You have perhaps popped the magical question, ‘Will you marry me?’, and are excited to walk down the aisle with the love of your life but haven’t figured out how to have an exceptional wedding without breaking the bank. Well, we have you sorted. Wedding experts weigh in on what would make your wedding astounding, with a blend of new trends but at a low budget. ALSO READ: Wedding planning: What to look out for Go for a sunny season Larissa Kanamugire, a wedding planner, and the mastermind of Cheerful Knots Wedding Planners, advises choosing a sunny season as rain slows down the process even if it’s an indoor wedding. Invite less people For her, there is no need to invite everyone in your contact list, or people you aren’t close to because more people up the expenditure on food, drinks, seats, and other things. “By inviting less people, you are able to provide enough food, drinks, and quality services to your guests,” she said. Invest in key items According to Kanamugire, a memorable wedding entails investing in splendid decor, an experienced emcee, awesome entertainment with a good sound system, delicious meals, and quick services. “Some venues are expensive for nothing really, as long as the space can accommodate your number of guests, it’s enough.” She stressed that parents should help in limiting guests as that’s the only thing that can allow a less expensive wedding. When it comes to how much money to invest in a wedding, a number of factors come into play. If you are planning for 500 guests, the minimum you would spend is around Rwf10 million for a fair wedding, Kanamugire added. Happiness is key Guests might remember tasty food, but also can’t forget the smiles of the bride and groom. Since it's a one day event in a lifetime, a happy couple is enjoyed to watch and easy for a photographer to capture every moment, she noted. “Stress is the number one reason some couples seem unhappy and absentminded on their mega day. To avert this, it’s advisable to have a wedding planner. That way, you won’t be worried about what isn’t in place yet and who isn’t paid yet, among other issues. Reason enough to enjoy your day.” Add some new trends Kanamugire urges you to incorporate a 360-degree photo booth at your event as it allows guests to be involved in your big day by taking all kinds of pictures as they wish. She added that a photo booth effectively removes the trouble of organizing numerous digital and analog camera operators. “In the process of being flexible, consider what suits you.” Mix some fun Kanamugire advises adding some fun at the reception by engaging the audience as well, like games among other interesting activities. Don’t impress Olivier Habimana, a wedding planner at AB Events-Kicukiro, stressed that a wedding is a special occasion, and it is not difficult to celebrate a memorable one within your budget. He noted that unfortunately people end up in loans to organize luxurious weddings to prove a point to their families and friends. For a wedding to be beautiful and on a budget, there is need for the bride and groom to identify what is the one thing that is a must-have on their D-day and that they are willing to spend on. This can be decoration, a beautiful gown, live band, or catering service, and others, Habimana stressed. “The rest is secondary. Focus on the main items without imposing frustration on each other.” Choose venue according to number of guests To cut costs, you can opt for a decent restaurant that can accommodate 60 to 80 people instead of renting a hall, or gardens, Habimana added. Add live band He also stressed that though musicians can grace the event and thrill the guests, a live band is way more entertaining. It can add a special touch to the wedding and generate memorable experiences for the couple and their guests. “Additionally, the live performance atmosphere can raise energy and the mood of a wedding, thus keeping the invitees amused throughout the event.” Opt for bright colors Maxime Byamana, a wedding planner at Maxime décor and Wedding planners in Kigali, urges using bright colours like yellow, hot pink, mustard yellow, golden, or army green, for decoration as they are flamboyant and attractive to the eye. Byamana noted that cleanliness and organization add charm to a wedding.
