Creating A Wedding Budget: Planning A Ugandan Ceremony

Planning a wedding in Uganda can be an expensive affair, with many couples going into debt to host extravagant celebrations. However, it is possible to have a beautiful wedding on a small budget. The first step is to decide on a realistic budget and prioritize what is important to you and your partner. This might include the venue, food and beverages, decorations, attire, entertainment, or transportation.

To save money, consider having a small, intimate wedding with only close friends and family. You can also look for affordable vendors, negotiate prices, or do things yourself if possible. For example, you could make your own wedding cake or do your own hair and makeup. By being creative and practical, you can plan a memorable wedding that fits within your budget.

Catering service/food

Food is an important part of any wedding. There are numerous catering companies available in Uganda, so you must be careful when making your choice. Here are some tips to help you choose and work with your catering service:

• Know the reputation of your caterers: Before hiring a catering service, either attend functions where your chosen service provider was used or get recommendations from people who have used them. It is important to speak to the person who dealt with the service provider directly, rather than just a guest at the function, as you need to be sure that the company has good food and excellent client management.
• Location of the function: It is important to consider the location of your wedding when choosing a caterer. Irene Nakanyike, an events planner, advises against expecting a caterer based in Jinja to provide good and timely services in Kampala. Instead, opt for caterers based in the same city as your wedding venue. However, some catering services may be willing to travel, but ensure they arrive at the venue a day before the wedding.
• Flexibility of the service providers: Find out how flexible the caterers are and how adaptable they can be to last-minute changes. For example, if more guests arrive than expected, the caterers should be able to provide food for them.
• See samples of the work done: Nakanyike recommends choosing a caterer who can provide an album of photos showing their table arrangement and food layout for different themes. It is also important to speak directly to the manager of the catering company to discuss any emergencies, such as an increase in guest numbers.
• Keep your guest numbers within the agreed-upon count: Catering companies often provide an allowance for a certain number of extra plates, but if your guest numbers exceed this, it can be tricky for them to serve everyone. Therefore, it is important to try and stick to the agreed-upon count. If you are uncertain about your guest numbers, consider buying the food yourself and only paying the caterers for cooking and serving.
• Remember other service providers: Don't forget that other service providers, such as photographers and decorators, will also need to be fed. Make sure to include them in your guest count when discussing numbers with your caterers.
• Pay caterers on time: Preparing meals for a large number of people is a big task, and caterers need time to source all the food they need at good prices. Paying them on time will help them prepare early and source food at the best prices.

To save money on catering, consider enlisting the help of family and friends to cook a home-cooked wedding meal, or ask each guest to bring their favourite dish (with some organisation to ensure you don't end up with too many of the same dish). Alternatively, you could serve snacks instead of a full meal, as long as the reception takes place after lunch and you specify on the invitations that only "hors d'oeuvres" will be served.

Bridal hairstyle & make-up

When it comes to bridal hairstyle and make-up, there are a few options to consider in Uganda. Firstly, it is important to choose a salon that can provide the desired services and has a good reputation. Here are some popular salons to consider:

• Hair by Zziwa: This salon is known for styling celebrities in Uganda and its owner, Kennedy Zziwa, has built a brand name since launching in 2016. Zziwa also offers mobile hair styling for brides who prefer to get ready at home.
• Sparkles: This unisex salon has several branches across Kampala and offers discounts on bridal packages.
• Afros & Mo Natural Hair Salon: This salon specialises in natural hair styling and is a great choice for brides who want to embrace their natural hair on their wedding day.
• Jefferson Bridal and Mobile Unisex Salon: This salon provides mobile services for brides and their maids, offering convenience and saving transportation costs.
• Princess of Beauty Salon: This salon is located at Sunset Arcade and is known for styling Ugandan celebrities. Ice Kenny, a local musician, is a talented bridal hair stylist at this salon.

When considering bridal hairstyle and make-up, it is essential to factor in the cost and decide whether to hire professionals or do it yourself. Practising different hairstyles and make-up looks beforehand can help you achieve the desired look on your wedding day.

Music & entertainment

Music is an integral part of Ugandan weddings, with a tradition of cheering, singing, and hollering during the ceremonies. The reception is also full of music, dancing, conversation, and celebration.

If you're planning a Ugandan wedding, you may want to consider the following when budgeting for music and entertainment:

Live Musicians

Live music can add a special touch to your wedding and create a festive atmosphere for your guests. In Ugandan culture, it is common to have lively celebrations with singing and dancing. If you choose to hire live musicians, consider the number of musicians you will need and the type of instruments you would like them to play. You can also ask family and friends to perform at your wedding as their gift to you.

DJ or Emcee

In addition to or instead of live musicians, you may want to hire a DJ or emcee to play music and keep the party going. They can help with the flow of the reception, make announcements, and ensure that your guests are entertained.

Sound System and Lighting

Ensure that you have a suitable sound system and lighting to create the right ambiance and ensure that your guests can hear the music clearly. This may be included in the package if you hire a DJ or live band, but if not, you will need to factor this into your budget.

Traditional Entertainment

If you wish to incorporate traditional Ugandan entertainment into your wedding, you can expect a lot of music, dancing, and clapping. For example, one tradition involves the bridesmaids encircling the bride for the groom to "break through" to reach her. This adds an extra special touch and symbolizes the union of the two families.

Other Entertainment

Consider other forms of entertainment to keep your guests engaged throughout the reception. This could include games, activities, or even a photo booth.

Food and Drinks

While not directly related to music and entertainment, food and drinks are an essential part of the reception and can enhance the overall experience for your guests. Ensure that you have a variety of tasty options available and that you have enough food and drinks to last the duration of the reception.

Remember, when budgeting for your Ugandan wedding, the most important thing is to prioritize what is most important to you and your partner. If music and entertainment are high on your list, allocate your funds accordingly and get creative to make your vision a reality.

Wedding venue

When it comes to wedding venues in Uganda, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is common for couples to opt for two ceremonies, one in a church and a more traditional ceremony called "the introduction" or kwanjula, which takes place at the bride's home. This involves the groom's family and friends coming to the bride's home, where there is music, dancing, and clapping. As such, you may want to consider a venue for the kwanjula if it is to be separate from the church ceremony.

Popular reception venues in Kampala can be very expensive, charging up to Ush 1 to 2 million to rent a space for around six hours. To save money, you could hold the reception in your backyard or that of a friend or relative. This is a more personal option and can be just as attractive as a hired venue.

If you are looking to cut costs, you could also consider having the officiation and reception at the same venue, reducing the number of venues you need to hire.

For those wanting a traditional Ugandan wedding, the ceremonies and rituals will differ depending on the tribe. For example, in the Acholi culture, the groom and his entourage arrive at the bride's family compound, where they must enter the house on their knees as a sign of respect. The bride remains seated with her entourage in a corner of the house during negotiations. The Baganda traditional wedding begins with a parade of the bride-to-be, after which negotiations for the bride price begin, conducted by elders rather than the groom. In both tribes, the bride may change her outfit multiple times during the celebrations, and the end result is a grand feast.

Therefore, when considering a wedding venue in Uganda, it is important to keep in mind the various ceremonies and traditions that may influence your choice of location.

Wedding cake

A wedding cake is a big part of the wedding ceremony in Uganda, and it is often seen as a statement piece. The cake is usually glamorous and can be an assortment of shapes, with some brides opting for cakes in the shape of a car or a house. The introduction ceremony, known as Kwanjula in Central Uganda and Kuhingira in the West, is considered the most important part of the marriage ceremony. This is when the two families formally make a pact for the bride and groom, and the bride price and parents' signatures are exchanged. The cake at this ceremony is symbolic, and cake makers are often asked to make cakes in the shape of traditional objects such as local earthenware pots or a saucepan on three stones.

The cost of a wedding cake in Uganda can vary depending on the size and complexity of the design. Susan Gumisiriza, a cake maker in Kampala, charges 50,000 to 80,000 UGX for very small cakes and up to 160,000 UGX for larger, more intricate cakes. Cake makers in Uganda often rely on word-of-mouth recommendations to get business, and they are busiest at the end of the year when there are many weddings, graduations, and birthday parties.

When planning your wedding cake, it is important to consider the number of guests you expect, as well as the date and duration of your celebration. Some couples choose to have a small cake for ceremonial purposes, while others opt for a larger cake that can be served to their guests. If you are on a tight budget, you could consider making your own cake or asking a talented family member to do it as a gift.

Frequently asked questions