There are different categories of Nigerian Wedding Guests and the expenses vary depending on what category you fall into and you can fall into more than one category. They are broadly listed as follows strictly for the couple:
1. Close Friends
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| On the Bridal Train. Transportation arranged by Couple |
2. Family Friends (including Sibling's friends)
3. Friends
4. School Friends
Dressed in my own clothes according to the dress code (no stress)
Dressed in my own clothes. No Dress Code (no stress)
5. Association/Membership Friends (Rotary, Innerwheel, Ikoyi Club, etc.)
6.Church Friends (or any other religion)
7. Social Media Friends
8. Work Friends (Colleagues)
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| Dressed in the Aso-Ebi |
Dressed in my own clothes. No Dress Code. Henna was done for free (no stress)
9. Friends of Friends (including +1s)
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| Hubby's friend's wedding. Happily his +1 |
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| Hubby's friend's wedding. Happily his +1 |
10. Acquaintances
11. Mo Gbo Mo Ya (I heard, I came a.k.a Gatecrashers)
Depending on what guest categories you fall into and the couple's wedding plans, you will have to dole out cash for the following (and this list is quite generic with the MINIMUM cost estimate highlighted, some couple's events entail way more or less):
A. Bridal Shower/Bachelor's Eve Contribution
COST ESTIMATE = N10,000 & Above (Male); N5,000 & Above (Female)
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| Customized Bridal Shower Tees |
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| Surprise Bridal Shower. Contributions from friends |
B. Bridesmaid/Groomsman Outfit (Dress/Suit, Shoes, Jewelry, Accessories, Hair & Makeup-Some or All items listed)
COST ESTIMATE = N20,000 & Above (Male); N10,000 & Above (Female)
Bridal Train shenanigans
C.Traditional Wedding Aso-ebi (Sometimes its just a Cap or Gele instead of a full attire)
D.White Wedding (or Dinner)Aso-ebi
COST ESTIMATE = N10,000 & Above (Male); N10,000 & Above (Female)
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| Complete White Wedding Aso-Ebi |
E. Wedding Gift/Contribution (Cash or Items or Treat)
COST ESTIMATE = N5,000 & Above (Male); N5,000 & Above (Female)
F. Making Souvenirs for the couple or wedding guests
COST ESTIMATE = N10,000 & Above (Male); N10,000 & Above (Female)
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| Skincare Souvenir I got for a close friend's wedding |
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| Skincare Souvenir I got for a close friend's wedding |
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| Souvenir i got from a friend of the couple at a wedding |
G.Sew Aso-Ebis
COST ESTIMATE = N8,000 & Above (Male); N8,000 & Above (Female)
H. Hairdo/Haircut, Makeup & Gele Tying (can be just one or all three)
COST ESTIMATE = N500 & Above (Male); N2,000 & Above (Female)
I. Return Trip for the Traditional Wedding (If outside your domain & no plans have been made by the couple to cater for this)
COST ESTIMATE = N14,000 & Above (By Road); N50,000 & Above (Local Flight)
J. Accomodation for the Traditional Wedding (If outside your domain & no plans have been made by the couple to cater for this)
COST ESTIMATE = N8,000 & Above (per Night)
K. On-site Transportation & Feeding during your stay for the Traditional Wedding (If outside your domain & no plans have been made by the couple to cater for this)
COST ESTIMATE = N10,000 & Above (depending on location & length of stay)
L. Return Trip for the White Wedding (If outside your domain & no plans have been made by the couple to cater for this)
COST ESTIMATE = N14,000 & Above (By Road); N50,000 & Above (Local Flight)
M. Accomodation for White Wedding (If outside your domain & no plans have been made by the couple to cater for this)
COST ESTIMATE = N8,000 & Above (per Night)
N. Transportation & Feeding during your stay for the Traditional Wedding (If outside your domain & no plans have been made by the couple to cater for this)
COST ESTIMATE = N10,000 & Above (depending on location & length of stay)
The Most (financially, mentally, physically & emotionally) draining categories of wedding guest to be (depending on the kind of person you are on the scale of over-caring to nonchalant) are definitely: (i) Close Friends or
(ii) Family Friends
COST ESTIMATE = N164,500 Minimum (Male); N142,000 Minimum (Female)
These are the people expected to drop dough for practically every single thing listed above, participate in the planning process and even during the events may have to oversee some activities. They are typically running helter-skelter before & on the day of the events to make sure things are in order, picking money being sprayed, making sure assigned guests get seats & are served, making sure the couple stay looking flawless, attending to the couple's needs (since they can't get off the stage to do stuff themselves), etc. They eventually don't really get to have fun till the major events are over, most of the crowd has dispersed and its mainly youngins left. Only then can they eventually rest outta their heels/shoes, eat, drink, take pics with the couple, boogie down on the dance floor, etc. and they may still have to coordinate some stuff afterwards.
but guess what?! It's worth it to them 'cos its a labour of love and that's what friends are for right?yup.
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| Surprise Bridal Shower Prep & Planning (Before) |
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| Surprise Bridal Shower (After) |
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| Bridesmaid making sure things are in order before the event starts |
The Best and Least (financially, mentally, physically & emotionally) draining categories of wedding guest to be are definitely: (i) Friends of Friends (+1s)
(ii) Acquaintances or
(iii) Mo Gbo Mo Ya (I heard, I came a.k.a Gatecrashers)
COST ESTIMATE = N0 Minimum (Male); N0 Minimum (Female)
There is no expectation of these group of people from the couple or their family members. These are the people who can easily overlook if they are discriminated against 'cos they are not wearing the official wedding color code or aso-ebi or if they don't get food/drinks at the wedding or if a family member of the couple addresses them rudely, etc. because they have hardly invested any time, resources or effort into the couple or any of their ceremonies.
If things go pleasantly, great! If not, better luck next time and they take their leave. They usually have a good time especially if seated or acquainted with the right group of people.
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| Happily hubby's +1 |
Therefore my dear couples-to-be, i hope this post enlightens you a bit to the major commitments (Financial, Physical, Mental, Emotional and otherwise) that some of your guests make to be a part of your beautiful union and events. It wouldn't hurt to be considerate of them during your planning process and appreciate the time, resources & effort taken to celebrate with you afterwards. They are not 'just guests'. Yes, you will still be married with or without them present but if you've gone through the hassle of renting a hall, decorating and all of that, you will definitely feel it badly if absolutely no one showed up to celebrate with you.
Check out & Enjoy my previous
wedding related posts (From Planning Bridal Showers, Introduction Ceremonies, Wedding Essentials and more).
Toodles!XooX
