Marriage

Here’s Why This Canadian Based Nigerian Bride Is Making Rounds On The Internet

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Eniola

The fight for gender equality has no end as every day women are sticking their guns to what they believe in regardless of what society thinks.

A newly wedded bride, Eniola broke the internet not too long when she announced on Twitter that she did not kneel for her groom and it was a unanimous decision by the pair.

She wrote: “Speaking of submission, during my Yoruba engagement, my husband and I told the Alagas to not use that word or ask me to kneel for him. Everyone told me it wouldn’t be possible because, culture. But guess whose knees didn’t touch the ground?

“My sister’s wedding was earlier this week and she also warned against using the term “ile oko” (husband’s house). Everyone is setting their house rules and removing the bs one act at a time. Looking forward to subversive “no wedding” family members lol.” She added.

This sparked controversy on Twitter of course.

Here are some of the reactions in the link below;

https://twitter.com/i/moments/1034150940616609792

Who are we to question what a bride and her groom prefers?

Photo Credit: @EniolaHu

Planning

6 Ways To Effortlessly Overcome Stage Fright On Your Big Day

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satge frighr

Stage fright is commonly defined as nervousness before or during an appearance in front of an audience.

This can happen to the best of us. Even the most bubbly person in the room has a high chance of getting nervous when asked to be on stage. Some people get cold feet before their wedding because they can’t imagine standing before an audience even on their big day.

If you are the shy type or for some reason have phobia for a large crowd, here are a few tips that can help you overcome stage fright on your wedding day.

1. Do Away With Flamboyant Entry

You don’t have to do all the drama that comes with entering the venue. You can cut out the music and replace it with a simple announcement about your arrival and be clapped for. It will feel even better if you are ushered in with your bridal train, family or friends.

2. Slash Your Guest List

The entire universe doesn’t have to celebrate this special day with you. Strictly invite your family, friends and people whom you are super close with.

3. Cut The Chase With Your Vows

Make your vows simple and straight to the point especially if you are writing yourself. No need to go all the way. Short yet precise will work for you.

4. Don’t Restrict Yourself

Having a special seat for just you and your spouse will definitely make you the center of attention. Seat at a table with friends and family. This will make it a lot more comfortable for you.

5. Simple First Dance

Your first dance does not mean you must have killer moves. Trying out anything major will only add to your stress. Do something simple with your spouse.

6. Unanimous Appreciation

Ensure that you and your spouse thank your guests together. Doing it while holding hands would be even better.

Your spouse is the most important person to you both on your big day and forever. Let your spouse know before hand that you have cold feet as regards crowd on your big day so together you can plan how to make the day as seamless as possible.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Planning

10 Ideal Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Make-Up Artist For Your Big Day

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Poorly done make-up is capable of ruining a perfectly good day. You don’t want anything raining on your parade on your big day. Neither do you want your groom to wonder about your weird transformation.

What are we trying to say? A good make-up artist who knows his/her onion is major.

Fixing a date for Q&A with your makeup artist before fully committing is equally important.

According to Weddingwire, here are a  few questions to ask before diving in.

1. Are you available on my wedding day?
This is the first question you’ll want to ask. Why? If the artist of your dreams isn’t available on your date it’s good to know sooner rather than later. Make sure to ask when they’re available for trials, as well!

2. What’s your standard rate and what does that include?
You’re going to have to fit your wedding makeup artist into your budget, so cut to the chase and ask about cost at the beginning of your conversation. Specifically, you’ll want the balance for pre-wedding trials, your wedding day services and any additional costs.

3. Can you travel for my wedding day?
This is a key question if you’ve planned something out of town. Wedding makeup artists aren’t always available to hop on a plane or train as they may have other obligations or clients to tend to. Ask your artist whether they are able to follow you to your destination right out of the gate. If not, it’s on to the next one. If you want to skip the hassle and cost of travel, look for an artist who already resides in or around your wedding destination.

4. Can I book a trial appointment?
No matter how much you trust them, you don’t want your first appointment with your makeup artist to be your wedding day. Request a trial run or two so that you can try out different styles and products to see what works before committing completely.

5. Do you have a portfolio?
Flipping through your makeup artist’s portfolio will give you an idea of their personal style and ability. If your artists looks like he or she cakes on the makeup and you want a more natural look for your big day, now may be the time to start looking at other options. Testimonials and references will also help you determine whether you’ve found “the one”.

6. What products do you use?
Anyone with problematic skin knows that the wrong product can wreak havoc on your face. You’ll want to get the lowdown on what products and brands your artist plans on working with so that your skin doesn’t freak out on your big day. Side note: If you care about things like parabens, cruelty-free brands or all-natural cosmetics, now’s the time to ask about those, too.

7. How can you make my look last and look good in photos?
You’re wedding day will be a long one, filled with emotions and probably a healthy dose of tears. Make sure your artist is up to the task of keeping you looking pretty no matter what the circumstances. Ask what they can do to minimize shine, lock on your foundation and keep those mascara tears at bay.

8. Are you able to do my bridal party’s makeup as well?
If you want your bridesmaids to have a cohesive look, having the same wedding makeup artist is key. Though one or two of them can probably do a killer job of applying winged liner, you don’t want to leave the others floundering around (that’s just asking for some makeup mishaps). Having your makeup artist handle your entire party means that you won’t have to put your faith in more than one person. After all, if he or she does a great job, why keep hunting?

9. What look would you suggest for me?
Having trouble picking out a look for yourself? Getting a few tips from your wedding makeup artist is a good idea.

There’s a good chance that your artist has worked on many brides with different face shapes, features and colouring – meaning they have an idea of what’s flattering and what’s best avoided on your wedding day.

10. Can I see your contract?
Asking to see a copy of your makeup artist’s standard contract should take care of any unanswered questions.

Their contract should lay out all pre-wedding day, wedding day services plus any additional fees that may impact your balance (like travel fees, parking, etc.). Once you’ve seen a draft, you’ll know exactly what you’re in for.

You are on way to looking like royalty on your big day. Let nothing stop you!

Photo Credit: LionessesOfAfrica, Shutterstock, Adomonline

Planning

Here’s What You Should Ask Your Prospective Wedding DJ

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No ceremony can ever be complete without good music and that’s where an excellent DJ comes in.

According to Wikipedia, a disc jockey, often abbreviated as DJ, is a person who plays existing recorded music for a live audience.

Hiring a good DJ is just as tricky as hiring any other vendor for your wedding. Here are essential questions you are expected to ask before engaging them according to TheSpruce.

1. Can I meet the person who will actually work at my event before we sign a contract?

If you’re working with a DJ company who employs several different DJs, you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re comfortable with the actual person who’ll be at your reception. Do they seem cool, fun, and also respectful?

Are they listening to the questions you’re asking, and giving you thoughtful responses? Do they seem like someone you could have a fun time with?

2.Will you work with my playlist and my do-not-play list?
Wedding DJs love to have autonomy and play whatever they want. Since it’s your wedding, you should have input about what gets played and what doesn’t.
If you have some “deal breaker” songs, be sure to share them with your potential DJ and make sure he or she understands your wishes.

3. Will your equipment allow you to mix one song into another so that there are no breaks in between songs?
One of the top reasons to hire a wedding DJ rather than just using an iPod is that they should be able to provide a seamless flow of music. If they can’t, it’s time to look elsewhere.

4. Will you take breaks? If so, what happens during the breaks?
Again, unlike a band or an iPod, a DJ should be able to have a seamless flow of music with no breaks.

5. Will you take requests during the wedding?
Some wedding DJs love requests, while others don’t like having to hunt for an obscure song or interrupting their playlist.

6. How many weddings do you DJ each year? Will you have another event on the same day? 
Since DJs often work corporate events, bars and birthday parties, you want to make sure he or she is comfortable with weddings and the higher level of sophistication required.

You’ll also want to make sure there aren’t any possible scheduling conflicts as a result of having multiple events booked for the same day.

7. Have you worked at our reception site before?
If he or she already knows the setup and staff there, it can make things more seamless on the day of the wedding.

It’s not necessary, but it’s nice to have that reassurance that your wedding DJ is familiar with the layout and setup.

8. What sort of equipment do you use? Do your prices include the sound system, speakers, wireless microphone for the toasts, etc?
You’ll want to make sure he or she has the necessary equipment required to fill your event space with sound.

Each of these extras can add up quickly. Your event space may already have them available, but it’s good to have backups in case of equipment failure.

9. What do you do if nobody is dancing?
If for any reason your guests aren’t feeling the musical selections, how does the DJ handle it?

10. How current is your music collection? 
Does he or she have access to the newest music? Do you want the newest pop hit played at your reception or do you just want to stick to your old favorites?

11. What if we really want to hear songs that aren’t in your music collection?
If for some reason the DJ doesn’t have some music or songs that you really love, will he be able to acquire it or is that not possible?

12. Will you advertise your services to our guests? Will you be discrete?
Your wedding is a job, not a networking opportunity. You want to make sure the DJ you’re working with doesn’t seem sleazy or slimy, or like he’ll be looking for his next job while in the middle of working your wedding.

13. What do you wear as a wedding DJ?
You’ll want to ensure that your wedding DJ is dressed appropriately for the formality of your big day.

14. Can I see a video of you playing at a wedding?
Ask to see footage of your DJ working at a wedding so you can get a feel for his or her style, personality, and character.

Answers to the above questions would let you know if you are on the right path as regards hiring a suitable DJ for your wedding.

Photo Credit: TheSpruce, Naija DJ Pool

Honeymoon

These 7 Lingerie Ideas That Will Leave Him Dazed On Your Wedding Night

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lacy negligee

Lingerie is derived from an old french word, ‘Linge’ meaning linen.

Lingerie is made of lightweight, stretchy, smooth, sheer or decorative fabrics such as silk, satin, lycra, charmeuse, chiffon or (especially and traditionally) lace.

These fabrics can be made of natural fibres like silk or cotton or of synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon. They are perfect undergarments for a wedding night.

One of the highlights of the wedding night or honeymoon is the bride rocking ideal lingerie for her man. Shopping for a nice and ideal lingerie may be almost as hectic as shopping for a wedding gown.

If your honeymoon is around the corner and you intend to strutt your stuff in front of him, then this is for you.

1. Lady In Red 

Red and lace are the perfect fit to getting your man’s undivided attention.

2. Teddy Lingerie

This looks like a bathing suit but it’s a short night gown that just falls past the waist.

3. Chemise

Chemise looks good on any body size. It’s a night gown with lots of lace and thin straps.

4. Lacy Negligee

Yearning to rock something free that night? No need for tees and baggy shorts. Just slip into a sexy negligee.

5. Garter Belts

Suspenders or suspender belts, also known as “garter belts” in the USA, are an undergarment consisting of an elasticated material strip usually at least 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) in width; it can be wider.

You can easily achieve a naughty girl look with these.

6. Robe

Robes are just right to clad on your wedding night. They ooze sexiness and style.

7. Boyshort Panties

Boyshort panties are comfy and totally sexy.

Certain colours like black, red and white go a long way too. You can never go wrong in these jaw-dropping lingerie ideas on your honeymoon.

Photo Credit: Hitched, WeddingServices, Otto, WeddingNetwork

Planning

8 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring A Caterer For Your Wedding

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cheftiyan

Catering is an integral part of any ceremony especially a Nigerian wedding. In all you do, ensure your catering is topnotch or assign a trusted person to do so.

 

Here are a few relevant questions you need to ask before hiring any caterer.

1. Are you booked on my wedding date?

If the caterer is not available on your date, it’s a no-NO.

2. Have you ever worked at my venue before?

Some venues only allow approved caterers to work on their premises.  Whether or not that’s the case, it’s a good idea to find a caterer who is comfortable at your venue, though not a deal-breaker.

3.  Can I take a look at a sample menu?

Start by telling the caterer about your wedding – your style, the guest count, how you visualize the food, etc. and ask to see a menu from a wedding that’s similar. You’ll get a sense if you and the caterer are on the same page in terms of style.

4. Do you allow couples to customize their menus at all?

If you have specific requests or dietary restrictions, it’s important to find a caterer that’s flexible. Find out if the caterer would be open to preparing family favorites, if that’s important to you.

5. Will there be a pre-wedding tasting?

If so, is there a fee involved? Having a pre-wedding tasting is an important part of the planning process. Find out how the caterer’s tastings work – are they done before or after the contract is signed? What is included?

6. Do you provide rentals like tables, chairs, linens, etc.?

If the answer is no, your venue should be able to assist you with finding a rental company to work with.

7. What’s your typical ratio of servers to guests?

This depends on if you’d having a buffet or sit-down dinner. Usually sit-down dinners will have around a one server to 20 guest ratio or less, while for a buffet the guest count will be higher.

8. Who will be on site on my wedding day?

You’ll want to be sure that you meet the coordinator who will be at your wedding beforehand.

Whatever you do, make sure everything is 95% in order in the catering department.

Photo Credit: Cruise Africa, Bella Naija

Planning

Here’s Why You Need A Gift Registry In Your Life

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Buying gifts can be very tricky, especially for a newly wedded couple. You can be low on cash or stuck with what to buy. Aargh! Nobody wants this.

Thankfully, Iludio is here to ease your burden. The gift registry is open to both the couple and guests. This means you and your friends can create gift registries where preferred items are selected and funds shared with no stress. Yeah, you are welcome.

Photo Credit: Etsy

This is what you should know about Iludio gift registry.

1. Selection

The gift registry has a variety of items and you can choose those that easily match your budget too.

Photo Credit: Dhgate.com

2. Gifting

As a couple (bride) you can set an item as a group gift and get guests to contribute to buy the item.

3. Cash Contribution

Funds can be added to your registry and you can get guests to contribute cash.

4. Unlimited Access

Your guests in Nigeria and any part of the world can buy gifts and contribute to funds.

Furthermore, there’s a column where you get to select the particular brand you would love to purchase items from. Of course, this totally saves you the hassle of going to the market, stalls or malls. If you are a bride-to-be or friends with a bride-to-be then why don’t you or her have a gift registry?

Proposals

7 Essential Questions You Must Ask Your Groom Before Walking Down The Aisle

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Your groom should be your closest ally before and after your wedding of course. A bride/wife-to-be should know her prospective husband through and through even before they begin plans to tie the knots.

Arranged marriages are rare these days, hence it is perceived that the bride may have known the groom for sometime before accepting to marry him. Nonetheless, having a thorough question and answer section with the groom is important so as to clarify and affirm certain issues that may have come up during the course of the relationship/courtship.

Here are 7 vital questions you should ask:

1. What is your networth?

This is major so as to avoid incurring debts while making plans for your wedding and other future plans. You both should know how much the other person earns annually.

Photo Credit: Daily Family

2. Do you have a terminal illness/health condition?

Health is wealth as the popular saying goes. Knowing your partner’s state of health is important.

3. How many children would you love to have?

This is another very sensitive issue that must be discussed before hand.

4. What’s your take on living with extended family members?

In Africa, Nigeria in particular this has caused a lot of conflict among married couples. Ask your spouse if he is comfortable having extended family members in your home or not.

5. Are you a religious or spiritual person?

You should actually know this about your spouse from the get-go.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

6. How big are you about your personal space?

Most people are quite particular about their individuality – married or not. You should know your partner’s take on this.

7. Do you like to share house chores?

As trifling as this may seem, it’s a deal breaker for many people so knowing where he stands regarding splitting house chores is necessary.

These 7 questions should be a guide on what questions you should ask your groom to-be to avoid a precarious situation.

Main Photo Credit: Ade Love