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Alternative dresses surface, as cost of wedding gowns soars

Published

2 years ago

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Flowing wedding gowns may soon go out of vogue. The reason may not be that they have lost the colour and panache they add to a wedding ceremony.

It may not also be that they no longer represent a mark and celebration of a bride’s purity.

However, it has everything to do with the economy and purchasing power of the majority of today’s potential couples.

Economy&Lifestyle discovered that the prices of readymade wedding gowns have increased from N40,000 to N200,000 and above, while that of renting has increased from N10,000 to N50,000 and above depending on the type and quality of the gown.

The increase, we gathered, is also a result of the rising cost of sewing materials. This has made it difficult for intending couples with an average income to purchase one for a wedding.

Already, some potential brides and their grooms have resorted to other simple but beautiful gowns.

Some others simply decide to use simple traditional attire for their wedding ceremonies, particularly, court weddings, to save money for other preparations.

Also, it is observed that the usual crowd of friends and relatives who are always seen in the registry premises has also disappeared as only two to three friends or relatives are invited to court weddings nowadays.

Before now, no wedding is complete without a flowing wedding gown. Some intending couples who have money, even compete with the length of gowns and bridal trains but the culture is dying gradually due to the economic situation.

These days, brides go for less costly and simple gowns of different colours, not necessarily white, which has been the tradition.

The newly improvised wedding gowns are made with mixtures of one of two popular materials including lace fabrics, silk dupioni, silk charmeuse, English net, satin, velvet, sequined and beaded fabric, rayon, taffeta, fabrics for layers, netting/tulle/crinoline, chiffon, crepe, organdy, batiste, organza, georgette among others.

Mrs. Shade Ogunbiyi, a Surulere-based wedding gown maker, said the prices of materials have tripled, which has affected the cost of sewing and profit as well.

She said: “The situation is terrible. I have been in this business for over six years. To be frank, the business is not moving as before. Sometimes I have jobs of over five to six wedding gowns in a year but now, I hardly get one. Even when you charge them and you get to the market you see that the prices of materials have risen. After buying materials you are left with little money or nothing at all.

“A mini quality wedding gown and little brides gown requires 10 yards of lining, six to eight yards of the hard net, 12 yards of satin, eight yards of organza, six yards of silk, eight yards of soft net and zips. As at 2021, these materials cost between N100 and N350 per yard. But, now, they go for between N3000 and N4000 per yard.

“I discovered that most brides, especially those who are having court marriages, are opting for simple gowns in different colours, not necessarily white. When I tried to convince them to go for a wedding gown they complained about the price.”

Mrs Ennodiana Queen, an event planner and caterer said: “I do buy used wedding gowns and rent them out to intending brides, especially for those having court weddings. Two years ago I rented a wedding gown for N20,000 to N30,000 depending on the quality. But now it goes from N50,000 to N100,000.

“However, the business has been dull lately as many prefer sewing simple gowns for court weddings, which will cost them nothing less than N50,000 and can be worn for other occasions.”

Miss Maureen Momoh, a hair stylist whose eldest sister just tied the knot, said the situation was not only as a result of the cost of materials and transportation fare but also the trend.

She said: “It was funny when my elder sister opted to wear a simple white gown for her court wedding instead of a wedding gown since she was not having a church marriage. When I asked her she said she is cutting costs.

“After hers, a friend of mine also copied the style, making for herself a purple gown for a court wedding. She said if she used all her money for a wedding gown, it will affect their livelihood after the wedding.

“In fact, it was when my friend copied my sister’s style that it dawned on me that Nigeria has changed our ladies’ lifestyle. They no longer worry over what to wear on their wedding day.”

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Events

10 fun spots in Lagos to take your kids this Christmas

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2 hours ago

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December 23, 2024 1:14 pm

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Lagos, a vibrant and bustling city, offers many exciting holiday fun spots for kids, catering to different interests and age groups. These holiday spots in Lagos are designed to provide a safe and entertaining environment for children to play, learn, and make new friends.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, education, or fun, there’s something for every child in Lagos.

Let’s quickly look at some standard features of holiday spots for kids. They include:

  • Playgrounds with swings, slides, and climbing frames.
  • Amusement parks with thrilling rides and games.
  • Water parks with swimming pools, water slides, and splash pads.
  • Indoor play centres with trampolines, ball pits, and arcade games.
  • Zoos and wildlife parks with a variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
  • Museums and science centers with hands-on activities and educational displays.
  • Public parks with picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.

These holiday fun spots offer a range of benefits for kids, including:
i. Promoting physical activity and outdoor play.
ii. Encouraging socialisation and interaction with other children.
iii. Fostering learning and exploration through interactive exhibits and activities.
iv. Providing a safe and supervised environment for children to play and have fun

The Holiday Spots Includes:

1. Funplex Resort

– Location: Beside Center for Management Development) CMD road, Shangisha, Ikosi, Lagos, Nigeria
– Features: Amusement park, playground, swimming pool, and arcade games
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love adventure and games
– Individual Benefits: Develops social skills, encourages physical activity, and enhances problem-solving skills
– Reasons to Try: Funplex offers a variety of fun activities for kids, making it an ideal spot for a fun-filled day.

2. Hi-Impact Planet

– Location: Km 12, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos
– Features: Amusement park, water park, and arcade games
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love thrill and water activities
– Individual Benefits: Develops confidence, encourages teamwork, and enhances physical fitness

3. Dreamworld Africana

– Location: Km 20, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos
– Features: Amusement park, zoo, and botanical garden
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love animals and nature
– Individual Benefits: To develop empathy, encourage curiosity, and enhance knowledge of wildlife
– Reasons to Try: the spot offers a unique opportunity for kids to interact with animals and learn about nature.

4. Lekki Conservation Centre

– Location: Km 19, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos
– Features: Nature reserve, canopy walkway, and bird-watching
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love nature and the outdoors
– Individual Benefits: To develop an appreciation for nature, encourage physical activity, and enhance knowledge of wildlife
– Reasons to Try: Lekki Conservation Centre offers a unique opportunity for kids to connect with nature and learn about conservation.

5. Get Arena

– Location: 34, Tony Anegbode St, Victoria Island, Lagos
– Features: Indoor play centre, trampoline park, and arcade games
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love active play and games
– Individual Benefits: Develops physical fitness, encourages socialisation, and enhances problem-solving skills
– Reasons to Try: Get Arena offers a fun and safe environment for kids to play and socialise.

6. UPbeat Recreation Centre

– Location: 11, Admiralty Rd, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
– Features: Trampoline park, playground, and arcade games
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love active play and games
– Individual Benefits: Develops physical fitness, encourages socialisation, and enhances problem-solving skills
– Reasons to Try: Upbeat Recreation Centre offers a fun and safe environment for kids to play and socialise.

7. Ndubuisi Kanu Park

– Location: Mobolaji Avenue, Oregun,Ikeja, Lagos
– Features: Public park, playground, and picnic areas
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love outdoor play and picnics
– Individual Benefits: Develops physical fitness, encourages socialisation, and enhances appreciation for nature
– Reasons to Try: The park offers a peaceful and serene environment for kids to play and relax.

8. Jhalobia Recreation Park And Gardens

– Location: Situated in Ikeja, along Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road, between the Hajj Camp and Ajao Estate,
– Features: Public park, playground, and picnic areas
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love outdoor play and picnics
– Individual Benefits: Develops physical fitness, encourages socialisation, and enhances appreciation for nature
– Reasons to Try: Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens offers a peaceful and serene environment for kids to play and relax.

9. Apapa Amusement Park

– Location: 34, Randle Rd, Apapa Quays, Lagos
– Features: Amusement park, playground, and arcade games
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love thrill and games
– Individual Benefits: Develops confidence, encourages teamwork, and enhances physical fitness
– Reasons to Try: Apapa Amusement Park offers a variety of fun activities for kids, making it an ideal spot for a fun-filled day.

10. Eko Hotel And Suites

– Location: Plot 1415, Adetokunbo Ademola St, Victoria Island, Lagos
– Features: Hotel, water park, and playground
– Specific Interests: Suitable for kids who love water activities and luxury

Now tell us, which fun parks would you like to try first?

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Events

Wizkid performs ‘Troubled Mind’ at British Fashion Awards

Published

3 weeks ago

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December 3, 2024 10:45 am

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Wizkid, the Grammy-winning singer, delivered a breathtaking performance of his new song ‘Troubled Mind’ at the 2024 British Fashion Awards.

This year’s event, held on Monday night at the Royal Albert Hall in London, saw Wizkid perform in the presence of some of the fashion world’s most prominent figures, including British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker, Dior’s Kim Jones, and Tom Ford.

‘Troubled Mind’, which serves as the opening track of ‘Morayo‘, Wizkid’s newly released sixth studio album, thrilled the audience as the singer poured emotion into the performance.

The night saw Jonathan Anderson, the Irish-born designer, clinch the coveted Designer of the Year award for the second consecutive year.

Celebrities including Rihanna and A$AP Rocky also graced the occasion, with Rocky receiving the Cultural Innovator award.

Born Ayodeji Balogun, Wizkid gained prominence in 2011 when he released his debut album ‘Superstar’.

He has released five additional albums including, ‘Ayo’ in 2014, ‘Sound From The Other Side’ in 2017, ‘Made In Lagos’ in 2020, ‘More Love, Less Ego’ in 2022 and ‘Morayo in 2024.

The singer has also received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award in 2021 for his collaboration with Beyoncé on the hit song ‘Brown Skin Girl’.

In October, ‘Made in Lagos’ was recognised as the most-streamed Nigerian album on Apple Music.

Watch Wizkid’s performance here

https://twitter.com/i/status/1863838191909732508
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SEE FULL LIST: ‘Jagun Jagun’ wins six categories at 2024 BON Awards

Published

4 weeks ago

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November 25, 2024 8:05 am

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Femi Adebayo’s epic ‘Jagun Jagun’ has won six award categories at the 2024 Best of Nollywood (BON) ceremony.

The 16th edition of the BON Awards was held on Sunday night at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin, Kwara.

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi, the actress, hosted the award ceremony.

At the ceremony, Femi Adebayo’s epic film ‘Jagun Jagun’ was a standout entry, winning a total of six award categories.

These include “Best Actor”, Best Costume”, “Best Indigenous Film”, “Best Production Design”, and “Best Special Effect”.

Another significant winner was the film ‘Momiwa’, which took home “Best Editing” and “Best Screenplay”.

‘Jagun Jagun’ was nominated in 12 categories.

The Netflix original Yoruba film, released in August 2023, tells the story of a warlord respected within and outside his community.

The arrival of a young man reveals his insecurities, as he fears that his authority may soon be displaced.

See the full list of winners below.

Best Cinematography

  • ADIRE

Director of the Year

  • BAYO TIJANI & TOPE ADEBAYO (Jagun Jagun)

Best Social Message

  • UNLEASHED

Best Short Film

  • OUT OF MANY

Best Actor

  • FEMI ADEBAYO (JAGUN JAGUN)

Best Actress

  • WUNMI DADA (UNKNOWN SOJA)

Best Supporting Actress

  • MERCY AIGBE (ADA OMO DADDY)

Best Supporting Actor

  • KEPPY EKPENYONG (THE WEEKEND)

Best Editing

  • MOMIWA

Best Costume

  • JAGUN JAGUN

Best Sound

  • OFFSHOOT

Best Soundtrack

  • OLOKU ADA

BEST USE OF FOOD

  • NWANYI ABACHA

Best Indigenous Film

  • JAGUN JAGUN

Best Child Actor

  • NIFEMI LAWAL

Best Child Actress

  • DARASIMI NADI (UNKNOWN SOJA)

Most Promising Actor

  • OZECHI FRANKLIN IZUCHUCHUKWU

Most Promising Actress

  • CHIOMA OKAFOR

Best Production Design

  • JAGUN JAGUN

Best Screenplay

  • MOMIWA

Best Use of Food

  • ORISA

Best Kiss

  • HALIMA GANIYU & DAVID AKANDE (ETI KETA)

Best Special Effect

  • JAGUN JAGUN

Best Documentary

  • IS IT YOUR MONEY?
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