Let the Asoebis Begin

March 22, 2009 We have officially entered the Nigerian wedding season. The first big wedding I know of occured this past weekend. Congrats Chi! Now, it's time for the Nigerian community to contribute to the economy with all those plane tickets back and forth, venues, caterers, DJs, live bands, and the all important asoebi. Remember to check out www.fabnaija.com for all of the above. Recently, with the economy doing what the economy is doing, there's been much talk about whether it's a waste of money to get your friends' asoebi. I've always maintained that as with everything, asoebi is good when done in moderation. For example a $100 asoebi is well within my own means (may not be within yours), but I'd definitely stay away from the $2500 ones (which by the way, there's hardly any justification for anyway). With most people going for ankara asoebis these days, there's no reason why you can't participate. As a rule of thumb, asoebi is probably not too expensive if it will cost you less or about the same to buy a dress or other outfit for the party yourself. If you're going to spend money on a dress, you might be better off spending it on buying your friends' asoebi. On the other hand, there's absolutely nothing wrong with saying NO. It's ok to refuse to participate. Everyone knows we are in a recession so it's ok to say you can't afford to buy the asoebi. You can also limit your expenses by buying asoebis for only the weddings of close friends. Trust me, if someone is not close to you, she'll not appreciate that you spent money buying the asoebi. It might make you feel better, but it does not necessarily make her like you any more than she did before you bought. Some people buy the asoebi to curry favor with the bride or her family, but that's really just a waste of your resources. (She didn't like you before you bought it and she won't like you after). Stick to spending your hard earned money on those that really care. And enjoy the wedding season. Please feel free to keep sending us more questions and comments as we welcome your thoughts.