Full Wedding Planning Checklist for Nigerian Couples

First of all, congratulations! Now let’s plan your wedding.

The ring is sitting pretty; the caption is ready: “I said yes to forever!” But after the proposal comes real-life planning, and for Nigerian couples, it’s not beans.

From the traditional to the white wedding, aso ebi to hall booking, your list can go from cute to chaotic in seconds.

That’s why we’ve put together this full planning checklist for Nigerian couples to help you organize the madness step-by-step and enjoy the ride.

What is the best timeline to plan a wedding?

Timeline	Key Tasks
9–12 months	Budget, venue, date, vendors
6–8 months	Outfits, guest list,  website setup
3–5 months	Invites, beauty prep, food tasting
1–2 months	Final fittings, reminders, RSVPs
1–4 weeks	Confirmations, relaxation, prayer

Here is a full Nigerian Wedding planning checklist

9–12 Months Before

1. Create a budget (include traditional, white, pre-events)
2. Decide on a date and location
3. Choose theme/style (e.g., glam, classic, garden)
4. Book wedding planner or decide to DIY
5. Draft a rough guest list
6. Create your Weddyn wedding website (for RSVP, invites, gift registry)
7. Book venue(s) for traditional and white weddings.
8. Research and book major vendors (photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ)
9. Begin engagement shoot planning

6–8 Months Before

1. Aso Ebi selection and pricing
2. Create and confirm final guest list (families must agree)
3. Use Weddyn to send e-invites and track RSVPs
4. Shop or sew wedding outfits (bride, groom, parents)
5. Book MC, live band, makeup artist
6. Confirm accommodation for out-of-town guests
7. Book honeymoon location (if traveling)

3–5 Months Before

1. Share Weddyn link for gift wishlist (to avoid surprise coolers)
2. Send out reminder RSVPs to late responders
3. Schedule food & cake tasting
4. Order souvenirs
5. Begin premarital counselling or marriage classes
6. Design programs and seating charts.
7. Schedule dress/suit fittings

 1–2 Months Before

1. Pick up outfits, test run everything
2. Assign roles: bridesmaids, groomsmen, family reps
3. Finalize vendor payments
4. Schedule spa, facials, and grooming
5. Confirm transportation/logistics
6. Upload photo gallery or love story to Weddyn website

1–4 Weeks Before

1. Host bridal shower/stag night
2. Print final guest list for ushers/security
3. Send final RSVP reminders via Weddyn
4. Prepare emergency kit (safety pins, paracetamol, gum, etc.)
5. Get marriage license or church certificate
6. Final prayer & mental reset—you’ve done your best. God, take control.

Checklist breakdown for Nigerian Weddings

Traditional Wedding Checklist

1. Confirm list of items from bride’s family
2. Shop for traditional attire (gele, agbada, lace, cap)
3. Organize local dishes and drinks
4. Plan cultural rites (depending on tribe)
5. Book traditional MC (Alaga Iduro / Alaga Ijoko).
6. Decor and photo backdrop setup
7. Get parents involved early

 

White Wedding Checklist

1. Book venue for the church/ceremony and reception
2. Shop or sew white wedding outfits (bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents)
3. Hire wedding vendors (photographer, videographer, caterer, MC, DJ, makeup artist)
4. Plan your theme and décor (classic, garden, glam, etc.)
5. Schedule food and cake tasting
6. Finalize guest list
7. Send digital invites via Weddyn
8. Track RSVPs and follow up with reminders
9. Assign roles: bridal train, family reps, ushers
10. Create a seating chart
11. Order souvenirs and programs
12. Organize transportation and accommodation (especially for out-of-town guests)
13. Schedule final dress/suit fittings and styling trials
14. Book spa, facials, manicure/pedicure, and grooming appointments
15. Pack emergency kit (extra lashes, gum, safety pins, stain remover, etc.)
16. Upload gallery or love story to your wedding site
17. Confirm all vendor payments and logistics
18. Get marriage license or church certificate
19. Hold bridal shower and bachelor’s eve (optional)

Guest Management Checklist

Managing 400+ guests is not child’s play.

Use Weddyn to:

• Collect guest contact info
• Send stylish invites digitally
• Automate RSVP collection
• Remind late responders
• Categorize per event (trad, court, white)

Gift Registry Checklist

1. Create your wishlist on Weddyn
2. Add meaningful items (air fryer, travel gift card, art, etc.)
3. Share link on your wedding website
4. Politely tell the aunties, “We’re avoiding repeat gifts like bowls & trays, o!”

Common mistakes Nigerian couples make when planning a wedding.

1. Skipping RSVP tracking (and ending up with 300 uninvited guests)
2. Last-minute vendor bookings
3. Leaving aso ebi payments disorganized
4. Not using tech to make life easier

Use a platform like Weddyn early.

Weddings in Nigeria are a full-blown production. But with structure, digital tools, and this checklist by your side, it doesn’t have to steal your joy.

With Weddyn, you get:

• Guest list management
• Digital invites
• RSVP tracking
• Gift registry
• Your own beautiful wedding website

And the best part? You get to actually enjoy the process.

Start your journey the smart way: Create your Weddyn website now. →

Use Weddyn today.