There is absolutely no wedding like a Nigerian wedding!. And that’s on period!…
This isn’t just a mere statement but pure fact. In the glamour of the colours, “asoebi”, music bands and beautiful couple’s attire, there is a weeping bank account balance behind the scenes.
No doubt, Nigerian weddings are beautiful, but nobody really talks about the cost. Because they are extremely expensive. But here’s the thing: not everyone who is married today had an expensive wedding.
If you are planning a low budget wedding in Nigeria like me, come closer, let me give you the tea; you know we don’t gatekeep here.
1. Decide on Your Wedding Type
The first step is deciding that you genuinely want a low budget wedding. And when we say deciding, it’s not just saying it for the sake of saying it, but actually standing firmly on your decision. Bear in mind that you’ll probably step on toes, especially those of your mum’s and her sisters (aunties). But brace up, because it’s going to be a long ride. No gree for anybody o!
2. Keep Your Guest List Small (Like, Really Small)
You cannot have a low budget wedding and a 500-guest list in the same sentence. So, my love, you absolutely have to keep your guest list small. Don’t invite so many people.
Going to the extreme is actually not making your pre-wedding photos public until after the wedding. Anyway, it’s your call, I won’t tell you not to post, but somebody like me will post mine on the event day or the day/days after, ‘cos I don’t want to explain why I am not sending you the event location.
Keeping your guest list small also means minimum or no “asoebi” ladies too. Remember, less is truly more when planning a low budget wedding in Nigeria.
You could also propose a virtual option for those who truly want to be part of your big day. You know, just host the event with taron Events App and you’re good to go. Trust me, they won’t miss anything, just maybe the wedding rice – which you can always make up for later… lol.
3. Fabric Selection: Eyes on the Prize; Not the Price Tag
Have a budget for the event’s wedding clothes and stick to it. One thing about fabric purchase is, there are varieties, and the more you look, the more you get tempted to exceed your budget. Here’s advice from a friend: when you go to purchase your fabric, make sure to focus on the one that fits your budget, and yes, turn a blind eye to others. You can save them for future purchases. Lol.
4. Vendor Selection
Everybody wants to be a VeekyJames Bride, but if your money no reach VeekyJames “Iyawo” standard, look elsewhere! There are other fashion designers around who are really good and affordable; you’ll definitely get value for your money. This isn’t just for fashion. Whichever vendor you need to use, have a low wedding budget and stick to it. Whether it’s cake, hair & make-up, photography, food, drinks, music, decoration etc. – just don’t do pass yourself.
You can actually get family or friends to take care of some of these areas for you while you finance the others. For example, if you leave the cooking for mumcy to sort, trust me she has more than enough hands to delegate to. Drinks too, even music! I know you’re like, “Music? How na?” Well, you could have a live band arrangement with friends that will do just right, just rent a good sound system. How do I know this? I’ve done it before, hence the information. Na you just want Segun Johnson!
5. Venue Selection
Event halls are crazily expensive to rent, so you have to really think it through. Do you have the capacity to pay a hefty sum of money to use a place for a few hours or not? If you don’t, just make do with what you have. This is crucial for low cost wedding planning.
Here are some options:
- Your Church: Yes, let me tell you how. Just discuss with the pastorate and let them know you’d like to use the church venue for the reception. While you are out taking pictures after the church joining ceremony, your décor team is in there working on the setting. These things happen, and I’ve experienced it first hand.
- A Community Field: Speak to the community leader in charge, get approval, and let your décor do the work. Although, this outdoor wedding option is not advisable in some weather conditions.
- Your Parents’ Compound: For outdoor options, your parents’ compound is another great choice; if it’s spacious enough to accommodate your guests.
Lastly, you can serve food and souvenirs after the church/Nikah ceremony and everyone just goes home. You say you need to have a reception? Abeg!
6. Start Your Planning Early
Yes, start your planning process early. Dedicate a journal towards your wedding ceremony. Jot every idea that comes to mind, then you can go back later and scrutinise, cancel the unnecessary ones, and keep the important ones. Planning a low budget wedding in Nigeria early will save you from unnecessary stress and spending. When you are tense and the pressure is over the top, you could find yourself buying things you don’t even need.
Start “Project: Becoming an Iyawo” early. Buy your non-perishable essentials early and save time and energy. Even cost too, it’s no news that there is inflation. Yesterday’s price is not today’s price.
7. Be Strategic with Your Date
Everyone wants that Saturday ‘owanbe’ vibes, especially during the dry season or festive periods, eh? But your pocket might be screaming if you insist on those prime ‘owanbe’ weekends. When demand is high, so are the prices for everything: venues, caterers, decorators, even your photographers. And everything is just crazily expensive during festive periods. So, avoid picking a date in festive seasons this will save cost.
Do you know what else is better than a Saturday ‘owanbe’? A Thursday ‘owanbe’ – think about it.
8. Stick to Your Budget
We have indirectly touched this aspect in all the items mentioned above, just for reiteration purposes. Have a low wedding budget, and stick to it to avoid stories that touch.
Ask Yourself Essential Questions
- Is this item essential?
- Can I DIY this or Outsource?
- How much am I willing to spend?
- Can I afford an event planner?
Ask all necessary questions and be true to yourself with your answers. This will help immensely when you are budgeting for an event.
Own Your Love Story
Look, low budget weddings means different things to different people. Whether it’s a couple of million naira or just a few hundred thousand. But here’s the absolute truth: your wedding day is about ‘you’ and ‘yours’. It’s about celebrating the start of your forever, not performing for an audience or emptying your life savings.
I’ve seen intimate weddings with less than 20 guests that radiated pure joy. The couple were just all over the place, full of genuine happiness. Because when the music fades, the “asoebi” ladies have done their part and left, and jollof rice finishes, what truly remains is the love, the commitment, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of finally being married. And that is the real luxury.
Iyawo, whether you throw the party of the century or a cosy backyard celebration that doesn’t require much money, people will always talk. So write your love story. The one where you chose peace of mind, shared happiness, and a solid financial start to your marriage, over unnecessary financial wahala. Prioritise what truly matters. Your happiness and the beginning of your beautiful union are the ultimate achievements.
And for those friends or family who felt ‘I-was-left-out’ with your decisions? You can always make it up. You could organise a thoughtful hangout later, or curate a small gift.
Remember, if a virtual option can help you manage your guest list and keep the budget tight while still celebrating your special day, taron Events App is your go-to hosting platform.
Congratulations on finding your missing rib. Wishing you a happy married life, filled with the kind of joy money can’t buy, and a love story that’s perfectly yours.
If you’re looking for more tips beyond a low budget wedding in Nigeria, we’ve got you covered with our top budget hacks for African event organizers.
