A large share of the weddings we host are planned from London, Dubai, Boston or Nairobi, by people who can only be in Meru for a few days before the event. It works — but it works because of structure, not luck.
Appoint one decision-maker at home
Not a committee. One relative or friend who can walk the site, receive deliveries and make a call on your behalf when you are asleep. Everyone else can advise. Only one person signs off.
Insist on video, not photos
A photo can be framed to hide anything. Ask for an unedited walkthrough video of the space, and a second one during set-up for an event of a similar size. You will learn more in ninety seconds of video than in a full gallery.
Fix the timeline against the time difference
- One scheduled call a week, at a fixed time, with a written agenda
- A shared budget sheet that both sides update — not emailed versions
- Decisions confirmed in writing, same day, however small
- A single WhatsApp thread for the day-of team, opened a week before
Budget in the right currency
Quote and pay in Kenyan shillings where you can, and agree exchange-rate assumptions in writing if you are transferring in another currency. Rates move over a twelve-month planning window and it is better to have said so up front.
Arrive earlier than you think you need to
Four days before, not two. Tastings, final walkthrough, family logistics and the inevitable small crisis all need daylight hours. The wedding itself is the easy part by then.