A wedding is a big thing. An Ethiopian wedding is even bigger. To ensure that things flow smoothly in the said wedding, it is imperative that a final check is done with a fine tooth-comb just before the big day. This is intended to avoid last-minute rush to get things done; a potential ruiner that is the hallmark of poor planning. A wedding is a lifetime moment hence it should go as smoothly as is practically possible. Here is a checklist for an Ethiopian wedding.
7. Entertainment: Weddings are happy moments; a time to make merry. A union of two different people and families is held dear in most African societies. Making the merriment a reality requires lots of accompanying music and dance. Good music that guests can identify with and happily dance to. It is recommended that one makes sure that they hire the right musicians. Traditional and modern music is liked in Ethiopia with equal measure. Do you have the right musicians or dancers for your occasion? Tick.
6. Master of ceremony: You have the right person to emcee for the big day, right? Check. He is the person who decides what direction the big event is to take. The more boring he is, the more your guests are likely to leave even before your wedding is over. In Ethiopia’s different cultures, people look for emcees who are versatile; someone who can flow with a modern and a traditional wedding. Does your emcee know how to handle different crowds? Is he known to be interactive, keeping the audience tickled? Then you are good to go. Tick.
5. Event manager: A wedding planning can be a potential minefield. Everything can go so well a week before the big day and then go haywire on the big day. To avoid this, Ethiopian weddings demand that a close family member from either the groom or bride’s side be made to manage all activities for the big day; to oversee everything from transport to venue to reception. Is your manager reliable? Check.
4. Videographer: As a lifetime event, an Ethiopian wedding, be it modern or traditional, is usually accorded the importance it requires. Part of that is to document it. This is mostly through video and photos. Check that you have the right videographer. Verify their availability on the big day. Do it in advance. Videos and photos carry the memories of the day. You don’t want to be discouraged, do you?
3. Transport: Whether modern or traditional wedding, it sometimes calls for movement from one venue to the next. Say from the ceremony venue to the reception area. How is this movement going to be facilitated? Yes you put measures in your prior planning. Please check the availability of your chosen mode of transport; whether cars or horses. Do it a few hours to the big day.
2. Caterer: Ethiopian weddings involve a lot of feasting. Is your caterer of the day prepared enough? Are all the food items available in the required amounts and varieties? Make sure the caterer is all set. He is? Check.
1. Wedding attires: Whether for modern or traditional wedding, Ethiopian wedding attires are at the heart of the ceremony. Do they fit properly? Are they clean and ready? This should be verified at least two weeks before the wedding. If it is a traditional wedding, is the shemmah decorated enough? Is the embroidery threaded well? Tick.
what is the average of a decent wedding in Ethiopia?