Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Kadiri has advised intending couples to avoid putting themselves under pressure to organise expensive and elaborate wedding ceremonies, warning that societal expectations can place unnecessary strain on marriages.
The actress gave the advice in a video shared on her Instagram page, where she reflected on her own marriage and urged young Nigerians to focus more on building lasting relationships than impressing guests or meeting public expectations.
Kadiri, who said she had been married for about seven years, argued that the pressure surrounding elaborate weddings could affect couples emotionally and mentally as they transition into married life.
‘I Have Seen People Divorce After Two Months’
Kadiri explained that some couples enjoy stable relationships while dating but begin to experience fear and uncertainty when faced with the responsibilities and expectations that come with marriage.
According to her, the demands associated with planning large celebrations can add pressure to an already significant life transition.
Reflecting on her own experience, the actress said she did not have an elaborate wedding and believed that keeping things simple had contributed to her experience of marriage.
She cited cases of couples who separated only two months after their weddings, using them to illustrate why she believes the success of a marriage should not be tied to the grandeur of its ceremony.
Actress Recommends Small, Private Ceremonies
The filmmaker encouraged couples to consider simpler wedding arrangements rather than feeling compelled to organise multiple events, including engagement ceremonies, traditional weddings, court weddings and white weddings.
She suggested that couples could complete the necessary marriage formalities, invite a small number of close friends and relatives, and celebrate privately without incurring unnecessary expenses.
Kadiri also warned that putting a relationship on public display could expose couples to unwanted scrutiny and interference from others.
She stressed that young people should not believe their marriages are less likely to succeed simply because they choose not to hold lavish ceremonies.
Kadiri Speaks Against Pressure on Young Nigerians
Beyond weddings, the actress called for a change in the expectations parents and society place on young people, particularly regarding financial success.
She highlighted the burden often placed on firstborn children, who may be expected to provide money and support for extended family members while trying to build their own lives.
Kadiri argued that success means different things to different people and should not be measured solely by wealth, career achievements or the ability to meet other people’s expectations.
She encouraged parents to give their children room to make personal decisions and build fulfilling lives without constant pressure to prove themselves.
‘Nigeria Puts Too Much Pressure on Us’
Kadiri maintained that the expectations surrounding marriage, financial achievement and social status can make it difficult for people to enjoy their lives.
Her comments have added to ongoing conversations about the rising cost of weddings in Nigeria and whether couples should prioritise elaborate celebrations or concentrate their resources on building a stable home.
The actress’s central message was that marriage should be about the relationship between two people, rather than the size of the event used to celebrate it.
Hashtags: #RuthKadiri #Nollywood #MarriageAdvice #WeddingPlanning #RelationshipTalk #NigerianCelebrities #EntertainmentNews #OnPointGist
