Nov. 22, 2008 Editor's Note: Visit our blog by clicking on "Editors' Corner" on www.fabnaija.com If you've not heard, the economy is shot, people are losing their jobs, people are losing their savings on wall street, but more importantly, you've already sent out the save the date announcements or you've told your friends about your wedding or you'd really rather get married before you turn 30 (for whatever reason) and next year is the year you just have to get married. Now how do you do this on a budget? You still want the beautiful wedding; nice décor, good food, good music, nice dresses, but you are concerned about money. Nigerian weddings are much easier to hold on a budget. Even the fact that we generally have 2 weddings should not do too much havoc to your budget. Here are some tips to help you as you plan
1. You must set a budget. You absolutely must. And you must plan to spend less than you budget. Budget for every little thing. Pay cash if you can. Avoid the temptation to put some things on your credit card and then pay for other things with cash. If you use a credit card, try to use only a credit card for all your expenses and try to use the same credit card so you'll be aware of your total expenses.
2. Start booking venues and vendors on time. You can get really good deals if you book on time. Book on Friday or Sunday if you can afford to do that. They are usually cheaper. Also, remember that vendors are nervous about filing in their calendars for next year, so you might be able to cut a good deal if you book on time.
3. Compare prices: ask your married friends for their wedding vendor lists. Call around for different prices till you get a good price. But don't use a bad vendor just because she's cheap.
4. Most Nigerians have a traditional wedding as well as a white wedding. You might consider doing the traditional wedding next year and waiting on the white wedding. At least after the traditional wedding, you'll be considered married by the Nigerian community and you can get married in court and be "totally married." Our traditional weddings are generally cheaper, and your families (depending on the family) will consider you married.
5. For the traditional wedding, consider having it in someone's house instead of renting (most people do this already).
6. Limit the guest list. It's ok to have invitation only weddings. Just be sure to place "Invitation Only" in a prominent position on the Invitation Card. You don't need to invite people you can't afford to entertain. People will understand and if they don't, o well. Just remember that they won't be paying the bills for you.
7. Do It Yourself Projects: Asking your friends to help you with some projects can save money, but be careful what you delegate.
8. Be good to your friends and family members. Pick your wedding date on time and inform them so they can plan ahead. Be careful when choosing aso ebi. There's no need to have a dress code for every event (unless you're paying for it). Avoid the dress code for the party, the traditional wedding, the shower, the white wedding, etc. Aso ebi for one event is good enough. Times are tough so pick bridesmaids who can afford to buy the items (or pay for those who can't). Encourage your friends to be honest about what they can afford and don't guilt people who can't afford to attend all your events.
9. Rein in your parents. Remind them to finalize their guest list on time. You need to know how many people are flying in from Nigeria. You need to reserve hotels for them.
10. Enjoy!! Have a good time!!
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