A social media post criticising wedding reception games that require guests to spend money has sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing mixed opinions on the practice.
The post, shared by a user identified as Matt, expressed frustration over wedding activities often organised by masters of ceremony, particularly games that involve guests paying money to retrieve personal items.
“Please if you’re inviting me to your wedding, please warn your MC!
“All these yeye wedding games that involve billing, avoid them please.
“What do you mean bridesmaids should come and collect my shoe, then I’ll use ₦200k to bail the shoe!
“How much is the shoe in the first place?” he wrote.
The post quickly gained attention, attracting comments from people who either agreed with the sentiment or defended the tradition as part of wedding entertainment.
One user, Obiadohtv, joked that he would rather surrender his shoe than pay to retrieve it.
“Me, I will just give you the shoe and work barefooted. I no get shame; even my compound people know,” he wrote.
Victor disagreed with the criticism, arguing that close friends should be willing to contribute to making a wedding memorable.
“Forget that thing. Na because say you no get money. Wetin be ₦200k wey you no fit afford? If your friend is really dear to you, you will go to any length to make the day memorable,” he commented.
Another user, EkyDorlyn, strongly supported the original post, saying the message deserved wider publicity.
“This should be a public service announcement, printed in all the national newspapers of Nigeria,” the user wrote.
Findx also criticised the practice, suggesting that some guests would rather replace inexpensive items than pay large sums to recover them.
“All those ones them dey do am with who wear agbada. For NIKEKE wey I buy for wheelbarrow ₦4k, no be even the Nike Air Force o, you say make I pay ₦100k collect my shoe? I go buy slippers ₦600 wear dey go my house. When una ready, una go return am,” the comment read.
Raphael, meanwhile, said he preferred giving cash directly to the couple rather than participating in games that require additional spending.
“If I go for a wedding, I go stack the table with cash. And if any stupid game wey has to do with giving woman money because of game come up, I no go give her shishi,” he wrote.
The discussion has continued to divide opinions, with some people describing such games as harmless wedding entertainment, while others argue that guests should not be pressured into spending money beyond what they already planned to give the couple.
More Reactions
Supporting the criticism
“Wedding guests are already spending on outfits, transport, gifts and spraying. Why should somebody now collect my shoe and turn it into fundraising? Abeg, return my property.”
“A wedding should be fun, not an ambush. If you want contributions, put your account details politely. No be to kidnap person’s shoe.”
“Imagine wearing a ₦5k shoe and they say bring ₦100k before we return am. Na slippers I go buy wear go house. Make una enjoy the shoe.”
“MCs need to understand that not every guest came with cash to play games. Some people are there simply to celebrate the couple.”
Opposing views
“Some of these games are harmless and are meant to create memories. If you cannot participate, just sit down and enjoy the food.”
“It is a celebration, not a court case. Close friends should be able to support the couple once in a while.”
“Nobody is forcing anybody to pay ₦200k. It is usually banter and people can negotiate.”
Neutral reactions
“The game itself is not the issue; the amount and pressure are. Keep it playful and voluntary.”
“There should be a clear boundary. Guests can donate if they want, but nobody’s belongings should be held hostage.”
“A good MC reads the room. If guests are uncomfortable, move on quickly.”
“Wedding entertainment should not embarrass people or make them regret attending.”
Funny reactions
“If you collect my shoe, congratulations. You have inherited it. I will trek home with confidence.”
“My shoe is ₦4k from Oshodi, yet you are demanding ₦200k bail? Na my shoe don become landed property?”
“Collect my shoe and see me dancing barefoot like village champion. Shame no dey my body.”
“MC, before you touch my shoe, check if the sole is still attached. You might be doing yourself a favour.”
“If they collect my phone, I will announce that I have donated it to the couple. Make we all move on.”
Published by Ejoh Caleb
