7 Steps to Planning a Vintage Country Wedding in Nigeria

 

In Nigeria, where weddings are grand affairs that celebrate tradition and culture, a vintage country wedding can be a unique and memorable experience.

Planning a wedding is a journey that requires careful attention to detail and a creative touch to make it truly exceptional. Many couples aim for a unique and intriguing wedding experience, where guests can enjoy a hint of surprise as they enter the venue (the kind of experience I envision sharing with the love of my life).

Often, these extraordinary ideas lean towards a vintage theme. While vintage may be considered old-fashioned by some, it can also be interpreted in a modern way. Vintage can be a blend of old and new elements, creating a harmonious and distinctive atmosphere.

Vintage country weddings, in particular, call for a thoughtful selection of elements, from attire to décor, that takes everyone back to a bygone era. And for a place like Nigeria, one would need an extra dose of intentionality to replicate vintage aesthetics that could easily be seen in places like the Caribbean.

Every Nigerian wedding ever planned, irrespective of its theme, stands as a one-of-a-kind experience, differing fundamentally from others. Depending on your preferences, you have a plethora of vintage wedding ideas to choose from. Nevertheless, there are some defining characteristics of a modern vintage wedding.

Ahead, this article offers a step-by-step guide to help you seamlessly align every aspect of your vintage country wedding in Nigeria, from attire to the choice of venue and more.

What is a Vintage Country Wedding?

A vintage wedding is a wedding theme or style that draws inspiration from the past, typically from an earlier era, such as the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, or even further back in history. The term “vintage” refers to items, decor, fashion, and aesthetics that are characteristic of a particular historical period. Vintage weddings often incorporate elements, styles, and details reminiscent of the chosen era, creating a sense of nostalgia and romanticism.

 

Planning a Vintage Country Wedding in Nigeria

When planning a vintage country wedding in Nigeria, elements that reflect the distinct Nigerian essence, including cuisine, music, and attire are usually incorporated. However, to ensure a successful vintage wedding that perfectly highlights this unique blend, consider following the step-by-step strategies outlined below.

For a vintage country wedding in Nigeria, your vision is the starting point. It’s about carefully curating a theme that exudes rustic elegance, evokes the spirit of a specific era, and captures the essence of the countryside. The choice between a formal or informal atmosphere, as well as your preferred color palette, will guide your decisions throughout the planning process.

The choice of venue is paramount when it comes to setting the scene for your vintage country wedding. In Nigeria, this search might lead you to explore idyllic outdoor settings like gardens, rustic farms, or enchanting countryside barns.

A suitable venue not only harmonizes with your selected theme but also offers the essential amenities and ample space to accommodate your anticipated number of guests. Consider farms and ranches like Almat Farms or the Obudu Cattle Ranch, as they present an authentic and picturesque backdrop for your vintage country wedding.

These venues often boast charming barns, sprawling open fields, and an invitingly relaxed, rustic ambiance. Within these settings, you can choose to exchange vows within a barn’s cozy confines or opt for a picturesque outdoor location, with the surrounding countryside serving as a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photographs.

 

Do not be misled by the allure of a vintage country wedding, especially in Nigeria. It requires practical financial planning to bring your dreams to life. Having a well-defined budget is the initial stride in the right direction, and it serves as a guiding light in various aspects such as selecting the venue and deciding on important details.

Clearly establishing your budget stands as an essential early stage in the planning process, helping you with the ability to make realistic choices, with a primary focus on key elements like the venue, catering, and decor. A strategic allocation of your resources guarantees that your vintage country wedding remains within budget while preserving the integrity of essential components.

Vintage country weddings thrive on charming details that work their magic on the ambiance. Burlap table runners, mason jar centerpieces, antique furnishings, and vintage signs take guests on a delightful journey through the strings of time. Lace tablecloths and wildflower bouquets add a harmonious touch to the theme.

It’s the wedding décor that truly channels the vintage style, with a palette favoring bright pastels and shades of gray. Wooden elements often grace the table and floral arrangements, frequently featuring white or pink roses as the stars of the show. Thankfully, there are professional party set-up vendors in Nigeria that can help you bring this dream to life. 

Selecting the perfect attire for the bride and groom is quite important in planning a vintage country wedding. Traditional wedding dresses may include flowing lace gowns for the bride and suits with mottled fabrics and fine accessories for the groom, often in colors like gray, brown, beige, or royal blue.

However, couples have the flexibility to blend vintage and modern styles to suit their preferences. Whether it’s embracing classic lace and embellishments or opting for discreet and comfortable attire, the key is to find an individual mix that brings joy and aligns with the chosen theme.

 

A key part of your vintage country wedding is the culinary experience. Nigerian cuisine can be seamlessly incorporated, and options like barbecue or farm-to-table dining can elevate the theme. You can also offer signature cocktails, local beverages, and a rustic wedding cake or dessert bar for an unforgettable culinary journey.

Compile a playlist that fuses folk, country, and classics to suit the vintage country ambiance. Consider hiring a live band or acoustic musicians to serenade your guests. Lawn games and dancing enhance the festivities and add to the charm of your special day.

In a nutshell, planning a vintage country wedding in Nigeria entails a focus on the intricate elements that bring the vintage or rustic theme to life. This includes careful considerations for venue selection, wedding decor, and attire choices, all of which harmoniously combine to create your dream vintage wedding experience, even within the Nigerian backdrop.