If 2024 was the year of “I do,” 2025 seems to wrest the title. Only five days into the year, and the marriage season is at its strongest, with a record 40% of active couples having gotten married.
The number of weddings taking place simultaneously is no less than a spectacle. The lovebirds, across the globe, are taking vows, popping champagne, and dancing their way into forever; this season has turned out to be one of the most exciting times to witness. The love wave of last year had set the stage where couples pulled off everything from dreamy destination weddings to cozy family-only ceremonies.
It wasn’t just about the big names, either: celebrities and influencers may have dominated the headlines, but everyday couples joined the party, flooding timelines with hashtags, perfect proposals, and grand receptions. As of now, 2025 is taking it to new heights. The venues are fully booked, caterers are overwhelmed, and even seamstresses are working overtime. The international flavor has added extra spice to this season, with IJGBs flying into Nigeria to celebrate or, as is mostly the case, get married themselves. Many of them, having lived abroad for years, saw the holiday season as the perfect opportunity to reconnect with their roots and settle down with their partners.
From lavish introductions in Lagos to glamorous weddings in Abuja, these IJGB unions marry Western touches with traditional Nigerian flair in functions that are just as emotional as they are stylish. For some IJGBs, marriage wasn’t just a happy coincidence; it was the entire reason for coming home. Take Femi and Tolu, for instance, who met in Canada, fell in love, and decided to get hitched back in their hometown of Lagos. Or Ada and Chike, who were childhood sweethearts and found each other again during a December wedding last year and sealed it this January.
These stories give an added layer of nostalgia and excitement to the season, as love indeed knows no boundaries, not even oceans. Meanwhile, the wedding industry thrives on this love-in-overdrive. Everyone from event planners and makeup artists to the small-scale vendor is making money. Wedding photographers are having a field day, as couples stop at nothing to create picture-perfect memories-for Instagram. And then, of course, there is social media. Viral proposal videos, countdown posts, and honeymoon vlogs keep the rest of us entertained until the next wedding invitation comes our way. If the first few days of the year were anything to go by, then 2025 may have actually topped 2024 in all love, commitment, and just celebration.
From colorful asoebi to romantic first dances, this year’s marriage season promises to be a remarkable one. It has barely reached a quarter of its lifetime, yet the year has set up its canvas for a season of love that shall remain with people in conversations for many more years.
