Bells on a budget – Loice and James say ’till death’
Anna Mwikali
How did you begin your love journey?
James:Our love journey began three years ago, when Loice started attending my church.
After seeing her a couple of times, I approached her, we exchanged contacts, and here we are!
What was the most notable thing about planning your wedding?
Loice: Designing the invitation cards. We were torn between making printed cards and sending out custom-made e-cards.
We decided to go for the electronic cards, as they were cheaper and easier to make and send out.
How did you estimate your budget to work within your means?
James: First, we listed all the things we wanted for the occasion, then we went window-shopping to come up with a good budget that was within our means.
What form of support did you receive from your social circle i.e. friends, family, colleagues, the church etc.?
Loice: Many family members and friends were willing to support us financially and through prayers and guidance for the big day.
Our church also stepped in big time to organise the ceremony. They sponsored the food and wedding décor.
What kind of challenges did you encounter when planning?
James: Determining which wedding suppliers to work with was a big challenge because prices vary.
So, we had to do thorough research, going from shop to shop to get the best and most affordable deals.
What’s your advice to someone who is considering getting a loan for a wedding?
Loice: I wouldn’t advise anyone to get a loan for a wedding because it can be stressful to start a marriage with debts, unless one has a stable job that he or she knows well how they will repay.
But as for me, I don’t support wedding loans. Just work with what you have at hand.
Any items you forwent to save funds?
James: We had to forgo several things such as outside catering, band entertainment, an MC and extravagant décor.
Our initial budget for the décor was Sh20,000, but considering the amount we were able to raise, we went with a more toned down design.
Tailor-made or ready-made attire, which one do you advocate for a wedding?
Loice: I vote for ready-made attire. Tailors can disappoint you. I, for one, was hugely frustrated by a tailor to whom I was recommended for making affordable yet incredible dresses.
So, I hired him, but what I got was totally different from the design I wanted, and that was only a week to D-day!
If you had a do-over, what would you do differently for your wedding?
James: I would plan for a simpler wedding that costs only Sh20,000 or less, focusing on the most important things such as the rings and marriage certificate.
I feel like my wife and I placed the wedding on a higher pedestal than the marriage that comes afterwards.
What recommendations do you have for the lovebirds on their way to wedlock?
Loice: When planning for your union, don’t let people’s opinions dictate your decisions. You can heed their advice, but, in the end, the nuptial is yours and not theirs.
Contractors:
Videography- Davinson Videography
Photography- Kelly Sanchez Video and Photography Machakos
Cake- Nice Bakery Kitengela
Make-up- Nita Hair Beauty
