Wedding Planner In Nigeria: Steps To Success

Planning a wedding in Nigeria is no easy feat. It involves two weddings: the traditional and the church wedding, famously known as the white wedding. The traditional wedding is less demanding on the bride as her parents and family members handle most of the requirements. The white wedding, on the other hand, requires a lot of attention to detail to put together a ceremony that reflects the couple's style.

The first step in planning a Nigerian wedding is the family introduction, where both families meet for the first time following the engagement. This is usually held at the bride's home.

The next step is to set a budget and pick a venue. It is also important to create a checklist to stay organized and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.

Other tasks to consider include deciding on a wedding theme and colour scheme, selecting a wedding photographer and videographer, choosing a caterer and event decorator, and finalizing the guest list.

For those who can afford it, hiring a wedding planner can be a great way to reduce stress and ensure that all traditions and customs are observed.

Wedding Budget

The first step in planning a wedding is to decide on a budget. It is important to keep in mind that you don't have to spend all your money on a one-day event and that there will be many expenses to consider.

How to Set a Wedding Budget

To set a realistic budget, check your bank account and fix a wedding budget that is not above your balance. You can also start saving towards the wedding cost by opening a dedicated account. It is recommended to put aside between 20% and 30% of your monthly salary for the next 6 months to one year.

Wedding Expenses

• Couple's outfits and accessories
• Wedding rings
• Venue hire
• Decoration
• Food and drinks
• Cake
• Photography and/or videography
• Entertainment (DJ, live band, MC)
• Stationery and souvenirs (invitation cards, programs, souvenirs)
• Honeymoon
• Transportation
• Hair and makeup
• Wedding planner

Sample Wedding Budget Breakdown

As an example, here is a breakdown of a 1 million Naira wedding budget for 75 guests:

• Bride and Groom – NGN 194,500
• Stationery and Souvenirs – NGN 60,000
• Venue and Decoration – NGN 175,0000
• Food and Drinks – NGN 202,500
• Entertainment and Visuals – NGN 135,000
• Miscellaneous (other things) – NGN 153,400

Wedding Planner

Congratulations on your recent engagement! Now, the fun part begins – planning your wedding. It can be overwhelming to know where to start, but this step-by-step guide will help you plan the perfect Nigerian wedding.

Step 1: Nigerian Wedding Family Introduction

The first step is the Family Introduction, where both families meet and get to know each other. This is a small ceremony that usually takes place at the bride's home. It is an important tradition in Yoruba and Igbo cultures, where the families can investigate and approve their future in-laws before setting a wedding date.

Step 2: Two Weddings, Twice the Fun!

Nigerian couples typically plan two weddings: the traditional wedding and the church wedding or "white wedding." The traditional wedding often comes first and is less demanding on the bride, as the families handle most of the requirements. The white wedding is more western in style, and you will need to put more effort into planning a ceremony that reflects your style as a couple.

Step 3: Search and Prioritize

Research the wedding industry to get an idea of costs and options for your white wedding. Create a list of priorities and a budget to control your spending. Consider the size of your wedding, location, food, drinks, and where you want to splurge or save.

Step 4: Set a Wedding Budget

Setting a realistic budget is crucial to avoid overspending. Nowadays, the bride and groom often pay for their wedding jointly, but sometimes families contribute financially. Either way, create a budget to stay on track and handle any surprise expenses.

Step 5: Pick a Wedding Venue

Choose and book your wedding venue and date as early as possible to secure your preferred option.

Step 6: Create a Checklist

Stay organized by creating a detailed wedding planning checklist. This will help you stay on track and reduce stress as your big day approaches.

Additional Planning Tips:

• Start planning early, especially for custom gowns and booking vendors.
• Involve friends and family to help with planning and on the day.
• Consider hiring a wedding planner to handle the details and reduce your workload.
• Delegate tasks and don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Keep a wedding planning file or folder to stay organized.
• Decide on your wedding theme and colour schemes, including aso ebi colours.
• Choose your wedding attire and purchase or rent in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Select and secure vendors like photographers, videographers, makeup artists, caterers, and entertainment.
• Plan your honeymoon and book flights and accommodation early.
• Send out invitations and inform guests personally to ensure their attendance.
• Break in your wedding shoes before the big day to ensure comfort.
• Confirm all details with vendors, including location, date, and time.
• Practice your dance moves – don't be shy to show off your moves!

Planning a Nigerian wedding can be a hectic process, but with this guide, you'll be well on your way to a memorable celebration. Remember to stay organized, ask for help when needed, and enjoy the process of creating your dream wedding!

Wedding Timeline

12+ Months Before

• Draft a guest list.
• Set a budget.
• Find and secure your venues.
• Set a wedding date.
• Book a planner, if using.
• Put together your wedding party.

9+ Months Before

• Begin registering for gifts.
• Order your wedding dress.
• Book the caterer, photographer, and band or DJ.
• Help your guests by booking a block of hotel rooms and building your wedding website.

6-9 Months Before

• Order stationery.
• Send save-the-dates.
• Book the florist.
• Order bridesmaid dresses.
• Plan your honeymoon.

4-6 Months Before

• Factor in food and music.
• Devise a reception timeline.
• Book rentals (tent, tables, linens, etc.).
• Begin dress fittings.
• Plan your rehearsal.
• Mail invitations.
• Plan the service.
• Personalize the ceremony.
• Book the hairstylist and makeup artist.
• Place some orders (flowers, favours, groomsmen outfits).

2-3 Months Before

• Host your hen, stag or sten parties.
• Decide on timings for your day.
• Sort the finer details (table names, welcome signs, gifts for overnight guests, décor, etc.).
• Finalise speech and reading allocations.
• Pay suppliers in full.
• Create a vendor schedule.

1 Month Before

• Contact any guests who have not yet RSVP'd.
• Do your seating plan.
• Check in with your venue or coordinator.
• Attend your first outfit fitting.
• Buy your wedding party gifts.
• Speak with your photographer.
• Write your wedding vows.

1 Week Before

• Have your final fitting.
• Break in your wedding shoes.
• Have final beauty and grooming appointments.
• Do your last-minute tasks (buy perfume/cologne, plan a wedding day surprise, pack a wedding day emergency kit, etc.).

The Day Before

• Arrange tip envelopes.
• Prepare snacks for the getting-ready rooms.
• Confirm times and addresses with transportation services.
• Head to your rehearsal dinner.

Wedding Theme and Colours

Deciding on a wedding theme and colour palette is one of the most important steps in wedding planning, as it will tie together all the decorative details, from the invitations to the attire, flowers, table decor, and even the wedding cake. The colours and theme chosen will also help to create a cohesive look and feel for the event, so it's important to select them early on in the planning process.

When it comes to Nigerian weddings, there are many traditions and customs to consider when choosing a theme and colour palette. For example, the traditional attire for the wedding party and guests can vary depending on the tribe and culture of the couple. In addition, certain colours may have symbolic meanings or be considered auspicious for weddings.

• Choose a colour palette that complements the season and location of the wedding. For example, soft pastel colours like blush, blue, and cream can create a romantic and soft atmosphere, while bolder colours like navy, gold, and hunter green can be elegant and sophisticated.
• Consider the natural surroundings and local flora when selecting colours. This can help to create a harmonious look that blends with the environment.
• Traditional Nigerian weddings often involve multiple days of celebrations, with different outfits and themes for each event. So, it's important to consider the overall theme and colour scheme while also allowing for variation and multiple looks.
• Aso-ebi, or "the family clothes", is a unique aspect of Nigerian weddings where the couple decides on a uniform colour scheme for each side of the family to wear. This can be a great way to incorporate colour and cultural traditions into the wedding.
• When pairing colours, it's generally recommended to choose one or two main hues and then select one or two secondary colours, including a neutral shade, to support them. Adding a fun accent colour, such as metallic gold or silver, can also be a nice touch.
• Some popular colour combinations for weddings include: sage and French blue; mauve, navy, and maroon; dusty rose and sky blue; navy and orange; and emerald, coral, and lemon yellow.
• If you want to incorporate traditional Nigerian colours, consider the colours associated with the different tribes. For example, the Igbo traditional wedding (Igba Nkwu) features women wearing black, red, white, or blue with gold lions, while the men typically wear matching black, red, white, or blue outfits.
• Don't be afraid to think outside the box and combine unexpected colours. For example, pink and red are said to clash, but they can create a cool, modern, and pretty look.
• Finally, remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding colours. You can choose as many or as few colours as you like and mix and match to create a unique and personalised palette that reflects your style and personality.

Wedding Vendors

The wedding vendors you choose will play a crucial role in bringing your dream wedding to life. Here are some tips and suggestions for selecting the right vendors for your big day:

• Photography and Videography: Capturing the memories of your wedding day is essential. Look for professional photographers and videographers who can provide you with a portfolio of their work. You may also want to consider drone photography to get unique aerial shots of your venue and guests.
• Caterers and Bakers: Food and drinks are a significant part of Nigerian weddings. Choose caterers who can provide a variety of meal options and ensure there is enough food for all your guests. For the cake, consider a professional chef or baker who can create a delicious and unforgettable cake that aligns with your wedding theme.
• Entertainment: A good DJ or live band is essential to keeping your guests entertained and the party going. Look for vendors who can provide a range of music and are experienced in wedding entertainment.
• Decorators and Event Stylists: Wedding decorations and styling set the tone and atmosphere for your celebration. Discuss your vision and theme with potential decorators and stylists to ensure they can bring your ideas to life.
• Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists: For the bridal party's makeup and hair, consider hiring professionals who specialise in wedding looks. They will ensure you and your party look flawless all day.
• Ushering Agencies: Ushers are essential for guiding your guests, ensuring smooth transitions between venues or event segments, and managing food distribution.
• Wedding Planners: While this role may be filled by yourself or a dedicated wedding planner, it is beneficial to have a team of people to help with the logistics and running around.
• Venue and Rentals: When selecting a venue, consider factors such as capacity, proximity to your place of stay, accessibility for guests, and aesthetics. Some venues provide tables and chairs, but you may need to rent these or other items like a canopy or luxury cars.
• Invitations and Stationery: Wedding invitations and stationery should be personalised and kindly worded. Consider including a "thank you" message for your guests after the wedding.
• Security and Bouncers: To ensure the safety of your guests and prevent uninvited guests from crashing the wedding, consider hiring security personnel or bouncers.
• Honeymoon Travel: If you plan to travel for your honeymoon, a travel agency can help you arrange flights, transportation, and accommodation.
• Bridal Apparel and Accessories: For the bridal party's attire, shoes, jewellery, and accessories, you may want to engage the services of tailors, fashion designers, and jewellery vendors.
• Groom's Attire: The groom and his groomsmen will also need suits or native attire, shoes, and accessories.
• Flowers and Florists: Flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding, especially for the bridal bouquet. Consult with a florist to choose flowers that align with your colour scheme and theme.

When selecting vendors, it is beneficial to read reviews, compare prices, and ask for recommendations from other couples or wedding planners. Prioritise vendors who are experienced in weddings and can provide a portfolio of their work.

Frequently asked questions