Weddings Are Becoming Too Competitive — Can We Breathe?

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Once upon a time, weddings were simple. Beautiful. Intimate. A day where two people promised forever in front of the ones who mattered. Now? It feels like a full-blown production — lights, cameras, multiple outfit changes, drones flying overhead, and a carefully curated Instagram rollout by 7 PM sharp.

And while we’re not here to kill the vibe — because we love glam (it’s in our name), aesthetics, and all things extra — there’s something we need to talk about. Weddings are starting to feel less like a celebration of love and more like a competition.

A subtle contest of who did it better. Who hired the trendiest MC. Who booked the most exclusive venue. Who had a makeup artist flown in from London. Who dropped the viral hashtag that made it to BellaNaija and GlamCityz before the ceremony even started.

The pressure is everywhere. Weddings are becoming too competitive. Even for brides who swear they want a small wedding, the noise starts creeping in. “You can’t wear something simple, you’re a fashion girl.” “You’re doing it in a hall? What of that rooftop place in Lekki?” Suddenly, you’re no longer planning your wedding — you’re planning people’s expectations of it.

And let’s not even talk about the budget. What used to be a celebration of love now comes with a spreadsheet that looks like you’re starting a tech startup. Decor: ₦3M. Food: ₦2.5M. Bride’s third dress: still pending. The vibe has changed. There’s a silent rulebook now, and if you don’t follow it, people will talk. Even if they smile at the reception, the commentary starts in the group chat on the way home.

But it’s not just the couple feeling the heat — guests are feeling it too. Weddings have become fashion shows. Asoebi now feels like an investment. You buy fabric for ₦50K, then pay ₦25K to sew it, another ₦15K for makeup, and maybe ₦10K for accessories.

And let’s not forget transport, gifts, and the new lace gele you just had to buy because your old one didn’t match the vibe. People are literally budgeting for weddings they’re not even part of.

It’s not that we don’t love the glam (don’t forget, it’s in our name too… glamcityz). We do. We adore the drama of a well-draped train, the bride’s walk-in with live talking drums, and the aerial drone shots capturing every detail. But when did it become about the pressure to outperform the last wedding? When did love get buried beneath LED walls and wedding hashtags?

There’s nothing wrong with wanting a beautiful day. But it becomes a problem when people start feeling like they can’t breathe. Like their wedding isn’t enough unless it breaks the internet. Like their love story has to be backed by luxury or it won’t be celebrated the same.

So, here’s a gentle reminder — your wedding doesn’t have to go viral to be valuable. It doesn’t have to trend to be beautiful. You don’t need three outfit changes, thirty bridesmaids, or a planner with a million followers. What you need is joy. Peace. Meaning. People who love you show up for you. That’s the real luxury.

Let’s make space for couples who want quiet weddings, low-budget elegance, and one-dress love stories. Let’s clap for the brides who skipped the noise and danced. Let’s normalize choosing peace over performance.

Because love doesn’t need to compete. It just needs to be real.

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