I was recently asked by a groom: ‘How do you plan a wedding on a small budget in Nigeria?’ he also told me that his bride wants is a big, fancy wedding and he was looking for ideas on how to make that happen on a small budget. They are not alone – Nigerians love OTT (Over-the-Top), lavish weddings. In this post, I’ll share 10 unique ideas for planning a fancy wedding on a low budget (in Nigeria). Read on.
If you’re like most brides I meet, chances are that you have a big wedding dream but a tiny budget (and looking for ideas to pull off a fabulous, boujee-on-a-budget type of wedding with low budget). Maybe it’s pressure from Instagram wedding trends. Maybe all your best friend had a luxury wedding that shook the whole Lagos and trended on social media. Now, it’s your turn to follow suit, and not disappoint the big-girls-club.
If that sounds like you, rejoice because it is possible for you to have a lavish-looking wedding in Nigeria with the practical ideas in this article. Read on for our 10 unique ideas for planning a Fancy Wedding on a small budget.
10 Unique Ideas for ‘Planning a Boujee on a Budget’ Wedding in Nigeria
If you’re a woman of ‘taste’ and maybe you buy cheap dupes of luxury items such as perfumes, dresses and handbags. You certainly have always dreamed of styling your wedding like ‘the big girls’ weddings.
But how can you have a wedding that looks and feels boujee if you’re on a budget? Grab a drink and read on for our cool tips on how to have a luxury-like wedding on a tight budget.
1. Book Travels and Honeymoon Far In Advance to Save Cost and Dine Like Royalty
If you are planning a honeymoon (especially for abroad destinations), flight and hotel accommodation are a lot cheaper when booked far in advance. Therefore, book your honeymoon vacation flight and hotel accommodation months in advance, in order to lock in a sweet discount.
That way you might get a honeymoon-abroad for the cost of one in Nigeria (talk about like living large on a tight budget). You might even score more discounts by informing the airline or hotel that it’s your honeymoon.
Some couples have used this simple way to get king-size upgrades when they only bought economy-class tickets. So you see, it’s possible to have a fancy honeymoon abroad for less.
- Get to Know What Honeymoon in Mauritius is Like (the Nnani’s Story)
- Honeymoon FAQs: Our Answers
- Why You Should Not Skip Having a Honeymoon
2. Buy Wedding Things from the Open Markets
Save cost by buying wedding things from the open markets, instead of from some fancy bridal stores. Most stores branded as ‘bridal shops’ are likely to sell you higher costs for some items you can get cheaper in the open markets.
Of course, they have to build in their high shop rent and the comfortable air-conditioner you’ll enjoy. So, save big by buying your wedding shoes, accessories, even wedding gown and traditional engagement outfits at the local market instead of fancy malls or shops.
Here’s another secret: when out shopping, don’t mention that the item you’re pricing is for your wedding (if you don’t want the sellers to pile up more money to the price tag). For some reason, the word “wedding” on anything or any shop kind of makes stuff more expensive.
3. Buy Food and Drinks in Bulk to Save Cost
Buy drinks and bottled water in bulk at wholesale pricing – some drink manufacturers or their distributors even offer free ice block cooling drums to people who purchase in bulk for occasions.
There are many wholesale markets in every Nigerian big city, so take advantage of that. Resist buying from fancy supermarkets and malls which are more costly than buying from open-markets.
4. Take Advantage of Bargains and Promos
Find out where and when bargains and discounts are happening, and start shopping early. Some of the best discounts and promos happen during big holidays. Bargains, discounts, and sales can be sweet but don’t get carried away – ensure to buy only the things in your budget.
Savvy brides are bargain hunters, snoop around and you’ll hear about where the biggest bridal sales are happening, and you can save as much as 60% on many bridal items and wears, and your guests would think your wedding was really expensive (it’s your secret).
5. Ask for Discount Everywhere You Shop
Ask vendors and wedding shops for discounts even if the shop is not having “sales” or promo. You’ll be surprised at how they’ll be happy to oblige you. Use your contacts to get things for free or special discounts.
Your mom or her friends may personally call up that invitation card printer or rental service provider they have used many times in the past. Ask newly married friends relatives for wedding service providers they used and how much they paid.
Here’s another secret: let your flight attendants and hotel attendants know that you’re newly married and on your honeymoon. You’ll be surprised at how much stuff you’ll get for free.
6. Choose a Wedding-Ready Venue to Save on Decoration and Rentals Cost
Some event venues are complete with everything and usually cost more and those that have little or not-enough facilities cost less. Some couples later discover that it costs more in the end when they hired the cheaper venues whereby they rented many things from outside.
So, before you choose a venue, add up all rentals cost to know the true cost of the venue. I explained more in my post on how to find and choose a wedding venue.
Some venues are so ugly that it would cost too much to decorate to a presentable standard. In the end, if you added the hall decoration cost to the cost of booking the venue, it may cost more than some venues that cost more but would not require a lot of decoration to fit them to standard.
Similarly, some venues are nearly blank, as in with a few or not enough chairs and tables, poor lighting and are lacking in things like speakers and microphones, or even backup generators.
Sometimes, after renting everything you need to bring up that venue to a wedding-ready state, the total cost (of rentals plus venue booking) could be higher than some venues that have everything.
Did you know that a cheap wedding venue with a gorgeous setting and lighting looks expensive and makes all your pictures look great?
7. Order a Simple Wedding Cake – They Usually Cost Less
The more flavours and decorations you request in a wedding cake, the more money you’ll pay. But then, you can still find amazing cakes that taste good but only contain minimal flavour.
Besides, most wedding guests in Nigeria do not like unfamiliar-tasting cakes and leave without eating them. Do you want that kind of waste? Therefore, save your money and leave out the frills such as assorted cake flavours and unnecessary decorations. Simple is beautiful when it comes to wedding cakes.
Buy a modest size wedding cake (one or 2 tiers only), moderately priced too – and serve guests nice homemade cakes (in a size they’d appreciate, not like cubes of sugar).
Supermarket and pastry shop cakes are tasty, look great and not as expensive as cakes branded as wedding cakes. So, save money by buying your wedding cake from a supermarket or beg a few talented friends or family members to bake one for you, as their wedding gift.
Ensure to buy the baking ingredients they’ll need. You could be lucky to get 3 friends to do one big cake each. No need for icing; after all, most guests don’t eat them, anyway.
Finally, on your wedding day, be sure to have your wedding cake put on a beautiful display table and cake stand, and no one will know your secret.
- How to Transform a Cheap Cake into An Expensive-Looking Wedding Cake
- Ways to Save Money on Wedding Cakes in Nigeria
8. Forget About Doing Wedding Souvenirs
I’ve been to weddings where there were more invited guests than the food served, and there was more than enough souvenirs (aka wedding favours) that you’d wonder if “is it by force” to belong! Skip wedding souvenirs and use that money on other important wedding needs.
Instead, use the extra money to provide your guests with better food, entertainment and also to hire a more professional wedding photographer and videographer. So do not economize on getting the services of a professional wedding photographer.
9. Print Invitation Cards on Simple, Cheaper Paper or Use e-Invites
The cost of invitation cards depends on the type of paper and the number of colours in the font. Instead of an expensive fancy invitation card printed on an expensive paper, opt for a simple yet elegant design in a cheap but good quality printing paper.
Some types of invitation card papers are flashy and over-the-top and cost more but the regular types of paper used to print invitation cards are also nice.
If you can afford the expensive invitation card paper, that’s fine. But if you’re on a tight budget, remember that your guests, like most guests, are likely to throw the invitation cards into the dustbin.
Consider spending less on your invitation cards and put the extra cash into things that will wow your guests – such as better food, a better DJ, a better photographer/ videographer.
Guests who are close to you would not mind receiving invitations via sms text messages, Whatsapp and email messages. You may opt to print a few paper invites for older guests and friends of your parents.
- Common Wedding Invitation Questions: Our Answers
- How to Avoid Overspending snd Stay on Your Wedding Budget
10. Trim Down the Number of Invited Guests to Match Your Pocket
Wedding budgeting is simply common sense – small venues cost less; fewer wedding guests mean lower catering costs and cheaper smaller venues.
Girl, wake up and do the math! Would you rather have a rowdy wedding with guests complaining about the tight venue and food that didn’t go round? Or would you be practical and invite less than 100 guests that never want to leave (at the close of the party) because they feel your wedding reception was the most awesome they’ve ever been to?
- Who should you invite and who should you not invite? Use our No-Guess Formula to Figure Out How Many Guests You Need (Based on Your Wedding Budget)
- How to Plan a Wow Wedding Reception (on Your Own)
A Fancy Wedding on a Small Budget is Possible But Requires Sacrifice
If you read this far, you can see that with some sacrifice and a few sneaky tips, you can be a boujee on a budget bride. So, if you’ve always wanted a fancy wedding but felt it could never happen, now you know how to.
Just so you know, even the rich people use the above tips (secretly), and they call it “being frugal” or wise at spending, and not being stingy.
MORE COST-SAVING TIPS FOR WEDDING:
- How to Plan an Inexpensive Wedding (19 Practical Ideas)
- How to Reduce the Cost of a Nigerian Wedding in 9 Simple Steps
- 9 Smart Ideas to Save Money When Planning a Nigerian Wedding on a Small Budget
- How to Plan a Laviish Low-Key Wedding In Nigeria
- How to Plan Small Wedding in Nigeria that Wows Guests
- 5 Small Money Ideas to Get a Dream Wedding Party
That’s it for our 10 unique tips for planning a fancy Nigerian wedding on a small budget. Do you have any money-saving small wedding ideas we can add to our tips above? If so, add them in the comments below.
ODIASE,AGBONS PETER GODWIN says
Admin, thanks
these advice will really help in a long way,
i want to have an idea of the cost of an event hall in Lagos. (Mile 2 Axis)
Stella Anokam says
Hello Odiase, we are happy to hear you value our small Nigerian wedding planning tips.
The only way to know what a Mile 2 (Lagos( event hall will cost is for you to physically go to some and ask. Sorry, I have no idea.
Wao… Dis is amazing. God bless u MA. This has made me to b less worried abt my wedding planning.
I am happy to know that, Linda.
Have fun implementing those small wedding budget ideas above, we are sure that your wedding will turn out fabulous.
Let’s know how it goes and we look forward to featuring your wedding photos and story here – once you’re set.
Hi Stella reading UR blog has eased my tension. Planning my wedding for December could u Pls email me affordable vendors in Owerri. M working on a budget of 700k. I would really appreciate
Aww! Ada, I’m happy to hear that – I am glad our tips helped you ease your wedding planning stress.
I don’t personally know an Owerri-based vendor, but here are some in my vendor-community:
StoryPage Events (wedding planner): 0708 718 1861 (Anthonia) – they can work with your budget; cover the East, and travel to other states too.
See more wedding vendors here (click) – a few are specifically in Owerri, and some are in Igbo cities near Owerri (and cover Owerri).
Wow… This is a great site.Am was really worried. As Av only gone to very few weddings cos am a recluse. Now it’s my turn. And I want just about 100/120guests with a budget of 500k.Have learnt a lot here. God bless u sister.
Thanks for reading, Clementina. I am very happy to know that our wedding cost-saving tips have helped calm you down and made you confident that you can definitely have a fabulous wedding with the N500k budget you have. Go girl! You have a perfect wedding guest list size of 100 – that’s the spirit (keep it small).
>>Ensure to read other Nigerian wedding planning tips and advice we have for brides-to-be and their grooms. I wish you a fun-filled wedding day.
Kai! I’m so so impressed. Thanks a billion naijaglam! U r Godsent is an understatement! Thank God for technology & internet oh! Chaiiii! God make u bigger sis. U be lifesaver.. Down to my matter, do u have any idea on pretty halls/ reception venues in port Harcourt- also MUA that know their worth but not crazily pricey.. This oil& gas money is just spoiling things here . all d vendors I’ve met seem to be mad! Crazy prices I just can’t fathom jojotouchMUA ways over 100k for Weddin makeup alone! Nna na was oh! Biko help a sister out with reasonable vendors in ph city pls
Thank you too, Pearl. AMEN to all the prayers.
-We have a compilation (LIST) of wedding vendors in different parts of Nigeria here (click). Numbers 14 is a wedding planner and #28 is a makeup artist, number 38 is a cake baker – tell them you’re from me (Stella/ NaijaGlamWedding).
**The wedding planner (#14) knows different nice event halls to match different prices, as well as makeup artists and other vendors they’ve worked with in the past. It would help if you open up to her about your budget range so she can quickly direct you. **You can mention that you’re from me (Stella/ NaijaGlamWedding) and admin of the Nigerian Wedding Market FB group.
I wish you the very best as you negotiate prices. Have a fabulous wedding, Pearl – and make you send us pictures o.
Chei! Thaank you ma! Thank u . I most definitely will- from trade to court to white kpa kpa! Lolzzz. God’s grace always!
You’re welcome, Pearl. Na you biko.
All the best – your wedding will surely be classy and memorable, because you desire that. Rock on!
wao stella youre amazing!my wedding is coming up end of the year and ive been scared to the teeth about preparing and all.. so i took to the internet and stumbled on naijaglam1 God bless you darling! youre a life saver!
Thanks Seun. God bless you too – that’s why NaijaGlamWedding is here – to take the fear out of wedding planning and show you how to plan your wedding with how-much-you-have. I’m very glad that the above article helped ease your wedding stress. Be sure to also read this one – over 100 ways to save money from your wedding (click to read).
I’ve not come across any blog as simple and on point as this blog,thumbs up,I hardly make comments but ur (admin) write up was precise and exactly what I wanted to see.I already have a picture of this whole wedding thing.I used to think someone needs at least two million naira just to get married. its educating, thanks again @admin.
Thanks for your feedback, Donald. You’re not alone in that thinking, most people feel that way and most have even got so afraid of wedding costs that they cancelled every wedding plan till they become ‘rich’. But the truth is that most people have had great wedding celebrations on very normal, low cost. AND we are using this blog to show and tell engaged-to-marry-couples different practical ways they can plan a cheap but classy wedding in Nigeria.
*Your appreciation just gingered me to dish out more low-cost wedding tips – I love hearing back from my readers. So, thank you!
gud day ma, I must confess I’m impressed with ur blog. it really gives hope to all who intend having a sweet wedding with low budgets. pls can I have an estimate of what to expect in carrying out I wedding program here in owerri during Christmas season. thank from Michael-
Hi Michael, welcome to NaijaGlamWedding and thanks for the feedback – we love hearing how our low-cost wedding planning tips help and give hope our about-to-marry readers like you.
*You did not tell me whether it’s a white or traditional wedding that you’re planning for in Owerri. Anyways, let me give you helpful tips for how much you can spend on each type of wedding (below):
-If it’s a white wedding that you’re planning, take a look at these 5 sample wedding budgets, see how some real-life couples spent on their Nigerian white weddings. Hopefully, one of those budgets will be similar to how much you have saved.
-If it’s a traditional wedding, you should use the traditional engagement list/ bride price list as the basis of how much to expect your traditional wedding to cost. Of course, you have to officially ask for it from your father-inlaw and then find out what each item costs in the market, and then total them up. *To give you an idea and help you know in advance how much to keep aside for that, click here for the igbo bride price list. Mind you, if you plan to have a party on your traditional wedding day, you’ll have to budget for feeding and entertaining guests – to get an idea of how much you can spend, look at the food and entertainment sample expenses in the white wedding sample budgets I mentioned to you above.
*I wish you a happy wedding planning.
This is the best article on wedding plans I have ever come across. This is very helpful, with this anyone can possibly plan his/her wedding and get best of result.
Keep it up Admin.
Awww! Thank you, Chinedu. Your feedback has just made my day – I;m always happy to hear how this blog is helping our readers better organize their weddings. Be sure to read our other wedding planning articles. Thanks for stopping by.
greetings to u ma,ur writeup is really a saving instrument but pls y cant l print them out will like to carry around daily just like a reminder pleaseeeeeeee thanks n God shall continue to enrich u to do more Amen.
Hello Ijeoma. Thanks for the compliment – it’s my pleasure. Go to this page (click) to see all our downloadable wedding planning guides and templates (that you can print out to read/ use later).
100 GUEST LIST
Thats my biggest issue. My fiancé wants 100 or less and I want same. but we are getting married in a town I grew up in with all family and friends residing there. Please I need your expert advice on strategies to pull this stunt.
Thank you
Hi Nancy, welcome to NaijaGlamWedding. I am not clear about what you mean by ‘My fiancé wants 100 or less’ – 100 or less of what? Reply to let me know what that is, and let’s see how we can help you out.
Oh sorry ma, I mean 100 or less wedding guest on our day(church wedding reception). Is it possible considering both events(tm and church wedding) will hold same weekend (Thursday and Saturday) and in the same town?
Thank you and by the way I’m having a good read here. #lifesaver
Hi Nancy:
Thank you, dear – we love hearing feedbacks from our bride readers.
Ok, now I get what you were asking. Here are my answers and thoughts:
1). 100 guests or less is possible, but you’ll have to first draw up a guest list AND then make it an ‘invite-only’ since it will be in the same town AND/ OR find a way to secure the entrance to keep away the uninvited. Another way to ensure that you have just 100 guests is to have the wedding far away from your homes, maybe a destination wedding – so that people you can’t face to not-invite would not be able to attend. Mind you, destination wedding doesn’t have to be abroad.
1b) So, you could have any number of guest you like for each type of wedding – it’s your wedding, you know.
2.) Some small weddings are because the couple want only close friends and relatives invited BUT others are because the couple is working with a small budget. In the case of low budget, you would want to first agree on the maximum you want to spend and stick to that budget; be frugal and ensure to only spend more on the things that are most important to both of you – (list your top 3) and then economize on the others in order to stay within your budget.
3.) I have written many guides to help with planning small and/ or low-key weddings, you can find them belo:
The Two Types of Small Weddings That Take Place in Nigeria: Which Do You Want?
How to Plan Small Wedding in Nigeria and Still Wow Your Guests (Part 1)
Low-Key Wedding: How to Plan a Great Low-Key Wedding In Nigeria (part 2 small wedding planning)
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Why Nigerian Weddings are Expensive (and Where to Cut Costs)
5 Small Money Ideas to Achieve a Dream Wedding in Nigeria
How to Reduce the Cost of a Nigerian Wedding in 9 Simple Steps
9 Smart Ideas to Save Costs When Planning a Nigerian Wedding on a Small Budget
10 Unique Ideas for Planning a Big-Girls Wedding with a Small Budget in Nigeria
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5 Sample Wedding Budgets for Small Low Cost Weddings in Nigeria
ur blog settled my wedding-worried head…tanx ma’am
You are welcome, Femi. Thanks for reading and I am so glad to be of help. Please feel free to come by again and read our other wedding planning articles AND our special Section for MEN (here).