A Look At The Nigerian Wedding Industry Before and Now

 Nigeria has an estimate population of over 150 million people. We have 6 geopolitical zones, namely the South-South, Middle belt, South East, North East, South West, North West. Each of these geopolitical zones contain within their geopolitical zones, people with their distinct culture and social customs. They all have their customs with regards to the institution of marriage.

The different tribes in Nigeria have customs peculiar to their area. What is clear is that the big cities have influenced the style of weddings in the more remote parts of Nigeria. The idea of hiring a canopy and renting chairs and tables, fans, purchase and distributing and sewing asoebis, purchase of bridesmaids’ dresses for both Christian and Muslim weddings, drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are practised in all geopolitical zones. One can then begin to imagine the immense value the wedding industry had added to the Nigerian economy, taking into consideration our younger population of marriageable age. The impact on the Nigerian economy is immense and cannot be ignored. The tailor have employment, the fabric manufacturers, the food industry, the photographers, the hairdressers, make-up artists, etc.

The Nigerian wedding industry contributes immense value and employment. We need to appreciate and cherish the Nigerian wedding industry and it’s impact on the economy, with regard to generating employment and adding an economic value to life. We must acknowledge the beckoning that the need to sustain our cultural values voices to us. We need to watch the emerging trend of sending that much needed money abroad for the destination wedding. We need to keep things in perspective to ensure that this aspect of our culture does not begin to fade out. We need to celebrate the value of the Nigerian wedding and preserve the practice of having our ceremonies in Nigeria while making the destination wedding an exception.