Nigerian actress Ruth Kadiri has urged couples to place greater emphasis on preparing for married life than organising elaborate wedding ceremonies, warning that the pressure surrounding big weddings can affect relationships.
Kadiri argued that some couples who enjoy stable and loving relationships before marriage may experience unexpected difficulties after their wedding, partly because of the emotional and psychological pressure associated with the ceremony.
In a video, the actress questioned why partners who spend years dating comfortably could begin to struggle after celebrating their union through an elaborate wedding.
“Big weddings put pressure on couples. It puts pressure on the marriage itself. Big weddings, it puts pressure on people and they don’t seem to have realised that,” she said.
She explained that her concerns extended beyond spiritual considerations to the psychological challenges people face when preparing for marriage.
According to Kadiri, some individuals may have fears about marriage even when they are comfortable in their relationships before the wedding.
“Do you know that people that have a phobia, fear, people naturally have fear of what marriage is? But they could date, they would date this girl, love her, be with her every day, every day, every day,” she said.
She questioned whether the wedding ceremony and the expectations surrounding it could contribute to the changes some couples experience after getting married.
“And then after this whole damn ceremony, have you asked yourself what changed? Marriage, that wedding is part of what changed,” Kadiri stated.
Her comments highlight concerns about the expectations attached to elaborate weddings and the possibility that the pressure to meet social standards may overshadow the practical and emotional preparation needed for married life.
Kadiri encouraged couples to reconsider the demands they place on themselves when planning their ceremonies, suggesting that greater attention should be given to building a lasting relationship rather than meeting expectations for a grand celebration.
Her message centres on the distinction between celebrating a wedding and preparing for the responsibilities of marriage, with an emphasis on prioritising the relationship beyond the ceremony itself.
