Photo: Instagram.com/kikibakare
There are many things to consider when planning your Nigerian wedding reception, from the venue to the food and drink.
In Nigeria, a wedding is more than just a union between two individuals; it is a grand celebration of love, family, and culture. With its unique blend of traditions, and festivities, a Nigerian wedding is an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone involved. And at the heart of this celebration is the lavish wedding reception — a joyous and spirited ingathering where guests come together to indulge in food, drinks, dance, and revelry.
Following the exchange of vows, the newlyweds often host a reception to express their gratitude and hospitality to their loved ones. From the vibrant Aso-Ebi attire to the delectable Jollof rice, Nigerian wedding receptions are a true feast for the senses. If you’re planning a Nigerian wedding reception and want to ensure that it’s nothing short of perfect, then you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect Nigerian wedding reception, from selecting the ideal venue to choosing the perfect menu and entertainment. So let’s get started and create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests, shall we?
Planning a Nigerian Wedding Reception
While it’s common for Nigerian brides to morph into event planners once they begin planning their weddings, it’s wise to consider enlisting the services of a seasoned Nigerian wedding planner who can work within your budget. A professional planner can handle everything from vendor selection to day-of coordination, alleviating the stress of constant checklist review. With their expertise, you’ll be able to relax and fully enjoy your special day. Whether you decide to handle the wedding reception planning yourself or entrust them to a professional, you should keep in mind the following to create your perfect wedding reception in Nigeria:
Set a Budget
Before embarking on any event planning, it’s crucial to establish a budget as the initial step. The budget acts as a guide to how much you’re willing to invest in the wedding reception, enabling you to make informed decisions about the venue, entertainment, food, decorations, and more.
Choose a Venue
Your choice of reception venue will be influenced by two key factors – your budget and the anticipated number of guests. In Nigeria, top picks for wedding receptions are typically banquet halls, hotels, and event centers. Your choice should be guided by a range of factors such as the site’s location, ease of accessibility, and overall ambiance, all of which must be carefully weighed before making a final call.
Select a Reception Theme
Your wedding reception in Nigeria can exude unparalleled charm with a thoughtfully curated theme, lending a distinctive and memorable vibe to the celebrations. To ensure that your preference is reflected in every aspect of the celebration, your chosen theme should be apparent in your wedding décor, culinary choices, and entertainment options.
Hire a Caterer
A Nigerian wedding reception would be incomplete without an impressive display of delectable treats. It’s no secret that Nigerian weddings are renowned for their mouth-watering cuisine, and to ensure your guests’ satisfaction, it’s important to select a caterer that can offer an extensive selection of Nigerian delicacies. A well-curated menu that takes into account the dietary preferences and restrictions of your attendees, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices, is equally important.
Plan for Entertainment
To be honest, the success of any Nigerian wedding reception hinges on entertainment as it’s essential for the “Gbedu to enter body!” You have the option of selecting a live band, a DJ, or even both to amp up the vibe. In keeping with Nigerian wedding customs, incorporating live music and traditional dance performances will undoubtedly make your wedding reception a hit.
Photography and Videography
When planning a wedding reception in Nigeria, it’s crucial to ensure that every beautiful moment is captured for posterity. Thus, enlisting the services of a seasoned photographer and videographer is a non-negotiable aspect of your planning process. They’ll document your special day, ensuring that your memories are preserved in timeless images and videos.
Send out Invitations
After carefully detailing every aspect of your wedding reception, you’re now ready to extend your invitations to your esteemed guests. Your invitations must include pertinent information like the date, time, and venue and must be dispatched at least six weeks ahead of the main event, allowing your guests to map out their schedules accordingly.
Plan the logistics
To account for the seamless execution of your wedding reception plans, it is advisable to arrange logistics for your wedding party and ensure there is plenty of parking available at the reception venue. Collaborate with your vendors to guarantee a flawlessly executed event.
Generally, planning a Nigerian wedding reception can be a daunting task, but with good communication and attention to detail, it is possible to have a perfect ‘post-the-knots’ celebration.
Insider tip: When planning a wedding reception in Nigeria, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and anticipate a larger guest count than initially expected. Leave some extra space for uninvited guests, as it is common for up to 30% of guests to show up unannounced. This is because invited guests usually bring along their spouses and extended family members.
