5 Things to Consider when Making Hotel Reservations for your Wedding

So the wedding is almost planned, and suddenly someone (your mom, your well meaning BFF, your  partner) brings up hotel reservations. Do you have an hotel block booked? It seems like a thing people do. Should you do it? Or is it just one more thing to add to the list?

Short answer: Only you knows for sure.

Longer answer:  Hotel blocks are fantastic when you want as many people as possible in one place for logistical or transportation reasons, if you’re hoping people will stay near the actual wedding, if everything else is going to be booked up... One thing you must know is the actual number of guests you want to reserve rooms for, because you don’t want to be stuck paying out of pocket for twenty rooms that your guests wouldn't use.

Here are some key points to consider:

WHEN TO RESERVE: Location of the wedding and  time of year are both key factors that determine when you should get this done. Is your wedding happening in a small town with limited accommodation, during a holiday weekend, or concurrent with a sporting event/convention? Book early! Essentially, once you book your venue, it’s time to start researching hotel options.

PRICE: I suggest giving your guests two or three options in price (i.e., budget, midrange, luxury). Make sure that the price points vary by at least by N1,000 to N5,000 from one category to the next.

LOCATION: Try to book a hotel that is near your wedding events. Hotels within walking distance (or located near transportation) are the best option. Otherwise, your hotels should ideally be within ten miles of your wedding venue. Also, choosing hotels near other attractions and restaurants will give people who arrive before the wedding have something to do (they will thus leave you alone while you’re scrambling to take care of any last minute items).

CHECK-OUT TIME: Many of your guests will only stay the night of your wedding. It’s important to make sure that the check-out time does not conflict with your ceremony start time (and leaves plenty of time to freshen up before the event starts). Guests who are arriving on the wedding day will need time to check-in and get ready. If you’re planning a 2PM ceremony and check-out time is 3PM, well, some of your guests are going to be annoyed because they had to get dressed in a lobby bathroom. Not fun.Once you’ve narrowed down the search, reach out to some hotels for initial offers.

MAKE THE DEPOSIT: The hotel requires a deposit in order to block off rooms and will hold you financially responsible for any unsold rooms. Sometimes it’s a percentage, sometimes it’s a real number—this is what’s called the deposit fee. The ONLY time I recommend doing a full payment is when the hotel is literally the only game in town and you are as close to certain as possible that all rooms will be snapped UP.

QUESTIONS TO ASK DURING YOUR INITIAL CONTACT

What is the discount for booking ahead?

Is there a fee for parking?

Does the parking fee include in/out privileges? Like washing of car and security?

What time is check-out?

Is there a minimum stay requirement?

Can you reserve one block of rooms? So that your guests can be In one place.

What is the maximum number of rooms that can be reserved?

If we need additional rooms, can we add to the block?

What would the cut-off be for adding rooms?

What sort of amenities come standard (shuttles, breakfast, free in-room Wi-Fi, etc.)?

Is there a bar and restaurant onsite? What are the hours?

Do you have facilities to host pre- or post-wedding events onsite?

Olamide~ The Heiress

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Wedding Tip of the Week

What about him?

BRIDES:Remember,it's your husband's Big Day too. While you are getting your make-up done, getting dressed- What is he doing? Make sure he gets a chance to relax and enjoy the build up as much as you do.

Olamide~ The Heiress

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Wedding Roles Part 2: The Bridesmaids and The Groomsmen

Bridesmaids

You may choose as few or as many bridesmaids as you wish to be in your wedding (although generally 12 is the limit). Bridesmaids can be single or married and of any age, although girls between the ages of eight and 16 become junior bridesmaids and take on abridged responsibilities.

The main role of a bridesmaid is to assist the maid of honor with her wedding-planning duties, especially the bridal shower and help the bride as needed. Of course, bridesmaids walk in the processional and recessional. During the reception, they mostly mingle and dance with the groomsmen and other important guests.

Groomsmen

The groomsmen (sometimes referred to as ushers) have very few responsibilities before the wedding. Mainly, they help the best man plan and host the bachelor party (oh, and get fitted for a fabulous tuxedo). Of course, they should periodically check with the groom and best man to see if they can handle any other tasks.On the wedding day, the groomsmen should arrive early at the ceremony site, ready to greet (and perhaps seat) guests. They'll be involved in the wedding, and are expected to remain at the reception for its entire duration.

Olamide~ The Heiress

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Wedding Roles Part 1: The Bride and The Groom

The bride and groom's big responsibility is to get married, of course, but there are some planning decisions to make first. Ideally, the bride and groom work together on these decisions, to share the workload and to make sure both are happy with the plans. 

A small list of basics:

- Set budget

- Choose date, style and site for wedding

- Meet with ceremony officiant to discuss details

- Coordinate invites, photographer, etc.

- Shop for wedding bands

- Write wedding vows if they choose

- Send thank-you notes for all gifts.

In addition to their joint responsibilities, the bride and groom each traditionally handle certain details on their own, including each making sure his or her family compiles a guest list.

THE BRIDE

The bride chooses her bridesmaids and honor attendant. She plans and hosts the bridesmaids' bachelorette party if she chooses to and gives her bridal party thank-you gifts, and buys a gift for groom.

THE GROOM

The groom chooses his groomsmen and best man and picks their attire. He buys thank-you gifts for his attendants and for the bride. He arranges and pays for the marriage license and the officiant's fee, and he reserves a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

Olamide~ The Heiress

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Wedding Tip of The Week.

Bridesmaids.

When it comes to choosing your bridal train, make sure you pick wisely. The work that comes with being a bridesmaid is more than it may seem at first and don't feel you must choose an equal number of men and women.

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The Emergency Bridal Kit

This is the secret to why big society weddings never have any PUBLIC mishap. (If you have seen the movie titled "The Wedding Planner", then you will understand why I used the word PUBLIC). 

It is a bag packed with those useful things everyone seems to want on the day of the big event, but no one remembers to bring. The emergency kit is for everyone at the party but mainly the couple.

At a wedding I coordinated late last year, the bride forgot to buy her hand fan but thankfully, I had one in my Emergency Kit. She also needed pain relievers. The hairstylist didn't have enough hair pins. 

You might not need as many things on your wedding day but your guests may need them. It's safer to have an emergency kit than not to have one.

Apart from a wedding planner having these things, the chief bridesmaid and the bestman should also have some of these things on the event day.

Some of these things includes:

Umbrella

Sewing kit

Makeup kit

Safety pins and office pins

First aid kit (pain relievers, aspirin, etc)

Hair brush

Breath mints

Perfume (travel size)

A portable mirror

A pack of safety razors

White chalk (used in getting last minute stains on a white dress)

Extra earring hooks

Hair pins

Styling gel

Handkerchiefs

Sanitary pads... To name a few.

Olamide~ The Heiress

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JBW Vendor of the Week: Abimbola Abiola-Falola of Beauty Republic

After seeing some of her works, I approached Abimbola and told her that I will like to feature her on the blog, she accepted and here we are. The one thing I like, is the way she knows her makeup items. She mentions what she uses on the faces she transforms and what each item does. If you didn't know who she was before, here is an opportunity to meet the brain behind Beauty Republic. 

Please tell us about your makeup outfit and your journey so far?

Hi! My makeup outfit is called Beauty Republic. It started out 5 years ago. My love for makeup started in school trying out makeup on my friends when they are less busy and when they have award nights. After graduating from the university, I decided to do what I really love and that was anything that had to do with beauty. So I went into the makeup industry focusing on makeovers and selling different international makeup brands and Orogold cosmetics 24K skincare.

What do you love the most about make-up?

I love makeup because it's fun, pretty; it has loads of colours to be creative with, makes you look good... and the amazing thing is, you can express your feelings with your makeup.

What about your style sets you apart from the remaining makeup artists?

The way we create looks that are flawless,elegant while showcasing natural beauty.

Who are the other makeup artists home and abroad that inspire you?

International Makeup artists are Samer Khouzami, Buntricia, Renny Vasquez, Elymarino. Nigeria Makeup Artists are Lola Maja-Okojevoh, Jide of StOla, Banke Meshida-Lawal

What makes wedding makeup prices higher than a normal day makeup?

Techniques, creativity, specialty, top quality brands used, time.

What makeup tips can you give to budget brides?

Wedding makeup can be very tricky, even for a makeup artist on her wedding day. So I'll advise that you save up for your wedding makeup; get the best makeup artist you want!

Would you advise a bride to do her own makeup on her wedding day? If yes/no, why?

It depends... If the bride is a makeup artist, she can do her own makeup but if the reverse is the case, I would advice she gets a professionally trained makeup artist to enhance her natural features and make her look extremely gorgeous for her big day.

What are some common beauty mistakes that women make?

Looking too caked up with too much foundation and not blending towards the neck line. Using makeup brands because of the name and not because it suits or works well for them. Buying makeup to cover blemishes rather than focusing on taking good care of the skin.

What beauty products will you recommend for the Do-It-Yourself bride?

Mattifier/ Makeup base, Foundation, Concealer, Powder, Brow pencils, Eyeshadow primer, a palette of Eye shadows, Water proof eyeliners, Water proof mascara, Waterproof makeup remover, Eyelashes, Eyelash Adhesive Blush, Lip pencils, Lipsticks, Makeup Setting Spray and Oil blotting sheets.

What is your favourite makeup item and why? 

That's a tricky question... but i would say Foundation simply because it is the base for every makeup.

What challenges do you face as a makeup artist? 

Well... people not understanding the technicalities behind being a makeup artist.

How do you keep up with trends in the industry? 

Watching every makeup video you can think about, reading fashion magazines and practicing, because you have to always keep up with the trend.

Your industry is majorly female dominated, why do you think this is so? 

Why I think it's dominated by women because women have been associated with beauty and fashion. The good thing is that the world is changing and guys are now involved in the makeup industry.

What advice can you give to an aspiring makeup Artist? 

The makeup industry is a well populated industry and lots of aspiring artists get doubtful about what to expect. Get more creative, believe you are special and you have something different to offer.

Name- Abimbola Abiola-FALOLA

Name of Outfit- BEAUTY REPUBLIC

Location- Gbagada, Magodo, Abule Egba

Phone number-08177733445

E-mail-beautyrepublicinc@gmail.com

Facebook page: BEAUTY REPUBLIC

Instagram: beautyrepubliclagos

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Deal of the Day: Wedding Catering deal for as low as N600 by Kemi Adun Spices.

ADUN SPICES is a catering outfit headed by Kemi Awobokun, which started operations in 2010. Their mission to offer quality meals at affordable prices to their highly valued clients.

They believe that they can always work around clients' budget no matter how ''small'' the budget may be without compromising on the quality of the food.

They are offering this promo because they found out that a lot of couples break the bank to have their dream weddings; they are under pressure to make their weddings colorful.

ADUN SPICES  want to let people know that they can still treat their guest to sumptuous meals for as low as N600 without compromising on quality and taste of the food.

DEALS: 

OPTION 1 @600 per plate:

Jollof Rice

Fried Rice

Moimoi

Coleslaw

1 sizeable pc of beef or chicken.

OPTION 2 @700 per plate

Jollof Rice

Fried Rice

Moimoi

Coleslaw

One type of swallow

One type of soup

1 sizeable pc of beef or chicken

OPTION 3 @850 per plate

Jollof Rice

Fried Rice

Moimoi

Coleslaw

2 types of swallow

2 types of soups

2 pcs of beef and fish or 1 pc of fish (croaker or catfish).

FULL NAME: Olukemi Awobokun

Cmpany Name : ADUN SPICES

LOCATION : 3 Araromi street, Orile Agege, Lagos

CONTACT DETAILS: 08033893241

 PIN: 7F7A2704

E-mail: adunspices@yahoo.com

PROMO CODE: JUST BUDGET WEDDINGS

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Food for Thought Friday: The " Vera Wang " Wedding dress.

Every bride wants to look gorgeous on her wedding day, even low budget brides. And it is absolutely acceptable to want to look good on a day that is all and just about you.

Wedding dresses are one of those personal items that the bride may spend a fortune on. As much as the 'Vera Wang' dress may seem appealing to the eye, you wouldn't want to try on a dress, only for you to realize that you cannot afford it.

In my opinion, it makes no sense spending so much on a dress you will wear just once. Consider renting your wedding dress. It will still be a designer wedding dress, it won't be new but it will be so much cheaper than getting a new one. A lot of bridal shops deal in rentals now. You may get the so loved 'Vera Wang' dress at a very reasonable discount. By doing this, you would have saved yourself some money which can go into some of the other wedding expenses.

Advantages

- It's a lot cheaper than a new wedding dress.

- You don't have to worry about washing and storing it after the wedding.

- You still get to feel like a princess.

- No one can tell if it is rented or new (I know how ladies feel about stuff like that).

Disadvantages

- It won't be new.

- You may pay extra charges if it gets damaged.

Bridal shops in Nigeria that deal in rentals:

Franchy Bridals - 08033351658.  2nd floor, 46 Balogun Street, Lagos Island. They sell nice wedding dresses for as low as N30,000.

Dorsse Exclusive Bridals- 08037466307. Shop 33, POWA Shopping complex, by Emmanuel High B/stop, Ogudu/Ojota, Lagos.

La' Heiress Rentals- from N15,000. 08103193930. 27, Salawu Street, off Randle, Surulere, Lagos.

Bridal minds - Ringroad, Ibadan.

Olamide~ The Heiress

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4 things to consider when planning the Wedding Rehearsal

THE WEDDING REHEARSAL

Your wedding is a big production - we're not telling you something you don't already know. While there are no trial runs for the marriage, the COUPLE gets at least one trial run for the wedding itself. 

Who, what, where and when?

WHO: For the rehearsal itself, only people who have any kind of role need to be invited. That includes the best man, groomsmen, ushers, ring bearers, flower girls, the bridesmaids, anyone reading or singing during the ceremony, the officiant (probably), and of course, the radiant bride and her groom. If key players are missing from the rehearsal, this may increase the likelihood for something to go wrong on the wedding day.I

WHAT: A wedding rehearsal is just like any other rehearsal of an event or performance; it's an opportunity for the wedding party to congregate and walk through the ceremony as it will occur on the day of the wedding. The wedding officiant will act as director, and lead you through. From the procession of the flower girls, the arrival of the bride, the walk down the aisle by the father-of-the-bride, to the vows that you will have to recite.

WHERE: The optimum place to hold your rehearsal would be the actual location of your wedding ceremony, but be sure that whatever location you choose, you have enough space for all the guests to move around comfortably and go through the motions.

WHEN: Some couples choose to have the rehearsals a week before but I will suggest one or two days before the wedding as children as well as adults can be forgetful. 

Olamide~ The Heiress

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JBW Vendor of the Week: Babajide Guerrero, Master of Ceremony Extraordinaire

Meet Babajide Guerrero, Master of Ceremony Extraordinaire. I got a call from him and honestly, all I could remember was the voice; he had one of those voices you would just want to listen to. After watching him perform and getting to know him, I knew I had to feature him on the blog. Believe me when I say that you definitely want him at your next event!

QUESTION: Tell us about your outfit and your journey so far.

My name is BABAJIDE GUERRERO. I'm a master of ceremonies, compere and a television presenter, with a distinct manner of delivery. I entertain a diverse audience with a fine blend of wit, humour, intelligence and oratory.

I started out professionally in 2012, just after I won the first ever southwest Nigeria inter-tertiary debate. The journey has really being incredible; the privilege of learning from mentors and senior colleagues  and also creating a pathway for myself has been awesome really.

QUESTION: What inspired you to be an Emcee?

As a child I couldn't afford to miss a top event airing on television: the World Cup, the Miss World Beauty Pageants, Wrestlemania, top political debates. All spectacular events got to me.  But the difference was while people simply  'watched' these events, I was more concerned with who was talking, what was being said, with what mannerisms, the climax, the use of grammar and in what tone. All these were as key to me as was the entertainment.

But as I grew older, my environment, books and a few great persons also provided an ample source of inspiration.

QUESTION: What do you love the most about your job?

I think it's the feeling of making people happy. It is priceless, giving them a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment.  And also that I consistently actually show people that we can achieve a better quality than what is mostly obtainable.

QUESTION: Who are the people in your industry that inspire you and why?

THE GRANDMASTER BASORGE TARIAH, SONI IRABOR, MOZEZ PRAIZ, ALI BABA.

I've learnt a great deal from these men. They have got tonnes of experience, they are in a league of distinction, they inspire me through their skill set, intelligence, great understanding of the job, how to say what to say, and their longevity too is just unbelievable. How they've evolved with time, trends and taste and still remain on top of the food chain.

QUESTION: What are some of the challenges you face in the industry?

I think initially it's acceptance, which really is synonymous with different parts of the entertainment industry. As a master of ceremonies you know most people want their events to be hosted or "emceed" by a TOP or say an A+ MC, forgetting the truth that a fast rising chap who isn't A+ yet could actually match the performance of the preferred choice, and also that the notable MC today developed into what he is today from something. At a time he was an upstart... But these days I'm honoured to say the level of acceptance for BABAJIDE GUERRERO is way better than my days of being a pure greenhorn. From here, it can only get better. Secondly, my job as a continuity director of an event certainly involves paying attention to details, a lot of it. One of the challenges is that some clients really don't know what kind of event they want. So to help them I simply prepare and show them a lot during the pre-event.

QUESTION: What is your unique selling point?

Hmmm.... I'd say my voice. Then the use of wit, humour and crisp articulation.

QUESTION: What package do you have for couples on a low budget?

Certainly not a cut-throat *laughs* very affordable. I won't name a price but we work with the client's budget. It doesn't mean that we won't deliver. Not all fingers are equal and I understand that.

QUESTION: Greatest moment so far?

There's been a lot. I'd say hosting the Variety Nite of the BIGGEST COUNTDOWN IN AFRICA: the LAGOS COUNTDOWN to 2015, and The URBAN AGENDA FOR AFRICA conference. There are a lot more but those are particularly very memorable.

QUESTION: Describe yourself in one word?

OUTSTANDING

          

      

QUESTION: Your industry is mostly male dominated, why do you think it is so?

And it's boring really, so much testosterone! *laughs* I think the ladies feel they can't thrive in the industry which is very wrong. I know some very good female VJs and they've tried their hands on hosting weddings and many more events and it came out pretty nice. I just feel they need to 'wrestle' with that mentality as the female rappers are doing in the music industry.

QUESTION: You are young and full of life, do you have a girlfriend? If yes, does she follow you to some of your events?

 Yes, I do have a girlfriend. She's more on the very reserved side of life, but she's made it to a couple of them

Full name- BABAJIDE GUERRERO OLOJEDE 

Stage name- BABAJIDE GUERRERO

Phone no- 08026212308, 08161296203 

E-mail- babajideguerrero@gmail.com 

Instagram- @officialguerrero

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Wedding Tip of the Week.

Delegate duties.

No matter what you may think, you can't handle everything by yourself. Weddings are major endeavours, so enlist friends and families to help. DELEGATION is the name of the game. PLAY it!

Olamide~ The Heiress.

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