The most annoying wedding vendor in Nigeria is usually the caterer and believe me most brides do not even get to meet the caterer at all, from my experience, I will advice you attend one of your caterers scheduled event before you decide to take him/her on. You can also decide to go on with the contract if you have lots of referrals that you are comfortable with.

My wedding caterer messed up both the engagement and the wedding, thanks to back up from aunties and my nan. She wouldn’t even give the MoH food for the couple, she was only lucky I wasn’t a bridezilla…lol

Another wedding vendor that messed up was the Limo rental company. They did not provide the service and wouldn’t give a refund until we went to their office with uniform men- believe me this can only happen in Nigeria.

Before you all start thinking all my wedding vendors messed up, I actually had the opportunity of working with some fantastic vendors. To be honest my make-up artist was the best, she was highly professional, punctual, soft spoken and understood my needs and to top it all she is fantastic at her job. I will recommend her to everyone I know and do not know. Her name is Lolade- Dainty Affairs

You getting engaged will definitely be one of the most memorable and exciting moments in your life. For t­he first few weeks after the proposal, you are both filled with happiness and are eager to share the proposal story with anyone that cares to listen. You’ve met the man or woman you want to spend your life with, and you’ve decided to get hitched. Now it’s time to plan the official celebration of your love and commitment- the wedding.

As you plan this wonderful day, you both will continue to feel great happiness, with possibilities of being nervous and a little confusion. After all, organising a big ceremony can be an overwhelming task. There will be questions about anything and everything: from the meal, to the wedding dress and issues about budget but amidst all these you need to remember the day is about the celebration of love.

Stay focused, and be organised without driving yourselves crazy in the process. Welcome ideas from friends and family delegate responsibilities to friends and family that offer to help- you can not do it all. Try not to worry about things going wrong before they actually go wrong- don’t get worked up about every little detail and have a bit of laid-back attitude; it does make things go smoothly. Avoid postponing every thing you have to do so things don’t pile up as this will only leave you stressed and unhappy.

On your big day smile at people, dance till you drop…lol, Kiss your husband so much that people won’t stop talking about it. Just have fun, after all it is your wedding and it’s got to be all about you that day.

39 things to do to avoid last minute stress

6 – 12 months before the big day
 Decide on a date(s)
 Make an appointment with Clergyman
 Determine a budget.
 Have an estimate of the number of guests.
 Set the time, location of Ceremony, Rehearsal & Reception Venue.
 Choose Professional Photographer / Videographer / DJ/Live band
 Shop for wedding gown: Several fittings will be required especially if buying
 Obtain Decor & Music estimates; book services if possible.
 Choose brides maids and determine the number of people you want on the bridal party
 Pick a honeymoon destination: (renew passports & Obtain Visa information if required.)
 Begin selection of a Caterer and start making arrangements for drinks

5 months before the big day
 Finalize the estimated number of guests as it is not common to have an invite-only wedding in Nigeria.
 Make arrangements for invitations and wedding programme
 Decide on wedding colours and shortlist potential vendors for your decor
 Plan your reception. (Your choice of seating plan and the number of ushers required)
 Choose attire (aso ebi/ outfit for bride and groom for the traditional wedding ceremony)
 Start making honeymoon plans in order to bag a good deal.
 Decide on caterer and ensure you take your chosen caterer’s advice as they have the relevant experience
 Confirm delivery of bridal gown, and if you are getting yours made confirm with seamstress when you will be having you first fitting
 Shortlist potential bridal makeup artists and make an appointment to see their work
 Order wedding and engagement cakes.
 Arrange transportation for all members of bridal party to & from ceremony & reception locations.
 Go over details of reception with caterer / manager in charge of your reception venue.
 If you are renting any equipment, reserve it now. (Chairs, table, marquee)
 Decided on your wedding favours to avoid last minute rush

2 months before the big day
 Inform clergyman of all the details of your ceremony. You will need to show a copy of the programme.
 Plan rehearsal dinner.
 Select attendants’ gifts, grooms gift.
 Check all services.
 Make moving arrangements.
 Final dress fitting.

1 month before the big day
 Choose wedding bands.
 Send out invitations.
 Make room reservations for out of town guests.
 Check wedding party outfit.
 Confirm music arrangements & check selections.
 Get confirmation from all your vendors
 Discuss rehearsal dinner with hosts.
 Attend Bridal shower.