Ghanaian Wedding Planning Checklist (2026): Vendors, Budgets & Timelines

The two weddings: traditional + white

Most Ghanaian couples plan two events: the traditional engagement (knocking + dowry list + family ceremony) and the white wedding (church + reception). A modern Accra wedding for 200 guests typically lands between GHS 80,000 and GHS 350,000 all-in, depending on venue and decor.

For etiquette and protocol guidance, the GhanaWeb cultural guide on Ghanaian marriages is a useful reference.

12-month timeline (the short version)

12 months out: set budget, lock the date, draft the guest list, book the venue. 9 months: book caterer, photographer + videographer, MUA. 6 months: kente / lace tailor for both families, decor and rentals, DJ or live band. 3 months: cake, invitations, transportation, accommodation for out-of-town guests. 1 month: final fittings, hair trial, rehearsal, vendor confirmations.

1 week: tip envelopes, timeline distribution, pack the bridal emergency kit.

Realistic 2026 budgets per vendor (cedis)

Caterer: GHS 150–400 per head depending on menu (jollof, waakye, continental, premium buffet).

Photographer + videographer: GHS 8,000–35,000 for a full-day package with edited highlights film.

MUA + hair (bride + 2 maids): GHS 3,500–12,000.

Bridal kente / lace: GHS 4,000–25,000 depending on weave and beadwork.

Decor + draping: GHS 15,000–80,000.

DJ / live band: GHS 4,000–20,000.

Cake (3-tier): GHS 1,800–6,500.

Book every vendor online — verified and reviewed

On PROARTISAN HUB you can lock in every vendor in one place: caterers in Accra, makeup artists in Accra, tailors in Kumasi, and verified photographers across Takoradi and Tema.

Read our deeper guides on choosing a caterer, wedding photographer prices, and finding the right tailor. Diaspora couples should also read our diaspora booking guide to coordinate suppliers from abroad.

For broader wedding-planning research and average costs in emerging markets, The Knot's master checklist is a useful international cross-reference.

Start your vendor list today

Browse all verified wedding vendors or use the regional capitals directory to filter by city. Lock in your top three vendors first (venue, caterer, photographer) — everything else flows from those dates.