Weddings in Nigeria can be loud, colourful, and — let’s be honest — expensive AF. But who says you need to go broke just to say “I do”?
The truth is, you can plan a beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable wedding in Nigeria without spending millions. All it takes is a little creativity, discipline, and a solid plan. Whether you’re a groom on a budget or a bride with small chops-sized pocket, this guide is for you.
Let’s show you how to plan a low-budget wedding in Nigeria without sacrificing love or vibes.
Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It
Before you even choose a date, set a strict budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend — and stick to it like glue. If it’s ₦500k, ₦1M or ₦2M, write it down. That number will guide every other decision you make.
Break the budget down like this:
Venue – 20%
Feeding – 30%
Outfits – 10%
Decor – 10%
Photography/Video – 10%
Music/MC – 10%
Emergency – 10%
tip: Create a budget sheet using Google Sheets or apps like Kuda or PiggyVest.
Step 2: Keep the Guest List Tight
This is not your village meeting.
One of the biggest budget killers is an unnecessary crowd. Keep it intimate.
If you originally had 300 guests in mind, cut it to 100. Invite only those who matter — family, close friends, and people that know your full name (not Instagram followers).
Small crowd = less food, less chairs, less stress = more money saved.
Step 3: Use Free or Affordable Venues
Wedding halls in Lagos and Abuja can finish your account before the wedding starts.
Try these budget-friendly venue ideas:
Church halls (most are free or cheap)
Family compound or backyard
Community centers
Open fields with tents
Renting a family home space and decorating it nicely is way cheaper than booking a big event center.
Step 4: DIY Your Decor or Use Upcoming Vendors
You don’t need to hire a top celebrity decorator. Nigeria has thousands of upcoming decorators, stylists, caterers — and they’re often more affordable and creative.
Better still, go full DIY for simple elements like:
Table centerpieces (Pinterest is your friend)
Invitation cards (use Canva or Google Forms)
Wedding programs (print black & white or use QR codes)
Step 5: Borrow or Rent Your Wedding Outfits
You don’t need to sew a N250k wedding dress. It’s one day.
Rent your wedding gown or suit
Buy second-hand or pre-loved outfits
Support upcoming fashion designers
Use family lace or native for traditional wear
You’ll still look like royalty without royal expenses.
Step 6: Simplify the Feeding
Feeding can swallow half your budget — literally.
Stick to 2 or 3 meal options
Use small chops + rice + drinks combo
Buy drinks in bulk at wholesale markets
Ask trusted family members to help serve
Avoid overfeeding the crowd. You’re not feeding a stadium.
Step 7: Use a DJ Instead of a Full Band
Live bands are great but expensive. A talented DJ can bring the same vibes for half the price — or less.
If you’re lucky, a friend or cousin might offer free DJ services.
No one will remember the band, but they’ll remember the vibe.
Step 8: Don’t Be Shy to Ask for Support
Your friends and family might be willing to help — they just don’t know what you need. Assign roles:
Uncle Tunde: drinks
Auntie Bisi: small chops
Friend group: makeup artist or photography
Cousin: MC
You’d be surprised how much support you’ll get if you ask boldly and early.
Step 9: Focus on the Marriage, Not Just the Wedding
The wedding is one day. The marriage is for life.
Don’t borrow, beg, or get into debt just to impress people who won’t even remember your color of the day.
Spend wisely and save your real energy for building a future together.
Step 10: Use Astro Africa to Save & Budget Smarter
Planning a wedding on a budget? Astro Africa helps you manage your finances, swap currency (Naira to Cedis), and trade gift cards or crypto fast. If your wedding money is in dollars or gift cards, you can convert it instantly and plan with confidence.
Astro Africa is the best friend of anyone trying to manage money smartly in this economy.
FAQs
Q: Can I plan a wedding in Nigeria with less than ₦1 million?
Yes! With proper planning and discipline, many couples have done it successfully.
Q: Should I go for a court wedding instead?
It’s a great option! You can do a simple court ceremony + small reception and still have a beautiful day.
Q: What’s the best time of year to plan a budget wedding?
Avoid peak periods like December. Weekdays or off-peak months (Feb, June, Sept) are cheaper for venues and vendors.
You don’t need to go into debt to have a dream wedding.
You just need a real plan, real love, and a real partner (who won’t vex when you pick beef over turkey 😂).
