You Want a Big Wedding, but Are You Ready to Put in the Work?

 Image Credit: Pinterest 

Joy Olu-Ajayi 

Lately, weddings have become more than just a simple celebration of love. They are now major events that attract attention from everywhere: social media, group chats, and even normal conversations. Once a wedding is very beautiful, it quickly becomes something everyone is talking about. People analyse the outfits, the décor, the venue, and even the smallest details. It is no longer just about the couple; it becomes a public experience that many admire and, in some cases, want to recreate.

A clear example is the wedding of Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Iyabo Ojo. Her wedding in 2025 was widely talked about and trended across different platforms. From the traditional ceremony in Nigeria to the final celebration abroad, it kept people engaged for weeks. Just about a week ago, the wedding of Simisanya and her husband Femi Dapson also captured attention in a similar way. Once again, timelines were filled with admiration and comparisons.

As expected, reactions followed. Many people began to say things like, “I want a wedding like this,” or even, “If I can’t have this kind of wedding, then I’m not ready to get married.” These statements have become very common, especially with how often grand weddings are shared online and celebrated in public. While they may sound normal, they actually reveal something deeper: people are focusing only on what is visible; the beauty, the grandeur, the excitement without properly considering what it actually takes to reach that level. They rarely stop to think about the years of planning, financial discipline, and emotional preparation that go into such events. Many forget that behind every viral wedding video is a story of consistent effort, personal growth, and partnership. The admiration is often for the surface-level glamour, but the real achievement lies in the work, dedication, and sacrifices that are not seen by most viewers. It is easy to fall into the trap of measuring readiness for marriage by the extravagance of a wedding rather than by one’s preparedness to handle the responsibilities and challenges of a lifelong partnership.

The truth is, social media only shows the final result. We see the beautiful moments: the grand entrances, the coordinated, beautiful and expensive outfits, the luxury décor, but we do not see the process behind them. We do not see the years of hard work, the financial planning, the discipline, or the stress involved. A big wedding does not just happen; it is built over time.

When people say that the bride and groom are both “doing well,” they are talking about more than just appearance. They are talking about stability. It takes time to build a career, grow financially, and reach a point where you can comfortably organise such a grand celebration. It also takes discipline, because money has to be managed wisely. These are the parts people often ignore.

Another important factor is partnership. It takes two people who are ready to move forward together. A wedding like that is not the effort of one person; it requires understanding, agreement, and shared goals. Both individuals must be willing to put in the work and support each other. Without that, achieving such a result becomes difficult.

There is also the issue of sacrifice. Many of the things we admire come from decisions made over time. People may have reduced unnecessary spending, stayed focused on their goals, and made choices that were not always easy. These sacrifices are not visible, but they are very important. You cannot want the result without being ready for the process that leads to it.

This is why it is important to pause and reflect. Wanting a big wedding is not wrong, but it should come with understanding. It is not just about the beauty of the day; it is about the effort behind it. The real question is whether we are ready to build ourselves to that level financially, emotionally, and even mentally.

In the end, a wedding is just one day, no matter how grand it is. What truly matters is the life behind it and the life after it. Marriage goes beyond the celebration; it is about commitment, growth, and building a future together. So before we say, “I want a wedding like this,” maybe we should first ask ourselves: am I ready to do the work that makes it possible?