How much does it cost to get married in Ghana today? The modern transformation and rising costs of Ghanaian weddings explored.
Ghana, the second-most populous country in West Africa, is home to a diverse range of cultures, languages, and unique traditions. The Asante, also known as Ashanti, are Akan ethnic people who are native to the Ashanti Region of modern-day Ghana. This small region gained notoriety for its handcrafted furniture, brass and gold objects, wood carvings, and vibrantly colored kente, or woven cloth.
Ghana has preserved and modernized its wedding customs over the years, though it is unclear when and how exactly they started. Generally, men will propose marriage after two or three dates because, in their eyes, any longer would be “taking advantage of the friendship.” Once the couple is engaged, the customary pre-wedding events, which include gifts and ceremonies, begin. Next come the other ceremonies that are part of the wedding, such as the reception.
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The cost of a wedding ceremony in Ghana
Weddings are important life events that symbolize the happy union of two souls and the reunion of families in the colorful tapestry of Ghanaian culture. But weddings in Ghana have seen a dramatic change in recent years, moving from traditional, low-key celebrations to lavish, high-key events where the sound of wedding bells is now frequently accompanied by the ring of rising expenses, indicating a move toward modernization and the desire for an extravagant celebration.
In this article, JanaTribe will delve into the dynamics of the contemporary Ghanaian wedding, suggesting a current estimated cost between simple and opulent ceremonies, dissecting the factors that contribute to its rising costs, and unraveling the motivations behind the preference for lavish events over simpler, more intimate affairs.
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What is the typical cost of a Ghanaian wedding?
One of the most frequently asked questions about a Ghanaian wedding is the cost of the entire ceremony.
The truth is that a wedding in Ghana can cost anything from a couple of thousand dollars to a couple of million dollars. In Ghanaian currency terms, a typical Ghanaian wedding can cost between GH¢50,000 and GH¢250,000, per JanaTribe‘s estimation.
A US-based wedding, event, and global technology company, TheKnot estimated that a customary Ghanaian marriage costs between Ghc 4,000 (or $891) and a “white wedding” costs about Ghc 15,000 (or $3,335.00).
Also, per a statistical calculation made by MyJoyOnline, 542.00, 7,974.00, and 25,610.00 have been the estimated costs of marriage from 1999 to 2021. Breaking that down, the outlets reported back in 2021 that any couple to marry would require an amount of GH¢7,974.00 per the time value of money calculations. In real terms, however, the least amount needed is GH¢25,610.00.
According to a report by the Daily Graphic in 2018, for couples who want lavish ceremonies, anything less than GH¢90,000 means that their dream ceremony will be a mirage.
Why are weddings so expensive in Ghana today?
There is a rising cost of weddings in Ghana, but truthfully, it all comes down to your wedding style and taste.
Remember that you are not to compete or make anyone happy with your marriage, so the proverbial statement “Cut your coat according to your size” should come into play.
In our previous article, JanaTribe shared with our cherished readers the best tips and advice to have a budget-friendly wedding and not break the bank for just a day’s event.
Remember that couples planning their wedding or getting married in Ghana soon can have an idea of how much they should expect to spend by deciding on the two different wedding-style scenarios—a minimalist rustic wedding for 100 guests in your garden at home and a modern opulent wedding for the exact number of people in a five-star hotel ballroom with a sit-down dinner.
Several things will influence the total amount you spend on your wedding, such as:
- Venue Choice
- Guest Count
- Catering and Food Options
- Wedding Attire and Accessories
- Photography and Videography
- Floral and Decorations
- Entertainment
- Wedding Planner Services
- Transportation
- Miscellaneous Expenses
- The season
- Day of the week
Wedding cost breakdown: a case study
The Daily Graphic embarked on an insightful fact-finding mission to unravel the costs associated with modern marriages, uncovering intriguing trends in the process.
The breakdown of expenses revealed a significant divide, with event organizers and reception managers capitalizing on the desire for “high-key” weddings. Those opting for low-key affairs embraced simplicity, with decorations averaging around GH¢900.
In the realm of attire, brides spent varying amounts on makeup, ranging from GH¢700 to GH¢1,200, while bridesmaids allocated between GH¢100 and GH¢200 per person.
Pre- and post-event photo shoots, known as exclusives, emerged as a noteworthy trend, with couples investing approximately GH¢3,500 in capturing the memorable moments of their special day.
A modern twist to wedding ceremonies includes extravagant receptions, a departure from the simpler refreshments offered in the past. Couples desiring luxurious celebrations spared no expense on venue rentals, food, drinks, and decorations, with an average expenditure of GH¢2,000 for post-wedding receptions.
Interestingly, the Daily Graphic’s interviews with couples who had been married for a year or two revealed a startling statistic—97 percent of brides confessed to never wearing their wedding dresses again, expressing regret over extravagant expenditures. This prompted reflections on the societal impact, with weddings becoming financial hurdles, deterring many from marriage.
The article underscores the importance of open discussions about wedding budgets before marriage, emphasizing the need to align expectations and expenses to ensure a joyous celebration without undue financial strain.
Conclusion
The ever-evolving Ghanaian wedding scene is characterized by a rich narrative that is woven from the amalgamation of tradition and modernity; the decision to opt for opulence over simplicity reflects the complex interplay between cultural heritage, changing societal norms, and the desire for a celebration that transcends time, leaving an enduring legacy of love and commitment. Keep in mind that, if you are on a tight budget, you should not feel pressured to replicate the extravagant events we frequently see on social media. Take a seat with your significant other, and as you plan the best ceremony, consider your post-marriage plans.
