Are you a couple and want ideas on how to thank your guests for attending your wedding? Check out these cheap and simple favors or souvenir ideas in Nigeria.
It takes a team to prepare a wedding; it is an enormous undertaking that cannot be completed alone. Undoubtedly, you will require assistance from someone like a wedding planner, who can help you acquire everything required (obviously paid services from vendors) to make your ideal occasion a reality.
Luckily, there are online platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and websites that offer ideas and facilitate finding wedding vendors. These mediums have made it easier to find the greatest makeup artists, professional wedding photographers, local videographers, exquisite reception venues, and more.
While planning the big things, like catering and entertainment, sometimes the smaller details can get forgotten about or left until the last minute. Wedding favors are one of the less-talked-about parts of wedding planning and can easily be overlooked or regarded as unimportant. But handing out favors is a lovely gesture for your guests and a well-known tradition that can help elevate the tone of your celebration.
What are wedding favors? As per Hitched UK, wedding favors are little presents that the couple gives to their guests as a thank you for coming. Most Nigerian couples gift their guests with branded party favors incorporating a photo and wedding date. These range from fans and kitchenware to clocks and even power banks. Once the celebration is over, these gifts are a way to help guests depart with great memories and perhaps a monogrammed clock (or two). Traditionally, you’ll leave your little gift on the place setting for each person at their table.
Infusing your wedding with unique favors inspired by Nigerian culture is a wonderful way to celebrate this diversity and create lasting memories for your guests. In this article, JanaTribe will explore creative ideas for wedding favors that reflect the vibrancy and uniqueness of Nigerian traditions.
Before we get into business, let’s get a glimpse into Nigerian weddings and what they look like.
A brief overview of Nigerian weddings
Nigeria is a potpourri of languages, religions, cultures, and traditions. The country is estimated to have 371 tribes—the main three being Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba—with a large Muslim community in the north and Christians in the south.
Even though Nigeria is a melting pot of culture and rich history, its magnificent wedding celebrations serve as a custom that unites everyone together.
Specifically, there are multiple layers commonly associated with Nigerian nuptials, including several days of celebrations based on one’s tribe. For Igbo and Yoruba people, the traditional wedding comes first, followed by a church ceremony that is often referred to as the “white wedding” due to the color of the bride’s gown.
Nigerian nuptials are also community celebrations where extended family, distant relatives, neighbors, and well-wishers of any variety are expected to attend, often garnering a guest list of 250 guests or more.
Some common traditions in almost all Nigerian weddings, per TheKnot, include:
- Proposal
- Bride Price
- Prostration
- Kola Nuts
- Aso-ebi and Gele Nigerian Wedding Attire
- Money Spray
- Large Guest List
For more information on Nigerian wedding traditions: from proposal to bride prices, and how much it costs for a small and luxury marriage ceremony, click here to read more.
Now, let’s talk about things relating to how couples can show appreciation to their guests, whom a number of them “canceled what they had planned to do at their homes or places” to grace their nuptials. Keep reading for more.
@cc__nene The most thoughtful gifts ever ???????? #souvenir #weddingsouvenir #gifts #agateresincoasters #candle #arami #giftbox #bridalgifts ♬ original sound – Nene N
What’s the difference between a wedding favor and a souvenir?
A wedding favor is a small gift given to wedding guests as a token of appreciation from the newlyweds. Guests at your wedding share your special day and an important moment in your history as a couple. Thank them for their presence at your party and their support with a small wedding favor.
A souvenir comes from the Latin word for “memory.” It isn’t necessarily a gift; it’s an item that you acquire to remember some event, person, or place. People love getting small gifts from faraway places! These are all examples of souvenirs. While gifts are not purchased, in most cases, souvenirs are bought as a reminder of specific events.
A gift, on the other hand, is the same as a present, and together, they are given as a gesture of goodwill or appreciation. It is mostly given to others voluntarily and without charge.
In the sense of weddings, gifts or presents are given by guests to the couple because it is their special day to show they appreciate them and wish them well in their journey, while a souvenir is a memento, keepsake, or token that couples give their guests to remember their weddings and the memories they created together.
Are wedding favors and souvenirs the same? The answer to this burning question is yes. Favors and souvenirs are the same thing when it comes to weddings because they are the items couples present to their guests to thank them. They all play an important role in making a marriage ceremony successful.
Top wedding souvenir ideas for Nigerian wedding guests
There are thousands of wedding souvenir ideas, but the truth is, every present depends on the couple’s taste, budget, and preferences. Remember that the cost for this should be included in the wedding planning process so you won’t find yourself in any hasty or last-minute rush.
There is no need to choose costly gifts, as there are many cheap wedding souvenir ideas. To thank the guests for sharing the special day, you can even give some DIY gifts. To commemorate the event, you can put a memorable engraving on the souvenirs.
Below are 30 thoughtful and affordable wedding souvenir ideas in Nigeria that your guests will love!
1. Convenience Foods
Convenience foods refer to pre-packaged or pre-prepared meals tailored for swift and effortless consumption. In other words, they are any food that we buy prepared and packaged, ready to eat with minimum preparation or none at all. Examples include:
- Candy, chocolate, and lollies.
- Soft drinks and juices.
- Nuts and snacks.
- Fresh or preserved fruit and vegetables.
- Processed deli meats and cheeses.
- Cans and jars of products, like soups and pasta sauces.
Some of the better options for wedding favors that couples might think about are convenience meals. They provide a distinctive and delicious way for guests to remember your special day, which makes them excellent Nigerian wedding memento ideas. They are also simple to locate and reasonably priced. Additionally, delicious wedding mementos can be tailored in a variety of ways to match your unique occasion.
The fact that edible wedding mementos can be consumed right away is one of their best features. Visitors have the option to save them for a later time or take them home to enjoy now. In either case, each time they take a bite, they will be able to relish the memories of your special day.
2. Keychains or Keyholders
Keyholders are popular, cheap, practical, and easy to find. They make great Nigerian wedding souvenirs because they can be customized with the couple’s pictures, names, and wedding dates. Plus, they’re small enough to fit into a guest’s purse or pocket, so they won’t be left behind at the end of the night. Aside from that, keychains are also useful items that your guests can use daily.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a plastic keyholder, metal keyholder, or leather keychain; if you’re looking for cheap wedding souvenir ideas that won’t break the bank, then keychains are worth considering and should be at the top of your list. They may be small, but they’ll be appreciated by your guests. Plus, they can be easily customized to make them even more personal.
3. Bottle Opener
A lot of people think that cheap wedding souvenirs are tacky, but that’s not necessarily true! There are plenty of cheap wedding souvenir ideas that are both practical and stylish. Bottle openers are a great example of this. They’re useful, they’re inexpensive, and they can be personalized with the couple’s names or wedding dates. Plus, they’re a fun way for guests to remember the big day whenever they are having a drink.
If you’re looking for cheap Nigerian wedding souvenir ideas, bottle openers are a great option!
4. Fridge Magnets
Fridge magnets are also a cheap but highly effective Nigerian wedding souvenir. They serve as a constant reminder of your special day and can be used to decorate the home or office of the couple. Guests will love this unique and practical gift. With the sublimation printing method, the picture of the couple can be printed on the magnet, and it can also be personalized with the bride and groom’s names and dates of the wedding.
5. Succulents
A plant in a small pot looks very cute and can be a symbol of the birth of a new family. It is one of the cheapest, though not the worst, options at all.
Of course, weddings are expensive, but souvenirs don’t have to be. If you are a Nigerian bride on a budget, you will look for some affordable wedding souvenirs. This way, you can still give away a piece of happiness.
When it comes to ideas for souvenirs, you can consider ceramic elephant planters.
Elephants hold special significance in Nigerian culture, symbolizing strength and wisdom. Although not as much as in South Africa, Nigeria is also known for wildlife experiences. There are several animals, especially elephants, in the Afi River Forest Reserve in the Nigerian state of Cross River. Nigeria is one of 37 African countries where elephants are found in the wild. Savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) can be found in the north and forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) in the south. It’s not clear how many elephants there are in Nigeria.
Gift your guests small ceramic elephant planters with succulents or indigenous plants. These adorable planters not only serve as unique favors but also represent the couple’s growth and longevity, much like the mighty elephant.
6. Customised Travel Mugs
A cute travel mug also can be a great wedding souvenir. This is a useful favor that will always remind your guests of a memorable day. Travel mugs designs are numerous, and these items are usually not extremely inexpensive.
7. African Spice Sets
Nigerian cuisine is renowned for its flavorful and aromatic spices, hence, this would be one of the most useful and pleasant gifts among the top ideas for wedding souvenirs for your friends and family members who enjoy eating spicy food. Curate a unique spice set by packaging a selection of traditional spices.
Salt and pepper jars are an inseparable couple that symbolize sharpness and taste to life. It is even more interesting that they are always together, just like the couple hopes.
Include recipe cards featuring popular Nigerian dishes to inspire your guests to recreate the culinary delights in their own homes.
8. African-Inspired Candles
Craft candles inspired by Nigerian patterns and colors. Consider incorporating tribal motifs or using the colors of the Nigerian flag. Scent the candles with fragrances reminiscent of the country’s diverse landscapes, from the floral notes of the beautiful landscapes to the earthy scents of the savannah.
9. Hand Fans
Exotic design fans originate from China, but it became hugely popular in Africa because of the hot climate. The Eastern tradition of giving a fan as a wedding souvenir is very old, but it still is regarded as one of the top ideas.
Custom fans can be a symbolic present featuring a picture of the married couple on one side, and their vows, wedding song lyrics, Bible verses, and names of the newlyweds engraved on the other.
It would be better to get some portable hand fans for the wedding guests to let them bring the handy souvenir wherever they want. A hand fan is a very useful souvenir that comes in handy, especially at a summer wedding. In Nigeria, you can easily buy hand fans, even in the street market.
10. Customised Bath and Face Towels
Bath and face towels make practical and thoughtful wedding favors. They symbolize comfort, care, and a fresh start for the couple. Guests appreciate these useful gifts, perfect for everyday use. With personalized touches, towels become cherished mementos. Consider gifting these soft essentials for a memorable Nigerian wedding celebration.
11. Personalized Customized Pen
When it comes to cheap wedding souvenir ideas, pens are often overlooked. But the fact is, pens can be very useful, as they come in handy for signing documents, taking notes, and jotting down ideas. Even more so when they’re personalized with the couple’s names or initials and wedding dates printed on them. If you’re looking for something practical and unique, personalized pens are the way to go.
12. Exercise Books
Exercise books are perfect for jotting down notes, sketches, or ideas. They make great shopping lists, to-do lists, or journal entries at work, at home, or on the go.
They can be easily customized with the couple’s pictures, names, and wedding dates, making them practical and memorable keepsakes for guests. And because they’re so useful, your guests are sure to use them long after the wedding is over.
So why not give your guests a smart wedding souvenir that they’ll use? Exercise books are an inexpensive and practical way to say thank you to your guests while also giving them a helpful tool that they can use every day.
13. Notepads, Jotters, & Journals
Wedding notepads are a great, low-cost Nigerian wedding souvenir idea. They are versatile and can be used for taking notes, jotting down ideas, or even as a sketchpad. They also make a great keepsake that guests can take home with them to remind them of the special day.
Because they are so affordable, you can give them to all of your guests without breaking the bank. Plus, they can be easily personalized with the bride and groom’s pictures, names, toast, and wedding dates.
If you are looking for an affordable Nigerian wedding souvenir, consider giving notepads to your guests. So why not give your guests something they will use?
14. Paperbag / Carrier Bag
Carrier bags are another great Nigerian wedding souvenir idea because they are affordable and have many uses. Guests can use them to carry home gifts or leftovers, and they can also be used as impromptu storage containers, laundry bags, or shopping bags.
It doesn’t matter if the bags are paper bags, kraft bags, jute bags, or tote bags; they can all be personalized with the pictures and names of the bride and groom, and they can be made in a variety of colors and patterns to match the wedding theme. Carrier bags are a practical and affordable way to thank guests for attending a Nigerian wedding.
In short, carrier bags make an excellent and affordable Nigerian wedding souvenir.
15. Foot Mats
Foot mats are an essential item in many Nigerian households. They are used to protect floors from dirt and dust, and they also help to keep feet clean and dry. In addition, foot mats make a great decoration for any home. They are available in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find one that suits your style. Best of all, foot mats are an affordable way to show your guests how much you appreciate their support on your big day.
If you’re looking for a unique, practical, and affordable wedding souvenir, then customized foot mats might just be the thing that works for you!
16. Branded Caps
Branded caps are a great, and affordable souvenir option that is both low-cost and useful and can be used in a variety of ways. For example, they can be worn to shield guests from the sun during outdoor events or to keep their heads warm during cooler evening celebrations.
Not to mention, branded caps can be printed with the couple’s pictures or their names monogrammed on the cap.
They can also be used as decoration, either at the wedding itself or in the homes of guests after the event. In addition, branded caps make great affordable gifts for those who were unable to attend the wedding but still want to show their support for the happy couple. Whatever way they are used, branded caps are a unique and affordable Nigerian wedding souvenir that is sure to be appreciated by all.
17. Branded Shirts
Branded shirts are low-cost, customizable, trendy wedding souvenirs that can be worn by your wedding guests during the reception, which makes for great photos. After the wedding, the shirts can be used as everyday clothing items.
Not only are shirts cheap, but they also have several unique uses that make them a perfect choice for any couple on a budget. For example, with the picture of the couple printed boldly on them, they can be styled for any other occasion and even for casual day-to-day wear.
Some people will even prefer to hang their shirts on walls or doors to add a touch of Nigerian flair to their room. In addition, branded shirts make great gifts for friends and family members who were unable to attend the wedding. So if you’re looking for an affordable and unique Nigerian wedding souvenir, branded shirts are a great option.
So why not give your guests something they will use? Give them branded shirts!
18. African Marula Oil Skincare Sets
Marula oil, derived from the fruit of the marula tree, is known for its nourishing properties. Create skincare sets featuring African marula oil-infused products such as lip balm, lotion, or soap. These favors not only showcase the beauty of indigenous ingredients but also provide your guests with a touch of luxury inspired by Nigerian nature.
19. Umbrella
During the rainy season in Nigeria, everybody needs umbrellas, especially wedding guests. If you are looking for wedding souvenir ideas when it rains cats and dogs, then an umbrella can be the right answer! Another advantage is that you can print pictures of you and your husband on these umbrellas with ease. It’s a very affordable souvenir idea, and all you would need to do is just find a good printer.
20. A Bottle of Wine and Wine Stopper
Customized Wine is one of the most wonderful wedding souvenir ideas! It comes in handy at every significant event, especially, a wedding. A bottle of wine put on the wedding table will make the party more memorable. Wine is an obligatory attribute of the wedding that can also be supplemented by a bottle opener and bottle stopper. What an incredible combination.
Your guests will be more than surprised. With such a gift, you will have an infinite space for creativity: the bottle can be decorated with a photo of the married couple, inscriptions about love, and different romantic pictures. To separate this wedding souvenir from other bottles, decorate it with an elegant accessory using lace, and beads with floral and geometrical ornaments.
21. Sunglasses
To show your guests that you care about their comfort, you can buy a pair of sunglasses, customized with your name or just have them plain. This souvenir is a very useful one, and your guests can use it over and over again after the wedding ceremony.
22. Perfumes
There are many words to describe this souvenir, but they all mean the same thing: wonderful. It is one of the best gift ideas for every person and occasion. Both men and women enjoy such thoughtful presents. Choose some strong scents for men and fresh, sweet, or soft fragrances for ladies.
23. Wallet
It’s probably the best present for men, but ladies can also appreciate this souvenir. For female guests, you will need to choose more female souvenir variants.
24. Customized Mobile Phone Cases
If you appreciate your wedding guests that much and want them to feel unforgettably happy at this event, then you may consider gifting them a customized phone case. Your guests will not forget this special day for sure, especially because they don’t go a day without holding their phones.
It is important to give a gift from the bottom of your heart and the price on the price tag does not matter. The cool thing is that guests can take their wedding photos and make videos. So, if you want your wedding to be as memorable as possible, you are going to give your guests the best wedding souvenir they ever got in their lives.
25. Personalised Unique Shot Glasses
Shot glasses are another souvenir idea to create a handy gift for wedding guests. Glasses can be beautifully engraved with various inscriptions, wishes, wedding couple’s initials, names, the date of the wedding, etc. Such a practical present will help to solve a few problems at once: to provide the guests with glasses at the wedding party and make them remember the event.
26. Travel Bath Set
Perfect for couples who love to explore, this compact bath set ensures they can maintain their grooming routine while on the move. It includes travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion, all neatly packaged for convenience.
27. Makeup and Cosmetics Bag
Ideal for the bride or groom who enjoys looking their best, a stylish makeup or cosmetics bag provides a practical and fashionable way to store beauty essentials. It can be personalized with their initials or wedding date for a special touch.
28. Mini Picnic Lunch Bag
Encourage outdoor adventures and romantic picnics with a mini lunch bag. Complete with compartments for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, this portable bag is perfect for impromptu outings and quality time together.
29. Mosquito Killer Lamp
Help the newlyweds enjoy peaceful nights with a mosquito-killer lamp. Designed to attract and eliminate mosquitoes and other flying insects, this practical gift ensures they can relax and unwind without any unwanted guests.
30. Electronic Blood Pressure Monitor
Promote health and well-being with an electronic blood pressure monitor. As they embark on their journey together, this device allows the couple to monitor their blood pressure regularly, ensuring they stay healthy and happy for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing wedding favors inspired by Nigerian culture is a delightful way to share the richness and diversity of this beautiful nation with your guests. Whether it’s traditional beadwork, indigenous spices, or wildlife-inspired figurines, each favor tells a story and contributes to the unique tapestry of your wedding celebration. By incorporating these creative and meaningful ideas, you not only express gratitude to your guests but also create lasting memories of a wedding infused with the spirit of Nigeria.
