Connect with us

Events

Alternative dresses surface, as cost of wedding gowns soars

Published

2 months ago

on

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It may not also be that they no longer represent a mark and celebration of a bride’s purity.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

Related Topics:

Events

Wizkid, Flavour, CKay thrill guests at Tony Elumelu’s 60th birthday party (Video)

Published

3 days ago

on

March 23, 2023 2:49 pm

By

Wizkid, Flavour and CKay on Wednesday performed at the 60th birthday celebration of Tony Elumelu, the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

The Afrobeats stars delivered their offerings individually, to the excitement of the bouncy and responsive guests.

While Wizkid entertained the guests with ‘Ojuelegba’, Ckay performed ‘Emiliano’, ‘Felony’, ‘Love Nwantiti’.

Flavour closed off the party with the delivery of some of his hit songs such as ‘Dike’ and ‘Ada Ada’.

Ebenezer Obey, the ace singer, is among the notable personalities that graced the occasion.

Continue Reading

Events

Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr, Yemi Alade nominated for 2023 VGMAs

Published

5 days ago

on

March 21, 2023 11:05 am

By

Nigerian superstars Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Kizz Daniel have all been nominated for the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.


The nominees were unveiled in a ceremony on 18th March 2023 with the Nigerians earning nominations for the Best African Artist Category.

Other Nigerians that made the nomination list includes Omah Lay who was nominated for Best Collaboration for his verse on King Promise’s ‘Ten Toes’, Mayorkun for his contribution on Camidoh’s ‘Sugarcane’ remix, and Yemi Alade for ‘Dumebi’ her collaboration with Mzvee, and BNXN for ‘Better Days’ with Sarkodie.

The 2023 VGAMs will hold on May 13 at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

See full nominees list below:

Artist of the Year

  • Black Sherif
  • Stonebwoy
  • Sarkodie
  • King Promise
  • Camidoh
  • KiDi
  • Piesie Esther
  • Joe Mettle

Most Popular Song of the Year

  • Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. King Promise & Mayokun
  • Sarkodie – Country Side ft. Black Sherif
  • Black Sherif – Kweku The Traveller
  • Lasmid – Friday Night
  • Kelvyn Boy – Down Flat
  • Gyakie – Something
  • Wendy Shay – Survivor
  • KiDi – Blessed ft. Mavado
  • Stonebwoy – Therapy
  • Piesie Esther – Waye Me Yie

Record of the Year

  • King Promise – Yaa Asantewaa ft. Frenna
  • Adomaa – Beginning Again
  • Perez Muzik – Hewale Lala
  • Stonebwoy – Therapy
  • Sarkodie – Country Side ft. Black Sherif
  • Gyakie – Far Away

Best Hip Hop Song

  • Black Sherif – Kweku the Traveler
  • Amerado – Obiaa Boa
  • Sarkodie – Country Side ft. Black Sherif
  • Malcom Nuna – Benzo
  • Kwesi Authur – Drama
  • Medikal – Scarface

Best New Artist

  • Lasmid
  • Djay
  • Malcom Nuna
  • Jay Bhad
  • Ewuraabena
  • DJ Azonto
  • Chief One

Album of the Year

  • Black Sherif – The Villain I Never Was
  • Sarkodie – Jamz
  • Gyakie – My Diary
  • King Promise – 5 Star
  • Kwesi Authur – Son of Jacob
  • Joe Mettle – The Kadosh

Best African Artist

  • Arya Star
  • Burna Boy
  • Asake
  • Kizz Daniel
  • Libianca
  • The Therapist

Best Rap Performance

  • Medikal – Scarface
  • Strongman – Goated
  • Amerado – Obiaa boa
  • Lyrical Joe – 5th August 6
  • Teephlow – 6feet

International Collaboration of the Year

  • Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. King Promise & Mayokun
  • KiDi – Touch it ft. Tyga
  • King Promise – Ten Toes ft. Omah Lay
  • KiDi – Blessed ft. Mavado
  • MzVee – Dumebi ft. Yemi Alade
  • King Promise – Run to You ft. Chance the Rapper & Vic Mensa
  • Sarkodie – Better days ft. Bnxn

Collaboration of the Year

  • FBS – Jo ft. Mr Drew
  • Sarkodie – Country side ft. Black Sherif
  • Epixode – Atiaa ft. Kwabena Kwabena
  • Amerado – Grace ft. Lasmid
  • DJ Breezy – Abonten ft. Kwesi Authur, Mugeez, Stonebwoy, Black Sherif & Smallgod
  • Bethel Revival Choir ft. Edwin Dadson – Tegbe Tegbe
  • Sarkodie – Labadi ft. King Promise

Songwriter of the Year

  • Piesie Esther – Waye me Yie
  • Black sheriff – Oh Paradise
  • Perez Muzik – Hewale lala
  • Fameye – Thank You
  • Diana Hamilton – My Meditation
  • Ewurabena – This Far

Best Highlife Artist

  • Kofi Kinata
  • Akwaboa
  • Kuami Eugene
  • Abiana

Best Hiplife/Hip Hop Artist

  • Black Sherif
  • Sarkodie
  • Kwesi Authur
  • Medikal
  • Amerado
  • Strongman

Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artist

  • Camidoh
  • King Promise
  • Gyakie
  • KiDi
  • Wendy Shay
  • Kelvyn Boy

Best Reggae/Dancehall Artist

  • Ras Kuuku
  • Epixode
  • Rocky Dawuni
  • Stonebwoy
  • Samini

Best Gospel Artist

  • Piesie Esther
  • Joe Mettle
  • Perez Muzik
  • Diana Hamilton
  • Celestine Donkor
  • MOG Music

Best Female Vocal Performance

  • Piesie Esther
  • Niella
  • Enuonyam
  • Cina Soul
  • Abiana
  • Adomaa

Best Male Vocal Performance

  • Camidoh
  • Kyei Mensah
  • Perez Muzik
  • Stonebwoy
  • King Promise

Best Music Video

  • Black Sherif – Konogo Zongo
  • Stonebwoy – Therapy
  • Piesie Esther – Waye me Yie
  • Stonebwoy – Gidigba
  • Sarkodie – Labadi ft. King Promise
  • KiDi – Touch it (Remix) ft. Tyga
  • Scott Evans – Best Side
  • Kwabena Kwabena – Afraid to Lose You

Producer of the Year

  • Mog Beatz
  • Atown
  • Phantom
  • Shadrach Yawson
  • Guilty Beatz
  • Kill Beatz
  • Liquid Beatz
  • Samnsey

Audio Engineer of the Year

  • Chopz – Yaa Asantewaa
  • Qube – Beginning Again
  • Perez Muzik – Hewale lala
  • Supa Dups – Therapy
  • Possigee – Country Side
  • Altra Nova – Far Away

Best Reggae/Dancehall Song

  • Konkara Jahvybz – A Go dey ft. Kelvyn Boy
  • Ras Kuuku – 33N1
  • Epixode – Atia
  • Black Sherif – Don’t Forget Me
  • Rocky Dawuni – Never Bow Down ft. Blvk H3ro
  • Maccasio – Eyes on You ft. Stonebwoy

Best Afropop Song

  • Stonebwoy – Therapy
  • Wendy Shay – Survivor
  • Black Sherif – Oil in y Had
  • DopeNation – Gboza
  • King Promise – Ten Toes ft. Omah Lay
  • Kuami Eugene – Takeaway
  • KiDi – Blessed ft. Movado
  • Fameye – Thank You

Best Afrobeats Song

  • Camidoh – Sugarcane (Remix) ft. King Promise & Mayokun
  • Gyakie – Something
  • KiDi – Champagne
  • Djay – Balance It
  • King Promise – Ginger
  • FBS – Jo ft. Mr Drew

Best Highlife Song

  • Epixode – Atia ft. Kwabena Kwabena
  • AK Songstress – My Proposal
  • Adina – Adi Dede
  • Kwesi Authur – Adom
  • Kelvyn Boy – Down Flat
  • Kofi Kinaata – Have Mercy

Best Hiplife Song

  • Lasmid – Friday Night
  • Medikal – Stubborn Academy
  • Jay Bahd – Anadwo
  • DJ Breezy – Abonten ft. Kwesi Authur, Mugeez, Stonebwoy, Black Sherif & Smallgod
  • Amerado – Grace ft. Lasmid
  • Kweku Flick – Ewiase

Unsung Artist of the Year

  • Ni Ashun
  • Aya Ramzy
  • DSL
  • TsaQa
  • Maya Blu
  • Boi Jake 
Continue Reading

Events

Six tips for a productive week

Published

6 days ago

on

March 20, 2023 11:49 am

By

Generally, Monday is considered the worst day of the week. Ironically, Monday is the perfect day and opportunity to plan and start the new week on a good note.

Remember, how you start your week is important and also a determining factor in how productive the rest of the days will turn out.

So if you’re struggling with your week’s productivity, here are some tips that can help you figure it out.

Plan your week ahead
Before the week begins, you need to plan and prepare to be productive.

You have to put everything in place to achieve your goal. From jotting down things that need to be done for the week to scheduling, identifying unproductive activities, and planning to cut them down.

So first step to achieving a productive week is planning and preparing.

Create a to-do list
The next step to a productive week is making your to-do list as it helps you to stay organized.

Make a comprehensive list of all you need to do during the week which may include both work and personal goals.

This gives you an overall picture of what your week might look like so no unnecessary surprises. To do list also help keep you on track.

Each day, tick each task off your list as you complete them. Ticking a task off the list gives a form of satisfaction and motivation.

Prioritise
After jotting down your goals for the week, it is important to prioritise.

Priortise your tasks/goals according to importance and urgency. This will help to be productive and achieve lots of goals before the week runs out.

Set a deadline
After listing and prioritising your goals and tasks, the next thing to do is to set deadlines.

Setting deadlines is important when trying to be productive. Since each task is time-bound, you will have the intention and motivation to finish up within the set time.

When deadlines are set for accomplishing a goal, there will be less postponement and procrastination which will further increase your productivity.

Get rid of distractions
Being productive might be difficult when in a distinctive environment. So to achieve productivity, you must learn to manage or better still get rid of distractions.

You are aware of the things that get you easily distracted and a major one is social media. So you can stay off your phone for the period you’re trying to do a task.

Also, get to know your preferred way to work and try to put yourself in the best situation to focus.

Review your progress
Review your tasks and achievements daily and weekly.

The daily review will help to know what has been done, what is left to be done, and plan on how the remaining will be achieved.

Having a weekly review is an opportunity to reflect on the past week, plan for the week ahead, and ensure your to-do list is aligned with your goals.

Reviewing your week further helps you celebrate your achievements, review your progress and identify any obstacles that are holding you back and ways to do better the following week.

Taking the time to review your week builds confidence and motivation.

Continue Reading

Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

Most Read...