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Weddings
Wedding Cake Decorations Wedding cake decorations are seeing a transformation in Kenya and this has brought about creativity in designs in the numerous weddings that are being witnessed. A cake decoration can either be done by cake specialists or even a friend. In cases where the couples decide to leave it to the professionals to design and decorate the cake there are numerous companies especially in the capital city of Nairobi that are capable of some of the best work you have ever seen. Cakes for a wedding vary in cost and this will depend on a number of things that will include the size as well as ingredients. Today couple’s order their cakes complete with size, shape as well as the kind of cake decorations they will want and this is in contrast to the previous ages where couples used to buy ready-made cakes. Today’s wedding cakes are decorated in order to fit in well with the wedding theme. Wedding designers are many in Kenya so it is important to find one that has is mostly concerned with the finer details because you will want the wedding cake to reflect the type of wedding being conducted and have a unique touch to it. Types of Wedding Cake Decorations With this in mind, it is important to look at the samples and you can even go as far as tasting them in order to make sure that it is what you will want at your wedding before ordering. In order to be able to come up with the cake decorations of your dreams it is important to set up an appointment with one of the best pastry chefs that are common in Kenya and from there on you can have a wedding cake that will complement your unique style. There are several things to consider before deciding on the decorations. The couple should be able to decide what will be the most significant aspect of their cake before hand in order to come up with the most unique decorations. Some of the things to consider before deciding on the decoration are the words that you might want to appear on the top of the wedding cake. The message on top of the cake will greatly determine the outcome of the wedding. The cake decorations will also depend on the flavor of the cake, as there are a wide variety of cake flavors. Some of the common wedding cake flavors in Kenya include Classic Favorite White Cake, Chocolate Noire Cake, Venetian Lemon Cake, Chocolate Fantasia Cake, Hazelnut Rocco Cake, Triple Orange Grand Marnier Cake and many others. The cake can also be accompanied by icings or high quality fresh fruit spreads. The icings may include Butter cream, Dark Chocolate Ganache, White Chocolate Ganache, Rolled Fondant and many others. The jams and marmalades may include Orange Marmalade, Raspberry Jam, Strawberry Jam and many others. The couple can also make special requests for other flavors and styles of cakes. The wedding cake prices will depend on the design as well as the type of cake decoration chosen.
Weddings Wedding Flowers and Décor Ideas
Wedding flowers and décor bring beauty and freshness to the wedding and their creative use brings about a colourful display. Flowers add beauty to the dullest of events and it is important to hire a floral arrangement professional to make the best out of the available flowers of the season. Wedding flowers must match the theme of the wedding to create that much wanted harmony. The bridal party carries flowers that match their accessories and the bride’s bouquet stands out from all the others. Wedding flowers and décor are used as centrepieces for the tables and focal points in the church or the reception grounds. Strewn petals on the aisle make an interestingly romantic display as the bride walks on them towards her soul mate. Playing with the floral arrangement brings about many different shapes that give the wedding authenticity. Unique is upheld in the wedding flowers and décor ideas and it is always great to have something out of the ordinary. Having the flowers in other holders rather than the usual vases is a great idea and they will look great in a wooden bucket, an antique urn, cans, mason jars and pitchers. Using coloured sand as a décor idea is another of the unique wedding décor ideas. Coloured Sand as a Wedding Décor Coloured sand is available in many colours that will go with the wedding flowers and decor. Some of the most prominent colours include pink, white, yellow, purple, violet, green, red, black, blue and many others. It serves as a unique wedding decoration to create that harmony and aesthetic value and it will definitely accentuate the wedding décor. It can be poured into clear jars and vases to create a colourful wedding décor that will match the wedding theme and colour scheme. Pouring the coloured sand as a wedding décor on the wedding venue grounds is another beautiful idea. It will create a beautiful manmade sandy beach and this will highlight the wedding in a magnificent way. This sand is available at wedding malls and a great idea is making it at home. Food colouring is an effective way of colouring sand to bring out the effect that people are looking for. With a cocktail of different food colours in the market, people will be a few steps away from making a rainbow that will make the wedding glow. This will definitely stand out among the other wedding flowers and décor in place. Coloured sand as a wedding décor comes with many advantages that include safety for children. Children make up the guest list at a wedding and their curiosity will lead them to the alluring sand. There is no need to restrain them since the sand is safe and will not harm them or discolour their clothes. Sand is long lasting and people will not have to worry about it withering or falling apart. Sand is available locally and this means that people looking at using it among the wedding flowers and décor will save money and at the same time manage to make their wedding décor unique and creative.
Weddings
Kenyan Grooms and Wedding Expectations The Kenyan groom shoulders a lion share of wedding expenses as has been the culture for ages. Despite this, there is an emerging class of hip young Kenyans who do not see the big deal about sharing expenses. There is an increasing shift towards this kind of wedding ideology. It is a well known fact that a wedding is one of the biggest stresses that an engaged couple goes through. The principle of sharing wedding expenses is indeed becoming popular in Kenya. This has something to do with the harsh economic environment that is currently prevailing. The Kenyan groom does not have to break a sweat anymore as the bride also gets to chip in order to offset wedding expenses. Typical wedding expenses include: reception expenses, marriage license, rings, officiates fees, honeymoon, wedding photographer, wedding party flowers, brides bouquets etc. Most young couples are struggling to launch their careers which means that they do not have that much cash t spend on their wedding. In most instances, the family of the groom will step in as well as the bride’s family to make the entire affair smooth and relieve the bride and groom of the heavy financial burden that come with a wedding. The Groom and Typical Wedding Expenses The groom, in a typical Kenyan situation, has to contend with numerous wedding expenses. The bride has to have a gown which does not come cheap. The bridal party has also to be fitted with new outfits that will match with the theme of the wedding. The men have to be immaculate in suits or whatever wear you settle on for the big day. As mentioned earlier, there is a trend that is slowly gaining ground in the Kenyan community which can be a tad conservative at times. The engaged partners are pooling their resources together and financing their wedding as opposed to leaving the entire financial burden to the groom. The involved families also get to share the about to be newlyweds by shouldering a part of the wedding expenses. Not too long ago, it was unheard of to have a bride let alone her family chip in towards the wedding expenses. In fact, this has relieved most grooms as weddings in the Kenyan scenario are increasingly becoming an extremely expensive affair. An average Kenyan wedding can cost anything from half a million Kenyan shillings upwards. This is a great burden to bear keeping in mind that the average Kenyan groom is still struggling to achieve financial stability. Should the families concerned decide to split the costs of the wedding, it is important to work closely in order to be in sync and thus eliminate confusion. Expenses should be split right from the beginning. The previous culture where wedding expenses were the sole responsibility of one person meant that there was no much coordinating to do, as the decisions were also quicker to make. Things like the size and style of the wedding were entirely tied to the available finances. The Kenyan groom might not yet be out of the woods as concerns wedding expenses, but he is surely getting there.
Weddings Wedding Invite Themes Wedding attendance will greatly depend on the themes that the couple chooses for their wedding. Today, weddings have changed from the traditional church weddings to romantic park weddings among others. There are various wedding locations and modes of marrying and it is important to choose a wedding theme that will suit the design and the spirit of the occasion. One of the things to consider when preparing the wedding invites is the theme of the wedding. If the wedding is the traditional indoor wedding church, the couple may need to have more traditional and sacred themes. If the wedding is taking place in a park with flowers, it will be better with a colorful theme. Other things to consider would be the color scheme of the wedding and this is because many brides to be take a lot of time to come up with their specific flowers, decorations as well as the dresses for their bridesmaids. Another important aspect to consider before choosing the perfect wedding invites is the ethnic or religious aspects. The couple to get married may come from different cultural backgrounds or even different religions and this may mean two entirely different wedding traditions. Making the Perfect Wedding Invites It will be very important if all these aspects were reflected on the wedding invites so that there is both elegance and coordination in the wedding ceremony. This can include various traditional African designs that can be incorporated into some unique wedding invitations. Wedding invites should be pre-designed, as they are more diverse, which can make you not get exactly what you had in mind. In this case, you can get a greeting card that has a blank interior that you can adapt and make a few changes to suit your style or you can design different invitation themes all by yourself. Before ordering your wedding invites, it is important to think about all your needs. In all wedding invitations it is important to include response cards as well as envelopes and this is in order for the guests can RSVP. The couple should also consider if they would like to receive responses via email and if this is the case, the couple’s email address should be included in the invitation cards. Other couple’s are also known to prefer to receive responses via snail mail and this means that the couple will include postage stamps on the return envelopes, which will cost extra money but increase the chances of getting responses tremendously. The response may be positive or negative, so the couple may also consider holding a pre-wedding supper for family and participants as a formal affair, and in this case, you can place cards for the dinner. The wedding invitation can also be matched with thank you notes or a wedding guest book. The wedding invitation theme will reflect the wedding ceremony plans and it will help in defining the day
Weddings A Bride in a Red Gown The traditional bride the world over has been associated with wearing a white gown. This was the exception with the Chinese who used red as their wedding gown color. Red bridal gowns are emerging as an alternative to the white gown. This is creating disconcert especially in conservative countries like Kenya. This is because a bride spotting a red wedding gown opposes everything that has been the norm in the realm of wedding since the Victorian era. Fiercely independent brides are indeed seeing red. The culture of red bridal gowns slowly took root in Europe in the last ten years or so. The red fever has slowly gained grounds in other parts of the globe and Kenya is no exception. If given a chance to choose between a red wedding gown and a white one, a tidy percentage of Kenyan brides would of course go the traditional route and choose white. A bride in a red gown is all about being different and unique. Your choice should you settle on a red gown might be met with violent opposition and rumblings especially from your close womenfolk. Wedding experts have predicted that red is the wedding color of the future and more and more brides will walk down the aisle in red. Should you go red? White has always been the traditional color associated with weddings. This is because of the great symbolism of the white color. White the world over stands for steadfastness, fidelity and purity. All these are very desirable qualities in marriage. Times are however changing at a very fast rate which is in line with the liberation of the womenfolk from the meek housewife cast. Donning on a red wedding gown for a bride need not cause unnecessary hullabaloo. This is primarily because women have successfully invaded the turf of men and offset the traditional ratio of 70-30 in some careers to a ratio of almost 50-50. Passionate lovers, the daring and courageous are symbolized by the red color and so, any bride who categorizes herself as so, a red wedding gown is the way to go. Red in some communities like the Maa here in Kenya represents celebration, purity and joy. They also believe that red brings forth good fortune and so a bride in red is perfectly in order. The fuss over brides walking down the aisle in red need not be anymore as it’s all about color symbolism. The circumstances that lead to someone settling for any other color apart from white depend largely also on the prevailing circumstances. The middle ages saw many brides getting married in a host of other colors apart from white. This was primarily because a white wedding gown was really tricky to clean in those eras. All that was required of brides was the tying of a blue band or ribbon to signify purity on their wedding day. The wedding gown in those times was anything that could pass of as a nice outfit and thus could be worn on several occasions. The Kenyan bride should embrace the red wedding gown as a matter of style and elegance.
Weddings
A Church as a Wedding Venue Many couples in Kenya choose to have their wedding venue in the church and this is because they want their God to bless their marriage. In order to be able to have your wedding venue in a church in Kenya, some legal aspects need to be observed first. The first aspect is to decide whether to have a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony and in both these two cases, the couple should have at least two witnesses present at the ceremony. The civil ceremonies are the ones that are held at the local Register office or at any venue that possess a special license for weddings. The religious ceremony is the one that the couple decides depending on their religion and the most common religions in Kenya include Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Most couple are know to prefer a wedding venue in the church. Some couples may also wish to conduct a traditional African wedding. All these wedding arrangements are recognized under the Kenyan law but only the Kenyan registrar will record the Christian weddings. The Hindu and Islamic couples will be able to get a marriage certificate and in the case of African traditional weddings, the couple will be issued with an affidavit. Church Wedding Venues Those who wish to have their wedding venue in the church will need to contact the specific church in advance in order to book the wedding date and avoid mishaps. Most Kenyan churches are known to use the African Christian marriage act, which is not valid for nonAfricans. The couple intending to get married in a church will need to notify the registrar’s office as well as the church where they would want to get married and this should be done 21 days before the wedding day. In cases where couples from outside the country would like to get married in Kenya, they would need to get a special license from the registrar’s office. The special license is important if the marriage is to be recognized under the Marriage Act. In order to be able to get the special license to have a wedding venue in the church, the couple must submit several documents and these will include valid passports, valid tourist visa, birth certificates and a formal affidavit prepared by a solicitor or notary. This should declare both partners are single and eligible for marriage. They should also produce a written permission authorized by a solicitor or notary in the form of an affidavit from parents or guardians for couples under the age of 21, previous marriage certificate and death certificate for those who are widowed and lastly a Decree of Absolute stamped by a court for those who are divorced. There are various churches in Kenya and each of these churches has their own specific procedure of conducting wedding ceremonies. Some churches are known to have very long wedding that can last for hours while others only take a few minutes to conduct the wedding. The churches are also known to accommodate the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of all the Kenyan communities as well as those not from Kenya. Having a wedding venue in the church in Kenya does not matter if the church is in the big cities or in the small towns.
Weddings Wedding Entertainment Songs Wedding entertainment is what makes the day stand out as people join in the happy jubilations. The family of the bride and groom are both happy that their son and daughter have covered yet another milestone in life. There is no better way to celebrate this joy that in jubilant wedding songs. Depending on their culture, different wedding entertainment will take place and they all gear at providing entertainment and create a lively occasion. The Kenyan music scene has a variety of entertainment that is suitable for weddings. Some of the famous groups of musicians who grace the wedding scene include Kayamba Africa, Sauti Soul, Kayamba Fiesta, Jabali Afrika, Inka, Juma Tutu band, Gospel Fathers, Yunasi, Kayamba Roots, the ultimate band among others. Independent musicians include Helen Mtawali, Eric Wainaina, Carol Atemi, and Achieng Abura among others. Wedding entertainment has diversified over the years as the wedding industry has gone ahead to become a billion dollar making venture of its kind. People will always remember a certain wedding if they had fun and in this case this means getting down to the music. Music is the food of the soul and brings smiles to everyones face and people planning on having a wedding must have entertainment among their first priorities. Suitable Wedding Entertainment Songs Wedding entertainment must be carefully planned and this includes hiring an excellent Public Adress system, qualified disc jockey as well as a guest performer or a music group to add glamour to the wedding. People have a way of bonding with the musicians and this will turn the wedding into an exhilarating experience. Many weddings are dominated by entertainment and this is a great thing since weddings are happy events and the more fun people have the better and the more memorable a wedding will be. Away from the wedding venue, the wedding evening party is another phase that is characterised by songs and dances. This is where the bride and groom take to the floor to dance to their favourite ballad. This can be performed by a live band or a disc jockey who will spin it into action. There are many love ballads in the local scene and people may settle for one from the various musicians. Wedding entertainment is not limited and the borders can be crossed in search for that particular one that makes the couple tick. The African music industry has also grown with big names like P Square and Bracket releasing music that has become a favourite for weddings. Wedding entertainment may include songs done by western artists like Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Eric Benet, George Benson, Aerosmith, and Shania twain among others. It is important to study the music list since some people go wrong where they pick sad ballads just because they love them. Wedding music must be happy and the words must be communicating nothing but love. Gospel music is also a favourite in almost all weddings and it is important to balance the selection. This ensures that all tastes and generations are catered for by settling on suitable wedding entertainment songs.
Weddings
Engagement Ring Made of Tanzanite Engagement rings are one of the most important things before a couple decides to get married. Tanzanite is a gemstone that is in a rare color of blue and purple and it can only be found in one location in the world and that is at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. This gemstone has a beautiful color and it is very rare and this makes it one of the most sought after stones especially by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts as they are the favorite engagement rings. These stones are rated according to their hardness and Tanzanite is rated between 6.5 and 7.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness. The beautiful color of this stone is as a result of the element in the stone that is known as Vanadium. Tanzanite can also be in a rough form and this makes the stone be brownish-red in color. When tanzanite is viewed from different angles it gives different colors and this characteristic is called pleochroism. This gemstone mostly depends on the temperature as it can crack if there are sudden temperature changes. Due to the hardness and beauty of Tanzanite it is suitable for jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets as well as engagement rings. Benefits of Tanzanite as an Engagement Ring Using tanzanite as an engagement ring will make any woman the happiest woman to go together with the wedding celebration. It is for this reason that most men in Kenya would do anything to get an engagement ring that is made of Tanzanite gemstone to show their undying love for their women before their wedding day. This ring lasts for long without losing its color and many would be brides will be lucky to wear a ring of this kind. This gemstones gives a ring a certain feel as well as a stunning look that will surely stand out from the crowd. This ring also needs to be taken care of and the buyer should ask the jeweler on how to care for the ring so that it can lasts longer. Kenya is a center of gemstones in the East African region especially the capital city of Nairobi as it has a number of jewelers as well as jewelry stones with various precious stones for people to choose from when they want to propose to their partners. It is important that buyers be careful and take all the necessary security measures when they are looking to buy a Tanzanite engagement ring as there have been some cases fraud associated with the gemstones. Buyers should be aware of what to expect and this is by doing enough research from reliable suppliers. The prices of this gemstone also vary at different jewelers. This is important as there are different qualities of Tanzanite in the market that buyers should be aware of. Buyers can also go to the internet and look at some of the companies that deal with gemstones to be able to know more about Tanzanite and what to expect from jewelers. This will determine the type of engagement ring you will give your partner.
Weddings Wedding Styles for Modern Weddings Wedding styles have changed over the years and each tries to bring the brides ideas closer home. Many trends have hit the Kenyan market lately with a major influence being got from a wedding show that airs in one of the local television stations. Wedding styles have thus diversified and every person looking at having a wedding will settle for nothing but the unique idea. The olden days have been pushed aside where weddings took the same style and thus provided nothing exciting to see. Nowadays, weddings are exotic events that require people to research and plan to come up with a wedding style idea like no other. Be it a garden wedding, a beach wedding or an indoor affair, the Kenyan wedding scene has evolved tremendously to bring out the most creative pieces that have ever been witnessed lately. The wedding styles are based on contemporary ideas that bring about beautiful modern weddings in every sense. From the bridal wear, to transport, to the menu and to the theme, everything coordinates to create a harmonious finish that is appealing to the eye. Brides have been picked from their homes in helicopters, state of the art limousines and white horse carriages something that is happening in Kenya’s glamorous weddings. Wedding Style Ideas Wedding styles are influenced by the amount of money that people want to spend on their weddings since the more glamorous they are the deeper people dig into their pockets. Every young woman fantasises of a modern wedding that will fulfil her childhood dream of having a Cinderella fairy tale wedding. At the same time, it is important for the couple to infuse their culture in this wedding as society demands. The result is an exotic combination of different cultures and the modern aspect to bring forth a well-balanced wedding that will be appreciated by all. Wedding styles that has changed in the Kenyan scene is people’s choice of wedding dresses. Modern weddings have taken root and brides now opt for flowing romantic gowns that are either strapless, bareback or with spaghetti straps. These gowns are most of the time fitting and with floral details that bring out the little girl in them. Some of the most popular materials in use include satin, chiffon and lace and a bride may choose to have pearl or embroidery details on her gown. Many bridal fashion houses in Kenya specialise in making some of the unique wedding gowns. Wedding styles for modern weddings have also embraced new hairstyles that have made a debut in the Kenyan market. Many brides earlier used to opt for relaxed hair on their big day that used to bring about many inconveniences. It is difficult to manage the African hair and this gave brides a headache when they took off for their honeymoon. Braids have made a welcome entrant into the wedding styles market and their ease of management has made them a favourite among many brides. This wedding style means that they are no longer afraid to take a swim while on honeymoon or suffer a terrible hair day in the wild.
Weddings Wedding Plan Saving Tips A wedding plan should be laid out before hand in order to have a successful wedding. Planning a wedding is one of the most tedious processes and it takes a lot time, money and energy. There is a lot of stress involved in coordinating the venues, flowers, outfits, catering and many other aspects that are associated with the big day and the couple will have to seek the help of several individuals such as wedding planners. However, if you are a wellorganized individual you can be able to plan your own wedding and at the same time saving some money. In addition, this will need the help and support of family and friends. This will greatly save on costs for contracting wedding planners. The best way to be able to have a successful wedding plan is to start well in advance probably a year before the wedding day. Sit down with your family and friends and come up with a list of all the aspects that will be involved in the wedding. It is also necessary to build provisions that are necessary in order to cope with the unexpected glitches. With all these, you do not need to go for training on how to come up with a successful wedding plan that will make the big day successful. Cost Saving on Wedding Plans The first thing to do so is to prioritize and here is where you make a list of the most important things that you and your bride would want for the wedding day. This will include things such as number of people to be invited, venue of the wedding, the meals to be eaten, specific flowers to be at the wedding and so on. Knowing you and your partner’s priorities helps in coming up with a clear wedding plan in that you will be saving money not buying things you do not need. Trimming the guest list is also going to save on costs for the wedding. This should be done if the cost per guest is going to break the budget. The best way to trim guests when making a wedding plan is by crossing off names of those people who will feel obligated to come if they are invited and they will not feel hurt if they do not get an invitation. It is also important to reduce the people in the bridal party, as all those in the bridal party should be bought a gift. If it is possible, the wedding ceremony can also take place at a hotel in order to get discounts if family and friends will be staying at the same hotel before the wedding. These are tips on saving costs for a wedding. It is possible to have a friend or family member to conduct the wedding ceremony as this saves on costs that church ministers charge. Make sure that you stick to schedule during the ceremony and the reception, as delays will incur extra charges. It will also be cheaper to have a wedding in a small town rather than in the big cities as venues, caterers as well as florist tend to be more expensive. Couples can also save a lot on costs if they have the ceremony and the reception in the same location. Couples can also borrow from family and friends talents when preparing a wedding plan to help with wedding invitations, programs, entertainment as well as flowers.
Weddings Wedding Menu Cocktails
The wedding menu is as important as the day itself and has to be carefully planned to stimulate the guests’ taste buds. Memories of good food at a wedding live on many years after the event and it is important to make sure that the memories are pleasant. Truth be told, people love food and that is why there are winding ques at the wedding buffets. At this point, people are also hungry since they woke up so early to witness the wedding proceedings. After eating, people love to indulge in a refreshing drink and it is important to pick suitable cocktails for your wedding. A wedding menu is therefore incomplete without the inclusion of fine cocktails. Coming up with a list of these drinks is highly recommended to help guests choose the one they prefer with ease. The waiters must be well informed about the contents of these drinks to be better placed to help the guest make a choice. This list should be part of the wedding menu so that guests can place their orders all at once. These drinks are given names that suit the wedding theme to incorporate them fully in the occasion. Signature drinks work best with weddings as they give the wedding a personal touch. Suitable Cocktails for Weddings The wedding menu may contain a number of signature cocktails, which may match the weddings colour scheme. This way, they will not only pass as drinks but as a thoughtful idea to make the consumer part of the celebrations. If the wedding colour scheme is blue, the drink can then bear a blue look and will definitely look magnificent in that glass. This will be baptised “something blue” and the elegance it exudes will make it a favourite among the attendants. This will be made by simply mixing a hypnotic drink with white wine to make a perfect drink for the wedding. Another cocktail that must be part of the wedding menu is the southern bride. This will be made from mixing gin with grape fruit and grenadine and the result will be an elegant drink that will be alluring to the guests. It makes a perfect toast to the married couple and its mild sweet taste makes it ideal for such a happy occasion. The name may be driven closer home to read “Kenyan bride” which will be a well thought idea. The wedding menu will not be complete without something non-alcoholic for the non drinkers as well as the designated drivers. The Reno Cocktail makes a perfect non-alcoholic drink to serve this need. It is generally referred to as a mocktail due to its nature and will comprise grape fruit juice, limejuice, grenadine and superfine sugar and a little bit of colour to give it an innocent pink appearance. These ingredients are then poured into a cocktail shaker to blend them well. Ice cubes are then put to give it a desirable chill and it is then served in a beautiful glass as a wedding menu special.
Weddings
Typical Kenyan Style Wedding Proposal A wedding proposal can be done beautifully in a myriad of ways. This having been said, there are some timeless classics of doing a wedding proposal that simply refuse to fade away. This is with good cause too. Recent surveys have indicated that up to 80% of brides were not exactly happy with their proposals despite saying yes all the same. The most important thing to consider when considering proposing to her is that she will live to remember this for a long time to come so it’d better be exceptional. Whether she shivers or just shrugs it away when she remembers how you proposed is 100% up to you. Proposals can be carried out according to the preferences of the two parties .i.e. the bride and the groom. There are absolutely no boundaries as concerns proposals of a wedding. Many women however fantasize about the romantic aspect of the wedding proposal. This is not to be entirely unexpected since women are known to be the most romantic humans. Approaches like doing a wedding proposal on the scoreboard when you are watching your favorite rugby teams rough each other out at Impala are best left to those women who are diehard rugby fans. Wedding Proposal in a Restaurant The typical Kenyan wedding proposal can be said to take place in restaurants. Public proposals are however not widespread in Kenya as we are still a very conservative country. Our men also do not necessary think highly of those romantic proposals, which has made the Kenyan women really miss one of the most important milestones of any relationship. For those women who are lucky enough to have partners who are a bit romantic, they get to be taken out to a high-end restaurant and there they get to be proposed. A proposal should be tailor made to suit your woman as technically, it is her proposal and all you are doing is to lay out the proposal while bended down on one knee. Ensure that it is as romantic as possible. A restaurant wedding proposal remains an all time classic. They usually are arranged to happen during dinner. It is important to choose a table that has a romantic aura and preferably with an astral view as the clear night sky has been known to be extremely romantic. It is important to let the hotel staff in on your plan though most high-end establishments have had their fair share of romantic proposals. Remember, it is important to frequent the restaurant beforehand so that you do not let the cat out of the bag prematurely. This will guard the element of surprise, which is a very pivotal part of any successful proposal. It is definitely very important to surprise your woman irrespective of whether you may have discussed tying the note previously. Ensure you have a solid and watertight reason of going out to a nice restaurant so that she does not suspect anything. While at this, do not forget the ring because once again, it is all about her and the ring. The ring should be carefully chosen and if necessary, solicit for advice from your female friends. They are likely to forward brilliant ideas from a woman’s perspective as concerns a wedding proposal.
Weddings Wedding Gifts and Favours Wedding gifts and favours dominate the Kenyan wedding scene that dictates that both guests and the wedding couple appreciate each other presence in this occasion. The gifts are important, the couple will greatly appreciate them and the guests will equally appreciate the favours. It is important to get wedding gifts and favours that are practical to ensure that they are used and they associate the giver with them. The era of buying flowered glasses from the local supermarket are so gone and it is important to embrace change. The couple will also be proud to announce to their guests that they got that particular gift from a certain person as the memory lives forever. The bride and groom have used so much money on this wedding and it is a wise bet that they are broke. Giving them money is one of the most appreciated gifts as they will be able to fund their dented accounts or buy something that they really need. Wedding gifts and favours will also be acceptable if people take time to check out the wedding registry in the case of guests. Many couples put this up at a designated gift store or supermarket. Benefits of Wedding Gifts and Favours Wedding registry is a modern art of ensuring that the couple gets only the wedding gifts they need. The couple needs to settle on a gift store that is known for good deals in terms of price and quality. This way, they will end up getting what they want and their guests will not have to sign for bank loans to get the desired gifts. Wedding gifts and favours are meant to make both the receiver and the giver happy. They are likely to get the gifts and favours at subsidized prices since there will be many guests streaming to the shop to get the necessary items. This is a win-win situation for the proprietor, the couple and their guests. There is nothing as annoying as unwrapping dozens and dozens of dinnerware when people already have a fine set of their own. The major benefit of wedding registry is ensuring that the couple only gets the gifts they want to receive. This idea of a wedding registry is gaining ground in Kenya and the couple is smiling all the way to their new home. Many gifts in the past have gone to waste as the couple does not know what to do with a million and one assorted knives. That is why it is important for couples looking at getting married to do the same and avoid the headache of disposing these unnecessary wedding gifts. Wedding traditions in Kenya have changed over the years and that is why wedding gifts and favours must be put into great consideration. Many couples may have lived together for a long time meaning that they already have the basics in their home. Buying them things they already have is a waste and that is why they list their preferred gifts to ensure that they only get what they aspire to have. The registry has therefore become innovative and this is much better than buying the couple something they will never appreciate or something they will give away less than 2 weeks after they get married.
Weddings Basic Honeymoon Preparation Ideas Planning a honeymoon is something that is rushed over by many people who are getting married. They spend so much time planning the wedding that they forget that this will be the cream of the festivities. Most people are not aware of the preparations that they are supposed to make before catching that flight to a destination they know little about. It is therefore important for people planning to get married to indulge themselves with the basic honeymoon preparation ideas that will leave them enlightened on this moment of a lifetime. The wedding has been successful but overwhelming with all the guests wanting to shake the couple’s hands and hug them. It has been a long day with the stressful wedding preparations not withstanding and at this point, the couple just wants to sneak out and start their honeymoon. The fast step is to choose a destination where they want to spend their time together. There are many destinations within Kenya and the couple needs to settle for one that excites them. The idea of a honeymoon is to know each other better, relax and have as much fun as they can lay their hands on. After picking on a favourite destination, they will now need to make a reservation through a travel agency. Honeymoon Planning Tips If the couple is having their honeymoon in foreign soil, they require to get vaccinated and take preventative medicine just in case. Travelling to a foreign country can be a traumatising experience if a couple spends days in bed nursing some weird symptoms when they are supposed to be painting the town red. Contraceptive options also require to have been taken care of way before the get away as part of the preparations. This is a time to enjoy themselves to the fullest and making babies is not in the list. That can wait a little longer until they are ready to start a family. Packing for the journey follows these preparations and it is important to know what to pack in the honeymoon suitcase. Depending on the destination, various clothes will be packed. Hilly areas tend to get cold and so the couple must carry with them warm clothes. Beach destinations will require light clothing, sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen and umbrellas just in case it becomes too heated. It is important to ensure that the tickets to the destination are there, enough money as well as a camera to capture the memorable moments. Jet lag is common with many people who fly and if the couple is flying to their honeymoon destination, they require to have rested well before jumping into the plane. This reduces the effect of jet lag, which includes feelings of disorientation and discomfort. Taking plenty of mineral water while on the plane is another great way of getting rid of jet lag. It is important to stay off alcohol while flying since it can cause dehydration coupled with the air conditioning. Once at the destination, the couple must take their time to rest and recover from the flight. Taking time before going to sleep is highly advised for that fresh start of your honeymoon.
Beauty Hair Styles for Men Hair speaks volumes about the wearer and a clean cut man scores highly in both the professional and casual scenes. This cut has a prominent smart appearance that shows that one is well bred, as it avoids the outrageous. Men need to work a little bit harder to maintain their hair and they may use hair-gel and brushes to give it that clean look. These hairstyles have taken a debut in the market since 2009 and the trend keeps getting from good to better. Barbers keep inventing some of the coolest hairstyles, which go well with a person’s head. Many American celebrities have not been left out in this rush for clean cuts and some of them include Steve Carrel, George Clooney and Matt Damon to mention but a few. These young gorgeous men look at the top of their game with their well-done hairstyles and this has generated a craze in the local scene too. The good thing about this kind of hairstyle is that it is easy to maintain and especially for those with manageable hair. Once this hair is combed into style, it remains that way the whole day unlike others that have to be brushed every now and then. Normally, this cut is above the shoulders for that easy look. Using your Hair to Speak for you Clean cut man hairstyles are suitable for men of all ages as they are trendy but also mature. They have been repeated over the years but always spring back with renewed hype, that leaves all men rushing for them. These hairstyles for men are not only energetic but also youthful in a very mature way. They do not leave men looking like misplaced teenagers and this makes them an all time cut. Many people in high offices spot this cut since it gives them that classy yet energetic hairstyle. A good example is Bill Clinton who still spots the same clean cut hair style over the years. Trendy hairstyles are common with many young men and they keep changing with the season. Clean cut man hairstyles are similar in many ways though they are altered a bit to suite the age of the bearer. The buzz cut for instance has many variations, which top celebrities wear every now and then. Some of the celebrities who have been spotted with this hair include Brad Pitt, Colin Farrell, and Wentworth Miller. It is surprising how these hairstyles disappear and make a wild come back with just but a little alterations. Another famous haircut is the classic cut, which many people wear. The hair length may be either medium or short depending on personal preference. This style finds its way to the office and to the club comfortably without looking out of place. The shape of this cut sells it and the fact that it is versatile makes it popular among many celebrities. It also allows for additions such as bangs, which make it an all time cut.
Beauty Appropriate Make-Up for the Work Place Make up brings the best out of people and makes them look and feel more beautiful. However, when wrongly used, cosmetics can taint the most beautiful of faces. The work place is a sensitive place and make up must be kept at a minimal. The reason here is that too much of it can attract unwanted attention and make the woman look unprofessional. The office look is supposed to be understated and toned down and by doing so makes people look serious and professional. It is important for people to use colours close to their skin tones when it comes to cosmetic presentation. Using the wrong foundation often leaves people looking unreal. When it comes to the eye shadow, lighter shades are known to work best. These shades include brown, pink and gold, which bring out a subtle touch. Screaming colours like green and purple should be saved for the night out with the girls. Eyeliners should be brown and blushing should never be overdone. Mascara accentuates the eyes and women must keep away from the shimmers to a comfortable black or clear one. When applying make up, it is important to keep away from the dramatic and scary since the final job can only fit in a Halloween script. How to Ensure Make-Up Works for You Make up for the work place must be kept at a minimal to bring out that sophisticated polished look. This is because the work place is a place where people meet to highlight their abilities and talents and not physical impressions. This inclination may end up giving one a bad name since the professionalism does not reflect. Since less is more, shimmer should not make it to the office as it gives one a casual look. The colours used must compliment each other to avoid that clash. Keeping cosmetic presentation low therefore enhances the invisible assets, which are most important in the office. The lips are a vital part of the body and when applying make up, it is important to ensure that the mouth is never the centre of attraction at the office. The lipstick chosen should match the eye shadow for that coordinated effect. A light lip-gloss is then applied to give them a healthy shimmer that is light enough for the office. To ensure that the lips do not go dry, it is important to keep moisturising them using a clear lip balm or lip-gloss through out the day. Less is still more and this should therefore be done in moderation to give the lips a natural look. A little blush for the cheeks is good for the face as it gives it colour. It is important to note that the colour of the blush should match that of the lipstick. Applying a little lipstick on he cheeks and blending it in works out perfect for that glow. The face looks bright and lively and the colours must be toned down too to fit in the office without raising eyebrows unnecessarily. However, this should be done with much caution to avoid a hideous look. Make up must at all times highlight the natural beauty and not make someone appear too dramatic for the workplace.
Beauty Nails and Work Place Etiquette Nails are an integral part of the beauty and femininity of women even in the work place. It is very important that women learn how to project a professional outlook especially as concerns work place matters. Professionalism at our places of work needs to be worked on based on a variety of factors on what is acceptable and what is not in our work places. Some of these factors include attitude, interpersonal interactions, dressing mode etc. Most working women will tend to have well manicured nails. This is achieved in the various beauty parlors and salons that dot major towns in Kenya. You should ensure that you have nails that are well polished and which spot office acceptable colors. Apart from nails, other characteristics of working women exist that diminish their respect. This ends up messing their careers in the end. These include unprofessional body language, excessive fragrance that not only poses allergy aggravation in colleagues but is also a health hazard to them and negative attitude. Negative attitude may include behaving or even dressing badly. You might think no one is noticing but some will and trust me, they would rather come up with any excuse to avoid you than be associated with you. Unkempt Nails Are an Eyesore Fingernails being an integral of the femininity of women ought to receive special care and attention more so if you are a working person who has to mix with colleagues and clients on a day-to-day basis. As a woman, you should avoid extra long nails. They will definitely get you the wrong kind of attention. You will be at risk of not being taken seriously by your male colleagues and female alike in the work place. Unkempt and ragged nails are a source of poor impression. You should dress to impress and the same should be said of your fingernails. Recent studies have shown that most people on first instances notice the hands and consequently the nails after the face. This alone should be enough to ensure that you have well manicured nails and hands as a working woman in an office environment. The most professional looking manicure regime is the clear polish or French manicure which is indeed classy and elegant. Fingernails are attended to in nail salons, which are located in most urban setups and in malls in up market neighborhoods. Ensure that you attend a salon for manicure that has professional and qualified staff in attendance, as nail polish is manufactured using rather toxic substances. The working class women are required by office etiquette to be presentable at all times. It is thus an eyesore to see a smartly dressed women but who spots unkempt fingernails. Fronting excuses like am also a mother and thus I am engaged in household chores in the evening do not hold much water as all that is required of you is a manicure scheme that trims the nails leaving them in a clean, presentable and professional state for the work place.
Life Style Food, Wine and Dating Food and wine cultivate the best foundation for dating as people get to know each other more. Tension walls are brought down by a hearty meal of choice and washed down with a favorite wine. This way people loosen up and open up to each other more. That is why there are so many lovebirds meeting over a lunch date or a dinner date where they indulge in food and wine and get to acquaint themselves with the person to whom they are attracted. However, a good date can end on a sour note depending on the choice of food and wine on which a person settles. Messy foods must never be ordered on a date since the results are embarrassing to the couple. Such foods include crabs, spaghetti and pepper laced foods. These foods should only be ordered if the person eating them has fed on them severally without making a fool of themselves. Foods with garlic must also be avoided since the last impression people want to make is a garlic laced kiss. This may be the last time they are asked out on a date as some smells and tastes may be a turn off to people. Garlic should only be fed on if both parties agree to eat the same food. Make Food and Wine Work for you Still on food, wine and dating, another food to avoid is spinach as it can be an embarrassing meal. With its tendency to stick on teeth, the spinach is better reserved for other events but not a date where people are working hard to impress each other. This may be an end to a budding romance since it can be translated to carelessness save for the embarrassment it causes to the couple while on a food and wine date. Some people will not even point it out but you will keep wondering why everyone you are talking to is smiling sheepishly and you do not remember being so funny lately. Beans must never be ordered during the first few days of dating since they possess an indigestible carbohydrate. The bacteria in the stomach attack this carbohydrate and the result is a bloated stomach accompanied by a constant urge to fart. The foul smell will drive your date and other guests at the restaurants away and this is totally humiliating. This is a date killer and it could mean the end of your dating life. It is very embarrassing for the couple and the discomfort that comes out of it is overwhelming thereby ruining a perfect food and wine date. Baked potatoes are better especially when accompanied with a light sauce. Wines make a great combination for a meal while dating but some people must stay away from it until they are comfortable with their partners. This is because they could cause embarrassment, which can kill a great relationship in the first stages. These wines include sparkling wines, dessert wines and fortified wines like ports, champagne, sherries and ice wines. Instead, a glass of Shiraz, pinot Gris, zinfandel, pinot noir, or chardonnay is highly acceptable. Knowing the right food and wine to order will make a lasting impression and you will be guaranteed of a second and third date.
Life Style The Kenyan Situation on Body and Health Our body and health are two integral components that are hard to put apart. It is important to watch out whatever we put into our mouths as we are what we eat. The Kenyan diet can be said to be healthy to a large extent. This is so despite the fact that in urban set-ups, cases of lifestyle diseases are on the rise. We are recording increasing cases of obesity, early age diabetes etc. The urban setup has the most educated Kenyans but also this group is also ignorant to a large extent. Our body and health requires that you nourish your body with a balanced diet and also engage in physical activity for fitness purposes. Cases of ill health as a result of lack of proper nutrition arises when you start picking chocolate, candy and crisps to snack on instead of healthy options like fruits and nuts. The most prevalent junk food in Kenya is chips. This is sold in fast food outlets in major towns where a busy urban lot prefer them to foods that nourish our body and health. Nyama choma is another Kenyan favorite that is wreaking havoc on most people especially when coupled with bottles of beer and a sedentary lifestyle. Body and Health Enhancing Strategies Snacking while hungry is a nice way to avoid overeating especially if you are prone to big portions of foods. It is however important to carefully choose foods that you snack on carefully. Avoid crisps, candy, ice cream and chocolate and instead snack on healthier options which are bound to significantly boost your body and health. Dried fruits and nuts should be your natural choices of food to snack on. This is because fruit and fibre are almost synonymous. Fibre is known to aid in bowel movement as well as providing vital nutrients to the body like vitamin B6, B9 and B12. Dried fruits are in fact very sweet in comparison with other types of fruits. Snacks contain high levels of processed sugar content. It might be hard to go for a fruit when you can just grab a bar of chocolate as it tends to be much sweeter. Most Kenyans and especially our young ladies would pick out candy as opposed to an apple. Dried fruits are the next best option if other fruits just do not seem to cut it for you. Dried fruits apart from having high levels of fibre are much sweeter as they are concentrated. They will do your body and health a lot of good plus you will be able to take care of your sweet tooth in a healthy way. The fibre present in fruits and nuts offers a number of health benefits. Fibre fights off cravings as it is an appetite suppressant. This it does by filling up your stomach through the absorbing of water and thus expands to fit the digestive tract. Enhanced bowel movement means that you will not suffer from constipation. Another benefit of fruit and fibre is that it ensures the complete absorbing of minerals and vitamins and also acts as a moderator of blood sugar levels. Candy, chocolate, chips, crisps etc contain little if any dietary fibre, which translates to nil body and health benefits.
Life Style Tour and Travel Weekend Getaways Tour and travel especially over the weekends is a trend that is growing on many Kenyans today. The weeks are hectic with loads of work and business meetings and its hard to resist when weekend getaways present themselves. Kenya is home to many destinations with breathtaking attraction sites and the packages fit well with every budget. One such tour and travel would land people at the Kenyan coast, which is just a few hours from Nairobi. Taking a flight down is much faster and within minutes people are embracing the party laced Mombasa City. Mombasa is a great destination for a weekend out of town and the fun people will have here is limitless. Taking walks along the sandy beaches and engaging in water sports are some of the delights during this tour and travel. Mombasa has some of the best hotels and accommodation is therefore hassle free. The nightlife is exotic and people will enjoy dancing the nights away in some of her famous nightclubs. Other attraction sites include the Mamba Village, Haler Park, Gede Ruins, and Fort Jesus. Transport is readily available to whichever spot people wish to visit and this mixed with the coast people’s hospitality makes an ideal weekend out of town. Tour and Travel Options in Kenya The Masai Mara is another Kenyan attraction that graces the tour and travel weekend getaway. The Masai Mara is just a few hours from Nairobi and people will indulge in great fun on this weekend getaway. It is home to the flora and fauna of Kenya and the Seventh Wonder of the world happens right here. The famous wildebeest migration along the Mara River attracts many visitors to the Masai Mara to watch this massive exodus. Other wild animals are available here in their natural habitats and that game drive on this tour and travel will be so therapeutic from the hustles and bustles of the city. The Amboseli National Park is another of Kenyan tour and travel destination that guarantees visitors a feel of the wild. This tour is not only adventurous but also exiting and the fact that it is easily accessible makes it a favorite for those weekend getaways. From here, people will have a great view of Mt. Kilimanjaro and enjoy a deep swim in the cool waters of the swimming pool. Accommodation here is provided by the lands best; the Amboseli Sopa Lodge and the Amboseli Serena lodge. The adventurous soul has the option of spending the night in a tented camp. Climbing Mount Kenya is a wild tour and travel that takes people up the mountain. This adventure sends people’s adrenaline racing as they embrace the wild on the other side of the world. The adventure is truly unforgettable and guarantees people of a weekend well spent. The packages are very friendly and can never add up to the fun people will have. Sampling Kenya’s wildlife also happens on this mountain climbing exercise and people come back revitalized. Transport is available by either road or air and the whole experience calls for a repeat tour of this awesome heritage.
Life Style Fashion for 25+ Years Single Ladies Fashion trends keep changing with seasons in Kenya and it is important to know how to dress, especially the 25+year’s single ladies. Dressing up appropriately according to ones age is a plus since people do not look misplaced. Wearing tiny t-shirts and low cut hipsters is a no go zone for those over 25 years of age since they seem caught up in their teenage years. Exposing too much skin is most of the time trashy and gets worse if one is older. Single ladies ought to dress up decently and exude confidence since they have already found their way unlike their younger sisters. Wearing jeans that fit well with a trendy well-fitting top is acceptable. Wearing mid heel boots is recommended in place of those outrageous glass stilettos, which are best suited for the younger ladies. Knee length skirts give the 25+ year old ladies a sophisticated fashion sense without indecent exposure, which is negative for the image. Daring should not be lost when it comes to fashion though ladies need to stay away from dowdy. What people wear speaks volumes about them and it is important to communicate the right message. Coming up with a personal style is recommended and losing your dreary outfits is the way to go. Using Trendy Fashion Accessories Trendy bags work well as the new fashion for 25+ years’ single ladies. They uplift the outfit and give the lady a sophisticated coordinated look. Belts are another accessory that works well with the 25+ years single ladies. They accentuate the outfit and they may be matched with the handbag or shoes to give that mature finish. In the fashion world, less is more and these accessories must be limited to avoid that busy look. Going for a dark colour works well in the office while brighter colours make the casual fashion statement. Highlighting the body’s most outstanding features is very fashionable. The hair is the crowning beauty of every woman and single ladies ought to keep up with the latest fashion. Changing a hairstyle often gives one a fresh look every time and this makes them look smart all year round. Make up also freshens up the face and makes it appear bright. Proper care for the skin is advocated and minimum makeup should be used depending on the occasion and time of day. It is important to use light make up during the day but do not be afraid to go bold at night, as the lighting will only make it better. For healthy skin and hair, it is advisable to feed on a healthy diet comprised mainly of fruits, vegetables and lots of water. Dressing right for the weather is necessary for everyone especially 25+ year’s single ladies. Having public wardrobe malfunctions is a big no no. Dressing up in flirty dresses when the weather is warm is a great idea whereas throwing on that trench coat and knee length
boots works best with the rainy season. Well-groomed ladies must never walk in public with a visible panty line as this is an eyesore. There are many seamless intimates in lingerie shops and this make a perfect wear with that trouser or skirt. Settling for the right bra is necessary in fashion and there is no excuse for wearing ill-fitting bras, which give a drooping look and adds 10 years to your age.