Cost of Planning a Traditional Nigerian Wedding Ceremony

A traditional Nigerian Wedding ceremony is a glamorous celebration of culture, customs, and family, and the cost to pull it off can vary depending on your requirements.

But what’s the true cost of planning a traditional Nigerian wedding ceremony? This article will answer these questions and more. How large should your wedding budget be? And what expenses should you anticipate?

I’m Kae, a Nigerian wedding planner based in New Jersey, specializing in culturally rich and beautifully organized celebrations. I work with couples across the U.S. to create weddings that honor tradition while embracing modern elegance. Whether you're planning a multi-day event or blending cultures, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Have questions? I’d love to hear from you.

Factors that influence the cost of a traditional Nigerian wedding ceremony

Venue

Rental fees for your venue will vary depending on your preference. A wedding at the park costs less than a waterfront, mansion, or rooftop venue. Some Nigerian families cover the cost of the wedding venue. A wealthier family might opt for a high-end venue, while others might prefer a simpler, more understated location.

According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding venue in the U.S. is $12,800. In metropolitan areas like New York and New Jersey, luxury venues may range from $20,000 to $30,000+, especially with all-inclusive packages.

Tip: Budget $12,000 – $30,000+ for your venue

Food and Drinks

Catering is a major expense for Nigerian weddings, given the guest size and diversity of cuisine. According to The Knot, the average cost of catering is $85 per person, and an open bar adds another $3,000 to $10,500, depending on guest count and drink packages.

For a 300–400 person wedding, food and drinks can easily reach $30,000 – $50,000+, especially when including traditional dishes, appetizers, and dessert tables.

Tip: Budget $25,000 – $50,000+ for food and drinks for weddings over 300 guests.

Traditional Nigerian Wedding Attire

Attire is both a fashion statement and a symbol of cultural pride. Couples may have two or more outfit changes, including custom aso-oke, lace, isiagu, and gele sourced from Nigeria or made locally. While the average U.S. wedding gown costs $2,000, couture-level cultural attire can exceed that.

Tip: Your budget for wedding attire will depend on whether you're going with basic traditional attire or custom/couture fashion. Here's an estimate:

• Basic traditional attire: $1,000 – $5,000

• Custom/Couture: $7,000 – $15,000+

Wedding Décor

Cultural weddings require décor that reflects heritage, such as traditional throne seating, fabric draping, floral installations, and symbolic props. According to The Knot, decor costs average $3,800, but this can double or triple for custom builds and cultural displays.

Tip: Aim to budget $3,000 – $8,000+ for traditional Nigerian decor.

Guest List

Traditional Nigerian weddings often include 300+ guests. U.S. weddings average 115 guests, but Nigerian-American events regularly go beyond that, influencing venue size, food, drinks, décor, and favors. A 400-guest wedding at $300 per guest (venue, food, drinks, entertainment, etc.) totals $120,000. This equates to $75,000 – $150,000 (based on guest count and inclusions).

Kae did an amazing job planning our wedding. She was very professional & went above and beyond to make sure our special day went well. She’s very meticulous. Events by Kae is top tier! I look forward to working with her again. (Mrs. Erubare)

Aso-Ebi

Coordinated guest outfits are customary at traditional Nigerian weddings. Aso-Ebi (pronounced ah-shaw ay-bee) is a Yoruba term meaning “family cloth” or “cloth of the family.” In the context of Nigerian and West African weddings, it refers to coordinated outfits worn by friends, family, and guests to show unity, honor the couple, and visibly represent their connection to the celebration.

Aso-ebi can include matching headwraps, embroidery, or full ensembles. For this, you can expect to budget as follows:

• Small group coverage: $1,000 – $3,000

• Extended/high-end group coverage: $5,000 – $10,000+

  
  

Entertainment

Nigerian weddings are known for energetic entertainment. Live bands offering Fuji or Highlife music are common, while DJs are more cost-effective. Per The Knot, a DJ averages $1,700, while live bands can cost $4,000 – $7,000. This means you can expect to spend an estimated $1,500 – $6,000 on entertainment.

Guest Accommodation

Some families pay for accommodations for VIP guests or out-of-town relatives. A block of 10 rooms at $200 per night for two nights can quickly exceed $4,000. Depending on the number of out-of-town guests you'll be hosting, you can expect to spend $1,000 – $5,000.

Wedding Souvenirs

Nigerian weddings wouldn’t be complete without personalized gifts. These could include totes, mugs, fans, or candles with the couple’s names and wedding date. These items are not mandatory, but you can expect a cost of $500 – $3,000+.

Best Ways to Allocate Your Wedding Ceremony Budget

The Yoruba tradition often sees the bride’s family covering most of the costs, while in Igbo culture, the groom’s side traditionally carries the financial load. But today, many couples share expenses or cover the full event themselves. If that’s you, here are a few tips:

• Set a realistic budget and stick to it

• Hire a wedding planner who understands cultural weddings

• Choose high-impact décor pieces within budget

• Focus on one standout outfit instead of three

• Opt for a guest list you can truly manage

• Ask guests to cover their lodging if needed

• Book entertainment that fits your vibe and wallet

• Order fabrics or favors in bulk to save on shipping

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does a traditional Nigerian wedding cost in the U.S.?

A traditional Nigerian wedding in the U.S. typically costs between $50,000 to $150,000 or more, depending on factors like guest count, venue choice, catering, attire, décor, and entertainment. Larger weddings with over 300 guests and multiple outfit changes may fall on the higher end of that range. Working with a planner who understands cultural weddings can help you prioritize your budget without sacrificing tradition.

2. Who pays for a traditional Nigerian wedding?

Traditionally, the financial responsibility varies by tribe. In Igbo culture, the groom’s family often pays for the wedding. In Yoruba culture, the bride’s family may contribute more heavily or share costs. However, many modern couples, especially in the U.S., choose to split expenses themselves or get support from both families, depending on their financial circumstances.

3. Do I need a wedding planner for a traditional Nigerian wedding?

Yes! Especially for Nigerian weddings held in the U.S., which involve multiple cultural components like Aso-Ebi coordination, traditional ceremonies, outfit changes, guest list management, and vendor negotiations. A wedding planner familiar with Nigerian customs ensures your day runs smoothly, traditions are respected, and stress is kept to a minimum.

Conclusion: Cost of Planning a Traditional Nigerian Wedding Ceremony

The cost of planning a traditional Nigerian wedding ceremony in the U.S. can range from $50,000 to over $150,000, depending on guest count, location, and how elaborate the celebration is. While Nigerian weddings are rich in culture and joy, they don’t have to lead to financial strain.

As we say in Nigeria, “No go dey do pass yourself”. The great thing about working with a wedding planner who specializes in Nigerian weddings is that you get to celebrate beautifully, but responsibly.

Need assistance planning your Nigerian wedding in the US? Book a call with Events by Kae.