For generations, families in Nigeria have celebrated marriages with large, lavish weddings. However, rising living costs and high inflation are now forcing many young couples to rethink these traditions and choose much smaller celebrations.
In Lagos, 26-year-old data analyst Kemi Olabode and her 28-year-old husband Dare, a lawyer, decided to hold an intimate wedding instead of a big event. Although large family celebrations are traditional in their Yoruba culture, high prices made them feel that a big party was a waste of money. Instead, they saved their money to start a family, which helped them handle the costs of raising their young son, Fisayo.
Nigeria's economy faces high inflation, a weaker currency, and rising prices for fuel, transport, and food. These financial pressures mean many middle-class couples can no longer afford traditional events that often last for days and include hundreds of guests.
This shift is deeply affecting the local wedding industry. Wedding planner Khadijah Lawal said couples now ask for strict guest lists of only 30 to 50 people, compared to the open community celebrations of the past. Fashion designer Precious Adeola, who makes traditional matching outfits called asoebi, also reported a sharp drop in full wedding orders as small, low-key events become common.