Example story · Lagos
Ife & Dayo
A Yoruba traditional engagement for six hundred guests in July rain, with two alagas, three outfit changes and a family who danced through every drop.
Ife and Dayo chose July for their traditional engagement because it was the only month both grandmothers could travel. July in Lagos means rain, so we planned the whole day twice: once for sunshine and once for a downpour.
The engagement took place in the Adeyemi family compound under a canopy we had pitched the day before, with drainage cut into the lawn and flooring raised above the grass. Two alagas, one for each family, led a ceremony full of laughter, prostrations and teasing negotiations over the bride price.
"It rained from eleven to two and not one guest went home. Ever and Ivy had a plan B, a plan C and umbrellas in our aso ebi colours."
In the evening the party moved to a hall in Ikeja for the reception. Ife changed three times, from coral aso oke to an emerald gown to a gold dancing outfit, and our team ran a dressing room timetable so tight we called it the relay.
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The day
How it unfolded
- 10:00amFamilies arrive at the compound
- 11:00amAlagas open the ceremony
- 12:30pmBride's entrance and prostration
- 2:00pmLunch for six hundred
- 4:00pmGuests move to the hall
- 6:00pmReception and spraying
- 10:00pmClose of the party
The team
Vendors behind the day
- Alaga
- Iya Ayo Ceremonies
- Decor
- Coral House Decor
- Catering
- Mama Tunde Kitchens
- Aso oke
- Weavers of Oyo Collective
- Photography
- Bimpe Lens
- Planning and design
- Ever and Ivy Weddings
All vendor names are invented for this demo.
Planner's notes
What we would tell you
Every wedding teaches us something. These are the questions couples asked us most while planning a day like Ife and Dayo's.
How long did this wedding take to plan?
Twelve to fourteen months for the full plan, with the most intense work in the final eight weeks.
What was the biggest challenge?
The rain. A second canopy, raised flooring and a dry route to the hall saved the day.
Could this work on a smaller budget?
Yes. The same feeling can come from fewer guests, seasonal flowers and a single venue for ceremony and reception.
