An illustrious retailer of high-end wedding fashion, Strat Wedding, is thrilled to reach a key milestone as they commemorate their five-year journey in creating unique bridal experiences. Since its inception, Strat Bridal has symbolized festivity and elegance by providing an unrivaled variety of lavish bridal gowns that have been painstakingly sourced from internationally famous wedding designers who have walked illustrious fashion runways all over the world.
The brand has had the distinct honor of working with luminaries in the fashion industry, such as Michael Cinco, Alonuko, and Safir Paris, as the exclusive stockist of prestigious brands like Pollardi Fashion Group, Vladiyan Royal, Ida Torez, Oksana Mukha, Daria Karlozi, and Anna Sposa. For their prized brides, these alliances provide a level of quality that is simply unsurpassed.
In celebration of their fifth anniversary, Strat Bridal moves to a larger, improved premises, starting an exciting new chapter. Within the TMT Atrium building in Bukoto, Kampala, is their new residence, Uganda brings our superior goods and services even nearer to their discriminating customers/clientele.
This historic event also marks the launch of a new brand identity, complete with the much-anticipated release of their limited-edition collection and a new logo for the prestigious 2024 Barcelona Bridal Week. A glittering White Glam occasion, the Grand Opening event was attended by only invitees, including Uganda’s most prestigious and powerful fashion industry Personas and figures.
Tracy Kakuru Otatiina, the company’s founder, expressed her happiness by saying, “It has been a dream come true to lead the development of an opulent wedding shop that shows some of the most prestigious bridal brands in the world in the East African region. To place our brand at the forefront of modernity and excitement for our brides, I have had the honor of immersing myself in the bridal industry over the past five years, developing partnerships with prestigious designers, and going to international bridal fashion events.
I have a great love for brides, am greatly inspired by bridal fashion, and cherish the important part we play in each bride’s individual wedding journey.
“I am delighted to introduce our new site at TMT Atrium, Bukoto, Kampala, an expansive yet personal room painstakingly constructed to inspire brides to radiate confidence and grace on their big day.”
Request a bride. Finding the ideal bridal gown for your special day might be a complete nightmare.
What if, though, you took a different approach and made a garment out of plastic kitchenware? Following the discovery of this bridal outfit made out of plastic cups and plates, social media went crazy. Would you put it on?
A WEDDING DRESS MADE OF PLASTIC UTILITIES: WOULD YOU WEAR IT?
After a woman was photographed wearing a bridal dress constructed out of plastic cups and plates, social media went crazy. Although the material serves as the design’s foundation, the dress really shines because of the skillful usage of recycled plastic materials.
On TikTok, fashion designer Isabelle Tengue posted a video of a woman wearing an unusual bridal gown. While another woman assists in carrying the stunning train of the dress, the woman can be seen in the video strolling down a flight of steps.
The bodice of the garment is nearly entirely constructed of plastic cups, but the front of the skirt has a circular pattern that looks to be formed of plastic spoons and plates. Additionally, the design has some metallic and what appear to be cut-out details. Plastic plates were used to create the rear of the ballgown’s train and skirt, giving it an almost scalloped appearance.
Users of TikTok were eager to praise the video and the distinctive bridal dress design. The video has been viewed more than 14 million times since it was posted. Wow, that’s creativity, a user on TikTok said in reference to the video. Another supporter commented, “This puts all the top designers to shame; this is gorgeous.”
A third person on social media said, “This is incredibly beautiful.”
Nearly 40,000 marriages are recorded each year in Kenya. And before these weddings take place, extensive planning must go into making the event that many of us have dreamed of since childhood, one to remember. Important on the list of things to plan is a guest list filled with our loved ones and supporters, the color themes that will mark the occasion as uniquely yours, and the food and decor, to name a few. These are some of the elements that go into this year’s Spring wedding essentials which include renewed color palettes, rustic dining, and events spaces inspired by nature.
Wedding color groups and families “Contrasting Color Schemes”
For the past few years, wedding planners have advised brides and grooms to choose a maximum of two or three wedding colors. The thinking behind this has been similar to the idea that too many cooks spoil the broth, with too many colors ruining the balance of the flower, decor, and bride and groom’s outfit colors. However, what this Spring’s trend of picking sets or palettes of colors suggests, is that there is harmony and balance in selecting the right colors together.
Think of a range of tones of browns, or a range of tones of pink or other pastel colors.
To add pops of floral color to the affair, Nicol Carelse, Guest Relations Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront advises to “Celebrate all of the floral abundances this season promises to hold by adding flowers to your hair. Floral touches can become overwhelming, so a simple, yet pretty way to do this is to insert flowers into a flower girl’s braids, glue fresh flowers onto the bridesmaid’s hair clips or pins, and for the bride to don a delicate flower tiara.”
Less-frills catering
Inspiration from this trend comes from the reality that many couples are having to have smaller weddings due to rising living costs. This means that it also makes sense to think of reducing catering costs with a wedding plan while ensuring that dishes served on the day are just as special, unique, and delicious.
A way to do this is to have bowl food served to each table, with guests serving themselves. For a typical Kenyan-style menu, this could include one table being served bowls of roast tikka chicken, soji, biriyani, potatoes, and veg, Ugali (Cornmeal Staple), Irio (Mashed Peas and Potato Mix), Githeri (Beans and Corn), Pilau (Spiced Rice), Wali wa Nazi (Coconut Rice), Sukuma Wiki (Collard Greens / Kale), Nyama Choma (Roasted Meat), Matoke (Plantain Banana Stew), Chapati (Flatbread), Kachumbari (Tomatoes and Onions), Bajias and passing the dishes around to each other for self-service. For an Italian theme, a bowl service could include layered eggplant parmigiana, mozzarella, basil, and tomato salad, grilled seafood, or a delicious beef or lamb ragu with freshly baked bread and homemade butter for guests to mop up the ragu sauce. Desserts can also be served self-service style on a separate table.
Guest gift bags
Happily, for anyone that has ever taken home a piece of fruitcake as a wedding keepsake and found it in the freezer a decade later, this Spring idea focuses on useability.
Spring-inspired gift bags that guests can take home to use could include items such as a Spring floral-scented soap and items that speak to the newness and growth of both Spring and a new marriage union. This could include a young plant or bags of seeds that should be planted in spring, such as marigolds, poppies, petunias, begonias, and dahlias, which when planted in Spring will grow to yield a lovely summer bloom.
Natural feel settings and destinations
Spring is about enjoying the wonders of nature and across South Africa there are many. While this trend of weddings in nature settings does not necessarily mean that weddings have to be outdoors, the decor and setting should be inspired by all of the woods, plants, and earthly abundance that the season has to offer.
“With our hotel being positioned literally on the edge of Cape Town’s Atlantic Ocean or Diani in Mombasa blending in with nature, we’re seeing an increase in these types of weddings. The element of nature and options for fresh air and space are there, but the wedding parties themselves are smaller,” says Carelse. “Wedding parties are looking to create a sense of intimacy with their guests by booking smaller tables, banquet style, for example,” she adds.
Take inspiration from the bright colors, abundance, and fresh foods of the season to plan a memorable Spring wedding to remember when planning your wedding this year.
Photo and video courtesy of Mayowa & Demi lade’s White Wedding
Content courtesy Bella Naija Weddings, Samantha Bridal, I Africa & NFH
Famous Kenyan musician Esther Akoth, often known as Akothee, got married. Akothee, a musician, and Denis Schweizer, commonly known as Omosh, got married this afternoon in a stunning outdoor ceremony at the Windsor Golf & Country Club. The couple, who were both dressed in white for the event, looked stunning. Akothee wore a white Achkan, popularly known as a Sherwani, and looked lovely in her well-publicized Ksh 700K white garment.
Akothee wrote on Instagram that her biggest wish for the event—which also happened to be her birthday was to get married on her birthday. Guests were asked not to wear white to the white-themed event and were instead expected to dress tastefully in clothes with a hint of gold.
Akothee departed the Boma hotel, where she and her bridal party had been lodged, and drove to the event location in a convertible vehicle. She came to the ceremony in a chariot and made a spectacular entry, while her husband rode up on horseback.
Several of the biggest personalities in Kenyan politics, entertainment, and the media attended Akothee’s wedding on Monday at the Windsor Golf Hotel in Nairobi. Esther Akoth, a singer and businesswoman, and her Swiss lover Dennis “Omosh” Schweizer made their entrance down the aisle together.
Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa, Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and his wife Dorothy, MP Millie Odhiambo, Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, musician Bahati and wife Diana, comedian Terence Creative and his wife Milly, media figures Lillian Muli, Lofty Matambo, and Wilbroda were among the celebrities present.
After saying “I DO” to her partner Denis “Omosh” Schweizer in a magnificent wedding ceremony conducted at the Windsor Hotel and Club on Monday, April 10, 2023, Kenyan singer Esther Akoth aka Akothee has officially taken herself off the market. Madam Boss has released adorable pictures taken at the elegant event, which was attended by famous individuals.
The singer of the hit song “Abebo” posted a series of images on social media showing her enjoying herself throughout the wedding ceremony.
In collaboration with Samantha’s Bridal, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi Upper Hill presented the “Luxury Wedding Showcase,” a special event. To taste the ultimate wedding experience, the event brought together prominent business figures in the luxury wedding industry, engaged couples, and the media.
This was the ideal chance to check out the hotel’s opulent ballrooms and reception areas and get to know the wedding planners, wedding stylists, and fashion designers whose ideas might inspire you to arrange an exceptional and memorable wedding.
@RadissonBlu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, partnered with @SamanthasBridal to host an exclusive event dubbed the "Luxury Wedding Showcase." The event brought together key industry players in the luxury wedding space, engaged couples and media to sample the ideal wedding experience. pic.twitter.com/QRMF3KK3g9
Russel Storey, general manager of the hotel, stated this during the event: “The crew at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upperhill, takes pride in ensuring every detail goes according to plan on your big day. We specialize in luxury weddings, whether you desire a small, private ceremony or a party with up to 350 guests.
Beyond just being stylish and lovely, our wedding specialists will walk you through our all-inclusive, custom packages created to make the wedding planning process simple while the guests make full use of our first-rate leisure facilities.
Because it will unite a small group of the region’s best wedding vendors and provide a venue for couples who share a passion for elegance and luxury, the partnership between the two brands will be memorable and one-of-a-kind.
Dr. Catherine Masitsa, managing director of Samantha’s Bridal, stated: “The best in cuisine, wine, design, lighting, and entertainment are all featured at a luxury wedding, which emphasizes intricacy and personal touches. The food is thoughtfully designed and inspired, and the appropriate drinks are coupled with it. Most significantly, visitors depart with the impression that they won’t ever have an encounter just like this again. The dream of luxury weddings exists.”
You are invited to take part in the next Luxury Wedding Showcase at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, and Samantha’s Bridal.
Samantha's Bridal Managing Director, Dr. Catherine Masitsa, noted, "A luxury wedding embraces detail and personal touches and entices all five senses while showcasing the best in food, wine, decor, lighting, and entertainment.#weddingseason#weddinginspiration#wedding#luxurypic.twitter.com/Palqd5C0nn
About Radisson Blu The upper-upscale hotel brand Radisson Blu offers friendly, individualized service in chic settings. The Yes I Can! service attitude and attention to minute details distinguish Radisson Blu hotels, which are created to make a huge difference and inspire remarkable experiences each and every time. Each visit to a Radisson Blu hotel becomes a genuinely meaningful and unforgettable experience thanks to personalized treatment and regional quirks. There are Radisson Blu hotels in significant cities, significant airport gateways, and vacation spots.
By signing up for Radisson Points, a worldwide loyalty program that offers extraordinary advantages and rewards, visitors and business partners can improve their experience at the Radisson Blu. Radisson Blu is a member of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prizeotel.
These brands are all grouped under the commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.
Contact: info@africanelitegroup.com for further details.
The popular format of the wedding show sees brides from all over the country descend on Nairobi to look for their perfect wedding dress. In the presence of their loved ones, they each have the chance to try on different dresses to determine which style suits them or not.
Kenyan Media Maven – Amina Abdi Rabar is back as the show’s host. Rabar is one of East Africa’s most popular celebrities with just over a million followers on Instagram alone. It brings spirit and a touch of modernity to the wedding fair. The Kenyan season is produced by Fareed Khimani’s Nusu-Nusu Productions.
The wow, that’s my dress The format has traveled across the African continent having started in Nigeria with a famous stylist – Dami Oke as host, Kenya with Amina Abdi Rabar, and more recently Zambia with musician Esther Chungu as host. The show has become a popular format for the channel as a continuation of their focus on weddings in the lifestyle television format.
The bride’s dress is the centerpiece of any wedding and can make or break her day. A Kenyan boutique is a hot spot for a bride who is looking for the perfect dress for her big day. Hosted by Amina Abdi, Wawu, That’s My Dress: Kenya follows all the activity at this boutique as brides and their loved ones swing by to meet the in-house team that is ready to help them find the perfect wedding dress.
Catch Amina Abdi Rabar on Wawu, That’s My Dress: Kenya and other pan-African lifestyle show on DStv’s HONEY channel (173).
Reno Omokri espouses so much wisdom but sadly, the nuggets of acuity he propagates on his social media handles designed to change the mindset and lifestyle of Africans are yet to be assimilated.
The former presidential spokesperson and lawyer have dropped another beautiful piece on his Twitter handle about the way we conduct weddings in Africa. In his estimation, Africans should drop the tie and suit for their native dresses during wedding ceremonies since white weddings only resonate with the white people and not Biblical.
In 2021, Africans dont need suit and tie and a white dress for weddings. The entire structure of the White Wedding is fashioned after EUROPEAN culture NOT Christian culture. Today, even African Muslims now do it. Marry in your native African wears!#FreeLeahSharibu#RenosNuggets
He said on Twitter; “In 2021, Africans don’t need a suit and tie and a white dress for weddings. The entire structure of the White Wedding is fashioned after EUROPEAN culture NOT Christian culture. Today, even African Muslims now do it. Marry in your native African wears!”
Expert Answers To Your Biggest Etiquette Questions
There are certain rules everyone who has ever attended a wedding knows don’t wear white unless you’re the bride, for example. Others, are a little less obvious, say deciding if you can wear black to a wedding or whether you should buy a gift from the registry or go rogue with your own idea. Plus, in the modern era of nuptials, there are things like Instagram and social media to consider, which aren’t addressed by the traditional gospel of guest etiquette.
With wedding season on the horizon and the invitations pouring in, the concerns of what to do and what not to do as an attendee at someone’s big day are even more pressing and relevant (especially since you’re likely thinking about what dress to wear now). For the final word on all things wedding etiquette related, it’s best to turn to the pros. Enter: Anne Chertoff, the wedding etiquette expert at Beaumont Etiquette and co-founder of its renowned Plaza Finishing Program, which has revived the art of etiquette for a modern crowd, offering lessons in professional networking, digital communication, social graces, and other revamped matters of decorum and propriety.
Here, Chertoff lends her considerable know-how to answer all your questions about how to be a good wedding guest, from the proper way to RSVP (which is not to just text the couple a week before the big day, just FYI), and bringing a plus-one (don’t bring the guy you met randomly at a bar last weekend), to the gift (is it ever okay to not get one?), the dress code, and the dos and don’ts for the day of.
The RSVP & Plus-One
It’s best to RSVP in the format requested on the invitation but no matter how you do it, always RSVP.
“A guest should RSVP in the format the couple requested, either via a reply card you drop in the mail or their wedding website, because it is probably the easiest way for the couple to keep their guest list and RSVPs organized. However, the most important thing is to let the couple know that you are or are not attending, so an email, phone call, text or in-person reply will do. Don’t assume that the couple will check their Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram messaging often enough to read your reply. Text, email, a call or in-person would be better.”
Don’t assume you get a plus-one, and don’t bring just anyone as your guest.
“A couple will indicate on the outer or inner envelope of their wedding invitation whether you’re invited with a plus one or not. The envelope would list both names of those invited or one name and “and Guest” on the envelope. A guest who is not sure if they’re invited with a plus one should ask the couple if they can bring someone with them. If you are invited to a wedding with a plus one you should bring significant other or someone close to you who you are sure to have a good time with.”
You can politely ask for a plus-one, but respect whatever answer you’re given.
“If a couple did not invite a guest to their wedding with a plus one, the guest may feel comfortable enough in their relationship with the couple to ask them if they may bring a plus one to the wedding. They should make the request in person, if possible, or over the phone. The couple may have made a list of guidelines as to how they determined which guests were invited with and without a plus one based on their wedding venue’s capacity and their budget. If the answer is that a guest cannot bring a plus one, then the guest should respect their answer and not show up at the wedding with a plus one.”
Only bring your children if they were explicitly invited.
“If you’re invited to a wedding with your children you can bring them if you want to. It is not appropriate to bring your children if they were not invited. Their names should be listed on the outer or inner envelope, but if you’re not sure if your children are invited ask the couple.”
It’s OK to decline being in the bridal party, even if you still plan to attend the wedding.
“It is okay to decline the invitation of being in someone’s wedding party. Some people may know or think they won’t have the time to give for pre-planning and pre-party events, and others may not be able to afford all of the pre-wedding activities. It’s better to decline the invitation than to accept and then not participate. But if you do decline, let the bride or groom know why you’re declining and make it clear that you’re looking forward to celebrating with them on the big day.”
The Dress Code
Yes, you can wear black! Just choose a style that’s suitable for the particular time and place.
“Black is perfectly acceptable to wear to a wedding. The style of the dress should reflect the time of year, time of day, and wedding’s location. For example, for a formal or black-tie wedding a woman may wear a black floor-length gown, but at a beach wedding she may wear a black dress that’s shorter and flowy, and at a rustic or vineyard wedding a black lace dress would be appropriate.”
Don’t wear white (obviously), but also try not to wear the same color as the bridesmaids.
“Unless the couple is planning a white wedding dress code, guests should avoid wearing white, ivory or a similar shade to a wedding. If a guest knows what color the bridesmaids are wearing they should avoid wearing the same color dress.”
Avoid anything too casual or too sexy.
“If the wedding ceremony is being held in a house of worship, it would be appropriate for a guest to choose something that isn’t too sexy, or at least wear something to cover their shoulders if the church or synagogue requires a more modest look in their chapel or sanctuary. In general, guests should also avoid flip-flops, athleisure wear, denim and shorts which are most likely too casual for a wedding’s setting.”
Always pay attention to the dress code and when in doubt, ask.
“It’s important for guests to look to the time and location of the wedding as well as a style of dress listed on the invitation or on an insert card, such as black tie or formal attire, and follow the directions listed. If the couple asked everyone to wear black tie it would be in appropriate for a guest to arrive in a sundress, suit without a tie or shorts. And it’s okay to ask the couple, a parent of the couple or a member of the wedding party for clarification if a guest is not sure what they should wear.”
The Gifts
You don’t have to select your gift from the registry.
“A couple will create a wedding registry to help their friends and family find a gift for them. The registry is comprised of what they want or need. But a guest does not have to shop for a wedding gift off the registry. A guest should find a gift that they think the couple will enjoy and that is within their budget.”
You should always get a gift, but how much you spend is entirely up to you.
“It is customary for a guest to send a wedding gift to the couple, however it is at the guest’s discretion to decide how much he or she wants to spend on the wedding gift. If you do not attend the wedding it is not expected that you send a wedding gift.”
If costs are adding up, consider going in on a gift with others for pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or engagement party.
“It is expected that a guest at an engagement party and bridal shower bring a gift with them to the party. It is up to the guest to determine what they want to bring item and budget-wise. A guest does not have to bring a gift to a bachelorette party. It’s not uncommon for a group of guests to chip in and give the couple a group gift at these types of events too.”
It’s convenient to send your gift directly to the couple’s address, especially if it’s a destination wedding.
“It’s entirely up to the guest if they want to bring the gift with them or have it delivered to the couple’s home their address would be included in their wedding registry. A couple will expect that some guests will bring gifts to the wedding and they will have made arrangements on how they are to be collected and brought home or to someone’s home if they won’t be heading home after the wedding. If the wedding is a destination wedding it is advisable not to bring the wedding with you because it will be more difficult for the couple to ship their wedding gifts home from their wedding destination, especially an international destination.”
The Ceremony & Reception
Don’t skip the ceremony, even if you’re running late.
“It’s always better to show up to at least part of the ceremony even if you’re running late. If you are late, you should enter the ceremony venue quietly as to not disrupt the ceremony if it’s already begun. If you know that you won’t make the ceremony at all, you may want to call and let someone know so if the couple asks for you they can tell them that you’re running late.”
Absent specific direction, you can sit on whatever “side” you want at the ceremony.
“Seating at the ceremony, if not directed by an usher, is up to the guests’ personal preference. A guest can determine where to sit based on how close to the aisle or altar he or she wants to be. That may be determined when he or she arrives and which seats have already been filled. Also, a guest may determine where to sit based on where other friends or relatives are already sitting so they can all sit together if they desire to do so.”
It is never appropriate to switch table assignments at the reception.
“It is not appropriate for a guest to reconfigure the seating chart that the couple worked so hard to put together. After the meal, it is okay for guests to mingle with other guests at the different tables.”
Social Media
Posting to Instagram is usually OK just stay out of the way of the photographer.
“Some couples encourage guests to use their phones to take photos and videos and post them on social media. Others will request a phone-free wedding. A couple can ask someone, such as their officiant, to make an announcement before the ceremony or post a sign that they don’t want guests using their phones. Or they may encourage guests to use a custom hashtag when they post so they can see all the fun pictures their guests took at the wedding.
Above all, if you are going to use your phone, try to not get in front of the couple’s professional photographer when he or she is trying to capture special moments, such as standing in the aisle as the couple walks down the aisle.”
Here is a video presentation i come across online, that real inspired me on how to wear black to a Kenyan wedding
Content courtesy of The Zoe Report , Bella Naija Wedding, Polka Dot Paper Shop, Coco weddings Venues ,Kenya Weddings & Nairobi fashion hub
early all women will agree that wearing high heels is exceedingly painful, especially at a wedding. Weddings are not exactly known for their short duration and much of the day is spent on your feet followed up by a long night of dancing. Having to stand in heels for five minutes is tormenting, let alone an entire day.
You no longer have to subject yourself to such pain thanks to the Converse Wedding Sneakers Collection. You can dance late into your wedding night comfortably and in style with the timeless design of Converse.
Wedding Converse
Constructed with the latest and most innovative shoe technologies, Converse are built for all-day wear, so you can dance late into your wedding night in complete comfort. Say “I do” in style and pick the silhouette that is best suited for your big day with low and high top styles or get some added height with our women’s platform silhouette.
From white wedding sneakers to sneakers that shine and shimmer, choose from a great selection to dress everyone from the bride and groom to bridesmaids and groomsmen. Want something uniquely your own? Customize a pair of custom wedding sneakers with Converse by You.
Esinam and Wendells‘s #Welit19 union was a true display of the beauty of the Ghanaian culture. From their traditional ceremony to the church wedding and then the reception that followed later, it was lit.
We chanced upon each other 2009 on the staircase in his hostel while I was visiting a mutual friend and were introduced by that mutual friend. We met again during the matriculation ceremony and then exchanged numbers. We started talking about a year after. Finding out we had a mutual interest for fine dining, fashion and movies, we started going on dates. A year after in 2011 we started a relationship and then graduated together. Eight years down the line we finally say I do.
When it came to the party groove, the entire bridal squad truly came prepared and even the wedding guests were not left behind. Look out for when they had the sensational violin performance for their first dance and also when the bride and her girls did a dance performance.
