Who Pays for What in a Wedding? The Ultimate Guide for Nigerian Couples

It starts with a proposal, then the wedding countdown begins. Excitement is in the air, and Pinterest boards fill up fast. But once reality hits, there’s one conversation most couples dread: who’s actually paying for what?

Weddings whether intimate or lavish come with a long list of expenses, from the wedding gown to the venue, photography, cake, and even the DJ’s turntables. For Nigerian couples navigating both traditional weddings and white weddings, figuring out who foots which bill can be… tricky.

In this ultimate guide, we break down the cultural expectations, modern realities, and smart money moves every Nigerian couple should know before saying "I do." Whether you're planning a regal wedding banquet or a modest court wedding, it's time to have the talk and we’re making it easier.

Understanding the Nigerian Wedding Landscape

Nigerian weddings are famously extravagant and often come in two parts:

• The Traditional Wedding Ceremony, rich in culture and symbolism
• The White Wedding Ceremony, influenced by Western customs

Both events carry financial expectations tied to family, religion, and tribal traditions.

Whether you’re Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, or another ethnic group, these customs often dictate what each side is responsible for. However, modern couples are increasingly redefining these roles to suit their realities.

Traditional Wedding: Who Pays for What?

The traditional wedding isn’t just a ceremony it’s a union of families. 

Who pays for what?

Groom’s Responsibilities:

• Bride price/dowry
• Gifts to the bride’s family
• Traditional attire for himself & his entourage
• Transportation and logistics

Bride’s Family Responsibilities:

• Hosting the event (venue or family compound)
• Catering or contributing to food and drinks
• Traditional wedding dresses/outfits for the bride

 Common Shared Costs:

• Musicians/drummers/dancers
• Decorations
• Photographer & videographer
• Refreshments and palm wine

White Wedding: Who Foots the Bill?

Who Foots the Bill?

Bride or Her Family:

• Wedding dress/gown
• Bridal accessories & makeup
• Wedding card/invitation design & printing

 Groom or His Family:

• Wedding rings (or shared in modern cases)
• Groom’s suit or latest wedding suit design
• Officiant/religious leader fees

 Shared or Joint Costs:

• Wedding venue
• Reception & catering
• Wedding cake
• Photography & videography
• Entertainment: DJ, MC, live band
• Wedding planning services

 Planning Tip: Top Venue Checker Tips for Finding the Perfect Event Space in Nigeria to Budget Better for Your White Wedding.

Common Wedding Expenses Breakdown

 What Modern Nigerian Couples Are Doing

Today’s couples are embracing a more practical approach:

• Splitting costs based on income, not gender or tradition
• Creating a joint wedding budget spreadsheet early in the process
• Negotiating sponsorships, vendor discounts, and influencer partnerships (especially for high-traffic events or social media coverage)

Sites like GoldnLilies also offer access to curated vendors and planning tools that help reduce unnecessary expenses.  

Tips for Avoiding Money Conflicts 

Money talks don’t have to end in arguments.

• Have the budget conversation early, before booking anything
• Clarify expectations with both families, especially for traditional ceremonies
• Differentiate between essential and luxury costs
• Use digital planning tools or spreadsheets to track expenses
• Plan within your means - this isn't your only big life event (wedding anniversary, trips, new home, and kids!)

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to paying for a wedding in Nigeria. Some families take pride in covering major costs. Others expect a 50/50 split or even lean on the couple entirely.

The key is communication, compromise, and collaboration.

Respect tradition, yes, but also be realistic. This is your first major project as a couple, so approach it as a partnership. Your wedding day is just the beginning of many shared responsibilities and shared wins.