Planning A Nigerian Wedding: 3-Month Guide

Planning a Nigerian wedding in three months is a challenge, but it's possible if you're decisive and organised. You'll need to be quick to make those initial bookings, and not spend too long weighing up your options. You'll also need to be prepared to make some compromises. As a Nigerian bride, you'll be planning two weddings at the same time: the traditional wedding and the church wedding, or 'white wedding'. The traditional wedding often takes place first, and the bride's parents and family members handle most of the requirements.

Budgeting

Nigerian weddings are made up of two ceremonies: a traditional wedding and a church wedding. The traditional wedding is less demanding on the bride, as the bride's parents and elderly family members handle most of the requirements with the groom's family. However, the church wedding is more western in style and will require more planning.

When it comes to budgeting for a Nigerian wedding, it's important to determine your budget early on. This will help you set limits and boundaries, as well as determine the style of your wedding and the vendors you book. If you have family and friends who are sponsoring the wedding, be sure to ask them about their budget.

With a short timeline of three months, it's crucial to be organised and decisive. You'll need to make quick decisions and some compromises. Do your research and consider your choices carefully, but don't spend too much time mulling over similar options. Once you've made a decision, move on to the next task.

• Prioritise your spending on the aspects of the wedding that are most important to you. For example, if you want a grand entrance, you may need to cut costs elsewhere.
• Be mindful of hidden costs, such as tips for vendors or last-minute changes.
• Consider using a wedding planner or coordinator to help you stay within your budget and manage any last-minute details.

Choosing a venue

When planning a Nigerian wedding, it's important to remember that you'll be planning two weddings at the same time: the traditional wedding and the church wedding, or "white wedding". The traditional wedding is less demanding on the bride, as her parents and family members handle most of the traditional requirements with the groom's family.

With only three months to plan, it's important to be organised and decisive. You'll need to make quick decisions and some compromises.

When selecting a venue, it's important to consider the couple's vision, cultural background and personal preferences. Nigeria offers a diverse array of options, from chic urban spaces to tranquil countryside retreats.

If you appreciate the hustle and bustle of city life, consider a venue in one of Nigeria's major metropolitan areas, such as Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt. These cities offer a range of luxurious hotels, banquet halls and event spaces that cater to various tastes and styles.

For those seeking a more traditional setting, Nigeria's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its palaces and cultural centres, providing an opportunity to infuse your wedding with tradition. Many tribes in Nigeria also have traditional halls that serve as ceremonial spaces for important occasions.

When choosing a venue, it's crucial to consider the number of guests you plan to invite and ensure the venue can comfortably accommodate them. You should also think about the accessibility of the venue for your guests – whether in a city or the countryside, ease of transportation and proximity to accommodations are essential factors. Finally, be sure to understand the legal requirements for hosting a wedding at your chosen venue, as some locations may have specific regulations or permits that need to be addressed.

Wedding vision

Nigerian weddings are made up of two ceremonies: a traditional wedding and a church wedding. The traditional wedding is less demanding on the bride as the bride's parents and elderly family members handle most of the traditional requirements with the groom's family. The traditional wedding often takes place first, and the two ceremonies can be days, weeks or months apart.

The first step to planning a Nigerian wedding is to write out your wedding vision. This is important because there will be many differing opinions on how your wedding day should go, and you need to know beforehand the type of wedding you want so you can stand your ground on what really matters to you. This will also help you in your negotiations with family members.

Your wedding vision should include the style of your wedding, including the theme, colour scheme, and decor. It should also include the type of venue you want, whether it's a traditional or church wedding, and the atmosphere you want to create. Do you want a formal or informal wedding? An intimate or grand celebration?

Your wedding vision should also consider the type of food you want to serve, the entertainment, and any unique touches you want to add to make your wedding stand out. Do you want a live band or a DJ? Cultural performances? Games and activities for your guests?

Finally, your wedding vision should include a timeline for your wedding day, including the order of events and the timing of key moments, such as the ceremony, reception, and any cultural traditions you want to include.

Suppliers

Planning a Nigerian wedding in three months is a challenge, but it's possible if you're organised and decisive. You'll need to be willing to make quick decisions and some compromises.

When it comes to suppliers, it's important to do your research and consider your choices carefully. However, with a tight timeline, you can't afford to spend too much time mulling over similar options. Once you've made a decision, move on to the next task.

Your budget will play a big part in determining the vendors you book. If family and friends are sponsoring the wedding, be sure to ask them about their budget.

Get in touch with hire, decor, and lighting companies as soon as possible to secure your first choices. You'll also need to start thinking about the cake—who will make it, and how will it be delivered to the reception venue?

Don't forget to make any last-minute confirmations or changes with suppliers in the lead-up to the wedding, and provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day.

Honeymoon

Nigerian weddings are made up of two ceremonies: a traditional wedding and a church wedding. The traditional wedding often takes place first and is less demanding on the bride, as her parents and elderly family members handle most of the requirements with the groom's family. The church wedding is more Western in style.

Planning a wedding in three months can be overwhelming, but it is possible if you are organised and decisive. You will need to be willing to make quick decisions and some compromises. It is important to do your research and consider your choices and suppliers carefully, but you will also need to get through those initial bookings quickly and move on to the next task.

When it comes to the honeymoon, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you will need to decide on a budget. This will help you determine the style of honeymoon you can afford and any vendors you may need to book. If your family is sponsoring the honeymoon, be sure to ask them their budget. Once you have a budget in place, you can start researching destinations and making bookings. Consider what type of honeymoon you want – do you want a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous trip to a new city?

Next, start making a packing list. If you are travelling to a different climate, you will need to pack accordingly. Don't forget to pack your passport and any other necessary travel documents. Finally, make sure you have all the necessary confirmations and changes with suppliers, and organise any cash or bank transfers you may need for final balances or tips.

Frequently asked questions