Ruracio · Diani · 2026 — 2027
Okay, deep breath —
Will you be my
bridesmaid?
Dear you,
Love always, Joy
Scroll on for the unromantic bit — dates, dresses, damages. We'd rather you know everything now than get ambushed by a bill in March.
Two weddings, one year apart
The Ruracio
Sat 24 October
2026 · Naipei Gardens
The Wedding
Fri 2 July
2027 · Swahili Beach, Diani
Part One
The Ruracio
Friday 23 & Saturday 24 October 2026
Fri 23 · Evening
Negotiations & Bridal Party Dinner
As the adults handle the serious talking, we will have a chill dinner, do dance rehearsals and a have a run-through of the next day. Come prepared to learn dances in one night haha.
Sat 24 · 5:30am
Makeup at the Bride's House
House of Dotty will share the address. Please be there at 5:30, not leaving your house at 5:30 - no Kenyan timing pls. Coffee (and a shot lol) will be waiting for you at the door .
Sat 24 · Daytime
Ceremony at Naipei Gardens
The main event. The full run down of the schedule will be shared closer to the day.
Sat 24 · Nighttime
The After Party
Straight from the ruracio to the dancefloor. Venue is still TBD but we'll let you know as soon as it's confirmed.
What you'll wear
Ruracio Bridesmaid's Outfits
This is the proposed bridesmaid outfits. Everyone will have the same bottom design but you can pick your top design from the options below.
Cost
KSh 11,000
per dress
Payment
50% deposit on measurement day, the other 50% when you collect the dress.
Measurements
Our planner, House of Dotty, will send the tailor's location, number, and the measurement schedule once you've confirmed.
Hair & makeup
Makeup Artists
We will be having two different makeup artists on the day, kindly look through their profiles and let me know which you would prefer as you're sending your confirmation. Payment for the makeup artists will be done on the day of the ruracio.
Your hair
Do whatever hair makes you feel beautiful. Only rule: freshly done. No week-three edges, please and thank you 😂
Hair Stylist
We will have a hair stylist in the house, for those who will have bundles/wig installed. Should you wish to get them styled please let me know and I can let you know the exact cost.
Part Two
Diani, by the sea
Swahili Beach Resort · Friday 2 July 2027
Thu 1 July · Daytime
Travel down to Diani
Come down on the Thursday by SGR — we'll send the recommended train time. A van will be waiting to drive you to Diani. Should you wish to fly there, that is also okay, and we can arrange for transport from Ukunda Airport to the hotel.
Thu 1 July · Afternoon
Wedding Party + Parents Wedding Rehearsal
It's so crazy to be typing this, like what do you mean I'm having a wedding rehearsal?
Thu 1 July · Night
Welcome Dinner
Welcome dinner at Swahili beach resort for all our guests that will have travelled down.
Fri 2 July · The day
The Wedding Day
Cry as much as you like — the makeup will hold.
MorningGetting ready
AfternoonPhotoshoot
EveningThe ceremony
NightDinner
LateAfter party
Sat 3 July
Check-out
Unfortunately, wedding season comes to an end👎. Should you wish to extend your stay in Diani, please feel free to do so - the ocean is very convincing 🏖️
Getting there
SGR economy, returnKSh 3,000
SGR first class, returnKSh 9,000
Rather fly? Totally fine — just tell us and we'll have you collected from the airport.
Where you'll stay
USD 295
per person · 2 nights · rate based on 2 sharing a room
✓Two nights at Swahili Beach — Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd, checking out Saturday 3rd
✓Thursday, half board: afternoon high tea and dinner
✓Friday, all three meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner — the wedding-night dinner is on us
✓Saturday: breakfast at the hotel before you check out
·Not covered: lunch on Thursday, drinks, spa, and anything else you charge to the room
How to book
We'll share a booking link — please book through that link. It's how you get the discounted rate, and how we keep track of who's coming.
Book by
12 April 2027
The honest numbers
Wedding Cost Estimate
Bridesmaid DressesKSh 11,000 - KSh 13,000
MakeupKSh 4,500 – 6,500
Hair stylingTBC
Travel to Diani (SGR return)KSh 3,000 – 9,000
Diani stay · 2 nights sharing · Half boardUSD 295 - approximately Ksh 38,500
Total≈ TBC
Allan & Joy's contribution to your stay & travelTBC but roughly USD 100 - USD 150
The wedding outfit and makeup numbers aren't final yet — we expect them to land close to the ruracio costs. And we're putting money towards your accommodation and travel as a thank you; we'll tell you exactly how much in a few weeks.
Important note...
We completely understand that what we're asking is a big commitment. With two events, including one at the coast, we know the costs can add up, and the last thing we would want is for anyone to struggle financially because of us.
So if these figures don't work for you, please just let us know. We completely understand, and please don't feel bad or uncomfortable about it at all. You'll still be invited to both weddings, and we'll still be just as excited to celebrate with you! ❤️
That being said, if there's a specific cost challenge you're facing, please reach out and we'll try our best to see if there's any way we can help or work around it 😊
So then —
Will you be my bridesmaid?
WhatsApp me your answer by Tuesday 15th September. So so excited to be celebrating this wedding season with you!!
Once you confirm, further communication from myself and House of Dotty will be shared with you.