Wedding planners and experts have weighed in on the cost of weddings in 2024 for more than 100 guests. Here’s the breakdown for both white and traditional ceremonies.
The wedding industry in Ghana has experienced a significant shift in the last several years, with a rise in styles that emphasize sophistication, elegance, and flair. Couples are becoming more focused on giving their guests experiences they will not soon forget, from elaborately tailored outfits to opulent décor and in-demand venues. But as the demand for superior goods and services grows, this shift towards extravagance will inevitably increase the price of wedding vendors.
In this trend toward elegance and sophistication, it is critical to recognize the pressure that social media and cultural expectations can put on engaged couples as they organize their wedding. Due to the abundance of extravagant wedding photos that are floating around the internet, some couples may feel pressured to go over budget to maintain appearances. But it is important to keep in mind that the main purpose of weddings is to celebrate love and commitment, therefore, couples should put their financial objectives and economic restrictions first.
To shed light on the true cost of wedding vendors in Ghana in 2024, we turn to the insights of a wedding planner and industry expert who has provided valuable insights into the average rates for various services. In this article, JanaTribe will explore the breakdown of costs for wedding vendors catering to events with more than 100 guests, offering couples valuable guidance and practical tips for navigating the complexities of wedding planning in Ghana’s ever-evolving landscape.
The average cost of wedding vendors in 2024 for 200 guests per Ghanaian wedding planner
A wedding planner in Ghana called xceedmac (who plans and coordinates luxury, classy, and elopement events) has revealed an update on the cost of wedding vendors in 2024.
Per the popular wedding planner, in a post, they shared about the rates of wedding vendors, they noted that the outrageous prices attached are just the “average cost.”
“These are the “average” costs I see as a wedding planner in Ghana for 200 guests. Of course, some weddings can be done for less and some will cost way more,” the Instagram caption reads.
Per the wedding planner, the average cost of wedding vendors in 2024 amounts to over Ghc240,000, and is as follows:
- Planner: Ghc10,000
- Coordinator: Ghc5,000
- Venue: Ghc15,000
- Photographer: Ghc5,000
- Videographer: Ghc5,000
- Caterer: Ghc50,000
- Decorator: Ghc90,000
- MC: Ghc4,000
- DJ: Ghc4,000
- Cultural troop: Ghc2,000
- Fans: Ghc500
- Bouquets: Ghc1,000
- Mixologist: Ghc8,000
- Stationary: Ghc7,000
- Makeup and Hair: Ghc8,000
- Outfits: Ghc30,000
Breakdown of the cost of a typical Ghanaian Traditional Wedding
A videographer in the wedding sector for years has shared a fair estimation of the cost of a typical traditional wedding in Accra.
According to him, the breakdown of a moderate budget for traditional weddings in Accra includes the following:
- Decor for 100-150 people (minus location, assuming it will be done in the bride’s home) – 15k to 20k
- Food (very modest Buffet Style) @ 50ghc per head for 150 people – 7,500ghc
- Drinks @ 10ghc per head for 150 people – 1,500ghc
- Finger foods – 2,000ghc
- Photography + Videography (includes prewedding) – 5,000ghc+ 30 page A4 Photo book (Optional) – 1,000ghc
- Dresses (depends on the size of your bridal train/groomsmen) – budget 3,000ghc minimum each for bride and groom’s kente (depending on the arrangement, the bridal team and the groomsmen can purchase their clothes)
- Live band – 2,000ghc (day rate)
- DJ/PA System – 2,000ghc (day rate)
- Hairstyling for bride – 4,000ghc+ depending on hair
- MC – 1,500ghc
- Appreciation to family spokespersons (okyeame) – 500ghc
Other miscellaneous costs
- Gifts and Money for lady’s family (bride price and stuff) – 5,000ghc minimum (might vary depending on the lady’s family)
- Gifts for guests @ 20ghc per head for 150 people – 3,000ghc (includes branded mugs, pens, key holders, etc)
- Misc Costs – 2,000ghc (people will be running a lot of errands for you, transportation, etc)
- Honorarium for officiating minister – 500ghc
- Makeup for bridal team – 3,000ghc minimum
- Cocktails – 3,000ghc
- Cake – 1,500ghc
- Kete Group – 3,000ghc
Optional
- Lighting and smoke fog – 2,000ghc
- Ushering (conversely can get friends and family to do it)- 2,000ghc
- Emergency power – 1,000ghc
Rings options (@rings4lessgh)
- 9k gold – 8,850ghc
- 10k gold – 9,850ghc
- 14k gold – 11,950ghc
- 18k gold – 13,650ghc
- Silver – 1,000ghc
- Diamond – 3,800ghc
Conclusion
Weddings in Ghana can be seen as inexpensive for couples who are well-to-do and have a taste for luxuries. Due to individual differences, this same event and elegance level can cost a fortune for the ordinary Ghanaian. If you fall into the latter category, do not be pressured by social media or today’s society standards to break the bank.
A piece of advice I can give any couple on a lighter budget is that a traditional wedding alone qualifies them as legal husband and wife. Right after the event, do the necessary documentation and save the rest of your money (which you would have used for the second-day ceremony) for the future. But make sure you have a reception and a means of entertainment—all within your budget.
Keep in mind that all the above prices are highly generalized; some vendors are more expensive than others.
To answer the question of how much a wedding costs in Ghana, per an analysis by Nana Ama Agyemang Awuah, a wedding planner on YouTube, the costs are as follows:
- Basic: Ghc100,000 to Ghc200,000
- Standard: Ghc250,000 to Ghc350,000
- Luxury: Ghc500,000 and above
If you want a stress-free experience surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones, I’d advise you to go the route of engaging a wedding planner, set your budget before them, and make sure you go within your means.
