Top 10 Mistakes Brides Abroad Make When Planning a Nigerian Wedding and How to Avoid Them

 

Top 10 Mistakes Brides Abroad Make When Planning a Wedding in Nigeria 

practical advice from your planner to help you avoid the most common long-distance wedding planning mistakes.

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Dear Bride,

If you’re planning your Nigerian wedding from abroad, I already know that you’re excited… and a little overwhelmed. This is completely normal.I work with brides overseas all the time, and I’ve seen the same challenges repeat itself but that doesn't need to happen to you too dear. So here are some mistakes brides have made in the past and how you can avoid them.....

1. Waiting Too Long to Start Planning

My dear bride, Nigerian vendors move fast especially the good ones.... Popular dates, beautiful venues, and trusted decorators get booked months ahead.

Solution: Start early. Even if your ideas aren’t clear yet, A planner can help you fine tune your ideas and secure your major vendors to avoid delay.

2. Trying to Plan Everything Alone From Abroad

As a planner for many years I’ve seen brides spend months chasing vendors, comparing prices, and coordinating families. It gets frustrating quickly as nobody wants to feel alone in her most precious moments plus making decisions on the best vendors to hire for your event can make it even harder.

Solution: Hire a planner on ground who has experience with long distance planning, understands how Nigeria works and can represent your vision. There is nothing like the best companion along the way to make the process fun.

3. Underestimating the Nigerian Wedding Budget

Because you live abroad, it’s easy to assume things cost a certain amount based on speculations or perceptions. Nigeria is different dear, décor, venue, and photography prices vary widely and its mostly dependent on your type of wedding ,location or even size of your event.

Solution : Create a budget using current Naira-based vendor quotes and ask your planner to update it regularly. As i always say there is a vendor for everyone whether you are on a budget or you are splurging in luxury.

4. Overlooking Cultural Expectations

Wedding Planning in Nigeria is dynamic. Families may want a larger input in the process from planning to even execution especially during traditional ceremonies but hey.... there is a way to solve this in my experience

Avoid it: Have an honest conversation with family early about what you want, and remind them from time to time. Also let your planner create a smooth blend of what they can have and the boundary of your personal style. i have a sweet way of doing this that in the end i become the family's adopted child.

5. Booking Vendors Without Proper Checks

Instagram is beautiful, but it doesn’t always show the full story. Some brides get disappointed only when they find out that the expectations does not match the reality after sending money to unreliable vendors.

Solution : My best solution will always be to use verified vendors recommended by experienced planners and always request contracts, receipts, and portfolios. also if you are not using a planner, ask questions, check past records and past jobs

6. Forgetting About the Nigerian Weather

The rainy season can change your wedding plan in minutes so whilst picking dates are important, checking the weather in Nigeria at that time is equally important

Solution : Check seasonal weather for your date and have a practical Plan B for outdoor events.

7. Not Preparing for Guest Logistics

Guests traveling from abroad need help with hotels, transport, and safety details.

Solution: Share a simple guest guide with hotel options, transport details, and event timelines. Your planner can prepare this for you.

8. Planning Without a Realistic Timeline

Without a proper schedule, everything can feel rushed  photography, hair and makeup, and family photos all suffer.

Solution: Ask your planner to create a detailed, realistic wedding day timeline that includes buffers for traffic and delays and extra picture time because your memories are very important.

9. Leaving Décor Decisions Until the Last Minute

Decor vendors need direction early. Waiting makes it harder to get the look you love.

Solution: Build a mood board and decide on your priority pieces early. Your planner will help translate ideas into workable designs.

10. Putting Too Much Pressure on Yourself

I always tell my brides: you don’t need to have everything figured out  that’s what your planner is for. Relax and be taken care of

Avoid it: Delegate to your planner, trust the process, and allow yourself to enjoy the journey.

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With love and calm planning,

Vivienne, The Event Girl NG

Need help planning from abroad? I help brides in the UK, US, Canada, and Europe plan elegant, stress-free Nigerian weddings. Contact me to book a consultation.