In Nigeria, wedding planning isn’t just about picking colors and hall décor; it’s a financial negotiation. Between you, your partner, and your two extended families, figuring out who pays for what in a Nigerian wedding can cause low-key tension if not properly discussed.
Let’s break it down—traditionally, realistically, and with a sprinkle of modern wisdom. Whether you’re Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, or anything in between, this blog post will help you understand financial expectations and how to manage them wisely.
Traditional Breakdown: Bride and Groom family responsibilities
Nigeria is diverse, and every tribe has its customs, but here’s the general gist across most regions:
Traditional Wedding (a.k.a. “Traditional Marriage”)
The groom’s family typically handles:
- Bride price
- List items (yam, drinks, clothes, bags, etc.)
- Gifts for bride’s parents and elders
- Cost of the event (venue, MC, food, etc., if hosted at bride’s home)
- Logistics for their own guests
Bride’s Family May Handle:
- Hosting the event if it’s happening at their compound
- Some minor costs for décor, canopies, chairs, and family outfits
Note: In many cases, bride’s family doesn’t contribute money—they just show up looking fine
White Wedding/Church or Mosque Ceremony
The Groom’s Side Usually Handles:
- Reception venue
- Caterer, drinks, entertainment
- Rings and wedding bands
- Groom and groomsmen attire
- Transportation and accommodation
- Wedding website, digital invites, RSVP (via platforms like Weddyn)
- Honeymoon
The Bride’s Side Often Handles:
- Wedding gown, accessories
- Bridesmaids’ outfits (sometimes shared cost)
- Makeup, bridal prep
- Photography and videography
- Aso Ebi distribution to their side
- Engagement shoot styling
- Contributes to décor or program printing
In modern weddings, couples now split bills based on what they can afford and personal agreements, not just tradition.
Who pays for what in a Nigerian wedding in 2025?
Let’s be honest, times have changed.
Now:
- Some couples split major bills 50/50
- Some grooms foot 80% of the bill
- Some families still follow strict traditional roles
What matters most is open communication between all parties. Don’t wait till the week of the wedding to say, “We thought your family was paying for the hall…”
Important areas to clarify who pays for what in a Nigerian wedding
Here’s a list of wedding elements that need clear conversations about who is handling what:
| Item | Who Pays? (Traditional vs. Modern) |
| Engagement list items | Groom’s family (strictly) |
| Reception venue | Groom (or split) |
| Bride price | Groom |
| Bride’s gown | Bride or bride’s family |
| Groom’s suit | The groom or his family |
| Photography/videography | Groom, or couple jointly |
| Catering & drinks | Groom or jointly |
| DJ/live band | Groom or couple jointly |
| Aso Ebi coordination | Bride’s side |
| Makeup & glam | Bride or bride’s family |
| Honeymoon | Groom or couple jointly |
| Digital invites/website | Groom/couple → Handled easily with Weddyn |
Factors That Influence Who pays for what in a Nigerian wedding
As expected, with the rising cost of living, most families now prefer to share the financial burden that comes with marriage. However, several factors determine how the costs are shared. Below are some of them.
- Family wealth and social standing: In wealthy families, it’s not uncommon for one side to handle most expenses as a show of goodwill or family pride.
- Number of guests: Nigerian weddings are notoriously large. When the guest list reaches 500 people or more, handling such large numbers often requires families to step in and ease the load.
- Location and logistics: Destination weddings or events in highbrow venues often demand joint funding.
- Couple’s preference: Some modern couples, especially those living abroad, prefer intimate ceremonies fully funded by themselves.
Tips for Managing Wedding Finances as a Nigerian Couple
1. Have The Money Talk Early (With Both Families)
Don’t assume anything. Sit with your partner and parents and define responsibilities. Draft a shared budget.
2. Use a Planning Tool Like Weddyn
Weddyn helps you keep track of budget allocations, guest lists, digital invites and RSVPs, gift contributions (so guests can donate instead of buying 4 kettles and 3 rice cookers)
3. Focus on Priorities
Not everything needs to cost millions. Choose what’s most important: food, music, or photography? Then budget wisely around those.
4. Be Transparent, But Tactful
Money conversations can be touchy. Respect cultural roles, but also speak up if something feels overwhelming or unrealistic.
What to Do If One Side Isn’t Financially Strong?
It happens. Maybe the groom’s family can’t afford a big wedding, or the bride’s family isn’t able to contribute much. Here’s how to handle it:
- Downscale without shame—less crowd, more quality
- Seek support early—from family, friends, or community
- Use Weddyn’s digital tools—save money on paper invites, tracking, and excess souvenirs
- Do only one event (e.g., merge traditional and white weddings).
Weddings are not a competition. It’s a celebration of love, not stress.
It’s love over luxury.
Weddings in Nigeria are beautiful and rich with culture—and sometimes expensive AF.
But at the end of the day, what matters most is
- The love between you and your partner
- Family coming together in joy
- Starting your new life without resentment over money
Use tools like Weddyn to ease the burden, track the chaos, and keep everyone on the same page—literally.
Now you know who pays for what in a Nigerian wedding. Go forth and plan like a boss!
Read: Nigerian Wedding Budgets—How to Plan Without Going Broke (Zikoko)
