Choosing Your Wedding Venue (questions to ask)

When brides and grooms start looking for wedding venues, too often they fall in love with the beauty of the place and sign a contract before they've considered the more practical things. But unless the place is so magical that you're willing to plan your whole event around it, your shouldn't choose between wedding venues until you've decided approximately how many guests you're inviting and the size of your budget.

You'll also need to decide if you want to have your ceremony and reception in the same place, or if you want an all-in-one wedding venue.Once you know these things, and you have a few wedding venues in mind that fit that budget and size, then it's time to start asking questions!

*What's the decor like?

*Does it fit your style and wedding colors?

*Will you have to spend a lot of money on decorations to make it beautiful?

*Do they have an in-house caterer, and do you like that food? (While an in-house caterer can be easier and cheaper, sometimes the food is not as beautiful as the room. So make sure you taste it!)

*Do they have a limitation on which outside caterers you can use?

*Do they have adequate bathroom facilities?

*Is the wedding venue wheelchair accessible? If not, are there many stairs to climb? You have to put into consideration the elderly guests you would be inviting.

*How close is the parking to the ceremony and reception rooms?

*What's the cancellation policy?

*Is there a payment schedule?

*What kind of deposits are required?

*Are there any hidden costs? (Before you sign the contract, read it carefully.)

*What are the overtime charges?

*Do they have a liquor license?

*Will they allow you to bring your own liquor? (This is usually cheaper, even with the customary corkage fee.)

*Is there room in the wedding venue for a band and/or dancing?

*Does the wedding venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers or will that need to be rented?

*Is there a space for the bride and groom to change and/or relax?

*Where will you take photographs? Is there a park nearby, or do the coordinators have recommended spots on the grounds?

*Who will be supervising and troubleshooting before and on the day of your wedding? Can you meet them now?

*Where can your guests park their vehicles? If there is no adequate space, is there an alternative parking area for them?

*Please also remember to ask if they will power the hall, especially for all the vendors that would be needing electricity for their equipments. Some halls only power the hall for the decoration and AC's, which would mean the band and DJ would have to bring theor generating sets and that could make them charge higher.

*Are there extra fees for parking?

*Is the wedding venue convenient to public transportation, especially in big cities? How long will it take your guests to get there?

*Especially in hotels or VIP lounges, restaurants, are there limitations on decorations?

*Do they limit food and drinks to only certain areas of the wedding venue?

*Are candles or other open flames allowed?

* Do they allow overnight decoration? Some hall venues are very big and would need to be set up days before the event.

* How much is their caution fee for the vendors, like the decorator, drinks! E.t.c?

*If its an outdoor location, do they have any backup plans for rain or other inclement weather? If not, is there a place that you can put up a tent? 

WHEN LOOKING AT SEPARATE WEDDING RECEPTION VENUES AND CEREMONY LOCATIONS

*How far is it from one location to the other?

*Do the two places have the same level of formality and a coordinating style?

*Do they both accommodate about the same number of guests?

*Does the wedding reception venue have any experience with weddings from your ceremony location? 

WHEN LOOKING FOR WEDDING VENUES FOR BOTH CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

*Do they own enough chairs for the ceremony, or will they need to be rented?

*Does the wedding venue have an entirely separate area for the ceremony? 

Hopefully, these questions will help you cover the basics while you're looking at wedding venues. In your search for a wedding venue, there will probably be even more questions that arise for you personally. For example, you may want the venue to reflect your heritage, or with a large wedding party, you may need ample parking for limosines.

Hope this will help in your venue searching! Good luck!

Olamide~ The Heiress

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Weddings Don't Have To Be Expensive To Be Memorable

I got featured in the Daily Trust Newspaper on the 8th of May, 2015. When i got a call from them, i wasn't expecting it. It suddenly dawned on me that people are beginning to notice my hardwork and more importantly, the message i am trying to pass accross to brides. (A wedding doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable) 

I once again started to think of how the wedding industry had suddenly become a money making venture. Not like its a bad thing for the vendors but for the negative mental effect it is having on our brides to be. 

Brides now tend to believe that if they don't have a certain amount of money or if they can't get a particular Makeup Artsit or band, their wedding can't be memorable. For me, that is a BIG misconception. You are a bride, whether your wedding is expensive or not, you will still be the centre of attraction on your wedding day. All eyes will still be on you, you will still feel special on that day if you are in a vera wang dress or isale eko wedding dress. It is still going to be your day no matter what goes into it.

I read a post on instagram recently, where brides were narrating their wedding day disasters, it was sad to know that most of these expensive vendors are the ones who messed up their big day. From the makeup, to the photographer, to the decorator, to the cake... When some of these brides actually mentioned the amount they paid for these services, my jaw literally dropped, only for them to mess up their big day.

It's a one day event, I'm not saying don't make it expensive, just be reasonable about it. The fact that some of these vendors are expensive doesn't mean that they still can't mess up your big day and the fact that some of the upcoming vendors are cheap doesn't mean that they can't deliver quality. Remember that the professionals were once like the upcoming vendors, just get a reliable upcoming vendor in whatever field, see some of their works. You will be saving yourself a lot of money and you will still have a great day. 

One of my brides recently had an engagement shoot and needed a makeup artist. She reached out to all the known Makeup Artists and none were willing to work with her budget. More so, they were only going to do one look for her and leave. She eventually decided to allow me bring her one. After reaching out to a couple of upcoming vendors that i trusted, i made a choice. The Upcoming Makeup Artist waited from 3pm to 1am and did 3 different looks. I had to personally drop her at home after midnight. Not only was my bride happy with her looks, my bride also booked her for another appointment and was wishing she hadn't already booked and paid heavily for a known MUA. 

For budget brides out there, don't stress about hiring that famous Band or MakeupArtist or Cake Maker, they have worked hard to earn the price they are charging now. Let's help you get a good upcoming vendor, who will deliver and at a reasonable price too! And like I mentioned earlier, you will still be a princess on your Big Day, expensive or not. 

Olamide~ The Heiress

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11 Ways To Know You Need A Wedding Planner

Many couples never even consider hiring a wedding planner, not realizing that having outside help can save you time, aggravation, and even money. Here's an easy checklist to find out if you need a wedding planner:

1. You're way behind on your checklist and schedule. 

2. You both work full-time jobs that will prevent you from meeting with vendors on weekdays.

3. You don't have other outside help such as an involved mother-of-the-bride, helpful bridesmaids, or knowledgeable friends.

4. You don't know many people who can give you reliable vendor recommendations.

5. You are having a destination wedding.

6. There are personality conflicts between the couple, their parents, and/or other people.

7. You're excited to be married, but just thinking about wedding planning fills you with dread.

8. You're having a very short engagement.

9. You can envision your wedding but you have no idea how to make your dreams come true.

10. You can't even envision your wedding.

11. You're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and generally wishing that you had decided to elope. 

Like I have always advised, if you can't hire a wedding planner, hire LA' HEIRESS professional Event Coordinators and if you still can't afford that, we are willing to give you a list of vendors that can work with your budget after your consultation session with us.

Contact for details: 08103193930

Olamide~ The Heiress

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Wedding Tip of the Week

FEED YOUR STAFFS TOO

Don't forget to feed your vendors too. A hungry DJ may not perform upto expectation if he or she is hungry. Remember, a hungry man is an angry man.

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Sunday Specials: I Was Waiting To Pick Up A Friend At The Airport

I was waiting to pick up a friend at the airport. That day I had one of those experiences that change people‘s lives.

It happened just two feet away from me. I noticed a man, carrying two bags, coming toward me. He stopped next to me to greet his family.

First of all he laid down his bag and came closer to his younger son (about six years old), they gave each other a warm, loving hug. Then the father looked in his son‘s eyes with words: „I missed you so much, it‘s so good to see you, son!“. The boy smiled and said: „Me too, dad“. Then the man talked to his older son (nine or ten years old). „Oh, you are quite the young man, I love you very much!“ and cupped his face. Then they had the most tender hug too. Afterwards the father said „Hi, baby girl“ to his baby daughter. She was squirming excitedly in her mother‘s arm and watching her returning father all the time. The man gently took his little daughter, quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest. The little girl laid her head on his shoulder in pure contentment.

After several moments the man looked at his wife and said „I‘ve saved the best for last“ and shared with her the most passionate kiss. They stared at each other, beaming big smiles. They reminded me of newlyweds.

Suddenly, I heard myself asking „Wow, how long have you been married?“. „Been together fourteen years, and married twelve of those“ . „Well then, have long have you been away?“. He replied with joyous smile on his face: „Two whole days!“.I was stunned, as I imagined that he had been gone for several weeks at least. I could only say: „I hope that my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years“. The man looked straight into my eyes and told me something that changed my life:„

Don‘t hope, friend, decide!“… 

Olamide~ The Heiress

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A Bad Wedding Experience You Should Learn From

Let me first start by apologizing for not posting as frequently as I should have; my table has been filled with lots to do. But not to worry, I would be posting pictures of what we have been up to soon.

Okay, so I attended a wedding some time ago. I have decided to share my experience at the wedding just to buttress the points I have been making. Like I always advise my brides and couples, if you cannot afford a wedding planner, please get a coordinator. 

The Hall

I really do not understand what went wrong with the hall. The size of the hall showed it was to seat a maximum of 250 guests, but the seating arrangement was sooo tight! Plus they had over 850 guests (how that happened, I still do not know). To make matters worse, the Air Conditioners were not working. Apparently when the couple went to pay for the hall, they were told that the AC's would be fixed before the wedding day but they weren't fixed; it left the hall hot, coupled with the fact that it was overcrowded as well.

REMEDY

PLEASE IF YOU KNOW THAT YOU WILL HAVE MUCH MORE THAN WHAT YOU ARE PREPARED FOR, PLEASE GET AT LEAST 2 SECURITY OFFICERS TO HELP WITH THE EXCESS CROWD. IT WILL BE MONEY WELL SPENT.

The Decoration

I don't know what went wrong, the hall (I mean the chair and table arrangement) wasn't set until the morning of the event, hence the decorator couldn't finish the decoration. She ended up decorating only the stage and left the chairs and tables not covered (plastic chairs and tables). It was more annoying when I confirmed how much was paid for the decor.

REMEDY

A COORDINATOR WOULD HAVE MADE SURE THAT THE HALL WAS SET AND THAT THE DECORATOR FINISHES THE DECOR. YOU CAN ALSO USE A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND TO TAKE CARE OF THAT.

ORGANISATION

Organisation was very poor. The MC had to keep announcing that they should clear the road for the couple to dance down the aisle. Local photographers and hawkers just won't make room for anyone else. It was a very annoying sight. The local photographers won't even allow the official photographer to take pictures; they were practically pushing him out of the way until the groom got really angry and asked them to leave (imagine that!)

REMEDY

USHERS AND SECURITY. THEY WOULD HAVE HELPED CLEAR THE WAY.

The Food

Funnily, the food was more than enough. The only thing I noticed was that the small chops was served after guests had eaten proper meals. (Small chops is supposed to be a starter, in case you are wondering).

The MC vs The Band

There is always this feud between the Band and the DJ, but this was way out of hand. The Band got so out of hand and started saying annoying things about the couple into the microphone! Like what?!!! Who does that?! Funny, I was still thinking that if he performed well, I would get his contact and start using him but that really annoyed me. He started saying angry words to the DJ, all because he wanted to perform on time and be sprayed money before the guests left. He kept interrupting the MC and insulting her. Thank God she was mature enough not to reply him. It was like he was sent to cause chaos at the wedding ceremony. It was really bad.

REMEDY

A COORDINATOR WOULD HAVE PUT HIM IN CHECK. I ALWAYS ADVISE THAT THE DJ AND MC GET ACQUAINTED BEFORE THE EVENT DAY. THEY SHOULD BOTH COME FOR THE VENDORS MEETING AND ALSO AGREE ON WHEN TO ALLOW THE OTHER TAKE CHARGE.

Like I always say, a wedding doesn't have to be expensive to be memorable. A lot of things could have been avoided at this wedding, even with the overcrowded hall. It is important that you get good recommendations from other people about a particular vendor you are considering to use. 

A budget wedding may not have everything but it can be as memorable as you want it to be. Focus on what's important, spend money on the important things, make sure you double check on everything and please get a wedding day coordinator. It will be money well spent!

REMEMBER, We do it best at La' Heiress Hospitality Services. Let's make that special day of yours a memorable one for years to come!

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Wedding Tip of the Week

Bridal Scent

Your hair and makeup matters on the big day, but also take time to think about your wedding day fragrance. Our sense of smell is one of the strongest senses, evoking memories, thoughts and feelings that linger in our minds for years. So take some time out to find something that will be distinctive and serve as a reminder of your wedding day for years to come.

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Sunday Specials: An Inspiring Love Story

My husband is an Engineer by profession, I love him for his steady nature, and I love the warm feeling when I lean against his broad shoulders.Three years of courtship and now, two years into marriage, I would have to admit, that I am getting tired of it.

 The reasons of me loving him before, has now transformed into the cause of all my restlessness.I am a sentimental woman and extremely sensitive when it comes to a relationship and my feelings, I yearn for the romantic moments, like a little girl yearning for candy. My husband, is my complete opposite, his lack of sensitivity, and the inability of bringing romantic moments into our marriage has disheartened me about love.

One day, I finally decided to tell him my decision, that I wanted a divorce.“Why?” he asked, shocked. “I am tired, there are no reasons for everything in the world!” I answered. He kept silent the whole night, seems to be in deep thought with a lighted cigarette at all times.

My feeling of disappointment only increased, here was a man who can’t even express his predicament, what else can I hope from him? And finally he asked me:” What can I do to change your mind?”Somebody said it right, it’s hard to change a person’s personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him. Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered :

“Here is the question, if you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind, Let’s say, I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death, will you do it for me?”

He said :” I will give you your answer tomorrow….” My hopes just sank by listening to his response.I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy handwriting, underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes…. My dear, “I would not pick that flower for you, but please allow me to explain the reasons further..”

This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading.“When you use the computer you always mess up the Software programs, and you cry in front of the screen, I have to save my fingers so that I can help to restore the programs. You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you. You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city, I have to save my eyes to show you the way. You always have the cramps whenever your “good friend” approaches every month, I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your tummy.

You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom. You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes, I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help to clip your nails, and help to remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand… and tell you the color of flowers, just like the color of the glow on your young face… Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than I do… I could not pick that flower yet, and die.. 

My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting… and as I continue on reading… “Now, that you have finished reading my answer, if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk…

I rush to pull open the door, and saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands, the milk bottle and loaf of bread….Now I am very sure that no one will ever love me as much as he does, and I have decided to leave the flower alone…

That’s life, and love. When one is surrounded by love, the feeling of excitement fades away, and one tends to ignore the true love that lies in between the peace and dullness.Love shows up in all forms, even very small and cheeky forms, it has never been a model, it could be the most dull and boring form.. . flowers, and romantic moments are only used and appear on the surface of the relationship. Under all this, the pillar of true love stands… and that’s our life… Love, not words win arguments

Olamide~ The Heiress

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Wedding Tip of the Week

MUMS

Delegate and always get mothers involved. It's a win all round. You'll have less to worry about doing yourself, the mothers will feel happy and involved in the day, plus it might distract them from areas you'd rather they stayed out of.

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5 Ways to Manage Wedding Stress.

I don't have to tell you that people planning weddings are stressed out. Between money, time, and general expectations, if you can break down where that stress is coming from, it will be easier to deal with.

5. WEDDING VENDORS. These people want to make money and will pressure you into getting the more expensive option. Have a budget and stick to it. If you're tempted by what they offer that is more expensive, say firmly, "That's not in my budget, I'll have to get back to you."

4. WELL MEANING OPINIONS OF OTHERS. Everyone will want to know the details of your wedding and everyone will have an opinion. Listen to what they have to say, but with a grain of salt. They are not the ones getting married, YOU are.

3. YOUR PARENTS. These people stress us out for various reasons our entire lives, why would they stop now? Whether it's complaining about money you're spending or wanting to have a hand in everything, parents have that special knack to stress us out. Sit down with your parents early in the wedding planning process to find out if they want to give you money for your wedding and how much. Before you go any further, get them to agree on a set number of people they'll be inviting. Don't promise your mother something if you haven't talked to your fiance about it first.

2. DON'T FORGET TO BUDGET! Make sure you sit down at the beginning of the process, agree on how much money you're going to spend, and stick to it! 

1. EACH OTHER. It's true, the number one person who will stress you out the most is the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with. This is mostly because weddings are stressful. The most common complaints are "He's not doing anything to help with the wedding" and "she never talks about anything other than the wedding." Sit down with a wedding planner and divide up the list of tasks into bride's, groom's and together. Each of you will know what you are responsible for.

Olamide~ The Heiress

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