What Does It Cost to be a Bridesmaid in Nigeria and Africa?

Hearing your best friend say, “Will you be my bridesmaid?” comes with a certain thrill.

Saying yes is a sweet honour, but in Nigeria and many parts of Africa, being a bridesmaid comes with real commitment. From slaying in aso-ebi to contributing to bridal showers, it’s not just about showing up in matching dresses and smiling for pictures. That’s why more women ask, What does it cost to be a bridesmaid in Nigeria and Africa?

It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Weddings across Africa are rich with culture, glam, and a whole lot of spending. Whether in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, or South Africa, the responsibilities bridesmaids usually undertake can be emotionally and financially demanding. This brings us back to the big question: What does it cost to be a bridesmaid in Nigeria and Africa when the expectations go beyond the dress?

In 2025, the pressure is even greater, with bridal parties becoming bigger and the spending heavier. Before you say “yes” to standing by the bride’s side, it’s important to understand what it costs to be a bridesmaid in Nigeria or Africa so you can celebrate with love and clarity.

What Does Bridesmaids Really Do?

In Nigeria and across Africa, being a bridesmaid has evolved far beyond simply walking down the aisle in matching dresses. These days, bridesmaids are the bride’s inner circle, her support system, her cheerleaders, and sometimes, her unofficial wedding planners.

You’re expected to help her choose fabrics for aso-ebi, attend fittings, manage group chats, organize bridal showers, and travel for destination bachelorette parties. And that’s before the wedding day even arrives.

On the big day itself, you’ll likely be up at dawn, getting glammed up, coordinating vendors, fixing last-minute emergencies, and still looking effortlessly gorgeous for pictures and social media posts. In fact, a bridesmaid is part hype girl, part event planner, and part emotional support of the bride.

So, when asking what it costs to be a bridesmaid in Nigeria and Africa, it’s important to remember that it’s not just about money; it’s about time, commitment, and a whole lot of work behind-the-scenes. The role is beautiful, memorable, and truly rewarding. But make no mistake: being a bridesmaid comes with real responsibilities you should be ready to undertake.

What does a bridesmaid pay for?

No two weddings are the same, but when it comes to money matters, there are some costs bridesmaids are almost always expected to cover. Typically, you’re footing the bill for your outfit — that means the dress, shoes, and accessories — unless the bride offers to ease that burden. In many cases, you’ll also handle your own glam, including hair and makeup, travel, and hotel stays. 

There’s also the bachelorette party to plan (and fund), and sometimes, chipping in for the bridal shower, too. Of course, there’s the wedding gift, a gesture of love that adds to the growing list.

While some brides may generously offer to cover part of these costs, like paying for professional glam or booking accommodation, it’s never given. That’s why having an open conversation from the start is very important. Knowing what’s expected will help you decide if you can truly say “yes” without breaking the bank.

What does it really cost to be a bridesmaid in Nigeria and Africa?

Now, let’s talk real numbers because behind every flawless bridesmaid photo is a budget that’s done the heavy lifting.

The Bridesmaid Dress

Let’s start with the dress–the iconic symbol of your bridesmaid status. While some brides give options, others prefer custom bridesmaid dresses. And in Nigeria, a tailor-made bridesmaid dress with lace, beading, or structured corsetry can easily go from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 ($40 – &150) or more — of course, this is heavily dependent on fabric choices, designer name, and the bride’s fashion preference. 

In Ghana, for example, the price range is GHS 1,200 to GHS 2,000 ($77–$150) or more. If the bride is rich and generous, she may cover a part. If not, it’s all on you.

Hair and Makeup

You can’t show up in a stunning dress and have your hair in disarray. So, whether you’re rocking braids, a sleek bun, professional hairstyling will likely cost you ₦20,000–₦50,000 ($15–$35).

Makeup artists, especially in Lagos or Abuja, charge between ₦20,000 – ₦60,000 ($15–$55). In Accra, it costs between GHS250 and GHS350. Multiply that if there’s a bridal shower, pre-wedding shoot, or after-party.

Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Contributions

Bridal showers these days are more themed, curated, and Instagram-worthy. Think balloons, custom robes, grazing boards, and a playlist that slaps. As a bridesmaid, you’re likely expected to chip in.

Depending on the squad and the plans, this could be anywhere from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 ($15–$35) each. Destination bachelorette? That’s another story (and another wallet).

Travel and Accommodation

Travel and accommodation costs can stretch your budget further. If it’s a destination wedding abroad, you’d need to budget for transport, hotel, and sometimes even food. Flights within Nigeria average ₦80,000–₦120,000 ($50–$75) depending on when you book. And a night in a decent hotel? At least ₦25,000 ($16), with some bridal parties opting for Airbnb rentals to save.

In Ghana or South Africa, budget at least $100–$250 for similar travel and lodging costs.

Accessories, Shoes & Nails

Don’t forget the extras. You’ll need matching heels (₦15,000–₦25,000) or more, depending on your preference, nails (₦6,000–₦15,000), and maybe even jewelry (₦10,000–₦20,000). And yes, everything must be coordinated. Your glam game needs to be on point from head to toe.

In Ghana, South Africa, and other African countries, the figures play out similarly, with local price tags and dollar equivalents that tell the same story — being a bridesmaid today is a full-on investment in love, glam, and unforgettable memories.

Hidden Costs No One Talks About

• Pre-wedding shoot outfits – ₦10,000–₦30,000 if the bride wants themed looks.
  
  
• Brunches and bridal meetings – Because there’s always one more hangout.
  
  
• Content duty – You may be asked to edit videos or create reels for the bride.
  
  
• Gifts – For the bride, for the couple, and sometimes for other bridesmaids.

The Emotional Cost (And Why It’s Worth It)

The figures are one part of the story. But beyond the budgets and bachelorette plans, there’s an emotional price tag no one talks about.

It’s the constant group chats that buzz at midnight. The last-minute outfit changes, the endless negotiations over colours, and the effort to show up emotionally and physically, even when life is busy. You may grumble when the budget increases again or feel overwhelmed by all the expectations.

What it costs to be a bridesmaid in Nigeria and Africa isn’t always about the money you need to spend. It’s also about the joy of watching someone you love step into a new chapter. It’s about the laughter shared over gele tutorials, the emotional hugs after a long rehearsal, and the quiet pride you feel standing beside your person as they say “I do.”

You can’t put a price on that.

What to Do When You Can’t Afford to be a Bridesmaid?

You just got the message: your friend is getting married, and she wants you in her bridal train. Your heart says yes, but your wallet starts calculating. Between the aso-ebi, makeup, hotel bookings, and travel costs, you’re not sure you can keep up.

First, take a breath. You’re not alone. In Africa, weddings are huge, culturally rich, family-packed, and sometimes financially intense. But saying yes to the title doesn’t mean saying yes to debt. If you’re not in the position to cover it all, it’s okay to speak up.

Start by having an honest conversation with the bride as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Express your excitement but also your concerns. Sometimes, the bride might offer to cover parts of the cost or suggest a more flexible arrangement. If she can’t, consider ways to cut costs: reuse shoes and accessories you already own, find affordable makeup options, or share accommodation with other bridesmaids.

The love is real, but so is the economic pressure. What matters is preserving the friendship, not just the perfect outfit.

Is It Okay to Say No to Being a Bridesmaid?

It’s perfectly okay to say no, especially when you’ve weighed what it costs to be a bridesmaid in Nigeria and Africa and realized it’s more than you can take on.

Saying no doesn’t mean you don’t care. Whatever the reason, you’re allowed to set financial boundaries. Bridesmaid duties, while special, can come with emotional and monetary pressure. And in a year like 2025, where inflation has hit hard in Nigeria and beyond, everyone is more money-conscious.

If you decide to say no, say it kindly. Let the bride know how honoured you feel, and be clear about why you can’t commit. You can still support in other ways, attend the wedding, help plan, or contribute to the bridal shower.

The truth is, friendship is not defined by satin dresses and standing in formation at the altar. And not everyone can afford the time, money, or mental energy that comes with what it costs to be a bridesmaid in Africa, and that’s okay. Sometimes, love looks like showing up as a guest and cheering the loudest from your seat.

So, Is It Too Expensive to Be a Bridesmaid?

It depends on who’s asking. If you’re watching your finances closely, it’s okay to say no. But if your heart says yes, and you plan carefully, you can make it work without breaking the bank.

Being a bridesmaid is a privilege. And while it costs more than it used to, the joy and memories are priceless.

Photo: Instagram/@valerieluxuryweddings