The traditional wedding wardrobe: a 16-week plan for brides

A Nigerian traditional wedding is rarely one outfit. Most brides we dress wear two or three looks across the day, plus the aso-ebi decisions that affect everyone else. The brides who enjoy the process start early, and the ones who start late spend the final fortnight on the phone with tailors. This plan assumes sixteen weeks. If you have fewer, compress the early stages, not the fittings.

Weeks 16 to 13: decide the looks and the budget

• Agree how many looks you want: typically the entrance look, a reception change, and sometimes a third for the after-party.
• Confirm the family colours and who is choosing the aso-ebi. Your looks should sit with the family cloth, not clash with it.
• Set a budget per look, not one total. It prevents the first look absorbing everything.
• Book a bridal consultation. Bring screenshots, but also bring what you do not want.

Weeks 12 to 10: design, measurements and deposit

At consultation we sketch, discuss fabrics and take measurements, in the studio or from your phone if you are outside Lagos. You receive a written quote within a few days. Once you approve it and the deposit clears, fabric is ordered. For heavily beaded looks, this is the latest comfortable start.

Weeks 9 to 6: toile and first fitting

A toile is a test version of your gown in plain fabric. It is where we fix the fit before touching the real material: neckline height, how the peplum sits, whether you can sit and dance. Wear the shoes and underwear you plan to wear on the day. This fitting matters more than any other.

Weeks 5 to 3: embellishment and second fitting

The real fabric is cut and the beadwork begins. At the second fitting you see the piece taking shape. Changes are still possible, but they are smaller: a strap, a hem length, a fringe that catches your bracelet.

Week 2: final fitting and the gele

• Final fitting with all accessories: gele, ipele, jewellery and shoes.
• Decide who ties your gele on the day. If it is us, confirm the time and address.
• The balance is settled before the pieces leave the studio.

Week 1: collection and a rehearsal

Collect your pieces, or receive them by courier, at least five days before the wedding. Try everything on at home, walk in it, sit in it, and hang it on padded hangers away from direct sun.

The most common bridal regret we hear is not about the design. It is that the first fitting happened too close to the day to change anything.

If you have less time

With eight to ten weeks, a couture look is still possible if the design is agreed at the first meeting. Under eight weeks, consider a ready-to-wear piece for the reception change and reserve couture for the entrance look. Our bridal commissions run eight to fourteen weeks, and we will tell you plainly at consultation whether your date is realistic.