Red flags that should make you walk away
The Nigerian wedding vendor market is booming — and unfortunately, so are the horror stories. Before you pay a single naira, watch for these red flags. No portfolio or references. Every legitimate vendor should have photos or videos of past work and at least three references you can call. Cash-only, no receipt. If a vendor refuses to give you a written receipt or insists on cash transfers to a personal account, that is a liability waiting to happen. Vague pricing. "We'll work something out" is not a quote. Get itemized pricing in writing. No contract. A vendor who resists signing a contract is telling you they do not plan to be accountable. Pressure to pay in full upfront. Industry standard is 50-60% deposit, with the balance due on or before the event day. Anyone demanding 100% upfront is a risk you do not need to take.
The 10 questions you must ask every vendor
Whether you are hiring a caterer, decorator, photographer, or MC, these questions separate professionals from amateurs. 1. How many events have you done in the last 12 months? 2. Can I see at least three full galleries (not just highlight reels)? 3. What exactly is included in this price? 4. What is your cancellation and refund policy? 5. Do you have backup equipment or a backup team member? 6. What time will you arrive for setup? 7. Have you worked at my venue before? 8. Will you personally handle my event, or will you send an assistant? 9. What happens if you fall sick on the day? 10. Can I speak to your last three clients? Write the answers down. Vendors who answer confidently and specifically are the ones worth hiring.
Realistic price ranges by vendor type (2026)
Prices vary by city, but here are realistic Lagos ranges for a 200-300 guest wedding. Caterer (food + drinks + service): ₦2.5M-₦5M. Expect ₦8,000-₦15,000 per head depending on the menu. Decorator: ₦800K-₦3M. A basic elegant setup starts around ₦800K; elaborate floral and lighting designs can exceed ₦3M. Photographer + Videographer: ₦300K-₦1.5M. Budget shooters start at ₦300K; top-tier teams with drone coverage, same-day edits, and cinematic films go up to ₦1.5M+. DJ: ₦150K-₦500K. MC: ₦200K-₦1M for established MCs. Live Band: ₦500K-₦2M. Makeup Artist: ₦80K-₦350K for bridal makeup. In Abuja, deduct roughly 10-15%. In Port Harcourt or Enugu, deduct 20-30%.
Deposits, contracts, and protecting yourself
A proper vendor contract should include: the event date and time, the exact services being provided, the total cost and payment schedule, the cancellation/refund policy, and what happens if the vendor fails to deliver. Pay deposits via bank transfer (never cash) so you have a paper trail. Standard deposit is 50-60% to secure the date, with the balance due 1-2 weeks before the event. Some vendors offer a 5-10% discount for full upfront payment — only take this if the vendor has a strong track record and you have a signed contract. Keep all receipts, screenshots of bank transfers, and WhatsApp conversations in a dedicated folder.
Building your vendor timeline
6-12 months out: Book your venue, caterer, photographer, and decorator. These are the vendors that book up fastest, especially during peak season (October-December). 4-6 months out: Secure your MC, DJ or band, and makeup artist. 2-3 months out: Confirm all vendors in writing, do a venue walkthrough with your decorator and caterer, and finalize your day-of timeline. 2 weeks out: Send final guest count to caterer, confirm arrival times with all vendors, and pay outstanding balances. Day before: Call every vendor to reconfirm. It sounds excessive, but one no-show vendor can derail your entire event. A vendor management tool that tracks contracts, payments, and deadlines in one place saves hours of WhatsApp coordination.