- The current economic situation of the country might make it seem as though planning a wedding requires a heavy budget
- However, you can plan a low-budget wedding with creativity, intentionality and an open mind
- Here are 12 things to consider when planning a budget-friendly wedding
Planning a wedding in Nigeria can be a difficult task, especially when you have a limited budget. With the current economic situation of the country and the cost of everything skyrocketing, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
However, having a dream wedding on a budget is possible with the right approach.
TheRadar brings you tips on how to plan a beautiful, low-budget Nigerian wedding without breaking the bank.
12 tips to plan a low-budget wedding
- Set a realistic budget
First, sit down with your partner and have a conversation about finances. How much are you willing to spend? What can you realistically afford? This will guide all your decisions moving forward. For example, if you’re working with N1,500,000, it helps to prioritise what’s most important, like food and outfits and cut down on things like decor or photography.
You should keep a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. About 10 per cent of your total budget can save you from last-minute headaches.
- Limit your guest list
One of the biggest money-saving strategies is reducing your guest list. A typical Nigerian wedding can easily have hundreds or thousands of guests. But remember, more guests mean more money spent on food, drinks, and souvenirs. Stick to a tight guest list of close family and friends who truly matter. This can help your wedding feel more intimate and personal.
- Choose an affordable venue
The wedding venue can take up a significant portion of your budget. Instead of splurging on a fancy event hall, consider more affordable alternatives like church halls, school auditoriums, or even a family member’s spacious compound.
- DIY where you can
From decorations to invitations, doing things yourself can save a lot of money. YouTube tutorials can teach you how to make simple but elegant centrepieces or bridal bouquets. Instead of printing expensive invitations, you can opt for digital invites created on apps like Canva and shared via WhatsApp or email. Many couples are embracing this trend, and it significantly reduces costs.
- Negotiate with vendors
In Nigeria, negotiating prices is a skill. Don’t be shy about doing so with wedding vendors, from the caterer to the DJ. Sometimes, vendors inflate prices for weddings because they know it’s a special event. You can save by being upfront about your budget and asking for discounts. It’s also smart to compare prices from different vendors before settling on one.
Additionally, you could negotiate with friends to take over roles like MC or photographer and choose to hire a Disk Jockey (DJ) instead of hiring a band.
- Consider a small bridal party
A large bridal train means more expenses, from clothes to feeding. Consider cutting down your bridal party to a minimum. Instead of 12 bridesmaids, you can have two or three. This reduces the costs of makeup, hair, dresses, and accessories.
- Food and drinks on a budget
In Nigeria, food is a big part of any celebration, especially weddings. However, you don’t need to serve a seven-course meal. You can opt for local dishes that are both affordable and filling. Jollof rice, moi moi, and grilled fish or chicken won’t necessarily drain your wallet. Instead of a buffet, consider plated service. This helps to control portions and reduce waste. When it comes to drinks, keep it simple with soft drinks and water, and limit alcohol options.
- Borrow or rent wedding attire
There’s no need to buy a brand-new wedding dress or suit that you’ll wear only once. Many bridal shops in Nigeria now offer wedding dresses for rent. For men, renting a suit or borrowing from a friend who has one is another way to cut costs. After all, it’s the memories that matter, not the price tag of the outfit.
- Be creative with entertainment
You don’t need to book the hottest band or DJ in town. Sometimes, all you need is a good playlist and a sound system. If you have a musically inclined friend, they can play DJ for the day. Alternatively, you can download your favourite tracks onto a flash drive and plug it into the venue’s sound system.
- Opt for simple wedding souvenirs
Many Nigerian weddings offer extravagant souvenirs like blenders or fancy kitchenware, but you can give meaningful and affordable souvenirs. Items like hand fans, notepads, or custom handkerchiefs are practical, budget-friendly options.
- Consider a church or court wedding only
One major way to cut costs is to focus on a church wedding or a court wedding and/ a traditional wedding. Instead of combining a church and court ceremony with an elaborate traditional wedding, you can reduce costs by choosing just one or two.
- Scrap the reception
Receptions can take up a large chunk of your wedding budget, from the hall rental to catering and entertainment. If you're truly aiming for a low-budget wedding, consider scrapping the reception altogether or hosting a simple gathering with close family and friends at home or a restaurant.
Planning a low-budget Nigerian wedding requires creativity and intentionality, but it’s doable. The trick is to focus on what matters most, which is celebrating your love with the people who truly care. By making smart choices, negotiating with vendors, and doing a bit of DIY, you can have a beautiful wedding without the financial strain. After all, the real celebration begins after the wedding day.
8 tips to survive fuel scarcity in Nigeria
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported on tips for surviving the impact of fuel scarcity in Nigeria.
Tips like Ride sharing, planning your movement, exploring alternative power sources, and working from home are tricks you can employ to survive the incessant fuel scarcity in Nigeria.