GhanaWeb Feature by Stella Dziedzorm Sogli
Ghana’s economic challenges affect every sector of the economy, impacting both the cost of living and the general standard of living for the average Ghanaian.
Today, many Ghanaians struggle to afford necessities, let alone indulge in “guilty pleasures.”
A significant number live by insufficient monthly salaries commonly referred to as “hand to mouth” in social conversations.
For many, affording three square meals a day has become a luxury. Young people, in particular, are being forced to put their dreams on hold simply because they cannot afford to pursue them.
A young graduate, for instance, may find it difficult to go through life’s major milestones furthering their education, acquiring property, or starting a family without making serious financial sacrifices.
This harsh economic reality has led many to reconsider their childhood dreams of having a grand, fairy-tale wedding. Instead, they are opting for simple, affordable ceremonies that minimize financial strain.
Having observed this trend, GhanaWeb Business decided to conduct research and compile this guide to help couples who want to settle down but struggle to raise huge sums of money or don’t want to exhaust their savings on a one-day event.
Let’s be clear, this guide is for those who want to keep their wedding simple but classy without breaking the bank.
But if you have the financial means to afford a lavish and extravagant wedding, then by all means, go for it!
Now, let’s explore how you can plan a beautiful wedding within a GH¢100,000 budget.
Smart cost-cutting strategies for your wedding
Skip the wedding planner – Excel is your best friend!
Instead of hiring a professional wedding planner, create a simple spreadsheet to track your budget and expenses.
This will save you approximately GH¢10,000 while allowing you to personalize the wedding to suit your preferences and taste.
Use a family property as your venue
If your family has a spacious home or compound, consider transforming it into the perfect wedding venue instead of renting an event center.
This can save you around GH¢5,000 on venue costs.
Combine your traditional and white wedding on the same day
Holding both ceremonies on the same day reduces expenses on hair, makeup, transportation, food, and even venue décor. You can seamlessly transition from the traditional wedding to the white wedding with just a slight modification in decoration.
Limit your guest list
Not everyone needs to be at your wedding. A smaller guest list means fewer expenses on food, drinks, seating, and venue space. Consider having your wedding on a weekday to naturally limit attendance and reduce costs.
Ditch the big reception
If you can’t afford an elaborate wedding reception, opt for an intimate post-wedding dinner with close family and friends instead. This will help keep costs manageable while still creating a special moment to celebrate.
Minimize the bridal party
You don’t need a large bridal party with numerous bridesmaids and groomsmen. A smaller lineup will cut down on expenses related to outfits, gifts, and coordination.
How to allocate your GH¢100,000 wedding budget
Now that we have identified ways to reduce costs, let’s break down how you can allocate your budget effectively:
1. Attire – GH¢20,000
Wedding dress, suit, hair, makeup, shoes, and accessories
Tip: Instead of splurging on a custom-made designer gown or suit, buy from reputable local vendors who offer equally stunning options at a fraction of the price.
Additional expenses:
Wedding rings
Dowry and traditional engagement items (depending on family customs)
2. Decoration – GH¢10,000
Wedding décor is a major cost factor, so it’s best to work with vendors you already know or have been recommended to you.
Tip: Negotiating discounts with vendors and keeping décor minimal yet elegant can help you stay within budget.
3. Food, Water & Drinks – GH¢10,000
Catering costs can quickly spiral out of control, so it’s crucial to plan wisely.
Tip: Choose a simple but delicious menu, and avoid an open bar if possible.
4. Photography, MC & DJ – GH¢10,000
Capturing memories is essential, so set aside a reasonable amount for professional photography and videography.
Hiring a good MC and DJ ensures smooth entertainment throughout the event.
5. Miscellaneous – GH¢30,000
Unexpected expenses always arise, so having a contingency fund is key. This could cover last-minute décor changes, additional guests, transportation costs, or emergency vendor payments.
Final thoughts
This budget guide is meant to serve as a reference for couples who want a memorable and cost-effective wedding. However, the budget breakdown is flexible and can be adjusted based on your personal preferences and priorities.
Ultimately, the key to a successful wedding is celebrating love without financial stress. Whether you choose to spend GH¢100,000 or GH¢10,000, the most important thing is starting your marriage on a solid foundation free from unnecessary debt and regret.
SSD/MA
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