Wednesday, 18 November 2015

Yaaay! The Heiress is Getting Married.

Yaaaay! So i will be getting married sometimes this month to the most amazing man EVER! Along side mine, i am also planning for a couple of brides as well and I'm supposed to be stressed right, but I'm not, not in the least. And I will explain why.

My not being stressed is not because this is my area of specialization, no. It's because of some wedding planning rules I followed. One, I am not having a wedding above my means, keeping my guest list trim, using affordable vendors (affordable is relative though). And all my vendors have been paid in full. Once this is done, you can rest, hire a coordinator and concentrate on other things.

The trick is, once you have selected all your vendors, start paying them the minute the money gets to you, don't wait. Don't hope that they will reduce their prices. Get their best deals, you can compare prices with other vendors you like as well, then settle for one and pay.

You really do not want to be thinking about vendors balances on your wedding day when you can sit, relax and enjoy your day.

One more thing, brides don't forget your beauty facials. Make out time for it! Natureglows beauty spa at No 32, James Robertson, Surulere is the best spa in Lagos hands down!

Photo Credit: @Studio24nigeria

Makeup: @swans makeovers

Wedding logo: @ebenezerruth

Facials: @natureglows

Olamide~ The Heiress

10 Things Couples Wish They Knew Before Getting Married

There are couples who are ready for marriage that get married and then there are couples who are not ready for marriage that get married. Knowing about the ten following things sure will help make that marriage easier either way:

1. There are no 'her' chores and 'his' chores. – Everyone can do a little bit of everything; it’s life and it helps make the world of home go round and round.

2. Every talk ever should be had beforehand. – The usual, kids, religion, money, home, time and chores, etc.

3. Pick what side of the bed you want with caution. – It will never change once you pick it.

4. You shouldn’t have to always do everything together. – She has her time and he has his time.

5. Private bank accounts. – Money in a relationship should be equal; you pay bills together and the money that is left over should be shared. Use on items each other wants or go out to eat. Enjoy it.

6. Think of how you will both be like when under the worst case scenario. – Going through the hard times together is what will make you stronger; it is what will determine if you will last as a couple or not. Getting married is serious and before doing so, as a couple you should have gone through something major together.

7. Know when some space and time is needed. – Knowing when it is better to not say something can come in handy, just like knowing when you need to let them watch their show in bed while you do the dishes and take out the trash so both can just cool down some.

8. Have an idea of what to eat for all meals. – This makes going shopping for groceries a lot easier and won’t leave you looking for something to eat when hungry.

9. When living together, each should have their own little area. – An office perhaps to retreat to and a garage to work in, something for someone is good enough to get some work done and to relax all at once.

10. Being able to resolve conflicts like pros is what will really make you guys so awesome. – This simply means that you two have really good communication skills and that you know you will always be able to work through anything and everything.

Olamide~ The Heiress

Do Not Marry Your Spouse Until You Can Honestly Answer These 20 Questions

Maybe you’ve been together a while and are considering taking a big step, or perhaps you just started seeing one another and aren’t sure if you should stay the course.Whatever your situation, a check-in is never a bad thing.

1. Is for better or worse making me better or worse?

Does your partner encourage you to be your best self, or does he or she get intimidated by any triumphs and feel more secure when you’re not putting your best foot forward?

2. Do we really accept one another?

There will always be things you want to change about the people in your life, but no one should be in a situation where they feel they aren’t allowed to be authentic and accepted as the unique, special (yet flawed) person they are.

3. Who am I?

How can you know if your partner is a good match if you have no idea who you are?

4. Am I happy to be in this relationship?

The idea of sharing a life together is not to find someone to complete you or make you happy. But let’s face it: being unhappy at home can seep into other areas of your life … and fast. If you’re always fighting or just generally not feeling great about your twosome, it doesn’t mean you have to bail out (counseling might be a good option) but marrying someone in the hope that it changes things is a bad, bad idea.

5. Am I feeling trapped?

Do you really want to be in this relationship the majority of the time or do you find yourself wishing for a way out? Do you stay because you’ve invested time or are you really invested in your mate?

6. What am I doing to hold us back?

Maybe you could be more attentive, more thoughtful, quicker to let things go, or the first to bring up going to counseling. Whatever it is, take this as your sign to step up.

7. Is this relationship balanced?

Do you feel you’re both on the same page in terms of compromise, care, support and sacrifice? Or is one of you doing most of the giving while the other just sits with their hand out?

8. Can we have fun together?

Have you ever seen two people sit across from one another in silence at brunch as though they are being forced to walk through their day together? Not. fun.

9. Can we have fun apart?

Co-dependency ain’t cute, y’all.

10. Why am I in this relationship?

Is it because you respect, love, trust, and value the person you are with? Or because you’re afraid of being alone, worried about finances, or have built a life you’re scared to leave?

11. Where is this going?

Living in the “now” is great, but eventually the partnership will need a plan or someone will begin to feel anxious.

12. Do I really trust my partner?

For some, the immediate response to this can be devastating. If you’re one of them, it’s time to ask why and how you can begin to build or rebuild trust. Without it, there’s no chance.

13. Am I with a good person?

Knowing what you know about your partner today, would you vouch for them if they were a friend?

14. Am I attracted to my partner?

Physical attraction is hardly the most important component in a relationship, but forcing yourself to be in a relationship with someone who you’re not attracted to, just because it’s comfortable or “perfect on paper” isn’t fair to anyone. You will feel resentful and they will feel rejected.

15. Am I a parent or a partner?

Taking care of someone you love is a great thing to do, but when you feel like you’re raising a boyfriend — or worse, a husband — things get a little complicated. You’ll resent his childish ways. Who wants to sleep with their mom?

16. Does my partner have my back?

Do you feel like you’re a part of a loyal team who stands up for one another, supports one another, and shows a united front (even when the other is not around)? Or, do you feel like you’re constantly being thrown under the bus by your mate?

17. Are we looking in the same direction?

Some couples avoid having the big talks (religion, marriage, babies) because they think that, somehow, these things will just “work themselves out.” By the time they realize they won’t, they’re in a complicated, painful situation that leaves one (or both) feeling a little bit duped.

18. Are we growing together?

Being a human being living on this earth, we all have a right to grow and develop, and create a full life for ourselves. Are you and your partner still indulging in your passions (individual and shared) and growing as individuals?

19. Am I still me?

Being in love with someone should not require changing our identity to fit someone else’s idea of who we should be, on any level.

20. What is my gut telling me?

You have intuition for a reason. Listen to yourself.

Olamide~ The Heiress

Wedding Tip Wednesday

Get Him Involved

Include your man in the planning. Find things he will be interested in. Odds are he won't care about the make-up artist you choose but he might be interested in the bar setup, the photography and the DJ.

Questions to ask your Wedding Vendors before hiring them Part 2 (Makeup Artist)

The person you choose to provide your makeup services on the day of your wedding will likely be spending several hours with you and your bridal party. So it is important that you trust and like him or her.

Here is a list of questions that you should ask most of, if not all, based on your needs and circumstances, to ensure you’re hiring a professional who will provide the level of services you deserve on Your Day.

1) How do I book you for my wedding date? Do you require a deposit? What about a contract?

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. There should also be provisions made for unusual or unforeseen events like cancellation of the contract or illness on the wedding day. This gives you legal recourse to recover your funds if the artist does not provide the services as agreed.

2) Will it be YOU at my wedding or another artist? What happens if you can’t make it on my day?

The artist who does your Trial Run or Preview Session should be the artist who does your makeup on your wedding day. This is the person you’ve discussed the details of your wishes and developed a report with. Some larger studios and salons will not give you that promise, so be sure to ask. Also ask what happens if that artist is unable to come on your wedding day.

3) How many weddings have you done? Do you normally work with brides?

Just as in any profession, makeup artists can “specialize” in any number of areas. Those who work with brides exclusively will understand their needs better than an artist who works with runway models or for print advertising.

4) What is your background? Where did you learn to apply makeup?

I do not believe that this is the most important question to ask, it should still be asked. After all, there are incredibly talented artists who have never set foot in a classroom! The artist’s portfolio or most recent work should weigh more heavily in your decision. But the answer to this question may give you insight into who this person is and whether you’ll “click” with them.

5) May I see your portfolio?

Her portfolio will give you a good indication of her versatility and style. Are all the faces made up the same way, or has she brought out the best in each face?

6) Do you have a website or blog?

This is a good indication of the artist’s level of professionalism and dedication to her career. You will probably gain your first impression of the artist from online media, and so it should be informative, complete and current. Any artist with photos of work she did in the 19th century on her site is not the artist you want on your wedding day.

7) May I call a few references?

This is probably the most forgotten or skipped step in hiring any wedding professional, not just makeup artists. But hearing feedback from previous bridal clients ensures this artist is working regularly in the bridal field.

8) What do you charge?

This shouldn’t be the only criteria you look at before hiring an artist, it must be considered, of course! Ask about packages that fit the size of your bridal party or if there’s a price discount with a certain size group. Also ask what’s included in that rate, such as products for touch-ups or if she stays through the ceremony.

9) What size of bridal party do you accommodate? How long will it take to get makeup for my bridal party of <fill in the blank>?

If you have a large bridal party, this will be a very important question to ask. If you ceremony is at 11:00 AM and you have 8 bridesmaids, be prepared to be out of bed early that day. Most artists will need a minimum of 30 minutes with each bridesmaid, to as much as an hour with the bride. Make sure you carefully plan enough time on the wedding day so that preparations are not rushed.

10) Can you duplicate a makeup look from pictures in a magazine?

Not all artists are comfortable working from a picture, while others may insist you provide one. Just be sure the picture you choose is of a woman with similar bone structure and skin tone as yourself. Eye makeup styles that look great on large, almond-shaped eyes like Jackie Appiah’s will not look the same on smaller, round eyes like Genevieve.

11) What methods of payment do you accept?

Make sure that you have the funds available for her preferred payment method and get a receipt for every installment.

12) What kinds/brands of products do you use? Is this makeup good for pictures or photography?

You may not recognize the name brands used by pro artists, and that’s OK. What you’re really looking for is to exclude any artists who use one specific brand exclusively. As a professional who has used many, many brands, I can assure you that no single company does everything “right” for every person or situation. Select an artist who can change products to fit your needs and your skin.

13) How do I keep my makeup fresh for the whole day? How will the product wear? What about color-matched products to touch up with?

This is another area where choice of products is so important, and having an artist that can tailor those products to fit your needs and skin. Professional products will stay fresh looking for many hours longer than most consumer-grade products. Many artists will also provide products for touch-ups at her cost or include it in her services.

14) I have skin allergies or severe acne. Can you work with me? Do you airbrush? Can you contour my face? How about covering blemishes or my tattoo? Do you apply false lashes? Do you do wedding hair?

Based on your particular needs, you may want to ask some or all of these questions and I’ve listed them here as a group.

15) Do you charge a travel or location fee? How far do you travel? What other travel-related expenses will I need to cover? What will be the total cost of the services I want?

Many artists will offer to travel to your wedding location for your wedding day, you need to ask what the extra fee will cost but for your trial run, you may be required to travel to their studio or salon.

16) What happens at the Trial Run or Preview Session? Do I come to you for this appointment? How much is the Trial or is it included in your services? How long will the Trial Run take? What is included in the Trial Run?

The Trial Run or Preview Session is so important to ensure that the makeup your artist provides on Your Day is everything that you want. It’s a good idea to take a camera with you to preserve the look she creates for you.

17) On my wedding day, do I come to you, or do you travel to my venue (or where I’m getting dressed)?

18) Do you sell cosmetic products? Will my bridal party hear a sales pitch on my wedding day?

Is she an artist or a sales person? On your wedding day, do you really want to hear a sales pitch, or have your bridal party surprised by one? In my opinion, that’s not only unprofessional, but also rude.

19) How many events will you work on my wedding day?

This is often an overlooked, yet crucial, question to ask before booking. If preparations on The Day don’t go quite as planned and run late, you need to know that your makeup artist will not be leaving before all the bridesmaids are done, just because she has another wedding that day. You also want to ensure you won’t be the third bridal party she’s worked for that day and arriving at your venue with dirty equipment and physically tired. Keep in mind, though, that an artist who works this way may also have a minimum booking requirement, especially on weekends or for in-demand dates.

I hope you find these tips useful. Good luck!

6 Ways To Stop Feeling Insecure In Your Relationship

I’ve always wanted to write a piece on insecurity but something was stopping me: my own fears. I used to be a very insecure person in the past, because I was too insecure to ever imagine being happy with someone or to amount to anything in front of others. I had a lot of issues in the past that I drove through and they still haunt me sometimes. But now, I think it’s time I finally write on insecurities; this is going to be very personal. Insecurities work like cancer, they can slowly destroy you from the inside and in lieu of those insecurities, you destroy every meaningful relationship you have in your life.This article is going to be solely about insecurities in relationships, this is going to be about the fear, the sorrow, the feelings people feel when they’re insecure and how to deal with those insecurities. Let’s begin.

6. Perfect relationships don’t exist

Welcome to the real world, where nobody is perfect and the consequences of the choices you make are very real. Don’t let yourself be brainwashed by what you see in the movies, there is no such thing as a “perfect relationship” in this world no matter how much two people love each other. Don’t blame yourself or the person you’re with if the relationship you’re in is the relationship you’ve fantasized about and then be insecure about it and let your mind play tricks on you. We are all human, we are bound to make mistakes and our imperfections are what make us beautiful.

5. Don’t be a mind reader

Silence is beautiful, don’t be scared of it. “Silence is golden”. Sometimes, people take the silence of their partners as a trigger to something negative. Thoughts start coming in their heads; thoughts like “What are they thinking?”, “Is it something I said?”, “Are they trying to hide something?” or my personal favorite “Are they cheating on me?”. Your mind will go as deep into the negatives as you let it, don’t let it. Don’t try to read your partner’s mind and respect their privacy, no matter how close you are to your partner. Don’t let insecurities play a part in this, once you let your mind wander through the field of the negatives, you’ll never come back. Give them space. These sort of situations arise when there is a gap in communication, as I’ve said a thousand times before that communication should be very strong in every relationship. Say what your heart wants you to say and don’t let insecurities come in between.

4. Don’t base anything on the past

People develop insecurities from past experiences. Talking about myself here, I was too afraid to trust anyone after my last relationship. I was too insecure about myself to let anyone love me or to let myself fall in love with someone. I just didn't believe that a 'happy ever after' was meant for me. It was because of how many times I was cheated on in the past. But it was unfair to anyone new in my life that I base everything on my past. I’m rejecting their care, their love, their trust, their affection based on something someone did to me years ago. I knew it was wrong, so I dealt with it. I learned to not be insecure about myself and I let myself free. If you stay in the past, you’ll never live your life; you’ll just ponder over what could have been and what should have been. Remove the “have beens” from your life and live today!

3. Stop creating issues

I used to be this person (honestly, I think I still am, but I'm a work in progress): the person who used to make new issues out of nothing, I used to find problems that didn’t even exist. I was a very pessimistic and negative person. I used to be one of those people who think something bad is going to happen, even if life is as good as it can be. Stop doing that to yourself. If nothing’s wrong, it actually means nothing’s wrong! We start creating small problems out of thin air and they slowly develop into major arguments and fights and nobody knows what started them. Be naturally happy; it’s not going to be easy but just enjoy life, enjoy the time you spend with your partner and don’t let any sort of negativity come into your mind even for a second.

2. Hearsay

Don’t let society make you insecure about your relationship. People love to talk, people love to judge, people have more than enough free time in their hands to just sit and talk about others and not in a good way, that’s what people do and that’s something that shouldn’t affect you in the slightest. Don’t be someone who lets hearsay affect their relationship (I honestly still wonder how celebrities cope with this). In one ear and out the other is how you should be when it comes to “what others say” about the person you love. You love someone, not for everyone else, but for yourself; you know why you love them, you know why they make you smile, you know everything about them, “people” just know your names. Don’t let them bother you.

1. Negative thoughts

Insecurities basically are negative thoughts. They can be personal, they can be about someone else, they can go anywhere if you let them. Steer clear of the negative thoughts and don’t let them give birth to a new insecurity in your life. Be a positive person, be someone people love being around and spending time with, project a positive aura around you. It takes one very small negative thought to give birth to a very big train of thought of negativity where you can easily get lost and never return. Be kind, be grateful, be generous and be positive!

Article from Facebook

Wedding Tip Wednesday

Make It Yours

It's your Wedding day after all, don't forget that. Add personal touches that will remind you of that. From your wedding Stationery through to your decorations and souvenirs.

Speaking of Wedding Stationery, You all should check out @ebenezerruth on instagram, they make the most beautiful wedding stationery and they really know how to create a uniform design all through, from the invitation cards to the Wedding Programmes to the table place cards to other little items that may seem insignificant until they bring it out. Well done guys! (You had better pay me, free advert) lol.

Questions To Ask Your Vendors Before Hiring Them, part 1 (caterers)

1. CAN THE CATERER PROVIDE REFERENCES FROM PREVIOUS CLIENTS?

References can tell you what you may not find out just by talking to the caterer, including what it's like to work with this company or individual. Get at least two references who had a similar number of wedding guests and reception menu style.

2. Is the caterer working any other weddings or events on the same weekend or same day?

Sometimes, caterers will stack two or more events onto the same day or weekend. This doesn't have to be a deal breaker by any means, but you want to be sure if the caterer does have other events and if your wedding will get the staff and attention it deserves.

3. Does the caterer specialize in certain types of food, such as local, ethnic or continental dishes? Does the caterer work with fresh, not frozen, food?

If you have a particular type of cuisine in mind, use a caterer who specializes in it. Not only will they have all the right resources, the caterer will also know how to properly prepare the food, meaning better, tastier results. Let's face it -- asking a local chef to create country-French cooking probably isn't going to end well.

4. Does the catered meal come full service?

This just means that the caterer, in addition to food preparation, will handle everything from the table settings to bar service and cleanup. What's included depends on the catering company and the packages they offer. If it isn't full service, you'll have to find (and pay) additional staff.

5. What's the average price range, and does the caterer offer packages? How many appetizer and entrée choices come with the package? Are costs itemized depending on the foods you choose, or does the caterer offer an all-inclusive rate?

A good chunk of your budget will go to catering, so take some time to carefully weigh your options when choosing a caterer.

Packages can save you some serious money, especially if you plan on having a lengthy guest list. Some catering packages include appetizers, salad, entrée and dessert (or cake), plus bar services in some cases.

If your caterer does offer multiple packages, ask for sample menus to determine which one works best for you.

6. When does the caterer need finalized choices?

Your caterer needs to know your menu choices by a certain date, so they'll have all the ingredients ready to go for the day of your wedding.

7. When will the tasting take place? Does the caterer offer tastings before being hired?

Reading reviews of a wedding caterer is one thing, but you'll need to taste the food yourself to be sure. Definitely opt to do it beforehand if possible it will allow you to make an informed decision.

8. Will the caterer provide cutlery, plates, napkins, charger plates – and are they extra charges?

If a caterer doesn't outfit their events with these necessary items and you want them, you'll have to rent them yourself, which can quickly add up to your budget. Even if a caterer does have them, ask to see them to make sure they're up to par. Also ask if it comes at an additional charge.

9. Will the caterer provide waiters? How many are included in the package and what's the fee for additional waiters?

Top caterers say they always use their own servers, even if the you want to provide them. They know the ins and outs of how the company operates, so they're better able to provide seamless service. You'll want about 2 waiters for every six tables for a sit-down meal.

10. What will the caterer and their staff wear?

You want to make sure the catering staff dresses appropriately for the tone and style of your wedding – if you're planning a formal black-tie wedding, you might not want waiters in polo shirts.

11. Will the caterer provide drinks, or do you need to handle the it separately?

Why you want to know: Most catering companies supply the drinks, but supplying it yourself can save you money.

12. How do delivery, setup and breakdown work? What does the caterer do and is there an additional fee? How much time will the caterer need to set up? When will the caterer need access to the wedding site?

You need these details in order to coordinate with your wedding venue and determine a time when your caterer can start setting up. You also need to know how much time the caterer needs for clean-up, because some venues may have a restriction on how late staff can stay. Meaning you'll have to pay the wedding venue extra fee for the extra time.

13. Where will the caterer prepare the food? Are there on-site facilities, Bride's parents house? Or the wedding venue will have to provide facilities for them?

If the caterer has to bring in equipment, there may be an additional fee. So before you decide on a company, make sure you know what type of facilities your wedding venue has and the potential obstacles this could pose for the type of caterer.

14. Will the caterer set out the wedding place cards and menus we created?

If the caterer says no, you'll need to enlist the help of your wedding planner, a family member or friend to deal with these wedding details. No matter who is putting them out, give them instructions (and a photo) of how you want them displayed at the wedding reception.

15. Who will oversee the event on the wedding day? Will the same caterer you worked with when planning also oversee meal service on the day? What will happen if he's sick or otherwise unable to be there?

Ideally, the person you worked with from the catering company throughout the planning process (and who best understands your needs) will be your wedding day contact. If this person isn't available, they should have a suitable replacement in mind from the company (ask to meet with this person too).

16. Does the caterer have extra charges, such as a security deposit (caution fee)?

Any extra charges from the caterer are going to affect your bottom line, so it's best to know ahead of time to plan for it.

17. How does the caterer arrange the food on the buffet or plate? Can you see photos of previous presentations from the caterer?

Presentation is everything, and even the most delectable dish can seem unappetizing if poorly presented by the caterer. You've put a lot of time and effort into all of your other wedding details— the food shouldn't be any different.

I hope this helps when selecting your wedding catering vendor.

Olamide~ The Heiress

5 things you do everyday that are unknowingly harming your relationship

Are you feeling a slump in your marriage? If you’re like most couples, your relationship with your spouse has its share of ups and downs. But if it feels like something has been off for a while, one of these five culprits could be to blame. If you can take control of these little things, you are bound to see an upswing in your marriage.

1. Going to bed at different times

Going to bed at different times may not seem like a big deal, but it can have a much bigger impact on your marriage than you think. According to psychologists, spouses who go to bed at different times report significantly less relationship satisfaction than those on the same schedule. They have more conflict, spend less time in shared activities and serious conversation, and have sex less frequently than couples with similar sleeping schedules. Syncing up might be difficult if one of you is a night owl while the other is an early bird. Making compromises that allow you to lie down together each night will be worth the overall benefit to your relationship.

2. Bringing office work home

Though it isn’t always possible, do your best to leave work at work. It’s an important part of maintaining the ideal marriage relationship. Not only does it take away from time with your spouse, it’s enough to cause a vicious stress cycle that will do anything but help your love life. Don’t check your work email and remember to change your clothes promptly when you get home and take a vacation once in a while to help recharge and reconnect with your spouse or family. After all, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

3. Avoiding eye contact

Between chores, children, and mobile devices, spouses have little time to look each other in the eyes and make a connection. Eye contact can be especially meaningful in today’s world of constant partial attention and it conveys a sentiment that the person you’re with matters. Taking that extra time when possible can really yield benefits with face-to-face interaction. Make it a priority to set aside time during the day to focus on each other away from all the distractions.

4. Allowing technology in the bedroom

If you find yourself turning to your cellphone, laptop or television more often than paying attention to your spouse in bed, it might be time to declare the bedroom off limits for technological devices. Take technology out of the bedroom and suddenly you have a lot more time for one another. A few seconds or a couple minutes everyday can make a world of difference.

5. Not taking time for yourself

When you invest a lot of your time into others, you need time to recharge yourself. It’s easy for parents to think they need to be on hand for every beck and call. If you think you can’t get away, think again. Taking care of yourself will make you a better parent and partner. You’ll be more fun to be around and more responsive to your family.

I believe everyone deserves a little luxury and some “me” time every now and again. Make your bedroom a safe haven with comfy sheets and treat yourself to some extra luxury. Make your bedroom the sanctuary you and your spouse need to reconnect and improve your marriage relationship.

Olamide~ The Heiress

The Smaller The Better: Small And Intimate Weddings

I am always amazed by couples who contact me for small budget weddings and go ahead to say they are expecting 500 to 700 guests with a really small budget.

When planning a "small wedding" size really does matter. Start off by deciding whether you want a low buget small wedding or an extravagant low-key wedding with a few guests.

When planned right, know that a low-budget small wedding with a few guests can look really elegant and classy. And when it comes to weddings, smaller may actually be better.

There is more time for the bride and groom to spend with their guests, the group really gets to know one another, and everyone contributes to the event in his or her own way.

Intimate celebrations, it seems, have certain advantages. Here, we unveil the truth behind small celebrations.

Limit the Guest List

Do you find yourself agonizing over the guest list thinking, who is so and so? No mother's best friend's club will be attending your wedding. Read on how to trim your guest list here

Not wanting to deal with a sea of unfamiliar faces on such an emotional day, some couples decide to limit their lists agreeing that a smaller celebration can create a more joyful atmosphere:

Bonus: There are so many creative options for locations when one is not trying to accommodate hundreds of guests.

Now the hard part: You may be greeted by howls of protest from your families when you ask them to cut down portions of their lists to the lean-and-mean few who really matter. And, of course, you and your sweetheart must be prepared to do the same.

This may mean having to explain to friends who expected to be there why they will not receive an invitation. There is no easy way to do this, except to be perfectly honest. Tell your friends that you are keeping the event very small and limiting the list. But be prepared for the occasional hurt feelings and lingering bitterness.

Keep to a Smaller Budget

You might decide that a three-course meal for 200 guests is better than jollof rice and soft drinks for 500 guests. Some couples having over 400 guests have cut their guest lists to the bare minimum in order to maximize their budgets. It becomes a choice between cutting corners in order to have 150 guests or cutting the list in half and having everything just the way you envision the day. And yes, it is possible.

Treat Your Guests Well

A small wedding gives you the chance to really go all out. Perhaps guests can stay at a luxurious hotel or your reception party can be more elaborate and take place in a fancy restaurant with a wine-pairing for each course.

I know one wedding where all 150 guests were picked up by fancy cars and were delivered to the wedding ceremony. Afterward, guests were taken to a private room at a top-notch restaurant for an unforgettable reception.

Keeping things small means that the extra details, like providing limousine service, loaded gift baskets, and three-course feasts for your guests, are suddenly more accessible. Think boxes of chocolate instead of small chops, the best champagne rather than cheap wines, the list is endless really.

Pay Attention to the Details

Often when a pair is planning a small wedding they're inclined not to hire a wedding consultant.

The heiress warns: smaller is not synonymous with simpler. When the wedding is small, every detail is noticed, so careful attention to detail is called for.

There is no hiding behind the crowd at a small celebration -- little things that might have gone unnoticed with 500 people milling around but will be painfully obvious with 200 and under.

Make it Entertaining

This is perhaps the best part of having a smaller wedding: With fewer people on the scene, it's easy to get everyone into the act somehow.

Depending on how small the event will be, you can have the Emcee have them stand and encircle you as you exchange your vows, seat them at one big table at the wedding reception, or pass around a blank guest book and big box of colored pencils for all to share their favorite memories of the bride and groom.

Please and please make sure you hire a good, infact a great DJ or a band. A dull band or DJ can totally ruin a small wedding, there is nothing worse than your guests not being able to dance and shake it off after good food and wine.

I hope this helps with your decisions. All the best!

Olamide~ The Heiress

Wedding Tip Wednesday

Gift List Tip

For couples who normally opt to have a gift list, make your wedding list as varied as possible. Don't worry about putting too many things on it. It is better to put a variety of prices and items on your list. This way, many of your guests won't go off-list and will be able to find their budget range.

Beautiful Colour Combos for 2015 and 2016 brides

Picture Credit- Nigerian wedding blog

Let me start by saying that you can use any colour combo for your wedding. As long as you or your wedding planner use the right elements to actualize the effect you are trying to create, I think you will be just fine with whatever colour or colours you decide to use on your wedding day.

I have come to realize that choosing the right colour seems to be quite an uneasy task for a lot of brides. Sometimes, a bride can change her colours up to 6 times before eventually deciding on a colour. So I thought maybe if these brides knew what some colours meant, it would help them in making a decision faster. Hence my decision to add colour meanings to this article.

I was surfing the internet and came across these colour combos for our brides-to-be! I added a few pictures so that you can picture of what your day could look like. I hope you find this useful as you prepare for your wedding!

BASIC COLOURS AND THEIR MEANINGS