How to keep your wedding simple despite increase in marriage fees
The government has increased marriage processing charges for Kenyan spouses at the Attorney General’s office by up to ten times to Sh50,0000.
The hiked charges were confirmed on November 8, 2023, in a gazette notice by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
“IT IS notified for the general information of the public that pursuant to Regulation 60 of the Public Finance Management (National Government) Regulations, 2015, the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning has granted to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration the authority for the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services to revise charges and levies on its services,” the Gazette notice read.
However, there are several ways you can make your wedding simple with a reduced budget.
Have invites only
I know it’s your special day but you don’t have to invite the whole village to come and witness your wedding. Let your family know that the cost of living is high and tell them in advance not to tag along their choir member or friend while they are coming to the wedding to do away with surprises.
Plan your wedding during “off-season” dates
When planning for a wedding, try and choose January, February, and March.
You can save a great deal on your venue and various other expenses by getting married at unpopular times.
Similarly, you can save significantly by having your wedding on a weekday, as opposed to the weekend.
Rent as much as you can
Rent things like tables, wedding dresses, tuxedos, bridesmaid dresses, and even jewelry. This could be the difference between spending several thousand and several hundred on purchasing such items.
Make good use of your friends
Ensure that your friends get involved in your wedding. This will help you avoid hiring professionals who will charge a lot of money.
Do a church wedding
Planning to wed? then do a church wedding. This will cut costs such as paying for the wedding venue. You can even decide to be united after the service.
Avoid taking loans, just let your friend help you
Do not take a loan to please people in your wedding. Just use what you have. Why take a loan and suffer after the wedding? Please remember that it is all about you and your wife or husband.
Also read: Watu wataoana kienyeji! Gaucho slams Kindiki over high marriage registration fees