Weddings in Nigeria are full of flair and so much pizzazz. In some cultures, there are usually at least two big events – the traditional and white weddings. Both are always billed to be very expensive depending on the background of the people involved. Why is that so? Some people believe it’s once in a lifetime venture, which must be made as flamboyant as possible. The question is: Where do you draw the line?
If we want to be honest, having a lavish wedding is not exactly a business venture. It’s simply for pleasure and will not necessarily generate money. So why bother? Especially if you can’t afford it. Small weddings with a manageable guest list could still be memorable.
What are some of the things that can be done away with when planning your wedding especially if you don’t have the money to have an elaborate affair.
Souvenirs – This has gradually become mainstream but the truth of the matter is not everyone can afford to have wedding favours for their guests. Yet most couples will insist this has to be done because A or B had it, we should have it too. This is just an added cost that is unnecessary and can be forgone. Societal pressure shouldn’t make you do something you are not financially prepared for. Even when someone offers to do some for you as is in our culture, you can decide to get the cash instead and put it towards something that’s more important. You can put it in the food and drinks because you can always do with more of that at a wedding.
The Reception Dress – This is a fad that has slowly taken root. Usually the dress is a really elaborate and fanciful dress the bride changes into after the church part of the white wedding. The cost can be anywhere between 50,000 to 500,000 depending on what the bride wants. This is my take on this, people rarely see you in your actual wedding gown, and they either come late to the church service or move straight to the reception venue at once. So why bother? Unless you really can afford it or you’re making it yourself, this is not necessary.
The Wedding dress – Ideally, you should buy and own your wedding dress. But if you can’t, please don’t break the bank trying to buy it. Many women have wedding gowns that are sitting in wardrobes collecting dust! Please, if you can’t buy, RENT! It’s more economical. Rather invest that money in your rings as that you will wear every day.
Venue – Some couples insist on having their reception in an elaborate or an upscale venue, maybe a five star hotel and sought after event center. The problem here is the fees attached to such venues are ridiculously high-priced. Your reception will go on just as planned in a regular-priced venue and with a good decorator; it will still be beautiful as well. If you have a good Master of Ceremony (MC) that is engaging, people will hardly notice where they are seated. Just ensure there’s parking space.
Guest List – There is no need to print 1,000 copies of invites and still invite more people via text messaging or word of mouth. Remember all these people need to be fed! Keeping your guest list small can help with your budget to ensure that the few people you have as guests are well taken care of adequately. Note that most people won’t come alone but will bring an uninvited guest thereby adding more mouths to be fed.
Food – Keep it simple. There is no need to do cocktails, intercontinental dishes and so on. Most of those dishes will end up being wasted; so stick to the generic foods that people know and enjoy. Unless you have the money to splash, certain meals can be skipped, if there is.
In general, when planning your wedding, cut your coat according to your size! Begging people and asking for support during your wedding to carry out outrageous plans is an insult to those who may have given you money. Do not expect that you will get cash gifts at the wedding to start your life because you may be disappointed. Rather, do a wedding you can afford and put money towards having a proper honeymoon either in the country or outside the country. There are beautiful and affordable places within Africa that you can go to and have great memorable experience. But if you can’t afford it, don’t just worry because it takes nothing away from the fact that you are married.
