When planning to get married in Nigeria (or abroad), having both the traditional and white wedding on the same day helps couples save from 50% of the wedding costs (versus if they did it on separate days). The major cost savings are from hosting only one reception instead of the usual two (traditional engagement reception and then white wedding reception).
By choosing to have a 2-in-1 combined wedding reception, you’ll save venue cost, catering cost and a whole lot more. In addition you’ll also save time and stress. In this post, I will show you everything you need to know to have two hitch-free and smooth 2-in-1 Nigerian wedding ceremonies on the same day.
Same-day double weddings and a combined reception party is a trend that is becoming more common than ever, with more couples choosing to go that route. However, it’s not that straight-forward to plan one, if you’re planning your wedding yourself.
TOPICS COVERED IN THIS POST (read every page of this post):
- Sample Program of Events for 2-in-1 Traditional and White Wedding on the Same Day
- Popular Formats, Tips and Advice for a Successful Traditional Engagement and White Wedding in a Day (Checklist)
- Important Consideration Before The Combined-Wedding-Reception Date
- FORMAT 1 & SAMPLE PROGRAM: Religious/ White Wedding First and Traditional Engagement Later on Same Day
- FORMAT 2 & SAMPLE PROGRAM: Trad in the Morning and White Wedding in the Afternoon (Program Timeline)
- Why You Should Settle The Bride Price Before The Wedding Day
- Why Couples Choose to Have Both Traditional and White Wedding On Same Day (Combined Wedding Reception)
- Is a Same-Day Nigerian Traditional and White Wedding For You?
Among questions, about-to-wed couples ask is ‘how do you go about organizing it?’ ‘Should the couple dress in trad attire or English-wear to the combined reception party? How long should the wedding reception last? Should you have the trad wedding first or the church wedding first? What should the decoration and wedding cake be like – trad or white? What will the program of events be like? Read on for the answers and a full guide.
This is a topic our readers regularly ask questions about, for which I answered them individually, which is very tasking. A few days ago, another asked for a guide on how to go about planning the reception program for their same-day traditional and white wedding. So, it struck me to write a post for her and also for every other person that needs help figuring out how what they need to do when planning this type of Nigerian wedding.
The tricky and most difficult part is how to go about the combined wedding reception, but don’t worry, I have a step by step detailed planning guide that you can count on. Ensure to read to the end of this post (click next page buttons at the end) because I also included a sample combined program of event schedule that will make it easier for you and other couples to organize both their traditional and white wedding on the same day, in a way that things move smoothly from one event to the other.
- Day of Wedding Coordination Checklist (A Must-Have)
- Checklist to Plan a Beautiful Wedding Reception in Nigeria (Steps)
The usual way is to have the traditional engagement ceremony on a different day and the white wedding ceremony on another day, and feed guests in each (double spending on catering budget, and on venue rental and decoration). However, fixing the same date for both the trad and white wedding means you will have one reception party for both, and only feed guests once.
Choosing to do it this way cuts down the wedding cost for Nigerian couples to about half the amount they would have spent if done otherwise. Here’s an example of the program of events:
Sample Program of Events for 2-in-1 Traditional and White Wedding on the Same Day
The question many brides ask is how to structure their program of events for a combined traditional and white wedding reception on the same day. Some couples choose to have the white (religious) weddings first or in the morning, and later have the traditional wedding and combined reception party.
When the White Wedding Happens First: Here’s an example of how I’ve seen the wedding reception program ordered:
- The couple goes from church and dance into the reception venue
- A few minutes of MC introducing and opening the event
- The couple cuts the wedding cake (non-trad cake)
- The Toast – guests toast to the couple
- The couple have a short dance, whereby they dance to the outside to leave and change quickly into their traditional wedding attire
- While guests are waiting for the couple, the MC is entertaining guests, DJ is blasting music and cake slices and small chops are served to keep guests busy and not complaining before couple returns
- The couple arrive back quickly
- The trad part of the wedding reception starts and leads to the program’s end.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Some Nigerian brides change into multiple outfits during their wedding. If you must do that during a combined traditional and white wedding reception, you have to make it fast. Here are things to do:
- The couple should have booked a hotel room close to the reception venue or rented a reception venue that has a room they can use for a quick change of outfit
- the bride should have chosen a double-duty hairstyle and makeup (see details below);
- The MC has to be informed of the need to keep the event duration short, and s/he must be warned to keep jokes short and few (that’s because some Nigerian MCs are the reasons many weddings drag too long);
- The initial activities in the program-of-event before outfit change should be very quick so that the bride’s makeup will still be fresh, as there may not be enough time or money to have fresh new makeup done. If the couple likes, they can also have a small, inexpensive trad wedding cake – some couples who have only a trad wedding cake, only serve guests small chops when they go out for a dress change, and later cut and serve the trad cake].
Also, check down below (method 2) for the program of events ideas when having the trad first and a white wedding later the same day.
- READ ALSO: How to Choose the Best Wedding Date
- Program of Events Ideas for Yoruba Traditional Wedding
Click NEXT PAGE for the rest of the program
Please ma my wedding it’s coming up this may and my husband wanted to cut down on cost cause he’s far from me an so it’s he’s family……. so I we taught of having a court wedding but the only recognized court wedding it’s in lagos court an I an my family base in ph
So we taught on having our traditional wedding by 10am then follow up our white reception were by doing it once then go to the court later to sign
But how do I combine this program please
Hello Ruth. Here’s my reply:
-Your plan is in order – that is: Traditional Wedding, followed by a Wedding Reception. That is perfect. Many couples do it that way, and choose to have only trad wedding and reception. If you need ideas on how to do your program of events, I gave a sample within the above post: FORMAT 2 & SAMPLE PROGRAM: Trad in the Morning and White Wedding in the Afternoon (Program Timeline). *NOTE that it is on page 2 (go to end of post and click NEXT to go to that page).
-The court wedding is usually a private event, and does not require a party or guests (only a few witnesses), and so it can be done at any date after your Traditional or Religious wedding. Many couples do their registry wedding much later, and that’s okay.
I think that the way you plan to combine your Trad and reception is okay.
Reply if you have further questions. Happy wedding-planning!
Hi Stella-
Thanks so much for the article, it is so helpful! I am based in the US (my family is Creole and African American) and am marrying a Yoruba (American born) man. We are trying to figure out the best way to host a two in one day/ ceremony which honors both cultures.
What do you find the most popular and most successful formats are for 2-in -1 day? We were initially leaning towards hosting this way white wedding ceremony> white wedding reception (brief)> bride/groom/family change to native attire> re-enter for traditional ceremony + reception.
Recently we found out another format traditional engagement > bride/groom/family goes back to rooms to change and prep for white wedding (4+ hours)> white wedding ceremony > reception (mixed)
I would love to know which formats you find most successful, the best experience for bride/groom/guests? Thank you so much
Hi Kristen, congrats on your upcoming wedding, and thanks for reading.
Because the traditional wedding was the only type of wedding in Nigeria, and still is legally recognized, the more popular format (when having a 2-in-1 combined wedding reception) is to start with the Traditional Wedding ceremony => have the White Wedding ceremony after => and then a combined/ mixed Reception Party.
*In the past, that was the only format that couples used. However, these days, some couples choose to have a white wedding first only if their white wedding timing and schedule was not flexible or convenient. The norm is Traditional wedding first.
By the way, in pages 2 and 3 of this post, I already shared 2 of the most popular formats, with detailed flow of events (sample program of events anyone can copy to use as-is or tweak)), we see used by Nigerian couples when planning a 2-in-1 Traditional and White wedding reception. You may want to look at that for ideas.
Hi, how would one address invitations to signify white and trad in same day?
Hi antonia, there’s no one-way to do it.
Most people do it by specifying listing each event and specifying the time they’re taking place (on that same day). For example:
Traditional Wedding – 7am at the Bride’s Family Residence
White Wedding – 10am at St. Peter’s Cathedral
Reception – 12pm at Sheraton Hotel
You may add by saying something like: the reception party follows immediately after the traditional wedding.
Note that some people choose to do the traditional wedding after the White wedding – there’s no right or wrong way, choose the flow that is convenient to you.
Is a must that traditional wedding must be done in the brides house,what if you want it outside not the brides,home,is it ok?
Hi Cynthia, some couples choose to have the Traditional Marriage rites in the bride’s family home, with only close family members in attendance. Then, they have the after-party of the traditional wedding at a posh location outside the bride’s home, where their friends and other guests are invited to.
Yes, it is a must (and the tradition) in most Nigerian states and villages. This rule or tradition did not start today. It’s called ‘Traditional Wedding’ for a reason, and it’s not a wedding PARTY but performance of marriage rites in the way your ancestors have always done it.
The only people that can answer your question or say whether it is okay or not to host a traditional wedding outside of the bride’s family home is the bride’s parents –
I don’t know why a groom, his parents, bride or her family would want the Traditional Wedding to hold outside the bride’s family home. In most Nigerian cultiure, it is considered that a bride is hiding something if a groom tells his parents and extended family that his traditional wedding will be hosted outside the bride’s family home.
SUMMARY: If the bride’s family agrees to your outside-bride’s-home’-location, then you win. IF not, consider splitting your traditional wedding into 2 parts – the intimate event at home with only family members invited; and the after-Party with traditional wedding vibes, for friends and other guests.
Hope that helps.
I know this post it older but its extremely helpful.
I am in the U S planning a 2 in 1 . Or a traditional American and yoruba reception.
Your example doesnt include the dining. The venue I have will be hosting the ceremony and reception.
Do you think its possible to do white ceremony , introduction , meals, toast, cut cake and re enter with yoruba dance / outfit change ? Trying to figure out how to go about doing so. Thanks
Hi Ade, thanks for the feedback.
-ON FLOW OF EVENTS: Yes, it is possible to start with the white wedding ceremony and transition to the traditional Youruba Wedding celebration events. People do that, and you too can. Feel free to design your own to suit your vibes. There’s no one-way of doing it. What I shared is the popular ways that couples do it.
Feel free to tweak my suggested flow of events to make it YOU, that’s the essence of bringing your personality into your wedding.
-ON DINING: My example does not include dining because most couples in Nigeria have a clue of what to serve their guests. Here, the wedding cuisine is usually centered around the popular wedding food in Nigeria plus some local, traditional foods. That is not an area that people struggle to plan, as the local caterers always provide guidance.
You said:
-Your venue will be hosting the ceremony and reception. My question is: should you not provide them an idea of what to serve your guests? I believe that your venue event planner/ manager expects you to do so.
Your Nigerian guests expect to eat what they expect at Nigerian weddings, and you also want to cater to your non-Nigerian guests. So, look through your guest list to determine where your majority of non-Nigerian guests are from and then sit down with your venue to let them know what YOU WANT to serve your Nigerian guests and what you want to serve your non-Nigerian guests.
MENU LIST IDEA: Most non-Nigerians love Jollof rice, which is a popular Nigerian wedding food. Coleslaw and moin-moin is also popular to be served with Jollof rice. Usually, swallows (Eba, Semo or Pounded Yam) are served at Nigerian weddings, and the popular soups are Egusi soup and Vegetable soup.
Finger foods is a staple at Nigerian weddings, and so you may also want to include the popular ones like: spring rolls, puff puff, samosa.
Finally, remember that what makes a Nigerian wedding unique, and Nigerian, are: the food, the music. I am glad that you are doing that.
All the best, and hope that helps.
Thank you for replying.
Sorry if I was confusing I was asking more of WHEN in the ceremony n wedding breakdown IS the eating. Not the kind of food . Meaning transition of attire etc would be after dining ? If that made sense. I just didnt know exactly what portion to fit in dining while merging the two.
My menu option is actually limited to venue in regards to what they serve since they do not allow outside catering and the price is per plate. Since i am incontract cannot change the place. But all will still be a good time !
Hi Ade, thanks for coming back to clarify your question.
>MENU Time – When? Here’s the usual flow: Cake cutting >Small Chops served >Dancing >Menu (Eating) time.
*The Dancing Time would be a series, and extended time, of dancing: Couple alone > Couple with Parents >Couple with Groomsmen and Bridesmaids
>Change of Attire Transition – When? The right time for Yoruba wedding couples to change into a second outfit is after the bride has worn her ring, and after the cake has been cut. On the way out for an outfit change, the couple take quick pictures before returning back to the reception venue.
*This exact question was asked by an Europe-based bride and answered in this article on Youruba Traditional Wedding Programme Flow FAQs.
You seem to have your wedding plans nailed down, and I believe that it will be a memorable and fun day for you and your families.
I hope that helps.
This article is really helpful.
Continue with the good work you’re doing and remain blessed.
Thank you, Nnenna.
Thanks so much for the write-up.
Pls can traditional engagement ceremony and reception be done in the same hall. If yes how will the traditional engagement decorations look like
Hello Elizabeth, thanks for the feedback.
I guess you meant white wedding reception.
Yes, both traditional engagement ceremony and white wedding reception ceremony can be done in the same hall. In that case, it would be best to go for a venue decoration in the middle (not very cultural and not very white-wedding-like).
Or you can just do a normal white wedding decoration so that you can use it for both. Many brides go for this option as it is does not require doing too much.
Another way is: after the traditional wedding ceremony part, you plan to have people remove the strictly-traditional decoration elements while you and your groom go have an outfit change.
Hope that helps.
Am Really Blessed via This Well Packaged Same Day Wedding and Traditional Marriage Information. Thanks for Sharing.
Indeed, you are blessed. Thanks for reading, and also for leaving a comment.
Very good article. And pls, the page to download budget calculator does not exist. I need to download it. How can that happen?
Thanks, Tomiwa. I will check that. But I’ll be putting up a new version of the calculator soon – which is more user-friendly and interactive. If your wedding is not too far away, I could leave you a comment to let you know when it’s live.
Good day, great writer,
Thank you so much for this eye opening wedding planning article.
You are inspiring.
However, you asked the reader to
“Also, check down below (method 2) for the program of events ideas when having the trad first and a white wedding later the same day”, bu article as such. Kindly state t I have searched through the website, and have not found any article as such. Kindly post it. I have learnt so much.
Hello Victor, thanks for your feedback. I’m happy to know that you find this post helpful.
It is here: combined program of event ideas
I believe the reason you did not see the sample program of events was that you did not read to the end of the post. This post runs into multiple pages and you can go to the NEXT page(s) by clicking NEXT link found at the end of the article.
Be sure to follow the NEXT-NEXT links to read all the post pages, in order to get the full benefit.
Enjoy!