Have your best day!
Weddings in Ghana are a big deal. From traditional ceremonies to the white wedding and reception, it's often more than just one day of celebration. But let’s face it — weddings can be expensive, and without proper planning, you could end up spending more than you have, or even starting your marriage in debt.
The good news? You don’t need 10 of Thousands of cedis to have a beautiful, memorable wedding. With the right mindset, creativity, and planning, you can have a wedding that reflects your love story without draining your finances.
Here’s how to plan a budget-friendly wedding in Ghana:
Set a realistic budget based on what you and your partner can afford, not what society expects. Don't plan with loans or money that hasn’t yet come. Be honest with yourselves — this is the foundation of every other decision.
Tip: Create a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to track every cost.
One of the biggest expenses at Ghanaian weddings is food and drinks, and that cost is directly tied to your guest count. A smaller, more intimate wedding saves you money and gives you time to truly celebrate with your closest friends and family.
Tip: Invite only those who matter to your relationship or have genuinely supported you.
Instead of doing two large events on different days, consider merging your traditional marriage and white wedding on the same day. This reduces costs for venues, clothing, food, and rentals.
Instead of renting a fancy hotel or expensive garden, look for affordable or community venues, church premises, family homes with big compounds, or even public spaces that can be decorated beautifully.
Tip: Outdoor weddings in Ghana (like under a big tree or by a lake) can be magical and low-cost.
Wedding dresses and suits can be a huge cost. Instead of buying brand-new designer outfits, you can:
Rent from bridal shops.
Buy pre-loved outfits.
Sew a beautiful yet simple dress with a local seamstress.
Use traditional kente or lace in a modern style.
Get your friends and family involved. Ghanaians are known for community support during weddings (known as "wedding committees"). Use that:
Make your own decorations using local materials.
Design and print your invitations digitally.
Bake your cake with the help of a friend.
Ask a talented friend to be your MC or DJ.
Spend your money where it truly matters — your marriage, not just your wedding day. Avoid unnecessary "show-off" expenses like expensive souvenirs, luxury cars, or fireworks just for social media.
Instead of going for the biggest wedding planner or photographer, look for up-and-coming creatives — Ghana has many! You’ll save money and support local talent.
Weekday weddings or weddings during the off-season (January–March or July–September) can get you discounts on venues, vendors, and services.
At the end of the day, your wedding is just the beginning of your marriage. Prioritize starting life together without debt over impressing guests who may forget the details by next week.
A beautiful Ghanaian wedding doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you're in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, or in a small town or village, the most important thing is the love, the union, and the joy that you share with your partner and those who truly matter.
Remember, it's not about how much you spend — it's about how much love and meaning you bring to the day.
