward to your stories and I’ll def be writing more!
Eny
September 21, 2016 at 15:50Hi Kachi, Im a first time visitor to your blog and was referred from Berry Dakara’s.Pls help me with this “hanging wedding photos in your living room” discussion o.We are planning to get married soon and Le Boo says its not his style. He’s more laid back and if he had his way, wont wear a wedding band either.My question is: what makes the difference between my single self and my married self???PLS HELP!!!
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
September 21, 2016 at 20:36Hi Eny! Thanks for stopping by! My husband isn’t a fan either of hanging photos in the living room. But I like it, so we have a couple. I think you can reach an agreement. Maybe hang it somewhere that isn’t too conspicuous, or the dinning or a wall. There are lots of nice ways to hang photos these days that everyone loves. You can browse to find some. He’ll like them. And even if he doesn’t he’ll prob do it to make you happy. As for rings, hahahaha. I’m sure we both know he’ll wear it for you! But theres a lot of difference in your single self, hahaha. It’s not the same – even if you don’t hang your photos.Hope you had a nice time on the blog!. I really hope you’ll be a regular! Xx
Yummy Mum Life
September 22, 2016 at 14:07OK!!Mine would be decor,photography and food especially here in Nigeria.People can wait for item 7 like no man’s business plus I like better food biko.So yes all in that order.That reminds me I’ve been looking for the CD that has my wedding pictures so I can move them somewhere and I haven’t found it.Mscheww!!www.CheecheeLIVE.com
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 9, 2016 at 21:41I think I’ve lost the flash that has my wedding photos as well! Gosh. Thankful I have them on DropBox so have to move them to another flash!Look! Nigerians are so dramatic about food. I guess it’s important.
Vivian AF
October 16, 2016 at 16:41I’m currently planning my wedding and my top 3 right now: Excess Food options, Photography and Traditional outfits.I think they’ll change every month until the big day.
Kachee || KacheeTee.com
October 16, 2016 at 16:53I have a feeling your number 2 will remain constant even if 1 and 3 change. All the best with planning! Xx
Live In Ibadan
December 10, 2016 at 21:00Ehy! Iffa hear say you wont bat an eyelid if the groom doesnt show up. No groom, no wedding owww.liveinibadan.blogspot.com