Planning A Nigerian Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a Nigerian wedding can be a stressful process, especially as it will be the biggest event you will ever have to plan. It can be challenging to keep up with the endless decisions, scheduling, meetings, and dealing with changes from family. However, with the right mental attitude and great friends, you can successfully pull it off. This introduction will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to plan your Nigerian wedding, from gathering ideas and inspiration to determining your budget and staying organised.

Creating a vision board

First, you'll want to get a wedding folder or planner to keep all your ideas organized. This will be your go-to resource for all things wedding-related. You can start by writing out your wedding vision, including the type of wedding you want and any specific details that are important to you. This will help you stay focused and make decisions that align with your vision.

Next, it's time to start collecting inspiration. You can start by browsing wedding blogs, magazines, and social media for ideas. Create a mood board that reflects the style and theme you're going for. Consider the colours, the decor, the flowers, and any unique touches you want to include. You can also start thinking about your wedding dress and the overall look you want to achieve.

Pinterest is a great tool for creating digital vision boards. You can create different boards for different aspects of your wedding, such as the ceremony, reception, attire, and decor. This will help you keep your ideas organized and easily accessible. You can also follow Nigerian wedding blogs and Pinterest boards for more specific inspiration.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. Your vision board is a reflection of your unique style and personality. Include things that inspire you, whether it's a quote, a picture, or a colour palette. The more personal your vision board is, the more meaningful your wedding will be.

Budgeting

Planning a Nigerian wedding can be a challenging and overwhelming process, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. One of the most important aspects of planning any wedding is budgeting. Here are some tips to help you navigate the financial side of your Nigerian wedding planning:

Firstly, it's crucial to determine your budget. Sit down with your partner and any other key stakeholders, such as parents or guardians, to discuss financial contributions and set a realistic budget. This budget will guide all your spending decisions, so it's essential to be clear and firm about it.

Once you have a budget in mind, start listing all the items and services you will need for the wedding. This includes the venue, catering, decorations, entertainment, wedding attire, transportation, and any other specific requirements. It's helpful to categorise these items into must-haves and nice-to-haves, so you can prioritise your spending.

Next, research and reach out to vendors and suppliers to get quotations. Compare prices and services offered to find the best value for your money. Remember to read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family to ensure quality and reliability. It's also a good idea to start this process early, as popular vendors may get booked up quickly.

As you receive quotations, create a detailed spreadsheet or use wedding planning software to track your expenses. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't exceed your budget. It's also a good idea to build in some flexibility, as unexpected costs may arise.

Finally, be mindful of cultural expectations and traditions when budgeting for a Nigerian wedding. Traditional Nigerian weddings often involve multiple events and ceremonies, such as the traditional wedding process, which must take place before the modern wedding. Ensure you allocate funds accordingly and be prepared to negotiate and make compromises to stay within your budget.

Finding a wedding planner

Planning a Nigerian wedding can be a stressful process, especially if it's a big wedding or you have a short amount of time to plan. It's important to keep on top of the endless decisions, follow-ups, scheduling, meetings, and multitasking. One of the first steps is to find a wedding planner.

A wedding planner can help you to organise your ideas and inspiration, and turn your vision into a reality. They can also help you to negotiate with family members who may have differing opinions on how your wedding day should go.

When looking for a wedding planner, it's important to consider their experience and expertise. Ask for references and read reviews to get an idea of their work. It's also important to meet with the planner in person to discuss your vision and ensure you're on the same page.

Another thing to consider is the planner's availability. Make sure they have the time to dedicate to your wedding and can be flexible with meetings and planning sessions. It's also important to discuss their fees upfront and ensure they fit within your budget.

Finally, it's important to trust your instincts when choosing a wedding planner. Go with someone who you feel comfortable with and who understands your vision.

Renting a wedding gown

Planning a Nigerian wedding can be challenging, especially as it will be the biggest event you ever have to plan. It's important to get organised, so start by gathering your ideas and inspiration on a vision board. Then, get a wedding folder to keep all your planning in one place. You'll also need to determine your budget, as this will be a major consideration for all your decisions.

If you're thinking of renting a wedding gown, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, renting a wedding dress is a more affordable option than buying one. Wedding dresses can be expensive, with the average cost of a wedding dress in Nigeria being around ₦100,000. By renting a dress, you'll only pay a fraction of the purchase price, which can free up money for other aspects of your wedding or your future married life.

When renting a wedding gown, you'll usually pay a rental charge and a caution fee, which will be refunded if the dress is returned in perfect condition. However, if the dress is damaged, you may need to pay the full displayed price of the gown. It's important to carefully read the terms and conditions of the rental company to understand your responsibilities and any potential costs.

There are several companies in Nigeria that offer wedding gown rentals, such as Hadassah Bridal House, Rentall, and Imperialbridalsandaccessories. These companies often provide full packages that include not just the dress, but also accessories like petticoats, veils, bracelets, bouquets, and tiaras.

When choosing a rental company, be sure to read reviews and compare prices to find the best option for you. It's also important to try on the dress before your wedding day to ensure it fits well and is comfortable.

Scheduling

Planning a Nigerian wedding can be challenging, especially when it comes to scheduling. To help you stay on top of things, here is a step-by-step guide:

First, get a wedding folder or a wedding planning diary. This will be your go-to resource for all things wedding-related and will help you stay organised. It will contain all the details about your wedding, from your vision to your budget and timeline.

Next, set a wedding date. This will give you a sense of how much time you have to plan and allow you to set timelines for what needs to be done at particular times. With a date in mind, you can start reaching out to vendors and getting quotations.

Remember that there will be many differing opinions on how your wedding day should go, especially from family members. It's important to know beforehand the type of wedding you want so you can stand your ground on what really matters to you. This will help you when it comes to scheduling and negotiating with vendors and family members.

Finally, be prepared for changes and last-minute adjustments. With so many moving parts, it's inevitable that there will be some changes along the way. Stay flexible and adapt your schedule as needed. With the right mental attitude and a great support system, you can successfully pull off your Nigerian wedding!

Frequently asked questions