"WEDDINGS IN NIGERIA ARE TOO EXPENSIVE”. 4 (four) cheap ways to celebrate weddings in Nigeria

Ezinne looks so beautiful and happy. A close look at her skin will show absolute radiance, I don’t really know if it’s the beautician that did a fantastic job or if it’s natural. I love her wedding dress; it honestly looks like the dress Kate Middleton wore for her Royal wedding to Prince Charles. Oh my ever dashing cousin Ekene “the groom” he still looks as charming as ever but even better.  Even as I seat at the reception venue and listen to the lovely music while I eat this good food, am happy everyone is happy but I wish they knew the effort we put in making this wedding successful.

Most times people dust their feet, wear the best clothes they have without even knowing the planning and organization that was actually involved. If Ekene had not made me participate in this wedding, I would have been like the lady who is complaining about almost everything. She feels that the drinks on the table are not enough and she is also angry that she was served with two piece of meat. “Just imagine the nonsense” This lady might not even have food in her house and she is grumbling. People sha… the anger within me could not respond to her murmuring, I only stared at her in anger and frustration.

For over two months we have been going to the market to get the best price for the drinks, souvenirs, and we also had to meet with several vendors especially for the food and decoration. The bride might know the price of her wedding dress but am not sure she knows that my cousin has spent over N4,000,000.00 (Four Million Naira, Only) "$40,000.00 " for their wedding. I know some people might feel that the money is small, but trust me the money is just too much for my standard and even for the average young man. Presently, I don’t think I can get married any time soon, I just wish my girlfriend knows this. It will definitely hurt me if she leaves me but am not ready for this kind of expenses at all.

Considering the present financial/ economic situation in Nigeria, Ekene’s wedding has made me understand why so many young people are not married in Nigeria. The truth is bitter but it must be told “WEDDINGS IN NIGERIA ARE TOO EXPENSIVE”. However, I have clearly stated 4 (four) cheap ways to celebrate weddings in Nigeria.

1.      DO BOTH TRADITIONAL AND WHITE ON THE SAME DAY: Although most couples like separating the white/church wedding from that of the native law and custom. A smart way of doing it will be to do the white/church in the morning and do the reception as the native law/tradition (on the same day).

I remember my friend Samuel that celebrated his wedding last month; he celebrated both his traditional and white on the same day, perfect.

2.      WEEKDAY WEDDING: Most people enjoy having their wedding on Saturdays. Instead of celebrating on Saturday another smart and cheaper way will be to have your wedding on a weekday preferably from Monday to Wednesday. Trust me only those really close to you will attend.

3.      DO YOUR WEDDING IN YOUR VILLAGE: If you live in the city and want to avoid crowd, doing it in the village is a lot cheaper. That way you purchase your food items and most people that would want to attend , will definitely not want to come to your village, “ they will be discouraged” feeding the little crowd won’t be a problem either and getting a helping hand won’t be problem.

4.      STRICTLY BY INVITATION: Have a fixed budget for specific number of people. I really don’t know how many people this will work for, but if the couple is strong in decision making; they can pull this off well. Assuming you decide on having 200 guests it should be strictly by invitation. A certain percentage should be given to parents. The card should also state the sitting arrangement and number.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER IDEA?