Wedding Articles

The hen night is traditionally the party that women have to celebrate the last night of their freedom before getting married. Hen night parties are often quite naughty or raunchy parties because it really is the bride to be's last moment of freedom!
And it's usually the duty of the Chief Bridesmaid to organise the party. There's always the worry that something may go wrong, the bride to be might not be happy, the girls will not enjoy themselves and you start to feel the pressure of being in charge. DO NOT PANIC! Prior to making the final plans enquire what the bride would like or what her fantasy hen party would be like, incorporate that with yours and make it happen. But ensure you give it 2 months to plan, in order to ensure there are no details unchecked.

Here are some tips to help you, the bride and the other hen night girls get through it and have a lot of fun in the meantime.

Everybody has to know exactly the hen night theme, the whole schedule, no matter you have the party in or out of town
The bride has to be in the centre of attention and she should be enjoying the care given to her.
Firstly gather yourselves together at someone's house, have a drink, laugh a bit and the atmosphere will start to build up; all of you will loosen up and be better prepared for the rest of the night
Don't try to surprise the bride if you are not absolutely sure that she will enjoy it; think of all the stress she has to put up with and avoid anything that can upset or disturb her
Be prepared to take a lot of pictures; they will bring nice memories later
During the night there will be lots of alcoholic drinks and cocktails, but you could play the trick and alternate them with soft drinks; there will be no fun if by the middle of the night the other girls have to pick you up from under the table or take care of you at the bathroom; drinks are ok, especially if you are the shy type, but don't spoil the others mood by getting too drunk (at least not early).
As bridesmaid's chief, one of your duties is to make sure that the bride arrives home or at the hotel in one piece.

A hen night may have its moments no matter you've settled for a homemade one or you've gone to some wild things. But remember: everything that happens during the hen night has to remain a secret of yours, the girls; there's no use start talking about the embarrassing moments to the others; the stag party attendees definitely will keep their secrets.

Stag Night

Take a large range of bars, clubs and pubs and mix it with youthful, nubile college women, and most will agree you have the ideal recipe for a memorable stag night. Most red-blooded men think about those two factors to be important for any good time; well there is more to a stag night than that. But never you worry there's a lot of booze, great night life...Ummmm women there is a vast of them but I wouldn't advise you to pursue that area too many consequences you'd have to face after.
Marvellous, unforgettable stag nights do not just happen without planning ahead of time! Before the groom finds himself standing in front of the church looking for his escape plan, you need a great plan for your stag weekend! I would recommend you give it 3 months to research prior to it happening, especially if you want that weekend to be a big bang!
When you think about everything you wish to do on your stag do, what sorts of activities come to mind? Do you wish to pursue manly pursuits like horse riding, quad racing, drinking and carousing around with your chaps? Perhaps, you are into the more gentlemanly activities and seek leisure and relaxation? No matter what your aims may be Zambia's major cities have just what you are searching for and much, considerably more.
There are a few things that you have to take into consideration before the night or weekend of your stag do. First you have to make a decision on who goes with you and how many. It's usually recommended to have a group size of 10 to a maximum of 20 because anything more than that will make any host sceptical to have a group of men only at their spot. Too many of you make them nervous, but you'll never know with good planning. Now that the number is settled, match the appropriate activities to the amount and confirm the venue/s.
For those searching for an activity designed to test and gets the adrenaline pounding, nothing is better than Kayaking in Livingstone. There are courses designed for both novices and experts. At the site, you are decked out in a full wetsuit, complete with life jacket, and under the guidance of a skilled expert you are led towards to canyon for your adventure to start. The activity is a combination of surfing (without the board), scrambling and rock climbing. Not designed for the faint-hearted, kayaking is the ideal choice for those wanting to experience wet and wild amusement. The town have a lot to offer from the amazing scenery, the wild life, to the serene night life.
Livingstone is the ideal destination for a gathering and a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will wish to share with your best companions.

Advice

Now that you know who's coming and where it's going to get down. Plan out when you are going to get jiggy with it. The most ideal is when you have at least 2 weeks between the stag do and the wedding. As the groom to be needs to recover from all the crazy antics you went through. It's a definite NO! NO! NO! To come back from the stag, still having "unfamiliar" lipstick on you, smelling of womanly perfume, or an exact episode from stag night scene of "The Best Man", directly to the wedding.

ZAMBIAN STYLE HEN OR STAG NIGHTS

In Zambia there are a lot of places you can have you naughty hen night, you have a vast option from the capital Lusaka, to the man made beach in Siavonga, to the spectacular Livingstone's Victoria Falls, to mention but a few. Wherever you chose to make it, as long it is well organised the hen party will go down a storm and will never be forgotten. But most importantly the bride to be will enjoy it, the single girls will be inspired to incorporate your ideas to their future hen party and you will be proud of yourself as the occasion is marked with activities and events that will be remembered and talked about for years to come.
Leaving it up to the last minute only to find that nothing interesting is going to happen will only disappoint those coming - and importantly the bride herself.
Long gone are the days in which a quiet drink at a pub with a few friends will meet the expectations. It has got to memorable and fun but without relying on tired cliches, what are the best ideas? There is a growing increase in hen party opportunities and the market is offering up some great chances to see and do all of the things you want to before you tie the knot.
With so much choice, you'll be guaranteed to find a fantastic party idea suitable for all group sizes, ages and shapes. One popular choice is pole dancing lessons.
Many people don't do this as part of their everyday life and this is their chance to experience something different. Proving to be great icebreakers, Pole dancing lessons are a proven hit.
Being launched from a cliff or a hill is a great way to experience something a little different and make that hen party a little different. Looking for attention? Don't look further than Livingstone's very own Bungee jumping off the Victoria Bridge. Scary? Yes. Thrilling? Extremely, it's not every day you get a chance to jump of a very high point. So why not make it happen. This is a must to for anyone, it could be a great thing to overcome your fear or heights, or to feed your unenhanced adrenaline rush cravings.
Why not form your own flash mob? You and the girls can be taught professionally in the morning, the moves to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', or Beyonce's 'Single Ladies', or Keri Hilson's 'Turn My Swag On' the list goes on, but you can choreograph any one of your favourite videos. And in the evening at a predetermined signal, start strutting your stuff to the amazement of onlookers! When it's finished, just return to your normal business, like nothing had happened! The thrill of that is amazing and it will always be a memory that makes you smile. Imagine doing that in Lusaka's very own O'Hagan's.
That'll go down a storm, with careful planning this can happen. Girls, now make it happen.

ZAMBIAN WEDDING

Marriage is a traditional institution that is celebrated all over the world. Cultures and societies have differing ways of performing marriage ceremonies but the sanctity of marriage means the same thing wherever you go. It signifies the legal joining of a couple who are showing their lifelong commitment to each other and society and that their relationship is binding. So what are the reasons why people get married?
The most common answer would be because I have found whom I was destined to be with. Other than God there is nothing more beautiful than that. A PERFECT MATCH.
There is a various source of information on planning a big day...it could be from wedding magazines, wedding planners, family or friends or even acquaintances.And according to numerous wedding planners the best time to have a wedding in say Zambia would be in summer or spring (Between September and April). As the weather is more conducive and it is easier to plan out everything around these seasons, though the one thing that has to be kept in mind is: IT'S YOUR BIG DAY AND YOU ARE FREE TO PLAN IT WHEN YOU WANT AND HOW.
In Zambia a wedding day is a happy day for everyone, be it in the rural area or urban area. It is deemed as a day to be happy and celebrate the union of two lovebirds and also two families.
Zambia offers travellers a real challenge, but that is part of the country's attraction. She has some of the greatest natural scenery on the continent - a gently undulating plateau of forests, savannah and marshland - studded with lakes. Not forgetting her warm and serene climate which makes it one of the most sought after wedding destinations. So whether you are looking to have a quiet and private wedding or an extravagant and wild wedding there's no better place to turn to than Zambia. There are a lot of venues (hotels, amusement park, safari park, private lodges etc), churches or even houses that can be rented for the big day.

ZAMBIAN WEDDINGTRADITIONS

Traditional weddings in Zambia vary from tribe to tribe and proceedings towards the ceremony are handled differently.

COURTSHIP

It is always a man's duty to marry a woman, rather than a woman marrying a man. Zambians can be deemed as being old-fashioned in this sense as it is the proper way.
In the Ngoni clan when a man reaches a suitable age to marry. It is up to him to look for a proper wife. Once he finds her, and she agrees to get married to him, that's when the marriage procedure starts.
A Namwanga man is allowed to find a potential wife. Upon proposing he gives her an engagement gift or token. This could either be beads or money to show his commitment. It is also a sign that the girl has agreed to accept his hand in marriage. His parents will then approve or disapprove his choice of potential wife. If they approve of his choice the marriage procedure will then begin, but if they disapprove he has to start looking again.
For the Lamba it is a mothers duty to find a girl for her son. The potential wife is usually picked based on having just gone through her initiation which is locally known as 'Ichisungu' or 'Moye' (An uninitiated girl is not for marriage until she has reached puberty or puberty age). The mother of the man visits neighbouring villages to look for the right unmarried initiated girl. When she finds one (usually one of good character and discipline), she then goes to the girl's mother to tell her she would like her son to marry her daughter. The mother would then discuss this with her daughter, then the man's mother will return home and come back a few days for an answer.
Many Bemba men initially begin the marriage process by engaging a young girl below the age of puberty. The girl is told and is aware of all this. Whilst they wait for her to reach puberty she will visit the man's house to clean and wash for him with the guidance of a chaperone ( an adult) and also his mother's house where she will do chores too.This is to show the man as well as his mother that she is able to take care of him and any possible family or children they will have.

Even though there are some people who still carry these traditions the majority of Zambian opt for a Christian or civil marriage.

COST OF A ZAMBIAN WEDDING

Weddings are nothing if not complicated matters. Unless you and your betrothed decide to get married with the minimum of two witnesses and you don't announce the event until afterwards, that is. Anything else requires precise planning from months in advance to ensure that everything is remembered and it all goes without a hitch.
For a typical Zambian wedding there are 3 budget categories to consider.

Modest Wedding: K15million to K25million.
Moderate Wedding: K25million to K50million
Luxurious Wedding: K75million going up

Whichever category your wedding budget falls under you are destined to have a great day, all you need is good planning and precision. And with the current growth in the Wedding Planners Businesses, you could just hire a Wedding Planner and they are likely to help fit your expectations to your budget without a hitch. Or you can get a Wedding loan from any one of the top banks as long as you are sure you'll be able to handle the repayments after your big day.

EXAMPLE OF WEDDING COST BREAKDOWN

The cost of decorating the cars for the bridal party, the church, the reception hall and doing the bouquet of flowers could range from K6.5 million to between K12 and K15 million.

The most expensive quotation for floral decorations she has ever seen in Lusaka came to K22 million and apparently, the wedding planner who put it together has carved a niche for herself catering to the extravagant whims of rich folks in the capital.

And wedding cakes, my investigations revealed, could set you back by K10 million that is, if you want a 10-tiered mountain of a cake rich in fruit, exotic spices and brandy. And yes, there are brides who are prepared to borrow to pay for such opulence. Today's urban brides want to be chauffeur driven in the hottest models of cars around. Chryslers, Bentleys and Hummers at a cost of between K1.5 million to K2.5 million per car per day. Some are prepared to pay top dollar to be driven in a horse-drawn carriage just like in the movies, if one can be found.
The list of expenses goes on and in most case if not budgeted well or for some as intended could reach the K100 million mark. But then again it's your big day and if you really can afford then why not.
Some have no problems settling for a rented wedding dress, but the large majority of brides want to buy their own, preferring to order them from the United Kingdom or the United States. And some want a line-up of between 15 and 20 people, with each person kitted out in two sets of attires and shoes-one for the wedding proper and another for the reception. But it's your day and if you can afford it why not flaunt it, after all for most we only want to get married once and we have to ensure that that one day will be one memorable one. But remember as long as after the spending you'll not be drowning in debts it is all good.
Venues gobble up the bulk of wedding budgets. Some of the premier venues in Lusaka cost between K30 and K40 million just for the reception. However, couples could hire a spacious, cosy garden in someone's home. A marquee could cost them up to K2 million. With lighting, that could come up to about, K3million.
Lawn-mowing could cost between K1.5 million and K2 million. If the numbers of guests are reasonable, you could spend about K4 million on foods. All in all, the venue and the food could add to less than K10 million. So if you were planning on spending K40 million of money you don't have on a venue, you could save about K30 million and still host a modest and successful wedding.

UBWIINGA WEDDING COUNTDOWN

Now that your engagement has been confirmed it is time to get things rolling. The to-do tasks leading towards your wedding date can be a lot and one or two things might be left out. In order to ease your stress we have come up with a wedding countdown to your big day! Thus giving you a week by week checklist of important tasks that need to be done in order to make your big day go without a hitch and making it enjoyable as well as very memorable.

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS

12 TO 6 MONTHS AHEAD

Decide upon your wedding date.
Decide on your budget and ensure it's realistic and can be met without having to stretch your pockets too far. Ensure all persons contributing are present or made aware.
Talk to a Wedding Consultant or Wedding Planner.
If you are getting married in a Church or Register Office, you need to make prior arrangements with your local Minister or Registrar.
Start looking for your wedding dress. Decide whether you want a designer, handmade or "off the peg".
Book your honeymoon and apply for a new passport. (Though this will mean you the bride to be will need to be prepared for no overseas travelling as your old passport will be invalid).
Decide on the size of wedding you would like and make a guest list.
Book the wedding reception venue.
Order your wedding cake.
Notify your bank, Building Society and relevant authorities that you intend on changing your name and as of what date it will take effect.
Choose your wedding rings.
Attend initial fitting for your wedding dress.
Decide on the dress code for the groom, bridesmaid, best man, mothers, fathers and ushers.
Choose the wedding footwear and accessories.
Book an overnight stay in a hotel for your wedding night.
Book a Toastmaster or Guest of Honour if you intend on having one.
Order the wedding invitations, other stationary and wedding favours.
Take out wedding insurance, it is really important.
Discuss with your hairdresser or barber about the hairstyle you want for your wedding. Bride to be ensure you take along with you a photograph of your wedding attire and veil so that she or he is able to visualise how she can work on your in order to compliment your style.
Book a Beautician for your wedding day, if needed.
Confirm all bookings in writing.

6 TO 3 MONTHS AHEAD.

Book the musician, band or DJ for your wedding reception.
Book the wedding transport.
Book the videographer or photographer.
Decide on your bridesmaids, best man and ushers.
Decide on what kind of idea or theme and colours you want for your wedding reception and catering plan.
Book the caterers.
Book the florist.
Purchase your Marriage License from the Registrar.
Send out Wedding invitations.
Advise your guests to book any overnight accommodation now while there is still availability.
Confirm your ceremony details with the Minister or Registrar depending on where you are getting married from.
Buy gifts for your bridesmaid, best man, and ushers.
Decide on your chosen wedding music or hymns.
Arrange for the "ORDER OF SERVICE" sheets to be printed.
Draw up a wedding gift list, if required.
Discuss the seating plans with the Caterer.
Start planning your Diva & Spartan Night.
If you have a will, have it updated to ensure it remains active after your wedding.

TWO TO ONE MONTH AHEAD.

Arrange to have any vaccinations done, if required.
Arrange for a final fitting of your wedding dress.
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the reception venue.
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the caterer.
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the florist.
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the photographer and videographer
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the company supplying the wedding transport.
Reconfirm the honeymoon arrangements and ensure insurance in included.
Reconfirm all your entertainment
Groom, Best man, Fathers or Guest of Honour write your speech and save it for the big day.
Have your Spartan and Diva Night (Hen & Stag night)
Have wedding rehearsals.
Pick up your wedding rings.
Organise a date when you can collect your wedding party outfit.
Finalise the seating arrangements with your caterer.
Send out thank you cards to all guests who have responded to your invitations and call any guests that have not yet responded as it's important to get the exact number of guests attending so as to be able to make any last minute adjustments.

ONE WEEK AHEAD.

ONE WEEK AHEAD.
Double check all bookings made.
Pack for your honeymoon and order travellers' cheques or foreign currency.
Organise a bride Survival Kit with a close friend or relation, especially for the Bride, equipped with a wedding dress repair kit, make-up and accessory back-up kit in readiness for any hiccups. IT'S BETTER TO BE PREPARED THAN SORRY.
Ensure your Best Man is aware of all the particulars involved in your wedding day: i.e.: A list of all the services, in case they need to be contacted.
Give the rings to the best man.
Give your "ORDER OF SERVICE" to the Minister.
Have a final wedding ceremony rehearsal and go over the wedding day timetable with the attendants.
Appoint Attendants to take care of the days schedule and any problems that may arise so that you may enjoy your day.
Arrange to have your cake delivered or collected in readiness for the big day.
Two days prior to your wedding day, check the venue to ensure everything has been arranged accordingly.

A DAY AHEAD

It's your day off.
Now it's the duty of the Attendants to check that the wedding reception venue is as it should be and all other arrangements are ready to go for tomorrow.
Bride and Groom to be, have a manicure.
Groom to be a visit to the barber is in order. Get that scruffy hair tidied up and while you are at it, consider a proper shave too. You have to look dapper.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing, you could visit a spa and get all the pampering you deserve after all that hard work.
Make it a must to get an early night.. Beauty sleep is important before a beautiful long day.

IT'S YOUR WEDDING DAY. WHOOP! WHOOP!

You have done all you can and now have fun.
Relax and stay calm, remember if you look stressed it'll be very evident on your wedding picture. So ensure you don't let anything get in the way of you enjoying yourself.
The day will pass by so quick so ensure you take time to capture every special moment as that's what will account for keepsakes that you take with you on your special day.

THE ROMANTIC IN US

Imagine walking along the beautiful sand beach in Siavonga. There is nothing more refreshing and heart warming that the feel of soft sand between your toes, the smell of fresh waters, the serene flow of the river,the beautiful sunset, your family, friends and above all the man you have promised to love through thick and thin and for all eternity.

Surrounded by a cool fog of watery showers, fresh breeze of cool air, soft sound of water tumbling down the steep fall. The sense of freedom and a childlike feeling of adventure, the sound of excited monkeys chattering up above in the trees, the fresh smell that comes before it rains, only this time it's the natural sweet scent that's there always. You look up to the clear sky and thank God because indeed He made a good creation. You feel a hand around your shoulder, you look towards the person. He smiles at you, the man who only hours ago you vowed to be with all your life. You look back up to the sky and whisper: 'Thank You, I have found where I belong.' You turn to the other man in your life and smile back. All that love you see in his eyes is yours and what a better way to feel it than at one of the world's most wonderful features... Yes! You guessed it Livingstone's Victoria Fall.This is where it can all happen to you. So don't just sit there and fantasize about it. Go there, experience it all first hand. I know I'm heading there.