Kenya Wedding Checklist

 Did you know that it’s important to have a wedding checklist? A wedding checklist is a simple tool that helps you with the wedding planning process, making a task that looks huge into something manageable and enjoyable. A good wedding checklist will also help you make sure that every detail is taken care of. The best time to start making your wedding checklist is six to eight months before the wedding day

Benefits of having a Wedding Checklist

1. Organization – All the tasks are broken down into manageable steps to be accomplished within a specified timeline, ensuring that nothing is left out.
2. Time Management – This enables you to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and stick to them.
3. Budget Management – A wedding checklist will help you compare the costs of wedding vendors and services, and track expenses.
4. Coordination – Having a wedding checklist helps you ensure smooth coordination with vendors, guests, and family members, and to communicate effectively with everyone involved in the planning process. 
5. Customization – Your wedding may have elements that are uniquely based on your personality and taste. Putting them down on a checklist will make sure everyone is on the same page.
6. Accountability – This checklist will help you to delegate tasks and to follow up on those who are assigned duties to make sure they have completed their tasks.
7.  Stress Reduction – A wedding checklist will help you break down the huge task of planning a wedding into manageable tasks, thus reducing the stress of having to do everything at once. You will also have clear direction on what, when, how, and by whom each task should be done.
8. Team Effort – Putting together a wedding checklist gives you the chance to involve people who are eager to help you plan your wedding.
9. Communication – The wedding checklist also helps you to communicate with everyone involved in the planning process at the right time, based on the timelines indicated.
10. Progress Evaluation – Lastly, a wedding checklist will help you evaluate your progress and see if you are on track based on the tasks and timelines indicated. 

Kenya Wedding Checklist

Here is a simple wedding checklist that you can use for your wedding, especially if you are planning a wedding in Kenya.

1. Set a budget

• Determine your budget as you start the planning process. Note that this budget should include the costs of both a traditional and white wedding if you plan to do both in succession.
• After you have agreed on the budget, allocate funds to the different categories e.g. catering, décor, wedding attire, and venue.

2.  Set the Dates

• Once again, if you are doing both the traditional and white wedding within the same year, fix the dates in advance.
• Set the dates based on the season and availability of important guests, especially family members.

3. Select the Venue

• Next, decide on the venue for your white wedding, as traditional weddings are usually held at the bride’s parents’ home.
• Popular wedding venues in Kenya include:
  • Windsor Golf and Country Club, Nairobi
  • Marula Manor, Nairobi
  • Paradise Lost, Kiambu
  • Pride Inn Flamingo Beach Resort, Mombasa
  • Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi
  • Voyagers Beach Resort, Mombasa
  • Karen Country Lodge, Nairobi
  • Nairobi Arboretum, Nairobi
  • Lake Naivasha Resort, Nairobi
  • Zen Garden, Nairobi
  • Fuchsia Gardens, Limuru

4. Guest List

• Create your guest list and finalize it, then send out Save-the-Date cards in advance. If possible, ask your guests to RSVP.
• Follow up with wedding invitations and RSVPs closer to the wedding date.

5. Hire Vendors

• The next important part of your Kenya wedding checklist is the hiring of vendors. Here is a list of some of the categories and possible vendors you could look at.
  • Photography/Videography
    • Antony Trivet PhotographyMulama Brenda PhotographyBen Kiruthi
    Wedding Caterers
    • San ValenciaDivine Caterers
    Florists
    • Gifts and Flowers KenyaRed Petal FloristsPosh Florists
    DJ/Band/MC
    • Shamsi Music (Band)Enkare String Quarter (Orchestral Music)Jameson Wedding DJDJ KrowbarJune Gachui (MC)Yafesi Musoke (MC)
  • Wedding Celebrant/Officiating Minister
    • Your Pastor/Priest

   6. Shop for Wedding Attire

• Next, look for wedding attire for the bride, groom, and bridal party. Below are a few suggestions on places where you can purchase custom-made or ready-made wedding attire. Remember to indicate timelines for fitting and alteration. Also, make sure that trials for makeup and hair are done in advance in case you need to change the provider.
  • Bridal Wear
    • White Rose BridalThe Bridal PlaceOccasions and Days Limited
    Bridal Makeup and Hair
    • Makeup by RoseBush Tailor (Makeup and Hair)Bridal Hair by RonnieMakeup by Ruthie
  • Groom’s Wear
    • Kings Collection
    • Nairobi Grooms

7. Legal Requirements

• Make sure you understand what the legal requirements for marriage in Kenya are. After that, get the necessary marriage licenses and documentation from the Attorney General’s office or the Registrar of Marriages.
• Notice of your wedding should be given 21 days before the wedding date.

8. Decor and Theme

• Decide on a theme or color scheme for your wedding, then figure out what kind of décor you want for the ceremony and the reception. As you shop for a vendor, make sure you see samples of their work and if possible, attend an event where they have provided the décor.
• Some wedding décor providers you can consider are:
  • Event House Limited
  • Luxe and Allure Events

9. Transportation

• The next thing that should appear on your Kenya wedding checklist is transportation. You will need to arrange transportation for the entire bridal party and their parents. Look around for providers that are trustworthy, reliable, and have good reviews.
• Examples of wedding transportation providers are:
  • Ngatia Executive
  • My Limo Kenya

10. Accommodation

• Lastly, consider where you will spend your wedding night. After a long day you may need to wind down as a couple before you embark on your honeymoon travels the next day.
• You can check out the rates at these places:
  • The Boma Hotel
  • Eka Hotel
  • Emara Ole Sereni
  • Safari Park Hotel
  • Sankara Hotel
  • After 40 Hotel
  • Golden Tulip
  • Radisson Blu
  • Sarova Panafric

Lastly, if you feel like you may need some outside help bringing your wedding dreams to life or putting together your Kenya wedding checklist, consider hiring a wedding planner like Kenya Wedding Planners or Cheri Events.