How to do your make up on Your Wedding Day

On your wedding day, it is of utmost importance that you look prim and proper. Now you and i both know that applying make up isn't just a piece of cake. A couple of basics must be known, lest you look like an Indian doll( no offense) on your wedding day. We thought of a few tips that we hope will come in handy...
Finding Foundation
In general, foundation that has yellow undertones is the most flattering, but if you have very dark skin, a foundation with a slight blue cast works best. If you have medium-toned skin, choose a foundation with a red-yellow hue. And if you have light skin, look for a soft golden shade.

Pick Three
There may be variances in undertone on different parts of your face so it's a good idea to have three foundation shades -- light, medium, and dark -- on hand to allow for the different gradations of color. Many African-American women are darker across the brow and chin, and slightly lighter on the cheeks. Use the light foundation as your under-eye concealer and to lighten a dark forehead or chin area. Use the medium foundation as your all-over color to correct spots of varied pigmentation. Use the dark foundation to even out the lightest areas of your face. You can also experiment with a bronzing stick to bring down the lighter tones of your face.

Getting Cheeky
The key with blush is to avoid anything that looks ashy or pale on your skin. Lighter skin tones look pretty and most natural in dark bronzers, though apricot, rose, and soft pink also work well. Medium to dark skin tones look best with deep blush hues like dark rose, currant, and plum.

The lips
In general, the darker your skin tone, the darker you can go with your lip color. Burgundy and blackberry are beautiful on dark skin. Women with medium skin tones look pretty in currant or red, and those with light skin look best in low-voltage neutrals and glosses. If your bottom lip is paler than your top lip, you can even them out by applying a sheer, dark lipstick to your lower lip as a base, then sweeping the same lipstick over both lips.
If you want to have very full lips lips that don't require too much enhancement, avoid bright, attention-getting colors and stick to quiet, flattering shades instead, like caramel and soft brown. Perfect for kissing the groom!

By Wedding Bells

Bridal Shopping - How to go about it.

 There is no doubt that shopping for your wedding is one of the best parts of being a bride.                                                                     You get a chance to get to see and try on beautiful things that you always thought were just for lucky few.  In addition, you get to turn into reality that dream you have always harboured about your Wedding look.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Whereas you may be torn between incorporating some of the ideas that you picked from observing others brides and getting ready made attire, you need to sit down and, taking your budget into account, decide what will make your day as beautiful and memorable as you want it to be .                                                                      

Once that is taken care of, the next thing to find out where to get each item that will make you the centerpiece of the wedding.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 If you are going for a gown and changing dress that is tailored to your size and taste, you will need                                                                                                  to search for fabric .These are has many as the new arcades in the city. All the more reason for you to be clear about the colour and material you want before setting out.                                                                                                             

With the exception of bold brides, who may want different colours for their gowns, most brides go for bridal scheme by adding detailing in that colour. This could be in form of flowers, ribbon and decorative stones.                                                                                                                                                                   

For harmony ‘s sake, be sure to go shopping with  your maids so they can chose their fabric with what you want in mind. In addition when you go with your maids, there is a high likelihood you will get a discount from buying in bulk.                                                                                                                                                                                                       

There is a variety of materials at shops Queen Mary, Fair Lady Textile, Anky Designers, Shina Collections, Smart Textiles, The palm house, Betuco Uganda Limited, Tailor’s Friend Emporium and JML Bridal Center.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Depending on the material, a meter of bridal white costs about sh13,000 while off-white will cost  you sh 15,000. For your maids’ outfits, you may have to spend between sh 5,000 and sh15,000 per metre, depending on the material. Having the dresses tailored will cost between sh40,000 and sh 120,000 depending on design and tailor.

Body fitting gowns cost more as they require a lot of time and care to cut and stitch while ballroom designs cost less to stitch while ballroom designs cost less to put together, although they take up a lot of material.

However, if time is not on your side, you could buy a ready made gown and changing dress. A gown costs between sh600,000 and 1.8m. A visit to bridal paradise, Today’s bridal, Hossana Bridal Center, Lady charlotte, D2i Designs, Best bridal, Kim’ bridal and Roheel Jeweller will give you a variety of gowns to choose from. For a changing dress that will get everyone talking visit stop n’ shop, Sisters’ boutique, Bill and Bobby, Islander boutique, D2i designs. The prices range between sh100,000 and sh800,000.

Ever heard of the saying; “proper prior planning prevents pathetically poor performance?” Most Ugandans are guilty of last-minute booking with no planning at all. This creates a headache for both the couple and the travel agents. Start planning your honeymoon along with your wedding.

Set a budget. Decide whether you would like to spend more on the wedding or  the honeymoon. How much money can you spend on the honeymoon? Remember it is possible to be in a particular location but choose the 5-star, 4-star or 3-star option.

Decide what type of honeymoon to take. This is purely based on your personalities. Are you adventurous? Are you the type that prefers to be left alone? Are you water-loving? The choice is yours.  

Seek advice from a travel agency. The world of tour and travel even within your own country is complex beyond your imagination. Things like connecting flights are best done by the pros else you end up spending four hours in transit while an agency would have sorted you better. With your budget and ideal vacation in mind, take your ideas and talk them over with a travel agent. A good agent should be able to produce a number of options that will be tailored to your preferences and your budget.

Research your destination before sealing the deal: The internet, the tourist board or travel agency can provide you with information. Check out activity ideas and whether.

Know the logistics before you go. Know the distance between your hotel and all the other attractions you plan on visiting during your honeymoon. Check out hotel amenities.

Find out about necessary vaccinations or disease endemic to your preferred area for honeymooning. Visas, taxes, know it all.

Let everyone know you are on honeymoon. Hotel staff, restaurateurs and drivers should all be informed of the special occasion for your trip. Do not be shy, because divulging this information often results in special discounts, treatment or gifts.

Procedure for Church weddings

You have one opportunity to take your vows in an unforgettable ceremony, surrounded by your loving family and friends. Getting married will change your lives dramatically.
Change can be a good thing, but amidst all the excitement, you will need to feel emotionally calm and safe to be good to one another and to continue to love one another. Be one another’s soft place to fall, protect, encourage and look after one another.

A church is the ideal place to get married: there is a solemn atmosphere; it creates a dignified backdrop with heavenly organ music. You dedicate your lives to one another and to God, the strongest ally in all the world.
This is different from a birthday party or a reunion or an office party. This is the real thing! The contrast between the solemnity of a church ceremony and the jollity of the reception will add a special sparkle to the event.
The minister
Ask the minister to discuss the exact order of events during the ceremony with you. Remember to pay him and to invite him and his wife to the reception.
The minister will probably advise you to attend a premarital adjustment course. Invest in such a course it really is worth the effort!
Inform the minister in writing about who will provide any musical items, as well as the name of the composition and the composer.
The verger (a church official who acts as a caretaker and attendant and looks after the inside of a church, usually including the furnishings and the vestments) Book and discuss the day, date and time of your wedding with the verger well ahead of time. Ask him for information about all fees that have to be paid (the verger, organist, minister, etc.). Arrange a time for the rehearsal.
Rehearsal
Arrange a day before the wedding when the bridal group, verger, minister and, if possible, the choir can rehearse at the church. Make sure that everyone concerned knows exactly what will happen when.
Order of service
Include the names of the minister/officiant /priest, organist, choir, other soloists, composers and even the bridal retinue (if there is room) on the printed order of service. References to the readings, music and the words of the hymns that are to be sung should also be inserted.

Who sits where?
The bride’s family and friends sit on the left in the front of the church, the groom’s family and friends sit to the right.
When everyone has taken his/her place about five minutes or so before
the bride enters the bride’s mother enters and sits down in the first or second pew from the front. She keeps a place open next to her for the bride’s father along the aisle.

The order of events
The bride and her father drive to the church together she sits in the back of the car at the right, with her father to her left. He brings her into the church walking to his right: this is the place of honour. Her left hand rests on his right forearm, but she can tuck her hand into his arm if she needs a little more support.

The bride’s entrance is a dramatic moment: the guests rise, the organ music rings out joyously in a wedding march or another classical piece.

The groom and the best man wait in the front of the church. The bride’s father gives her to the groom at the end of the aisle. The bride stands in the centre, her father kisses her on her forehead or cheek, he and the groom shake hands (he tells the groom to treat his new wife well) and the bridal couple walk forward to the centre, right in front of the marriage officer.


The bride and groom do not touch. Once the minister (who must be a licensed marriage officer) has said ‘Take each other’s right hand’, they exchange rings and hold each other’s right hands. Only then should she take his arm (unless either of them needs more support before that moment!). After the blessing, the bridal couple, the minister and the witnesses sign the register. Then the bridal group leaves the church.

The bridal group leaves the church in the following order:
The bridal couple in front, followed by the bride’s mother walking out with the groom’s father to her right, then the groom’s mother with the bride’s father to her right, then the retinue.

The flower girls leave the church before the guests do so that they can be ready to distribute the confetti at the doors.

The photographer and videographer
A video and wedding photographs of the ceremony are precious mementoes. However, you need to agree with the minister and photographers about when the pictures are to be taken and how many will be taken.

Arrange a meeting between the videographer and the photographer sometimes they can get in each other’s way unless they have made some
prior arrangements. So, for example, the one can take the lead once, then the other

Inter Faith Marriages/Weddings

by Uganda Wedding Bells

In today’s multicultural society it is becoming increasingly common for couples from different religions to get married. Faith and religious beliefs shared by the engaged couple is likely to be the biggest factor in determining what kind of wedding it will be.


Incorporating the two different faiths may seem daunting at first, but here are a few ideas that may help relieve some of the stress.


Establish clear communication with your partner
It is important that both you and your fiancé discuss how many and what religious traditions, if any, will be incorporated in the ceremony. Be clear on what you both feel comfortable and uncomfortable with and understand that compromises will need to be made.
Involve both families
It is likely that the most opinionated views and disappointment will come from family members particular parents and older family members who may not like the idea that you are straying away from tradition. Perhaps it may be practical to use a celebrant for each faith or even two weddings to make everyone feel included. However if this is not possible the most sensible way to help them understand your decision is to include and involve both families in the planning process. Be firm about what you want and don’t want but again be willing to compromise and be flexible.
Consider your guests
When combining two faiths in a wedding ceremony it would be naïve to expect the guests to follow and understand the rituals that may take place. It is possible that some of your guests may not have attended a ritual outside of their own faith. It is therefore a good idea to create a program for them that explains why certain rituals take place and the significance and meaning behind them.
Combine both faiths
If you both want to incorporate both rituals you may consider having the ceremony in both places, say visit Kibuli Mosque and All Saints. Please note that you have to plan ample time for this!
A universal wedding on neutral ground
Alternatively you may choose a wedding that is not based on any religious ground. Have reading and music that is not religious. Ask the celebrant to use non-inclusive language and not terms that are specific to any certain religion. Instead have the celebrant focus on universal themes and marriage themes of love and unity. It might also be a good idea to avoid having the ceremony in a place of worship unless it is very important for either the bride or groom. Or If you both want to incorporate both rituals into your ceremony, combine readings and music form both religions. You might also want to have 2 officiants present, one for each religion.

Wedding Ceremony - Church Requirements

Churches have differing requirements for couples to carry out their ceremony. Here’s information we managed to gather for you. Hope it comes in handy.Congratulations on that note!
Catholic (Kimathi Avenue, Opposite Theatre La Bonita.)
If a bride and groom are Catholics, books three months in advance. If one partner is non-Catholic, four months.

Registration requirements:

• Prenuptial form
• Baptism certificates
• Letter of marital consent from bride's family
• If not parishioner of Christ the King, a letter of introduction from the parish of their residence.
• Passport photos of bride and groom
• Marriage counseling is mandatory. Sessions are held once a week on Thursdays, morning or evening.
Weddings times and fees:

• Standard (sharing) is 2p.m (ush225, 000.)
• Special hours(private wedding ): 10 a.m,12p.m.or 4p.m(125,000)
• A fee of ush400, 000 is paid as commitment fee and refundable when the couple time.
• The above fees exclude the choir. It is booked separately and fees vary.
2. St Paul’s cathedral Namirembe

Anglican (Namirembe Hill).

• Registration must be done one and half months be done and half months before the wedding (Mondays through Fridays 9am to 4pm with Dean’s secretary).

Registration Requirements:

• An introduction letter from the priest where the groom/bride attend church.
• A letter of consent from the parents of the bride.
• Original baptism certificates and photocopies of each.
• One colored passport sized photo of the groom, bride, best man matron.

Times and Fees.

• Standard wedding time is 2pm. To 4pm.(Ush 253,000;limited to seven couples)
Including a 50,000 commitment fee)
• Private weddings:
One –hour services begin on the hour starting at 8am (excluding 2pm to 4pm.)ush 353,000 including a ush 100,000 commitment fee.)
Fees included
• Two 8-hour premarital counseling sessions held on Thursdays in the three weeks preceding the wedding; the matron and best man are requires at the second session.
• HIV test are recommended
• Banns of marriage will be announced at least three times prior to the wedding. For persons whose local church is NOT St Paul, banns will not be announced at local churches. Results of the banns duly signed by the respective priests must be returned to the dean’s office at least four days before the wedding.
• Order of service booklets and choir can be booked separately.
Watoto Church Central Pentecostal (Bombo road near Fido Dido)

• Booking should be made at least six months in advance with a letter to the church Administration stating the desired date and time and telephone contacts.
• Complete Wedding ceremony Application forms fully endorsed by your respective cell, section, zonal and regional leaders as well as district pastor. Also submit.
• Recommendation letter from one’s local church if one party is not a member of Watoto.
• Original HIV status results (recent) carried out from the same place at the same time.
• Letter of consent from the girl’s parents.
• Recommendation letters from best man/matron’s local church if they are not watoto members.
• Premarital counseling with your regional leader/district pastor.
• Order of service for intending couple (t be brought to church Administration two weeks before the wedding day. Wedding rehearsal should be done a week before the wedding day.
• Church fee is Ush 50.000 is refundable late fee. Keeping time means all the parties are involved being at church at least 15minutes to set time.
All Saints Cathedral Nakasero
Anglican (Lugara Road next to State House)

• Book six months in advance and register one month to the weding.

Fees
• Ush 350,000(including refundable fee of 50,000 if the couple keeps time.)
• Decoration is Ush 75,000(outside decoration not permitted).
• In- house choir fees vary (outside must be vetted by the cathedral.)
Registration Requirements
• Photocopies of baptism and confirmation certificates.
• Two passport photos of bride and groom.
• Letter of consent from the bride’s family.
• If they are not members, a letter of introduction from their church(Note: Only other Christian churches are accepted (excluding Seventh day Adventists)as well as a few Pentecostal churches.
• Best man and matron must be wedded in church and they should present their marriage certificates and passport photos.
• There are 16 compulsory counseling sessions. HIV tests are recommended and discussed in the counseling.
• The couple is free to identify the clergy to do the ceremony.
• Only two cameras are allowed in the service and should be introduced to the church authority prior.

First Presbyterian Church Reform (Mengo Kisenyi off Rubaga Road)
Fees:

Ush 150,000 paid atleast two weeks before the wedding.
Documents:
A copy of a consent leter from the bride’s family.
Recommendation letters from pastor of the groom.(One letter is enough if the couple comes from the same church.)
Completed prenuptial form
Passport photos of the bride and groom
Couples must attend the church’s premaritial counseling programme.
Registra General’s Office
Civil Marriage (Amamu House, George Street)
Fees (including notice and certificate marriage and registration)Ush 85,000.

Brides and groom must be:
Adults of 18 or above.
Residents of the marriage districts for atleast the last 15days if you are Ugandan.
A man and a woman
There must be no impediment of kindred or affinity or any other lawful hindrance to marriage.
Neither party should be already married.
Required forms and documents:
Filled-in notice of marriage
Statutory declaration telling the registrar that the information you are giving is correct.
Marriage takes place 21 days after fling the notice.
Two adult witnesses are required to be present.
Procedures are available for couple who need to marry right away; additional documents are requires if both parties are non-Ugandan.
Marriages are open from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday.

Kibuli Mosque Muslim (Kibuli Hill)
Fees are Ush 200.000 (covers registration, marriage certificate and administration costs; late penalties: Ush 20,000 to 30,000).
Weddings take place between 2pm and 7pm.
Bookings should be made at least two weeks before the wedding from the OPD office next to the hospital.

Requirements:

• Only Muslims are wed
• Bride has to enter with a brother or father or somebody authorized by the family.
• Couple has to present two male. Muslims witnesses on each side.
• Payments of dowry by the bridegroom had to be made before the ceremony. The dowry is something asked for by the bride and must be presented to her at the mosque. This determines the signing of the certificate.
• Couples go for a day of counseling two days prior to the wedding.
• HIV testing certificates not required (though they were in the past)
• The bride’s gown must cover the arms and chest, and ladies attending the ceremony should be similarly covered.
• Ladies sit separately from the men: behind the bride, while men are behind the groom. The sheiks perform the ceremony sit in the middle.

Lubaga Cathedral -catholic (Lubaga Hill)
Fees and times:

• Private weddings Ushs 370,000 at 10am.., 12:00pm, and 4
• Standard weddings Ush320,000(2p.m)
• Fees cover choir, marriage counseling and certificate.

Requirements:

• Baptism cards of the both the bride and groom
• Letter from the groom’s church parish priests introducing the couple to Lubaga Cathedral.
• Letter from the bride’s family authorizing the marriage
• Both members of the couple must report with above requirements on any Tuesdays at 8:30am
• Marriage counseling starts four months to the wedding and runs every Tuesday from 8a.m to 12p.m

Adopted from Uganda Wedding Bells

Tips on How to Avoid Children Ruining The Occasion

Many couples have relatives and friends with children who are cute as a button, or maybe even children of their own. Typically these children become flower girls and ring bearers which make a charming addition to any wedding party. However, their adorable ways can turn into antics fast without proper planning. If you are planning on having children in your bridal party, the following are a few tips to make sure that your pint-size guests meet your expectations.

A child loves to be the center of attention but today is not the day. In order to make them feel special take a few moments to show your appreciation. Before the ceremony, take a few pictures with them, tell them how cute they look, and give them a special gift just as you would the rest of your wedding party.

For those ceremonies not taking place in the morning, make sure your flower girl and ring bearer take a nap. No one wants a cranky child. Other pre-ceremony musts are using the restroom have to go light snack to avoid hunger, a double check of clothing for stains, go over directions, and give praise. Give them confidence and reinsurance so they do not freeze when all eyes are looking at them walking down the aisle.

Prevent children from being uncomfortable by providing a snack before and after the wedding ceremony. Choose snacks that will not make a mess nor stain clothing; crackers, string-cheese, and sugar cookies, and small bottles of water, are a good choice. Package treats in coordinating bags, embellished with ribbons and personalized name tags. Prepare treats for more than just your flower girl and ring bearer; other young children (if invited) will also become antsy sitting through the ceremony. Designate a parent or older child to pass out the treat bags.

Even though the flower girl and ring bearer are part of the bridal party, they may not be the most patient when standing during the vow exchange. Let them sit in the front row during the ceremony. Make sure that their parent or grandparent can motion them to take a seat beside them. Then let them rejoin the party during the processional. Also make sure that the child’s parent or another family member is prepared to scoop up the child if a tantrum breaks out. It is not the most ideal situation but knowing that someone is prepared well give you peace of mind.

Another widely accepted tip is to have fake rings attached to the pillow for the ring bearer to carry. Depending on the age of the child, younger children have a tendency to drop and loose things. Give the real rings to the best man and maid of honor.

After the ceremony can be the most important time to give the children notice. This is a time of celebration when all the attention turns to the bride and groom. Children can sometimes become confused on what to do next. Give them a hug, thank them, and let them know that you will see them later if you have decided that children will be allowed at your reception. If so, save them a dance!

Hopefully these tips help you start brainstorming on what to expect and how to be prepared for your younger wedding party guests. It may seem like a lot of work but it will save you a lot. You will t hank me when the wedding is done and it is a success

Wedding Cakes Confectionery/Bakers

Associated Bakers &Confectionaries
Gaba Rd
Telephone256414266724

Bakasi Enterprise (Mrs. Kasibante )
Gaba,Kawuku
Telephone256 772 427835
E-mailbatekasi@yahoo.com

Bake For Me
Kampala
Telephone0772501987 / 041269083
E-mailbsekabembe@yahoo.com

Bakers World
Crown House, Kampala Rd
Telephone256414234835
E-mailbatekasi@yahoo.com

Bertha's Kitchen LTD
Nasser Road, fair House, 3rd Floor, Kampala
www.berthaskitchen.com
At Bertha’s Kitchen limited, We satisfy and quench your thirst. We design modern, rich fruit and light fruit cakes for different occasions including among others the following Anniversary, weddings, birthday, introduction.
Telephone+256392836277
E-mailinfo@berthaskitchen.com

Betty's Bread and Pastry Shop
Cooper Rd, Kampala
Telephone0772401459

Bread and Cake Shop
Dewinton Road Kampala, Kampala

By Special Request
37 Chwa II Road, Mbuya Hill, Kampala.
Telephone256782472468

Cake Centre
Bugolobi, Kampala
Telephone0712861590

Cake Shop
Kabalagala Muyenga
Telephone0772906985