5 Nigerian Couples Share Their Biggest Wedding Regrets (Avoid These Mistakes!)
We spoke to five Nigerian couples who shared the wedding choices they wish they could change, and what they want other couples to learn from their experience.
Weddings in Nigeria are often seen as grand, joyful spectacles. From the aso ebi coordination to the dance floor drama, it’s easy to assume everything went perfectly. But behind the glamorous Instagram posts and family group chat pictures, some couples are still side-eyeing a few decisions they made for their big day.
We spoke to five Nigerian couples who shared the wedding choices they wish they could change, and what they want other couples to learn from their experience.
1. “I let my in-laws take over.” — Nneka, 30
I knew from the start that planning a wedding with two very involved families would be tricky, but I underestimated just how much influence my in-laws would have. They picked the caterer, the MC, and even the music. At a point, it felt like I was just a guest at my own wedding.
I kept quiet because I didn’t want to be labeled disrespectful, but looking back, I wish I’d spoken up more. Brides: Don’t lose your voice trying to please everyone. It’s your day too.
2. “We ignored our budget, and we’re still recovering.” — Seyi, 35
My wife and I had a clear budget when we started planning. But you know how it goes — a little extra for the drinks, then adding a live band “for vibes,” then more chairs because “what if cousins show up with their friends?”
Before we knew it, we were taking out a loan to cover final payments. We had a fantastic wedding, yes, but entering marriage with debt hanging over our heads wasn’t the smartest move.
3. “I didn’t hire a wedding planner. Biggest mistake.” — Funmi, 28
My sister and I thought we could handle all the planning ourselves. We watched enough YouTube videos, downloaded checklists, and even made mood boards. But on the wedding day, everything that could go wrong did.
The decorators arrived late, the cake came without the top tier, and I ended up crying in the bathroom while still in my rollers. I learned the hard way: sometimes DIY isn’t worth the stress. If you can afford a planner, hire one.
4. “We spent so much on appearances, we forgot what mattered.” — Bolu, 32
We were more concerned about people’s opinions than our happiness. Matching designer outfits, flashy cars, high-profile vendors — all to impress guests we barely even talk to anymore.
What we neglected was creating intimate moments for ourselves. No first look. No love notes. No private dinner after the chaos. It all felt like a performance. I wish we had slowed down to enjoy the reason we were celebrating in the first place.
5. “We didn’t test our vendors properly.” — Tolu, 33
Everything looked fine on their Instagram pages — gorgeous photos, glowing reviews, stylish designs. But we skipped proper vendor interviews and didn’t ask the right questions.
Our makeup artist showed up two hours late. The DJ didn’t have our first dance song. And the videographer? Let’s just say I’m still waiting for my wedding video two years later. Don’t be fooled by aesthetics alone. Do your homework and confirm everything in writing.
Weddings are beautiful, but they’re also intense. As these couples have shared, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and make decisions you’ll wish you could undo. If you’re planning your wedding now, take these lessons to heart.
It’s your day — own it, enjoy it, and please, don’t forget to eat the small chops.
