Encomium
Planning a classy and elegant wedding takes a whole lot of effort and money. ENCOMIUM Weekly spoke with some prominent event planners, decorators and caterers on how to facilitate that kind of wedding without much stress.
‘You must plan for a good MC’ – GBENGA ADEYINKA, Comedian
How much do you think will be needed to stage a classy and elegant wedding?
When I got married over two decades ago, I needed N1,500. I was arguing with someone just of recent about this topic, we estimated close to N50 million. By the time you calculate the money for the venue, drinks, food and so on, you are almost close to that.
We had a get together for a friend of mine, we were just about 15 people, the drinks alone was more than a hundred thousand. Just imagine organizing such for a crowd of 500 or even 1,000 people.
I always tell people that, it is not about how much you spend that will make the wedding last, it is the grace of God and you working towards it.
What facilities should the venue have?
Steady power supply, stand by generator that will come up immediately the light is off. Good air conditioning, adequate parking space, good toilets.
What are the special attractions that will make the wedding classy?
Musical appearances, one MC, multiple comedians. Three course meal, good décor and a fantastic band.
What arrangement should be made in the area of MC, comedy?
Some people do say this MC will charge less. If you pay for a N20,000 MC, you will get N20,000 worth of entertainment. If you have everything on ground but a bad MC, the reception will look as if it has been on for 24 hours. Get a good MC that will make people laugh, book in advance, give him a deposit. Make sure it is someone that will dress well.
‘Book your make-up artiste on time’ – ANITA AJAH, Make-up artist
How much do you think will be needed to stage a classy and elegant wedding?
It all depends on the capability of the couple. Some people do it for N20 million. Others go for less. But an elegant wedding will cost nothing less than N5 million.
What facilities should the venue have?
Generator, constant power supply. Lovely chairs, security, parking space. The floor should be well done. If it is an open space, it should have interlocks, attractive lightening.
What are the special attractions that will make the wedding classy?
The band that will keep the wedding alive. The décor at the venue brings out the beauty. The colours, aso ebi sometimes, the presence of celebrities add colour to the wedding.
What arrangement should be made in the area of make-up?
Book for a make-up artist on time. Try her out before the day. Do a trial shoot, see what she can do. If not a pre-shoot, chat her up on what you really want so as to be prepared.
The make-up artist should be on stand-by. She should be close to you a day before the wedding. Ensure that she has all you need so that you will be satisfied.
‘The band should be there on time’ – GOD BLESS Band leader
How much do you think will be needed to stage a classy and elegant wedding?
I have played for people who spend millions in a society wedding. The most important thing is working with the right people. Knowing what you want is equally good, that will make everything well coordinated. It is not really about the money. Just work with the best hands.
What facilities should the venue have?
Enough parking space. The AC should be effective. The generator should be intact, security, good décor, good event planner. When you walk into a venue, you will know if it is a classy wedding or not.
What are the special attractions that will make the wedding classy?
If you have a special guest, like inviting a guest artist as a surprise package for the couple. Some will receive car gifts, house key. There should be good music.
What arrangement should be made in the area of music?
In the area of music, the band should be there on time. Good music with good dress sense. The bottom line is working with a professional.
‘Couple should interact with their photographers’- LARA TIAMIYU, Photographer
How much do you think will be needed to stage a classy and elegant wedding?
In Nigeria, people like to patronize names. For a classy wedding, they will want the name of the vendors and their services to reflect class. That will reflect how much they will pay as well. It all depends on the couple, some spend N6 million and above. Their choice of vendors, their preference will dictate how much they will spend. Brides don’t joke with their gown and make-up. They can spare no cost for the two.
What facilities should the venue have?
Beautiful lighting. People judge according to their sight, what they see in the hall will make them classify the wedding as classy or not.
What are the special attractions that will make the wedding classy?
They should introduce some fun activities. There should be boot for instant pictures, there is a new technology in that regards. As soon as each guest collect their picture, they place it at the back of their phones, so each picture will come in the size of your phone. There should be enough to eat. It is not that guests don’t have food in their house, since they are invited, they must be adequately taken care of. Everything should be well coordinated. With a good event planner on ground.
What arrangement should be made in the area of photography?
They should sort out for their photographer on time. There should be lovely pre-wedding pictures. Some do that three weeks to the wedding date. It is all about planning. It is better to book ahead of the event. Interact with the person because photographers like to know their clients. Some are picture shy. The person will like to know if it is the bride that will lighten up the groom or the other way round. Get more than one vendor for each service. They shouldn’t compromise quality for money.
– SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN
