₦airaland Forum

Still up for sale, suit any budget

You can't afford to miss this property offer

4 bedrrom duplex on a plot of land for sale in palm estate, Akute.
Its a luxury apartment with the necessary document needed.
Am the direct owner am not an agent
You can reach me for inspection on 08083373302.

Asking price is just 18M

4 bedrrom duplex on a plot of land for sale in palm estate, Akute.
Its a luxury apartment with the necessary document needed.
Am the direct owner am not an agent
You can reach me for inspection on 08083373302.

Asking price is just 18M

4 bedrrom duplex on a plot of land for sale in palm estate, Akute.
Its a luxury apartment with the necessary document needed.
Am the direct owner am not an agent
You can reach me for inspection on 08083373302.

Asking price is just 18M

Perfect Budget Events.

The event is usually flamboyant, Yoruba people like to party. If you've been to any yoruba wedding ceremony you know its the same process everywhere. There's usually two Alaga's who I will liken to MC's, 1 to represent each family. One is Alaga Iduro (grooms family), and the other is Alaga Ijoko (brides family). These Alaga's negotiate and make sure the evnt flows seamlessly. They can sing, and dance very well...the funnier and well experienced an alaga is, the better. You dont want a dry wedding. Another thing...these alaga's know how to collect money trust me. They will collect almost every 5 minutes.

THE GROOM's ARRIVAL
In a Yoruba traditional wedding, the groom is always the first person to arrive, the first part of the whole marriage ceremony is to meet the families and pay bride price. Payment varies based on the bills given to pay.

It is customary for the groom to arrive with his friends and prostrate before the father inlaw 3 times, receive acceptance and prayers from them, then go to his parents and prostrate to receive their own prayers. If you never exercise, don’t dare join the grooms parade because those alaga’s go take your eyes do ween! Some will ask the groom to raise hands, stand at attention and start marching. I love Yoruba weddings.…oh yes, he begged to marry this bride. No shakara.

THE PROPOSAL LETTER
The grooms family presents a proposal letter. This proposal letter is presented to the brides family.

The bride's mom will receive it then shows it to the rest of the family, and then she kneels in front of her husband to collect money from him. She then brings out an acceptance letter which you can see her carrying and dancing, people come out to spray money again and then she hands it over to the inlaws.

The proposal letter (which is in a frame) is hung on the wall in our house)…imagine if you have 8 daughters…you’ll just display a long line of proposal letters. LOL

THE BRIDE's ARRIVAL

Now that things have exchanged hands it’s time for the bride to come out. A white transparent veil will be used to cover the face while the bride dance in. I had to go first to my parents, they prayed for me, I sat on their laps and kissed them each then I was escourted to my inlaw’s seat. I knelt down there, they prayed for me, opened the veil, I sat with them and dash them kiss too. Then I proceeded to go behind them to greet my inlaws family as you can see.

ERU IYAWO SECTION
The bride was later asked to go to the Eru Iyawo section, which is a small place set aside and decoragted with our photos, the items brought to pay the bride price i. e yams, fruits, drinks, jewelry etc and I was asked to pick what I like there. Traditionally the only thing you should pick there is a bible which is what I did, I danced with the bible to where the groom was.
I had to place his cap properly on his head as part of the traditional wedding, I swing the cap on my finger to show everybody before placing it on him. I knelt down, he prayed for his new bride and I asked him for garri money…he had to bring money from his pocket to give to me.
And that was the end, the rest was reception.


I have to give credit to the company (perfect budget events) that planned the whole events and coordinated it also perfect budgets events that transformed the hall with the latest and creative engagement deco, The hall looked very contemporary traditional. The cake was made by D pawn cakes, I called him only a few days to the wedding and he managed to deliver, even though that weekend was his dad's birthday Thank yo

With perfect Budget Events u can relax your mind, you can hve idea of my write up about Yoruba traditional marriage set up

You can count on this wedding package trending on d mainland now.

It applies, if u get a planner and a coordinator. professional ushers can help out too

SITTING ETIQUETTES IN WEDDING RECEPTION.

one of the most common concerns Brides and Grooms face is the reception seating plan. For the couple having a sit-down dinner or formal buffet reception, it is customary for the couple to determine the seating arrangements and provide seating or escort cards for their guests.
While the seating plan can be viewed as an annoyance or even a nightmare, a well thought out seating plan assures that guests are seated with other guests with common interests. Advance thought and planning can make your guests feel special and avoid the hurt feelings that often result with a hap-hazard seating plan or open seating plan. If your reception is less formal, then an open seating plan may work, but you should consider reserving a few tables for elderly guests and immediate family. When you begin the seating plan, you will have to address several issues including where you and the bridal party will sit, as well as where your parents will be seated.
Here are our Top 5 Seating Etiquettes in wedding which we hope will provide some guidance.

1. Seating for Bride and Groom? When it comes to seating for the Bride and Groom, the only sure rule for wedding seating etiquette is that the bride and the groom sit side by side with the bride seated on the groom’s left. The couple can elect to sit by themselves at a Sweetheart Dais and have their wedding party seated with their husbands, wives, fiancés and significant others at the two tables adjacent or closest to the dais table or the wedding party can be seated with other guests throughout the room. The second option is to have a large dais table where the bride and groom are seated with the entire wedding party. Most couples are moving away from the larger dais because it separates the bridal party from their dates.

2.Who sits where? Traditionally the Bride and Groom arrange seating around the bridal table. Typically the bride’s and groom’s parents “host” their own table consisting of their family members and close friends. Family and the bridal party are generally seated closest to the Bride and Groom followed by friends, co-workers, neighbors etc. Remember to be considerate of older guests who may not enjoy sitting close to the band or DJ.

3. Who sits with whom? As a general rule, try seating groups either by their relationship to you or their age group. While it’s a great idea to mix it up, remember that people are most comfortable when sitting with people they know. If there are guests invited who do not know anyone else, consider their interests and age group and seat them accordingly.

4. How to seat divorced parents? In the case of divorced parents, have each parent host his or her own table to diffuse any awkwardness or discomfort. Assign your mother one table, with her close family and friends, and your father another. Just be sure not to seat one parent at the bridal table, but not the other. Also, in considering where the tables are physically located in the ballroom, determine whether you can have the tables close to each other or if it will be better for everyone if the tables are on different sides of the room.

5. Where to seat children? If you plan on having children at your reception, seating the children can sometimes be tricky. Oftentimes, it is preferable to seat young children with their parents; older children can be seated with their parents or on a table together. A children’s table can be great for parents, but can be potentially disruptive to other guests if the children are without supervision. If you go with a children’s table make sure the parents of the children are seated nearby, or that there is someone assigned to supervise the children at their table.

SITTING ETIQUETTES IN WEDDING RECEPTION.

one of the most common concerns Brides and Grooms face is the reception seating plan. For the couple having a sit-down dinner or formal buffet reception, it is customary for the couple to determine the seating arrangements and provide seating or escort cards for their guests.
While the seating plan can be viewed as an annoyance or even a nightmare, a well thought out seating plan assures that guests are seated with other guests with common interests. Advance thought and planning can make your guests feel special and avoid the hurt feelings that often result with a hap-hazard seating plan or open seating plan. If your reception is less formal, then an open seating plan may work, but you should consider reserving a few tables for elderly guests and immediate family. When you begin the seating plan, you will have to address several issues including where you and the bridal party will sit, as well as where your parents will be seated.
Here are our Top 5 Seating Etiquettes in wedding which we hope will provide some guidance.

1. Seating for Bride and Groom? When it comes to seating for the Bride and Groom, the only sure rule for wedding seating etiquette is that the bride and the groom sit side by side with the bride seated on the groom’s left. The couple can elect to sit by themselves at a Sweetheart Dais and have their wedding party seated with their husbands, wives, fiancés and significant others at the two tables adjacent or closest to the dais table or the wedding party can be seated with other guests throughout the room. The second option is to have a large dais table where the bride and groom are seated with the entire wedding party. Most couples are moving away from the larger dais because it separates the bridal party from their dates.

2.Who sits where? Traditionally the Bride and Groom arrange seating around the bridal table. Typically the bride’s and groom’s parents “host” their own table consisting of their family members and close friends. Family and the bridal party are generally seated closest to the Bride and Groom followed by friends, co-workers, neighbors etc. Remember to be considerate of older guests who may not enjoy sitting close to the band or DJ.

3. Who sits with whom? As a general rule, try seating groups either by their relationship to you or their age group. While it’s a great idea to mix it up, remember that people are most comfortable when sitting with people they know. If there are guests invited who do not know anyone else, consider their interests and age group and seat them accordingly.

4. How to seat divorced parents? In the case of divorced parents, have each parent host his or her own table to diffuse any awkwardness or discomfort. Assign your mother one table, with her close family and friends, and your father another. Just be sure not to seat one parent at the bridal table, but not the other. Also, in considering where the tables are physically located in the ballroom, determine whether you can have the tables close to each other or if it will be better for everyone if the tables are on different sides of the room.

5. Where to seat children? If you plan on having children at your reception, seating the children can sometimes be tricky. Oftentimes, it is preferable to seat young children with their parents; older children can be seated with their parents or on a table together. A children’s table can be great for parents, but can be potentially disruptive to other guests if the children are without supervision. If you go with a children’s table make sure the parents of the children are seated nearby, or that there is someone assigned to supervise the children at their table.

5 SITTING ETIQUETTES IN WEDDING RECEPTION.

one of the most common concerns Brides and Grooms face is the reception seating plan. For the couple having a sit-down dinner or formal buffet reception, it is customary for the couple to determine the seating arrangements and provide seating or escort cards for their guests.
While the seating plan can be viewed as an annoyance or even a nightmare, a well thought out seating plan assures that guests are seated with other guests with common interests. Advance thought and planning can make your guests feel special and avoid the hurt feelings that often result with a hap-hazard seating plan or open seating plan. If your reception is less formal, then an open seating plan may work, but you should consider reserving a few tables for elderly guests and immediate family. When you begin the seating plan, you will have to address several issues including where you and the bridal party will sit, as well as where your parents will be seated.
Here are our Top 5 Seating Etiquettes in wedding which we hope will provide some guidance.

1. Seating for Bride and Groom? When it comes to seating for the Bride and Groom, the only sure rule for wedding seating etiquette is that the bride and the groom sit side by side with the bride seated on the groom’s left. The couple can elect to sit by themselves at a Sweetheart Dais and have their wedding party seated with their husbands, wives, fiancés and significant others at the two tables adjacent or closest to the dais table or the wedding party can be seated with other guests throughout the room. The second option is to have a large dais table where the bride and groom are seated with the entire wedding party. Most couples are moving away from the larger dais because it separates the bridal party from their dates.

2.Who sits where? Traditionally the Bride and Groom arrange seating around the bridal table. Typically the bride’s and groom’s parents “host” their own table consisting of their family members and close friends. Family and the bridal party are generally seated closest to the Bride and Groom followed by friends, co-workers, neighbors etc. Remember to be considerate of older guests who may not enjoy sitting close to the band or DJ.

3. Who sits with whom? As a general rule, try seating groups either by their relationship to you or their age group. While it’s a great idea to mix it up, remember that people are most comfortable when sitting with people they know. If there are guests invited who do not know anyone else, consider their interests and age group and seat them accordingly.

4. How to seat divorced parents? In the case of divorced parents, have each parent host his or her own table to diffuse any awkwardness or discomfort. Assign your mother one table, with her close family and friends, and your father another. Just be sure not to seat one parent at the bridal table, but not the other. Also, in considering where the tables are physically located in the ballroom, determine whether you can have the tables close to each other or if it will be better for everyone if the tables are on different sides of the room.

5. Where to seat children? If you plan on having children at your reception, seating the children can sometimes be tricky. Oftentimes, it is preferable to seat young children with their parents; older children can be seated with their parents or on a table together. A children’s table can be great for parents, but can be potentially disruptive to other guests if the children are without supervision. If you go with a children’s table make sure the parents of the children are seated nearby, or that there is someone assigned to supervise the children at their table.

With the 1.8M full wedding package u can be guaranteed of the best hall in Ojodu Berger/ Ikeja. We know the halls, we hve used them countless times and we are still using them, we know the best halls.......

Gabivies isn't d best, a hall DAT has hosted up to 94 weddings within d space of two 2years is d best, u can buzz me to knw the hall..........08083373302.

5 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN PLANNING YOUR NEXT EVENT.

When it comes to planning an event, it can be rough. You not only have to worry about all the details that are major, but you have to deal with all the little things. You may find that there are some reoccurring problems that you have when you plan events. Each problem that you run into should teach you some kind of lesson for the next event.

Panicking: The first thing that you should avoid when it comes to planning your next event is getting overwhelmed with details. If the event is getting bigger and bigger and you’ve seemed to lost control over things, you need to get backup. It’s hard to plan an event, especially if it is a very important event. You have to plan where you are going to have the event, the theme, the decorations, the food, the caterers, the supplies, and the budget. You need to make sure that you stay within a budget, but get everything done. This is when you need an assistant.

Get an assistant"
If you don’t have an assistant you will have an emotional breakdown and it could ruin the event. Depending on your personality, the breakdown can be crucial. This is the way you need an assistant. Don’t get overwhelmed with things. When it comes to using an assistant you can leave them the minor things like fetching, fixing, decorating, and all the small details that you should never worry about.
Fail to plan.Plan to Fail: The second pitfall that you need to avoid is the bar and food. If you are going to have a catered dinner or event, you need to make sure that you have a written contract upon hiring. The contract needs to state the money, the food, and basically what you expect from the amount of money that you are paying.

Even put the times when they need to show up in the contract or you may end up with irresponsible caters. You need to make sure that the food looks and taste good. You don’t want to have people looking at you with disappointment.

Not Getting a Written Contract: The third pitfall to avoid has to deal with contracts. Get a contract written for everything. It can be on a tablecloth if you must. Just make sure that you have it in writing what you are paying them, why you are paying them, what you expect from them, and the day and times that they need to show up with the goods.

If you don’t, you will end up having someone come to you saying that they overbooked or they have increased the costs.

Spending too much: The fourth pitfall to avoid is bankruptcy. Make sure that you set a budget for your event. The way to successfully set budget is to set a least and the most amounts. For example, you can pay at least 1,000,000 for the party, but you can go to 1,500,000. Then you aim for the average, so you would like to have a 1,250,000 party. If you set your budget like that you know exactly if you need to cut the corners or if you can expand somewhere on the party. You will also be more successful if you set yourself some limits. You’ll be more likely to be under budget.

Being too Relaxed: The fifth and final pitfall to avoid is relaxing too far in advance. A lot of people will plan an event so far ahead that they think that they can take it easy the day before or even the day of the party or event. You need to realize that when you find extra time to relax, make some phone calls.

Make sure that everyone is on the same page so that when the day comes you don’t run around like a chicken with its head cut off. You can take the day of the event with a relaxed pace because you were on top of things the day before.

..........Perfect Budget Events

You’ve narrowed down your wedding venues, but how do you make the final call? Go SEE them (and if you can’t, set up a video call to view them! Heck, Data is Cheap now ). A site visit is a sure way for you to determine if you can envision your wedding there, and you’ll be able to see first hand the room configurations.

HERE ARE THE TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE:

1. Capacity
How many people can fit and are allowed to fit in the venue – does it fit with your invite list and budget?

2. Bathrooms
How many? If there are only 2 and you are planning a large wedding you either need to move to the next venue or if your heart is set there, think of alternative options like luxury mobile restrooms or you can get the cheaper ones (DMT mobile toilet) if you are on a budget. These aren’t as bad as they sound.

3. Catering
Do they require the use of their catering (most hotels will do this) or do you have the flexibility to pick your own caterer and/or your own menu? Hotels are notorious “menu set” in that you only can pick from their options, which limits you on bringing your personality to the table.

4. Furniture
Does the venue provide furniture (i.e. tables, chairs, linens, glassware)? If not, this will fall on the caterer and could cost more.

5. Staff
What support staff do they provide, if any? If a hotel, expect that they will. If it is a raw venue they’ll probably just provide one representative onsite and maybe security – the rest is up to you. If you don’t have a dedicated planner, consider hiring an outside day-of planner to help everything run smoothly.

6. Staff attire
What does the staff wear? If you have a theme for the event, you may want to ask to add something to that attire.

7. Parking
Where will your guest's park? And can you comp or host the valet that evening for your guests if there is only paid parking (read: cities).

8. Ceremony
If you want the ceremony held at the venue, can the venue accommodate the request? Is this something they have done previously?

9. Sunlight
If your ceremony or reception is during daylight hours, where does the sunlight hit the room? Try to visit the venue during a similar time – we’ve been to weddings where this wasn’t considered and you couldn’t even see the bride and groom during the wedding

10. Referrals
Always ask for a couple referrals and talk to them, they’ll help you understand any challenges that they might have had and any pitfalls worth considering now

You’ve narrowed down your wedding venues, but how do you make the final call? Go SEE them (and if you can’t, set up a video call to view them! Heck, Data is Cheap now ). A site visit is a sure way for you to determine if you can envision your wedding there, and you’ll be able to see first hand the room configurations.

HERE ARE THE TEN QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE:

1. Capacity
How many people can fit and are allowed to fit in the venue – does it fit with your invite list and budget?

2. Bathrooms
How many? If there are only 2 and you are planning a large wedding you either need to move to the next venue or if your heart is set there, think of alternative options like luxury mobile restrooms or you can get the cheaper ones (DMT mobile toilet) if you are on a budget. These aren’t as bad as they sound.

3. Catering
Do they require the use of their catering (most hotels will do this) or do you have the flexibility to pick your own caterer and/or your own menu? Hotels are notorious “menu set” in that you only can pick from their options, which limits you on bringing your personality to the table.

4. Furniture
Does the venue provide furniture (i.e. tables, chairs, linens, glassware)? If not, this will fall on the caterer and could cost more.

5. Staff
What support staff do they provide, if any? If a hotel, expect that they will. If it is a raw venue they’ll probably just provide one representative onsite and maybe security – the rest is up to you. If you don’t have a dedicated planner, consider hiring an outside day-of planner to help everything run smoothly.

6. Staff attire
What does the staff wear? If you have a theme for the event, you may want to ask to add something to that attire.

7. Parking
Where will your guest's park? And can you comp or host the valet that evening for your guests if there is only paid parking (read: cities).

8. Ceremony
If you want the ceremony held at the venue, can the venue accommodate the request? Is this something they have done previously?

9. Sunlight
If your ceremony or reception is during daylight hours, where does the sunlight hit the room? Try to visit the venue during a similar time – we’ve been to weddings where this wasn’t considered and you couldn’t even see the bride and groom during the wedding

10. Referrals
Always ask for a couple referrals and talk to them, they’ll help you understand any challenges that they might have had and any pitfalls worth considering now
Lydia Halls will give you all this and make you enjoy the environment.

WEDDING BUDGETS
Budgeting should be among the first smart things to do. If not the very first, should be somewhere between announcing to your folks, friends and picking a date. I've known a few who weren't solvent enough, that picked a date and then waited on a prayer, only to be disappointed in the end, and felt really embarrassed before their friends.

There are several options to creating a wedding budget that you can afford;
1. Folks can decide to contribute a specific amount, and then the couple decides on a wedding budget and makes up any difference themselves.

2. Folks can say that they want to pay for specific items such as the bride's attire, the catering or the wines. The couple then has to figure out how to pay for everything else.

3. The couple can set a budget and then ask to split it evenly. This way, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, can each contribute N500000, for a total of a N2,000,000 wedding budget. This is not a bad idea at all for fams, where the parents have split.

Then, depending on your area and taste/class (if you know what I mean), budgeting about N1,500 (for an average Naija wedding oo) per wedding guest will give you a good start. This allows for about N750 a head for catering, and the remaining N750 goes towards everything else – flowers, attire, etc. Of course, if you are only having 10 guests, you may have trouble paying for everything else with only N7500, but it is a good point to start. This starting point fits with the general rule of the more guests, the more formal and lavish the wedding.

So to figure out a basic wedding budget, you can start off by using a basic budget planning worksheet to figure out the basics. Don't get fuddled just yet. cheesy Here's what one should look like;

Your Total Budget ___________

Expenses;

Ceremony
Location fee, officiant fee, marriage licence, musician's fees, ring pillows____________
Reception
Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors____________
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders____________
Rings
Yours and Groom's rings, engraving____________
Flowers
Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket e.t.c.____________
Music
Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental____________
Photography
Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids____________
Transportation
Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants____________
Stationery
Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book____________
Gifts
Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

Put the amounts you consider fit or that you already know (e.g cost of the hall rental), against these first (individually and then sum them up), even though their total sum might spill over your intended round figure. And then you make adjustments, so they can fit your plan. For instance, 150 chairs can be reduced to prolly 140, cos exactly 150 people might not attend, or you can trust children and even some adults, to not wanna be held down on a spot, by no force in this world. Lol. As well, you can ask other brides around you, what they spent on vendors to figure out if these numbers you fix are realistic, or need to be adjusted.

Again, adjustment of your budget numbers should only reflect your priorities. While it is likely that you may die to have a photographer from mars, you could be a hundred percent certain that you would die and kill to have that J-lo's kind of wedding dress.

Lastly, you still have to try saving on your wedding budget. You're going to have to do more than just reducing those things you need, by actually crossing off the excesses. I mean, while it may sound wonderful to serve Rice and Soup, it isn't exactly brilliant to serve Jollof, White Rice, Coconut Rice, Fried Rice, Rice Pudding, Puffed Rice and any other miraculous Rice alongside only Egusi soup with eba. You could even trim your wedding guest list, save money on the church decorations, ask recently married friends how much they used and paid for stuff, ask friends in the wedding industry to help you out; giving discounts where possible and even change the day of the week to maybe having the observance on a week night! cheesy


If these numbers still do not work out, ask or remind yourself of what's really important to you. Perhaps it's better to have a small wedding now, and then renew your wedding vows in two, five or ten years when you can or might have been able to save for the big party.

Once you've set a budget, stick to it. It's easier to say than do, I know. But an important thing it is, to do in

WEDDING BUDGETS
Budgeting should be among the first smart things to do. If not the very first, should be somewhere between announcing to your folks, friends and picking a date. I've known a few who weren't solvent enough, that picked a date and then waited on a prayer, only to be disappointed in the end, and felt really embarrassed before their friends.

There are several options to creating a wedding budget that you can afford;
1. Folks can decide to contribute a specific amount, and then the couple decides on a wedding budget and makes up any difference themselves.

2. Folks can say that they want to pay for specific items such as the bride's attire, the catering or the wines. The couple then has to figure out how to pay for everything else.

3. The couple can set a budget and then ask to split it evenly. This way, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, can each contribute N500000, for a total of a N2,000,000 wedding budget. This is not a bad idea at all for fams, where the parents have split.

Then, depending on your area and taste/class (if you know what I mean), budgeting about N1,500 (for an average Naija wedding oo) per wedding guest will give you a good start. This allows for about N750 a head for catering, and the remaining N750 goes towards everything else – flowers, attire, etc. Of course, if you are only having 10 guests, you may have trouble paying for everything else with only N7500, but it is a good point to start. This starting point fits with the general rule of the more guests, the more formal and lavish the wedding.

So to figure out a basic wedding budget, you can start off by using a basic budget planning worksheet to figure out the basics. Don't get fuddled just yet. cheesy Here's what one should look like;

Your Total Budget ___________

Expenses;

Ceremony
Location fee, officiant fee, marriage licence, musician's fees, ring pillows____________
Reception
Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors____________
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders____________
Rings
Yours and Groom's rings, engraving____________
Flowers
Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket e.t.c.____________
Music
Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental____________
Photography
Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids____________
Transportation
Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants____________
Stationery
Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book____________
Gifts
Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

Put the amounts you consider fit or that you already know (e.g cost of the hall rental), against these first (individually and then sum them up), even though their total sum might spill over your intended round figure. And then you make adjustments, so they can fit your plan. For instance, 150 chairs can be reduced to prolly 140, cos exactly 150 people might not attend, or you can trust children and even some adults, to not wanna be held down on a spot, by no force in this world. Lol. As well, you can ask other brides around you, what they spent on vendors to figure out if these numbers you fix are realistic, or need to be adjusted.

Again, adjustment of your budget numbers should only reflect your priorities. While it is likely that you may die to have a photographer from mars, you could be a hundred percent certain that you would die and kill to have that J-lo's kind of wedding dress.

Lastly, you still have to try saving on your wedding budget. You're going to have to do more than just reducing those things you need, by actually crossing off the excesses. I mean, while it may sound wonderful to serve Rice and Soup, it isn't exactly brilliant to serve Jollof, White Rice, Coconut Rice, Fried Rice, Rice Pudding, Puffed Rice and any other miraculous Rice alongside only Egusi soup with eba. You could even trim your wedding guest list, save money on the church decorations, ask recently married friends how much they used and paid for stuff, ask friends in the wedding industry to help you out; giving discounts where possible and even change the day of the week to maybe having the observance on a week night! cheesy


If these numbers still do not work out, ask or remind yourself of what's really important to you. Perhaps it's better to have a small wedding now, and then renew your wedding vows in two, five or ten years when you can or might have been able to save for the big party.

Once you've set a budget, stick to it. It's easier to say than do, I know. But an important thing it is, to do in

WEDDING BUDGETS
Budgeting should be among the first smart things to do. If not the very first, should be somewhere between announcing to your folks, friends and picking a date. I've known a few who weren't solvent enough, that picked a date and then waited on a prayer, only to be disappointed in the end, and felt really embarrassed before their friends.

There are several options to creating a wedding budget that you can afford;
1. Folks can decide to contribute a specific amount, and then the couple decides on a wedding budget and makes up any difference themselves.

2. Folks can say that they want to pay for specific items such as the bride's attire, the catering or the wines. The couple then has to figure out how to pay for everything else.

3. The couple can set a budget and then ask to split it evenly. This way, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, can each contribute N500000, for a total of a N2,000,000 wedding budget. This is not a bad idea at all for fams, where the parents have split.

Then, depending on your area and taste/class (if you know what I mean), budgeting about N1,500 (for an average Naija wedding oo) per wedding guest will give you a good start. This allows for about N750 a head for catering, and the remaining N750 goes towards everything else – flowers, attire, etc. Of course, if you are only having 10 guests, you may have trouble paying for everything else with only N7500, but it is a good point to start. This starting point fits with the general rule of the more guests, the more formal and lavish the wedding.

So to figure out a basic wedding budget, you can start off by using a basic budget planning worksheet to figure out the basics. Don't get fuddled just yet. cheesy Here's what one should look like;

Your Total Budget ___________

Expenses;

Ceremony
Location fee, officiant fee, marriage licence, musician's fees, ring pillows____________
Reception
Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors____________
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders____________
Rings
Yours and Groom's rings, engraving____________
Flowers
Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket e.t.c.____________
Music
Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental____________
Photography
Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids____________
Transportation
Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants____________
Stationery
Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book____________
Gifts
Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

Put the amounts you consider fit or that you already know (e.g cost of the hall rental), against these first (individually and then sum them up), even though their total sum might spill over your intended round figure. And then you make adjustments, so they can fit your plan. For instance, 150 chairs can be reduced to prolly 140, cos exactly 150 people might not attend, or you can trust children and even some adults, to not wanna be held down on a spot, by no force in this world. Lol. As well, you can ask other brides around you, what they spent on vendors to figure out if these numbers you fix are realistic, or need to be adjusted.

Again, adjustment of your budget numbers should only reflect your priorities. While it is likely that you may die to have a photographer from mars, you could be a hundred percent certain that you would die and kill to have that J-lo's kind of wedding dress.

Lastly, you still have to try saving on your wedding budget. You're going to have to do more than just reducing those things you need, by actually crossing off the excesses. I mean, while it may sound wonderful to serve Rice and Soup, it isn't exactly brilliant to serve Jollof, White Rice, Coconut Rice, Fried Rice, Rice Pudding, Puffed Rice and any other miraculous Rice alongside only Egusi soup with eba. You could even trim your wedding guest list, save money on the church decorations, ask recently married friends how much they used and paid for stuff, ask friends in the wedding industry to help you out; giving discounts where possible and even change the day of the week to maybe having the observance on a week night! cheesy


If these numbers still do not work out, ask or remind yourself of what's really important to you. Perhaps it's better to have a small wedding now, and then renew your wedding vows in two, five or ten years when you can or might have been able to save for the big party.

Once you've set a budget, stick to it. It's easier to say than do, I know. But an important thing it is, to do in

WEDDING BUDGETS
Budgeting should be among the first smart things to do. If not the very first, should be somewhere between announcing to your folks, friends and picking a date. I've known a few who weren't solvent enough, that picked a date and then waited on a prayer, only to be disappointed in the end, and felt really embarrassed before their friends.

There are several options to creating a wedding budget that you can afford;
1. Folks can decide to contribute a specific amount, and then the couple decides on a wedding budget and makes up any difference themselves.

2. Folks can say that they want to pay for specific items such as the bride's attire, the catering or the wines. The couple then has to figure out how to pay for everything else.

3. The couple can set a budget and then ask to split it evenly. This way, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, can each contribute N500000, for a total of a N2,000,000 wedding budget. This is not a bad idea at all for fams, where the parents have split.

Then, depending on your area and taste/class (if you know what I mean), budgeting about N1,500 (for an average Naija wedding oo) per wedding guest will give you a good start. This allows for about N750 a head for catering, and the remaining N750 goes towards everything else – flowers, attire, etc. Of course, if you are only having 10 guests, you may have trouble paying for everything else with only N7500, but it is a good point to start. This starting point fits with the general rule of the more guests, the more formal and lavish the wedding.

So to figure out a basic wedding budget, you can start off by using a basic budget planning worksheet to figure out the basics. Don't get fuddled just yet. cheesy Here's what one should look like;

Your Total Budget ___________

Expenses;

Ceremony
Location fee, officiant fee, marriage licence, musician's fees, ring pillows____________
Reception
Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors____________
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders____________
Rings
Yours and Groom's rings, engraving____________
Flowers
Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket e.t.c.____________
Music
Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental____________
Photography
Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids____________
Transportation
Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants____________
Stationery
Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book____________
Gifts
Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

Put the amounts you consider fit or that you already know (e.g cost of the hall rental), against these first (individually and then sum them up), even though their total sum might spill over your intended round figure. And then you make adjustments, so they can fit your plan. For instance, 150 chairs can be reduced to prolly 140, cos exactly 150 people might not attend, or you can trust children and even some adults, to not wanna be held down on a spot, by no force in this world. Lol. As well, you can ask other brides around you, what they spent on vendors to figure out if these numbers you fix are realistic, or need to be adjusted.

Again, adjustment of your budget numbers should only reflect your priorities. While it is likely that you may die to have a photographer from mars, you could be a hundred percent certain that you would die and kill to have that J-lo's kind of wedding dress.

Lastly, you still have to try saving on your wedding budget. You're going to have to do more than just reducing those things you need, by actually crossing off the excesses. I mean, while it may sound wonderful to serve Rice and Soup, it isn't exactly brilliant to serve Jollof, White Rice, Coconut Rice, Fried Rice, Rice Pudding, Puffed Rice and any other miraculous Rice alongside only Egusi soup with eba. You could even trim your wedding guest list, save money on the church decorations, ask recently married friends how much they used and paid for stuff, ask friends in the wedding industry to help you out; giving discounts where possible and even change the day of the week to maybe having the observance on a week night! cheesy


If these numbers still do not work out, ask or remind yourself of what's really important to you. Perhaps it's better to have a small wedding now, and then renew your wedding vows in two, five or ten years when you can or might have been able to save for the big party.

Once you've set a budget, stick to it. It's easier to say than do, I know. But an important thing it is, to do in

WEDDING BUDGETS
Budgeting should be among the first smart things to do. If not the very first, should be somewhere between announcing to your folks, friends and picking a date. I've known a few who weren't solvent enough, that picked a date and then waited on a prayer, only to be disappointed in the end, and felt really embarrassed before their friends.

There are several options to creating a wedding budget that you can afford;
1. Folks can decide to contribute a specific amount, and then the couple decides on a wedding budget and makes up any difference themselves.

2. Folks can say that they want to pay for specific items such as the bride's attire, the catering or the wines. The couple then has to figure out how to pay for everything else.

3. The couple can set a budget and then ask to split it evenly. This way, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, can each contribute N500000, for a total of a N2,000,000 wedding budget. This is not a bad idea at all for fams, where the parents have split.

Then, depending on your area and taste/class (if you know what I mean), budgeting about N1,500 (for an average Naija wedding oo) per wedding guest will give you a good start. This allows for about N750 a head for catering, and the remaining N750 goes towards everything else – flowers, attire, etc. Of course, if you are only having 10 guests, you may have trouble paying for everything else with only N7500, but it is a good point to start. This starting point fits with the general rule of the more guests, the more formal and lavish the wedding.

So to figure out a basic wedding budget, you can start off by using a basic budget planning worksheet to figure out the basics. Don't get fuddled just yet. cheesy Here's what one should look like;

Your Total Budget ___________

Expenses;

Ceremony
Location fee, officiant fee, marriage licence, musician's fees, ring pillows____________
Reception
Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors____________
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders____________
Rings
Yours and Groom's rings, engraving____________
Flowers
Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket e.t.c.____________
Music
Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental____________
Photography
Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids____________
Transportation
Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants____________
Stationery
Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book____________
Gifts
Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

Put the amounts you consider fit or that you already know (e.g cost of the hall rental), against these first (individually and then sum them up), even though their total sum might spill over your intended round figure. And then you make adjustments, so they can fit your plan. For instance, 150 chairs can be reduced to prolly 140, cos exactly 150 people might not attend, or you can trust children and even some adults, to not wanna be held down on a spot, by no force in this world. Lol. As well, you can ask other brides around you, what they spent on vendors to figure out if these numbers you fix are realistic, or need to be adjusted.

Again, adjustment of your budget numbers should only reflect your priorities. While it is likely that you may die to have a photographer from mars, you could be a hundred percent certain that you would die and kill to have that J-lo's kind of wedding dress.

Lastly, you still have to try saving on your wedding budget. You're going to have to do more than just reducing those things you need, by actually crossing off the excesses. I mean, while it may sound wonderful to serve Rice and Soup, it isn't exactly brilliant to serve Jollof, White Rice, Coconut Rice, Fried Rice, Rice Pudding, Puffed Rice and any other miraculous Rice alongside only Egusi soup with eba. You could even trim your wedding guest list, save money on the church decorations, ask recently married friends how much they used and paid for stuff, ask friends in the wedding industry to help you out; giving discounts where possible and even change the day of the week to maybe having the observance on a week night! cheesy


If these numbers still do not work out, ask or remind yourself of what's really important to you. Perhaps it's better to have a small wedding now, and then renew your wedding vows in two, five or ten years when you can or might have been able to save for the big party.

Once you've set a budget, stick to it. It's easier to say than do, I know. But an important thing it is, to do in

WEDDING BUDGETS
Budgeting should be among the first smart things to do. If not the very first, should be somewhere between announcing to your folks, friends and picking a date. I've known a few who weren't solvent enough, that picked a date and then waited on a prayer, only to be disappointed in the end, and felt really embarrassed before their friends.

There are several options to creating a wedding budget that you can afford;
1. Folks can decide to contribute a specific amount, and then the couple decides on a wedding budget and makes up any difference themselves.

2. Folks can say that they want to pay for specific items such as the bride's attire, the catering or the wines. The couple then has to figure out how to pay for everything else.

3. The couple can set a budget and then ask to split it evenly. This way, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, can each contribute N500000, for a total of a N2,000,000 wedding budget. This is not a bad idea at all for fams, where the parents have split.

Then, depending on your area and taste/class (if you know what I mean), budgeting about N1,500 (for an average Naija wedding oo) per wedding guest will give you a good start. This allows for about N750 a head for catering, and the remaining N750 goes towards everything else – flowers, attire, etc. Of course, if you are only having 10 guests, you may have trouble paying for everything else with only N7500, but it is a good point to start. This starting point fits with the general rule of the more guests, the more formal and lavish the wedding.

So to figure out a basic wedding budget, you can start off by using a basic budget planning worksheet to figure out the basics. Don't get fuddled just yet. cheesy Here's what one should look like;

Your Total Budget ___________

Expenses;

Ceremony
Location fee, officiant fee, marriage licence, musician's fees, ring pillows____________
Reception
Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors____________
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders____________
Rings
Yours and Groom's rings, engraving____________
Flowers
Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket e.t.c.____________
Music
Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental____________
Photography
Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids____________
Transportation
Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants____________
Stationery
Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book____________
Gifts
Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

Put the amounts you consider fit or that you already know (e.g cost of the hall rental), against these first (individually and then sum them up), even though their total sum might spill over your intended round figure. And then you make adjustments, so they can fit your plan. For instance, 150 chairs can be reduced to prolly 140, cos exactly 150 people might not attend, or you can trust children and even some adults, to not wanna be held down on a spot, by no force in this world. Lol. As well, you can ask other brides around you, what they spent on vendors to figure out if these numbers you fix are realistic, or need to be adjusted.

Again, adjustment of your budget numbers should only reflect your priorities. While it is likely that you may die to have a photographer from mars, you could be a hundred percent certain that you would die and kill to have that J-lo's kind of wedding dress.

Lastly, you still have to try saving on your wedding budget. You're going to have to do more than just reducing those things you need, by actually crossing off the excesses. I mean, while it may sound wonderful to serve Rice and Soup, it isn't exactly brilliant to serve Jollof, White Rice, Coconut Rice, Fried Rice, Rice Pudding, Puffed Rice and any other miraculous Rice alongside only Egusi soup with eba. You could even trim your wedding guest list, save money on the church decorations, ask recently married friends how much they used and paid for stuff, ask friends in the wedding industry to help you out; giving discounts where possible and even change the day of the week to maybe having the observance on a week night! cheesy


If these numbers still do not work out, ask or remind yourself of what's really important to you. Perhaps it's better to have a small wedding now, and then renew your wedding vows in two, five or ten years when you can or might have been able to save for the big party.

Once you've set a budget, stick to it. It's easier to say than do, I know. But an important thing it is, to do in

WEDDING BUDGETS
Budgeting should be among the first smart things to do. If not the very first, should be somewhere between announcing to your folks, friends and picking a date. I've known a few who weren't solvent enough, that picked a date and then waited on a prayer, only to be disappointed in the end, and felt really embarrassed before their friends.

There are several options to creating a wedding budget that you can afford;
1. Folks can decide to contribute a specific amount, and then the couple decides on a wedding budget and makes up any difference themselves.

2. Folks can say that they want to pay for specific items such as the bride's attire, the catering or the wines. The couple then has to figure out how to pay for everything else.

3. The couple can set a budget and then ask to split it evenly. This way, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom, can each contribute N500000, for a total of a N2,000,000 wedding budget. This is not a bad idea at all for fams, where the parents have split.

Then, depending on your area and taste/class (if you know what I mean), budgeting about N1,500 (for an average Naija wedding oo) per wedding guest will give you a good start. This allows for about N750 a head for catering, and the remaining N750 goes towards everything else – flowers, attire, etc. Of course, if you are only having 10 guests, you may have trouble paying for everything else with only N7500, but it is a good point to start. This starting point fits with the general rule of the more guests, the more formal and lavish the wedding.

So to figure out a basic wedding budget, you can start off by using a basic budget planning worksheet to figure out the basics. Don't get fuddled just yet. cheesy Here's what one should look like;

Your Total Budget ___________

Expenses;

Ceremony
Location fee, officiant fee, marriage licence, musician's fees, ring pillows____________
Reception
Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors____________
Attire
Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders____________
Rings
Yours and Groom's rings, engraving____________
Flowers
Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket e.t.c.____________
Music
Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental____________
Photography
Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids____________
Transportation
Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants____________
Stationery
Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book____________
Gifts
Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

Put the amounts you consider fit or that you already know (e.g cost of the hall rental), against these first (individually and then sum them up), even though their total sum might spill over your intended round figure. And then you make adjustments, so they can fit your plan. For instance, 150 chairs can be reduced to prolly 140, cos exactly 150 people might not attend, or you can trust children and even some adults, to not wanna be held down on a spot, by no force in this world. Lol. As well, you can ask other brides around you, what they spent on vendors to figure out if these numbers you fix are realistic, or need to be adjusted.

Again, adjustment of your budget numbers should only reflect your priorities. While it is likely that you may die to have a photographer from mars, you could be a hundred percent certain that you would die and kill to have that J-lo's kind of wedding dress.

Lastly, you still have to try saving on your wedding budget. You're going to have to do more than just reducing those things you need, by actually crossing off the excesses. I mean, while it may sound wonderful to serve Rice and Soup, it isn't exactly brilliant to serve Jollof, White Rice, Coconut Rice, Fried Rice, Rice Pudding, Puffed Rice and any other miraculous Rice alongside only Egusi soup with eba. You could even trim your wedding guest list, save money on the church decorations, ask recently married friends how much they used and paid for stuff, ask friends in the wedding industry to help you out; giving discounts where possible and even change the day of the week to maybe having the observance on a week night! cheesy


If these numbers still do not work out, ask or remind yourself of what's really important to you. Perhaps it's better to have a small wedding now, and then renew your wedding vows in two, five or ten years when you can or might have been able to save for the big party.

Once you've set a budget, stick to it. It's easier to say than do, I know. But an important thing it is, to do in

why the stress when you can achieve a classic wedding with just this package

This event was extremely cool and fun

GUIDE TO YORUBA ENGAGEMENT PARTY by PERFECT BUDGETS EVENTS {08083373302}
We love traditional weddings, with their vibrant colours, rich food, playful banter and more, what's not to like? Okay maybe the chaos that sometimes comes with the territory, but hey, something has to give. As residents of Lagos, we've certainly attended our fair share of Yoruba Engagements, they are beautiful symbolic occasions (albeit usually lengthy) that mark the 'official engagement' between a couple. The entire event usually plays out like a well rehearsed play with two narrators representing both families, the 'Alaga Ijoko' (the sitting MC) for the brides family and the 'Alaga Iduro' (the standing MC) for the grooms family. Prior to the engagement, both families meet in the 'introduction' where amongst other things, wedding dates are set and both families get to know each other. So what happens next?

Step 1: Welcome

The arrival of the grooms family signals the start of the ceremony, they are required to be on time (no 'african' time here) and can be sent back or fined for being late. Once inside, they are introduced by their Alaga and proceed to kneel and greet the brides family.

Step 2: The Proposal and Acceptance

This elaborate proposal 'letter' is presented by the grooms family and read out loud by the youngest member of the brides family. After which an acceptance letter is given by the brides family.

Step 3: Meet the Groom

The groom typically makes his appearance by dancing in with his friends then proceeds to prostrate two times with his friends and once alone to his new in-laws. During the third prostration, both families stretch out their arms and pray for the groom. He then prostrates once with his friends for his family before proceeding to his seat.

Step 4: Meet the Bride

The veiled bride makes her appearance escorted by her friends who dance her in. She kneels in front of her parents for their prayers and blessings, then does the same with her future husbands parents after which she is unveiled and joins her future husband. Though not compulsory, some brides put the grooms hat (fila) on his head, this demonstrates her acceptance of the proposal.

Step 5: Bling Please

On instruction from the Alaga Ijoko she picks the gift she wants from the usually dazzling selection brought by her in-laws (a list with the required items would have been given prior to the engagement). She is expected to pick the Bible or Qu'ran to which her engagement ring is attached. She gives her selection to her husband who puts the ring on her finger and watches happily as she shows off her ring to the world.

Step 6: Bride Price

Various envelopes containing everything from the bride price to money for the wives, children and elders in the her family are handed over to the brides family. It is very common practice for them to the envelope containing the bride price, the belief is that both families have become one and are giving their daughter away versus 'selling' her.

Step 7: Cut the Cake

The engagement cake also known as 'Akara Oyinbo' is a symbol of happiness due to its rich and sweet ingredients. The more recently introduced cake cutting ceremony is usually for photo opportunities.

Step 8: Party Party Party

Final prayers are said and the occasion is ended with lots of love, eating, music and dancing!

Yoruba Engagement List (varies slightly from family to family and Yoruba state to state)
42 Big Tubers of Yam
42 Big Cola Nuts
42 Big Bitter Cola (Orogbo)
42 Pieces of Dry Fish
42 [left]Pieces of Alligator Pepper (Ata're)
2 Bottles of Honey
2 Pairs of Shoes and Bags
2 Scarves
1 Wrist Watch
1 Bible or Qu'ran
1 Engagement Ring
1 Big Suitcase
1 Traditional Aso-Oke
1 Big Dish of 'Aadun'
1 Bag of salt
1 Bag of Sugar
1 Umbrella

GUIDE TO YORUBA ENGAGEMENT PARTY by PERFECT BUDGETS EVENTS {08083373302}
We love traditional weddings, with their vibrant colours, rich food, playful banter and more, what's not to like? Okay maybe the chaos that sometimes comes with the territory, but hey, something has to give. As residents of Lagos, we've certainly attended our fair share of Yoruba Engagements, they are beautiful symbolic occasions (albeit usually lengthy) that mark the 'official engagement' between a couple. The entire event usually plays out like a well rehearsed play with two narrators representing both families, the 'Alaga Ijoko' (the sitting MC) for the brides family and the 'Alaga Iduro' (the standing MC) for the grooms family. Prior to the engagement, both families meet in the 'introduction' where amongst other things, wedding dates are set and both families get to know each other. So what happens next?

Step 1: Welcome

The arrival of the grooms family signals the start of the ceremony, they are required to be on time (no 'african' time here) and can be sent back or fined for being late. Once inside, they are introduced by their Alaga and proceed to kneel and greet the brides family.

Step 2: The Proposal and Acceptance

This elaborate proposal 'letter' is presented by the grooms family and read out loud by the youngest member of the brides family. After which an acceptance letter is given by the brides family.

Step 3: Meet the Groom

The groom typically makes his appearance by dancing in with his friends then proceeds to prostrate two times with his friends and once alone to his new in-laws. During the third prostration, both families stretch out their arms and pray for the groom. He then prostrates once with his friends for his family before proceeding to his seat.

Step 4: Meet the Bride

The veiled bride makes her appearance escorted by her friends who dance her in. She kneels in front of her parents for their prayers and blessings, then does the same with her future husbands parents after which she is unveiled and joins her future husband. Though not compulsory, some brides put the grooms hat (fila) on his head, this demonstrates her acceptance of the proposal.

Step 5: Bling Please

On instruction from the Alaga Ijoko she picks the gift she wants from the usually dazzling selection brought by her in-laws (a list with the required items would have been given prior to the engagement). She is expected to pick the Bible or Qu'ran to which her engagement ring is attached. She gives her selection to her husband who puts the ring on her finger and watches happily as she shows off her ring to the world.

Step 6: Bride Price

Various envelopes containing everything from the bride price to money for the wives, children and elders in the her family are handed over to the brides family. It is very common practice for them to the envelope containing the bride price, the belief is that both families have become one and are giving their daughter away versus 'selling' her.

Step 7: Cut the Cake

The engagement cake also known as 'Akara Oyinbo' is a symbol of happiness due to its rich and sweet ingredients. The more recently introduced cake cutting ceremony is usually for photo opportunities.

Step 8: Party Party Party

Final prayers are said and the occasion is ended with lots of love, eating, music and dancing!

Yoruba Engagement List (varies slightly from family to family and Yoruba state to state)
42 Big Tubers of Yam
42 Big Cola Nuts
42 Big Bitter Cola (Orogbo)
42 Pieces of Dry Fish
42 Pieces of Alligator Pepper (Ata're)
2 Bottles of Honey
2 Pairs of Shoes and Bags
2 Scarves
1 Wrist Watch
1 Bible or Qu'ran
1 Engagement Ring
1 Big Suitcase
1 Traditional Aso-Oke
1 Big Dish of 'Aadun'
1 Bag of salt
1 Bag of Sugar
1 Umbrella

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YORUBA ENGAGEMENT PARTY SET UP

YAY! I think I’m conquering procrastination! I said I was going to upload photos the and talk about Yoruba engagement marriage based on my different planning since but I never got around to doing it. Today I have overcome! LOL. In case you missed the parry, the traditional wedding was on the 18th of March, 2017…..Instead of just showing you pictures I will explain a bit of how it went in case you’re not familiar with Yoruba weddings.

The event is usually flamboyant, Yoruba people like to party. If you've been to any yoruba wedding ceremony you know its the same process everywhere. There's usually two Alaga's who I will liken to MC's, 1 to represent each family. One is Alaga Iduro (grooms family), and the other is Alaga Ijoko (brides family). These Alaga's negotiate and make sure the evnt flows seamlessly. They can sing, and dance very well...the funnier and well experienced an alaga is, the better. You dont want a dry wedding. Another thing...these alaga's know how to collect money trust me. They will collect almost every 5 minutes.

THE GROOM's ARRIVAL
In a Yoruba traditional wedding, the groom is always the first person to arrive, the first part of the whole marriage ceremony is to meet the families and pay bride price. Payment varies based on the bills given to pay.

It is customary for the groom to arrive with his friends and prostrate before the father inlaw 3 times, receive acceptance and prayers from them, then go to his parents and prostrate to receive their own prayers. If you never exercise, don’t dare join the grooms parade because those alaga’s go take your eyes do ween! Some will ask the groom to raise hands, stand at attention and start marching. I love Yoruba weddings.…oh yes, he begged to marry this bride. No shakara.

THE PROPOSAL LETTER
The grooms family presents a proposal letter. This proposal letter is presented to the brides family.

The bride's mom will receive it then shows it to the rest of the family, and then she kneels in front of her husband to collect money from him. She then brings out an acceptance letter which you can see her carrying and dancing, people come out to spray money again and then she hands it over to the inlaws.

The proposal letter (which is in a frame) is hung on the wall in our house)…imagine if you have 8 daughters…you’ll just display a long line of proposal letters. LOL

THE BRIDE's ARRIVAL

Now that things have exchanged hands it’s time for the bride to come out. A white transparent veil will be used to cover the face while the bride dance in. I had to go first to my parents, they prayed for me, I sat on their laps and kissed them each then I was escourted to my inlaw’s seat. I knelt down there, they prayed for me, opened the veil, I sat with them and dash them kiss too. Then I proceeded to go behind them to greet my inlaws family as you can see.

ERU IYAWO SECTION
The bride was later asked to go to the Eru Iyawo section, which is a small place set aside and decoragted with our photos, the items brought to pay the bride price i. e yams, fruits, drinks, jewelry etc and I was asked to pick what I like there. Traditionally the only thing you should pick there is a bible which is what I did, I danced with the bible to where the groom was.
I had to place his cap properly on his head as part of the traditional wedding, I swing the cap on my finger to show everybody before placing it on him. I knelt down, he prayed for his new bride and I asked him for garri money…he had to bring money from his pocket to give to me.
And that was the end, the rest was reception.


I have to give credit to the company (perfect budget events) that planned the whole events and coordinated it also perfect budgets events that transformed the hall with the latest and creative engagement deco, The hall looked very contemporary traditional. The cake was made by D pawn cakes, I called him only a few days to the wedding and he managed to deliver, even though that weekend was his dad's birthday Thank you

YAY! I think I’m conquering procrastination! I said I was going to upload photos the and talk about Yoruba engagement marriage based on my different planning since but I never got around to doing it. Today I have overcome! LOL. In case you missed the parry, the traditional wedding was on the 18th of March, 2017…..Instead of just showing you pictures I will explain a bit of how it went in case you’re not familiar with Yoruba weddings.

The event is usually flamboyant, Yoruba people like to party. If you've been to any yoruba wedding ceremony you know its the same process everywhere. There's usually two Alaga's who I will liken to MC's, 1 to represent each family. One is Alaga Iduro (grooms family), and the other is Alaga Ijoko (brides family). These Alaga's negotiate and make sure the evnt flows seamlessly. They can sing, and dance very well...the funnier and well experienced an alaga is, the better. You dont want a dry wedding. Another thing...these alaga's know how to collect money trust me. They will collect almost every 5 minutes.

THE GROOM's ARRIVAL
In a Yoruba traditional wedding, the groom is always the first person to arrive, the first part of the whole marriage ceremony is to meet the families and pay bride price. Payment varies based on the bills given to pay.

It is customary for the groom to arrive with his friends and prostrate before the father inlaw 3 times, receive acceptance and prayers from them, then go to his parents and prostrate to receive their own prayers. If you never exercise, don’t dare join the grooms parade because those alaga’s go take your eyes do ween! Some will ask the groom to raise hands, stand at attention and start marching. I love Yoruba weddings.…oh yes, he begged to marry this bride. No shakara.

THE PROPOSAL LETTER
The grooms family presents a proposal letter. This proposal letter is presented to the brides family.

The bride's mom will receive it then shows it to the rest of the family, and then she kneels in front of her husband to collect money from him. She then brings out an acceptance letter which you can see her carrying and dancing, people come out to spray money again and then she hands it over to the inlaws.

The proposal letter (which is in a frame) is hung on the wall in our house)…imagine if you have 8 daughters…you’ll just display a long line of proposal letters. LOL

THE BRIDE's ARRIVAL

Now that things have exchanged hands it’s time for the bride to come out. A white transparent veil will be used to cover the face while the bride dance in. I had to go first to my parents, they prayed for me, I sat on their laps and kissed them each then I was escourted to my inlaw’s seat. I knelt down there, they prayed for me, opened the veil, I sat with them and dash them kiss too. Then I proceeded to go behind them to greet my inlaws family as you can see.

ERU IYAWO SECTION
The bride was later asked to go to the Eru Iyawo section, which is a small place set aside and decoragted with our photos, the items brought to pay the bride price i. e yams, fruits, drinks, jewelry etc and I was asked to pick what I like there. Traditionally the only thing you should pick there is a bible which is what I did, I danced with the bible to where the groom was.
I had to place his cap properly on his head as part of the traditional wedding, I swing the cap on my finger to show everybody before placing it on him. I knelt down, he prayed for his new bride and I asked him for garri money…he had to bring money from his pocket to give to me.
And that was the end, the rest was reception.


I have to give credit to the company (perfect budget events) that planned the whole events and coordinated it also perfect budgets events that transformed the hall with the latest and creative engagement deco, The hall looked very contemporary traditional. The cake was made by D pawn cakes, I called him only a few days to the wedding and he managed to deliver, even though that weekend was his dad's birthday Thank you

My ushers might not be the best ushers but they have been perfect for all my events ( corporate & social). To me they are the most perfect ushers. #perfect_budget_events.