Wedding ceremonies in Nigeria culture are usually colorful, glamorous and flamboyant. In most parts, it is likened to a carnival due to its array of social engagements that span over many days. Besides being a tradition, the wedding ceremony is seen as a display of social affluence and a measure of economic wealth of the families and parties involved, many believe it to be a celebration of money as it usually rains naira and sometimes foreign currencies on this special occasion.
From time past, the celebration has always been a long and well-outlined series of events starting from “the itoro” (meaning Introduction in South West Nigeria), followed by chants and colorful depth of culture of the traditional wedding, the white wedding and then an elaborate reception. Recently, the norm is fast changing as we now have some of these event going on in no particular order and the inclusion of an energetic “after party” which is currently marking waves in its wedding ceremonies.
Considering the depth of display of culture, long chain of ceremonial events, its communal nature and other paparazzi, these weddings come with heavy financial obligations and responsibilities. Most of these responsibilities are traditionally expected to be borne by the groom, as the to-be-head of the family, which many times turns out to be too demanding for the gender to bear alone. Recently, some couples were into a deep argument when the woman felt the man was trying to shy away from his responsibilities when he asked that the woman should support their wedding budget knowing her affluent financial capacity. The woman maintained that no matter her financial buoyancy, the man should foot all the bills, stressing that it shows that he is financially capable of taking care of her in the marriage.
Considering the standing rule of who pays for what in Nigerian weddings, we would like to hear from you in the comment section, should men ask for support from their spouses for their wedding expenses or should they bear it alone as tradition stipulates?
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Image Credit: BighWeddings
Justina
My own is that wedding expenses should not be a burden that the couple should struggle hard to bear. What happens to cutting your coat according to your cloth? But because we go wan do pass ourselves, it will then become a hassle. Only two people are important in a wedding, the bride and groom who with the blessings of their parents has agreed to do. You see all those 5000 guests, they will just eat your jollof rice and go. Having said these, that doesn’t mean your wedding should not be classy like you want it. Determine what is worth spending money on and eliminate every unwanted expenses. The couple can now come together to determine who and who will pay for what. But for the groom to carry the whole expenses is so last century, unless you are being sold as a slave.