Wedding Planning Checklist for Kenyan Couples

Planning a wedding can feel like keeping a dozen plates spinning at once. It's exciting, but without a plan it quickly becomes stressful. Whether you're organising your own big day or helping a friend or relative pull theirs off, a checklist keeps the important things from slipping.

Picture a garden wedding with about a hundred guests, fairy lights and a flower-lined aisle. Getting there means dozens of decisions, made in the right order. The timeline below breaks them into stages. Adjust it to your own dates; if you have less time, simply move faster through the early steps.

9 to 12 months before

Set your budget

Agree on a total and on who is contributing what. Split it across the main areas: venue, food and drink, attire, photography, decor, entertainment and transport. Keep a share aside for surprises.

Choose a style or theme

Decide on the overall feel: a garden afternoon, a formal evening reception, a small family affair. Your theme guides your venue, colours, decor and attire, so settle it early.

Draft the guest list

Start with a rough count. Your guest number shapes almost every other decision, especially the venue and catering.

Book the venue

Popular venues and dates go early, so start looking now. Check capacity in the layout you want, what's included, and whether you can bring in outside suppliers.

If you'd like the ceremony and reception in one place, look for a venue with several spaces. Karen Blixen Coffee Garden and Cottages in Karen lists a tented space, Under the Canvas, for up to 300 standing, the Atrium for 50 at banquet tables, a bridal room, accommodation and in-house catering. For a large garden wedding, Fuchsia Gardens Eldo Farm in Limuru lists a Grand Garden for up to 1,000 standing and an Intimate Garden for 300, along with accommodation on site.

8 to 10 months before

Pick your wedding party

Ask your best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids and groomsmen. Give them a clear idea of what you'll need from them and when.

Confirm the guest list

Turn your rough count into a final list with names and contact details. Agree on any limits, such as plus-ones or children, and stick to them.

6 to 8 months before

Send save-the-dates and invitations

Send save-the-dates first, especially for guests who will travel. Formal invitations can follow, with a clear date for replies.

Book your main vendors

Secure the people whose diaries fill fastest:

• Caterer, if your venue doesn't provide one
• Photographer and videographer
• Decorator and florist
• DJ, band or MC
• Cake maker
• Hair and make-up

Get every agreement in writing, with the deposit, balance and cancellation terms clear.

3 to 6 months before

Attire and rings

Order or commission the wedding dress, suits and wedding party outfits, leaving time for fittings. Order your rings at least three months ahead so there's time for resizing.

Transport

Arrange cars for the couple and the wedding party, and consider transport for guests if the venue is outside town. Confirm pickup times and routes.

Plan for the weather

If your wedding is outdoors, agree a backup plan with the venue, such as a tent or an indoor space. Ask each venue what it offers. Mercure Nairobi Upper Hill lists the Thwake Venue, which seats 250 at banquet tables, along with a bridal room and accommodation.

2 to 6 months before

Legal requirements

Find out what's required for your type of marriage, whether civil, religious or customary, and give notice within the required time. Gather documents such as IDs, and book your officiant. Check the current requirements with the relevant office or your place of worship, since processes can change.

Traditional ceremonies

If you're holding a ruracio or another customary ceremony, plan it alongside the wedding. It often involves both families and needs its own venue, catering and budget.

1 to 4 weeks before

Pre-wedding celebrations

Bridal showers, send-offs and rehearsal dinners usually fall in these weeks. Hand their planning to your wedding party or family where you can.

Confirm everything

Call every vendor to confirm dates, times, addresses and final payments. Give your final guest count to the venue and caterer.

Plan for after the wedding

Arrange where you'll stay on the night, honeymoon travel if you're going, and who will collect gifts and return hired items.

The final week

• Prepare a running order for the day and share it with your MC, vendors and wedding party.
• Pack an emergency kit: safety pins, plasters, a phone charger, tissues and snacks.
• Put cash payments and tips in labelled envelopes.
• Pick one trusted person as the day-of contact, so vendors don't call you.
• Rest, eat properly and get some sleep.

You've got this

A wedding comes together through many small, well-timed decisions. Work through this list stage by stage, ask for help, and keep your attention on the day itself.

When you're ready to start, browse wedding venues and contact the ones that fit your date and guest count directly.