What is the average budget for a wedding in Nigeria? The answer to this burning question is explained!
Planning a wedding is an exhilarating journey filled with dreams of love, joy, and celebration. Yet, amidst the excitement, there’s often a looming question that weighs on the minds of couples-to-be: how much will it cost? In Nigeria, where weddings are not just events but cultural milestones, understanding the average cost of a wedding can help couples navigate the planning process with clarity and confidence.
From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Enugu, weddings in Nigeria are a colorful tapestry of traditions, customs, and celebrations. Whether it’s a small and intimate gathering or a grand affair with hundreds of guests, every wedding reflects the unique love story of the couple at its center.
In this article, JanaTribe will delve into the intricacies of wedding costs in Nigeria, exploring everything from venue rentals and catering to attire and decorations. By providing insights into the average prices for weddings of all sizes, we aim to empower couples to make informed decisions as they embark on their journey to marital bliss. So, grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let’s unravel the mysteries of wedding expenses in Nigeria together.
Cost of a wedding in Nigeria
Whether you’re planning a lavish celebration or a more intimate event, having a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved will help you make informed decisions and ensure your special day is unforgettable. Regardless of the budget, Nigerian weddings consistently serve as a heartening commemoration of affection and unity.
The price tag for a wedding in Nigeria relies on several factors, such as the couple’s financial means, guest count, and the opulence of the festivities. In Nigeria, the price of a wedding ceremony strongly varies. There is no set amount because the rates vary among vendors. You can be fortunate to get a decor service that will charge you less, while another person will be charged an insane amount from that same supplier.
Now, here comes the burning question: how much does a traditional Nigerian wedding cost? A humble or small wedding could be as affordable as a few hundred thousand Naira, while an extravagant (or luxury) event may require several million Naira.
Nigerian weddings can range from $9,460 to $13,515, with guest lists often reflecting larger budgets. According to CNN in 2017, prominent wedding planner Funke Bucknor notes that costs can vary greatly, with some weddings costing as ‘cheap’ as $13,869.65 and others reaching up to $277,393.
According to The Guardian in 2016, an average Nigerian wedding has between 350 and 500 guests and costs between 2 and 3 million naira (£7,000 and £10,000). For a small wedding in Nigeria, couples are expected to pay between 700,000 naira and 1,500,000 naira. However, it will cost significantly more than this for a multi-day celebration if you want to have a typical wedding in the UK. According to reports, the cost of some Nigerian weddings in the UK may reach 40,780,200 naira (roughly $31,220, or £25,000).
The wedding industry has also significantly impacted the makeup artistry industry, with celebrity makeup artist Jide of St. Ola charging a minimum of $1,000 for bridal makeup services, Business Insider Africa reports.
Recently, a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) went viral that stipulated that the average cost of a Nigerian wedding in 2024 is 13.5 million naira (equivalent to 10,215.88 United States dollars). According to the X user, this insane amount is even without the bride’s gowns and groom’s suits, not to mention their bridesmaids and groomsmen’s outfits.
Another viral estimation of a 2024 wedding cost caused a massive stir on X (formerly Twitter), which also depicts that many people spend a fortune on their weddings. na wá o!
In the viral post, the average cost of an elegant wedding with a 300-guest size is priced at over 8.75 million naira (which is equivalent to 6,621.40 United States dollars). This also excludes the couple’s outfits, meaning it is more than the estimated figure.
Also, in an interview sighted by JanaTribe on Zikoko, a popular platform that amplifies African Youth Culture, four Nigerian couples shared with the outlet how much their wedding parties cost and surprisingly, their budgets were all in millions of naira.
The most expensive of the four couples was the one whose wedding had 300 guests during the reception and 150 guests for the after-party, and they budgeted ₦7.7 million but ended up spending a close amount to the figure.
The remaining was as follows: the 900 guest couple budgeted ₦2m, the 120 guest couple budgeted ₦1.9m, and lastly, another 300 guest couple budgeted ₦2m. They all spent close to their budget. The publication revealed how much they spent on their major expenses, including venue, catering, entertainment, outfits, and photo/video.
Although there isn’t yet a fixed figure for the cost of a wedding in Nigeria, couples are to keep in mind that expenses can fluctuate based on the region, specific cultural demands, and the couple’s preferences.
My advice to couples on a budget who want to have luxury weddings
Planning a wedding is a beautiful journey filled with dreams of love and celebration. However, in today’s world, the pressure to have an extravagant ceremony can sometimes overshadow the true essence of the occasion. As someone who’s seen the ins and outs of wedding planning, here’s my heartfelt advice to couples on a budget who still desire a touch of luxury on their big day.
It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive, and the desire for a lavish celebration is often more pronounced among women. However, it’s essential not to succumb to societal pressures or the need to impress others. In Nigeria, where economic realities can be challenging, overspending on a wedding can strain your finances unnecessarily. Remember, the beauty and longevity of your marriage are not determined by the price tag attached to it.
Throughout my life, I’ve always envisioned the kind of wedding I desire, but I’ve also understood the importance of financial prudence. If you’re dreaming of a luxury wedding on a budget, consider contributing financially to make it happen. Don’t burden your partner, who may have spent years saving for your marriage, with excessive financial expectations. Instead, approach wedding planning with a sense of responsibility and a shared commitment to financial stability.
In the end, your wedding day should reflect your love, values, and aspirations as a couple. Whether you opt for a lavish affair or a more modest celebration, prioritize what truly matters: your love for each other and the beginning of a beautiful journey together. So, as you embark on this exciting chapter of your lives, remember that the most memorable weddings are not defined by extravagance but by the love and joy shared between two souls.
What does a typical Nigerian wedding look like?
In Nigeria, there is a traditional wedding as well as a white/church/court wedding. But historically, the traditional wedding itself is a strong reason to qualify as husband and wife.
The look of the party depends on the pockets of the partners involved as well as the level of understanding coming from both families.
In a Nigerian wedding, what you have is a total waste of resources, which could be better invested in ensuring there is enough to run the home after marriage.
On average, the couple spends a lot on souvenirs, food to host the invitees, and a lot of other items as specified in the family’s marriage list.
For a traditional marriage to happen in Nigeria, the groom and his family are meant to provide a list of items properly listed according to the requirements of the family of the bride.
This is why, in most cases, most Nigerians especially those from the eastern region, would tell you, “it costs a lot to marry”
These items could be typed on 2–4 sheets of A4 paper. In some cases, it could be more, especially when the lady is from Imo State.
At the traditional wedding, the groom is made to provide several canopies (3 to 4 canopies or more depending on the number of people he and his bride are inviting), this could also depend on how popular or influential the family is or how influential the families are.
The bride is adorned in her traditional attire; this applies to the groom as well. They’re meant to dance to cheer their visitors after the traditional items and procession has been done.
After the traditional comes the white wedding (the order is not fixed, as some would have the white wedding first before the trad).
The white wedding is first done in the church, where vows are exchanged. In some cases, a church wedding means the intending couple has met some conditions as specified by the church.
Some are required to attend marriage classes where they’re taught some principles that apply to matrimony.
After these, the couple meets at the church, where the presiding minister joins them in holy matrimony.
After joining the couple, there is the reception.
The reception is where the couple is going to entertain their guests. They dance, cheer their guests, and provide some refreshments.
A typical Nigerian wedding is usually marked with a lot of fun, food to go around for everyone, drinks to enjoy, etc.
For the groom, it’s the day he becomes a Man. For the bride, it’s the day she becomes a woman; for the bride’s mom, it’s the day she cries to give her daughter away.
It’s such a loving thing to witness a Nigerian wedding because the event is usually packed with a lot of fun, and this depends on what the couple can afford.
Nigerian Traditional Wedding Checklist
Are you planning a Nigerian traditional wedding? Don’t sweat it! We’ve got you covered with a comprehensive checklist!
- Engagement List: Obtain the engagement list from the bride’s family, which includes items required by the groom’s family to present during the engagement ceremony or dowry payment.
- Dowry Negotiation: Discuss and finalize the dowry or bride price with the bride’s family, respecting the cultural norms and practices of both families.
- Traditional Outfits: Select and order traditional outfits for the bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family members, ensuring that they align with your cultural requirements and preferences.
- Wedding Invitation: Design and send out traditional wedding invitations to family, friends, and other guests, including essential information such as date, time, venue, and dress code.
- Venue: Choose a suitable venue for the traditional wedding ceremony, considering factors such as size, location, and budget.
- Catering: Arrange for catering services, ensuring that the menu includes a variety of traditional Nigerian dishes and beverages.
- Cake: Order a traditional wedding cake that reflects the culture and style of the couple.
- Decorations: Plan the decorations for the venue, incorporating cultural elements, colors, and symbols that represent the couple’s heritage.
- Photography & Videography: Hire professional photographers and videographers to capture the memorable moments of your traditional Nigerian wedding.
- Entertainment: Organize traditional music, dance, and other entertainment options for the wedding ceremony, including live bands, DJs, or cultural performers.
- Traditional Rites: Consult with both families to ensure that all necessary traditional rites and customs are included in the wedding ceremony.
- Gifts & Favors: Prepare gifts for the bride’s family and wedding favors for guests, reflecting the couple’s culture and personal style.
- Transportation: Arrange transportation for the couple, family members, and guests, ensuring that everyone can easily reach the wedding venue.
- Accommodation: If necessary, arrange accommodation for out-of-town guests attending the traditional wedding ceremony.
- Wedding Planner: Consider hiring a wedding planner who specializes in Nigerian traditional weddings to help coordinate the event and ensure that all cultural requirements are met.
